KTBB News, Weather, Talk

PALESTINE – A Texas House Committee was left without its key witness on Friday after Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a motion late Thursday barring death row inmate Robert Roberson from testifying at the Capitol.The bipartisan House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence had planned to hear directly from Roberson on Friday at noon about his failed efforts to overturn his capital murder conviction using the state’s junk science law, which grants new trials in cases that relied on scientific evidence that is later discredited.

But Paxton’s motion, which argued that the panel’s subpoena to Roberson was “procedurally deficient and overly burdensome,” excused the state prison system from complying with the committee’s subpoena and allowing Roberson to testify in person. That left the future of Roberson’s testimony unclear.

Lawmakers have tried for weeks to bring him to Austin after the Texas Supreme Court noted in November that state officials should be able to produce Roberson for testimony in compliance with a subpoena that does not interfere with a scheduled execution. After the committee’s first subpoena expired, it served him with another one this week.

Roberson was convicted of capital murder in 2003 for the death of his 2-year-old daughter Nikki, who was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome. He has argued that new scientific evidence discredits Nikki’s diagnosis and shows she died of natural and accidental causes. Continue reading Texas House panel may never hear Robert Roberson’s testimony

TYLER– The Tyler Police Department arrested a 27-year-old man for online solicitation of a minor on Tuesday after a call from a YouTuber.

According to court documents, Tyler PD officers responded to a call about a suspicious person near the Residence Inn on Heritage Drive in Tyler at around 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday.
Our news partner, KETK, reports that the caller was later identified as the owner of a YouTube channel used to catch sexual predators called “Predator Poacher.” The owner told Tyler PD officers about a man that the channel had reportedly been in contact with since June 11, 2023.

Officers were shown messages that were reportedly between someone posing as 11 and 13-year-old girls and 27-year-old Jordan Lee Burk. According to the arrest affidavit, Burk had sexual conversations with someone posing as an 11-year-old named “Emily” and a 13-year-old named “Maddi” about dating and pregnancy.

On Tuesday, Tyler PD officers contacted Burk at his workplace, BioLife Plasma, to discuss the alleged messages. After Burk was read his Miranda right and questioned, he allegedly admitted to contacting the 11-year-old. According to Smith County records, Burk was arrested on two charges of online solicitation of a minor and sexual conduct, and booked into the Smith County Jail before being released on Wednesday.

TYLER– The Diocese of Tyler has announced that Pope Francis appointed Bishop Gregory Kelly, the current Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas, as the new Bishop of Tyler on Friday. According to our news partner KETK,  Kelly will be the fifth Bishop to ever be appointed to lead the Tyler Diocese since it was founded in 1986 by Pope St. John Paul II. Kelly’s appointment comes after Bishop Joseph Strickland was removed as Bishop of Tyler in November of 2023, following a months-long investigation by the Vatican.

Kelly was born in Le Mars, Iowa on Feb. 15 1956. He received his Bachelor’s of Arts in philosophy from the University of Dallas in 1978 while he was in the Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, according to the Diocese of Dallas.Later in 1982, he received his master’s degree in divinity from the University of Dallas and he was ordained as a priest in that same year. He was made Auxiliary Bishop for Dallas in 2016 and has served as a Vicar General and moderator for the Curia.

The Diocese of Tyler will have an announcement press conference at 10 a.m. on Friday in the St. Paul meeting room at the Diocesan Chancery, located at 1015 E. Southeast Loop 323.

AUSTIN (AP) — Texas’ attorney general sought again on Thursday to stop a man on death row from testifying to lawmakers who have raised doubts about his guilt and successfully paused his execution at the last minute in October. Robert Roberson was convicted in 2003 of killing his 2-year-old daughter. His execution had been set to be the first in the U.S. over a conviction tied to shaken baby syndrome, a diagnosis some medical experts have questioned. A Texas House panel had again subpoenaed Roberson to appear before lawmakers Friday, which would require a transport from his prison outside Houston.

Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office asked a court for an order blocking the subpoena, which he said automatically prevents Roberson from appearing while the legal challenge is pending. A spokesperson for Democratic Rep. Joe Moody, chair of the Texas House committee that subpoenaed Roberson, did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment Thursday. Continue reading Death row inmate’s testimony challenged again

TYLER – Our news partner KETK is reporting that a proposed child abuse prevention law is on its way to the White House for review by President Biden. The Jenna Quinn Bill has been in the works for the past six years, named after abuse survivor, Jenna Quinn, the proposed bill will allow federal grants to fund training educators on sexual abuse recognition and prevention. Rep. Nathaniel Moran said 90% of the time abusers are typically somebody within family or close friendship, relationship, making this bill vital to train educators and adults that work with children. Already making an impact, data shows educators are reporting abuse four times more after being trained than without.

