TYLER — Tyler Animal Services was alerted Wednesday by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that a stray bat found at Caldwell Zoo tested positive for rabies. Officials point out that the animal was not part of any zoo exhibit, but they say an unknown individual who alerted zoo staff to the bat may have been exposed. Any individuals who may have had contact with this bat or are concerned should contact Tyler Animal Services at (903) 535-0045 or DSHS at (903) 533-5243. Officials say it is critical for people to not handle bats, skunks, raccoons, or other wild animals. They say it is important for children to tell their parents of any contact with wild animals or any sick animals. If a person is bitten by an animal, the bite incident must be reported to the Local Rabies Control Authority, the Tyler Animal Services Director, for proper investigation. Continue reading Rabies advisory: Stray bat tests positive at Caldwell Zoo
Hegar visits UT Tyler on Broadband Listening Tour
TYLER — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar was joined by University of Texas at Tyler President Kirk Calhoun Wednesday on the East Texas stop of his Texas Broadband Listening Tour. The visit was to get insights about internet access and collect input to develop the state’s first broadband plan, according to a news release. As quoted in the release, Hegar pointed out that “Tyler is in a 23-county region where 54 percent of households do not have access to high-speed wireline broadband, and 25 percent of households do not have internet of any kind.†He says Wednesday’s event “will help my office identify changes, chart goals and encourage investment to expand high-speed internet access to areas in need.†The tour is taking Hegar to a dozen locations across the state. Continue reading Hegar visits UT Tyler on Broadband Listening Tour
More good sales tax news for Tyler and Longview
AUSTIN — Sales tax allocations from the state comptroller’s office continue to look good for Tyler and Longview, both of which follow an ongoing statewide trend. For April, Tyler hauls in $4,111,504.49, compared to $3,141,646.81 for April 2021. Tyler’s year-to-date figure is $19,357,242.02, a jump from $15,651,576.73 a year ago. Longview’s April figure is $2,820,813.96, a significant increase from the $2,233,131.08 reported at this time last year. For the year to date, Longview has tallied $13,940,564.22, up from $11,295,935.52 in April 2021.
Communities respond in aftermath of storms
SMITH COUNTY — Residents and authorities continue to respond in the wake of severe storms in Smith county overnight Monday and Tuesday. Whitehouse officials Tuesday named W.M. Solaman as the person who died there when a storm pushed a tree down across his home. Downed trees, blocked roadways, traffic signal outages, and delays are among the issues that have confronted officials around the county. Local governments are reporting progress while passing along detailed information on damage and how to get help if you were affected by the rough weather. For the latest information from the city of Tyler, go here and scroll down to “Tyler News.” Smith County’s updates and summaries can be found by going to this link and scrolling down to “News.” As for the city of Whitehouse, go here or here for further information.
Smith County cleanup vouchers available in Whitehouse
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith Countywide Cleanup vouchers are now available at Whitehouse City Hall for people who suffered property damages from Monday night’s storm. The Smith Countywide Cleanup is running throughout April and allows for all Smith County residents to take one truckload of bulky trash to the landfill for free. The program began April 1, and vouchers are available at several County Offices, including the Annex Building, at 200 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler, as well as the Constable/Justice of the Peace Offices throughout the County. The vouchers are now available at Whitehouse City Hall, to be more conveniently distributed from its Utility Department, located at 101 A Bascom Road. Continue reading Smith County cleanup vouchers available in Whitehouse
Lindale boil notice rescinded
LINDALE — The city of Lindale Tuesday afternoon rescinded a boil water notice issued earlier in the day. Officials say the notice had been issued due to conditions which had recently occurred in the public water system. The city says the water has now been deemed safe for consumption.
Storm damage assessment reveals downed trees, blocked roadways, more
TYLER — Tyler city officials say crews are working to restore misaligned traffic detection cameras, remove downed trees, and repair fence damage to city-owned facilities after severe thunderstorms went through the area early Tuesday morning. The city offered a mid-afternoon update Tuesday, with more updates planned as the situation evolves. The Tuesday afternoon update includes a detailed rundown of issues and how to report any problems you may have. Continue reading Storm damage assessment reveals downed trees, blocked roadways, more
Officials work to clear downed trees
TYLER — Smith County Officials assisted the City of Whitehouse and Troup after Monday night and Tuesday morning’s storms caused downed trees throughout the county. According to a news release, Smith County Road and Bridge crews, along with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Marshal’s Office, came to the aid of the City of Whitehouse in the middle of the night. County Engineer Frank Davis said Road and Bridge crews were called out around 3 a.m. The county later reported that as of 3:30 Tuesday afternoon, all reported downed trees had been cleared from county roads. We will update this item as additional information comes in. Meantime, click this link for additional details.
