KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – According to reports from our news partner, KETK, an East Texas representative filed a bill in late February meant to protect children from sexually explicit material in public libraries.

State Representative Daniel Alders filed House Bill 3225 on Feb. 24, which would require public municipal libraries to restrict accessibility to sexually explicit material for minors.

“As radicals continue to target our children with obscene content tucked away in our children’s reading material, it’s high time for Texas lawmakers to take a stand and ensure our public libraries take the necessary steps to protect our children,” Alders said. Continue reading East Texas representative proposes bill to protect children from explicit content

TYLER – A Shreveport, LA, man has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. Darren Tremaine Jackson, 41, was convicted at trial in March 2024 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jackson was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on March 12, 2025. According to information presented in court, on February 13, 2020, Jackson, and co-defendant Gary Wayne Sepulvado, were stopped by law enforcement officers for a traffic violation in Smith County. After observing a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, a search was executed, and a kilogram of methamphetamine was discovered. Sepulvado pleaded guilty to related charges on November 15, 2023, and is awaiting sentencing.

MALAKOFF — Malakoff Independent School District held a special board meeting Wednesday as the Board of Trustees named Dr. PJ Winters the lone finalist for their new superintendent.

According to our news partner, KETK, Dr. Winters brings over 20 years of experience in education to the job. He was a teacher for over five years working at Lukfata Public Schools and Marshall ISD. Then, he became an assistant principal for Jefferson ISD for over three years.

Winters became a principal at Big Sandy High School for a year before returning to Jefferson ISD, where he was also a principal for two and a half years. Afterwards, he started working at the university level and became a professor. At East Baptist University he spent over eight years working as an associate professor and later as the director of music education programs. On June 2022, Winters joined Malakoff ISD becoming director of elementary curriculum.

Winters will be staying with Malakoff ISD as the new Superintendent. The Malakoff ISD Board of Trustees voted him as the lone finalist 7-0. Once the required 21-day waiting period is over, he will formally take over the role.

HENDERSON COUNTY – According to reports from our news partner, KETK, a sting operation in Henderson County has led to the arrest of a man who was attempting to solicit a minor.

During the sting operation on Monday, an officer utilized an online dating messaging platform to target individuals who were seeking to have sexual relationships with minors. The officer created an undercover persona, portraying himself as a 15-year-old girl living in Henderson County. The officer’s profile on the website received direct messages from an account with the username “Rob.” During their conversations on the platform, the user believed that the officer was a minor living in East Texas. Continue reading Man arrested for soliciting minor in Henderson County sting operation

TERREL — A Wills Point teenager was killed during a car crash in Terrell on Tuesday.

According to our news partner, KETK, the Terrell Police Department received a 911 call at around 2:49 a.m. in regards to a crash detection notification from a cell phone in the area of State Highway 205 and Colquitt Road. When officers arrived, they found an orange 2020 Chevrolet Equinox that had struck a traffic light pole on the right side of the roadway.

The passenger of the vehicle, 19-year-old Bryson Malachi Barnes of Wills Point, was pronounced dead at the scene, Terrell PD said. The driver, Preston David Grosvenor-Reed, 18 of Royse City, was taken to a hospital for minor injuries. Continue reading East Texas teen dies in Terrell car crash, driver arrested

TYLER – Congressman Nathaniel Moran, who represents Tyler in the U.S. House of Representatives, has been appointed to the House Committee on Ethics by House Speaker Mike Johnson.

The committee has jurisdiction over the House Code of Official Conduct within the house, and is tasked with upholding integrity and accountability in Congress. According to reports from our news partner, KETK, Congressman Moran has been selected as one of the five Republicans to serve on the the bipartisan, ten-member panel.

“It is my honor to appoint Congressman Nathaniel Moran to the House Ethics Committee,” said Johnson. “His impeccable character, commitment to upholding the highest standards of Congress, and his unwavering dedication to public service make him perfectly suited for this role. I have full confidence that he will serve with integrity as we work to improve the American people’s trust in Congress.” Continue reading East Texas Congressman Moran appointed to House Committee on Ethics

TYLER – Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue is strongly advising residents to not burn anything while outdoors on Friday, citing high winds and low moisture as potential fire dangers.

