KTBB News, Weather, Talk

VAN ZANDT – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is requesting residents’ help in finding a suspect who stole copper wire from a property in Fruitvale earlier this month. According to the sheriff’s office and our news partner KETK, the burglary took place early Feb. 6 when the suspect entered the property in the 1300 block of U.S. Highway 80, near the Grand Saline Creek area and stole two rolls of copper wire.

During the burglary, the property owner captured a photo of the suspect and the vehicle they were driving. Investigators believe the vehicle is either a silver Toyota RAV4 or a Ford Escape. If you recognize the vehicle or suspect your asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-567-4133. or submit tips to Investigator D. Henson at [email protected].

LINDALE — The Lindale Volunteer Fire Department and Smith County Emergency Services District 2 are currently responding to a fire near Highway 69 North and FM 3271, near Blessed Hands BBQ. The Lindale VFD said they are taking precautionary action and evacuating residents near the area as the fire is spreading quickly. State troopers and constables are on scene to direct traffic as one lane has been closed heading toward Tyler as the fire continues spreading quickly.

HARRISON COUNTY – Harrison County Judge Chad Sims has announced a burn ban for the county. Due to current dry conditions and increased fire risk, Harrison County is implementing a burn ban starting today, February 24, 2026. All outdoor burning is prohibited, including brush piles, trash burning, and campfires. This ban applies to all areas within Harrison County. The cities of Hallsville, Marshall and Waskom are also implementing a burn ban. Continue reading Harrison County burn ban

TYLER – There’s a big addition to the site of the Smith County Courthouse construction project. A massive dome that will sit on top of the new Smith County Courthouse is being constructed onsite and is expected to be installed in late March or early April. Construction workers are pre-fabricating the dome in the old jury parking lot, which has been used as a laydown yard during the courthouse construction project.

The dome consists of several components, including a lower dome, 14-foot columns, an upper dome, and a 9-foot spire and will add nearly 60 feet of height to the building. The lower dome section weighs about 56,000 pounds, with the upper dome weighing an additional 16,000 pounds. Each will be lifted separately over a 2–3-day period and welded in their final resting place.

To safely complete this work, a 900-ton mobile crane — one of the largest cranes of its kind and configuration in the United States — will be utilized on site.

Also, a timeline was released Tuesday on construction progress. Phase 1 of the project was the Smith County Parking Garage, which was completed in November 2024. Phase 2 is the new courthouse construction, which is to be completed by the end of 2026. Phase 3 is the demolition of the current courthouse and adding a green space from the new courthouse to Broadway Avenue, will begin in January 2027, and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred on Monday afternoon that left one person injured. Longview PD officers responded to reports of a shooting in the 600 block of West Avalon Avenue at around 12:27 p.m. on Monday. When they arrived at the scene, they found an adult male who had been shot.

Officials did not release any details about the man’s condition, other than that he was shot. Longview PD investigators think the shooting was an isolated incident and there’s no threat to the public.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Longview PD at 903-237-1199.

UPDATE: All TSA equipment is now back in operation, according to the City of Tyler, following repairs.

TYLER — Delays are expected at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport as the x-ray scanner for carry-ons is down. Airport officials are warning people to arrive earlier than anticipated to account for the delay. TSA has requested help to get the machine repaired. When KTBB called airport officials, they did not know when the scanner would be fixed. Currently, the City of Tyler’s flight tracker indicates that there are no delays for American Airlines arrivals or departures at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Fire Department said they rescued an elderly person from a burning residence on Sunday. According to the department and our news partner KETK, firefighters responded to the 600 block of Washington Street at around 10:21 a.m. on Sunday because of a reported fire.

The first firefighters on the scene had received reports that an elderly person was still inside the burning home. The Longview Fire Department said those first firefighters entered the home and successfully got the person out while additional firefighters arriving at the scene started fighting the fire. The fire was eventually brought under control before anyone got hurt but unfortunately two residents are now displaced because of the damage to their home, according to the department.

The cause of this fire is currently under investigation.

