KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (JCPAAA) will donate $42,000 to the Jacksonville Police Department during the Dec. 9 City Hall meeting. The contribution will help fund new pistols outfitted with red-dot optics, as well as expanded firearms training for officers. The JCPAAA raised the money through ongoing community events, including several raffles and its annual April BBQ festival.

“We are proud to support our police department and help provide tools and training that enhance officer safety and effectiveness,” said Dillon Rodriguez, JCPAAA president. “This donation reflects the dedication of our volunteers and the strong partnership between our community and law enforcement.”

“The generosity of the JCPAAA and our community makes a real impact. These upgraded pistols and additional training will ensure our officers are better equipped to serve and protect our city,” Police Chief Steven Markasky said.

TYLER – The Texas A&M Forest Service has awarded over $3.5 million in grants for equipment to more than 100 fire departments throughout East Texas, according to our news partner KETK.

For the second round of Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program grants for the next fiscal year, the Texas A&M Forest Service awarded around $17.6 million in funds to volunteer fire departments across the state.

“Texas fire departments are the front line of local response and their equipment capacity is vital to response time and effectiveness,” Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis said after the first round of funding was awarded in October. “This historic funding reflects the strong support of the Texas Legislature and governor. Their investment allows us to continue supporting and equipping firefighters who protect Texas’s lives and property.” Continue reading ETX fire departments awarded $3.5M in grants

SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, former Lindale police officer Michael Lazarine, 47, pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of restriction and confinement of another officer.

The charge was filed for an incident that took place Sept. 27, shortly after Lazarine had been honored by the Smith County Commissioner Court for saving a choking toddler. On October 17, he was terminated. Lindale Police Capt. Brent Chambers stated that the termination was unrelated to the incident, but added that Lazarine is not eligible for rehire due to it. He appeared in a Smith County courtroom on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty and received a six-month deferred adjudication sentence.

EDOM — Two people have been arrested after an armed bank robbery was reported on Friday morning in Edom according to our news partners at KETK. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office responded to the First State Bank of Ben Wheeler in Edom at around 9:30 a.m., where bank personnel described the suspects’ vehicle as a gray Nissan pickup with Texas plates. Inside the vehicle was a Black woman driving and a Black man as the passenger, both dressed in gray hoodies. After a bank teller memorized the vehicle’s license plate, the sheriff’s office, along with other local agencies were able to track down the vehicle at a registered address in Ben Wheeler. There, they found two individuals matching the description given by the bank personnel. The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Van Zandt County Detention Center. The sheriff’s office assured the public that there is no immediate danger. The investigation remains ongoing.

WOOD COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report a man was arrested in Quitman on Wednesday after allegedly attacking a family member with chemicals, temporarily impairing her vision. According to a Wood County affidavit, the incident occurred on Sept. 16 in Quitman. A family member told officials she awoke to the sound of another relative calling for help on the front porch. When she went outside, she saw Brandon Nichols coming into her yard and running toward her. Nichols then poured an unknown chemical substance onto her face, hair and clothing, the affidavit alleges. The victim described the substance as sticky and painful, causing her eyelashes to stick together and impairing her vision. Continue reading Man arrested for chemical attack

NACOGDOCHES — Our news partners at KETK report one person is in custody following an investigation launched due to a threat against Nacogdoches ISD. The school district’s police department stated on Friday morning that there is no ongoing danger to any campus. The school district partnered with several agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI, to ensure the proper steps were taken. “That collaboration allowed us to move swiftly, verify the credibility of the threat, and secure the situation before it could escalate,” the Nacogdoches ISD Police Department said. The department did not disclose the specific nature of the threat but stated that if further relevant information becomes available, they will update the public on their Facebook page. Continue reading One in custody after Nacogdoches ISD threat

TEXARKANA — A second suspect has been arrested for the 2014 murder of Xavier Rollins thanks to a recent DNA analysis according to our news partner KETK. Rollins was found dead from gunshot wounds outside an apartment on College Drive on June 17, 2014.

Texarkana Police Department officials said every lead brought investigators to dead ends when the case first begun. After decades, however, detectives didn’t stop looking for answers. In 2023, advancements in DNA technology led detectives to the arrest of Cameron Cheatham for capital murder in October 2024. Continuing their search, a tip led detectives to Demontre Collins, 30. Through updated DNA analysis, it was confirmed a match to evidence from the scene.

Police secured a warrant and arrested Collins on Nov. 11 during a traffic stop. Collins, along with Cheatham, is currently being held in the Bi-State Jail on $1 million bonds for capital murder charges.

TYLER – U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran in his bid for reelection on Thursday. Moran, a Republican and former Smith County Judge, was first elected as congressman for Texas’ U.S. House District 1 in 2022 and is currently running to be reelected for a second term in 2026.

