KTBB News, Weather, Talk

EAST TEXAS — Several law enforcement agencies and prevention advocates are gearing up for the semi-annual DEA Takeback event to be held Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations around East Texas. The Tyler Police Department event will be held in the parking lot at Brookshire’s on Rice Road, while the UT Tyler Police will host another at the UT Health Science Center on Highway 271. According to a press release from Next Step Community Solutions, other events will be held at Walmart in Kilgore and Marshall. Residents are encouraged to bring their unneeded prescription drugs (other than needles or aerosols) to one of these events or drop boxes. Officials say other disposal methods “can be problematic.” Continue reading Drug Takeback Day set for Saturday

TYLER — Contractors began overlay work Friday on South Boldt Avenue in Tyler from East Fifth Street to McDonald Road. Crews will be in the area from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. The work is scheduled to be completed Oct. 26. Motorists can expect major delays, lane closures and one-way traffic. Drivers are asked to use caution in the area, follow directions of the crews, and obey all traffic signs.

TYLER — Tyler ISD officials say just after 2 p.m. Thursday, a small fire was discovered in the fine arts area at Tyler Legacy High School. All students and staff were safely evacuated from the campus, according to a news release. Officials say the Tyler Fire Department, Tyler ISD Police, and Tyler ISD Facilities responded quickly to the campus to assess the situation. The fire was contained to one bathroom. As stated in the news release, district officials say, “We applaud the quick actions of staff and students to get out of the building safely during this situation.”

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas is issuing an alert about a Longview-based remodeling company. According to a news release, BBB has received 10 unaddressed complaints from consumers in Texas and Louisiana with the average loss of approximately $6,000. Consumers report that while the business begins work after receiving a deposit, the business fails to complete the project and claim not to receive a response when attempts to contact the company are made. PRISTINExteriors currently has an “F” rating, which is the lowest rating on BBB’s scale. KTBB has reached out to PRISTINExteriors but has not received a response. Continue reading BBB warns of local business, offers tips

AUSTIN — A Longview resident claimed a second-tier prize of $1 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game Instant Millionaire. According to the Lottery website, the ticket was purchased at Super 1 Foods #606, on W. Loop 281 in Longview. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. This was the 33rd of 40 second-tier prizes worth $1 million to be claimed in this game. Instant Millionaire offers more than $519 million in total prizes, including 10 top prizes of $2.5 million. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.20, including break-even prizes, according to the Lottery website.

TYLER — A Tyler lawyer running for a local judgeship in the March GOP primary has received the endorsement of Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith. In a prepared statement, Smith says, “Debby Gunter has the right attitude, knowledge, work ethic, and demeanor to make a great judge of the 241st State District Court.” Gunter is currently a partner at Findlay Craft, P.C. in Tyler, where she handles complex civil cases, according to a news release. Gunter is the only announced candidate for the seat thus far. Longtime 241st District Judge Jack Skeen will be retiring after his current term.

HENDERSON COUNTY — After a Mesquite man was arrested by police looking for a missing Henderson County girl, it was discovered he was also wanted on a child indecency charge in Forney. Wallace Chalmers was arrested in Kaufman County Wednesday in the company of the 15-year-old whose mother had reported her missing earlier that morning. While booking Chalmers, Henderson County Deputies learned that Forney Police were also looking for him on the un-related child indecency charge. Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says, “This is one of those really good days. The deputies and all of us in the sheriff’s office are grateful this incident was resolved quickly by our entire team.”

LONGVIEW – Longview ISD is waiting for County Court at Law 2 Judge Vincent Dulweber, to make his final ruling after the Texas Attorney General sued the district for defying Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order against mask mandates. According to our news partner KETK, the law known as GA-38, states that “no governmental entity, including a county, city, school district, and public health authority, and no government official may require any person to wear a face-covering or to mandate that another person wear a face covering.” Continue reading Longview ISD awaits judge’s ruling after being sued over mask mandate

TYLER — The Rose Garden Center main entrance will be closed temporarily while contractors work on the parking lot area on Rose Park Drive. Visitors must enter the garden through the side gate on Rose Park Drive and enter the building through the back entrance by going up the stairs or elevator on the outside. Parking will only be available on the south side of Rose Park Drive, along West Houston Street and South Peach Avenue. Vehicle entrance and parking in front of the Tyler Civic Theater will not be accessible. For questions regarding the temporary alternate entrances, contact Lisa Wells at (903) 531-1212 or [email protected].

TYLER – West Fourth Street between South Broadway Avenue and South College Avenue in Tyler will be reduced to one lane on Thursday, Oct. 21, from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. while contractors are working on the storm drain in the area. Motorists are asked to use caution in the area, follow directions of the crews, and obey all traffic signs.

