KTBB News, Weather, Talk

UPDATE: According to Brownsboro Fire Rescue, as of 2:40 p.m. FM 314 and Highway 31 are now open.

BROWNSBORO – A Brownsboro railroad crossing is closed Friday afternoon after a train and an18-wheeler collided on the tracks. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened at the intersection of Highway 31 and FM 314. City officials ask drivers to use an alternate route because they don’t know how long it will take to clean up the area. The driver of the 18-wheeler is the hospital, his condition is not known.

LINDALE – Lindale Independent School District announced today that every campus within the district has earned an “A” rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) for the 2024–2025 school year, with the district as a whole also achieving an overall “A” rating. “This is a testament to the incredible teamwork that happens every single day in Lindale ISD,” said Stan Surratt, Superintendent of Schools. “Our students work hard, our teachers go above and beyond to provide engaging and rigorous instruction, and our families consistently partner with us to ensure success. We are grateful for a community that values and supports public education.” Continue reading Lindale ISD earns ‘A’ rating at every campus and districtwide

LUFKIN — A Lufkin felon facing prison for a federal firearms violation Thursday. Michael Antoine Lovelady, 53, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to information presented in court, on March 14, 2025, Lovelady was arrested during a traffic stop for outstanding warrants. During the arrest, Lovelady attempted to flee when firearm was discovered in his waistband. Lovelady is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

Lovelady was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 15, 2025, and faces up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A Eustace man is being accused of aggravated sexual assault of a child after two young girls allegedly outcried to their mom. According to a report from our news partner KETK, the 69-year-old claims that if he did do it, ‘it happened in his sleep’.

At around 9:44 p.m. on Aug. 8, a Henderson County investigator received a phone call from the Eustace Police Department about a sexual assault of a child. The officer said on the phone that a woman was in their police department because her nine-year-old daughter told her James Malcolm McCrary, 69, of Eustace, sexually abused her. Continue reading Man accused of sexually assaulting two young girls

LUFKIN — The Lufkin Police Department said that one man is dead after he was fatally shot on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, detectives are currently at the scene of a fatal shooting that left a Lufkin man dead at around 4:30 p.m. in the 3000 block of South First Street. A Lufkin PD press release said one person has been taken into custody in connection to the shooting.

Officers with Lufkin PD do not suspect anyone else was involved in the shooting. Lufkin PD said the names of the victim and the person in custody will be released on Friday, along with more details on the shooting, after detectives finish their investigation.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD was given a ‘B’ rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) based on student education levels. The TEA shared A through F ratings for all public schools across Texas this week, with Longview ISD landing an overall score of 88. The district’s Superintendent, Dr. Marla Sheppard, said Longview ISD has been working hard at achieving a higher standard.

According to our news partner KETK, students displayed higher levels of reading and math comprehension throughout elementary and secondary schools. The district received 52 campus distinctions in 2025 compared to 40 in 2024.

The TEA ratings are expected to be released to the public by this coming Friday.

SMITH COUNTY – Bella, a member of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, will be receiving a bullet and stab protective vest. According to our news partner KETK, this is following a generous donation from a nonprofit that strives to provide protection for K-9 units all over the United States.

The sheriff’s office received the vest from the Vested Interest in K-9s, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing protective vests to K-9 units nationwide. The nonprofit was founded in 2009, and since its inception, it has provided over 6,225 vests to K-9 units across the country.

Bella’s new vest is expected to be delivered in ten weeks, and like all Vested Interest products, it will weigh four to five pounds and comes with a five-year warranty.

Tyler, TX – For the 22nd year in a row, Tyler ISD has earned the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting (COE) from the Association of School Business Officials International.

The recognition honors the district’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ending August 31, 2024. The COE is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, reflecting a tradition of accuracy, transparency, and accountability. “Tyler ISD is honored to be recognized for excellence in financial reporting for the 22nd year,” said Tyler ISD Chief Financial Officer Kasey Russell. “We are especially proud to have received the award without any comments or recommendations.”

The district credits this continued achievement to a shared commitment among its leadership, staff, and community to uphold the highest standards in financial stewardship.

CAMP COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that a huge step was taken against the Grand Saline Creek Reservoir on Thursday as a local water planning group unanimously voted against the project. Canton residents pushback against Grand Saline Creek Reservoir For residents, it was a big win on Wednesday afternoon in Pittsburg. After a nearly 4-hour meeting, the Region D Water Planning Group representatives voted down the proposed Grand Saline Creek Reservoir as an alternative water source for the city of Canton. The board will also send a letter of opposition to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). Continue reading Planning group votes against controversial reservoir

TYLER — Chapel Hill Independent School District and The University of Texas at Tyler announced two new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements for Chapel Hill educators to advance their careers through high-quality graduate programs at a reduced tuition rate. According to a news release, the first agreement offers an Accelerated Master’s in Educational Leadership with principal certification, designed to be completed in just three terms through 100% online coursework.

