KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — AAA has projected an unprecedented number of travelers this weekend. According to KETK up to 5.8 million drivers in Texas and 81.8 million drivers nationwide from Wednesday to Monday. Consequently, it’s essential to be prepared for any potential road mishaps. AAA advises travelers to hit the road early, ideally before 11 A.M., or any time after 8 p.m. to avoid commuter traffic.

Daniel Armbruster from AAA emphasizes, “Tired driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. It’s crucial to take naps and rest during holiday travel.” He recommends setting a designated rest stop every 100 miles to maintain alertness while driving. As you prepare for your travels, reports indicate that Smith County is averaging $2.53 per gallon for fuel, which is 10 cents lower than the current state average. To find the lowest gas prices before heading out on your trip, visit KETK’s East Texas Gas Prices.

TYLER — The Salvation Army of Tyler will serve a Thanksgiving meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, anyone is welcome to show up and receive a home cooked meal at the Salvation Army building on North Broadway. The drive-thru opens at 10:15 a.m. for first responders and 11:30 a.m. for the general public.

“It shows a community that is bound together through trials and adversity, lifting each other up,” said Robert Coriston, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army of Tyler. “To me, this is the whole spirit of Thanksgiving.”

The organization has prepared about 70 turkeys and expects to serve between 600 and 1,000 meals.

TYLER — East Texas officials said new diplomatic pressure may finally accelerate the release of Hallsville native Caden Hawkins, who has spent nine months in a Juarez prison after accidentally crossing into Mexico with a firearm. According to our news partner KETK, for nine months, the family of 22-year-old Hallsville native Caden Hawkins has pleaded for help after he was allegedly jailed in Mexico for accidentally crossing the border with a firearm. Hawkins was returning from work in Arizona last March when GPS detours routed him toward a border checkpoint. According to his family, Mexican guards instructed him to pass through and then turn back toward the United States. When officers inspected his truck, Hawkins voluntarily disclosed that he had a pistol inside, leading to his immediate arrest.
Continue reading U.S. Ambassador intervenes in Caden Hawkins case

TYLER — Houston’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the oldest in the country, will celebrate its 76th year with a special performance by the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles.The Apache Belles, known for their high-energy routines, have been practicing a high-kick performance all season, which they will showcase as they march through downtown Houston. The Apache Belles will march along a parade route that spans more than 20 city blocks, culminating in a performance area in front of the grandstands.

TYLER — With Thanksgiving, here’s a look at the stores and restaurants that will be open for last-minute shoppers, travelers and anyone planning to dine out. Our news partner KETK has shared a list with us.

Stores Open on Thanksgiving
Brookshire’s: Open until 2 p.m.
Super 1 Foods: Open until 2 p.m.
Sprouts Farmers Market: Open until 2 p.m.
Fresh: Open until 2 p.m.
CVS: Hours vary by location; some stores open with pharmacies closing at 2 p.m.
Walgreens: 24-hour stores will remain open.
Kroger: Open until 5 p.m.; pharmacies closed.
Dollar General: Open until 10 p.m.
Dollar Tree: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Continue reading Restaurants and grocery stores open Thanksgiving

TYLER — On Tuesday morning, just one week after Smith County Precinct 4 decided to join the 287(g) Task Force Program — which permits local agents to enforce immigration protocols — concerns from employees and business owners are surfacing. According to our news partner KETK, a meeting, hosted by the Tyler Area Builders Association, brought together restaurant owners, hospitality and construction workers, along with other industry leaders. Among the attendees was Bob Westbrook, a member of the Texas Restaurant Association, who expressed his worries about how employee absenteeism could impact the economy.

Westbrook stated, “It’s important that our employees feel safe going to the grocery store, that they feel safe going to school, that they feel safe coming to work because we desperately need them. If not, businesses lose essential workers; service slows, projects stall, and the economic ripple affects every resident.”

This issue is hitting the construction industry and housing market particularly hard. Kerry Hamblett from the Tyler Area Builders Association noted that the already minimally staffed construction sector could face even greater shortages. Continue reading New immigration program sparks concerns

TYLER — As Cyber Monday and online holiday shopping ramp up, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding East Texans to take steps to shop safely online. DPS Chief Information Officer Jessica Ballew says the high volume of shoppers during the holidays creates prime opportunities for online scams.

“Scammers count on people being distracted, rushing to make purchases, or simply losing track of what they’ve bought,” Ballew said. She adds that taking a few extra seconds to verify a website, use a secure connection or check for trust seals can help protect your data from being compromised.

Our news partner KETK recommends shopping with trusted sources and well-known retailers, and avoiding unsolicited links sent through emails, texts or online ads. Scammers may promote fake websites with deals that seem too good to be true or send fake package-tracking messages. DPS advises shoppers to watch for odd formatting or subtle spelling errors. Continue reading Protection tips for holiday cyber shopping

TYLER — Caldwell Zoo announced on Tuesday that after a months-long effort to save Cricket the giraffe, their medical team was forced to euthanize her due to a complex infection in her feet. According to our news partner KETK, Cricket underwent several procedures, including four major interventions that focused on her hoof and lower limb health. In her last procedure, the medical specialist found that the infection had advanced despite efforts to treat the area.

