KTBB News, Weather, Talk

EAST TEXAS – More than 1,000 people were killed in DUI-alcohol related crashes on Texas roads in 2024. That means three lives were lost every day on our roads last year because a Texas driver ignored the risks and chose to drink and drive. In 2024, there were 5,144 DUI-alcohol related traffic crashes in Texas during the July 4th holiday time period, resulting in 64 fatalities and 223 serious injuries.

With these alarming statistics in mind, and to highlight the real cost of impaired driving to the friends and family of those killed in crashes, TxDOT is launching its summer “Drive Sober. No Regrets” campaign this week across the Lone Star State. Timed with the official start of summer & the July 4th holiday weekend, TxDOT’s new campaign is aligned with an increased law enforcement effort to keep TX roads safe. Continue reading Enforcement period underway for TxDOT’s Drive Sober Campaign

TYLER – Roadwork is nothing new to the Lone Star state, but the Texas Department of Transportation in East Texas has some local projects in the works.

“There’s a few that are going on, south towards Bullard…” says Jeff Wooliferd with TxDOT East Texas. “We’re still in works with the utility companies. Relocating utilities is always a big portion of some of these projects. On the portion where they’re expanding to four lanes, the contractor has also begun digging some ditch operations.”

Crews have already begun digging up some utility lines, and will begin working to expand Old Jacksonville road from two lanes to four near Bullard. In another project, they’re adding an overpass at 2493 and US Highway 69.

While the work presents a challenging undertaking, Jeff Wooliferd says, “We’re expecting that to start at full blast again pretty soon. Working with the utility companies has been tricky, but we’re still working with them to get it done.”

The projected completion for those projects is Spring of 2027.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said they’ve been made aware of a new civil probate scam. The scam involves an email sent to an individual who had actually hired a local law firm to assist in probating an estate. This individual called their law firm, who in turn contacted the Smith County Clerk’s Office. The law firm was able to determine, through the County Clerk’s Office, that this was actually a fraudulent email.

The sender fraudulently used the name of our County Clerk and used a similar email through a Gmail account. The information was most likely obtained through public records by utilizing the internet. This could have easily been mistaken as a legitimate email and the recipient could have been victimized. Fortunately, the recipient felt unsure about the email and her attorney’s office took a pro-active approach. Continue reading New scam making the rounds in Smith County

TYLER – Lake Tyler Marina owner, Brent Allen, is ready for summer visitors but he wants people to take the steps to make sure everyone has a fun and safe day at the lake.

“This has absolutely been the worst year on in recent memory for accidents on lakes in East Texas,” Allen said.

According to a report from our news partner KETK, in Henderson County, two young children drowned after getting trapped beneath their capsized boat. A 43-year-old man also drowned while swimming to his flotation device.

“We’ve answered to a number of different water-related incidents, all of them very tragic,” Smith County Emergency Services District 2 Assistant Chief Charles Clanton said.

Smith county emergency service district 2 said it’s important to always keep a life jacket on and have extras on hand. Continue reading East Texas officials encourage lake safety after recent drownings

JACKSONVILLE — A care unit team at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Jacksonville recently received a prestigious nursing award after their care for a traumatic brain injury patient. According to our news partner KETK, in February of 2024, 24-year-old Kaitlyn Dunn was the passenger in a motorcycle crash where the bike flipped and skidded more than 150 feet and crashed into an end-of-road barrier.

After being flower to a Houston-area hospital for care, she experienced several seizures. Her case was accepted by the Jacksonville team, but it would be a long and uncertain road to recovery ahead. In total, she spent about two months in the unit.

Her CHRISTUS team included nurses, nursing assistants, therapists, physicians, housekeepers, dietary staff and others. They all celebrated her small milestones – from first steps to sharing meals and creating art together. Continue reading CHRISTUS team honored with prestigious nursing award

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler Center for Opinion Research recently surveyed 1,154 Texas voters about their views on current state and national issues as well as hypothetical political primary match-ups in 2026. According to the poll conducted May 28 – June 7, respondents said the most important policy facing Texas today was the economy (inflation) at 21%, with securing the border being the second most cited policy at 19%. K-12 education was the distant third of the policy alternatives (10%) chosen by respondents.