The program provides hands-on learning, curriculum evaluation skills, and strategic planning expertise, preparing educators for leadership roles. Continue reading Chapel Hill ISD and UT Tyler partner to expand degree opportunities

LONGVIEW — Longview Police are investigating after an elementary school student was grazed by a vehicle on Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Longview ISD released a statement saying a student at Clarence W. Bailey Elementary was involved in an accident near campus. The child was taken to a local hospital out of an abundance of caution, but is expected to be okay. The mother reported to the district that the child is ‘doing well and is eager to return to school.’

The Longview Police Department identified the driver as Susana Granado, who was arrested for failure to stop at the scene of a collision causing bodily injury. She was booked into the Gregg County Jail and has since bonded out. Continue reading Arrest in student hit and run

HENDERSON COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a Henderson County woman, who was one of five people arrested earlier this year after a drug bust, has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison. According to the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, Tiffany Nicole Williams was arrested on Feb. 27 after four grams of methamphetamine and a large amount of cash were found in her bedroom. Following this arrest, Williams was charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance.

Her February arrest came while she was out on bond from an earlier arrest. Williams was previously arrested in November 2024 in connection with a civil complaint.

According to authorities, on Nov.13, 2024, members of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrived at home after receiving a complaint that Williams was parked outside of a house. Once deputies arrived on the scene, they observed Williams in the driver’s seat of a car parked outside the home. Continue reading Henderson County woman sentenced to 15 years for meth

TYLER – During the Tyler City Council meeting on Wednesday morning, the City Manager presented the proposed $219.3 million budget, highlighting improvements to public safety, streets, water utilities and more. After months of collaboration and planning, the annual budget was proposed during the City Council meeting, where City Manager Edward Broussard covered every aspect of the plan and how it would benefit the community.

Public Safety

“Public safety remains our largest and most important investment,” Broussard said.

Police department: For the fourth year, the budget will fund the AXON taser and body camera replacement program. This keeps the technology current, replaces damaged equipment without large cash outlays and maintains the “high level of accountability and safety our community expects.” Continue reading Tyler’s budget focuses on public safety, water utilities

TYLER – East Texas state lawmakers are ready to go back to work, while Democratic Party leaders are saying they want a fair session. The breaking point of this special session came during Republicans’ attempt at passing a redistricting map that would create more Republican seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to our news partner KETK.

“It’s time for the Democrats to get back and do their jobs and represent their districts and have a debate and a discussion where that’s supposed to happen,” State Rep. Cole Hefner, a Republican of Lindale, said.

Hefner said committee meetings are still happening and bills are passing out of the calendar committee, but now they want to bring those items to the floor.

“We have four or five flood relief, flood-related bills to do with the Kerrville floods, the central Texas floods, and those are top of the list priorities,” Hefner said. “Of course, the redistricting is going to be important for the direction of our nation, and so there’s a lot of business to be done here.” Continue reading ETX Reps express disappointment with quorum breakers

TYLER – Tyler ISD got their official TEA ratings today and the news is very good. For example, Moore Middle School jumped from a B (89) to an A (90). They also saw an increase at five other campuses. Click here to see the full chart.

LONGVIEW — Our news partners at KETK report that a motorcyclist is dead following a crash on Monday in Longview. The Longview Police Department said officers responded to a call after an SUV and motorcycle crash occurred on Monday at around 6:01 p.m. in the 3700 block of West Loop 281. The investigation revealed that the motorcyclist ran a red light that caused the crash. The biker was then taken to a local hospital, where the driver later died. Officials have not identified the driver of the motorcycle at this time.

GILMER — After years of leading the way in Gilmer, City Manager Greg Hutson is stepping down, according to our news partner KETK. “I woke up one morning and I said, it’s time, “Gilmer City Manager Greg Hutson said. Hutson has served as city manager for Gilmer for almost nine years, and before that, worked for the city of Sampson Park.

“I have accomplished what I needed to accomplish, what I wanted to accomplish in Gilmer,” Hutson said. “The accomplishments we’ve made as it relates to the airport, the projects in process now at the parks, the maintenance of the tanks.” Continue reading Long-time city manager steps down

TYLER — An SUV  crashed into Piada at The Village at Cumberland Park in Tyler on Tuesday afternoon. Tyler police and UT Health EMS responded to the scene. According to our news partner KETK, no injuries were reported. No word on the cause of the crash. Additional details were not available.

BULLARD – As Wednesday, Aug. 13, County Road 172 is now closed to through traffic as part of the FM 2493 widening project. According to TxDOT, the closure is expected to remain in effect for approximately one month.