“Congressman Nathaniel Moran is doing a fantastic job representing the Great People of Texas’ 1st Congressional District! Nathaniel has an incredible Record of Success, and strong support from his Community,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Moran is currently running unopposed in the March 2026 Republican Party Primary for his seat ahead of the general election in November. Several Democratic candidates, including Dax Alexander, Tracy Andrus, Yolanda Prince and Masika Akilah Ray, are running to be their party’s candidate for the November election.

TYLER – Tyler Parks and Recreation will host the 40th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the lawn of the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center following The Rotary Club of Tyler’s Rose City Christmas Parade Friday evening. The tree will be lit by Lilli Halifax, the 2026 local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Child representing CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. 

The event will also feature performances by the Caldwell Singers, and food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Beginning at 5 p.m., Friday Dec. 5th, Front Street will be closed from Palace Avenue to Lyons Avenue, and Glenwood Boulevard will be closed from Erwin Street to Houston Street. 

CROCKETT — A man was arrested by Crockett Police Department on Wednesday on a charge of alleged indecency with a child. According to our news partner KETK, Crocket Police Department received a tip from a child on Nov. 28 and began investigating 59-year-old Terry Kenneth Taylor, of Crockett. After an investigation, a warrant for Taylor’s arrest was issued for indecency with a child by contact. Taylor was arrested and taken into custody on Wednesday with his bond set at $80,000.

TYLER — Several days after the SPCA of East Texas issued an urgent plea for donations, East Texans responded with overwhelming generosity, allowing the organization to continue caring for and sheltering animals as they move into the new year. According to the SPCA of East Texas executive director Emily Heglund and our news partner KETK, the organization received over $130,000 in donations over the past two days, with most of the contributions coming from Giving Tuesday.

The donations came shortly after the SPCA released a statement on Sunday stating that the organization is in dire need of contributions to allow them to continue caring for animals in East Texas. Continue reading Giving Tuesday boosts SPCA care efforts

SMITH COUNTY – A woman from Tyler was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine, according to our news partner KETK.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Texas, Laura Ann Messay conspired with others to distribute and possess at least 500 grams of meth in East Texas. After admitting guilt to a charge of conspiring to possess meth with intent to distribute, Messay received a 120-month prison sentence from U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant.

“This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, a man was arrested in Smith County on Tuesday for sexually assaulting a minor and having pornographic images of children on his phone. Police were dispatched to a Walmart in Tyler on Oct. 29 after a woman called claiming her 15-year-old sister had been assaulted. The victim had reportedly left her parents’ house to meet with a man she knew from Instagram as “Mike.”

Mike, later revealed to be Michael Rodas, had been messaging the victim on social media, where he told her that he was 17. Officers observed threads where the two discussed meeting up and Rodas asked for nude photographs and sexual favors if he picked her up. On the day of the incident, Rodas took the minor to a residence in Tyler, where he allegedly forced her to commit sexual acts on him. The victim managed to leave and contacted her sister for help and to be picked up. Continue reading Tyler man arrested for Instagram meetup with minor

CASS COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report a Hughes Springs police officer was suspended after being arrested in November on a charge of misuse of official information. According to Cass County jail records, Hollie Cates, 42, was arrested Nov. 17 on the charge and released the following day after posting bail. Hughes Springs Police Department said they were contacted by Texas Rangers and made aware of an incident that occurred in September, which alleges that Cates accessed and released confidential information to an individual. Continue reading Hughes Springs officer suspended following arrest

KILGORE — Kilgore College announced the death of its Executive Vice President of Internal Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Mike Jenkins, on Sunday following a battle with lymphoma.According to our news partner KETK, Jenkins had spent 35 years of service to Kilgore College.

“Mike truly had a servant’s heart and will be greatly missed,” Interim President Dr. Staci Martin said. “Please keep Mike’s family and those of us who worked closely with him in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.”

According to the college, a Wake of Remembrance will be held in his honor on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Longview, featuring refreshments, music, laughter and shared stories. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m., also at Trinity Baptist Church.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bipartisan tax reform bill on Monday, that was co-authored by East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran. According to our news partner KETK, The Tax Court Improvement Act proposed four major reforms aimed at benefiting American taxpayers. Those reforms are modernizing subpoena rules, reducing case backlogs, strengthening judicial ethics and restoring fairness through equitable tolling. Continue reading House passes Moran’s tax reform bill

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Hawk’s Eye publication reports that a Van Zandt County commissioner has been arrested following allegations that he impersonated a public servant during a dispute involving a man firing guns on his private property. Mitchell James Curtis, 57, was taken into custody Wednesday morning by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.

He is charged with impersonating a public servant and official oppression. His total bond was set at $15,000. Van Zandt County Jail records show Curtis was released after posting bond at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the allegations. Curtis was booked into the Van Zandt County Jail in accordance with state law and established SO procedures. Continue reading Van Zandt County Commissioner arrested

TRINITY COUNTY — A former Trinity County animal control officer pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child on Tuesday morning.

