KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE — A boil water notice has been issued for all Gum Creek Water Supply customers. According to the company, due to many customer leaks and/or continual running of faucets during the freeze, water usage has exceeded incoming capacity, causing a system-wide outage. Officials said crews were working to restore service as quickly as possible. Gum Creek Water Supply serves an area just west of Jacksonville. You may call 903-589-9988 or email gumcreekwater@gmail.com with any questions. Click here for more information and updates.

TYLER — When BreAnn Benson was seven years old, she decided to start giving out bears at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, she is now 13 years old with the same mission. “My mother got a surgery in the hospital and was there for over a month and got absolutely nothing and I got really sad and stuff,” said Benson. At that moment, Benson knew she had to do something and spread joy to adult patients in the same hospital her mom was in. “You don’t think about kids worrying about adults, they just wanna go out and play and everything else, but her heart is so big she was more worried about consoling those in the hospital,” said BreAnn’s mother, Jeri Ann Summerville. Six years ago they had 99 bears to donate and this year is the largest to date, 400 bears. “This year we actually get to fund the entire hospital,” said Benson. Continue reading 13-year-old gifts 400 bears to hospital patients for holidays

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful are providing two locations for Christmas tree recycling in Tyler. Residents can drop off their undecorated, non-flocked natural Christmas trees Monday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 15, in designated areas at Golden Road Park and Fun Forest Park in Tyler. Golden Road Park is located at the intersection of McDonald Road and Golden Road. Fun Forest Park is located at North Glenwood Boulevard and Garden Valley Road. All lights, ornaments, garland, and tinsel should be removed from the Christmas tree before dropping it off near the sign that says “Christmas Tree Drop Off,” according to a news release. Continue reading Christmas tree recycling starts Dec. 26 in Tyler

LONGVIEW — City of Longview offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, for Christmas. All city offices will resume regular business hours Tuesday, Dec. 27. Trash and recycling collection will shift one day the week of Christmas. The Compost Facility will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 26 and 27, but reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 28. Bulky item collection will continue on regular schedule, but yard waste collection will be suspended from Monday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Jan. 6. Find more details at this link.

TYLER — All non-essential Tyler city offices will observe an adjusted schedule for the holidays. City Hall offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2. The Tyler Solid Waste office and Recycle Center will be closed on those days as well, with residential garbage and curbside recycling also affected. You may additionally want to make note of adjusted schedules for Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, Tyler Public Library, Tyler Transit, and more. Click here and scroll down to “Updates” for the complete summary.

OVERTON – The city of Overton has been experiencing a water outage, but progress is being made. The city says pumps and lines at the water wells froze up due to the Arctic blast. Officials said a crew was working to thaw out the lines and assess damages. The city did not immediately have an estimated time for full service to be restored. According to our news partner KETK, several frozen wells have reopened. A boil water notice has been posted for those who have access to water. Click here for details and any updates posted by the city.

LONGVIEW — One person is dead and another is injured after a shooting at Waffle House on East Loop 281 in Longview early Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police say officers responded at approximately 2:08 a.m. and found a man and woman with apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to a local hospital, where Kendall Marshall, 27, of Longview was pronounced dead. Officials say the woman was then flown to an out-of-town hospital. Detectives are continuing their investigation. If you have any information on this matter, you are encouraged to contact Longview Police at 903-237-1110 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or online at this link.

TYLER – The SPCA of East Texas has rescued three puppies that they found while responding to a cruelty call on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the SPCA says the puppies were not safe because they were seen near the road. They said the pups are “eaten up with parasites” and are now being provided with shelter through the arctic blast. They added that the SNIPPET clinic is going to do a free spay on the mother of the puppies. The SPCA provided the owners with two dog houses and some dog food for their remaining dogs. In a prepared statement, the SPCA said, “This is why it is so important for us to have these supplies on hand to give out to the community. Especially with the weather changing to dangerous freezing temperatures. We are still very much in need of more dog houses, blankets and supplies.” Click here for more information.

TYLER — TxDOT crews Thursday began pre-treating Tier 1 roadways, overpasses, and bridges in the Tyler area. Spokesman Jeff Williford said the work was being done out of an abundance of caution with TxDOT’s focus on making sure the department does what it can to keep motorists safe. If you’re out driving, you’re asked to allow crews room to work when you see them on the road. Tier 1 roadways include I-20, US 271, US 69, and SH 110. Crews have also been treating the bridges over Lake Palestine on SH 155.

LONGVIEW — An arctic airmass moved into the region Thursday, and the city of Longview is continuing to address the situation. The very cold temperatures are expected to linger into the Christmas holiday weekend and will put animals, plants, and pipes at risk. Residents are encouraged to take steps to mitigate effects of the freeze by protecting their home and animals. The City’s Freeze Contingency Plan is available at this link and provides a series of steps to protect pipes. Due to the City observed holiday Monday, Dec. 26, Water Utilities will not be open. During the holiday, residents may report a water or sewer emergency by calling 903-236-3030. The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center urges residents to provide indoor accommodations for their animals during the severe cold. Click here for related links.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is responding as an arctic blast of frigid temperatures and wind chills is projected for Tyler and the surrounding areas until Sunday. Officials note that this prolonged period of cold, sometimes freezing, temperatures can pose a hazard to property, people, and pets.  City officials are monitoring the situation and strongly advise residents to watch the weather forecast, winterize their homes, and safely use space heaters and generators. According to a news release, emergency service capabilities are at full strength, and City departments are in frequent communication with each other to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place. Continue reading City of Tyler monitoring Arctic blast; residents urged to protect property, people, and pets

TYLER — Smith County officials are passing along some safety tips in the wake of a Wednesday mobile home fire on Lakeview Circle in Whitehouse — and as East Texans deal with freezing weather. After a preliminary investigation, Interim Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reports that the fire originated on the front porch of the home where a clamp-style heat lamp was being used for outdoor animals. The home was estimated to be 70 percent destroyed by the fire. “When using a clamp-style heating lamp, always make sure it is securely attached and maintain at least 3 feet of clearance from anything that could burn,” Hogue said as quoted in a news release. No one was home at the time of the fire but one dog perished. Continue reading Fire marshal offers safety tips following Whitehouse fire

MARSHALL – The City of Marshall has opened a warming center for those unable to escape the extreme cold affecting the area in the coming days. The warming center is located at the Marshall Fire Department Central Station on South Grove St. The center will be available through Saturday, Dec. 24, at 4:00 p.m.

QUITMAN — Texas DPS says one person is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Quitman. According to our news partner KETK, Sgt. Adam Albritton said the Mineola Police Department received a call about a theft which led to a pursuit. Officials said the driver fled going northbound on Highway 37 toward Quitman. According to authorities, the person allegedly fired shots at officers during the pursuit. Albritton says the chase came to an end with officers fatally shooting the person involved near Highway 154 and Highway 37. DPS says the Texas Rangers are investigating.

MARSHALL — According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car thefts in the United States are on the rise. Marshall police say they are seeing this as well, with seven vehicles stolen just Wednesday night. Police say car theft is often a crime of opportunity. They say a thief may spot a key left in the vehicle and take advantage of that moment. But they point out that thieves can be organized and intent on looking for specific items. According to a Marshall Police Department news release, thieves want whatever sells, which includes the vehicle’s contents and parts from the car. So how do you help protect yourself from becoming a victim of car theft? Police say there are several things you can do to keep you and your car safe. Continue reading Marshall police: Car thefts on the rise