KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The United Way of Smith County has found their next C.E.O. Chairman Mike Thomas announced the boards decision to hire John Gaston on Thursday afternoon. Nan Moore is the outgoing CEO, she has served in that capacity for the past 12 years and says John truly cares about our community and the work we do here. Gaston spent many years in broadcasting sales and management in both radio and television, most recently as President and General Manager of CBS 19 in Tyler. Following his broadcasting career, Gaston has assisted with marketing and sales for the Athletic Department of the University of Texas at Tyler.

TROUP — Troup Police are searching for a man suspected of stealing coins from a machine at a local car wash. According to our news partner KETK, the white male is driving a late ’90s or early 2000s white Ford Pickup. The vehicle was last seen heading towards Jacksonville on HWY 135. We have posted a picture at KTBB.com Contact the Troup Police Department. All individuals that provide information will remain confidential.

TYLER — Sidewalk and driveway work will keep North Palace Avenue shut down for the immediate future. The improvements are expected to continue though the first of November. The work will affect the area between West Queen Street and West Franklin Street. The project will alter traffic from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on work days. Drivers will have to detour and return to North Palace Avenue. Residents whose homes are affected by the construction will be able to get in and out of their homes. We have posted a map of the impacted area at KTBB.com

TYLER — UT Tyler is taking measures to make it easier to attend the University. According to our news partner KETK, graduating seniors from more than 40 East Texas schools met at UT Tyler on Wednesday. Dr. Michael Tidwell had the attention of the 1200 plus students in attendance. The University of Tyler President announced a new initiative that allows any student in the top 25% of their graduating class, automatic admission into UT Tyler. The proposal extends to all students across the state of Texas.

TYLER — Former Tyler City Councilman John Nix has suspended his run for Tyler mayor — leaving current Councilman Don Warren as the only announced candidate. In a press statement, Nix says he’ll be buying out his father, who’s also his business partner, and “will need to re-establish the footing of Nix Construction as a sole proprietorship.” Nix adds that he’ll “continue to be deeply involved in city governance and the business community.” Nix says he has confidence in Warren, who responded that he has the utmost respect for Nix. The new mayor will be chosen during the next city election in May.

DALLAS — Alexis Stossel of Kilgore says she was glad to take the stand in the trial of former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger for the murder of Botham Jean. According to our news partner KETK, Botham, she said, was one of, if not the, most genuine humans she has ever known. The two former classmates were best friends. Stossel met Botham while attending Harding University in Arkansas. And that friendship would blossom. From memories made in church to the lunches together after the Sunday service. Her favorite of those memories was a roadtrip from East Texas to Tennessee where they spent 10 hours in the car to go to another friend’s wedding. Continue reading East Texas Woman Says She lost her “Best Friend”

WHITE OAK — White Oak police are looking for help from the public in finding the person or persons responsible for damaging a church sign. According to our news partner KETK, damage to the sign of Increase Church of White Oak’s digital message board occured Tuesday morning between 5:30 and 8:30 a.m. The damage is estimated to be around $10,000. Anyone with information about the incident should contact the White Oak Police Department.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments released the Fiscal Year 2020 budget Thursday morning. According to ETCOG, 57.4 million dollars was approved in September. The budget reflects an overall increase of over $770,000 compared to the 2019 financial blue print. Most of this years increase is reflected in the Transportation and Public Safety-911 programs due to additional funding received for capital equipment. A copy of the approved budget, and other ETCOG financial and reporting documents can be downloaded at http://www.etcog.org/financials. ETCOG is a voluntary association of counties, cities, school districts and special districts within the fourteen-county East Texas region.

LONGVIEW — A Gregg County Grand Jury has found Longview Police Officers’ Use of Deadly Force Justified during the apprehension of a murder suspect last July. The Gregg County Grand Jury absolved Longview Police Officers Doug Brinkley, Armondo Juarezortega, Jonathan Wolf and Kerry Higginbotham in their use of deadly force during the apprehension of Kenneth Earl Thomas Jr. who is a suspect in the murder of Kimberly Wallace. A Texas Rangers investigation into the non-fatal shooting of Thomas was turned over to the Gregg County D.A. who found that Thomas opened fire upon the Officers. Continue reading Non-Fatal Police Shooting in Gregg County Justified

LONGVIEW — A shooting by two Longview police officers last August was taken before a grand jury, and the officer’s were absolved of any wrong doing in the case. Officers Jason Kelley and John Collier shot and killed an 18 year old Detravian Allison. Officers observed two subjects inside a stolen vehicle. The passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Subsequently, Allison exited the driver’s side and produced a handgun. Allison raised the handgun and pointed it at Officer Kelley. Both Officers opened fire and Allison was struck four times. Officers provided first aid until EMS arrived. Continue reading Gregg County Grand Jury Says Deadly Force Justified

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announced on Wednesday that David Barron will be the new associate vice president for enrollment management. Barron was most recently the associate vice president for enrollment services at Augusta University in Georgia. Barron set numerous enrollment records while at Augusta University, including growing freshman classes while also growing the academic qualifications of entering students. Barron will supervise undergraduate enrollment, financial aid and scholarships, the enrollment services center and other related units. In four years, Barron led the Augusta University enrollment team to record increases for fall 2017, 2018 and 2019. Under his leadership, the team had the largest first-time, full-time freshman cohort in the institution’s history for two consecutive years.

