KYTX - News

Lufkin woman dies from lightning strike; community devastated

Courtney Friedman — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:27:00 EDT

East Texas firefighters are warning people to be careful after lightning struck an East Texas mother of 3, killing her. 32-year-old Meshell Foxworth died Tuesday night.

WWII Vets honored with trip to Washington, D.C.

Coretta Williams — Thu, 23 May 2013 09:03:00 EDT

30 Veterans are making a trip of a lifetime to Washington, D.C. today. This is part of the World War II Heroes Flight -- made possible by Brookshires.

Pine Tree ISD fined for 2011 storage tank violations at bus barn

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:11:00 EDT

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality in Austin punishes Pine Tree I.S.D. with an $18,500 fine.

Smith Co. man charged with first degree murder in Tuesday's shooting

Bobbie Terry — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:38:00 EDT

Arriving on the scene, officers discovered that Alex Wesley Jones, 23, had shot and killed another man as the result of a confrontation.

Wreck on Eastman Road

Kevin Boyce — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:30:00 EDT

Wreck in Longview

Woman struck by lightning in Lufkin IHOP parking lot

Coretta Williams — Thu, 23 May 2013 10:28:00 EDT

Authorities are looking into an incident where a woman was stuck by lightning in a parking lot. It happened Tuesday night at IHOP on Medford Drive in Lufkin.

Shredder Day totals

Jennifer Heathcock — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:16:00 EDT

During Super Shredder Day with Ark-La-Tex Shredding, STS Electronic Recycling and the Salvation Army East Texans brought in 56,431 pounds of paper to be shredded and more than 44,000 pounds of e-waste.

Tornado Relief

Kevin Boyce — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:13:00 EDT

Nearly 30 people from Longview are headed to Oklahoma with three horse trailers full of supplies.

Why it's important to properly recycle your e-waste

Jennifer Heathcock — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:17:00 EDT

It pays to recycle your e-waste from an identity protection standpoint too.

Because just throwing it away could put sensitive information in danger.

More than 2,000 students attend GLOBE Career Expo 2013

Wed, 22 May 2013 19:28:00 EDT

More than 2,000 high school juniors were at LeTourneau University in Longview this morning for Career Expo 2013.

What do the plastic recycling numbers mean?

Anthony Austin — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:11:00 EDT

Kelli Powell is getting a lesson in recycling. She often recycles, but never understood the meaning of the numbers on the bottom of her plastic bottles and containers.

Tazza Pronto coming to Tyler with 150 new jobs

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:08:00 EDT

Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass announced that Tazza Pronto, a coffee machine manufacturer, will soon be coming to Tyler and bringing 150 new jobs.

Tyler Councilmen sworn into office today

Bobbie Terry — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:57:00 EDT

Today in their regularly scheduled meeting, the Tyler City Council welcomed two new councilmen: Ed Moore who represents District 3 and John Nix representing District 6.

Longview man sentenced for dealing meth

Bobbie Terry — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:51:00 EDT

A 26-year-old Longview, 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.

TISD bus involved in collision

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:47:00 EDT

Texas Department of Public Safety officials are working to clear the scene of a wreck involving a Tyler ISD school bus.

How your plastics get recycled

Field Sutton — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:41:00 EDT

As part of our semi-annual Super Shredder Day, we visited Rivers Recycling near Kilgore to learn what happens to all the plastic you throw in your recycling bin.

Amber Alert canceled: 18-month-old found safe, dad arrested

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:30:00 EDT

An Amber Alert issued Wednesday morning for an 18-month-old boy who was taken from his mother by his biological father has been canceled. Luke Towner has been found.

Super Shredder Day: Recycling your paper products

Jaime Gerik — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:21:00 EDT

Tyler, TX (KYTX) -- It's the most wasted material ending up in our landfills, with Americans recycling only 22 percent. Stacks of newspapers and magazines won't clutter Joanne Hill's home anymore. "We

Army sergeant accused of videotaping female cadets at West Point

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:48:00 EDT

A U.S. Army sergeant first class stationed at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point has been charged with allegedly secretly videotaping female cadets in their shower and latrine areas, according to Army officials.