LONGVIEW — Longview police responded to a call around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday from Longview High School after staff reported that a student was in possession of a loaded firearm. According to our news partner KETK, the student was immediately captured by student resource officers and was removed from campus. According to LHS principal James Brewer, the student will be suspended, with expulsion and criminal charges pending. In a statement posted online, LISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox says, “While no direct threat was made concerning the weapon, we still take matters like these with the utmost caution and concern. We are currently working with the investigation by our local authorities, and will be following district procedure with regard to the student involved.”

ATHENS — Several businesses in Athens have been paid with counterfeit money in the past few days. Now the police department has a warning so other business owners don’t fall victim. According to our news partner KETK, the city has seen four incidents in just the last week. And now with the holidays quickly approaching, police are issuing a warning. Two of the four incidents involved the use of what investigators are calling “play” money. Chief John Densmore has some tips on how to protect your wallet and your business. He says, “The first thing you can do is by touch. The cash should feel a little rough to your fingers. Tilt the money to look for the water markers and the lines within the paper. Also, look at the bottom right corner and it should turn copper.” Police are recommending that no matter where you get your cash from, always double check before inserting it in your wallet.

TYLER — PATH has helped keep more than 1,650 families from getting evicted, and has aided 430 landlords in recovering rent by distributing Smith County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program funding. That’s according to a Smith County news release. On Tuesday, PATH Executive Director Andrea Wilson gave the Commissioners Court an update on what has been done so far in the administration of Smith County’s first wave of the U.S. Treasury’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) funding, which was more than $7 million. Only about $500,000 of that remains after assisting residents in paying their rent and aiding landlords with back and future rent, caused by hardships created by COVID-19. Wilson said 600 families have applied so far for the funding through PATH. Click here for more details.

TYLER — COVID-19 new case numbers, community spread levels, and hospital patient figures are plummeting in East Texas — but NET Health’s George Roberts advises keeping a watchful eye on the situation. He tells KTBB, “We see this as a very positive trend, but as we’ve noted during this entire pandemic…the number of positive cases can go up and down…really almost at a moment’s notice.” He continues that everyone should make sure to watch for the variants. All in all, Roberts advises staying vigilant, adding that that’s what he and his NET Health colleagues are doing. He also continues to encourage vaccinations — additionally drawing attention to flu shots that are now available around the region.

TYLER — The Chapel Hill ISD school board decided to lift their mask mandate after COVID-19 cases have decreased. According to our news partner KETK, the new order will be effective starting on Oct. 19. Administrators said they will continue to track COVID-19 cases in the district. Chapel Hill first issued their temporary mask mandate on Aug. 31.

TYLER — The Glass Recreation Center on W. 32nd St. in Tyler will be closed from 6 p.m Monday until 7 a.m. Wednesday to complete floor repairs. Contractors will finish repairs to the gym floor that was damaged during Winter Storm Uri.

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. Tyler maintenance plans to perform mill and inlay operations on Spur 124, from SH 64 to Loop 323. Longview maintenance plans to perform bridge channel maintenance at Rabbit Creek on SH 31, northbound and southbound, just south of the US 259 bypass. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — Pipeline Analysis will continue smoke testing sewer lines in sewer meter basins 13 and 17 as part of the City of Tyler’s ongoing sanitary sewer inspection program. Officials say smoke testing helps locate breaks and defects in the city’s sanitary sewer system. The information is used to repair and improve the sewer system, according to a news release. The testing will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18, through Friday, Oct. 22, in three areas. Continue reading Smoke testing locations for this week

TYLER — Smith County Commissioner Precinct 2 candidate John Moore has secured the endorsement of Sheriff Larry Smith, who joins numerous others in backing Moore. The Precinct 2 seat is currently held by Cary Nix, who will not be seeking re-election. Moore thus far is opposed in the 2022 GOP primary by retired restaurateur Gus Ramirez, who served on both the Commissioners Court and the Tyler City Council many years ago.

LONGVIEW — Longview police have made multiple arrests in a September aggravated robbery but are still trying to close the case. Thus far they have arrested seven people following the September 16 incident in the parking lot of the Hidden Hills Apartment Complex on Gilmer Road. The victim said he was robbed after being lured to the parking lot regarding a vehicle he saw on Facebook and wanted to buy. Six suspects were captured September 17, and another was caught October 12. But police say 22-year-old Bryce Peterson of Katy remains at large. You’re asked to contact authorities if you have any leads. Click here for additional details on the case.

