KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The City of Tyler website will remain down as the City of Tyler IT Department and the third-party provider address the compromise. However, a list of links including job opportunities, bill pay, online permits and other resources are now available at http://www.CityOfTyler.org. A directory for all City departments with phone numbers and addresses are also available. Continue reading Update on City of Tyler Website

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Fair sets in motion Friday night. Since its inception, the fair has brought in vendors, families, and anyone interested in fun from all over Gregg County and surrounding areas. The fair is home to rides, shopping, local artisans’ wares, petting zoos and more. The Gregg County Fair began in 1949 and runs thru Sept. 14th! Get more details by clicking the link. https://greggcountyfair.com/

UPSHUR COUNTY — Former East Mountain Fire chief, James Wilson Burks, has been indicted on theft charges valued at over $30,000.00. According to our news partner KETK, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office got a tip back in May of reports of an internal theft of property. Following the the Upshur County DA’s Office presented the case to a grand jury. Burks was indicted for the offense of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property – Over $30,000.00, a 3rd Degree Felony. Burks was arrested on Thursday with bond set at $50,000.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Two people were injured in a fire at a petroleum site Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, said the fire was reported just after 8:00 off of FM 317, south of Chandler. A medical helicopter flew two people to Parkland hospital in Dallas. Identities and extent of the injuries are unknown. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

SMITH COUNTY — A Rusk County man was arrested following a wreck in Smith County on Wednesday afternoon. Investigators say Ryan Curbo, 23, of Henderson, passed in a no passing zone on HWY 64 near C.R. 294 when he hit a car driven by Lonesha McCovey, 26, of Nacogdoches. Curbo reportedly then spun and struck a second vehicle, driven by Callie Birdsong, 25, of Arp. McCovy and Birdsong were both transported to Christus Trinity Mother Francis Hospital –Tyler in serious condition. After the crash reports state Curbo shed his clothing and disappeared into a wooded area. Curbo was found and exhibited what authorities called “erratic and aggressive actions toward first responders.” Continue reading Henderson Man Charged following Wreck

QUITMAN — A five month investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Louisiana man facing three felony cattle theft charges out of Texas. Justin Glenn Thompson, 40, of Hineston, Louisiana was arrested for theft of 84 head of cattle, an additional count of theft of 16 head of cattle, and theft of property of more than $18,000 in cattle payment shortages. The investigation included a group effort with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Special Rangers and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Brand Inspectors. TSCRA Special Rangers Larry Hand and Bo Fox were in Louisiana on Tuesday as LDAF brand inspectors arrested Thompson. According to a news release more charges could still be to come.

TYLER — An East Texas businessman has announced a challenge against long-time representative Louie Gohmert for his congressional seat in 2020. According to our news partner KETK, Hank Gilbert announced his plans to be the Democratic challenger against Gohmert, who will be running for his ninth term in the House of Representatives. Gilbert is a rancher, former high school agriculture teacher, and small-business owner. He announced his campaign Thursday from Union Hall in Tyler.

TYLER — Plans to expand FM 2964/Rhones Quarter Road in Smith County are progressing with a second public meeting on Tuesday the 17th. TxDOT encourages interested citizens to attend and provide input on the recommended alternative. The “come and go” meeting will be held from 5-7 p.m., on the Brown Elementary School campus in Whitehouse. The meeting will happen in the cafeteria and will allow adjacent property owners and other interested citizens an opportunity to review the latest updates on the proposed improvements, gather information, voice concerns and provide feedback. Continue reading TxDOT Expansion Input Meeting

LONGVIEW — The Arts!Longview Cultural District has been Named a Texas Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts. According to the Commission, the establishment of a cultural district requires a focus on the arts with carefully laid out plans and collaboration among arts organizations, city and county government entities, businesses and citizens. Arts!Longview will host a celebration on Oct. 10, 2019 in downtown Longview in conjunction with ArtWalk Longview to celebrate the recognition of the district. Continue reading Longview Cultural District Recognized by Texas Commision