Scott Maddox, President and CEO of Caldwell Zoo, said in a press releasee. “We always strive to provide the absolute best care for every member of our animal family, and we are all extremely saddened that we couldn’t save Cricket.”

RUSK – A boil water notice has been issued in parts of Rusk by the Rusk Rural Water Supply Company. According to our news partner KETK, Areas impacted by the boil water notice include: FM 241, Highway 69 South, County Road 2443 and Country Road 2446. Rusk residents are asked to boil their water before consumption, such as brushing their teeth or washing their hands. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil, then boiled for 2 minutes. Once the notice is no longer in effect, RRWS will alert all customers currently impacted.

Update: Smith County officials announced on Tuesday that the hearing scheduled for Wednesday to determine the fate of the dogs has been canceled. Instead, the involved parties reached an agreement to euthanize the two remaining pit bulls.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said a 23-year-old Madison Riley Hull was killed by three pit bull dogs that attacked her in Tyler on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to a call at a residence near Northwood Drive and Shadywood Drives in Tyler at around 4:15 p.m. The first deputy on scene saw Hull lying in the backyard of a home as three pit bulls attacked her. The officer was reportedly able to shoot and kill one of the pit bulls, which caused the other two dogs to run away. They were able to remove her body from the backyard, but she died because of her injuries from the dog attack.

A sheriff’s office release said the other two dogs were handled by Smith County Animal Control. Investigators said the woman was dog-sitting the pit bulls that attacked her, since the home’s owners were out of town. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the attack and an autopsy has been ordered. The deputy attacked also received minor injuries was treated.

TYLER – City of Tyler will have a Thanksgiving holiday schedule Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28. All City Hall offices will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1. City officials have provided a comprehensive list covering items like, water utility payments, garbage service and Tyler Transit schedule. Continue reading City of Tyler holiday schedule

MOUNT PLEASANT — Our news partners at KETK report that a man was taken into custody Friday following a stabbing at the Holiday Inn in Mount Pleasant. The Mount Pleasant Police Department identified the suspect as 54-year-old Ivory Miller. Officers responded to the hotel on Friday at around 6:40 p.m. after receiving reports of a man bleeding and another individual behaving aggressively. Police were informed that Miller had a knife and stabbed the victim. When officers arrived, they discovered the injured man lying on the lobby floor with a stab wound to his back, while Miller had already left the scene. Around 8 p.m., officers located Miller and placed him under arrest. He was booked into the Titus County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities said the two men did not know each other.

MINEOLA — Two Christmas parades in East Texas will not include horses after Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued an urgent alert to horse owners and trainers regarding the reporting of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 in Waco. According to our news partner KETK, the Mineola Chamber of Commerce has cancelled all horse entries for this year’s Christmas Parade out of an abundance of caution.

“This decision was not made lightly, but the health and safety of our community—and our four-legged friends—comes first,” Mineola officials said. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding and look forward to welcoming horse entries back in future parades when it is safe to do so.”

On Friday afternoon, the New Boston Chamber of Commerce also announced it would not include horses in their Christmas Parade. Continue reading Christmas parades impacted by Equine Herpesvirus

PANOLA COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, a Central Heights Middle School teacher has been put on leave following a sexual assault arrest. Landon Christopher Odom, 26 of Gary, was apprehended on Thursday and taken into custody following a sexual assault investigation involving a minor.

Central Heights ISD released a statement shortly after that the instructor was placed on leave and removed from all school-related responsibilities.

“It is the District’s understanding that the investigation does not relate to school-based conduct or students of CHISD,” the district said in a statement issued on Friday.

The district added that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement and remains committed to maintaining transparency with parents and the community. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews. Odom is being held on a $100,000 bond in the Panola County Jail.

RUSK COUNTY — A Rusk County man has been sentenced to five years in state prison after allegedly making more than 70 threatening phone calls to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, Travis Andrew Halbert was arrested on July 1 after repeatedly calling the department over three days. He was charged with 4 counts of making terroristic threats against a peace officer and one charge of harassment.

Officials said Halbert threatened dispatchers and their families in several calls, and in one instance claimed he would “rain down hellfire” by firebombing the department. Halbert initially pleaded not guilty during his Nov. 17 jury trial but changed his plea to guilty, and received the five year prison term.

SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County officer is in the hospital after being severely assaulted by a juvenile inmate on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, deputies were sent to the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center after being informed that an inmate was assaulting an officer. Deputies arrived and were led to the officer, who was lying on the floor with significant head injury. The officer was taken a hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for critical head injuries.

Officials reviewed surveillance footage, where they saw the suspect repeatedly striking the officer with a handicap shower rail that was detached from the shower wall. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said the officer is currently in stable condition following the surgery.

SMITH COUNTY – Non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, for Thanksgiving. County offices will reopen on Monday, December 1, for normal business hours. Smith County Commissioners Court will be held at its regular time, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 25.

