KTBB News, Weather, Talk

AUSTIN — Continuing to reflect a statewide trend, both Tyler and Longview show increases in monthly sales tax allocations over a year ago, according to the latest report from Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. For the month of March, Tyler gets $4,756,454.89, up from $4,185,356.79 in March 2022. Tyler’s year-to-date figure is $16,002,422.59, rising from $15,245,737.53 in March of last year. Longview’s March figure is $3,390,172.78, an improvement from the $3,109,664.00 reported at this time last year. For the year to date, Longview comes in at $11,893,289.13, compared to $11,119,750.26 at this time in 2022.

TYLER – The Feeding Texas network, made up of 21 food banks across the state, is calling on state lawmakers to update the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Vehicle Asset Test today in a virtual day of advocacy. The East Texas Food Bank is among those joining in the action. According to a news release, eligibility for SNAP is primarily based on income and family size. Texas also chooses to use a Vehicle Asset Test, which places a limit on the value of the vehicles a family may own and still qualify for the program. In the 26 counties served by the East Texas Food Bank, officials say 500 East Texas households were denied SNAP in 2019, and that number grew to 2,399 East Texas households in 2022 due to the Vehicle Asset Test. Continue reading Food banks call for updated Vehicle Asset Test

TYLER — On Wednesday, March 8, the Tyler City Council voted to approve a $685,432.47 contract with Missouri petroleum, LLC, for the 2023 ONYX Sealcoat Project, according to a news release. The 2023 ONYX seal coat project includes 32.85 lane miles of work on 73 City Streets.  “ONYX is a street surface preservation sealant to prevent the surface from further deterioration,” said City Engineer Darin Jennings. “Unlike the overlay and most seal coat streets, the streets being done with ONYX are in relatively good condition but are losing their asphalt content on the surface and showing cracks. Continue reading City Council addresses street improvements, fire department upgrades

TYLER — Smith County authorities seek help solving a recent burglary. Officials say on February 25 at approximately 4:06 a.m., three black male suspects broke into the Indian Creek Mart Convenience Store on Spur 364 in Tyler. The suspects took cash as well as a large quantity of cigarettes and e-cigarettes. They used large bolt cutters to break in and were seen wearing gloves with their faces covered by ski masks. Officials say one suspect was wearing a very distinguishable Nickelodeon Rugrats jacket and another suspect had a bright orange face covering ski mask. Continue reading Authorities seek burglary suspects

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler has earned the 2023-24 Silver Military Friendly School designation. According to a news release, that means UT Tyler is within the top 20% of participating schools in the Tier 2 Research Institutions Category. “It’s an honor to be recognized in this way for our support of student veterans, active, reserve and National Guard personnel and their families,” said Coby Dillard, UT Tyler director of military and veterans affairs, as quoted in a news release. “Our designation is a great testament to all the tireless, student-led efforts to make UT Tyler a truly military-inclusive institution.” A celebration ceremony hosted by the UT Tyler Military and Veterans Success Center will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9, at the UT Tyler Alumni House, located on the UT Tyler campus. Continue reading UT Tyler earns Silver Military Friendly School designation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran tells KTBB he’s joined another Texas congressman in an effort to shield the U.S. from undue foreign influence, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moran said, “I recently signed on to a piece of legislation by Chip Roy that’s trying to get the United States out of the World Health Organization. There are so many of these world organizations that are trying to impose their political views on us. We need to continue hold not just our governmental accountable. But we need to hold those entities around the world that are trying to influence our government accountable.” Continue reading Moran discusses budget, foreign influence

TYLER — A Tyler man was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Monday in connection to a 2021 fatal hit-and-run crash, according to our news partner KETK. Juan Jesus Juarez, 24, was sentenced for an accident involving death. He was convicted in February for the crash that happened in Jan. of 2021. The District Attorney’s Office said Juarez was driving the car with his two friends inside, and they had reportedly had drinks. “While drunk, speeding, and not paying attention Juarez drove through a T-intersection in a residential area,” the DA’s office said. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to prison in fatal hit-and-run crash

