KTBB News, Weather, Talk

KILGORE – Interstate 20 near Kilgore remains closed after an Amazon truck driver rolled over early Monday morning, causing packages to spill under a bridge, according to our news partner KETK.

The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that the crash occurred at around 1 a.m. on Monday on I-20 between FM 2807 and Highway 31. A preliminary investigation indicates that the driver was either fatigued or asleep at the time of the crash. DPS said the driver is okay and there are no known injuries at this time.

The area is expected to be shut down for several hours until it is cleaned up and all packages are picked up. TxDOT is helping traffic be rerouted on FM 2807 until the roadways reopen.

SMITH COUNTY – According to a press release from Christus Health, as the Fourth of July approaches, fireworks can carry serious risks when not handled with care.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) annual fireworks report found that there were 11 deaths and over 14,700 injuries related to fireworks in the U.S. in 2024, an increase of 38% in deaths and 52% in injuries compared to 2023.

“The reality is that fireworks are explosives, and they should be treated as such,” said Hailey Evans, RN, at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital. “No matter your age or experience, fireworks can be unpredictable. It’s important to remember that safety should always come first.” Continue reading Christus Health urges firework safety

TYLER – According to a press release from Cause Creative Group, PATH (People Attempting to Help) and Meals on Wheels East Texas are excited to announce their 4th Annual Beat the Heat Fan Distribution.

On Wednesday, July 2, 2024 at 9 am, distribution will begin from the Meals on Wheels office located at 3001 Robertson Rd. More than 20 fans will be distributed to area senior citizens on Wednesday through Meals on Wheels delivery drivers.

Each year, beginning May 1st, PATH organizes an annual fan drive, with fan distribution commencing on July 1. This is a fantastic opportunity for two local nonprofits to partner, utilizing both of their resources to serve our East Texas neighbors in need. Each household is eligible to receive one fan and can obtain a fan from PATH once every two years. Continue reading PATH and Meals on Wheels partner to distribute fans

SMITH COUNTY – The driver of a Mustang is safe after the car went off a Smith County road and landed in water early Monday morning, according to a press release from The Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 reported that the crash occurred around 7:45 a.m. A deputy saw a Mustang leave the road and hit a ditch before it became submerged in water. The driver, who was the only one in the car, got out of the vehicle safely.

Through the initial investigation by The Smith County Sheriff’s Office, it was determined that the Ford Mustang was northbound in the 5000 block of FM 2908. He was driving behind a Chevy pickup pulling a trailer. The Chevy driver began brake-checking the driver of the Ford Mustang. As the Mustang driver attempted to pass in a legal passing zone, the driver of the truck veered over into his lane. The truck struck the Mustang on the right side, forcing him off the road and into the creek.

The driver of the Chevy truck was identified as 20-year-old Samuel Stone of Tyler. He was taken into custody for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. The driver of the Ford Mustang, 25-year-old Ryan Lee Huffman of Eustace, was also taken into custody on a warrant out of Van Zandt County for Escape from Custody.

Both individuals were transported to Christus ER in Tyler for precautionary measures prior to being booked into the Smith County Jail.

TYLER – As Summer heats up, Tyler Animal Services is partnering with PATH (People Attempting to Help) to make a meaningful difference for local families and animals in need of loving homes.

According to a press release from the City of Tyler, this July adoption fees for dogs and cats will be waived with the donation of two, new box fans. These fans will be donated to PATH (People Attempting to Help), a local nonprofit that supports East Texans facing hardship. PATH offers various essential services, including rent and utility assistance, emergency prescriptions, food, dental and vision care, and affordable housing. Each year, PATH serves more than 25,000 individuals across the region. The donated fans will help PATH clients stay cool and safe during the extreme summer heat, as many of them lack adequate air conditioning.

Typically, adoption fees are $120 for dogs and $80 for cats. With this month’s promotion, your donation of two box fans replaces the adoption fee, making it easier than ever to welcome a new pet into your home.

All adopted animals are spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations.

