KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Tyler voters went to the polls May 7th and voted for a 89 million dollar bond proposal for Tyler ISD. According to our news partner KETK, two projects will be handled: a rebuild of Hubbard Middle School and a creation of an college prep high school. The bond passed with 64 percent of the vote. However in Longview, it was a “no” vote on the Longview ISD school bond proposal. Money asked for was nearly 230 million dollars. That would have been used for LHS campus renovation, a new Early childhood campus, an Events Center and assorted updates and repairs. The bond was defeated by 67 percent of the vote. Continue reading Tyler, Bullard school bonds pass, others fail

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department is looking for information about a vehicle vs. pedestrian hit-and-run. That’s according to our news partner KETK. On Thursday, around 11:15 p.m., officers were called to McCann Road near the Tupelo Drive intersection and found a female victim lying in the roadway who had been hit by a vehicle driving south. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses told police that the possible vehicle was a white Ford F-150 pickup truck with a toolbox in the truck bed and has possible damage to the front of the vehicle. The victim’s name was not immediately released. Anyone with any information about the wreck should contact Longview police at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) or online at this link.

TYLER — Tyler ISD trustees have approved Dr. Lani Norman as the district’s new chief academic officer. Norman currently serves as executive director of learning at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. She will be joining the Tyler ISD team this summer, succeeding Dr. Christy Hanson. Norman earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Texas A&M University, her master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and her doctorate in educational leadership at the University of North Texas.

RUSK COUNTY – Two suspected tornadoes in Rusk County Thursday left homes without roofs and power, so residents had to look for shelter at the nearby convenience store. According to our news partner KETK, Whispering Pines RV Park, between Mount Enterprise and Minden, was especially hard hit. No life-threatening injuries have been reported. Authorities say one non-life-threatening injury was reported after a resident was hit by a tree. Rusk County officials are voicing concern for drivers who are out on the roadways. “Stay off the roads and stay home. This is not a time to go out and look or take videos,” cautioned Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez. Officials say they are continuing to assess damage and offer help as needed.

EAST TEXAS — Voters in East Texas went to the polls Saturday for a range of election activity. In Smith County, bond elections were on the ballot for Tyler, Bullard, and Chapel Hill Independent School Districts. Longview ISD is held a school bond election as well, and the city of Longview voted on a city council race along with a special bond election. Ballots around the area also included other races for cities and school districts, as well as proposed constitutional amendments. Continue reading East Texas election day voting results

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department says it needs your help locating a runaway by the name of Meryl Herring. Meryl is 16 years old, approximately 5’06”, and weighs approximately 122 lbs. She has blond hair and blue eyes. Meryl was last seen wearing a green tank top, black hoodie, denim shorts, and croc shoes. Anyone has information is asked to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department says several roads are closed due to flooding. According to our news partner KETK, those include South High Street between West Cotton and West Tyler Street; North Green Street, between West Cotton and West Tyler Street; And south South Green Street, between Mopac Road and East Nelson Street. All locations are underneath bridges. Also, minor flooding is reported on South Spur 63 at West Cotton Street and East Marshall Avenue between Green and Second Streets.

ATHENS — An Athens ISD school bus was involved in a wreck Thursday morning after the driver of a Mustang allegedly pulled out in front of the bus. According to our news partner KETK, Athens ISD reports the bus was driving west on Loop 7 when the Mustang apparently pulled out from Robbins Road in front of the bus. Neither driver required medical attention, but three students were taken to UT Health Athens for what were reported to be minor injuries. DPS was called to the scene and is investigating further. AISD officials were notifying and reaching out to parents and guardians of the students on the bus and have been continuing to monitor the situation.

TYLER — Early and absentee ballots in Smith County are up significantly from a year ago as voters and officials prepare for Saturday’s elections. The county says 7,746 people cast their ballots early and 1,127 absentee ballots were received by the elections office. In last May’s municipal elections, early votes totaled 1,650 and there were 64 absentee ballots cast. It should be noted that ballot items were considerably different a year ago. This spring, bond elections are on the ballot for Tyler, Bullard, and Chapel Hill Independent School Districts. Also on the ballot are several races for cities and school districts, as well as constitutional amendments. Continue reading Early, absentee ballots way up from last May in Smith County

TYLER — East Texans are advised of multiple disaster designations with the USDA Farm Service Agency. Those who wish to apply for emergency loans are asked to submit their applications as soon as possible. Application deadlines vary. The FSA office is located on Republic Drive in Tyler. The telephone number is (903) 405-5676 with office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information regarding Disaster Assistance Programs may be found online at this link. Continue reading Disaster designations for East Texas

EAST TEXAS — North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is asking drivers to be aware of a ramp closure on Toll 49. According to NET RMA, the ramp closure at Toll 49 and Farm-to-Market Road 16 began May 2 and will continue through May 5, from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m., as crews install new tolling system equipment. Daily text messages will be sent updating road closure information while this work is in progress. In order to receive these messages, motorists will need to text Toll 49 to 444222 or visit this link.

TYLER — The City of Tyler is showing appreciation for outstanding public servants during Public Service Recognition Week from May 2 through May 6, according to a news release. City of Tyler non-emergency offices and facilities will be closed Friday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an interdepartmental event. Essential and emergency functions will continue. The Glass Recreation Center will be closed to the public Friday, May 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Celebrated since 1985, PSRW is a nationwide public recognition campaign honoring the men and women who serve as federal, state, county and local government employees, according to the release.

TYLER — Tyler joins numerous other communities around East Texas and across the country in observing Thursday’s National Day of Prayer. A highlight was the 31st annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, held at Green Acres Baptist Church’s Crosswalk Conference Center. Speakers offered a prayer of thanksgiving along with prayers for world, community, and individual peace. Also, attendees were invited to pray together at their tables, and there were musical offerings, as well as other touches. Mayor Don Warren told KTBB the prayer choices were “really kind of a no-brainer,” citing “so much that we’ve gone through these last few years” — and adding, “it works.”

SMITH COUNTY — One woman was arrested and a man is on the loose following a police chase Wednesday night in Tyler, according to our news partner KETK. Sgt. Larry Christian, with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, said the chase started in the Hill Creek boat area near Lake Tyler. Officials said that a deputy recognized the 1999 4-door Mercury and noticed that there were active arrest warrants for the driver, Kelsey Ann Sanders, 20. Deputies attempted to pull over the vehicle but she allegedly did not stop and started on FM 346 around Lake Tyler. Continue reading Police chase lands one in jail, one suspect at large