The East Texas congressman spoke in support of the bill before it passed with full bipartisan support on Dec. 17.

“We need to provide more opportunities for grant moneys that already exists to be used in a space that can save these kids from further abuse, stop the abuse and get them help as quickly as possible,” Moran said. Continue reading Rep. Moran supports new child abuse prevention bill

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, a second state representative from East Texas is under intense pressure to switch his support as Texas House Republicans fight over who will be the next speaker. Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, won the endorsement from the House GOP caucus, but Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, claims to have a bipartisan majority. This battle, as Burrows seeks democratic support, has led Republicans who support Burrows to walk a fine line.

In recent days, the GOP has threatened to campaign against anyone who supports Burrows, such as Rep. Cole Hefner, R-Mount Pleasant, who has already faced backlash over his choice. Yet Hefner remains adamant in backing Burrows for the seat.

The Texas GOP has also threatened to censure any Republican who does not vote for Cook and has sent text messages to lawmakers like East Texas Rep. Cody Harris threatening to campaign against them. Continue reading East Texas representative faces backlash over speaker support

KAUFMAN COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, Kaufman County officials serving a warrant at a property discovered animals in wire cages, living without shelter and limited access to clean water. The SPCA team said the dogs and roosters were found in individual pens throughout the property with the area thick in mud and standing water. Officials also found evidence that the animals may have been used for fighting leading to the start of an investigation. Their owner relinquished custody of the animals at the scene, and the SPCA has since taken ownership, who are now working with the animals for possible rehabilitation.

“That resulted in the SPCA of Texas taking custody of 50 roosters, 43 hens, 34 adult dogs, and 10 puppies,” SPCA of Texas Vice President for Marketing and Communications, Maura Davies said.

According to officials, the owner of the animals could also face felony charges once the investigation is over. Continue reading SPCA assists in the removal of neglected animals

HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas – Nichalos Allen Hunt was sentenced to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for possession of a controlled substance and four years for bail jumping and failure to appear in court. Our news partners at KETK report that Hunt allegedly admitted the baggie and a glass pipe were his and it was later determined the baggie contained 2.22 grams of methamphetamine. A Henderson County deputy received information on an individual with an outstanding parole warrant located in a hotel room in Gun Barrel City. Deputies on the scene reported seeing plastic baggie containing a crystal like substance was reportedly sitting in plain sight on the nightstand next to Hunt.

TYLER – This holiday season, Hormel Food and Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC)are joining in on the East Texas Food Bank’s mission is to fight hunger and feeding hope to donate $100,000 worth of hams to nonprofits for the East Texans that might not know where their next meal is coming from.

On Dec. 19, the two companies donated nearly 8,000 hams to the East Texas Food Bank and other food banks throughout the communities where Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market and FRESH by Brookshire’s stores operate. Our news partner, KETK, reported that Hormel Foods and BGC hosted the ceremony at Super 1 foods in Tyler to present the donation of hams to the East Texas Food Bank.

To finds ways to join the fight to end hunger in East Texas, visit the East Texas Food Bank website by clicking here.

UPDATE:A second earthquake registering 2.6 magnitude hit on the shore of Caddo Lake near the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant. This was just south of the first event shortly after lunchtime Thursday.

HARRISON COUNTY – The U.S. Geological Survey has reported that a 3.3 magnitude earthquake happened near Uncertain in Harrison County on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the earthquake reportedly struck at 6:15 a.m. on Thursday 5 kilometers beneath Caddo Lake near Uncertain, on the Texas side of the Texas-Louisiana border. According to the USGS, the quake was reportedly felt in Shreveport and Longview.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Van Zandt County residents have filed a lawsuit against stakeholders in the Amador Energy Storage Project that would bring a 100 MW lithium battery energy storage facility to the area. According to our news partner KETK, the Finnish-based wind, solar and battery energy storage developer, Taaleri Energia and the Amador Project has drawn criticism from local citizens who argue it threatens their safety, livestock and rural lifestyle. Some of the concerns include fire risks, fire risks, environmental contamination, lack of firefighting resources and proximity to homes.