QUITMAN – Retired firefighter and local cattle man, Bobby Cole, is running for Texas governor in the 2026 election, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Cole has announced his run against current Gov. Greg Abbott for Texas governor in the upcoming election. According to Cole’s campaign website, he is an ordinary Texan Democrat looking to lower prices on essentials and boost an economy that helps working Texans. Hard work is nothing new to Cole, as he spent several years working two jobs as a firefighter and farmer while driving several miles back and fourth.

“His commute to work in Texarkana, and later in Plano where he retired from the fire department as a Lieutenant, were over 100 miles each way,” Cole’s campaign website said. “Despite the journey, getting home to Quitman after a 24-hour shift, he would work his dairy farm, making sure cows were milked twice a day, every day of the year.”

According to ballotpedia.org, Cole has declared for the general election of the gubernatorial race that is set to take place on Nov. 3, 2026

TYLER — Our news partner KETK is reporting that the University of Texas at Tyler was awarded a $219,000 grant to help fund a professor’s pulmonary fibrosis treatment project. UT Tyler School of Medicine professor, Dr. Sreerama Shetty, will conduct a study aimed at finding potential treatments for pulmonary fibrosis, a disease that causes scarring and thickening to the lungs.

This study involves radiation treatment with a special peptide that was developed in Shetty’s lab, according to the university.

Shetty’s first peptide was developed in his lab and is known as CSP7. The peptide is currently receiving phase two clinical trials as a potential treatment for people with various forms of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

The university said that smaller levels of radiation are used to treat breast and lung cancer to help minimize lung damage. One downside of using these smaller radiation levels is they can sometimes cause pulmonary fibrosis and the radiation can miss resistant tumors that spread quickly. Continue reading $219K grant awarded to UT Tyler’s lung scarring project

TYLER — Hundreds of East Texans attended a town hall meeting hosted by former congressman, Beto O’Rourke, on Sunday to voice their concerns about several topics including water issues and hospital shortages.

According to our news partner KETK, around 887 people attended O’Rourke’s town hall meeting at the Holiday Inn Ballroom in Tyler where he tackled many issues that upset East Texans. O’Rourke acknowledged the developing concern of East Texans possibly losing their water to a growing Dallas-Fort Worth area. After a proposed sale of water from the Northeast Texas Municipal Water District’s (NETMWD) was announced, some East Texans criticized the possible distribution to the North Texas area.

Residents are worried about losing a large water supply which could have an effect on local habitats and residential use water. O’Rourke explained why the water sale is important and what it could mean for East Texans. Continue reading Beto O’Rourke addresses ETX water, hospital issues

UPDATE: A sixth person has died from Saturday’s multi-vehicle crash on I-20 near Kaufman County that occurred when an 18-wheeler driver fell asleep at the wheel, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas DPS said all passengers of a Ford F-150 and the driver of a Jeep Compass were pronounced dead following the incident. Officials are still investigating and no additional information is available at this time.

KAUFMAN COUNTY – At least five people are dead and others are hurt after a crash on I-20 near Terrell on Saturday afternoon after the driver of an 18-wheeler fell asleep behind the wheel, according to Texas DPS. KDFW reports, the crash happened around 2:40 p.m. in the westbound lanes of I-20, just east of Hiram Road.

A total of three 18-wheelers and four passenger cars were involved in the crash. Texas DPS says the driver of one of the 18-wheelers fell asleep behind the wheel and slammed into multiple other vehicles. The 18-wheeler first hit an F-150 carrying five people, before crashing into two other 18-wheelers. One of the semis jack-knifed and struck a Jeep Compass, Ford Mustang and a Honda passenger vehicle.

Six people were killed in the crash and several others were injured. At least one is said to be in critical condition. Four of the people killed in the crash were in the F-150. The other was in the Jeep Compass. I-20 was closed for several hours on Saturday. Continue reading Six killed in I-20 crash after 18-wheeler driver falls asleep

TYLER – The City of Tyler announced on Saturday that a section of South Vine Avenue in Tyler will be closed for a month to repair the brick street.

According to the City of Tyler and a report from our news partner KETK, the section of South Vine Avenue between West Houston Street and West Bryan Street will be closed from June 30 to July 30. Detour signs will be provided to direct drivers.

UPDATE:  KAUFMAN COUNTY — According to the Terrell Volunteer Fire Department, four people are dead, two are critically injured and several others have sustained injuries following the seven vehicle crash on I-20 westbound near Kaufman County. The injured passengers were taken to Dallas area hospitals for treatment.

