KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Wednesday announced its partnership with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) to provide improved billing and customer service systems for Toll 49 customers, according to a news release. NET RMA points to NTTA’s customer service rating of 95.4%. The initial transition was made May 5. As part of the remaining transition, officials say over the coming months, NET RMA is also installing new tolling equipment on Toll 49 to improve scanning and billing efficiency. Continue reading New provider for Toll 49 billing, customer service

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler Tuesday formally announced the 2022 edition of Mistletoe and Magic, its biggest fundraiser. The annual holiday shopping market and gala will be held November 30 through December 3 at the Rose Garden Center. According to our news partner KETK, the location was chosen due to the construction of a new facility at the former site of the event’s traditional venue, Harvey Convention Center. “This year we did not pick a theme. My goal is to raise awareness for the mission of the Junior League of Tyler and what Mistletoe and Magic is, and support our partner agencies,” said Lindsey Adams, 2022 Mistletoe & Magic chair. The Junior League also announced it’s awarding $171,918 in grants and thousands of volunteer hours to 12 nonprofits and three community projects.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court has approved using a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funding to purchase police pursuit, emergency, and public safety vehicles for several county departments. ARPA funding was given to Smith County by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. The purchases will include one grapple truck and four dump trucks for the Smith County Road and Bridge Department, one truck for the Fire Marshal’s Office, and 38 law enforcement Chevrolet Tahoes. Officials cite a supply shortage with law enforcement vehicles and saving taxpayer dollars locally by using federal money. Click here for further information.

MILLARD COUNTY, Utah – The body of a missing Longview man was found in a Utah desert, officials confirmed. According to our news partner KETK, the Millard County Sheriff’s Office reports 21-year-old Jonathan Barrett Brantley’s vehicle was found in the west desert of the county in April. His cellphone had been left in the vehicle. Officials reported finding a body in the Notch Peak area on April 28 near where the truck was found. They posted again on May 12 to confirm the remains belonged to Brantley. Though they positively confirmed the identity, Brantley’s cause of death has not yet been determined. In a news release, the Millard County Sheriff’s Office expressed its “deepest condolences” and thanked those who helped in the search.

MARSHALL — An East Texas native has been named as the doctor who heroically charged the California church shooter Sunday, sacrificing his life to save others. The doctor killed in Sunday’s shooting has been identified as a former Marshall High School graduate, class of 1987. doctor John Cheng is being called a hero for giving his life to stop the gunman who opened fire at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes says Dr. Cheng was killed charging the gunman, giving others time to jump in and disarm the killer and hold him for police. Continue reading Marshall graduate killed in California church shooting

ARP – The City of Arp has announced a boil water notice. According to officials, a main water line was hit and the water has been turned off to repair the break. Arp ISD has plenty of bottled water to satisfy the needs of their students & staff. A notice will be sent once the boil water order is lifted.

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler will kick off its largest fundraiser, Mistletoe and Magic, on Tuesday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at Willow Brook Country Club. Organizers say the kickoff will include unveiling the 2022 event theme and setting fundraising goals for the year. According to a news release, Mistletoe & Magic raises vital funds that financially support over 20 local nonprofit agencies and community programs. The three-day holiday gift market in December will be held at the Tyler Rose Garden Center and will feature more than 50 specialty merchants from around the nation as well as special events, a brunch, and other exciting entertainment, according to the release.

KYIV, Ukraine (FOX/Staff) – Paul Grey was born in Tyler and is a graduate of the University of Texas. He’s a U.S Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient now on the frontline in the war in Ukraine. He served two duties in Iraq with the 101st airborne division, which prepared him for his current situation. According to our news partner KETK, Grey was living in Ukraine where he owns and operates a gymnasium when the invasion began. He recently had to shut it down about a month ago due to the crisis. With his business closed he had the choice to leave or stay, but he decided to stay. Continue reading Ukraine allies are many, including a Tyler volunteer

TYLER – Shortages in the supply of baby formula are leading new moms to find other ways of finding the much-needed item – and risking themselves to potential online scams. The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas is helping get the word out. According to the 2021 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, online shopping scams are the riskiest. An ad, post, or social media group posts they have baby formula available. The buyer contacts the seller and makes a payment through a peer-to-peer platform such as PayPal or Venmo — both BBB accredited — but the formula never arrives. Click here to learn more about the scams — and how you can avoid becoming a victim.

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on Spur 124 near SH 31. The crew will then move to FM 15 for base failure work the rest of the week. Flaggers will control traffic at both locations. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be on FM 449 conducting pavement widening. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

PALESTINE — The city of Palestine has issued a boil water notice for Loop 256 in the vicinity of Palestine Regional Rehabilitation Center. According to our news partner KETK, officials say it will remain in effect until Tuesday. The city said the notice was issued due to a loss of pressure that was below normal in the area, meaning that until Tuesday, affected residents will need to boil their water prior to consumption. Any questions regarding the situation should be directed to Public Works by calling 903-731-8423.

TYLER — The latest Dallas Morning News, UT Tyler Poll shows a close Governor’s race here in Texas. The poll shows Governor Abbott still leading his Democratic Opponent Beto O’Rourke by 7 points. However, the poll finds voters, by a very slim margin, trust Beto more than they trust the Governor. The poll also shows most Texans, 55%, support Governor Abbott’s decision to spend billions on “Operation Lone Star Program” his border security plan that’s deployed hundreds of law officers and Texas military members to help slow illegal immigration.

TYLER — Golden Road in Tyler will be closed at Debby Drive from May 16 through May 23 while contractors install water and sewer lines under the roadway for a new development. Northbound traffic will detour onto Neeley Street, then Terrance Lane and to Sterling Drive to go back to Golden Road. Southbound traffic will detour onto Sterling Drive, then Terrance Lane and to Neeley Street to go back to Golden Road. Motorists are asked to use caution while driving in the area and to obey all detours and traffic signs.

LONGVIEW — Longview’s Greenwood Cemetery will be closed for several days beginning Monday, May 16, while crews remove a tree from the property. Due to the size and location of the tree, it is estimated work will take about four days to complete and will block the entrance to the cemetery. The tree is being removed to prevent potential damage to the grave markers and monuments surrounding it, according to a news release. Crews plan to leave a portion of the trunk of the tree which will be carved into a monument or statue at a later date. Right-of-Way Supervisor Amanda Ellsworth is the point of contact for this project and can be reached at 903-237-1291.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) announces that nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. According to press materials, this 23rd annual award will honor an individual or organization exemplifying the concept of public health distinguished by dedication to the goal of protecting and promoting the health of the community. The nominee does not need to be a public health professional. Services provided by the nominee may be in the area of civic, cultural, health, welfare, religious, or philanthropic endeavors. All nominations must be physically received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20. Click here for more information.