Arias jurors say they're stuck; judge sends them back to deliberations

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:29:00 EDT

Jurors in the Jodi Arias trial say they're stuck.

Source: Man killed by FBI agent 'directly involved' in murders, knew Tsarnaevs

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:24:00 EDT

Ibragim Todashev, shot dead early Wednesday by the FBI in Florida, was "directly involved" in a 2011 triple homicide in Waltham, Massachusetts, a law enforcement official told CNN Wednesday.

STREAMING LIVE: Super Shredder Day

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:09:00 EDT

Click here to watch Super Shredder live.

Kemp man handed down 4 life sentences, one 20 year sentence for sexual assault of a child

Bobbie Terry — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:06:00 EDT

There was more than one storm brewing Tuesday night as a Henderson County Jury of eight women and four men handed down four life sentences and one 20 year sentence to Danny Ray Lusk, 37 of Kemp.

Longview lawyer sentenced for mail fraud

Bobbie Terry — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:15:00 EDT

A 55-year-old Longview, Texas lawyer has been sentenced to federal prison for mail fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Soldier killed in attack near London barracks, lawmaker says

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:08:00 EDT

The British government is treating the gruesome killing of a man in London's Woolwich area as a suspected terrorist attack, the British Prime Minister's office said Wednesday.

Bill would require warrant for police cell phone tracking

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:58:00 EDT

Tracking your location through your cell phone will be a bit more complicated for police if Governor Perry signs one bill at the state capitol.

1 person died in wreck involving school bus in Wills Point

Bobbie Terry — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:49:00 EDT

An accident involving a school bus and two vehicles leaves one person dead Wednesday morning.

Man killed by FBI agent knew Tsarnaevs, official says

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:42:00 EDT

A man fatally shot early Wednesday by an FBI agent in Orlando was being investigated for a possible connection to the Boston bombings, a U.S. law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the Boston Marathon case told CNN.

Restaurants to donate portions of today's proceeds to Red Cross

Wed, 22 May 2013 11:42:00 EDT

A group of local restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds today to American Red Cross Disaster Relief to help the people of Moore, Okla.

Shooting in Smith Co. leaves 1 man dead, 1 in custody

Bobbie Terry — Wed, 22 May 2013 11:27:00 EDT

One man is dead following an argument with another man in Smith County Tuesday morning.

The Investigators: Public Intoxication

Field Sutton — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:12:00 EDT

On average someone gets arrested for public intoxication about once a night in the bigger cities of East Texas. But, does that mean they're all guilty of it?

Go green by recycling aluminum

Melissa Daigle — Wed, 22 May 2013 10:09:00 EDT

It takes about 200 years for one aluminum can to break down in a landfill. When you recycle your cans though, they can be melted down and made into anything that's aluminum.

Leverett's Chapel cancels classes due to power outage

Jasmine Cobb — Wed, 22 May 2013 08:28:00 EDT

Leverett's Chapel Independent School District will not be holding class today. This is due to a power outage.

Christian based group to send portable beds to Oklahoma

Katiera Winfrey — Tue, 21 May 2013 23:38:00 EDT

Youth With a Mission and their partners Mercy Works will be sending "World Beds" to Oklahoma. The Christian based group MercyWorks outreach organization typically works on international catastrophes or aid, but they often work domestically as well.

Oklahoma City tornado: Get the latest developments in this disaster

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:37:00 EDT

At least 20 children are among the 51 people killed in Oklahoma storm, authorities say. At least 145 people hospitalized.

Update: More power outages, debris across East Texas

Tue, 21 May 2013 23:32:00 EDT

Thunderstorm, wind, hail and a funnel cloud have already been reported in northeast Texas this afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

Amber Alert discontinued for 9-month-old girl

Tue, 21 May 2013 22:11:00 EDT

McKinney Police have discontinued the Amber Alert. Isabella has been located and is safe in police custody.

Oil tank fire in Mixon, no one hurt

Anthony Austin — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:59:00 EDT

(KYTX) - An oil tank fire is still burning after a lightning strike earlier Tuesday night. The North Cherokee Fire Department said lightning struck the tank around 8pm on Highway 135 in Mixon. Fire crews

UPDATE: High winds knocking down power lines, trees in Smith Co.

