KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Every year around this time, the Sahara Desert in Africa experiences peak emissions that sends dust particles across the Atlantic Ocean, causing air quality changes in East Texas.

According to our news partner KETK, East Texans could experience higher dust levels from the annual Sahara air layer that is heading this way. Its unknown exactly how much dust East Texans should anticipate, but they will likely see changes in visibility and air quality.

Professor and Center Director for Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Amarillo Brent Auvermann Ph.D. talked about this environmental occurrence.

“It really is more of a general haze, things will change colors, sunlight will look different. the sun itself may look more red,” Auvermann said. “At various times of the day, the clouds will be dingier in all likelihood and visibility will be somewhat reduced, depends on the intensity of the event. It is likely that air monitors that are monitoring air pollution at the ground level in East Texas will pick something up this time around,” Auvermann said.

Continue reading Sahara dust is making its way to East Texas

TYLER – A flash flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for several cities, this includes the Sabine River near Mineola, in Wood and Smith County from late Thursday night until further notice.

LUFKIN — According to our news partner KETK, the Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously agreed on a 5 percent increase for all teachers and a new pay scale to ensure every LISD teacher will make at least $50,000 a year. The new pay scale for all teachers, librarians and registered nurses working for Lufkin ISD was approved June 2. The amendment was discussed in a special call board meeting.

Although the adjustment is only meant for some positions, raises for other district members are still being discussed. The new pay scale would take effect for the 2025-2026 school year. Continue reading Lufkin ISD unanimously approves 5 percent raise for teachers

HALLSVILLE – Our news partner KETK reports that the Hallsville Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying an individual believed to be involved in a theft at a Dollar General.

According to the Hallsville Police Department, the theft occurred on Tuesday around 1:15 p.m. at the Dollar General on Main Street. Officials said they obtained footage of the suspect along with a red vehicle he was driving at the time of the incident.

Anyone with any information regarding the suspect or the robbery is asked to contact Chief Scott at 903-746-3235 or 903-668-2313. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can do so by contacting Crime Stoppers at 903-935-9969.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that as Henderson County battles flash flooding, some roads have been shut down for the safety of East Texans.

According to Henderson County, flash flooding is possible with heavy rains, so the county encourages residents to turn around if they encounter a flooded road.

“Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving floodwaters,” the county said. “The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.”

Emergency Management said they received reports of stranded vehicles due to high water this morning, but all has cleared out as of now and no injuries were reported. County Road 3715 has since reopened.

A flash flood warning has been issued till June 8 at 9:25 p.m. in Henderson County. KETK has compiled a list of road closures in Henderson County. To view the complete list, click here.

TYLER – Our news partner KETK reports that East Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) attended a town hall in Tyler on Friday to discuss the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

The town hall event was hosted at Tyler Junior College by the Texas chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a conservative political advocacy group backed by the billionaire Charles Koch.

In Jan. 2025, The Hill reported on AFP’s newly announced a $20 million nationwide campaign to push Congress to renew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was passed under President Donald Trumps first term in office.

Moran supported renewing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on Friday by warning about how much taxes could go up next year. Continue reading Tax discussion at a town hall with Representative Moran

UPDATE: On June 3rd at approximately 11:30pm the Tyler Police Department was notified and confirmed that Donald Harter had returned home. He is unharmed and safe at home.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is searching for 81-year-old Donald Harter who went missing from a Tyler residence around 8 p.m. Tuesday, according to our news partner KETK. Tyler PD said Harter left the residence on Loop 323 in a 2005 silver Ford F-150 with the Texas license plate number 8124DV. According to Harter’s family he cannot care for himself and it is not confirmed what he was last wearing.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 22-year-old Alto woman for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and endangering a child after an altercation on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, deputies were sent to the 5400 block of FM 1638 just north west of Nacogdoches at around 12:40 p.m. on Sunday following a reported altercation.

Rayla Eleigha Upshaw, of Alto, allegedly crashed the back of her vehicle into the front of another vehicle. Upshaw reportedly had a one-year-old child in her vehicle at the time of the crash.