TEXARKANA — Be aware of road closures during morning and afternoon commutes in Texarkana this week. Interstate 30 westbound ramp closures are set to begin midday on Monday, Feb. 23. These closures on I-30 will affect the westbound entrance ramp located east of Richmond Road according to our news partners at KETK. The second closure is located at the entrance ramp from U.S. 59/I-369 to I-30 west. To access I-30 West, exit at University Avenue, then travel along the frontage road to use the entrance ramp east of Kings Highway. Check DriveTexas.org for the latest closures and updates.

MARSHALL – The City of Marshall said a water main break is causing them to lose “significant amounts of water” from their water storage towers.

The city is currently seeking to maintain water levels by shutting off water valves near US Highway 59 and the 1300 block of East Pinecrest Drive. Repairs are currently being made but residents near Super One Foods, the Scenic Loop Subdivision and the surrounding areas may be affected by the water main break.

The City of Marshall has issued a boil water notice for residents in an area affected by Sunday’s water main break that includes South Washington Avenue, Sunset Drive, Elysian Fields Avenue and

Anyone under the boil water notice should bring any water for cleaning or consumption to a vigorous rolling boil for at least two minutes before use.

PALESTINE – Three adults were arrested on Sunday after Palestine Police Department found several pounds of suspected meth in a vehicle with an 8-month-old infant. According to our news partner KETK, detectives with Palestine PD’s Street Crimes Unit did a traffic stop on a black 2007 Dodge Nitro for a traffic violation on Loop 256 at Benbrook Drive at around 12:39 a.m. on Sunday.
Continue reading Meth found in vehicle with infant

TYLER – 2026 Black History Month Awards Gala was held in Tyler on Friday as a way to celebrate local African Americans in the arts. The City of Tyler partnered with the Caldwell Arts Alliance to host Friday’s gala at the Willow Brook Country Club, according to our news partners at KETK. On top of paying tribute to those in the arts with awards, the gala was also an opportunity to hand out scholarships to aspiring artists. “We find young people who exemplify excellence in the arts and we uplift, we celebrate them and encourage them to keep going,” Tyler Black History Month Coordinator Sonya Hunter said. Students were able to earn scholarships worth between $250 and $1000. Many of the scholarships were funded by Friday’s award recipients.

WINNSBORO — Winnsboro ISD has hired Greg Hollingsworth as its new police chief following a unanimous 6-0 vote by the school board Wednesday night. The appointment comes nearly two months after the board voted to terminate former police chief Heath Guy in December after a closed executive session.

Guy had been placed on administrative leave in June amid an investigation connected to a former district employee. That investigation involved former assistant football coach Nicholas Gabriele, who was arrested in June after allegedly admitting to a sexual relationship with a student.

SMITH COUNTY – Firefighters from across Smith County worked to contain a large fire near County Road 246 on Saturday. According to Smith County Emergency Services District 2 (ESD2) and our news partner KETK, multiple crews responded to the scene of the fire near County Road 246 and County Road 346. The Texas A&M Forest Service listed the fire as being 47-acres across and 100% contained as of 7:29 p.m. on Saturday.

No structures were endangered by the fire and no injuries have been reported. Smith County ESD2 asked drivers in the area to watch out for first responders directing traffic or bulldozers being unloaded near the fire.

GREGG COUNTY — Melissa Beckett, a Republican candidate for Texas House District 7, has filed a lawsuit against incumbent Rep. Jay Dean for defamation after he accused her of wanting to eliminate the Texas teacher retirement system. She claims that this accusation has negatively impacted her campaign, according to our news partners at KETK.