OVERTON — Overton ISD is the latest of many East Texas schools to transition to a four-day school week for the upcoming school year. According to our news partner KETK, in a 5-1 vote, the school board approved the switch at their meeting on Monday evening, making the district the 21st to make the change in East Texas. With the addition of Overton ISD, at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, there will be more than 15,000 students in East Texas operating on a four-day school week. The district previously held three meetings to discuss the possibility of a four-day school week with the community, giving them an opportunity to bring their questions and concerns to the school board. Continue reading Overton ISD joins list of schools switching to four day school week

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department’s Civil Service Exam is open to non-certified firefighters. The test is scheduled for Tuesday, April 11. The online application is open through Thursday, March 27. Anyone interested in applying should visit this link. Officials say anyone interested in becoming a member of the Tyler Fire Department family can go here to see if they are eligible to apply.

TYLER — The Smith County Collections Department is preparing for its annual Warrant Round Up next week. “Smith County Courts have hundreds of active warrants they are seeking to clear,” Judicial Compliance/Collections Director Sheryl Keel said as quoted in a news release. “We are encouraging defendants to take advantage of the options available to settle outstanding warrants immediately.” Keel says once the arrest period begins Sunday, March 19, Smith County will target persons on the delinquent and/or warrant list, and arrests can take place at any location — including the defendant’s home, school, or workplace. “I urge you to contact the Judicial Compliance Department at 903-590-4624 to make arrangements on your case,” she said. For more information about warrants or citations, visit this link.

LONGVIEW – A woman was arrested and has been named the “primary suspect” by police in a fatal Sunday morning shooting at the Waffle House on Estes Parkway in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, officials say police responded to the incident around 6:30 a.m. and discovered Michael Bauchum, 30, “shot and critically injured during a domestic dispute.” Bauchum was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries, and Rashandra Godfrey, 37, of Longview, was booked into Gregg County Jail for murder.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District for the week of March 6. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will continue level-up work on FM 2906, both northbound and southbound, from SH 149 to where state maintenance ends in Easton. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. In Smith County, 
Tyler maintenance will have a crew performing edge repairs on FM 2607, from SH 64 to FM 850. A second crew will be performing ditch work on FM 850, from SH 31 towards Overton. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic in both locations. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

CHAPEL HILL – The Chapel Hill Independent School District will host three community meetings where Superintendent Lamond Dean will present on the upcoming school bond propositions and answer any questions that attendees may have. “We encourage all members of the community to attend these important meetings,” said Dean as quoted in a news release. “The school bond propositions could have a significant impact on the future of our schools, and it’s important that we provide an opportunity for residents to learn more and ask questions.” The meetings are open to all members of the community and provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the school bond propositions and how they could impact CHISD schools, according to the release. Click this link to learn more.

LONGVIEW — Beginning Tuesday, March 7, Sabine Street east of Carter Street and Center Street south of Ware Street in Longview are scheduled to be closed to all traffic. Traffic will be detoured to Nelson Street as a result of this closure. Officials say the closure is necessary for the construction of the High Street bridge and is scheduled to last for the duration of the project. This project is being managed by the Texas Department of Transportation Longview Area Office and constructed by Ragle Inc. If you have any questions related to construction, call TxDOT at 903-234-0532.

LINDALE — An all clear has been given following the lock-down of all Lindale ISD campuses Monday morning. Lindale Police received a threatening call concerning the LISD Administration office. Police immediately responded to the administration office and EJ Moss East and West, and the buildings were searched by authorities before giving an all clear. Officials said to expect law enforcement to be present throughout the week as a precautionary.