“Due to multiple fire danger triggers predicted on Friday, March 14, 2025, Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue is strongly advising residents of Smith County to help eliminate ignition sources by not conducting outdoor burning and ensuring that all previous controlled burns are out cold,” Hogue said. “Smith County will experience very low humidity, low surface fuel moisture, and winds of 15-20 mph with gust up to 35 mph which results in unusual and dangerous fire weather conditions throughout the day on Friday. The most effective way to extinguish a fire is to prevent it.”

Hogue’s statement comes after several recent fires have popped up all across East Texas including in Smith County, Cherokee County, Rusk County and Gregg County.

CANTON – According to our news partner KETK, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man in connection to the theft of a vehicle that was reported stolen on Monday.

Deputies took a report of a stolen vehicle, and during an investigation, officials were able to identify the suspect as Mark A. Thomas of Wills Point and tied him to an address in Van Zandt County.
Mugshot of Mark Aaron Thomas Jr., courtesy of Van Zandt County Jail records. The sheriff’s office said: “A short time later, [deputies] saw Thomas drive by in the stolen vehicle and along with additional deputies, stopped the vehicle.”

Thomas was arrested for theft of property between $30,000 and $150,000 and an aggravated assault warrant. During a search of the vehicle deputies reportedly found suspected methamphetamines leading to Thomas also getting charged for possession of less than 1 gram of a controlled substance, according to the sheriff’s office.

UPDATE: According to our news partner KETK, the Diboll Police department have found Brynn Maxwell.

DIBOLL – The Diboll Police Department is seeking help locating a missing woman who is believed to be in danger. Brynn Maxwell was reported missing on March 7 and is believed to be with her boyfriend Anthony Cathcart, who police say had court orders to stay away from her. “Brynn is believed to be in danger and we are actively trying to locate her to ensure she is okay,” the police department said.
Longview company lays off 68 employees due to extensive facility issues

Anyone with any potential information regarding Maxwell is asked to contact Diboll PD and speak with either Lt. Reid or Assistant Chief Hopper at 936-829-5586.

TYLER – TJC police are searching for an individual after a student reported being a victim of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the victim alerted police on Thursday at 1:10 p.m., two days after the incident occurred. He said he had been approached while at the library near the quiet room. The suspect asked to speak with him in a quiet room.

“The student and the suspect went into the quiet room where they talked,” TJC PD said. “After a period of time, the student went to leave and the suspect pulled a knife from a front pocket, held it to the student’s neck area and said, ‘We are not finished talking.’” Continue reading Police search for man after TJC student reportedly threatened

SULPHUR SPRINGS – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Sulphur Springs Police Department has arrested a man in connection to a Wednesday shooting on Putman Street.

Arrest reports show that Sulphur Springs police officers responded to reports of shots fired on Putman Street at around 2:59 p.m. on Wednesday. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a man who was shot in the leg and began applying medical aid. Witnesses at the scene identified the suspect, and one witness told officers that the person had taken their car and left the scene. Officers discovered a possible location for the suspect on Beckham Street. Continue reading Sulphur Springs man arrested after shooting victim in leg

TYLER – A California man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a cryptocurrency money laundering conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. John Khuu, 29, of San Francisco, California, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on March 12, 2025. According to information presented in court, Khuu conspired with others to launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking organization through cryptocurrency.  Khuu illegally imported counterfeit pharmaceutical and MDMA (“ecstasy”) pills from Germany then distributed them to customers across the United States, primarily on dark web markets (DWMs).  Customers paid for their purchases by transferring cryptocurrency, usually Bitcoin (BTC), from their DWM customer accounts to one of Khuu’s vendor accounts.  Khuu and his co-conspirators traded the BTC for U.S. currency and laundered and transmitted the proceeds through hundreds of transactions and dozens of financial accounts. Continue reading California man sentenced for cryptocurrency money laundering