Field Sutton — Tue, 21 May 2013 21:17:00 EDT

As storms rolled through the I-20 and I-30 corridors Tuesday afternoon, reports of downed power lines started coming in, leaving at least 1,500 people without power in southeast Tyler.

East Texans gather donations for Oklahoma tornado victims

Courtney Friedman — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:50:00 EDT

As those people in Oklahoma begin to pick up what's left of their lives communities right here in East Texas are reaching out.

Do you know what to do during a tornado?

Anthony Austin — Tue, 21 May 2013 19:46:00 EDT

(KYTX)- If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately! Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head. IF

Smith County judge issues emergency weather notification

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:07:00 EDT

According to the National Weather Service, there is the possibility of hail, damaging winds and heavy rain, and a slight possibility of tornadoes for Smith County.

Center man sentenced for four years on federal drug violation

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:03:00 EDT

A 39-year-old Center 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.

Pine Tree names new junior high principal

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:59:00 EDT

The Pine Tree ISD School Board named Vanessa Robinson as principal of Pine Tree Junior High School in a special board meeting on Monday.

Local school events canceled due to weather

Bobbie Terry — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:53:00 EDT

Many East Texas schools have decided to cancel events due to the threat of severe weather this evening.

Tornado Watch in effect for East Texas until 10 p.m.

Coretta Williams — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:38:00 EDT

A Tornado Watch is in effect for Anderson, Henderson, Van Zandt, Rains and Hopkins counties until 7:00 p.m. Another Tornado Watch covers the rest of East Texas until 10:00 p.m.

Tyler man sentenced for attempted arson of methadone clinic

Bobbie Terry — Tue, 21 May 2013 16:54:00 EDT

A 55-year-old Tyler, Texas, building contractor has been sentenced for federal arson related charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Hasan Continues to be Paid

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:12:00 EDT

Shocking numbers show since the 2009 Fort Hood shooting accused gunman Nidal Hasan has received $278,000 in pay from the Army.

Helping with disaster in the heartland

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:41:00 EDT

For the second day in a row, violent storms have ripped through America's heartland.

Obama: Americans stand with Oklahoma for 'as long as it takes'

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:57:00 EDT

Describing the tornado that swept across the Oklahoma plains as "one of the most destructive storms in history," President Barack Obama said Tuesday the state "needs to get everything it needs right away" to recover from the devastating twister.

American Red Cross: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 for disaster relief

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:47:00 EDT

Today, the American Red Cross is asking for financial support. People not only in Oklahoma, but our neighbors still clearing debris after last week's storms and fire victims only at the first step of their recovery, need help too.

24 dead including 9 kids

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:40:00 EDT

Even for a city toughened by disaster, Moore has never seen this kind of devastation.

A massive, howling tornado pulverized a vast swath of the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday, chewing up homes and businesses, and severely damaging a hospital and two elementary schools.

Texas Task Force One to Head to Oklahoma

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:41:00 EDT

Texas' most elite search and rescue team is now headed to Oklahoma.

Suspect involved in Longview chase, shooting has died

Bobbie Terry — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:12:00 EDT

The officer then shot Sifuentes. Both Sifuentes and the officer were taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center. The officer was treated and released from the hospital. Sifuentes later died from his injuries.

DPS increases patrols for Memorial Day weekend

Bobbie Terry — Tue, 21 May 2013 10:53:00 EDT

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will increase trooper patrols this Memorial Day weekend to help keep Texas roadways safe. During the increased patrols Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, troopers will be looking for drunk drivers, speeders, seat belt violators and other traffic violators statewide.

Teen asks to walk in graduation after balloon explosion

Katiera Winfrey — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:57:00 EDT

One student is fighting to walk in his graduation after getting expelled for what he thought was a harmless act.

2 injured in Longview shooting

Justin Earley — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:54:00 EDT

Longview police say one person was shot and another has unknown injuries after an incident in east Longview Monday night.

Litter problem at Bullard Kids' Park

Melissa Daigle — Tue, 21 May 2013 09:52:00 EDT

It's only been open a few months, but Bullard Mayor Pam Frederick says the city's new, state-of-the-art kids' park already has a litter problem.

