KTBB News, Weather, Talk

WASHINGTON D.C. — The GOP on Monday told the House Judiciary Committee that the Democrats had built their case around hearsay. On Monday evening Congressman Gohmert told KTBB it was hard to hear all day long. “It just was so hard to sit through the hearing today knowing that there is nothing but hear-say upon hear-say, some of it 4th and 5th hand hear-say.” Continue reading Congressmen Gohmert: “I’m Scared for my Country”

TYLER –Just weeks after The University of Texas System Board of Regents invested $95 million in new educational and clinical facilities for UT Tyler and UT Health Science Center at Tyler, the Board doubled down on its commitment to East Texas. On Monday they unanimously authorized a new arrangement so that the two Tyler institutions will permanently come together under one administrative structure to best serve the needs of the state of Texas. Continue reading UT Regents to Integrate Talent and Assets of UT Tyler and UTHSC at Tyler

HENDERSON — A provisional burn ban was voted into action on Monday in Rusk County Commissioner’s Court. According to the Office of Emergency Management facebook page, the provision cites that the county is in “drought like conditions.” The provisional ban requires individuals to have a water source readily available on-site. Flammable materials not going into the fire will need to be kept at least 10 feet from the flames. Additonally, residents must notify their local fire department when they will be burning. The difference in a provisional and a full burn ban is that a full ban prohibits all outdoor burning across the entire county.

WOOD COUNTY — Christmas came early for four children who lost their home and parents from a fire on Thanksgiving. Courtney Cline and her longtime partner, Ben Mendez died in that fire. According to our news partner KETK, on Sunday a Dallas man, Michael Moreno delivered the early “Christmas” after he teamed up with Toys for Tots and other various organizations to give the kids something positive to think about. Amilya Minor, a sister of Cline, was grateful for the help. “He got clothes, he got Christmas for them, he also put in place for them to get food when it got around Christmas time, just a big blessing.” Continue reading Early Christmas for Victims of Thanksgiving Day Fire

TYLER — A social worker from Mineola, has officially announced her campaign for Texas Senate, District 1 in 2020. Audrey Spanko,told KTBB why she decided to run. “I want to represent East Texas and fight for affordable healthcare.” Spanko believes her diversity makes her an ideal candidate for East Texans. Spanko, a Democrat, has witnessed how current state policies have affected people and communities across the district, and she is on a mission to fight social injustice, advocate for the people of East Texas, and bring positive change to the state.

TYLER — Champions for Children Smith County is inviting the community to join in for a fundraiser event at grub on Monday through close of business tonight. Make sure to mention the fundraiser at check out. Champions for Children is a United Way of Tyler/Smith County partner agency with a primary focus of quality, early childhood education for children birth to five years of age. Champions’ also provides individual services to children, families, childcare centers and teachers in East Texas. For more details click the link. https://championsforchildren.org/about-us/

TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a suspect in the theft of a Salvation Army Kettle last week. Tyler Public Information Officer Don Martin says Jimmie Earl Gamble 60 has been arrested and they are still looking for the second suspect in the case. A customer at the scene observed the alleged theft and followed the pair getting a picture of the truck and plates. Gamble was driving, the 2nd suspect got out of the vehicle and busted the witnesses windshield and sped out of the parking lot. Continue reading Arrest in Salvation Army Kettle Theft

TYLER — TxDOT has released plans for the upcoming week for the Tyler District. U.S. 69 Overpass at FM 346 The contractor is scheduled to continue bridge construction. Traffic control is expected to be switched over to the new temporary traffic signal. A work zone speed limit of 60 mph is in effect for the project on US 69. The project is building a new US 69 Bridge over FM 346. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance crews plan to continue overlay operations on US 259 with work being conducted northbound from Hollybrook Drive to Loop 281. Complete report by cking the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/059-2019.html

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University showcased 134 graduates during the Fall 2019 Commencement observance held on Saturday at the Ornelas Spiritual Life Center. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn officiated over the ceremony as 100 students received undergraduate degrees and 34 received graduate degrees. Special guest and recognized Christian author and speaker Beth Moore presented the keynote address during the ceremony.

