KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the spring 2025 STAAR test results for third through eighth graders on Tuesday and, according to our news partner KETK, improvements were seen in multiple categories.

The STAAR test score percentages are separated by three categories which are approaches, meets and masters. The Texas Education Agency said that some grade levels scored higher than students who took the test before the pandemic. Here is how every grade level compared to last year’s test takers based on the meets (standard) category, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Reading Language Arts (RLA)

Increase:
Third grade – 3%
Fourth grade – 3%
Fifth grade – 4%
Eighth grade – 2%
Continue reading STAAR test score data shows growth in younger grades

LINDALE – Our news partner KETK reports that one person was arrested near Lindale after being caught driving a vehicle that had been stolen from Louisiana.

At around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) attempted to stop the stolen vehicle that was traveling on U.S. Highway 69 driving near Lindale.

The driver of the stolen vehicle continued to flee and troopers eventually deployed spike strips which brought the pursuit to an end.

The person was taken into custody following the pursuit and according to officials has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest, and outstanding warrants.

According to officials, the case remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time.

TYLER – Desnique Deshawn Herndon, 28, was sentenced to seven life sentences by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on Wednesday. In 2023, Herndon was convicted by a jury of six counts of sex trafficking of children and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children following a five-day trial before Judge Barker. Herndon remained in custody between the time of trial and sentencing. Beginning in 2019, Herndon engaged in trafficking multiple teenage girls for commercial sex acts. Herndon recruited the girls by social media, deceived them by promising riches, and placed them in hotels in the Tyler area. Some of Herndon’s victims were as young as 13 years old. Three of Herndon’s co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the offenses.

MARSHALL — Our news partner KETK reports that one person is dead after a pickup truck and a motorcycle crash on Interstate 20 East and U.S. Highway 59 near Marshall on Wednesday around 4:30 a.m.

A preliminary investigation revealed that both vehicles were traveling east when the pickup truck struck the rear of the motorcycle. Officials said the motorcycle’s passenger was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the motorcycle was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

At this time, DPS has not released the condition of the pickup driver, and no further details will be released by officials as the crash remains under investigation.

EUSTACE – Our news partner KETK reports that the SPCA of Texas was granted custody of 66 animals on June 11 after they were removed from a Eustace property due to alleged animal cruelty.

According to the non-profit organization, after an incomplete request for appeal at a civil custody hearing on June 11, the judge defaulted to the previous judgement which granted SPCA custody of 10 dogs and 56 cats experiencing animal neglect and cruelty.

These animals were removed from a metal building owned by Yelp for Help Animal Rescue ran by Haley Janelle Hull.

Hull was arrested on May 29 and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals – neglect. She was booked into the Van Zandt County Detention Center where she was released the following day on a $10,000 bond. Continue reading SPCA of Texas removes 66 animals from a woman’s home

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center announced the 2025-26 “Big Names, Big Entertainment” season. Featuring Broadway hits, family-friendly programming and soaring artists, the season is packed with entertainment legends and legendary performances.

“I’m so excited by all that this season has to offer,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “We are honored to present such world class talent for East Texas audiences to enjoy. We want the Cowan Center to be widely utilized, so we’ve designed a season that has broad appeal.” Continue reading UT Tyler announces ‘Big’ season at Cowan Center

LUFKIN – A Lufkin man is behind bars after a shooting on Tuesday night on Percy Simond Street left one person injured, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Around 7 p.m., Lufkin Police officers responded to a residence in the 100 block of Percy Simond Street.

When they arrived, 26-year-old Julious Griffin admitted to the officers that he shot the juvenile in the leg, but claimed self-defense.

Griffin has been booked in to the Angelina County Jail on the on the charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and deadly conduct.

The person that was injured was taken to a local hospital, but then later flown to an out-of-town facility. Their condition and identity have not been released as of this writing.

TYLER – A custodial death report from the Texas Attorney General’s office has released more information about a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Cascades earlier this month, according to our news partner KETK.

On June 5, members of the Tyler Police Department were dispatched to a home in the 3100 block of Cascades Court after receiving reports of a suspicious person on a property. According to the report, a homeowner stated that she was currently getting divorced from a man identified as John O’Kelly, and that he was given a court order restricting him from returning to the home.

