KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to Dogwood Trails in the Enchanted Lake subdivision, in Northwest Smith County, to investigate a reported structure fire, just after 7:30 Friday night. A second house fire was discovered down the street from the first reported fire. “Fire crews had to split into two teams to fight both fires and water supply in that area is already a challenge. The condition of the private roads leading to the location of the fires made it difficult to get the necessary water tankers to the firefighters.” Fire Marshal Jay Brooks said. A suspicious vehicle was reported by the initial fire attack team so the Smith County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded to the area and were able to locate it. Continue reading Smith County Fire Marshal Investigating Simultaneous House Fires

LONGVIEW — Operation Warm was formed in 2002 and delivers hundreds of thousands of coats annually. On Friday, the Longview Professional Fire Fighters Association announced a partnership with Operation Warm, through the International Association of Fire Fire-fighters. The campaign is available on the Operation Warm website, and will continue through next Friday. Organizers say their goal is $10,000, which would help provide about 500 new jackets for children in Longview ISD, Pine Tree ISD, and Spring Hill ISD.

TYLER — On Friday Judge Kerry Russel sentenced William Foley, 43, to Life in prison. Foley, was found guilty by a Smith County Jury in November, and the defendant remained in jail in order for a Pre-Sentence Investigation report to be completed. At trial prosecutors showed that the defendant, forced his way into the victim’s apartment and began assaulting the victim. Two eyewitnesses in the apartment complex heard the victim’s cry for help and pulled Foley off of the victim. Continue reading Tyler Man Gets Life for Burglary of a Habitation

TYLER — In August, hundreds of families signed up for the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. On Friday morning, Captain Robert Parker told KTBB that the Salvation Army began distribution of toys and bicycles given by the community. Parker said, “It’s probably one of the busiest days of the year, if not the busiest, but it’s always a highlight.” Parker said he wanted to remind the community you will still see Red Kettles out across the area up until Christmas Eve, “We are still short of our goal and a little behind this time last year, but we still have 3 days left, and we are praying for good weather and that people will stop by and make a donation.”

TYLER — The City of Tyler announced on Friday that they are currently taking applications for City Boards and Commissions through Jan. 2. Adriana Rodriguez told KTBB those appointed will serve the city voluntarily and without pay for two-year terms. Rodriguez continued, “We have the library board, traffic safety board, construction board of adjustments, and dis-abilities Issue Review Board, as well as various vacant spots that we want to have filled.” Continue reading City of Tyler Taking Apps for Boards and Commissions

LINDALE — The National Transportation Safety Board has released a preliminary report on the November crash of a private airplane near Lindale. The NTSB’s report indicates that an engine failure is the primary cause of the crash. According to information provided by the plane’s pilot, the engine began to shake violently shortly after the plane leveled at its cruising altitude. Continue reading NTSB Releases Preliminary Report of Plane Crash in Lindale Area

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department has been notified that an individual is making calls to people claiming to be Tyler Police Sgt. Adam Parker. The caller is telling them they are involved in a civil matter that needs urgent attention and/or payment. This individual is masking his number with a Tyler Police extension. Residents should be aware that the Tyler Police Department will never contact them for payment of fines. You should never share personal information (i.e. address, social security number, credit card number, etc.) over the phone. Tyler Police detectives are investigating this case.

TYLER — Toll 49 has maintenance crews working on the roadway that could slow motorists down for a few minutes. On Thursday, the Executive Director of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority Chris Miller told KTBB, “We are installing what are called deliniators, which are essentially plastic rods that are going to be sticking up in the center median between the north and south lanes.” Miller went on to say “the positioning is expected to be completed by Friday.”

LONGVIEW — Longview police announced on Wednesday that the community should “Plan While You Can,” announcing the initiative of an effort that will step up DWI patrols in the city. Citing statistics from the state, police remind drivers that the holiday season can be a dangerous time for alcohol-related crashes, deaths, and injuries on roadways. In 2018, there were 2,370 DUI-alcohol related crashes in the state, in the holiday season alone. These crashes killed 75 people, seriously injurying another 199.