TYLER — The East Texas Symphony Orchestra and music director Richard Lee – kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with ¡Celebración!. The night of music takes place on Sept 14th at 7:30 at the UT Cowan Center, in partnership with the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler, highlighting music from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and the USA! The night features Texas A&M University faculty and guitarist Isaac Bustos and the Tyler Junior College Alumni Guitar Ensemble. Complete information on the 2019/2020 season is available by clicking the link. https://etso.org/.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Fire Department will commemorate a new fire engine celebration at Station 10 Friday morning. A “push in” party will welcome the new fire combatant. A “push-in” is a customary tradition in the fire service industry that reflects back to the horse-drawn carriage era when firefighters would actually “push their trucks” into the station to wash them. The fun takes place at Station 10 on Old Omen Road at 9 am.

MARSHALL — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct water distribution sampling on Monday. The city of Marshall says the testing is done to ensure that the city’s water is in agreement with required TCEQ standards. After the sampling, the city will convert chloramines back to free chlorine as a measure of improving and maintaining water quality for two weeks starting on Tuesday. The City of Marshall currently disinfect its drinking water supply prior to distributing it to customers. Some individuals may notice taste and odor changes and a slight discoloration to the water. Continue reading TCEQ to Conduct 3rd Qtr Water System Sampling

TYLER — Tyler state Representative Matt Schaefer responds after drawing nationwide attention for comments he made on social media about gun laws. Over the weekend, Schaefer said on Facebook, in part, “I say NO to ‘red flag’ pre-crime laws. NO to universal background checks… NO to mandatory gun buybacks. What can we do? YES to praying for victims. YES to praying for protection.” His comments have drawn plenty of support and opposition. Actress Alyssa Milano is among those taking Schaefer to task, while Senator Ted Cruz is voicing his support for the Tyler lawmaker. Continue reading Schaefer Responds to Social Media Activity over Gun Law Comments

GUN BARREL CITY — Three East Texans are glad to be alive after escaping their boat that was overcome by high winds and waves. According to our news partner KETK, the boat recently sank on Cedar Creek Lake. The three involved, who have not been identified, did make it to shore before the boat capsized. They were uninjured. UT Health EMS and Texas Parks and Wildlife assisted the Gun Barrel City Police and Fire Departments in the incident. GBC first responders took the opportunity to remind boaters to always wear your life jackets and stay aware of weather conditions.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County joined a growing list of East Texas counties to issue a burn ban. According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday Gregg county became the ninth East Texas county to prohibit outdoor burning. In an order signed by Greg County Judge Bill Stoudt, anyone caught burning outside is subject to a fine up to $500. Over the last several weeks several counties have declared bans as a result of high temperatures and very little measurable rain in the last month. The order does not mention an end date for the ban.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College students Amaya Blanton and Anahi Hernandez are two of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named 2019 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. Both will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Blanton is a sophomore general studies major from Tyler. Hernandez is a sophomore general studies major from Longview. Blanton and Hernandez are members of TJC’s Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

JEFFERSON — An East Texas teacher has been removed from duties following his arrest for aggravated sexual assault. According to our news partner KETK, Lance Reese with the Jefferson Independent School District , was taken into custody in connection with an incident that happened last month outside of Dallas. JISD said in a statement on Wednesday that Reese was arrested at his Longview home, by Garland police. Reese was a Social Studies teacher at Jefferson Junior High School.

KILGORE — The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College is planning an informational meeting to find part-time volunteers to work at the museum. Volunteers are needed to help with archiving, record digitization and exhibit preservation. Tour guides are also needed to escort groups at the museum. The meeting is set for 1 p.m. this coming Saturday. Available days to volunteer are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Continue reading Oil Museum Seeking Potential Volunteers

TYLER — Union Pacific Railroad will be closing down the following roads to perform track maintenance in the evenings and overnight. The road closures will begin at 8 p.m. Union Pacific is expected to open the roads by 5 a.m. the following morning. Travelers will need to find an alternative route and to pay attention to all traffic and signs. Continue reading Multiple Road Closures This Week Due to Union Pacific Railroad Track Maintenance