The storage facility would be located near FM 47 and FM 1651 on approximately 48 acres with construction already in motion and set to be fully functional by the end of next year. The 100 MW lithium battery storage facility could provide electricity at a rate of 100 million watts, which is used for grids to stabilize electricity supply. Continue reading Van Zandt residents file lawsuit over lithium storage facility

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is increasing traffic enforcement during the New Year’s holiday which will continue through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Motorists will see an increased presence of law enforcement in high traffic crash areas throughout the City. Officers will be focusing their targeted enforcement efforts to deter speeding, seatbelt violations, running red lights, texting, and driving while intoxicated throughout the City. “We will have additional officers on the road during the holidays specifically to enforce traffic laws,” said Chief Jimmy Toler. “The safety of everyone remains a priority as they enjoy holiday events and festivities. We will work to deter drinking and driving, speeding, and distracted driving.” Continue reading Tyler PD increasing traffic enforcement during New Years celebrations

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County officials are warning residents of potential jury duty scams after multiple reports. According to reports from our news partner, KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said they have been receiving reports from citizens who are potential victims of a jury duty scam. The scammers are allegedly requesting money for the purpose of taking care of a warrant related to them missing jury duty.

The scams typically involve someone calling and identifying themselves as a law enforcement official or someone employed by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.Officials said a law enforcement agency will never call on the phone demanding payment for any reason. Those who receive a phone call regarding this scam or suspicious calls asking for payment or money, simply hang up and ignore them. The sheriff’s office said people can call 903-566-6600 if they receive any suspicious calls. Continue reading Smith County officials warn of jury duty scams

TYLER — Pets Fur People, the oldest no-kill animal shelter in East Texas dedicated to the care, protection, and adoption of animals in Smith County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Holli Jones as its new Executive Director. She will officially begin her role on December 18, 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the animal care sector and many years of nonprofit work, Holli Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong passion for animal welfare to the organization.

Holli along with her husband, the late Dr. Jesse Jones co-owned Green Acres Animal Clinic where she also served as Vice President, Manager and Veterinarian Assistant. She has also worked on various community projects such as the The Tyler Rose Festival Coronation, The Salvation Army, and the Tyler Symphony League.

“We are thrilled to welcome Holli to the Pets Fur People family,” said Angie Bullington, Board President of Pets Fur People. Continue reading Pets Fur People announce new director

Tyler — Pets Fur People, the oldest no-kill animal shelter in East Texas dedicated to the care, protection, and adoption of animals in Smith County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Holli Jones as its new Executive Director. She will officially begin her role on December 18, 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the animal care sector and many years of nonprofit work, Holli Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong passion for animal welfare to the organization. Holli along with her husband, the late Dr. Jesse Jones co-owned Green Acres Animal Clinic where she also served as Vice President, Manager and Veterinarian Assistant. Continue reading New Director at Pets Fur People

EAST TEXAS – The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announces $3.4 million in grants from the Governor’s Public Safety Office awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits. The Governor’s Public Safety Office administers federal and state grant funding to promote strategies that improve public safety, support victims of crime, prevent terrorism and prepare communities for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to Texans.

ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually. Applications to be submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and Homeland Security Advisory Committee, which includes local subject matter experts from across the region.

The Governor’s Office has approved a total of $3,435,484.11 for funding the Victims of Crime Act, Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Act, Juvenile Justice / Truancy Prevention, and Homeland Security grants in East Texas.
Continue reading $3.4M in Public Safety Grants for East Texas Region

TYLER — Tyler Transit is transforming its existing fixed route service into a MicroTransit service starting Monday, Jan. 13. New payment methods are being rolled out as well. Riders will be able to book a ride by calling (903) 533-8057 from the bus stop or through the Tyler Transit app. Public comment period will remain open until Monday, Jan. 6 at 1 p.m. Click here to submit questions and comments.

All Tyler Transit bus stops will be used as pick-up locations for riders. The ride will take them directly to the doorstep of a destination within sight of the closest bus stop on any existing route. The MicroTransit service will be split into three zones, with two drivers per zone. If a passenger’s destination is in a different zone from where they are picked up, they will be taken to Stop 400 near the Bergfeld Center and Fire Station 7, where a driver will be waiting or arriving shortly to complete the trip. Continue reading Tyler Transit launching MicroTransit service for all routes

MARSHALL — The Marshall Fire Department said the investigation into the fire that damaged the historic First Methodist Church earlier this month has been completed. According to our news partner KETK, investigators determined that the fire originated in the lower level of the church where administrative officers were located. The fire was identified “as electrical in nature and was found to be unintentional.”