TYLER — Grub Burger Bar is hosting a fundraiser on Tuesday. Mention the SPCA of East Texas to your server from 11AM-10PM and 20% of the proceeds will go to the organization. You are also invited to bring your furry friend for a fun time on the patio for food and fun and support a good cause. If you would like more information on the SPCA of East Texas click the link. https://spcaeasttx.com/

TYLER — The Blue Santa is a non-profit outreach program that annually concentrates on giving gift cards to needy children during the holidays. Chuck Boyce, Community Resource Officer with Tyler’s Police Department said 100% of the proceeds go to children in need. “It’s amazing to watch the children’s excitement as they pick out Christmas presents. It’s extremely humbling to see that some select presents for their family and sometimes food and other necessities.” The Blue Santa Pub Crawl will be next Saturday, 4-8pm. Pre-sell tickets are $25; $35 the day of the event. Continue reading Blue Santa Pub Crawl Next Saturday

SMITH COUNTY — The Habitat for Humanity of Smith County knows all about hard work and they continued those efforts on Saturday with a wall raising. According to our news partner KETK, this will be the 109th home when completed. Every home is built on site with materials donated supplies for the projects. If you want more info click the link. https://www.smithcountyhabitat.org/about-us/

TYLER — A longtime East Texas philanthropist has died. According to our news partner KETK, Peaches Owen, long known for her and her late husband Louis’ philanthropic generosity to East Texas, died on Saturday. Owen was known for underwriting charitable projects through out the community, including the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital. Continue reading Longtime Tyler Philanthropist Dies

CASS COUNTY — An East Texas educator has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for the sexual assault of a six-year-old boy. According to our news partner KETK, Kennie Lewis Cook Jr. 32 was sentenced Friday. One day earlier, a jury convicted the former Mt. Pleasant High School teacher and assistant band director on three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. Cook was arrested in February of this year. It will be a minimum of 40 years before Lewis is eligible for parole.

TYLER — The holiday season is big business for porch pirates. The US Postal Service is projecting 800 million package deliveries between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. And an estimated 23 million Americans have had a package stolen from their front porch or mailbox. This summer, Governor Greg Abbott signed a law making it a felony to steal packages off front porches, but that’s not likely to deter every thief. BBB reminds consumers that there are steps which can be taken to prevent porch pirates from getting away with the goods.“Online ordering has made it convenient to shop both during the holidays and the rest of the year, “Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas said. Continue reading ‘Tis the Season- Watch Out for Porch Pirates

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Rangerettes will present their ninth annual Christmas show on Sunday, Dec. 8, with two shows set for 2 and 5 p.m. in Dodson Auditorium on the Kilgore campus. The one-day-only Broadway-style show, “A December to Remember,” will feature the world-famous Rangerettes and guest performances by local dance groups. Tickets are $15 each and all seating is reserved. Remaining tickets from pre-sale will be sold 45 minutes prior to each show. Continue reading Rangerettes to Perform “A December to Remember”

TYLER — An investigation that began in October resulted in an arrest Friday of a Smith County Emergency Services District 2 employee. County detectives say through investigation they discovered that Silas Austin Franks – 25 of Terrell, was arrested for Possession/Promotion of Child Pornography with a bond of $250,000. Franks is in the Smith County jail. Investigators say they received full cooperation and assistance from members of Smith County ESD 2. Continue reading Suspect Arrested for Child Pornography

TYLER — Carter BloodCare is asking the local community to give blood to replenish a deficiency. Linda Goelzer told KTBB on Friday that the blood shortage is critical in the immediate area. “We provide over 90% of the blood in the region.” Often surgeries surgeries require blood, and we always need to be prepared for a mass casualty, in addition to wrecks or other major events. Golezer went on to say, “This is us on the rooftop asking for people to please help.” You can get more info by clicking the link. http://www.carterbloodcare.org/donate-blood/

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University will host a retirement reception for Senior Director of the Belcher Center Cynthia Hellen from 3 to 5 p.m. next Wednesday, in the lobby of the Belcher Center. ETBU’s Janet Ragland said “It’s a great opportunity to get to honor her, and the work that she has done over the last 13 years, bringing incredible world class entertainment to the East Texas area.” The reception is open to the community.

