KLTV - Local News

7 from 7: Stories for your Wednesday afternoon

Stephanie Frazier — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:49:00 EDT

Good Wednesday afternoon; we hope you are staying cool on this sunny Texas afternoon. Here are a few stories we thought you might be interested in this afternoon: 1. The American Medical Association now

Two-vehicle wreck leaves an SUV upside down in Smith County

Whitley Bonnette — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:41:00 EDT

A two-vehicle accident is slowing traffic on Highway 155 in Smith County south of Tyler.

One dead after Rusk County collision

Whitley Bonnette — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:23:00 EDT

A fatal traffic accident is causing significant traffic delays on State Highway 64 west of Henderson.Lane closures are in place at this time.More details will be made available as they are obtained.Copyright 2013 KLTV. All rights reserved.

ETX mail distribution center closure impacts bulk mailing; is first-class next?

Lauren Callahan — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:09:00 EDT

One local business owner, whose company's focus is delivering mailing, says his main concern and the concern of his customers is the length of time it is taking mail to be delivered.

Police officers learn ways to prevent and respond to violence in Texas

Melanie Torre — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:03:00 EDT

Tuesday, law enforcement officers from across the state gathered in East Texas to learn more about keeping their communities safe from gangs, drug cartels and school violence.

ETX veterans weigh in on women in combat

Lexie Cook — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:28:00 EDT

Veterans at Longview Post 1183 say integrating women into elite combat won't be easy, some say the battlefield is no place for a woman.

Truck catches fire in middle of ETX highway

Taylor Hemness — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:10:00 EDT

Highway briefly shut down while fire crews respond.

East Texas Fire Academy demonstrates new training equipment

Laura Sadler — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:22:00 EDT

Tuesday morning, the Kilgore College Fire Academy introduced the Bull X LPG prop with a ceremony and live demonstration.

Texas Education Agency releases report on testing irregularity allegations at Tyler ISD

Mitch Goulding — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:11:00 EDT

The Texas Education Agency has released its investigation report regarding testing irregularities at a Tyler ISD school.

Police release surveillance video from Tyler motel murder

Marshall Stephens — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:05:00 EDT

Tyler police have released video surveillance footage from Saturday morning's murder at the American Inn Motel.

ETX solar car team needs help making their race

Whitley Bonnette — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:48:00 EDT

The Bullard Solar Car Team is preparing to represent East Texas in a driving competition from Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth to Los Angeles, California, but they still need to raise $7,000 before they can compete.

Pop-up thunderstorm blows through northwest Tyler

Jamey Boyum — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:20:00 EDT

A pop-up thunderstorms hammered northwest Tyler before moving north along Highway 271 towards I-20. When it hit the 9600 block of Highway 271, the storm grew in intensity and even produced a little hail.

Tyler man pleaded guilty to smuggling live snakes from Peru to Tyler in his jacket

Whitley Bonnette — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:16:00 EDT

From the U.S. Attorney's Office:TYLER, Texas – A 63-year-old Tyler, Texas eco-tourism guide has pleaded guilty to smuggling live snakes into the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

7 from 7: Stories for your Tuesday afternoon

Stephanie Frazier — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:03:00 EDT

Good afternoon, everyone! We have a lot to share with you today!Here are a few stories to get you started:1. We have been keeping you informed about a story in Tyler that took place over the weekend.

Police release surveillance video from Tyler motel murder

Marshall Stephens — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:45:00 EDT

Tyler police have released video surveillance footage from Saturday morning's murder at the American Inn Motel. Click here to see the video.

Isolated strong storms possible Tuesday afternoon

Grant Dade — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:46:00 EDT

With daytime heating isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible this afternoon.

ETX fire academy to host live presentation of LPG training prop

Lauren Callahan — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 09:02:00 EDT

One East Texas Fire Academy has some new training equipment thanks to a generous donation, and on Tuesday morning, you can watch them use it in a free, live training demonstration.

Do you recognize the man in this surveillance video?

Stephanie Frazier — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EDT

On June 9th, a thief struck the Exxon station on Front Street and Palace in Tyler.

ETX elections administrator weighs in on Supreme Court ruling

Mitch Goulding — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:37:00 EDT

The Supreme Court struck down an Arizona law today that required proof of citizenship in order to register to vote.

Could playing indoors harm your children's vision?

Melanie Torre — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:32:00 EDT

A new study says children who spend more time outdoors are at a lower risk for developing certain problems with their vision.

Sheriff: Man claims he shot father to protect his children

Marshall Stephens — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:31:00 EDT

According to a Smith County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit, the man accused of shooting and killing his father told investigators he had just returned home from camping at the lake with his children when he got into an argument with his father.

