Morris County judge confirms one dead from Friday tornado

MORRIS COUNTY – Morris County Judge Doug Reeder announced on Saturday that a tornado which left several houses destroyed on Friday has also left one person dead. According to our news partner KETK, the tornado was one of three which hit Morris county. It downed many trees, power lines and destroyed or damaged several homes before killing one person north of State Highway 49, according to Judge Reeder. The tornado eventually passed into Cass county after starting in Cason. Judge Reeder added that crews are continuing to work to clear roads.

Athens Steel Building Corporation damaged in possible tornado

ATHENS — As storms moved through East Texas, some places in the Athens area were severely damaged. According to our news partner KETK, extensive damage was reported at the Athens Steel Building Corporation at 900 Northeast Loop 7. Trees have also fallen in the area near the building as well as on County Road 3718. As of Saturday morning, the National Weather Service has not yet confirmed that a tornado touched down in Athens.

Damage from storms in East Texas

EAST TEXAS — Hughes Springs sustained major storm damage from possible tornadoes in the area according to our news partner KETK. The Hughes Springs Fire Department and city hall sustained drastic damage as a result of the storm. Paris has also sustained major damage to homes and properties. The Morris County Sheriff’s Department said they have received numerous calls reporting damage in the area but could not confirm or deny if anyone has been injured. The county has emergency responders answering multiple calls and is asking residents to take caution and watch for downed trees and power lines. Hughes Springs Police Chief Randy Kennedy said that Hughes Springs City Hall is salvageable, even after sustaining heavy storm damage on Friday evening. (more…)

Pedestrian deaths make up 20% of Texas traffic fatalities

TYLER — To help reduce fatalities in East Texas, TxDOT launched a program called “Be Safe, Drive Smart.” According to our news partner KETK, “Walking billboards” were on the UT Tyler and Tyler Junior College campuses to spread the word about driver and pedestrian safety. The walking billboards wore human-sized signs on their backs with reminders of road safety. Road fatalities are not just a big city issue, small and medium size markets are not immune. Jaywalking is illegal and dangerous, a ticket can be issued if someone is caught. According to TxDOT, the winter and fall months are the most dangerous time of the year on the roads because of low visibility. “Use reflective clothing, carry a flashlight, something like that so motorists are aware that you are out there,” said TxDOT Public Information Officer, Jeff Williford.

4 car burglaries reported in single day in Smith County, officials say to take precautions

SMITH COUNTY — People in one Smith County neighborhood say car burglars are keeping them awake at night. According to our news partner KETK, the rash of burglaries happened on Oct. 4. People in the Flint neighborhood near County Road 148 FM 2493 say they are frustrated with the recent crimes, urging others to make sure your vehicles are properly locked at night. Sergeant Larry Christian with the Smith County Sheriff’s office says the four burglaries were within a 1/4-mile radius early that Tuesday morning all in the same neighborhood. Because of this, investigators said they believe the burglars could potentially live in the area. He says the suspects have been going up to cars just to see if they are locked to see which ones are unlocked making for easy pickings. (more…)

East Texas man ‘buys’ back his own stolen $10000 mower on Facebook Marketplace, seller arrested

KILGORE – Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said that they and Kilgore Police Department arrested Luis Sanchez of Henderson on Friday, after he was found to be in possession of a $10,000 stolen Kubota lawnmower. According to our news partner KETK, authorities said that they received a complaint on Oct. 1 from the owner of a lawncare business stating that his Kubota zero-turn mower, 16-foot trailer and weed eaters had all been stolen. During their investigation, officials said they obtained a video of a Toyota Tacoma in the area where the equipment was stolen from without a trailer attached. Then they said, the truck left the area with a trailer and equipment in tow. They added that they believe the truck and trailer used were also stolen. The owner of the equipment then contacted the authorities again when he found his mower for sale on Facebook Marketplace. (more…)

Man who allegedly broke into Jacksonville home and hit person with a crowbar, arrested

JACKSONVILLE – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said that they have arrested Eric Lowe, who allegedly forced himself into a Jacksonville home and hit one of the residents with a crowbar on Saturday morning. According to our news partner KETK, after the break-in a warrant was issued for Lowe’s arrest. Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and Tyler Police Department then located and arrested the suspect in Smith County. Authorities say that they found what they suspect to be methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia on Lowe when he was arrested and they expect additional charges to be filed.