The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, claims that two days prior, Dean posted on his official Facebook a post from Texas Education 911 taken from X:

‘Destroy Teacher Retirement? TEXAS EDUCATION 911 Texas Education 911 @TexasEd911 X.com -If Public Education were genuinely DOGEd, we could cut so much waste and return the money to people. -Maybe it’s time to retire the TRS and switch to 401Ks 2:40 PM 12/9/25 95 Views’

He replied: “HD7 alone employs roughly 1,600 teachers, and statewide the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) serves 1.8 million Texans, including nearly 800,000 retirees who depend on it. Calling for the elimination of TRS isn’t bold – it’s reckless and irresponsible. It threatens the financial security of educators who have dedicated their lives to our kids and our communities. And let’s be clear: she knew it was wrong – that’s why she deleted the post. When someone shows you who they are, believe them.”

The lawsuit says the post by Dean accused Beckett of advocating for eliminating the Texas Teacher Retirement System and of deleting that post after public backlash. Continue reading Candidate sues Rep. Dean for defamation

TYLER — There are 14 sidewalk projects in the planning stage which are expected to start construction within the year. This is due to a fatal crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian shut down all northbound and southbound lanes in the 1400 block of East Gentry Parkway on Wednesday.

According to Tyler Police Department and our news partner KETK, officers responded to the scene at approximately 3:34 p.m. on Wednesday. Responding officers found a woman who was hit by a vehicle while crossing the road. The woman who was hit was then taken to a local hospital for treatment but she succumbed to her injuries. Tyler PD has since identified the crash victim as 44-year-old Lindsey Null.

The driver from Wednesday’s fatal crash also hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries and is not expected to face charges at this time.

The Tyler Police Department said Null was not crossing at a designated crosswalk when she was struck. A Tyler resident who was nearby when the crash happened said Null’s death was tragic and that the city should be safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. Continue reading Push for sidewalks after pedestrian killed

ANDERSON COUNTY – The Anderson County Commissioner’s Court met on Friday to discuss taking action to recover $248,723.74 that was paid to a former judge’s wife through an unapproved county work contract. According to our news partner KETK, in a special meeting of the Anderson County Commissioner’s Court on Friday, Anderson County Judge Carol G. McKinney and the county commissioners discussed how former Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston’s wife Brenda Johnston was working for the county even though he never disclosed her employment, which he was required to do when he last took office.

According to Anderson County Commissioner for Precinct 1 Greg Chapin, Brenda had previously worked for the Anderson County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. Chapin explained that she was later contracted to work Child Protective Services cases for the DA’s office, on a part-time basis, for a $5400 a month contract.

Chapin said the county auditor had told the DA’s office that they could enter into the project with Brenda without the approval of the commissioner’s court, so the contract was never officially approved or ratified with the county. Continue reading Judge failed to disclose $248K contract

TYLER – When Alexander Kaine Johnson stepped into the 321st District Courtroom to be adopted on Friday, he was surprised to see about 45 fellow fifth graders from Bell Elementary School. Bell Principal Tamara Johnson and several teachers brought the group of kids to celebrate his adoption after a two-year-long process.

Vandria and Tyrone Johnson adopted 11-year-old Cain Coles, who officially changed his name to Alexander Kaine Johnson during the adoption ceremony. 321st District Judge Robert Wilson teared up when he said it was a great day and he was happy to see the family become a forever family.
Continue reading An event to remember

WINNSBORO — The Winnsboro ISD has hired Greg Hollingsworth as its new police chief following a unanimous 6-0 vote by the school board Wednesday night. The appointment comes nearly two months after the board voted to terminate former police chief Heath Guy in December after a closed executive session. According to our news partner KETK, Guy had been placed on administrative leave in June amid an investigation connected to a former district employee. That investigation involved former assistant football coach Nicholas Gabriele, who was arrested in June after allegedly admitting to a sexual relationship with a student.

CALDWELL — Two red-ruffed lemur pups were born on Valentine’s Day at the Caldwell Zoo, marking the first successful birth of the critically endangered species in the zoo’s history, zoo officials announced Friday. According to our news partner KETK, their 4-year-old mother, Kintana, arrived at Caldwell Zoo in April 2025 from the Woodland Park Zoo. She was later introduced to Junior, the father, who has lived at Caldwell Zoo since 2017 after arriving from St. Augustine Alligator Park.

