KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — This July, the City of Tyler is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month by acknowledging how Tyler is stronger and more vibrant and resilient because of its Parks and Recreation Department, according to a news release. To commemorate the month, the community is invited to share their experiences, memories, and stories about the city’s parks using the hashtag #RiseUpJuly on social media. You can follow @TylerParksandRec on Facebook to see daily highlights, news, and stories from the community. Director of Parks and Recreation Leanne Robinette says, “Parks help promote health and wellness, equity, and conservation while increasing the value of homes, and most of all creating a strong sense of community,” as quoted in the release. Click here for further details.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview’s annual Fireworks and Freedom Celebration will be held this evening at the Longview Convention Complex. According to the city website, activities include a free concert and “the biggest fireworks show in East Texas!” The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. This year, country musician Drake White and East Texan Hayden McBride will perform on the live music stage. You’re asked to bring a chair for the performance. The fireworks and parking are also free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors during the event. Click here to learn more.

PALESTINE — Palestine police arrested a suspect early Saturday morning after he allegedly shot and killed a man in Palestine. According to our news partner KETK, investigators answered a call on North Jackson Street where they found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds outside of a residence. He was taken to a local hospital where he died later. Detectives identified the suspect as 40-year-old Julio Castillo-Machado of Palestine. They say the victim, who has not been named, and the suspect knew each other and have had an ongoing feud. Castillo is in the Anderson County jail on a murder charge, with a bond set at $800,000.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department says it needs the public’s assistance identifying the suspect responsible for an aggravated robbery. On Friday around 1:25 p.m., officers responded to Kay’s Jewelers in Longview Mall in reference to a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arriva, officers spoke to an employee, who said that a male and female posed as customers by walking up to the jewelry counter and began looking at jewelry. The male then reached into his pocket, produced a can of pepper spray, and sprayed the employee. The male and female ran out of a nearby store with an undisclosed amount of jewelry. Continue reading Police search for suspects in aggravated robbery

TYLER — With the 4th of July here, Tyler police are issuing an advisory to keep the holiday enjoyable — and safe. They’re eyeballing the Lindsey Park fireworks show and associated traffic control, celebratory gunfire within the city limits, and discharging of fireworks within the city limits. The gates opened at 2 p.m. for Monday’s 4th of July celebration and fireworks show at Lindsey Park. The fireworks show will start around 9:15 p.m. Parking for the event will be on the north side of Spur 364 by the soccer fields. You’re asked to be aware that Spur 364 will be closed to all traffic at 8:4 5 p.m. between Loop 323 and Greenbriar Rd. After the fireworks show all eastbound traffic on Spur 364 will have to turn right onto Loop 323. Continue reading Tyler police issue July 4 advisory

TYLER — In the wake of in incident at a Smith County trail ride that left five people wounded by gunfire, East Texas officials say they’re moving forward with efforts to help make such events safer in the future. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith led a news conference on the topic Friday. Going forward, officials say the Fire Marshal’s Office will be the original entity involved in this process. That pertains to the inspection of the event location to ensure it complies with rules and regulations such as making sure any food vendor is permitted by NET Health and that there are bathroom facilities available such as portable toilets. Continue reading Officials follow up on trail ride shooting

HENDERSON – During a traffic stop Thursday afternoon on Highway 259 in Henderson, police say they uncovered over $450,000 believed to have come from criminal activity. According to our news partner KETK, the officers are working on a joint task force with Mt. Enterprise Marshal John Randolph. During the stop, they noted several behaviors and travel plans that officials said are consistent with criminal activity. The officers say they made the find after receiving consent to search the car by both occupants. The U.S. currency was seized pending a seizure forfeiture hearing. The case is still under investigation, according to Henderson police.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Two men accused of robbing a fireworks stand in Cherokee County Tuesday night were arrested after allegedly leading authorities on a car chase from Rusk to Houston County. According to our news partner KETK, Leon Zion Washington, 22, of Ruskin, Florida, and Kevin Bert Anderson, 27, of Tampa, Florida drove to a fireworks stand north of Rusk. They ordered the owner to “give them all of their fireworks,” said Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson. Officials say the men then fled from the scene in a U-Haul vehicle and a car chase began. Deputies chased the men through Alto and Houston County, with the U-Haul reaching speeds of 100 mph, according to authorities. Continue reading Two arrested after alleged robbery, U-Haul chase

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is hosting a public meeting to inform the public about proposed changes to a planned extension of Waljim Street. The changes to the proposed amendment to the Master Street Plan would remove a section of the proposed Waljim Street extension between South Town Drive and Thigpen Drive. The public meeting will be held on Thursday, July 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Tyler Development Center, on W. Ferguson St. According to a news release, staff from the MPO will be in attendance to answer questions and provide information about the Master Street Plan and the proposed amendment. Click here for more details.

KILGORE — 36 young women have become the newest members of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes dance and drill team. The announcement, made in a closed ceremony in Dodson Auditorium on the Kilgore campus, culminated “tryout week.” 84 hopefuls applied this year for a coveted position on the 83rd Rangerette line. The new Rangerettes will join 32 sophomores to make a team of 68. According to a news release, the Rangerettes were the first of their kind when they began in 1940 as a vision of the late Gussie Nell Davis.

GILMER — The 12th Court of Appeals has affirmed the life sentence of Joshua David Verhoef. According to a news release from the Upshur County District Attorney’s Office, Verhoef was convicted and sentenced in April 2021 for striking and choking his girlfriend at her home in the Union Grove community. He was said to be high on methamphetamines at the time. The victim was able to escape and ask a neighbor to call 911. The jury heard evidence that Verhoef had over 20 criminal convictions.

JACKSONVILLE – Officials say a five-year-old child has been found after being reported missing out of Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Mooreland Jr. has autism spectrum disorder. A command post was set up to coordinate the search. Ryan is said to be safe and sound.

EAST TEXAS — North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is putting construction on hold on Toll 49 from July 1st to July 4th in observation of the Independence Day holiday. Evening construction will resume on July 5th at 9:00 pm and will continue through 7:00 am until the overlay is complete.

TYLER — Friday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 5, the Tyler Police Department will be deploying additional officers on the street utilizing STEP (the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). Police say this program is based on crash data in the city limits of Tyler that allows officers to pinpoint target areas that are a problem. With increased traffic in Tyler for the 4th of July holiday, officers will be specifically watching for hazardous violations such as speeding, intersection enforcement, seat belt violations — and, most importantly, impaired drivers. Police specifically ask you not to drink and drive.

TYLER — Police are issuing traffic information for Friday’s Rose City Airfest. As you approach the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum on Hwy 64, there will be lanes closed. If you are traveling west, the inside (left) lane will be closed to thru traffic. The inside westbound lane will also be used by public transportation buses to transport passengers to the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum from the general parking area located on Hwy 64 W. If you are traveling east, the outside (right) lane will be closed to thru traffic. Members of the public traveling eastbound planning to attend the Rose City Airfest will be permitted to turn left into the general public parking location. Continue reading Rose City Airfest driver caution