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report a total lunar eclipse will be visible for all of the United States Thursday Night & Friday Morning. The moon will be in its full moon phase and appear as a distinct reddish color in the skies over East Texas Thursday night. The Eclipse will begin around midnight central Daylight Time (CDT). The total lunar eclipse will be between 1:30 AM CDT and 2:30 AM CDT. You don’t need any special equipment like a telescope. We could see cloud cover in East Texas Thursday Night. However, there will be cloud breaks every so often for this stargazing treat. A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth passes between the sun and moon and earth’s shadow is cast directly on the surface of the moon. The moon will appear a reddish color and described as a “blood moon.” The last total lunar eclipse was visible in the United States on November 8th, 2022, the next lunar event won’t be visible in North America until March 2026.

LONGVIEW – HATCO in Longview laid off 68 employees in late February after discovering issues at the facility were far more extensive than anticipated, according to our news partners at KETK. HATCO said due to the discovered issues, they were unable to safely continue operations and closed the Longview facility located at 302 Huntsman Way on Feb. 27, laying off 68 employees. While the company initially budgeted to repair the issues, the cost of the repairs was far more than what they were able to afford. According to the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act, HAVCO was required to provide employees 60 days notice of facility closure unless an exception applies. “Due to the unexpected and unforeseen nature of the facility issues, an exception applies and we are unable to provide such notice,” HAVCO said. Continue reading Longview company lays off 68 employees

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Department will soon have two new Class A Burn Buildings for training simulations. The City Council approved the purchase of the portable buildings from Lone Star Tactical Buildings for $129,713 on Wednesday, March 12. A Class A Burn Building allows firefighters to train locally in realistic conditions, simulating the smoke, heat, and fire growth they encounter in real emergencies. Class A fires, which involve wood and other common combustibles, are among the most frequent fire threats in Tyler. The structure has a two-chamber design, which mirrors actual fires. One space mimics a burning room’s intense heat and smoke, while the other simulates the origin and spread of a fire. Currently, the department has only one Class A Burn Building. The additional buildings were necessary to meet the state requirement of igniting two or more Class A fires during training. Tyler firefighters have been traveling outside the city to meet the training requirements. All three Class A Burn Buildings will be set up at the current training facility located at 701 Fair Park Dr. The buildings are portable and can be relocated.

LUFKIN — A former Lufkin ISD superintendent spoke against House Bill 3 during a House Committee meeting on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, Roy Knight, who was in the education industry for over 40 years, testified against HB 3 that would use state funds to pay for private schools, homeschooling and other educational services. The bill would also create more flexibility for parents to choose their child’s education.

“This bill is a skunk that we’re trying to pass off as a kitty cat,” Knight said.

The bill argues that directing funds toward private schools will enable competitive pay for public school teachers. However, Knight contends that Lufkin has remained competitive with other schools for years. He also stated that public school teachers are frustrated by the implication that they have not been working hard until private schools became more popular. Continue reading Former superintendent speaks out against school choice bill

UPDATE: The Longview Police Department said the officer who was injured in the Saturday incident has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

LONGVIEW — According to our news partner KETK, a Longview police officer was injured on Saturday night while responding to a vehicle burglary. The Longview Police Department said officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Lincoln Drive at around 11:22 p.m. to a vehicle burglary in progress.

As police searched the area, they located the burglarized vehicle and the suspect was found inside a second vehicle on Kenwood Drive. Continue reading Longview officer injured in weekend shooting released from hospital

WOOD COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, nearly 8,500 Wood County Electric Co-Op customers are without power as of Wednesday night. The co-op said they were working to identify what caused the transmission outage that affected five substations. However, as it is dark and the transmission lines run through rugged terrain, a representative said it will take time to identify the cause.

People are asked to report an outage at 866-415-2951 and follow the steps found on their website. Continue reading Nearly 8,500 Wood County Electric Co-Op customers without power

WHITE OAK — According to our new partner KETK, the White Oak Police Department has announced a new chief of police who will take office in April 25.