TROUP — Troup Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying an alleged driver from an early Saturday morning chase. According to our news partner KETK, officials said that the pursuit began early on Saturday, March 4 in the City of Troup before going into Cherokee County. The driver of the white crew cab truck is described by authorities as a white male. Troup PD is contacting local businesses for video surveillance and asking anyone with any information to call them at 903-842-3211 or message them on the Troup Police Department Facebook page.

PALESTINE — Palestine Police Department announced they are searching for a man who allegedly killed his ex-girlfriend in the 200 block of Joe Louis Street on Thursday night. According to our news partner KETK, officers were responding to reports of a shooting when they found Brittany Johnson, 30, of Palestine, with a gunshot wound to the torso. Johnson was transported by EMS to Palestine Regional Medical Center emergency room, where she later died, according to officials. While investigating, police said they began to suspect the involvement of Johnson’s ex-boyfriend, Joseph Christopher Cole, 50, of Houston. Continue reading Palestine Police searching for man who allegedly killed ex-girlfriend

TYLER – A man has been captured after being in a standoff with authorities in Tyler Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, constables were called to a residence regarding a man refusing to leave after being evicted from the home in the area of Alamo Drive and S. Vine Avenue. Sgt. Larry Christian with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the identity of the suspect is Curtis Clark, 44, and said that Clark made threats of bodily harm towards authorities, which led to them calling the SWAT team to the scene. Clark had been posting videos on his Facebook page during the standoff and a voice can be heard in the video saying, “I’m going to go out like a soldier, I guarantee that.” Clark had barricaded himself in the home and was in a standoff with the SWAT team as they were trying to talk him out of the residence. He was booked into the Smith County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault on a public servant. His bond was set at $500,000.

KILGORE – Brigitta’s Hungarian Restaurant in Kilgore is closed after losing its roof during Thursday’s severe weather. That’s according to our news partner KETK. In an update posted to its Facebook page, the restaurant said there was no internal damage except for some leaks. The post said the frame of the roof is mostly unharmed and the ceiling is intact, so they’re planning to re-roof the restaurant.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview is putting the word out on a traffic adjustment. According to a news release, on Feb. 28, the contractor completed the necessary concrete and asphalt approaches to correct the bridge deck on the west side of McCann Road at the bridge. Next, they will begin the remaining work on the east side approaches to correct the bridge deck, according to the release. Starting the week of March 6, the plan is to swap traffic from the east side of McCann Road at the bridge to the west side. Officials say this consists of moving the concrete barriers to the west side of McCann Road in order to safely delineate the north and southbound lanes. Barriers will prohibit entering or exiting the intersection of Spur 63 and McCann Road, next to Electric Cowboy and Lone Star Ice House. Continue reading Traffic adjustment at bridge on McCann Road

TYLER – Gov. Greg Abbott is set to attend a Parent Empowerment Night at Grace Community School in Tyler on Thursday, March 9. That’s according to our news partner KETK. The event, hosted by the Parent Empowerment Coalition, starts at 5 p.m. and is free for all to attend. According to an Eventbrite page that can be viewed at this link, Abbott will be discussing “the growing need and desire for parent empowerment.” At a similar event in Corpus Christi, Abbott said, “We must reform curriculum, get kids back to the basics of learning and we must empower parents to be more involved in the education of their children.” Continue reading Gov. Abbott to attend Parent Empowerment Night in Tyler

TYLER — Animal shelters in East Texas are having a big influx of puppies. The executive director of Pets Fur People in Tyler, Gayle Helms, says her shelter is having its biggest surge of abandoned puppies in the 25 years she’s been there. The shelter has received at least 20 puppies in the past few weeks. Helms says the puppies are being dumped at nearby cemeteries and churches. She says it is putting a financial strain on the shelter because of medical requirements and overtime. The Smith County Animal Shelter says it’s also at near capacity. Shelter staff remind citizens that there are numerous low-cost spay and neuter clinics in East Texas.