Preliminary Longview ISD STARR test results show scores below state average

Melanie Torre — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 19:22:00 EDT

Results from Longview ISD's most recent standardized testing show the district's students are performing the below the state averages in reading and math.

Zavalla man killed in parachute accident

Jeff Awtrey — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:44:00 EDT

A Zavalla-area man died over the weekend in a parachute accident after his secondary parachute did not deploy, according CNN.

Man arrested with $795,000 laundered cash after traffic stop

Stephanie Frazier — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:43:00 EDT

On June 11, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper stopped a vehicle on Interstate 20 in Smith County near the city of Tyler for a traffic violation, not imagining what would be found in the vehicle.

Police identify victim of murder at Tyler motel

Marshall Stephens — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:41:00 EDT

According to police, the crime occurred just after 4:30 a.m. on Saturday at the American Inn Motel, which is located at 1800 W. Erwin St.

Suspects identified in Longview shooting

Whitley Bonnette — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:41:00 EDT

Two Longview teens have been arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a shooting that occurred on Sunday.

Mexican nationals sentenced for drug trafficking in ETX

Whitley Bonnette — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:28:00 EDT

TYLER, Texas – Two Mexican nationals living in Tyler, Texas, have been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

7 from 7: Stories for your Monday afternoon

Stephanie Frazier — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:05:00 EDT

We have compiled a list of stories for you to check out this afternoon. We think you'll find something interesting to help get you through your afternoon!

Mason jar salad ideas!

Stephanie Frazier — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:06:00 EDT

Here are three simple and delicious recipes for salads you can take on the go ... in a Mason jar!

Better East Texas: NSA whistleblower

Pat Stacey — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EDT

The intelligence contractor that has become the whistleblower on the government’s secret data mining program has been called a hero, a traitor and just about everything in between.

2 vehicle accident slowing traffic in northeast Smith County

Marshall Stephens — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 11:41:00 EDT

An accident on Highway 271 in front of the University of Texas Health Science Center has blocked one lane of traffic.

ETX retailers offering unique summer activities

Lauren Callahan — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:31:00 EDT

As you're looking for summer activities to keep you busy, one Tyler shopping center wants you to know they're here to help.

Suspects in custody in Longview shooting

Bob Hallmark — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:30:00 EDT

Two people are jailed after a mid-day shooting in Longview, Sunday.

Neighbor of Smith County murder victim: 'I heard a gunshot and the dog started going crazy'

Mitch Goulding — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:49:00 EDT

A Smith County man is in jail, accused of shooting and killing his father late Saturday night.

Hundreds of animals die in Kilgore fire

Bob Hallmark — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 22:39:00 EDT

The fire started just after 1 p.m. at a property in the 300 block of Harris St. Flames were seen shooting from a structure that held hundreds of exotic animals and pets.

Pair arrested after dramatic, five-mile-long high-speed chase

Stephanie Frazier — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:57:00 EDT

After a five-mile, high-speed chase that began in Whitehouse and included an attempt to strike a Smith County Sheriff's Office Patrol Sergeant with a vehicle, a man and a woman are both in custody.

Sheriff: Smith County man arrested for murdering father

Marshall Stephens — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EDT

James Jason White, age 40, was taken into custody by the Smith County Sheriff's Office for shooting and killing his father, Steven Lacey White, age 62, on Eastside Drive.

Longview hosts Juneteenth Parade

Bob Hallmark — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 22:03:00 EDT

A celebration of freedom in an annual East Texas parade. Winding it way down MLK boulevard, the annual Juneteenth parade was held in Longview.

Hundreds volunteer for ETX mission week

Shaley Sanders — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:27:00 EDT

Hundreds of East Texans kicked off mission week bright and early Saturday morning. Marvin United Methodist Church started mission week 26 years ago and other local churches have joined in to help East Texas families with projects they cannot do on their own.

Longview VFW back from the brink

Bob Hallmark — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:26:00 EDT

One of the oldest veteran of foreign wars posts in East Texas had nearly closed its doors forever, but is back from the brink.

Center man accused of forcing child to smoke K2

Jeff Awtrey — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EDT

Detectives with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office arrested a Center man Friday who is accused of forcing a child to smoke synthetic marijuana.

Police: Homicide victim found in Tyler motel

Shaley Sanders — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 18:21:00 EDT

Tyler Police responded to a Homicide call at 1800 W. Erwin St. (American Inn Motel) on June 15, 2013 at approximately 0655 Hrs. It was reported that a shooting victim was deceased inside room #218 at that location.