TYLER — The SPCA is reminding East Texans that they are going all in “fur” the pets to Kick Off 2020. You are invited to get your tickets now for the New Years Eve Gala. the night will feature “The Pictures Band” that will help you dance the night away right into a new decade. Organizers say the Band will keep you grooving straight into 2020. Fur Ball 2019 takes place at the Cascades Country Club. Guests will be treated to hors d’oeuvres and desserts, and three bars serving premium beverages. Continue reading SPCA of East Texas Presents “Fur Ball 2019”

Tyler – Jack Elementary School 5th graders are spreading the warmth of the holidays for those in need. On Friday 5th grade teacher Tristan Arrington, told KTBB that the students are very excited. “I have heard many students say they love helping others and wish they could do more.” Arrington went on to say, “the students give up their recess time to tie the blankets and prepare them.” The current total blankets is closing in on 150 that will be given out to those less fortunate on Saturday. The students and teachers will partner with Jesus’ Closet, a local ministry of Faith Community Church, to pass out blankets to the homeless on Saturday. Continue reading Jack Elementary Students to Pass Out Blankets

LINDALE — Police in Lindale are looking for two men believed to be responsible for a burglary at the Hampton Inn off the I-20 exit in Lindale. According to our news partner KETK, several tools were taken from a storage area and possibly put into duffel bags. The get-away vehicle is believed to be either a Chevy Silverado or a GMC Sierra pickup. If you have any information pertaining to this case, contact Lindale police.

MARSHALL (AP) – Officials say East Texas deputies trying to serve a search warrant fatally shot a man who tried to speed away from the scene. A spokesman for the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office says special tactics deputies were trying to serve the narcotics warrant about 11 a.m. Thursday at a house in southwestern Marshall when 31-year-old Demetrius Williams tried to flee the scene in a minivan. Lt. Jay Webb says while trying to speed away, Williams tried to run over a deputy. That’s when deputies opened fire, killing Williams. There were no other injuries. Webb said Williams was the subject of their investigation. Sheriff Tom McCool has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate the shooting, and Chief Deputy Brandon Fletcher said the deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.

TYLER — Randall Wayne Mays, 60 had his execution stayed days before he was set to be put to death in October of this year. According to our news partner KETK, on Thursday he received a new date to be executed after a judge in Henderson County deemed Mays competent. Mays shot and killed 2 Henderson County Sheriffs officers, Paul Habelt and Tony Ogburn, in May of 2008. Mays opened fire on the officers as they investigated a domestic disturbance at his home. Mays is set to be executed in May of 2020.

Tyler–Tyler ISD is inviting the community to get into the Holiday Spirit with a FREE holiday event from noon to 3 p.m. this Saturday at the Career and Technology Center. Guests will enjoy holiday crafts, games, face painting, and hot cocoa, as well as cookies and milk with Santa! TISD’s Jennifer Hines told KTBB on Thursday that families will also be able to learn about the districts Pathfinder Program. Continue reading TISD to Host Free Holiday Event

LONGVIEW — The Arts!Longview President Nancy Murray told KTBB on Thursday that Cynthia Hellen will embrace the new role of Executive Director. “We are so excited that Cynthia applied for this important position. Her knowledge, experience and creativity are exactly what we need to move this new organization forward to benefit our entire community.” Hellen is scheduled to begin her position on Jan. 2 of next year. For more information on the Arts!Longview, visit the website at https://artslongview.org/.

TYLER — A Tyler teen was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in an April shooting that left one person dead and two others injured. According to our news partner KETK, Treyvon Maddox, 19, of Tyler, waived his right to a trial and plead guilty Wednesday with the plea for the deadly shooting of Keyundta Devor Barrett, 20, of Tyler. Kentrell Marquie Miller, 21, and Ira Brown Jr., 18, both from Tyler sustained minor injuries. Deputies were called to the crime scene on Tidwell Drive after 1 a.m. last April.