MARSHALL – Harrison County deputies arrested two suspects on Wednesday an hour after one was released from jail. That’s according to our news partner KETK together with its partners KTAL and KSHV. A caller reportedly told the HCSO a white Chevrolet was parked off the road and people were walking through the woods shining flashlights around the property. According to officials, when deputies responded to the scene on FM 2199 they found Wade Heim and Brandy Wolf, both of Marshall, whom the HCSO says it has encountered many times before. Officials said the suspects had a rifle with the serial numbers removed. Continue reading Suspect arrested an hour after release from jail

TYLER — The 41st Ever Rose City Chili Cookoff is set for March 4-5 at Sharon Shrine Temple on Hwy. 31 East in Smith County. There’s a $25 entry fee for Chili Appreciation Society International (CASI) chili on Saturday, with turn in time at 1:00 p.m., and Sunday with a turn in time at 12 noon. It’s a CASI sanctioned event, so you must follow CASI rules. The winner of the Sunday cookoff automatically qualifies to be invited to cook at the Terlingua International Chili Championship in November. It costs $10 to enter beans, which will be turned in for judging on Saturday at noon. Continue reading 41st Ever Rose City Chili Cookoff this weekend

SMITH COUNTY — A custodial death report indicates an inmate who hanged himself in an East Texas Jail February 9 blocked the door to his cell, delaying deputies from rescuing him. Nathan Lee Johns, 28,  used an electrical cord from an inmate phone box to hang himself in the Smith County Jail in Tyler. A statement from the sheriff’s office says Johns tied the cell door to a bunk so that the door could not be opened. Also, the statement says Johns put some sort of debris into the lock, preventing the key from opening the door. Deputies finally were able to enter the cell, but emergency medical responders were unsuccessful in attempting to revive Johns.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a runaway identified as Kiana Valdez, according to a news release. Kiana has been missing from the family residence on Shady Creek Rd. near Tyler since Wednesday. Kiana is described as a Hispanic female, 17 years of age, 5’2”, 102 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. Officials say the parents do not know what Kiana was last wearing. She does not have any medical or physical issues and is not on any medication. The parents could not provide information on acquaintances or known locations where she might go, and she has no history of running away. If you have any information as to the whereabouts of Kiana Valdez, call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.

TYLER — The National Weather Service Office in Shreveport issued a tornado watch for Tyler until 10 p.m. Thursday, March 2. Strong to severe thunderstorms will likely continue into the overnight hours. The City of Tyler streets and storm-water crews will respond and intervene during a severe weather event where roads have washed out, and other public facilities may be compromised, according to a news release. If you have an emergency, call 9-1-1, stay on the line and DO NOT HANG UP until your call is answered. Answer all questions and follow instructions. The Tyler Police Department’s non-emergency line (903) 531-1000 should be used for all other calls and notifications, including traffic signal issues. Continue reading City of Tyler prepares for severe weather

TYLER – 114th District Court Judge Austin Reeve Jackson has sentenced Jeremy Moffitt to a combined 166 years confinement for four offenses. According to a news release from Jackson’s court, those include unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, evading arrest causing serious bodily injury, assault of a peace officer, and aggravated assault of a public servant. The charges date to an incident in which Moffitt, a Dallas resident now 30 years old, attempted to evade officers who were arresting him at the Smith County Probation Department for violations of his bond conditions. Jackson says trying four offenses at once hasn’t often been done in Smith County, but that doing so means heightened efficiency, financial savings, and less delay.

TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful is searching for vendors and sponsors for an Earth Day Festival on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bergfeld Park. The Tyler Earth Day Festival will promote a message of conservation and sustainability for the community, according to a news release. Keep Tyler Beautiful says it hopes to inspire a call to action to make a difference. The festival will feature vendor booths, music, food trucks, and other fun eco-friendly activities, according to the release. Admission is free to the public. For more information about this event or to become a vendor or sponsor, contact KTyB Community Coordinator Erin Garner at (903) 531-1335 or via email at [email protected].