“Although securing the border was a big issue that had an electoral impact in Texas in 2024, it appears that many voters are more worried about the economy now that the election is over, and the process of governing has started,” said Dr. Ken Wink, UT Tyler professor and interim center director.

Democrats, Independents and Republicans cited inflation as the first or second most important policy facing the state. Securing the border was the top choice of Republicans and the second most cited choice of Independents, but it was not in the top three choices of Democratic respondents, Wink noted. Continue reading New UT Tyler poll reflects views on current issues, political match-ups

CHEROKEE COUNTY – KTBB recieved this from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office…
“It is with great sadness we announce the death of retired Cherokee County Sheriff James Campbell. Sheriff Campbell began his career with Cherokee County in February of 1994. Sheriff Campbell devoted 26 years of service to the citizens of Cherokee county before retiring in September 2020. Prior to becoming Sheriff, he retired as a highway patrolman for the Texas Department of Public Safety. We thank Sheriff Campbell for his dedicated 54 years of service to this state and the citizens of Cherokee County. Sheriff Campbell was a true public servant and devoted his life to his community and family. Though he is no longer with us, Sheriff Campbell has left a permanent mark on both civilians and law enforcement officers that will continue to guide and inspire us. Sheriff Campbell will be deeply missed, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him. During this difficult time our thoughts and prayers go out to Sheriff Campbell’s family.”

JACKSONVILLE – East Texas State Senator Robert Nichols of Jacksonville announced on Tuesday that he’s not running for re-election in Texas Senate District 3. Our news partner KETK reports that, following Nichols’ announcement, East Texas State Rep. Trent Ashby announced his bid for the seat.

Nichols has served in the Texas Legislature for 20 years and was outspoken on issues like school choice, which he openly opposed.

“It had always been my goal to make things better, to stop bad things, to do it in a way I thought was right, never forgetting who I represented and to work at it long enough, but not too long. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to have represented the people of East Texas in the Texas Senate.” said State Sen. Robert Nichols Continue reading East Texas Rep. announces campaign to replace State Sen. Nichols

WINNSBORO – Our news partner KETK reports that a Winnsboro ISD coach was arrested on Monday after court documents revealed he attempted to hide the sexual relationship between another coach and a student.

According to the arrest affidavit from the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, on May 28 officers were alerted about an improper relationship between an educator and student that involved a Winnsboro High School coach during the 2024-2025 school season.

“During this separate case and its investigation, this WHS educator involved in this investigation has voluntarily confessed to the Felony 2 offense and its charge,” the document said. “This separate teacher/coach, identified as Coach Gabe, and has been subsequently charged and arrested.” Continue reading Coach arrested for hiding coworkers sexual relationship with student

WOOD COUNTY – According to a press release from the Acting U.S. Attorney of Eastern Texas, a Mineola man has been sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations.

According to information presented in court statements , over the course of several months, Fransisco Gonzalez, also known as Kiko Gonzalez, 29, sexually exploited a minor female victim. Under the guise of taking her to church, he isolated her from her family, then used her to produce sexually explicit images and videos. He later distributed several of the images to others.

Gonzalez pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and was sentenced to 55 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on June 23, 2025.

“Fransisco Gonzalez is on his way to prison where he will serve a very long sentence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “For his crimes, he deserves every day of that lengthy term. I commend the efforts of the team that brought this defendant to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands committed to seeking justice for victims and to defending the defenseless.”

TYLER – Our news partner KETK reports that two Mexican nationals received lengthy federal prison charges on Monday after trafficking methamphetamine in East Texas.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice Eastern District of Texas, 38-year-old Leopoldo Alonso-Palacios and 37-year-old Juan Luis Salinas-Leon, both Mexican nationals illegally living in Center, were sentenced to 168 months and 262 months, respectively, for drug trafficking violations.

Officials said Alonso-Palacios and Salinas-Leon were stopped while driving on Interstate-20 in Wills Point for speeding, and after the officers to searched the vehicle, the men were found with 937.7 grams of methamphetamine and Salinas-Leon with a firearm. Continue reading Two Mexican nationals sentenced for trafficking meth

HENDERSON COUNTY — A three-year-old and five-year-old girl both died when the boat the were in lost power and capsized on Cedar Creek Lake in Henderson County on Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, the 21-foot-long boat capsized at around 10 p.m. on Sunday when they were heading back into shore. 10 adults were on board and made it to shore but the two children got stuck under the hull.