The fire was first reported at 1:15 a.m. on Dec. 9 and quickly spread requiring multiple agencies to respond. After 15 hours of intensive firefighting operations, the fire was brought under control at 4 p.m., however officials remained at the scene for several days to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. Continue reading Electrical issues caused fire at historic Marshall church

HOUSTON (AP) — A bipartisan group of Texas lawmakers announced Tuesday they had issued a new subpoena that would require the state’s prison system to allow death row inmate Robert Roberson to testify in person this week about the state’s junk science law. An earlier subpoena ended up delaying Roberson’s Oct. 17 execution, which had been set to be the first in the U.S. tied to a diagnosis of shaken baby syndrome.

The House Committee on Criminal Jurisprudence announced it had issued last week and served on Monday a subpoena compelling Roberson to appear before it at a meeting in Austin on Friday. Continue reading Texas lawmakers issue new subpoena for Roberson’s testimony

TYLER — Two people have died following a Tuesday afternoon multi-vehicle wreck involving an 18-wheeler on Loop 323, the Tyler Police Department said. Tyler PD’s Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said at around 1 p.m., the police department was dispatched to a multi-vehicle wreck at West Elm Street and SSW Loop 323. According to our news partner KETK, a A preliminary investigation shows that a GMC SUV was on Elm Street on the west side of the Loop and was attempting to turn north on the Loop but pulled in front of a southbound 18-wheeler that struck the GMC.

The crash pushed both vehicles into the northbound lanes and caused three vehicles that were in the northbound turn lane to be hit. Officer Erbaugh said both occupants of the GMC died at the scene and have since been identified as William Connerly, 82, and Shirley Connerly, 79, both of Kerens. Their next of kin have been notified. Continue reading Identities released following fatal wreck in Tyler

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, the Texas House will vote on a speaker in less than a month when the 2025 legislative session is set to begin, however Republicans are split on who to support in the race. Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock. and Rep. David Cook, R-Mansfield, are running for House Speaker after Dade Phelan removed himself from contention. Since then, Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, said he received threatening messages Sunday night from the Chairman of the Texas Republican Party, Abraham George.

Harris said the message was clear, to unite behind the caucus and rules established by the party. If Harris does not comply, the chairman threatened Harris with a campaign mailer to his district encompassing all of Anderson, Cherokee, and Navarro Counties, and the majority of Henderson County. However, Cook and Burrows declared that they have enough votes needed to win the race in January. Continue reading ETX representative will support speaker candidate despite threats

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler physician pled guilty on Monday in connection to his role in a $5.5 million over-the-counter COVID-19 test fraud scheme according to our news partner KETK.

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Mark Mazzare, 57 of Tyler, purchased Medicare beneficiary identifiers (BINs) used to bill Medicare millions of dollars for test kits that had not been requested by the beneficiaries. Texas Medical Board’s records indicate that Mazzare is an internal medicine/pediatric specialist and worked at a clinic on Old Bullard Road in Tyler.

“Mazzare entered into a sham agreement with a purported marketer to conceal the purchase of BINs as ‘lead packages,’ which in reality consisted of BINs and fraudulently generated audio recordings purporting to be the voices of the beneficiaries requesting the OTC COVID-19 tests,” DOJ said. “Mazzare caused OTC COVID-19 tests to be shipped to Medicare beneficiaries whose BINs had been purchased, regardless of whether the Medicare beneficiaries had requested or needed the tests.” Continue reading Tyler doctor admits role in $5.5 million COVID-19 scheme

WINONA – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Smith County firefighter with Sabine Fire & Rescue responded to a fire at his own home in Winona on Sunday. Nicholas Loftin and Sabine Fire & Rescue in Gregg County Emergency Service District 2 responded to the mobile home fire in the 22900 block of Interstate 20 East.Several other fire stations from Smith County ESD 2 and Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue also responded to the house, which was unoccupied when the fire started. Crews were able to put out the fire but the structure was unable to be saved.

No injuries were reported in the fire and foul play is not suspected. The Smith County Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the cause, which they said started near the middle of the house.