According to our news partner KETK, three 18-wheelers and four passenger vehicles were involved and the cause of this crash is unknown at this time. The fire department said that I-20 westbound is still closed and is expected to remain closed for several hours.

A multi-vehicle crash in the Kaufman County Saturday caused lane closures and traffic to back up on I-20. According to the Elmo Fire Department, injuries were sustained during a five vehicle crash including two 18-wheelers near Mile Marker 505 on I-20, between Terrell and Myrtle Springs. Eastbound lanes are closed

Elmo Fire Department is encouraging drivers to exit 512 westbound and find a different route. Texas Department of Transportation live cameras show that all westbound lanes are closed at Kaufman County Road 126. DriveTexas with TXDOT says estimated cleanup time on Saturday is 9 p.m.

Details about the injuries are unknown and updates will be made as more information is gathered.

LONGVIEW – Current East Texas State Rep. Jay Dean announced on Friday that he will be seeking reelection to the Texas House of Representatives, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Dean currently represents Gregg, Harrison, and Marion counties and is in his fifth term as a state representative. He is also the current Chairman of the House Insurance Committee. U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott have both endorsed Dean for his upcoming reelection campaign.

During his reelection announcement, Dean emphasized how East Texas needs somebody in Austin who understands their values and way of life.

“We achieved real results this legislative session, and I look forward to building on our success.” Dean said. “East Texas deserves a strong voice in Austin, someone who understands our values, listens to our communities, and gets things done.” Continue reading State Rep. Jay Dean announces plan for re-election campaign

MARSHALL – After a water transmission line was damaged in Marshall, the city has implemented a Stage 1 water shortage.

According to a report from our news partner KETK, the damage to the line was caused on Wednesday after a contractor accidentally struck the line while boring a fiber optic line off State Highway 134. The damaged line was originally installed in 1949, and it serves one of two transmission lines delivering raw water from the pump station to the Caddo Jr. Reservoir.

Following the accident, the city immediately assessed the damage and began repair operations. The city has authorized RBIS, LLC to proceed with manufacturing and install temporary clamp on the damaged line to restore pumping capacity through both transmission lines.

Although repairs have begun, a permanent repair cannot be implemented until the water pressure is fully relieved and the reservoir returns to full capacity. The city stated that the process to repair the line will take six to eight days to ensure there are no leaks in the system. Continue reading Stage One water shortage in the City of Marshall after line break

TYLER – According to a report from our news partner KETK, the Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act, which was created to strengthen weather radar coverage in rural and underserved areas, was reintroduced on Friday by congressmen Nathaniel Moran ( R-TX-01) and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17)

The act was originally introduced in 2023 and was included in the Weather Act Reauthorization of 2023, which was passed as H.R. 6093. Moran is now reintroducing the act as a standalone bill to emphasize its importance and ensure rural communities are not left behind.

East Texas is nestled between two weather radars in Fort Worth and Shreveport, with neither quite reaching our entire area. In 2023, Moran emphasized the need for a radar system in East Texas.

“For those that did not know this problem existed, we’ve got this radar system in Fort Worth [and] we’ve got one in Shreveport. Because they’re so far away, we can only see those higher-level features; we can’t see the low-level features,” Moran explained. Continue reading Congressman Moran introduces bill to improve rural radar gaps

SMITH COUNTY – An undocumented immigrant was taken into ICE custody just minutes before accepting a plea deal at the Smith County courthouse, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

In response, a Hispanic association is urging immigrants to be aware of their rights and search for options to stay in the country legally.

According to the immigrant’s attorney, two individuals dressed as civilians were seated in the courthouse when the client accepted the plea deal. Shortly after these two individuals approached them, they detained the defendant and took him into ICE custody before transporting him to the Dallas area, the attorney said. Continue reading ICE detains undocumented immigrant at Smith County courthouse

HAWKINS – Friday night, the Hawkins City Council met in a special session, with the agenda only holding one item to discuss and vote on hiring the law firm ‘Flowers Davis’ in Tyler to represent the city in a termination appeal.