The boat reportedly began to take on water because it was over loaded and was then turned over by choppy water on the lake. First responders attempted to search for the girls but the tide was against them and they were pinned under the dock. The boat was eventually overturned a few hours later and the girls were found

 

TYLER – The two most powerful Republicans in the state were at odds on Monday after Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed the THC ban championed by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, according to our news partner KETK.

Local shop owners who sell THC products said they breathed a sigh of relief with their customers after learning about the governor’s decision.

“I knew that doing the right thing, would be done,” Owner of CBD American Shaman, Morris Anderson said.” Governor Abbott is doing the right thing, and we definitely appreciate it.”

Anderson added that he’s encouraged by the governor’s veto of Senate Bill 3, and the decision is giving some comfort to customers worried about a potential ban.

“It’s a relief, a weight lifted because it’s customers that come through here, they’re dealing with a lot…I know my customers here appreciate them, and this world will appreciate it,” Anderson said. Continue reading East Texans react to the governor’s veto of the THC ban

WINNSBORO – The Winnsboro ISD school board considered firing Winnsboro ISD Police Chief Heath Guy on Monday after he was placed on administrative leave recently.

Our news partner KETK was at school board meeting on Monday where many Winnsboro residents showed up to voice their concerns. Earlier in June, former Winnsboro ISD assistant football coach Nicholas Gabriele was arrested arrested after allegedly admitting to having a sexual relationship with a student.

Chief Guy was reportedly put on leave because he didn’t notify the district about a Texas Rangers investigation into Gabriele. However, KETK spoke with Guy’s wife, Ashley Guy, on Monday and she said he was specifically told not to notify the district because that could be considered felony interference. Continue reading Winnsboro ISD police chief placed on administrative leave

MT. VERNON – According to our news partner KETK, oil giant Halliburton has been awarded a contract to plan and design a geothermally-powered lithium mining project in Mt. Vernon that planners said could help end America’s dependence on Chinese lithium.

GeoFrame Energy’s geothermal and direct lithium extraction (DLE) project is set to start work with Halliburton in late 2025 and will extract battery-grade lithium carbonate from the Smackover Formation, which lies beneath much of East Texas. Halliburton, a company with more than 100 years of expertise in drilling wells, will work with GeoFrame Energy during the drilling, construction, design and operation phases of their first demonstration wells before the companies expand to “full field development.”

“This major breakthrough in East Texas could be the key to solving the U.S. lithium supply challenge. GeoFrame Energy is expected to produce approximately 83,500 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually—enough to meet 100% of domestic demand,” GeoFrame Energy said in a press release. “By establishing a reliable, homegrown supply, the project offers significant economic and strategic benefits. It could also mark a turning point in ending U.S. dependence on Chinese lithium imports—a win for both Texas and the Trump administration.” Continue reading Geothermal lithium drilling wells coming to East Texas

SMITH COUNTY — A man has pleaded guilty to two counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in connection to a 2024 fatal crash that left two people dead on FM 2767. According to our news partner KETK, Jose Bravo Jr., was arrested for intoxication manslaughter after a red 2009 Mercedes-Benz C-350 was driving southwest on FM 2767 on May 27, 2024 and took “faulty evasive action to avoid striking a dog” causing the vehicle to leave the road, ejecting three people.

Jose Bravo Delgado and Santa Lucia Bravo both died after they were ejected from the vehicle. Bravo Jr. submitted his blood for a voluntary test and officials said he told them he had been drinking before the crash. According to Smith County judicial records, Bravo Jr. entered a guilty plea on Monday in front of Kerry L. Russel of the 7th Judicial District Court.

His sentencing hearing is set for July 24.

TYLER — A twice-deported Mexican national has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations, according to acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Jose Mercedes Saucedo-Guerrero, 34, a Mexican national illegally living in Longview, was stopped for a traffic violation in Kilgore.