TYLER – President Joe Biden has commuted the 9-year federal prison sentence of a former Deep East Texas Council of Governments executive director after he was found guilty of wire fraud back in 2017.

According to our news partner KETK, the White House released on Thursday, Walter Diggles, 72 of Jasper, was one of nearly 1500 people who were put on home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those 1499 people are already back home with their families but the Biden administration has decided to commute their sentences meaning they’ll officially be out of custody much sooner. Diggles was convicted of 11 counts of wire fraud, three counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and three counts of money laundering on Aug. 3 of 2017, according to a 2018 press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

Information presented in court reportedly showed that Diggles, along with his wife and daughter, conspired to personally use money from federal block grants that Congress appropriated to help Texas recover from Hurricanes Rita, Katrina, Ike and Dolly, the press release said. Continue reading Biden commutes sentence of former DETCOG director

NACOGDOCHES – According to our news partner KETK, a professional angler and fishing YouTuber was arrested in Nacogdoches on Thursday for fraud in a freshwater fishing tournament.

Benjamin Milliken, 35 of New Caney, turned himself in to Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday for the charge of fraud at freshwater fishing tournament, according to a statement from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department(TPWD). TPWD said that Milliken turned in a Legacy Class ShareLunker bass caught at Lake Naconiche in February as an entry into the Toyota ShareLunker Program. The program rewards prizes over $10,000.

According to TPWD, their due diligence process discovered that Milliken allegedly didn’t have a valid fishing license when he caught the fish and filled out the program’s contest/tournament entry form. Continue reading Popular fishing YouTuber Ben Milliken arrested for fraud

LONGVIEW – The Longview Fire Department responded to a structure fire that caused an estimated $500,000 in damage to the Crosby Group on Friday. The department responded to 2414 Crosby Way at around 6:45 p.m. on Friday and found heavy smoke coming out of the east side of the building. Crews began suppressing the fire until they found the source of the fire which had been extinguished by fire sprinklers.

Longview Fire Department said that a hydraulic hose for a large forging hammer broke and sprayed hydraulic fluid which was then ignited. No injuries were reported by Longview FD. According to our news partner, KETK, the department responded with three fire trucks, two ladder trucks, an ambulance and four support vehicles.

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A judge in Las Vegas sentenced a Texas man to 100 years in prison for his role in a two-state shooting rampage on Thanksgiving 2020 that included the killing of a man in Nevada and a shootout with authorities in Arizona. Christopher McDonnell, 32, pleaded guilty in October to more than 20 felonies including murder, attempted murder, murder conspiracy, weapon charges and being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm.

Clark County District Judge Tierra Jones sentenced him on Friday to a minimum of 100 years in prison, KLAS-TV reported. If he’s still alive, he would be eligible for parole in 2120 with credit for time served. McDonnell of Tyler,  his brother Shawn McDonnell, 34, and Shawn McDonnell’s then-wife, Kayleigh Lewis, 29, originally faced dozens of charges. Continue reading Texas man gets 100 years in prison for Nevada, Arizona Shootings

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, Pets Fur People has announced that their executive director Gayle Helms has retired from the Tyler animal sanctuary after serving as their leader for 26 years. Under Helms’ leadership, Pets Fur People successfully transitioned from being a kill shelter to East Texas’ only selective admission no-kill animal sanctuary, according to a Pets Fur People press release.

“We are deeply grateful to have worked alongside such a talented and dedicated woman,” said Angie Bullington, president of the board of Pets Fur People. “Gayle’s heart is truly with the animals. She has been a tremendous asset to Pets Fur People, and we are incredibly grateful for her leadership. We are confident that her legacy will continue to inspire and shape the future of the Pets Fur People for years to come. On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for her dedication and service.” Continue reading Pets Fur People announces retirement of Gayle Helms

KILGORE — With the holiday season in full swing, the Kilgore Police Department is highlighting an uptick in scams and frauds. The police department is warning residents of frauds and scams that pressure people for some form of payment in exchange for a prize or to resolve some type of problem such as tax issues, computer viruses or arrest warrants.

“Scammers often insist you pay them using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, wiring money through a company like Western Union, using gift cards or shipping a cashier’s check through a parcel company,” Kilgore PD said.

According to our news partner KETK, scammers have tried everything such as sweepstakes scams, warrant scams to ransom scams where they claim to be a government agent informing them they have detected illicit materials on their computer or device or their identity has been stolen. Continue reading Scams, frauds on the rise during holiday season