ETX man arrested for assault while riding on hood of truck

KLTV Digital Media Staff — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 17:21:00 EDT

A Longview man was arrested early Thursday after authorities said he assaulted his wife while riding on the roof of their car from Lakeport to Longview.

ETX woman arrested after being found with marijuana

Bob Hallmark — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:59:00 EDT

An East Texas woman is jailed after police find her asleep in her car, with marijuana in her lap.

100 person choir putting on free concert Saturday night

KLTV Digital Media Staff — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:45:00 EDT

Tonight at 6:30pm, Trinity on the Hill Church choir from Augusta, Ga will be performing a free concert at The Salvation Army Tyler Chapel, 633 N. Broadway Ave., Bldg. 1, Tyler, TX.

Veteran motorcycle organizations honor rider killed in wreck

Francesca Washington — Sat, 15 Jun 2013 15:32:00 EDT

Veterans and motorcyclists stood with flags in hand, honoring the legacy of one of their own.

Medical examiner returns autopsy results for inmate who died in ETX jail

Marshall Stephens — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:36:00 EDT

The Gregg County Sheriff's Department released autopsy results for Bobby Madewell on Thursday. Madewell, a 51-year-old from Longview, died in the Gregg County Jail on March 21.

Car runs into Tyler home

Marshall Stephens — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:34:00 EDT

The accident happened around 2 p.m.

Longview woman arrested, but not until after tanning

Whitley Bonnette — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:33:00 EDT

A Longview woman was arrested Wednesday on theft charges, but not until after she finished tanning.

Smith County judge: 'What does every kid want? They want their family'

Shaley Sanders — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:31:00 EDT

Fourteen children were adopted Friday morning in Smith County."Our kids are just kids, and what does every kid want? They want their family," said Judge Carole Clark.

ETX suspect charged with manslaughter

Whitley Bonnette — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 17:59:00 EDT

A Corsicana man has been charged with manslaughter after he was arrested Wednesday.

Backpack program feeds needy children on weekends

Laura Sadler — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:51:00 EDT

The East Texas Food Bank and ConAgra Food Foundation have teamed up to feed needy children on the weekends as part of their back pack program.

Shoppers expected to spend less on Father’s Day than they did on Mother’s Day

Francesca Washington — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:41:00 EDT

Despite the demand for electronic goods, hunting equipment and neck ties, Forbes magazine says shoppers plan to spend 40 percent less on Father's Day than they did on Mother's Day.

E. Texas man arrested for breaking into home, sexually assaulting minor

Marshall Stephens — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:36:00 EDT

A Smith County man was arrested on Wednesday evening by sheriff's deputies.

For National Strawberry Shortcake Day: Strawberry Shortcake Skillet Cobbler

Stephanie Frazier — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 14:34:00 EDT

In celebration of this delicious concoction, we celebrate National Strawberry Shortcake Day on June 14 each year. This also falls near Father's Day weekend, so you could double-up on the fun by making this great recipe for dad!

East Texas parent questions local pool rules

Bob Hallmark — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:45:00 EDT

It was family swim day at one East Texas city swimming pool, but an East Texas parent is angry because she says her children were asked to leave the family swim because the rules of the swim were not defined.

'Merry Christmas' bill allows religious holidays back into schools

Mitch Goulding — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 00:42:00 EDT

Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill into law Thursday, officially permitting certain religious items to be displayed during holidays at public schools.

Donation fund set up for family of 9-year-old killed in Wood County wreck

KLTV News Staff — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 21:51:00 EDT

One person has died in a wreck that shut down portions of Highway 69 in Wood County earlier today.

$10,000 reward offered for 'Loan Ranger Bandit'

Whitley Bonnette — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:52:00 EDT

In March 2013, the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with local police in Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas, launched a nationwide search for the man authorities have dubbed the "Loan Ranger Bandit".

Kimbleys back in court Thursday for custody hearing

Stephanie Frazier — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:51:00 EDT

David and Sabrina Kimbley were back in a Smith County family court Thursday for a custody hearing.

Tyler police seeking registered sex offender for warrant

Marshall Stephens — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:49:00 EDT

Tyler Police Department is seeking the whereabouts of Tracy Todd Smith, B/M, 02/19/1968, who is a registered Sex Offender in Tyler.

High-priced sports car destroyed after crash in ETX

Whitley Bonnette — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:49:00 EDT

An out-of-state couple somehow walked away from a wreck this afternoon that left their black McLaren sports car destroyed.

UIL evaluates cheerleading safety, adds training programs

Laura Sadler — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:48:00 EDT

Tuesday, the UIL Legislative Council passed a measure that requires cheerleading coaches and sponsors to undergo training about the prevention, treatment and oversight of concussions.