According to a report from our news partner KETK, former Hawkins officer, Eric Tuma, was removed from his position by the city council earlier this month. A highly debated move and amid ongoing department drama. Mayor Debbie Rushing said the special session decision will be helpful and could lead to hiring a city attorney.

“Having that mediator will be nice,” Rushing said.

According to former councilwoman, Eleta Taylor, the council has tried to get legal representation for the city several times.

“We did try when I was on the council several times to get one, and it didn’t go right,” Taylor said. “…Three, at least three or four times, I’m thinking we tried to get it.”

During the meeting, some residents said using this specific firm could be a conflict of interest, but Mayor Debbie Rushing said it would not. Continue reading Hawkins council hires law firm for officer termination appeal

HENDERSON COUNTY – A 42-year-old man was found guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a young child on Thursday and sentenced to life in prison by a Henderson County jury, according to our news partner KETK.

Manuel Lynn Tijerina will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty in a child sexual abuse case involving a 9-year-old.

The Eustace Police Department said they received a report from Child Protective Services on July 15, 2021 regarding the victim’s outcry of sexual abuse from a family member. Officials learned that Tijerina was touching the victim as they laid in the same bed. The victim told a forensic interviewer with Maggie’s House Child Advocacy Center that Tijerina touched them multiple times. One of the victim’s siblings said that Tijerina touched their upper thigh numerous times and made sexual comments toward them.

According to officials, both siblings saw Tijerina physically abuse their mother and went on to testify against him in court. Continue reading Man receives life sentence for continuous child sexual abuse

TYLER – Our news partner KETK Reports that Jon Leslie Wilbeck, a 20-year firefighter for the City of Tyler, was arrested on Thursday for driving while intoxicated.

According to Smith County arrest records, Wilbeck was arrested for driving while intoxicated by the Tyler Police Department and was released hours later.

City of Tyler Fire Chief, David Coble, has confirmed that Wilbeck is a current employee and that the department has taken action following the incident.

“The fire chief, which is myself, has opened an internal affairs investigation into the matter,” Coble said. “Of course, he is innocent until proven guilty, we are going to do an investigation and afterwards we will decide what happens.”

NACOGDOCHES – According to a report from our news partner KETK, a Nacogdoches man was sentenced for threatening to shoot a woman to death.

Two years ago, a Nacogdoches woman was getting ready for church when a man appeared in her bathroom and threatened to kill her with a rifle. On Thursday, the man received five years in prison, the minimum sentence for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit aggravated assault.

The Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s Office identified the man as William Hagan, who said he would kill the victim due to her alleged lies. The victim attempted to defuse the situation, but he went on to grab his rifle and told her he was going to kill her and then himself.

According to officials, Hagan told the victim it would not hurt when he shot her, and considered going to where she worked and killing her there. Hagan then told her he would allow her one phone call before he shot her after she stated she wanted to call her son. Continue reading Man sentenced for threatening to shoot woman to death

TYLER – An East Texas native plans to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas’ First Congressional District, according to a report from The Tyler Morning Telegraph.

Dax Alexander, a democrat, announced on June 24th that he will be running a grassroots campaign, challenging incumbent U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran. Alexander says that his campaign is focused on “real representation and community-first values”. His platform is centered around issues he says affect families across the district.

Some of Alexander’s areas of focus include bi-partisan immigration reform, expanding medicare, lower prescription drug costs, gun safety with universal background checks and red flag laws, climate and environmental protections, reproductive rights, and government accountability. The Smith County Young Democrats have endorsed Alexander, and have called him “a bold new leader who actually reflects the values and hopes of East Texans.”

Congressman Moran was chosen by voters in November 2022, and is currently serving in his second term. Before being elected, the congressman served as the Smith County Judge, a Tyler City Council member, and Mayor Pro Tem of Tyler. Continue reading East Texas candidate challenges U.S. Rep. Moran

FRANKSTON – In a report from our news partner KETK, the Frankston Police Department said the Spring Market grocery store on Pine Street was broken into early this morning.

According to police, a citizen saw the suspected vehicle at around 4:50 a.m. in the parking lot. The store was subsequently broken into, and the ATM was stolen. Officials said no arrest has been made and the investigation is ongoing. The police department is expected to release additional information.