Upshaw was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and endangering a child. She’s currently being held at the Nacogdoches County Jail on a total bond of $60,000.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court received a progress report on the courthouse construction project on Tuesday, June 3. According to a news release from Smith County, Brandy Ziegler, partner with Fitzpatrick Architects, has been working on the project for more than two years and said, “it’s wonderful to watch this plan come to life,” as the 100-plus-year building is constructed. She noted that the Hoar Construction team moved with their families to Tyler for the project.

“We want you to understand the hard work and dedication that goes into this project every day,” Stephen Flournoy, project executive for Hoar Construction, said, adding that the project is 35 percent complete.

“We are one-third of the way there,” he said, adding that the cost and timing of where the project is right now is where they want to be.

Bradley Barr, Senior Superintendent for Hoar Construction, gave some “high-level statistics” about the construction project. They include: Continue reading Smith County Courthouse construction update

GILMER – Our news partner KETK reports that the Texas Department of Public Safety has issued a Silver Alert for Jay Lindsey, 73 of Gilmer, who was last seen on May 27.

Lindsey is a white man with a bald head, grey facial hear, blue eyes, weighing around 167 pounds and standing at 5’8″. He was last seen in the 4000 block of FM 555 in Gilmer at around 12 p.m. on May 27, according to DPS.

His vehicle is a gray 2016 GMC Canyon four-door pick-up truck with the Texas license plate number: JSD5270. Anyone who’s seen him is asked to contact the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office at 903-843-2541.

TEXARKANA – Our news partner KETK reports that an East Texas police officer has been placed on administrative leave after being charged with sexual assault of a child.

According to the Texarkana Police Department, Zackary Gilley, 32, had been employed by the department since 2018, and was arrested on Monday night.

The chief of police said both an internal and criminal investigation were started after allegations involving a 15-year-old girl came to light.

Investigators gathered facts from a forensic expert and consulted with the Bowie County District Attorney’s Office before requesting that warrants be issued by a district judge. Continue reading East Texas police officer charged with child sexual assault

TYLER – According to a press release from The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) and the FBI, there are several imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be members of the USMS, court officers, or other law enforcement officials.

The USMS is urging people to report the calls their Local FBI office and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, which has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected. Texas residents have experienced a recent uptick in these scam calls.

During these calls, scammers attempt to collect a fine for phony threats of arrests or other legal sanctions due to claims of identity theft, failing to report for jury duty, civil process issues or under the premise of a false crime. They then tell victims that they can avoid arrest by making a payment first. Often that means withdrawing cash and transferring it to “the government” by depositing cash into bitcoin ATMs or other electronic means such as prepaid cards. Continue reading U.S. Marshals warn against phone scams

Tyler – The East Texas Food Bank kicks off the free Summer Food Program for children on Tuesday, June 3, at 35 East Texas locations with a special event at the Glass Recreation Center in Tyler from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. featuring food, activities and more. “It’s so important to make sure children do not go hungry in the summer just because school is out,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Here in East Texas, 1 in 4 children are food insecure so it’s up to our community to make sure we fill that meal gap when the school year ends and kids lose access to free and reduced-price meals they depend on.” ETFB will help ensure children don’t go hungry when school is out—tackling geographic, financial, and systemic barriers to food access. This summer, ETFB will serve 106,000 meals to over 3,000 children. Meals are provided at various community sites Monday-Friday. There is no need to register. The program is for children 18 and younger. Besides the meal, some of the locations at parks, churches and libraries offer other free activities for children. Check with the Summer Food Program you plan to visit for more information. For the full list of locations and serving times visit EastTexasFoodBank.org/SummerFood or by calling 903-597-3663.

LONGVIEW – Our news partner KETK reports that the Longview Fire Department said they responded to a fire at the Alpha Omega Recycling facility on Sunday.

The fire was reported after workers at the Alpha Omega facility on 315 Whatley Road noticed that smoke had started coming from chemicals. Longview Fire Department said this smoke suggested the materials in the facility had spontaneously combusted.

After Longview firefighters had responded to the facility, the found smoke coming from the back of an exterior structure. Longview Fire Department said their firefighters were able to contain the fire damage to the structure and one of its walls.

No injuries were reported and Longview Fire Department estimated the fire did around $50,000 in damage. The fire department responded to the facility with six fire engines, three ladder trucks, two ambulances and six support vehicles.

The facility, which is owned by the Amlon Group, recycles liquid waste, metal industrial waste and hazardous materials for businesses.