According to our news partner KETK, Brandon Daniel Furman was an employee at the time he committed the offense. Furman was arrested on July 1, the same day allegations against him came to light and was placed on administrative leave. Wallace says his conduct is a betrayal of the trust his office placed in him, citizens, his family and most importantly, the young victim.

“This office is deeply sickened by his actions. We are grateful that this painful matter has reached its conclusion,” Wallace said. “The plea agreement was made in consultation with the victim’s family so the child would not be required to endure the emotional and embarrassing burden of testifying in open court.”

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is currently working a major traffic accident on Highway 69 North, near Harris Nursery. At this time all Southbound lanes of travel are shut down and only one Northbound lane is open. Official ask that you consider other routes.

TYLER – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Foundation proudly announces Lilli Halifax as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) Miracle Child, representing CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. During the announcement, Tyler Mayor Don Warren presented Lilli with a key to the city, symbolizing the start of her year-long role as an advocate for pediatric health care and a beacon of hope for children across the community.

Born with Goltz Syndrome, Lilli has faced numerous tests and surgeries with courage and support from the CHRISTUS CARES pediatric team. Affectionately known as “Silly Lilli,” she embraces life with curiosity and resilience. Passionate about content creation, she is building her YouTube channel, Lilli’s World, to inspire others with positivity and strength. Continue reading CHRISTUS announces Miracle Network Child

TYLER — The Oil Palace in Tyler is up for sale with a listing price of $6.9 million, according to our news partners at KETK. Listed on Staples Commercial Group, the East Texas venue is described as one of the region’s most iconic entertainment venues with 44 acres, seating for 7,000 to 9,000 and comes with all original operating equipment, including audio equipment, lighting and kitchen equipment. Continue reading The Oil Palace hits the market for $6.9M

TYLER – The SPCA of East Texas is asking the community to help them stay open after a recent downturn in donations. The nonprofit animal shelter told KETK News that they’ve received about $100,000 less in donations than they expected to this year, and that they might have to close down if they can’t make up for this financial shortfall.

“Unfortunately, when we’re talking about a shortfall like that, it’s the animals that really suffer because we have to look at cutting back on services,” SPCA of East Texas executive director Emily Heglund said. “Tomorrow’s Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2 and we’re asking for the community to step up and help us out with donations if they can.”

To donate, visit the SPCA of East Texas online. The SPCA is also taking physical donations of supplies like pet food and cat litter in person at 3245 W. Grande Blvd in Tyler.

TYLER – Judge Derrick Choice announced on Monday that he is running to be reelected as Smith County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace in 2026. Choice was first elected to the position in 2022 after the resignation of former judge Quincy Beavers Jr. Choice is running for reelection as a part of the 2026 Democratic Primary, ahead of the local elections in November.

“Serving the people of Smith County has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the past term, I have worked diligently to ensure that justice is served with fairness, integrity, and compassion. I remain committed to being a voice for the people upholding the law while also understanding the needs of the community I proudly call home,” Choice said on Monday. “With your continued support, I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made and continuing to serve with dedication, transparency, and respect for all.”

SABINE COUNTY– According to our news partner KETK, four more people were arrested by the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office over the weekend in connection with “Operation Crystal Ball.” The sheriff’s office first initiated the operation in March in order to combat meth activity in the county. Since its start, the operation has resulted in more than a dozen charges involving nearly 20 individuals, as well as the seizure of approximately 495 grams of methamphetamine.

As the operation is in its completion phase, members of the sheriff’s office are arresting individuals who were found dealing meth or in possession of large amounts of drugs. Those arrested over the weekend include: Lori Nicole Williams: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, Kade Harley: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, Cody Rhodes: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and Justin Tood Short: charged with possession of a controlled substance.

All four people arrested over the weekend remain in custody.

NEW BOSTON – East Texas State Rep. Gary VanDeaver of New Boston said on Monday that he won’t be running for reelection in Texas House District 1 in 2026. This announcement comes less than two months after the Republican Party of Texas officially penalized him for making votes and taking actions against party platform policies.

Our news partner KETK News spoke with VanDeaver on Monday. He said he’s been working up to this announcement for the past couple of months and those penalties had nothing to do with it.

“This is a decision I’ve been working on trying to make for at least two months. Really a little longer than that. I just believe the time is right,” VanDeaver said. “I believe that these representative positions were never intended to make careers and never intended to be full time jobs. Our forefathers they set up a system where we serve temporarily and then we go home and we live under the laws we make and so at the end of this term, I will have served for 12 years, and I just believe that’s really long enough.”
Photo courtesy of Gary VanDeaver.

VanDeaver’s last term will end in Jan. 2027 and several candidates have already announced campaigns to replace him as State Representative for House District 1. Sean Huffman is running unopposed so far in the Democratic Primary, while Josh Bray and Chris Spencer have both announced their running in the Republican Primary. Continue reading State Rep. Gary VanDeaver not seeking reelection