TYLER — The UT Tyler professional development speaker series recently launched a courtesy of the UT Tyler student chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). The event hosted freshmen business majors, faculty, and alumni at the Soules College of Business. One of the event speakers in the inaugural event was Phil Burkes, the CEO and founder of The Genesis Group. Burks as well as other Tyler-based companies, spoke to the audience. Continue reading Inaugural UT Speaker Series Success

TYLER — Smith County Habitat for Humanity is looking for potential new homeowners. For those that are not familiar with the program, the new home owners help to build the house alongside many dedicated volunteers in the community. Habitat sells the house to the home owner at cost and finances the mortgage at zero interest. Continue reading Smith County Habitat Wanting 1st Time Home Owners

TYLER — Artists are invited to submit their work for the jurying phase of Gallery Main Street’s “Hello Future!” fine art exhibit. “Hello Future!” invites originators to explore what greeting and embracing the future means to you. Gallery Main Street says it may reflect your interpretation of the distant future or the very near future. The group anticipates seeing creators predictions for the future and how we will approach and embrace it. Artists should click the link https://client.smarterentry.com/COTT to enter their work. Deadline to register is midnight on Nov. 3. Continue reading Submittals Call for the “Hello Future!” Gallery Exhibit

TYLER — Recently finalists for the 2019 President’s Awards Program were announced in Austin and The East Texas Big Event has been chosen as a finalist for the “Spirit of Downtown” category. For over3 decades the awards program, sponsored by the Texas Downtown Association has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns. The East Texas Big Event is a one-day, large-scale service event that impacts multiple organizations within the community. Continue reading Finalists for the 2019 President’s Awards Program

VAN –Representative Dan Flynn announced on Wednesday that he is running for re-election in House District 2. He says he will run a record of results. Rep. Flynn has a conservative voting record and has experienced 2 previous redistricting cycles. In 2021 the lines will be redrawn for the Texas Legislature and the Texas Congressional Delegation. The lines are redrawn every 10 years following the census. District 2 includes Van Zandt, Hunt and Hopkins counties. Flynn has completed his ninth term representing District 2.

SMITH COUNTY — A Flint man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce, transfer, and forge false identification documents. Jose Luis Marquez Rodriguez, 53, pleaded guilty on Oct. 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. He agreed to the forfeiture of several firearms and ammunition; a computer and three printers; $9602 cash; funds in three bank accounts totaling $21,359.09; and two pieces of property in Flint. Rodriguez also agreed to a money judgment in the amount of $308,961.09, representing proceeds received from his conduct. According to information presented in court, beginning in April 2009, Marquez Rodriguez was involved in a conspiracy to produce and sell fictitious U.S. identification documents to others. Continue reading Smith County Man Guilty in Counterfeit Immigration Documents Conspiracy

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners went into an executive session on Tuesday to discuss purchasing the John Tyler Agriculture Learning Center for the future site of the Smith County Road and Bridge Facility. According to our news partner KETK, the property is a 10-acre farm located off northwest Highway 69 in Smith County. Tyler ISD decided to sell the property in August and accepted sealed bids until September 12. The district reserves the right to waive any informality or reject any or all bids. Currently, there is no negotiation between the Commissioner’s Court and Tyler ISD but the Commissioners voted to offer to purchase the property for $140,000 from Tyler ISD. There is no word on if Tyler ISD will accept or deny the offer.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview is inviting residents to submit photos of Longview. The challenge is open now and the city will accept photos through November 1. Photo entries will be considered on creativity, quality, originality, and overall impact. Each photographer may submit up to six photos. Photos with watermarks will not be accepted. The city will pass out prize money of $250 for Best of Show, 1st Place gets $200, 3rd Place receives $100, and Honorable mention will be presented with $50. Complete Details available by clicking the link. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/3465/Photos

TYLER — The 2019 East Texas State Fair might be the most successful Fair to date. Organizer’s say this was the greatest economic impact in the festivities 104 year history. The was the best attended fair since 2015, which was the event’s 100 year anniversary. 2019 was the third-largest attendance on record up 16.2% overall from last year. The fair also saw a 10-12% increase in per-cap revenue over previous years. The overall attendance record came in 2007, when 286,149 visited. 2019 observed the largest Wednesday and Sunday in the event’s history. Total 2019 attendance was 257,127.