The last opportunity to register to vote in November is this week

TYLER – The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming November elections is Tuesday Oct. 11, according to the Texas Secretary of State. This November’s elections will have many important races like the Governor’s race, several state and U.S Congress seats and many local elections as well. The Texas Secretary of State’s Important Election Dates website lays out all the important dates and deadlines for all of Texas’s elections. KTBB will keep you updated on the latest election news.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office hoping to identify alleged mail thieves

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is looking for people accused of committing mail theft in the Chapel Hill area. The mail is delivered to this neighborhood between 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, officials shared a photo of a Chrysler 300 that residents have seen near their mailboxes. Law enforcement are asking people to call them if they see the vehicle and not try to approach the car. The sheriff’s office also asked people to let them know if they see a license plate number. The Chrysler has damage to the passenger side front fender and the roof paint of the car was also damaged, said officials. Call the sheriff’s office at (903) 566-6600 with any information.

Cherokee County issues burn ban

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Cherokee County Commissioners Court has enacted a burn ban, they announced. According to their order restricting outdoor burning, the Texas Forest Service determined that drought conditions exist within the county and public safety hazards would be “exacerbated by outdoor burning.” The order is active for 90 days unless lifted earlier by officials. A violation of the burn ban is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

Gladewater man sentenced to life in prison for sexual assault of a child

UPSHUR COUNTY — A Gladewater man was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 in an Upshur County court, officials said. 38-year-old Johnathan Blake Parker was sentenced as part of a plea bargain agreement with the state, according to Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd. According to our news partner KETK, the assault was reported on February 15, 2020, when deputies responded after Parker said he would kill himself after confessing to his wife that he had been molesting a child for three years. The release stated that he was arrested and taken to the Upshur County Jail, where he also admitted to the years-long sexual abuse. The release said that the state dismissed other counts for the same offense in return for a guilty plea from the defendant, a life sentence and waiving all appeals.

New interim constable for Smith County Pct. 5 has been announced

SMITH COUNTY – In an executive session on Tuesday, the Smith County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to appoint Wesley Hicks as the new interim constable for Smith County Pct. 5. According to our news partner KETK, Commissioner Phillips made a motion to appoint Hicks as interim Smith County Constable Pct. 5 and approve the necessary bond effective Oct. 6. The motion was second by Commissioner Hampton. Phillips said he received numerous calls, texts, and emails in support of Hicks from the Lindale constituents. Hicks was also recommended by the current Smith County Constable for Pct. 5, Jeff McClenny. (more…)

East Texas community with brown water continues to search for solutions months later

CHEROKEE COUNTY – The Stryker Lake Water Supply Corporation met on Friday, but customers were still left without solutions to their ongoing water quality issues. After several months of boil water notices, customers said they feel ignored. According to our news partner KETK, they are upset over these issues with undrinkable brown water coming through the Lake Stryker Water Supply. Customers said they are having to regularly flush their valves, and they have experienced too much chlorine being pumped in the water and causing burning to the skin. The request for a special election was left unaddressed Friday. Residents are hoping this would resolve the issues that the community is facing. The next scheduled board meeting will take place on Friday, Oct. 14.

Upshur County Judge arrested for DWI following accident in Gilmer

GILMER – In a statement released Saturday, 60-year old Jerald Dean Fowler II, of Gilmer, was charged with DWI misdemeanor B following an accident Friday night. The statement reported that at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, Upshur County Deputies and DPS Troopers responded to a motor vehicle accident on Hwy 154, east of Gilmer. According to investigators, Judge Fowler was charged and booked into the Upshur County Jail. Judge Lyle Potter, Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, arraigned Fowler and set a bond at $1500.00. Fowler, who serves as Judge of the 115 District Court, posted bond and was released from jail according to the official statement.

The 2022 Gregg County Fair underway

LONGVIEW —The Gregg County Fair kicked off Friday and will run thru next weekend. Here are some attractions you can expect: Petting zoo, Live entertainment, Food vendors and rides like the Ferris wheel and carousel. There are also some more thrilling rides like the Drop Zone. Billy Clay has been the fair manager for more than 40 years. “In 1980 I took over to run it and it took a couple years to get things straightened out and it was so much fun and so I’m still sitting here. I really can’t give it to nobody,” said Clay. Clay said the fairgrounds are about 20 acres, so there are plenty of areas to explore. The fair is open from 6 p.m. to midnight. September 17th will be the last day for the fair. Tickets are $6. For more information, check out the Gregg County Fair website – https://greggcountyfair.com/

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