Brannon Robertson is the current patrol lieutenant and has been a police officer since August 1996. Robertson’s first job was at the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy. He then transferred to the Gladewater Police Department in October 1996. During his time in Gladewater, Robertson was promoted from reserve to animal control, to dispatch and then ultimately to patrol officer. Robertson was awarded Officer of the Year in 2004, 2012 and 2024. During his time in White Oak, Robertson was promoted from patrol officer to sergeant, to lieutenant and soon chief of police.

Chief Terry Roach announced his retirement earlier this year. Robertson claimed that stepping into the position was a “difficult decision made easy.”

JACKSONVILLE – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the City of Jacksonville has a new chief of police, however, he is no stranger to the department. Steven Markasky is a 12-year veteran of the Jacksonville Police Department and has been the assistant police chief since April of 2024.

Markasky was required to complete the multiple-step interview process, including written and oral portions, which involved the input of dozens of professionals. Every member of the police department was invited to help select the best candidate. Once the city narrowed the candidate selection, Markasky was among the finalists and moved on to the next portion of the interview process—an assessment conducted by the city manager and police chief from separate outside organizations. Continue reading Jacksonville PD promotes Steven Markasky to chief of police

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler Military and Veterans Success Center will hold multiple events on campus for the community to recognize Vietnam War veterans and the 50th anniversary since the war ended. These events are hosted in partnership with the UT Tyler history department, VFW Carl Webb Post 1799, Vietnam Veterans of America Rose Capital Chapter 932, American Legion Post 12 and other local veteran serving organizations. “We proudly present these excellent events as a way to honor our Vietnam War veterans here in East Texas and across the country,” said Coby Dillard, UT Tyler director of military and veterans affairs. “The men and women who served during Vietnam faced unspeakable challenges both in country and at home. As a community, it is important that we continue to celebrate the service of those who returned, while honoring the sacrifices of those who were lost during this conflict.” Continue reading UT Tyler holds Vietnam veterans 50th year commemoration

TYLER – The East Texas Human Needs Network (ETHNN) has merged with Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc. ETHNN is a diverse group of organizations and individuals that work together to strengthen the programs, connection, and improve awareness of services that meet essential human needs. Goodwill often serves as a resource center for many of these same human needs. Goodwill’s programs are based in education and skills training designed to help individuals meet their needs through employment.
Continue reading East Texas Human Needs Network merges with Goodwill

HALLSVILLE – One person was killed after a high-speed chase ended in them crashing into a Hallsville Church on Monday night. According to our news partner KETK, the driver was identified as 29-year-old Jason Thomas Hart of Longview.

Harrison County Sheriff’s Office received a call at 10:47 p.m. about a suspicious vehicle driving through the Mason Creek Mobile Home Park. The caller said that a dark-colored sedan was driving in circles in front yards and nearly hit several residences. Minutes later, deputies saw the vehicle matching the same description running a stop sign at the intersection of FM 968 and FM 450. Deputies continued their pursuit on FM 450 north, as Hart ignored lights and sirens.

Hart continued fleeing law enforcement, driving erratically, with speeds as fast as 114 mph. Eventually the chase entered Hallsville. As he entered the intersection of FM 450 and U.S. Highway 80, Hart left the roadway on the west part of FM 450, hitting the wall and awning of The First Baptist Church of Hallsville. Deputies attempted to render aid to Jason Hart, but he died at the scene. Officials said case is being investigated under the guidance of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

NACOGDOCHES – Our news partners at KETK report that Advanced Practice Registered Nurses could soon have full practice authority in rural East Texas. Rep. Joanne Shofner filed HB 2532 on Feb. 6 that would allow APRNs to practice as independent practitioners. The bill will give APRNs the ability to treat health problems and prescribe medications (including controlled substances). In order to qualify, APRN’s must apply to the Texas Board of Nursing and pay an application fee. The deadline for the fee will vary by program and school. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) range from nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, nurse anesthetists and clinical nurse specialists. Continue reading Rep. Shofner introduces bill to improve healthcare in rural East Texas

TEXARKANA – The Texarkana Police Department is currently searching for a driver who was involved in a hit and run that left a woman critically injured on Friday, according to our news partners at KETK. Texarkana PD said a woman pedestrian was critically injured after she was hit by a white SUV in the 2300 block of New Boston Road at around 10:20 p.m. on Friday night. Officials are searching for the driver and are asking anyone who lives near the hit and run scene to check their security cameras for a white SUV in the area near that time. “We’ve been working non-stop all weekend to track down the driver, but we still haven’t been able to identify the vehicle. If you live or work in the area, please check your security cameras! If you see anything that might help—no matter how small—please reach out to us. It could well be the break that we need.” Anyone information can contact Texarkana PD by phone at 903-798-3876 and any video can be submitted to the Texarkana Police Department online through their new online evidence portal.