The homeowner was out of the house at the time but told officers that O’Kelly had returned to the home and was seen on home security cameras assaulting her father. The report stated that one officer arrived on the scene, observed damage to the backdoor and began attempting to negotiate with O’Kelly to go outside the home. Continue reading Man fatally shot after lunging at officers

TYLER — A custodial death report from the Texas Attorney General’s office has released more information about a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in the Cascades earlier this month. According to our news partner KETK, on June 5, members of the Tyler Police Department were dispatched to a home in the 3100 block of Cascades Court after receiving reports of a suspicious person on a property.

According to the report, a homeowner stated that she was currently getting divorced from a man identified as John O’Kelly, and that he was given a court order restricting him from returning to the home.

The homeowner was out of the house at the time but told officers that O’Kelly had returned to the home and was seen on home security cameras assaulting her father. The report stated that one officer arrived on the scene, observed damage to the backdoor and began attempting to negotiate with O’Kelly to go outside the home. Continue reading New details following officer involved shooting

HAWKINS — The Hawkins City Council voted to remove their last city police officer on Monday night but residents said they don’t agree with the council’s decision and are nervous to be left without coverage. According to our news partner KETK, many people have openly opposed the decision, including resident and former Hawkins city councilwoman Eleta Taylor.

“I am extremely disappointed in this council,” Taylor said. “That decision just opened us up so vulnerably because we’re not going to have no protection.”

She said several people have expressed their concern to her. After the council meeting ended Monday night, several people told KETK News that they are both scared and disappointed.

“Gut-wrenching fear for what is going to happen,” community member Amy Pack said. Continue reading Hawkins residents raise concerns after last police officer fired

UPDATE: PALESTINE – According to the Palestine Police Department and our news partner KETK, Xavier Terrell Ealy was taken into custody without incident Tuesday night.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Palestine Police Department is currently searching for a man wanted in connection to the shooting of a 53-year-old on Monday, according to our news partner KETK.

Palestine officers were sent to an emergency room at around 7 p.m. on Monday in response to a report of a 53-year-old man had come in with gunshot wounds. Continue reading UPDATE: Police capture man considered ‘armed and dangerous’

HOUSTON (AP) — A new execution date has been requested for Robert Roberson, a Palestine man who had been set last year to become the first person in the U.S. to be put to death for a murder conviction tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

Monday’s request from the Texas Attorney General’s Office was the first time authorities had asked for a new execution date since Roberson received a stay in October. The execution’s delay followed a flurry of last-ditch legal challenges on the night of his scheduled lethal injection that were prompted by an unprecedented maneuver from a bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers who say he is innocent and was sent to death row based on flawed science.

In its five-page motion, the Texas Attorney General’s Office said because the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, the state’s top criminal court, has previously denied appeals in Roberson’s case, “the criteria for setting an execution have been met.” Continue reading Prosecutors ask for new execution date for East Texas man

SMITH COUNTY – A Troup man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Monday after running from the scene of a shooting that left one wounded in January, according to our news partner KETK. On January 7, officers responded to a call about a person suffering from a gunshot wound. While first responders were treating the victim, officers proceeded to the scene of the shooting, where they were informed that the suspect might still be inside the home.

Officials said that police quickly set up a perimeter around the home, and after multiple attempts to contact the suspect by phone and using loud speakers were unsuccessful, officers decided to enter the home. Upon entry, they discovered that the suspect had left the scene. Continue reading Troup man gets 30 years for shooting and evading police

LONGVIEW — A 21-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years on Monday after a fatal shooting at a Longview convenience store in 2024, according to our news partner KETK. Around 3:40 a.m. on March 22, 2024, Longview police officers responded to a shooting at the EZ Mart on 700 Gilmer Road, where they found a man with a “life-threatening” gunshot wound.

Officials said Tykiron Garceil Mumphrey, 21 of Gladewater, was identified as the suspect and taken into custody for aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, while the victim was transported to a local hospital.