POLK COUNTY – A man was arrested in Polk County after a number of different drugs, including crack cocaine and methamphetamine, were found inside his apartment, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

On Wednesday, members of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Livingston Police Department executed a search of an apartment in Livingston as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. The apartment belonged to Michael Dewayne Montgomery, who had been a primary suspect in the investigation.

According to officials, once inside the apartment, a number of different drugs were found, firearms and multiple different materials used to distribute drugs.

Drugs found inside the apartment include, five ounces of crack cocaine, one ounce of powdered cocaine, two and a half ounces of pressed methamphetamine pills, one pound of synthetic marijuana, and one ounce of marijuana.

Following the investigation, Montgomery was arrested and charged with four counts of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, along with endangerment of a child and unlawful possession of a firearm.

TYLER — As East Texas cities gear up for a star-spangled celebration this Fourth of July, our news partner KETK has put together a list of festive events happening in towns such as Canton, Longview, Lufkin and Tyler.

Big Sandy

America the Beautiful Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks Show: The parade lineup begins at 8 p.m. on Wiley Boulevard, with the parade starting around 8:30 p.m. Following the parade, the fireworks show will start at approximately 9 p.m.
Date: July 4 at 8 p.m.

Bullard

Blast over Bullard and Kids’ Bike Brigade: This event will feature activities for all ages, including games, local vendors, food, and live music. Don’t miss the Kids’ Bike Brigade, coordinated by the Bullard Police Department during the Blast Over Bullard event.
Date: June 28 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Continue reading Fourth of July festivities happening in East Texas 2025

ANGELINA COUNTY — A man was arrested by Angelina County officials on Thursday for allegedly burglarizing Roganville Baptist Church in Jasper County.

According to our news partner KETK and Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman, officials placed a warrant for Gavyn Randall Deaton’s arrest as a suspect in the burglary of the Roganville Baptist Church. Angelina County deputies stopped and arrested Deaton without incident at around 12:45 p.m.

Selman said Deaton is facing three burglary charges and is currently booked in the Angelina County Jail. Official are working to extradite Deaton back to Jasper County.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler will host the “Red, White & Recruited: Careers in Healthcare and Higher Education” job fair. The job fair is designed to connect qualified candidates in clinical care and higher education in the UT system. The job fair will be 1 – 4 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, at the UT Tyler Health Science Center Amphitheatre in Tyler.

The university is recruiting for the following positions: RN — incentives up to $20,000, LVN — incentives up to $1,000, Patient care technician, Psychiatric nursing aid, Medical assistant, Phlebotomist — incentives up to $1,000, Food services, Housekeeping and Administrative support.

Candidates are encouraged to apply online prior to the job fair at uttyler.edu/careers to be considered for “on-the-spot” job offers. Most positions include full UT System and state of Texas benefits, including basic health insurance provided to employees, retirement through Teacher Retirement System of Texas and possibilities for employee continuing education scholarships.

For more information, contact the UT Tyler Office of Human Resources at
humanresources@uttyler.edu.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Highway Patrol is investigating after a hit-and-run left a bicyclist dead on Thursday in Smith County, according to our news partner KETK.

During the early morning hours on Highway 64 near Big Oak Bay Road, a bicyclist was struck by an unknown vehicle, and the vehicle did not stop. The rider was found dead and the department is investigating this case as a fatal hit-and-run.

East Texans are encouraged to contact the Texas Highway Patrol in Tyler if they have any information.

PANOLA COUNTY – The Panola County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man they suspect was responsible for several burglaries earlier in the month, according to our news partner KETK.

After multiple burglaries occurred along Highway 795 and Highway 149 in the Beckville and Tatum areas, investigators gathered information that led them to believe that 25-year-old Kobe Holt of Carthage was a suspect in the burglaries.

Holt was arrested during a traffic stop on Tuesday. The following day, officials obtained a search warrant at a home off Highway 315 in Carthage, and recovered stolen property, including a firearm and power tools which were returned to the victims.

Based on the property recovered, officials believe Holt is linked to at least eight burglaries that will be presented to the Criminal District Attorney’s Office. Investigators will continue to search for the remaining stolen property. Additional charges are expected.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Panola County Sheriff’s office.