Whitehouse updates aftermath of storms
WHITEHOUSE — The Whitehouse Police Department has identified W. M. Soloman as the individual who died during the storms that passed through the city early Tuesday morning. “Our prayers are with the friends and family of Mr. Soloman, who we lost early this morning when the storm pushed a tree down across his home,” said Mayor James Wansley as quoted in a Tuesday afternoon news release. “Last night’s storm also brought down power lines, obstructed traffic and caused property damage in the heart of the City of Whitehouse. I was proud to see the City staff, Police and Fire jump into action at the first signs of the menacing storm.” Wansley also sayd he “was humbled by the support we received” from various local responders. The city has lots more to share. Click here or here for more information.
Marshall police investigate fatal shooting
MARSHALL — Police in Marshall are seeking clues in a fatal shooting. Authorities say officers were dispatched Monday evening to a location on Holland St. near Wilson Street in reference to a “trouble unknown†call of a person knocking on a door at a residence there. The officers were notified by Marshall Police Emergency Communications that someone had been shot, and that they were being transported to a hospital by private vehicle. The officers arrived at the hospital and located a car with multiple bullet strikes in the passenger side. The driver said her passenger had been shot multiple times by an unknown assailant wearing a mask and dark-colored clothing. Continue reading Marshall police investigate fatal shooting
Sheriff: Upshur County inmate dies after “unknown medical emergency”
GILMER – Authorities say an Upshur County Jail inmate has died after being found unresponsive in his cell. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Larry Webb said in a press release that 53-year-old Mark Wayne Stovall of Winnsboro was on medical watch at the time. Jail staff reportedly found him unresponsive and “immediately entered the cell and began to perform CPR on Mr. Stovall.†EMS was called as jail staff continued CPR, the release said, and EMS was not able to revive Stovall. The Texas Rangers are investigating, and the body has been sent for autopsy. Authorities said Stovall was jailed March 31 on a bond forfeiture warrant for possession of a controlled substance.
Roberts urges continued caution, discusses second COVID booster
TYLER — With low COVID numbers holding relatively steady in the area, NET Health’s George Roberts remains upbeat but urges continued caution. He’s also shedding light on the recently-approved second booster. Roberts tells KTBB it’s recommended for people aged 50 and over — and for those aged 12 to 50 who are immunocompromised. He says you can get that second booster four months after your first booster. Roberts also reminds you that the BA.2 omicron variant is becoming more prevalent, and officials are continuing to keep an eye on that situation. Overall, Roberts continues to urge vaccinations for everyone who is eligible — reiterating that no one knows when another COVID spike may occur. And he says the vaccine supply remains abundant in East Texas. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.
Arp ISD delays school start time
ARP — Arp ISD has delayed school start time for Tuesday. Classes will begin at 10:00 and buses will run 2 hours later than usual. Numerous reports of downed trees in the area, drivers are urged to use caution.
Anonymous gift continues momentum for UT Tyler School of Medicine
TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler announced the second four million-dollar gift to its School of Medicine. The anonymous gift will support the School of Medicine scholarships and faculty research, according to a news release. As quoted in the release, UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun terms university officials “tremendously appreciative” of the gift and “amazed by the support” for the new facility. The School of Medicine’s founding dean, Dr. Brigham Willis, points to “the overwhelming philanthropic support that we have received since the medical school was announced.†He also expressed good feelings about the “warm welcome” he says he has received since coming on board in February. Continue reading Anonymous gift continues momentum for UT Tyler School of Medicine
TxDOT’s weekly roadwork update
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 an overlay crew on FM 2089 with traffic controlled by flaggers and a pilot vehicle. A herbicide crew will also be in various locations throughout the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be on FM 449 performing base repairs ahead of the edge/widening project. There will be a one-way setup with flaggers controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.