Mumphrey’s charge was later updated to murder after the victim died from the gunshot wound, but was dismissed in court after he took a plea deal. Mumphrey pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Monday, and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

WINONA – According to a news release from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, a Winona man has committed an armed robbery. Officers are currently on the scene where the robbery occurred at the Courtesy Mart, located in the 300 block of S. Main in Winona, at approximately 10:30 am. A suspect entered the store armed with a handgun and robbed the clerk of an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect fled on foot toward the adjacent liquor store. He is described as a black male, 5’8 to 5’9”, medium build, wearing a black mask, grey hoodie, and blue jeans.

Several law enforcement agencies are currently assisting the Sheriff’s Office. Currently, resources include the Smith County K-9 and a drone. This is an active investigation, and the suspect is still at large. Please avoid the area, if possible.

This suspect is armed and dangerous, do not approach if seen. If you have any information, please call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600 or 911 if urgent.

TYLER – According to a news release, Tyler City Councilman Stuart Hene officially declared his candidacy for Mayor of Tyler.

A native of Tyler and current District 1 Representative on the Tyler City Council, Councilman Hene brings a record of results and a vision for building on the city’s current momentum. His announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter in his service to the community he has long called home. Councilman Hene says that he is launching a campaign focused on continued growth, strong partnerships, and bold, forward-looking leadership. Continue reading Tyler City Councilman announces campaign for mayor

TYLER – Our news partner KETK is reporting that the Caldwell Zoo board of directors has announced a new leader for Tyler’s biggest zoo.

Scott Maddox has served as the zoo’s chief operating officer for the past five years and will now serve as Caldwell Zoo’s president and CEO. Former mayor of Tyler and chairman of the zoo’s board, Kevin Eltife explained why Maddox is right for the job.

“Scott was the obvious choice to assume this position. His vast experience with Caldwell Zoo and his natural leadership are unmatched. The Maddox family has a history of caring and giving back to our community,” Eltife said in a press release. “In his new role, Scott will continue to give back to this community and make sure that Caldwell Zoo is positioned to provide an incredible experience for families to visit and enjoy for generations to come.”

According to Caldwell Zoo, Maddox served on their staff as an animal keeper, animal supervisor, area supervisor, curator and assistant director before he was named chief operating officer. Continue reading Caldwell Zoo announces new president, CEO

TRINITY– According to our news partner KETK, a woman was care flighted to a hospital Monday afternoon after a two vehicle crash in Trinity.

According to the Trinity Police Department, one driver was flown to the hospital for her injuries after there was a major two vehicle crash on State Highway 19 in front of Joes Restaurant and McDonald’s. Officials said a vehicle pulled out of the McDonald’s parking lot onto State Highway 19 in front of the other driver causing the crash.

The roadway is now back open and Trinity Police Department will be investigating the crash, the department said.

HAWKINS – In their regular city council meeting on Monday, the Hawkins City Council voted to terminate the employment of Hawkins Police Department Lieutenant Eric Tuma.

According to our news partner KETK, Tuma’s termination was based on the grounds of “Dereliction of Sworn Duties” and “Abandonment of Post.” The motion to terminate Tuma’s employment was passed in a 3-2 vote. Tuma became the only officer in Hawkins PD after Hawkins Mayor Debbie Rushing fired three other officers on Feb. 18. Tuma, a Hawkins native, formerly served as the interim chief of Hawkins PD after the resignation of former chief Guy McKee in 2024.

Hawkins is located in Wood County, so the Wood County Sheriff’s Office is still available to respond to the needs of residents. Continue reading Last remaining Hawkins Police officer fired

PALESTINE – Anderson County Judge Carey G. McKinney has declared a local state of disaster for the county after severe weather flooded parts of the county last week. According to our news partner KETK, Judge McKinney declared the state of disaster in order to activate Anderson County’s emergency management plan. The plan will help the county recover from property damage done by storms and flooding from June 10 to June 12.

Palestine Police Department Chief Mark Harcrow said the city got at least three inches of rain in an hour during the storms. The disaster declaration will last for seven days unless extended by the Anderson County Commissioner’s court.

Homeowners with flood damage can click the the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s survey link to scan the QR Code and find the survey that you need.