Detour routes have been marked with signs, along with electronic message boards to assist drivers in navigating around the closure. Bullard ISD bus routes are not expected to be affected by this closure.

MARION COUNTY — Marion County is now under a burn ban after Governor Greg Abbott signed a disaster declaration on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, County Judge Leward J. LaFleur said the ban was issued out of of caution after Governor Abbott said 191 counties were under an imminent threat of widespread or severe damage due to increased fire weather conditions that began on Sunday. This means. all outdoor burning is now prohibited in the county unless the restriction ends earlier based on a determination made by the Texas Forest Service or the court. The order also mentions that any outdoor grill be above the ground, or enclosed. Fire rings, ground fires and open grills are prohibited. Anyone caught violating the order can receive a Class C misdemeanor or a $500 fine.

UPDATE: The public water system has taken the necessary corrective actions to restore the quality of the water distributed by this public water system used for drinking water or human consumption purposes and has provided TCEQ with laboratory test results that indicate that the water no longer requires boiling prior to use as of August 13, 2025.

PREVIOUS STORY: RUSK — Due to a water line break in Rusk, the Rusk Rural Water Supply Company has issued a boil water notice for some customers on Monday.

According to RRWSC, customers on the following roads are currently under a boil water notice: FM 23, FM 1857, County Road 2202, County Road 2206, County Road 2207, County Road 2208, County Road 2209, County Road 2210, County Road 2211,County Road 2212, County Road 2213, County Road 2301 and County Road 2303.

Any households or businesses under a boil water notice should bring water for cleaning or consumption to a vigorous rolling boil for at least two minutes before use. RRWSC said customers will be notified when the notice is no longer in effect. To learn more, visit Rusk Rural Water Supply Company online.

SMITH COUNTY — A father reported an inappropriate relationship to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office after he discovered his teen daughter and her 46-year-old co-worker were dating in late July.  According to our news partner KETK, an arrest affidavit revealed that on July 20, a concerned father contacted the sheriff’s office about an improper relationship between his daughter and her co-worker, Cory Dashun Ransom.

“[The father] went through [his daughter’s] phone and found messages between her and Ransom indicating that they were in a dating relationship and that [his daughter] wanted a kiss from Ransom,” the document said.

The father also explained to officers that his daughter said Ransom touched her private parts. Continue reading Man accused of having sexual relationship with teen co-worker

TYLER – North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is asking drivers to be aware that starting Wednesday, August 13, Toll 49 will be closed at night from I-20, south five miles to CR 1150 for major road enhancements. The closure will be from 9 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. Mondays through Saturdays during August and a few weeks into September.

“NET RMA is proud to be making these enhancements,” said Glenn H. Green, NET RMA Executive Director. “The material we are using, SuperPave, is a high performance-grade asphalt that will not only add strength, it also provides a smooth, quiet roadway for our customers. This is a new, highly skid-resistant surface that will last for years.”

The agency is requesting travelers find other routes during that time frame. For more information on Toll 49 visit, NETRMA.org.

LONGVIEW — Authorities report that a motorcyclist has died following a crash on Monday in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police Department sent officers to an accident location at West Loop 281 near the O.K. Paper Center. They found a collision between a SUV and a motorcycle. An LPD investigation revealed the motorcyclist ran a red light that caused the crash. The driver of the motorcycle was taken to a hospital, where the driver died. Officials are withholding the name of the deceased at this time.

NACOGDOCHES — Our news partners at KETK report that a Nacogdoches father and grandmother were arrested Saturday after a 3-year-old was hospitalized in critical condition due to ingesting THC gummies. According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, around 10:20 a.m., police and EMS responded to a home on West Main Street, where a 3-year-old was in medical distress after eating THC gummies. Officials said the toddler was transported to a local hospital, but then life-flighted due to being in critical condition. Continue reading Nacogdoches father, grandmother arrested after toddler ingests THC gummies

PALESTINE — An East Texas lawmaker announced on Friday that he has secured nearly $50 million to fund NASA’s Balloon Facility in Palestine.

According to our news partner KETK, U.S. Rep. Jake Ellzey said the funding will come from the Commerce, Justice and Science Appropriations Bill, and though the bill has yet to be passed out of committee, it is expected to be considered in early September. Ellzey says this funding will support operations and scientific missions, which play a key role in NASA’s research efforts.

“The Balloon Facility in Palestine is a unique and critical part of NASA’s mission, and it’s right here in East Texas,” Ellzey said. “I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work being done there—not just for science, but for the community. This proposed funding will help ensure the facility remains strong, supports good jobs for Texas families, and continues advancing American innovation.”

Ellzey has served on the Appropriations Committee, which writes legislation that allocates federal funding to government agencies, departments and organizations.