TEXARKANA — A man was arrested over the weekend in connection with a Texarkana homicide and is accused of firing more than 50 rounds into the house that led to the death of a 21-year-old.

According to our news partner KETK, detectives were able to find the suspect and worked with Houston PD officers last week to arrest 24-year-old Benjamin Brem.

Just after midnight on May 10, officers responded to a shots-fired call in the 1300 block of Carroll Street. According to police, officers discovered an injured 52-year-old man and 21-year-old Jaylen Betts dead inside the house. The 52-year-old man was taken to the hospital; however, an update on his condition has not been released. More than 50 rounds were fired into the house from the street, according to officers. Brem is expected to be brought back to Texarkana from Houston and will be booked for murder and evading arrest.

UPDATE: According to the Texas DPS, 32-year-old Trevor McEuen who was wanted for murder was taken into custody early Monday morning in Van Zandt County after a SWAT standoff.
McEuen is being held at the Kaufman County Jail on the following charges: Capital murder by terror threat/other felony, five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, arson, murder.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — Kaufman County has issued a $10,000 reward for information leading to the capture of a man wanted for murder.

According to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, around 5:33 a.m. on Monday, Trevor McEuen removed his ankle monitor and left his family’s home in Van Zandt County hours before he was due in court on a murder charge, the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office said. Continue reading 2023 fatal shooting suspect in custody

Tyler – The East Texas Food Bank will have their summer food kickoff event Tuesday, at 11:00 a.m. at the Glass Recreation Center in Tyler. Food Bank CEO David Emerson will be the keynote speaker, as he will talk about the benefits of the program, and feeding kids this summer. Lunch will be served for kids 18 and younger. Activities like face painting, balloon animals and games will be offered. ETFB will have Summer Food sites at 35 locations in East Texas. To see a map for those locations, go here.

TYLER — Our news partner KETK reports that The National Institutes of Health has issued UT Tyler a $441,000 grant for funding to develop cancer-targeting nanotechnology.

“At UT Tyler, we’re committed to advancing research that can save lives,” interim dean of UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy Dr. Pamella Ochoa said. “This NIH grant not only affirms the excellence of our faculty but also highlights our continued role in driving scientific innovation that can benefit East Texas and beyond.”

1 in 10 adults has received a cancer diagnosis, according to UT Tyler. Dr. Santosh Aryal’s and Dr. Farah Deba’s research will focus on using immune system cells to target cancer with nanotechnology. Continue reading $441K grant given to UT Tyler to develop cancer-targeting nanotechnology

COOKVILLE – A man in connection to the death of his wife who was found dead in Cookville on Sunday, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

The Titus County sheriff’s office said they responded to a possible murder reported on Sunday in the 500 block of County Road 3130 in Cookville. When deputies arrived at the scene they found a dead woman that was identified as Amy Denmon Allen, 54.

Amy’s husband, Michael Paul Allen, 52, was taken in to custody at the scene. According to the sheriff’s office, he was then interviewed by the Titus County Criminal Investigation Division and arrested for murder.

Allen was arraigned on Monday and his bond has been set at $1 million. The sheriff’s office is continuing to investigate this case.

FLINT – Our news partner KETK reports that a Flint man was arrested on Saturday evening after shoving his disabled mom’s head into a wall and elbowing her in the mouth.

According to a Smith County arrest affidavit, a deputy talked to the victim at her home on Frederick Circle about an assault that happened on Saturday between her and her son.

The victim told the deputy that her son, Kerry Dewayne Campbell, “has changed ever since he has gotten into a relationship,” and he was upset because she wasn’t letting him bring his girlfriend to his house.

The affidavit said that Campbell attempted to enter her home, but she was holding the front door closed to prevent him from coming in. “Then [the victim] stated that Campbell grabbed her torso and moved her out of the way,” the document said. “Campbell grabbed her by the face and shoved her head into the wall, and then Campbell elbowed Kerry’s mouth.” Continue reading Flint man arrested after injuring family member

CROCKETT – Our news partner KETK reports that a Crockett woman has been arrested after allegedly selling counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl that led to a man’s death.

The Crockett Police Department said that they received reports of an unresponsive man on May 21 and went to the person’s apartment on Sallas Street at around 11 p.m. Once on the scene, officers along with Houston County EMS discovered the individual had died, which was believed to be caused by a drug overdose.

