KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — A pedestrian was struck by a train in downtown Tyler Thursday. According to the Tyler Police Department and our news partner KETK,  the individual was hit on the tracks near Goodwill and the intersection of Bonner Avenue and Locust Street. The person has transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not released details about what led to the crash or provided an update on the victim’s condition.

HENDERSON COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, recent federal funding cuts have put Henderson County’s plans to expand high-speed internet access into jeopardy. The county, Texas was originally slated to receive $3.3 billion from the federal government’s Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program but that amount was recently cut down to $1.3 billion.

“This reduction directly jeopardizes the county’s plan because Phase III relies on the federal BEAD money,” Henderson County said on Friday. “The county’s plan was designed to connect every resident to high-speed internet. Officials chose to split the work into three phases because the overall project is large and costly.”

County officials explained that the project’s second phase is currently in the process of connecting nearly 5,000 locations in rural Henderson County, thanks to $2.3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and other state funds. Continue reading Henderson County internet expansion threatened by cuts

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Thursday afternoon fire in Van Zandt County resulted in the loss of one of the Whitton Volunteer Fire Department’s brush trucks. According to our news partner KETK, the fire reportedly broke out between FM 316 and FM 3080 in Mabank as multiple departments worked to protect a nearby structure. Whitton VFD confirmed that one of their brush trucks was destroyed in the response, the largest equipment loss the department has experienced.

Equipment losses can significantly affect how small volunteer departments operate. Whitton VFD is funded through county stipends, community fundraisers and donations, which help support daily operations and future emergency responses.For more information about the department or how to donate, you can visit the Whitton Volunteer Fire Department online or call them at 903-848-0260.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Curtis Wulf has announced his intention to run for re-election in 2026. According to our news partner KETK, Judge Wulf leads one of the county’s busiest justice courts, handling a caseload that includes traffic violations, civil matters, evictions and Class C criminal offenses. His duties also require him to remain available around the clock for inquests and support for law-enforcement agencies.

“With more than two decades of experience in the justice system—including my earlier service as a peace officer—I recognize the importance of a court that is both fair and firm,” Wulf said. “My goal has always been to apply the law impartially, treat everyone with respect and help keep our community safe.”

During his first term Wulf said his court built a strong reputation for professionalism and dependability, providing officers with timely judicial decisions, clear communication and consistent application of the law. He also said he’s become known for setting appropriate bond amounts, particularly in cases involving violence or threats to public safety.

TYLER – In honor of Rosa Parks, a seat on each Tyler Transit bus will be reserved in her memory on Monday, Dec. 1. This day marks the anniversary of a milestone in the Civil Rights movement. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the “colored” section of the bus for a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. After refusing the bus driver’s order to move, she was arrested for civil disobedience. 

Rosa Parks’ action sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 381 days until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation on public transit systems was unconstitutional. The boycott helped end segregation of public facilities in the United States, and Rosa Parks became known as the “mother of the freedom movement.”

To more get information from the City of Tyler website, click here.

SULPHUR SPRINGS – The principal of Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center in Sulphur Springs, Sherry Sinclair has passed away, according to Sulphur Springs ISD. The district said that Sinclair died on Thanksgiving morning. As principal, Sinclair led the district’s Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center, a campus which focuses on head start and pre-kindergarten classes.

Deana Steeber Ed.D. Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent said in a press release, “It is with a heavy heart that I share that Mrs. Sherry Sinclair, Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center Principal, passed away this morning. She never missed an opportunity to share the incredible work being done at Douglass. She was so proud of her staff and students. Mrs. Sinclair dearly loved her Douglass ECLC family, and she loved being a Wildcat. She demonstrated everything it means to be a Wildcat. Today, we are so very thankful for Mrs. Sinclair and the many lives she touched.”

Steeber asked the community to pray for Sinclair’s family and the students and staff of Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center.

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that one pedestrian has been hospitalized after being struck by a train in downtown Tyler Thursday. The individual was hit on the tracks near Goodwill and transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. No further information was provided by authorities.

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.