TYLER — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents that typically there is a surge in house fires in winter and the holiday season. “Structure fire season has started,” Fire Marshal Jay Brooks said. “Once the weather turns colder, we see an increase in house fires, primarily because of the use of space heaters. Statistically speaking, in Smith County, the busiest month in terms of total structure fires is January, which accounts for nearly 12.5 percent of the year’s fires.” Continue reading Fire Safety Tips from Smith County Fire Marshall

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has announced the induction of 46 students into its Texas Alpha Xi chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society for the 2019—20 academic year. Alpha Chi celebrates superior academic performance in all fields of study. To be eligible for membership, an undergraduate student must be at least a junior, have completed a minimum of 24 hours at UT Tyler and be ranked in the top 5 percent of students in their college with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Continue reading UT Tyler Celebrates Superior Academic Performance

VAN ZANDT — On a social media post on Thursday the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office shared information about a traffic stop on I-20 near Canton. During the stop, K-9 Rico gave a positive alert, to narcotics in the vehicle. A probable cause search was conducted if the vehicle and its contents. This search resulted in the seizure of a kilo of methamphetamine, and a large amount of cash. One person on numerous narcotic related offenses. Investigation results revealed the narcotics were to be distributed in Van Zandt County. This investigation remains open, and authorities anticipate subsequent arrests.

TYLER — A Donut Palace on South Broadway had a car crash into the shoppe on Thursday morning in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, a window was shattered, another was heavily cracked and several bricks were displaced. No one was injured in the accident. The store remains open, as owners are having the damage temporarily repaired until the reconstruction is complete.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Following a vote along party lines to impeach President Trump, East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert told KTBB Thursday, “This is a sad day for America.” The Congressmen from District 1 continued, “This is only the third time the house has ever voted to impeach a President. This is the first time there was no allegation in any of the charge of the charges voted on that a crime was committed.”

TYLER — Brookshires kicked off a non-perishable “Fill the Cart” drive on Thursday. The East Texas Food Bank’s Lauren Barnes told KTBB the drive runs through Saturday. Barnes said, “We are so excited to partner with Brookshires Grocery Company, they actually have a giant 13 foot motorized grocery cart, it was in the Christmas parade recently and was a real show stopper, and they are going to be putting that out in front of their store on Rice Road in Tyler, and they are going to be encouraging customers to help fill the cart.”

LONGVIEW — Curbside recycling services will be temporarily unavailable for the remainder of the week beginning on Thursday. The local material recovery facility, Rivers Recycling is dealing with unscheduled maintenance. As a result, contents from Longview’s curbside recycling carts will be taken to the landfill with regular trash instead of being recycled until the maintenance is completed. The city announced that customers may choose to hold their recycling until Dec. 23-27, including any excess recyclables.

TYLER — A Smith County Jury punished Joshua Miller to 60 years in prison on Tuesday for Assault Family Violence Strangulation. The jury heard evidence that in February, Miller used a tee-shirt to strangle his girlfriend until she became unconscious. She woke up and ran from the house while dialing 911, and Miller gave chase. Prosecutors presented evidence of multiple assaults the victim had endured at the hands of Miller throughout their relationship. Continue reading Tyler Man Convicted of Felony Domestic Violence

WASHINGTON D.C. — During a debate from the House floor on Wednesday ahead of the House vote, East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert was passionate as he shared his thoughts on the impeachment proceedings. Congressman Gohmert said, “Now it’s lowered even further. It will be used for political battles and this country’s end is now in sight. I hope that I don’t live to see it. This is an outrage.”

TYLER — In July the University of Texas at Tyler and Kilgore College announced a plan for students in pursuit of a pre-nursing degree. On Wednesday, the schools said all the action steps are in place and ready to move forward. According to a release from UT Tyler, the course work will begin in the Spring Semester of 2020. The courses will be presented by Kilgore College at the UT Tyler Longview University Center campus. Leaders say ultimately the objective is about coming together to reach a common goal, with the idea of educating the region.