TYLER — All lanes of Tyler’s Old Jacksonville Highway are now open at Loop 323 after a Monday morning crash. Four vehicles including a cement truck were involved, with the cement truck overturning. There was fluid, including cement, in the roadway. There is no report of any injuries.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – A inmate was found unresponsive in his cell and later died after law enforcement attempted life saving measures. That in a statement released by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, Officers found the inmate on Thursday morning Oct. 14th around 9:45 a.m. Emergency personnel arrived and exhausted all efforts to revive him. The inmate was identified as James King and was pronounced dead a short time later. Authorities say it appeared King took his own life. Sheriff Steve Hendrix, says his office immediately contacted the Texas Rangers who will conduct an investigation which is routine for deaths while in custody. The Texas Commission on Jail Standards was also notified.

TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts tells KTBB he’s encouraged by the latest COVID-19 numbers in East Texas, with the virus apparently on the decline — but he notes we’re not out of the woods yet. He says, “We’re making progress here” but that your best bet is still to get vaccinated as soon as possible if you haven’t already done so. Smith County remains in the substantial spread category, while other counties in the NET Health service area are having moderate spread. Roberts says he’s also encouraged as the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine boosters move closer to approval. According to Roberts, NET Health is “fully prepared” to start giving those shots once that approval comes in.

TYLER – Habitat for Humanity of Smith County has received a $300,000 Housing Preservation Grant from the United States Department of Agriculture for critical home repairs for rural East Texans. The grant will be used to repair 25 homes in rural portions of Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. The funds will be leveraged with the $207,858 grants Habitat received this year from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance, Temple Foundation, and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. In a news release, Smith County Habitat CEO Jack Wilson pointed out, “Many of our clients have to choose between paying for a home repair and buying groceries or medicine.” Go here for information on how to apply.

ATHENS — A former Athens ISD teacher arrested for allegedly having an improper relationship with a student was ordered by a judge to not have contact with the student or use social media. According to our news partner KETK, 392nd District Court Judge R. Scott McKee established Kirkland’s bond conditions. Kaitlynn Bethany Kirkland, 25, of Athens, was arrested on July 17, 2020 and charged with having an improper relationship with a student and tampering with evidence. She was released from the Henderson County Jail after paying bonds that totaled $14,500. Continue reading Former teacher accused of improper student relationship learns bond conditions

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A father and son from Alto were arrested and charged with multiple counts of sexual assault of a child on Oct. 13. According to our news partner KETK, a multi-agency investigation lead to the arrest of Theodore Smith, 86, and James Smith, 62. In mid-March of this year, deputies from the Sacramento County California Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a person who reportedly discovered hundreds on images containing child pornography and children involved in sex acts. The person who called, found the images while renovating a newly purchased home. Continue reading Alto father and son charged with sexual assault of a child

LONGVIEW — A new downtown visitor center and gift shop welcomes visitors and locals to Longview with the opening of “Visit Longview Marketplace” on W. Tyler St. Visit Longview Marketplace is open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The visitor center, which is operated by Visit Longview (also known as the Longview Convention and Visitors Bureau), had previously been located at City Hall. The new location also includes office space for Visit Longview and Longview Main Street staff. Click here for more information.

MARSHALL — Harrison County sheriff’s deputies assisted Caddo Parish, Texas DPS, and Louisiana State Police in pursuing a motorcycle driver who fled from Greenwood, La., police on I-20 late Thursday morning. According to a news release, the motorcyclist fired shots at a Greenwood officer and bullets struck the officer’s vehicle. The officer was not struck. The pursuit continued into Harrison County, and the motorcycle was stopped near the Gregg County line on I-20. Christopher Sam Basco, 37, from Haughton, Louisiana, was arrested and has been transferred to the Harrison County Jail. Charges were pending, with no immediate bond information. We’ll have updates as they become available.

TYLER — TYLER — Following last year’s COVID-19-related cancellation, the Texas Rose Festival is officially underway after Thursday’s ribbon cutting, running through Sunday. Rose Queen Anna Grace Hallmark told KTBB, “I’m very excited for it to start up again and for the community to get together to celebrate the festival and start it up.” Queen Anna also says there’s been upbeat community response to the festival’s return. She tells us, “I think it’s gonna be good with…COVID and all that gone. I think we can celebrate and come together.” The celebration always draws plenty of out-of-towners, and Queen Anna says, “I’m so excited for everyone to come from out of town to visit Tyler and to see what we have to offer and view our Rose Festival. It’s gonna be amazing.” The 88th edition will feature all the familiar touches. Click here for all the details.