TYLER – All non-essential City offices will observe the following schedule on Thursday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth. Continue reading City holiday schedule for Juneteenth

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, a man was arrested in Longview after police said he broke into a building on Monday.

The Longview Police Department was notified that a business alarm had gone off at around at 4:57 a.m. in the 2100 block of Judson Road. Once on the scene, officers reported that the building appeared to be forced into and that a man was seen leaving the scene, according to a press release.

The officers were able to locate the man near the business and he was arrested. Longview PD identified him as Glen Blaylock, 57 of Longview. Blaylock was charged with burglary of a building and was transported to the Gregg County Jail. Continue reading Longview man arrested for burglary

TYLER – Torrential downpours that have hit East Texas recently are causing foundation issues for homeowners, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Trust Foundation and Repair in Tyler is getting more calls for problems underneath houses and mobile homes.

“Normally we’ll get a little bit of rain a few days dry. This year we’ve gotten drastic amounts of rain over and over and over again,” Trust Foundation and Repair project manager Timothy Wilson said. “It allows moisture to enter and start rotting out the beams in the sub-floor on the homes,” Wilson said.

The unchecked water can cause washouts underneath the home and exterior issues like cracks in bricks. Other signs of foundation issues are cracks above doors, windows and malfunctions in those areas. Wilson’s advice is to divert the water away from the home. Continue reading Heavy rains cause problems for East Texas homeowners

UPDATE: According to the Texarkana Police Department, someone in another city recognized 69-year-old Karen Gilmore from their Facebook post and she is now safe.

TEXARKANA – According to our news partner KETK, the Texarkana Police Department is currently searching for a 69-year-old woman who was last heard from when she sent her sister a “strange text” on Thursday.

According to the department, Karen Gilmore has health issues and doesn’t regularly use her oxygen. Texarkana PD said her loved ones worry she may be in an altered mental state after she sent an unusual text message. She’s believed to be living in her silver 2008 Ford Explorer Sport Trac with the Texas plate: GJF-4039. Texarkana PD said she’s known to park in places like the QuikTrip on North Kings Highway. They added that her Ford was last seen in Rockwall on Friday.

Anyone with information on Gilmore’s location is asked to call Texarkana PD at 903-798-3876 or any local law enforcement agency.

TYLER – The City of Tyler and Miracle League of Tyler held the grand opening of the new Miracle League Field at Faulkner Park, Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Miracle League Field, is a new baseball field for children and adults with physical and mental challenges. The field is designed to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and other similar devices while also preventing injuries.

Miracle League of Tyler President Casey Bryans said in a release,“It’s somewhere where their parents can sit back and watch them in a safe, fun environment. They’re out there with a buddy so they’re in a contained area and they can go out there and they can just be kids. The parents get to sit back in the stands and they get to see their kids be kids. And as a parent to see your child have fun in a fun, safe environment that is an amazing blessing in and of itself. So there’s so much more than just baseball. These kids are gonna make friends and build relationships. Build some interpersonal skills with being on a team that helps to carry over in other aspects of life. This field it gives dignity, it gives worth, self-esteem, value. There’s so much more than baseball and we’re gonna play a lot of good baseball on it but we hope for so much more to come out of this.” Continue reading Miracle League Field opens Saturday at Faulkner Park in Tyler

HUGHES SPRINGS – The Morris County Sheriff’s Office said a man wanted in connection to two Saturday night shootings has been arrested. According to our news partner KETK, arrested was 23-year-old Makhei N. Aguilar of Hughes Springs. Saturday night, the Morris County dispatcher received two calls on separate shootings. The first at about 6:50 p.m. Both shootings happened in rural Hughes Springs.

The victims at both shootings described the gunman as as slender black man, with black clothes. Also, in both incidents, the assailant demanded the vehicle of the victim. Officers stated that one woman was shot in the leg and was treated for a non-life threatening injury.

Morris County Sheriff’s Office deputies, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Game Wardens and the Hughes Springs Police Department searched for Aguilar until late Sunday morning, when he was arrested by the Richardson Police Department. The sheriff’s office said Aguilar will stay with Richardson PD on their local charges until he’s brought back to Morris County to be charged there. Richardson Police Jail records show that Aguilar was arrested for unauthorized use of a vehicle.