ATHENS — An Athens ISD school bus was struck by a truck on Hwy 175 on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the collision happened just before 5 p.m. The district say none of the students on the bus were injured, nor was the driver of the bus. The driver of the truck was transferred to a hospital in Athens in stable condition. The driver of the bus made a stop on HWY 175 to drop off two students. Video shows that the driver activated its warning lights for unloading before the truck hit the driver’s side. Within 30 minutes of the accident, students were checked out and loaded onto another bus to be taken home.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says four people died in two head-on vehicle collisions in Oklahoma, including three in one crash. The OHP says Amanda Satoe of Anadarko; Joshua Westerman of Marshall, Texas; and Larry Fitzgerald of Lecanto, Florida, died Tuesday on U.S. 281 near Anadarko, about 45 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Continue reading East Texan Killed in Oklahoma Crash

TYLER — UT Health East Texas has acquired HOPE Cancer Center of East Texas. The center will now be known as UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center. According to the division administrator of cancer services for UT Health, Cody Boyd, the practice will continue to operate utilizing the same physicians, along with the same phone numbers, at the same location. UT Health Center Operates clinic locations in Athens, Gun Barrel City, Henderson, Jacksonville and Tyler. UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center is home to eight physicians specializing in hematology and oncology.

MARSHALL — Harrison County joins the list of East Texas counties banning outdoor burning. Commissioners issued the order Tuesday for unincorporated areas. One exception: outdoor cooking is permitted, but only in enclosed pits or grills. Also, several outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety will be allowed. The order will stay in effect for 90 days unless the restrictions are terminated earlier by local authorities.

TYLER — Half Price Books, located in The Village at Cumberland Parks is celebrating National Literacy Month, throughout the month of September, and is partnering with Literacy Council of Tyler (LCOT) in promoting adult literacy. Special signage will be displayed as well as collection boxes, offering shoppers the opportunity to learn more about LCOT programs and to support free adult education by leaving a donation behind. Continue reading Literacy Council of Tyler Partners with Half Price Books

TYLER –Nearly 5, 000 Smith County Families have had their medical debt retired thanks to a hand of generosity from Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, RIP Medical Debt is a nonprofit organization that allows donors and organizations to erase the debt of Americans. RIP randomly buys medical debt accounts in large portfolios. They purchase the debt for pennies on the dollar. $1 donated will relieve, on average, $100 of medical debt. Pastor David Dykes said the church donated $45,102 during the month of August. Continue reading Green Acres Baptist Church Clears Medical Debt for Local Families

JACKSONVILLE — Police Chief Andrew Hawkes has issued his resignation to the city of Jacksonville. Hawkes stepped down to accept a position as the next Police Chief in Sunnyvale. According to our news partner KETK, Hawkes has served as Jacksonville Chief since July 2016. Under his command, the department began a bike patrol program, a canine team, and a National Night Out program. City Manager Greg Smith says Hawkes has done a great job and has set the path for continued success for J.P.D. Hawkes was the lone finalist in a national search of 96 applicants.

CANTON — A woman has died following a wreck on I-20 Monday evening. It happened just before 6:00 about two miles west of Canton in Van Zandt County. According to the Department of Public Safety, 29-year-old Elizabeth Leigh Lindsey, Canton, was traveling east on I-20 in the inside lane when her vehicle began to drift. She reportedly over corrected and hit a semi-truck. Her vehicle flipped several times, ejecting her. Lindsey was pronounced dead at a Tyler hospital. The driver of the truck was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A wreck involving an overturned semi-truck has closed one westbound lane of I-20 early this morning. According to our news partner KETK, the wrecked truck is near mile marker 535, near the city of Van. The left lane of westbound I-20 has reopened. Commuters can expect traffic delays.

LONGVIEW — The celebration begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Longview for the 36th Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event with a party at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex. Citizens are encouraged to attend for a night of fun and to learn how to host a successful neighborhood party for the upcoming National Night Out event on the first Tuesday in October. The City of Longview, the Longview Police Department, Partners in Prevention, and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office coordinate this annual event. Last year, Longview placed 12th in the nation for outstanding participation for its population size, with over 100 parties. Go to https://longviewtexas.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2062 to learn more.