Red-ruffed lemurs are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Zoo officials said the birth marks an important milestone in ongoing conservation efforts to protect the species.
Continue reading Zoo has new additions

TYLER – Fire crews from Longview and Smith County have deployed to the Texas Panhandle to assist in battling the Lavender Fire in Pampa and the 8 Ball Fire in Howardwick. The deployments are part of coordinated operations through the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). According to our news partner KETK and Smith County ESD2, firefighters were sent to the Lavender Fire in Pampa, located north of Amarillo, to assist with suppression efforts. As of 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, the fire had burned more than 12,000 acres and was 20% contained. Continue reading Firefighters sent to combat wildfires

EAST Texas – Due to continued dry weather conditions and a lack of rain, several counties have issued burn bans across East Texas. These counties include: Van Zandt County, Hopkins County and Trinity County. Consult the Forest Service website for more information.

TYLER – Smith County shared that part of East Line Street in Downtown Tyler was closed starting on Thursday. According to Smith County, East Line Street from the railroad tracks to Center Avenue will be closed for around two weeks while the City of Tyler does roadwork in that area.

Smith County advised Adult Probation employees and customers to drive to their parking lot from Spring Avenue in order to avoid the road closure.

UPDATE: The woman who died on Wednesday has been identified as 44-year-old Lindsey Null. The Tyler Police Department said she was not crossing at a designated crosswalk when she was struck. The driver is not expected to face charges at this time.

TYLER – A crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian has shut down all northbound and southbound lanes in the 1400 block of East Gentry Parkway. According to Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, officers responded to the scene at approximately 3:34 p.m. As of 3:55 p.m., all lanes remain closed as police and emergency crews work in the roadway. Drivers are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A woman pleaded guilty on Wednesday in a tax fraud scheme tied to her two Longview businesses, resulting in a tax loss of nearly $250,000. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Eastern District of Texas and our news partner KETK, Marneitha Reese Scott, 57, of Gilmer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid, assist, counsel or advise in tax fraud. Evidence showed that Scott operated two tax return preparer businesses in Longview under the name F.A.S.T. Financial Firm.

“Scott and others recruited tax preparers to work at the businesses to prepare and file income tax returns for clients,” the U.S. attorney’s office said. “With others, Scott created a scheme to defraud the United States by instructing the tax preparers to create fraudulent entries on client tax returns, including, for example, claims for business losses when the client had no business.”

The tax returns were reportedly filed by Scott or her employees working at her direction, resulting in a tax loss for tax years 2019-2022 of $243,899.

Scott could face up to five years in federal prison, a potential fine and restitution at sentencing.

TYLER – A Longview tax preparer has pleaded guilty to a federal violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. 57-year-old Marneitha Reese Scott, of Gilmer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid, assist, counsel, or advise in tax fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell on February 18, 2026.

According to information presented in court, Scott owned a tax return preparer business operated under the name of F.A.S.T. Financial Firm (“FAST”), with two locations in Longview.  Scott and others recruited tax preparers to work at the businesses to prepare and file income tax returns for clients.

With others, Scott created a scheme to defraud the United States by instructing the tax preparers to create fraudulent entries on client tax returns, including, for example, claims for business losses when the client had no business. Continue reading Guilty plea in tax fraud scheme

TYLER – Robert Harrison Johnson IV has been found not guilty by reason of insanity after a house fire in 2022 killed his half-brother with special needs. Johnson had been in a state hospital, and a report from January stated that he was insane at the time of the offense.

On May 18, 2022, Johnson’s half-brother Jack McKenzie Ross, 35, died in the house fire in the 11300 block of County Road 1113. He was arrested by police in DeSoto weeks later.

Records revealed that Johnson was smoking a cigarette in his room when embers landed on a nearby towel. Johnson, in a conversation with investigators, claimed that a “ghost” stopped him from leaving the house. He was also asked why he didn’t help Ross who was in the next room. His response was a claim that spirits forced him out. Continue reading Not guilty by insanity