ETX woman killed in wreck near Arp

Whitley Bonnette — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:47:00 EDT

An Overton woman has died after a one vehicle wreck that occurred last night after 10 p.m. near Arp.According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Tanyia Marie Ratcliff, 22, was driving east on Highway 64 when her 2003 Lexus left the roadway and overturned. Ratcliff was the only person in the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.Justice of the Peace James Meredith pronounced Ratcliff dead at the scene and next of kin has been notified. She was not wearing a seat belt.Copyright 2...

Boil water notice issued for city of Henderson

Marshall Stephens — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:44:00 EDT

Due to a water main rupture in connection with construction activity, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Henderson water system to notify customers of the need to boil their water prior to consumption.

7 from 7: Stories for your Thursday afternoon

Stephanie Frazier — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:16:00 EDT

Good afternoon! It's a hot day across East Texas today; hope you're staying cool and hydrated. Here are a few stories of interest to check out while you stay out of the heat today: 1. In March, the FBI,

Better East Texas: UIL football limitations

Pat Stacey — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EDT

The UIL Legislative Council, the rule making group that governs high school football and other sports, recently passed a recommendation that would limit the time that middle school and high school football teams can practice at full speed.

Water skiing squirrel visits East Texas

Laura Sadler — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:41:00 EDT

A water skiing squirrel made a huge splash today at Canton's Splash Kingdom water park.Twiggy and her owner Lou Ann Best have traveled the globe

Margaritaville to open for 'sneak peek' on Thursday

Carolyn Roy — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:51:00 EDT

Shreveport-Bossier's newest casino will be open for a "sneak peek" on Thursday.

LeTourneau University hosts space camp for students

Bob Hallmark — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:22:00 EDT

School is not yet over for some students as an East Texas university is holding summer camps that provide a unique learning experience that are not always found in traditional classrooms.

Smith County inmates farming benefits East Texans in need

Mitch Goulding — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:21:00 EDT

Smith County Jail inmates are out this week, doing some farm work to help the hungry in the community.

Tyler ISD students fall short of state average

Shaley Sanders — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:21:00 EDT

Recently released data shows Tyler ISD's student scores fell slightly below the state trends in the second year of the more-rigorous STAAR test.

Tyler man sentenced for dealing meth

Whitley Bonnette — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:14:00 EDT

From the U.S. Attorney's Office:A 32-year-old Tyler, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Longview police arrest pair for forgery

Bob Hallmark — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 19:13:00 EDT

An East Texas man and woman are in jail after police say their tried to cash a stolen check at a Longview convenience store.

Tyler city council approves tax abatement

Marshall Stephens — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:45:00 EDT

The Tyler City Council approved a tax abatement agreement with Hood Flexible Packaging Corporation, a manufacturer and supplier of heavy duty plastic shipping sacks, The agreement allows for a three-year 100 percent abatement for a $12 million investment, that could result in 12 to 15 new jobs in Tyler.

E. Texas authorities seeking credit card thieves

Marshall Stephens — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:10:00 EDT

The Harrison County Sheriff's Department is asking for help identifying suspects in multiple vehicle burglaries that occurred during the weekend of June 8-9 in Harrison County. The suspects stole numerous

Kilgore police seeking public's help to find theft suspect

Marshall Stephens — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:38:00 EDT

The Kilgore Police Department is seeking a suspect in a theft that occurred at Zippy J's located at State Highway 42 on June 5.

Road repairs may affect traffic in Tyler today

Marshall Stephens — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:17:00 EDT

The Tyler Police Department has announced several road repairs that may affect traffic in the Tyler area on Wednesday.

Free clinic brings health care to East Texas uninsured

Lauren Callahan — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:07:00 EDT

The Texas Department of State Health Services is joining local partners to give free medical care to uninsured East Texans this week.

Results announced in Jacksonville mayoral runoff election

Taylor Hemness — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:13:00 EDT

Candidates separated by less than 100 votes.

Jacksonville voters head to polls in final day of run-off election

Mitch Goulding — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:26:00 EDT

Jacksonville is in its final day of voting for the city's mayoral run-off elections.

Former Henderson ISD teacher pleads guilty to child porn charges

Marshall Stephens — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:21:00 EDT

A Henderson man pleaded guilty to child pornography charges in federal court on Tuesday. 42-year-old James Brent Malone, a former Henderson High School language arts teacher, had been in custody in East Texas since January.

Gregg County judge named Citizen of the Year

Laura Sadler — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:16:00 EDT

Tuesday evening, the Rotary Club honored Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt with the Citizen of the Year Award.