TYLER — As hot, dry conditions persist, Smith County remains under an outdoor burning ban. The number of grass fires in the county has gone down since the Commissioners Court issued the ban three weeks ago, but there have been 85 reports of illegal burns since then. Fire Marshal Jay Brooks gave an update to the Commissioners Court on Tuesday, saying many warnings have been given but his office is now issuing citations. Brooks says most people who have been caught burning illegally claim they didn’t know about the burn ban. You can go to the News section at http://www.smith-county.com for more information.

TYLER — People from all over East Texas are anticipated for Wednesday’s CityFest BuckOut! The BuckOut is a high energy event with bucking bulls, spirited horses, and plenty of barbecue and burgers! Hear music from Curtis Grimes with a message of hope from The Duck Commander, Phil Robertson, and Andrew Palau. The event is totally free of charge. Over 400 churches have partnered together to hold the CityFest events. CityFest culminates this weekend with the Festival on the square in downtown Tyler this Saturday and Sunday. Continue reading Duck Commander, Grimes and Palau to share Stage at Wednesday BuckOut

RUSK COUNTY — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two men accused of robbing someone using a gas pump early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the robbery happened near the Longview airport, at Clayton’s Mini-Mart on SH 322. The two men wore masks, and pulled a gun on a station patron. According to reports, they demanded money then assaulted the victim after taking the money. Continue reading Station Patron Robbed and Assaulted at Gun Point

TYLER — Bob Westbrook announced on Monday his intention to be the next Precinct 3 County Commissioner for Smith County. Westbrook will run in the Primary Election in March 2020, with the General Election held in November 2020. Westbrook is a current Tyler Council-member for District 5 where he will continue. If elected, he will resign his seat on the Council in December 2020. Westbrook has been active on numerous boards and committees including the Tyler Chamber, and was a franchisee with CiCi’s Pizza. Westbrook owned 4 restaurants spanning 19 years. Westbrook is married to Cindy and they are the parents of 2 adult children and grandparents of 6.

TYLER — All Saints Episcopal School hosted the Texas Wounded Warriors Project on Monday. Students and staff sang the anthems from each military branch. East Texas Representative Louie Gohmert spoke and Bryan Anderson shared his story of hope. Anderson was stationed in Baghdad where he served two tours of duty in Iraq. In October 2005, Anderson was injured by an IED, that took away his legs and one arm. He was awarded a purple heart for as a result of those injuries. Continue reading Texas Wounded Warriors Project at All Saints

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 will be asking residents to consider approving a sales tax that would increase pay for additional firefighters. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County sales tax is at 0.5 percent and the ESD-2 Board of Commissioners is asking voters to approve an increase of up to 1.5 percent. 11 Departments make up the Emergency Service District 2, most of which are staffed with volunteers. Continue reading Smith County ESD 2 Proposes Sales Tax Increase

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police are searching for a murder suspect. Kevin Lopez is wanted in the shooting death of 32-year-old Angel Sanchez. Lopez, 27, is considered a suspect in the disturbance that led to the shooting is believed to have begun inside Sanchez’s vehicle. After Sanchez was shot, Lopez and another man not yet identified fled the scene on foot.Sanchez collapsed in the street and was taken to a local hospital where he later died. Lopez is described as 5’5 170 pounds, black hair, and brown eyes with a tattoo sleeve on both arms.

LONGVIEW — October brings the start of the registration window for the Longview Fire Department’s annual Ambulance Subscription Program for 2020. The program has been in effect since 2009, and is an attempt to help offset of out-of-pocket medical expenses. Program officals say the typical cost with EMS transports averages between $800 – $1000 per response. Those who sign up for the program pay a fee of $70/year. Open enrollment is now through the end of 2019. For more details click the link. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2425/Ambulance-Subscription-Program.

SMITH COUNTY — Road work begins on Wednesday in phase 2 improvements to County Road 168. The project is expected to last six weeks. The road runs between Texas Highway 155 and CR 178 (Old Palestine Highway). The work will replace a temporary cross-culvert with a new concrete box culvert. The project is part of the Smith County bond program. The work also includes the widening and overlay of the 2.26-mile section of CR 168. Motorist that normally use CR 168 to access Owens Elementary School will be able to use CR 178 to access the school. Phase 1 was completed before school started in August.

KILGORE — The city of Kilgore will celebrate Oktoberfest all month long. October 5 will see Kilgore Main Street host across three city blocks in downtown Kilgore. Brigitta’s Hungarian Restaurant will continue the merriment the next two Saturdays. The month culminates on the 26th with the Avalon Faire Oktoberfest from 12pm-9pm. Events will include the classic bier stein holding and chicken dance contests, along with an axe throwing contest, three-legged race and a brat eating contest. The fun takes place at Renaissance park on FM 1252, featuring Germanfood, music, beer and games for all ages. To find out more, http://www.kilgoremainstreet.com/oktoberfest-2019.