Inside the victim’s apartment, officers reported finding small blue pills marked “M 30” which are known to resemble oxycodone or Percocet. Further investigation led officials to believe that the pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl, causing the victim’s death. Continue reading Woman arrested for selling fentanyl-laced pills, leading to a death

WOOD COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that an East Texas man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting his adopted children.

In 2018, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office began investigating Kevin Ray Larsson after one of his adopted children reported he had been sexually abusing them. According to officials, the child reported that Larsson had improper relations with her when she was 5-years-old.

As the investigation continued into 2023, at least six of Larsson’s adopted children claimed that he had sexually assaulted them, according to a press release from the Wood County District Attorney’s Office. Larsson later admitted to having inappropriate sexual conduct with one of the children. Continue reading Man sentenced to 30 years for sexually assaulting six adopted children

UPDATE: KAUFMAN COUNTY – According to the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, 32-year-old Trevor McEuen, wanted for murder, was taken into custody early Monday morning.

McEuen is being held at the Kaufman County Jail on the charges of capital murder by terror threat/other felony, five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, arson, and murder.

Authorities said more information about his arrest will be released later. Continue reading UPDATE: Murder suspect in custody after a month on the run

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, a woman was arrested after attempting to steal a wig from a corpse at a funeral home in Tyler. The funeral director notified the Tyler Police Department on May 23 that Tonya Boyd had gone into the preparation room and had removed the wig from a body, according to a Smith County arrest affidavit. Officials spoke with the funeral director on May 28, who stated that Boyd had been at the funeral home earlier in the day before the incident and was asked to leave. Later that day, Boyd returned to the funeral home, and employees witnessed her exiting the building with a wig in hand but did not realize it belonged to one of their clients.

According to the affidavit, the witness stated that he knew Boyd and that she had a problem with drugs. It was also reported that Boyd had been involved in several criminal activities around the funeral home in the past. The director reported that he had purchased a new wig to replace the stolen one and the family had been notified. Following the investigation, Boyd was charged with theft of property from a human corpse.

GUN BARREL CITY – According to our news partner KETK, the Gun Barrel City Police Department is currently searching for a man that led Henderson County law enforcement on a search to Eustace overnight. Gun Barrel City PD said officers were doing a traffic stop in the 100 block of Trailwind Street in Gun Barrel City on Saturday at around 9:36 p.m. when a man ran from the vehicle.

According to a post from Gun Barrel City PD, the man was identified as Terrence Marshawn Carter, a Black man from Henderson. Officials said Carter has a active patrol violation from the Texas Pardon and Parole Board. Gun Barrel City PD and other agencies searched the area and K9 Aygo was able to track Carter into a creek near the 1000 block of East Main Street, Gun Barrel City PD said. Aygo was unable to track any further at that point.

Then at around 3 a.m. on Sunday, officials said a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office deputy found Carter on Highway 175E but he ran again. The K9 was called out to search for him again but during their search the sheriff’s office was called out to a gas station at 206 Highway 175 in Eustace where a person was seen trying to enter semi-trucks. Continue reading Gun Barrel City Police searching for man

CROCKETT – The City of Crockett city administrator John Angerstein, State Rep. Cody Harris and State Rep. Trent Ashby have all expressed their opposition to a new permit application for wells in Anderson County according to our news partner KETK.

Redtown Ranch Holdings LLC in Anderson County has submitted a groundwater production permit application for 21 high-capacity groundwater wells that he said could extract 10 billion gallons of water a year from the Carrizo and Wilcox aquifers. Angerstein said the permit application also lists 11 more wells in Houston County that could drain another 5 billion gallons of water a year but aren’t covered by the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District (NTVGCD) like the 21 proposed wells in Anderson County.

According to Angerstein, the 21 wells would extract 52 times more water than the city of Crockett uses for its population. Continue reading Officials express opposition to new high-capacity wells

SMITH COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report a passenger was reportedly ejected from a vehicle following a crash in Smith County this afternoon. According to the Community Outreach Coordinator for Smith County ESD2, Nikki Simmons, the crash occurred at FM 2908 at around 12:40 p.m. Simmons did confirm the crash was a rollover, causing one person to be ejected from the vehicle. One person was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to Simmons.