During the stop, officers deployed a K9 to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle, resulting in a positive alert for the presence of a controlled substance. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 2,972 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Saucedo-Guerrero was unlawfully present in the United States after having been previously prosecuted and deported on two separate occasions for immigration crimes.

This case 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. Continue reading Illegal immigrant sentenced for drug trafficking

HENDERSON COUNTY — A three-year-old and five-year-old girl both died when the boat the were in lost power and capsized on Cedar Creek Lake in Henderson County on Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, the 21-foot-long boat capsized at around 10 p.m. on Sunday when they were heading back into shore. 10 adults were on board and made it to shore but the two children got stuck under the hull.

The boat reportedly began to take on water because it was over loaded and was then turned over by choppy water on the lake. First responders attempted to search for the girls but the tide was against them and they were pinned under the dock. The boat was eventually overturned a few hours later and the girls were found

POLK COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports an East Texas man was arrested on Friday after allegedly tricking an elderly person into paying him thousands of dollars in roof repairs he didn’t complete.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, on June 11 officers received a report from a local resident of a retirement community who had been scammed by 38-year-old Matthew “Billy” Boyce of Athens. Officials said Boyce scammed the elderly person out of several thousand dollars after Boyce told them he would repair their roof but didn’t do any work.

Boyce was arrested in Athens on Friday for exploitation of an elderly person and theft of a property, but has since bonded out of the Polk County Jail.

East Texans are encouraged to reach out to the Polk County Criminal Investigations Division if they were contacted by Boyce or have any information about him.

HENDERSON COUNTY – A Pennsylvania truck driver was arrested on Thursday after attempting to meet up with a 15-year-old boy during a Henderson County sting operation in February, according to our news partner KETK.

An affidavit from the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office reveals that on Feb. 2, an officer started an operation using the online dating website and messaging platform, Hornet, to target people looking for sexual relations with minors.The document revealed that the officer created a profile with the persona being a 15-year-old boy living in Henderson County.

“On Feb. 8, at approximately 2:03 p.m., the officer’s profile received a Hornet direct message from an account with the username ‘Bek,’” the affidavit said. “… during the course of chatting with the Hornet profile, the user believed the officer to be a 15-year-old minor living in Tool, Texas as indicated in the chat log.” Continue reading Pennsylvania truck driver arrested for child solicitation

TYLER – UPDATE: Today is the set deadline for an agreement to be reached between CHRISTUS Health and BlueCross BlueShield.

According to a released statement from CHRISTUS Health, despite months of negotiations, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas(BCBSTX) has so far been unwilling to seriously consider CHRISTUS Health’s requests for equitable reimbursement rates to cover the rising costs of providing quality health care.

The statement says that BlueCross BlueShield’s similar aggressive negotiation tactics recently used with other health systems also raise concerns about their commitment to reach a fair contract.

CHRISTUS said in the statement, “We continue to make good-faith efforts to negotiate fair insurance rates to ensure all who might need us have access to the largest, highest-quality health care system in the communities we serve.”

CHRISTUS Health also said that they remain dedicated to reaching an agreement that is in the best interest of their employers, physicians, care centers and most importantly, their patients – and hope that the same is true for BCBSTX.

More information about the agreement, or lack thereof, will be released as details become available. Continue reading CHRISTUS Health continues negotiations with BlueCross BlueShield

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Emergency Services District 2 responded to the scene of a boat crash on the Sabine River that left one person injured on Saturday according to our news partner KETK.

According to the district, a man was injured when one boat crashed into another boat on the Sabine River at around 10:30 a.m. near FM 14 in Lindale. The man was then flown by helicopter to be treated at a local hospital for a head injury he got in the crash.

Smith County Emergency Services District 2 told KETK that both boats made it back to boat ramp. Officials said Texas Game Wardens will be investigating the boat crash.

TYLER – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed East Texas State Senator Bryan Hughes’ Life of the Mother bill into law on Friday to clarify Texas’ ban on abortion for doctors.

According to our news partner KETK, Senate Bill 31, also known as the Life of the Mother Act, clears up language from the abortion ban law that Texas passed in 2022. According to Hughes, the bill is designed to make sure that women having medical emergencies can get an abortion. The bill includes a number of edits and clarifications to the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code and the Texas Health and Safety Code. One change is to the definition of the term “life-threatening” which now includes conditions which may not be actively injuring a patient.