AUSTIN — A Longview resident has the winning ticket worth $1 million dollars, by playing a Texas Lottery scratch ticket game. The ticket was purchased at Super 1 Foods on East Marshall Avenue near Alpine Village in Longview. The winner elected to remain anonymous.

SHREVEPORT (NOAA) – The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for portions of northeast Texas until 7 p.m. Monday. Counties in the watch area are: Cherokee County, Rusk County, Sabine County, Nacogdoches County, Shelby County, Angelina County, San Augustine County, Panola County, Houston County, Trinity County and Anderson County. To get regular weather updates from the KTBB website, go here.

HALLSVILLE – East Texas State Rep. Jay Dean is calling for the release of Caden Hawkins, a 22-year-old from Hallsville, that Dean said is being held as a cash asset in Mexico.
According to Dean, Hawkins was arrested as he was heading home from working on an oil field when his GPS led him across the border. Hawkins had a legally registered firearm in the vehicle when he was arrested. Dean told our news partners at KETK that he spoke with Hawkins’ family on Sunday. Hawkins has reportedly been held in Juarez, Mexico for the past 9 months. His family has been trying to secure his release for months and has had to pay thousands of dollars to try and help Caden. Continue reading State Rep. calls for release of East Texan

MARSHALL — A federal lawsuit claims an East Texas rehabilitation program built around manual labor instead functioned as an unpaid labor pipeline, one that seized participants’ tips, controlled their benefits and kept them working across several businesses. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Texas, details accusations against Timothy Wiseman, Wiseman Ministries Inc., Wiseman Transport LLC, ten unnamed defendants and the ministry’s recovery program, Isaiah 58 Farms.

According to our news partner KETK, Isaiah 58 Farms is a 150-acre income-producing commercial blackberry farm with housing for up to 40 men, allowing residents to “experience restoration and recovery.” Active since 2003, Wiseman Ministries says it helps individuals dealing with “life-controlling issues.” However, the lawsuit argues that Tim Wiseman and Wiseman Ministries failed to pay employees despite requiring them to work 40-hour weeks.

The lawsuit claims that instead of lawful wages, participants received “points” or credits. Continue reading Lawsuit claims ministry ran unpaid labor scheme

TYLER – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has reappointed three East Texans to serve on the board of directors of the Sabine River Authority of Texas. According to our news partner KETK, Richard “Blair” Abney of Marshall, Joshua A. “Josh” McAdams of Center and Cliff Todd of Long Branch were all reappointed to the board on Thursday, along with Kevin M. Williams of Orange.

As members of the Sabine River Authority’s board of directors, the East Texans will help to conserve, store, control, preserve, utilize and distribute the Sabine River’s waters.

Todd is a farmer and rancher in Panola County and serves as an Executive Vice President for Topcat Companies in Longview. Todd’s also a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, a board member of UT Health Carthage and a commissioner with the Panola County Emergency Services District. He received his bachelor’s of science degree in agriculture from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. Continue reading East Texans reappointed to Sabine River Authority board

SMITH COUNTY — A man who broke into a residence, and assaulted a woman, was sentenced to 50 years in prison by a Smith County jury on Wednesday. According to our news partner, Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman, during the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing that the defendant, Fred Douglas Moore, arrived at a home where he confronted a resident outside of the house. When the victim attempted to get inside the house, Moore forced his way in and assaulted her, Putman’s office said. After the victim called for help from a family member inside the house, Moore left the residence.

In court, jurors heard recorded jail calls where Moore allegedly attempted to manipulate the victim’s testimony and pressured her not to appear in court. Moore also reportedly tried to contact the victim over 3,000 times while he was incarcerated. Due to all the evidence heard in the trial, including that Moore had two prior felony convictions, the jury assessed a sentence of 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Moore was sentenced after being convicted of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit assault.

CHEROKEE COUNTY, – The National Weather Service in Shreveport has confirmed that an EF-1 tornado struck near Jacksonville in Cherokee County on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the tornado touched down east of State Highway 135 at around 9 p.m. three miles southwest of Jacksonville.

NWS said the tornado was strong enough to produce 100 mile per hour winds and destroyed a large barn near a home, threw metal roofing several hundred yards of way, snapped trees and downed power lines. It was also reported the tornado blew a carport on top of a garage and a mobile home had it’s back porch blown off. The tornado then left the ground .72 miles from where it started, in a field near train tracks that run toward State Highway 135.

RAINS COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK charges have been dropped in a case where a Rains County judge was accused of tampering with a witness.

Rains County Justice of the Peace Robert Jenkins Franklin was arrested on two counts of official oppression and two counts of tampering with a witness in May, after he was accused of telling a defendant, “I heard you have a problem with me, boy. You take that deal, boy — or dead men can’t testify.”

Van Zandt County District Attorney Tonda Curry was assigned to serve in the case and she told KETK News that the charges against Franklin in this case were dropped because the evidence against him was enough for an indictment but later investigation called witnesses into question and she couldn’t prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt.

According to Curry, the indictment against Franklin will officially be dropped once he completes a year of deferred adjudication that he recently received in a disorderly conduct/display of a firearm case. Continue reading Charges dropped against Rains County judge