Officials call Toll 49 ‘major success’

Tue, 21 May 2013 09:52:00 EDT

Regional and state officials called Toll 49 a "major success" on Monday at the Council of Cities meeting and praised Smith County communities for cooperating in making it a well-traveled, alternative road way to take the traffic stress off of cities.

At least 51 dead in Oklahoma tornado

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:49:00 EDT

Rescue workers raced against time and the oncoming night Monday looking for survivors after a powerful tornado blasted an area outside of Oklahoma City, leveling homes and killing at least 51 people.

The end of CSCOPE?

Bobbie Terry — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:37:00 EDT

A letter signed by all 20 members of the Board released this morning stated they will notify their 875 school district clients that all lesson plans will be removed from their website on August 31st, 2013 and that districts cannot use any lessons they currently have beyond that date.

Harrison Co. Sheriff's release identity of drowning victim

Coretta Williams — Mon, 20 May 2013 22:35:00 EDT

The victim is identified as 21-year-old Wildrick Lamon Jenkinsof Marshall.

Lee Trevino talks education at UT Tyler 2013 Patriot Golf Classic

Jaime Gerik — Mon, 20 May 2013 19:51:00 EDT

Tyler, TX - East Texans tee'd off in the name of education today for UT Tyler's Patriot Golf Classic. Special guest and World Golf Hall of Famer Lee Trevino lit up the course--and the room-- at Hollytree

Web Exclusive: Girl's lemonade stand shutdown

Dana Hughey — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:53:00 EDT

When it warms up outside, it's not unusual to see children set up lemonade stands around town. But in Indianapolis, confusion over health permits shut down a little girl's lemonade stand.

Web Exclusive: People struggling to pay bills moving to suburbs

Dana Hughey — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:43:00 EDT

A new report shows more people-- who are struggling to pay their bills-- have moved to the suburbs. According to the Brookings Institution, poverty soared 67% in the nation's suburbs from 2000 to 2011.

Web Exclusive: Steak N Shake employee gets big tip

Dana Hughey — Mon, 20 May 2013 11:07:00 EDT

They say it pays to be nice, but for one friendly waitress in Indiana, the pay-off was one whopper of a tip. Cece Bruce couldn't believe she got a $446 tip.

Web Exclusive: Vinyl Records still spinning after all these years

Dana Hughey — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:44:00 EDT

Eight-tracks and tapes have come and gone, but many music lovers hold a special place for vinyl. It seems records are continuing to thrive despite the digital era.

Web Exclusive: Robin Williams headed back to small screen

Dana Hughey — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:26:00 EDT

Comedian Robin Williams has a new weekly gig. He is returning to television. CBS has announced he'll star in the new comedy "The Crazy Ones," from Executive Producer David E. Kelley.

Web Exclusive: Mom accused of putting adoption ad on Craigslist for her son

Dana Hughey — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:20:00 EDT

A 29-year-old Houston mother, who allegedly suffers from depression and anxiety, is accused of placing an ad on Craigslist to give up her 3-year-old son for adoption. Stephanie Christine Redus is now charged with advertising for placement of a child.

Web Exclusive: Retired Air Force One could be yours

Dana Hughey — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:46:00 EDT

A plane that once carried U.S. presidents could be yours, if the price is right. Also in Consumer Corner, where you live could determine how much you're paying for health care.

Web Exclusive: Security will be high for Sochi Winter Olympics

Dana Hughey — Mon, 13 May 2013 10:12:00 EDT

People going to the winter Olympic games in Sochi, will need to be prepared for some serious pat-downs. Security at big sporting events has increased.

Web Exclusive: Legendary CBS soap actress passes away

Dana Hughey — Thu, 9 May 2013 10:24:00 EDT

Fans are remembering a soap opera star, who spent 3 decades playing Katherine Chancellor. Jeanne Cooper died in Los Angeles. Also trending today, a woman gets shot in the jaw with a harpoon.

Web Exclusive: "Preppers" in Texas ready when disaster strikes

Dana Hughey — Wed, 8 May 2013 11:06:00 EDT

Are you prepared is disaster strikes? Emergency situations like the explosion in West, the Boston Marathon bombings and hurricanes that devastate entire regions can cause mass chaos.