“This bill is to look at our pro-life laws and make the language even clearer, so there’s no question, no excuse when a mom presents with a medical emergency, she gets treated,” State Hughes said in March.

“For the purposes of Subsection (b)(2),”life-threatening” means capable of causing death or potentially fatal. A life-threatening physical condition is not necessarily one actively injuring the patient,” the text of Senate Bill 31 states. Continue reading Gov. Abbott signs Hughes’ Life of the Mother abortion bill

TYLER – Beginning Monday, June 23, the eastbound right lane of I-20, at Grand Saline Creek (east of mile marker 531), will be closed for repairs to a sinkhole near the bridge slab. Work is expected to occur primarily during daylight hours; however, a nighttime closure may be necessary early in the week.

The lane closure is anticipated to remain in place through Friday, June 27. Motorists should expect delays and are advised to use caution in the work zone.

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran has given his backing to the United States’ attack on three Iranian nuclear sites announced by President Donald Trump on Saturday.

Moran tweeted, “Peace through strength in action. This was a necessary step to protect America and its ally Israel from the clear and present danger presented by Iran and its advanced nuclear program. This is the kind of leadership the moment demands.”

Moran’s tweet came after President Trump posted on the social media that the United States’ planes had bombed Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Esfahan.

District 8 Representative Cody Harris of Palestine reposted a statement supporting the attack and President Trump from Speaker of The Texas House of Representatives Dustin Burrows. Continue reading East Texas representatives react to Iranian strikes

SHELBY COUNTY — Our news partner KETK is reporting that officials identified the body of a man who drowned on Wednesday after his kayak flipped over at Lake Timpson.

The body of Gregory Parker, 43, of Timpson was found by dive teams at 9:41 Friday morning after two days of searching, according to Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Mike Hanson. Parker and his friend were on kayaks at Lake Timpson when Parker’s kayak suddenly flipped over and he never resurfaced. Parker’s friend told officials that he heard a yell behind him and when he turned around Parker was below the water. According to Hanson, Parker’s friend called 911 near the area where Parker went under and the dive teams found the body almost exactly where a GPS tracked the call’s signal.

Multiple dive teams and law enforcement agencies helped recover Parker’s body including the DeSoto Parish Fire District 1 dive team and Shelby County Sheriff’s Office officials along with San Augustine and Hudson Fire Departments. Authorities do not suspect foul play and Parker’s body was sent to Dallas for an autopsy.

SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, a Florida man was arrested by Smith County officials on Friday after he refused to pull over while taking up both lanes on I-20.

At 1:47 p.m. a citizen reported that a gray 18-wheeler was straddling both lanes while driving eastbound on I-20 and was not allowing other drivers to pass. Officials identified the driver of the 18-wheeler as Cecil Devon Brown, 43, of Pensacola, Florida who recently quit his job at a transport company. The transport company told Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officials that Brown did not have permission to drive the 18-wheeler and they believe he was fleeing to Florida.

As Brown continued to head east on I-20 near Highway 69, a constable with Smith County Precinct 5 attempted to get Brown to pull over by flashing his police lights, but Brown would not follow directions from law enforcement. Christian said officials believe that Brown was not trying to run from law enforcement because he never exceeded 70 miles per hour during the pursuit, they believe he just did not want to stop. Continue reading Florida man arrested in 18-wheeler pursuit on I-20

HENDERSON COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, after 32 years with Henderson County, Judge Wade McKinney announced on Friday that he will not seek reelection for the next term.

McKinney said he started working for the county in 1994 as a road hand who filled potholes and just wanted to chase cows. Since then he served 20 years as the county commissioner and as the county judge since 2019. McKinney is proud of what the county has accomplished during his time and he wants the public to know that his work as a public servant is ongoing.

“This is not about slowing down or saying goodbye,” McKinney said. “It is about shifting focus. I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and working on my land, getting back to some of the things I have always loved. I also want to help others navigate the challenges of local government with the knowledge and experience I have gained these last 32 years. The work is never really finished.”

McKinney thanked the public for trusting him with the honor of serving Henderson County and said that no matter what, he will still be a road hand at heart.