TYLER – The Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center in Tyler, in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, has successfully dismantled a sophisticated credit card skimming operation, leading to the arrest of two Romanian citizens. The operation is estimated to have prevented more than $5.2 million in potential losses to victims in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. During the execution of a search warrant at the suspects’ residence, law enforcement officers uncovered a fully operational credit card skimmer factory, where the suspects were actively constructing and assembling skimming devices designed to attach to ATMs. Authorities seized hundreds of altered credit cards containing stolen victim information, approximately $16,000 in cash and tools and equipment used to manufacture skimming devices. Continue reading Suspects arrested in major credit card skimming operation

NACOGDOCHES – Advanced Practice Registered Nurses could soon have full practice authority in rural East Texas according to our news partner KETK.

Rep. Joanne Shofner filed HB 2532 on Feb. 6 that would allow APRNs to practice as independent practitioners. The bill will give APRNs the ability to treat health problems and prescribe medications (including controlled substances).

APRNs’ tasks include treating and diagnosing illnesses, manages chronic disease, advising the public on health issues and engaging in ongoing education to remain ahead of any developments. APRNs have a master’s degree, or higher, while a registered nurse only has standard education and licensing. In order to qualify, APRN’s must apply to the Texas Board of Nursing and pay an application fee. The deadline for the fee will vary by program and school. An advanced practice registered nurse can assess patients, diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, but Curran believes a patient’s safety can still be compromised. Continue reading Rep. Shofner introduces bill to improve healthcare in East Texas

TEXARKANA – The Texarkana Police Department is currently searching for a driver who was involved in a hit and run that left a woman critically injured on Friday. According to our news partner KETK the woman pedestrian was critically injured after she was hit by a white SUV in the 2300 block of New Boston Road at around 10:20 p.m. on Friday night. Officials are searching for the driver and are asking anyone who lives near the hit and run scene to check their security cameras for a white SUV in the area near that time.

“We’ve been working non-stop all weekend to track down the driver, but we still haven’t been able to identify the vehicle. If you live or work in the area, please check your security cameras! If you see anything that might help—no matter how small—please reach out to us. It could well be the break that we need.”
Texarkana PD

Anyone information can contact Texarkana PD by phone at 903-798-3876 and any video can be submitted to the Texarkana Police Department online through their new online evidence portal.

PALESTINE — Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas man was arrested for multiple drug and firearm charges after a homeowner reported a person was shining a flashlight near their home.

According to the Palestine Police Department, around 4:32 a.m. officers responded to a report of suspicious activity at 2102 Martin Luther King Blvd where they found Lucas Dane Stevens, 31 of Winona, who has multiple felony convictions.

Officials said during the investigation officers found multiple firearms, illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia in Stevens’ truck. Officers discovered over 380 grams of suspected meth, 97 grams of suspected Oxycodone, marijuana, THC vape cartridges and multiple items commonly used for drug trafficking. Continue reading East Texas man arrested for drug and firearm charges

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas State Representative filed a bill on Thursday to position Texas to become a “global leader in advanced nuclear energy”.

State Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) filed House Bill 14 with hopes of it strengthening America’s position as a top exporter of nuclear technology. Harris spoke about the global implications that nuclear technology has on America, and how it is imperative that the U.S. continue to make advancements to avoid being surpassed by rival countries.

“The U.S. must win the nuclear renaissance, we cannot allow Russia or China to dominate the future of nuclear technology,” Harris said. “By stimulating advanced nuclear reactor deployment in Texas, we will deliver safe, reliable energy to Texans”