TYLER — Santa got some help from Tyler police officers again this year with the annual ‘Blue Santa’ event. On Wednesday, TPD’s April Molina said this year 280 children shopped with officers because of a generous community that partnered with the department in a variety of ways. Molina told KTBB on Wednesday that, “Officer Chuck Boyce really makes this thing go, he is so active in our community. ” Continue reading Tyler Police Helps Nearly 300 with Blue Santa Program

TYLER — The former Juls Restaurant will soon have a new tenant. Javi’s is currently putting the final touches on the modification before they are set to open in the next few weeks. According to our news partner KETK, Juls closed almost 2 years ago, before reopening as an events center featuring a large patios and multi-level party rooms. However, the center never found solid footing before closing for a 2nd time, and has been vacant every since. A remodel permit was obtained in May, and Javi’s is currently accepting applications.

KILGORE — After 6 months of construction,improvements to Chandler Street in Kilgore are complete and traffic will be re-opened to normal traffic at noon on Friday, and should help alleviate traffic challenges at KISD. On Wednesday Kilgore Director of Public Works Clay Evers told KTBB that a motivated contractor and good weather combined to complete the project a full month ahead of schedule. “It will now be a 2 lane road with a center lane. All of the utilities in the right of way of Chandler street were replaced and moved beyond the curb.”

TYLER — The East Texas Communities Foundation announced on Wednesday that they are now accepting applications for seventy scholarships to be awarded to East Texas students for the 2020-2021 academic year. The deadline for submission varies and is marked on the applications. A new feature has been added this year that will enable applicants to utilize an online matching tool to better determine which scholarships entrants they are most likely eligible for and to gain entry to the applications. Continue reading East Texas Communities Foundation Announces Scholarships

PALESTINE — A Palestine man has been charged with capital murder following the death of Nathaniel Torrez, four-month-old, according to our news partner KETK. Nathaniel was initially brought to the ER unresponsive on November 12 when doctors discovered that the he had numerous rib fractures, a fractured right arm, and a skull fractured that led to a brain bleed. The infant was transported to Houston for further treatment. The father of the infant, Jerry Torrez, 34, was arrested on November 12 for the charge of injury to a child causing bodily injury. The father was booked into the Anderson County jail where he has remained since his arrest. Nathanial Torrez died from his injuries December 14. Continue reading Palestine Man Charged with Murder following Death of Infant Son

RUSK — A former top employee for Cherokee County will spend the rest of his life in prison. According to our news partner KETK, Carl Phillips plead guilty to sexually abusing a child during a period of a year and a half. Phillps was sentenced to 50 years in prison with no chance of parole for the child sexual assault. According to the indictment, the molestation took place between January 2018 and June 2019. Continue reading 50 Year Sentence for Former East Texas Corrections Director

TYLER — Junior Achievement of Tyler announced on Tuesday their 2020 Business Hall of Fame Laureates for 2019, Dr. and Mrs. Mike Metke. The Junior Achievement of the Greater Tyler Area (JA-Tyler) Hall of Fame reception and banquet will be held April 30 at Willow Brook Country Club in Tyler. Dr. and Mrs. Mike Metke, began serving Tyler Junior College (TJC) in 2007 with a strategic plan to “take TJC to the people.” Continue reading Junior Achievement Announces Dr. & Mrs. Mike Metke Hall of Fame Laureates

LONGVIEW — In August of this year Longview ISD Trustees approved $8.2 million dollars in pay raises district wide. According to our news partner KETK, Monday night the board approved 2.4 million dollars in incentive pay. The money will be going out instaff members December checks, with some earning nearly $20,000. Those numbers reflect nearly 700 staff members across 9 schools, and are almost 8 times the amount paid out to staff members when the program began in the 2014-2015.

TYLER –Downtown Tyler continues to pick up momentum with the announcement of Plaza Tower that McDermott International will be relocating to 3 floors of the Plaza Tower next month. On Tuesday Garnett Brookshire told KTBB this is a direct reflection of the cynergy happening in the town centre. “This does reflect that huge movement that we are currently undergoing. This is one of the largest if not the largest office lease in our recollection since we’ve been doing this downtown. It is just that, a reflection of the progress made downtown. But we are also proud to have them (McDermott International) here at Plaza Tower.” With 100 new professionals ready to call The Plaza home, it will be roughly, 75% full.