KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The TSA pre-check mobile enrollment will begin Jan. 21 at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Initially, the enrollment site was scheduled to be in Tyler through Jan. 25. Because the response was so great, the mobile enrollment center has been extended another week from Jan. 28 through Feb. 1. The TSA pre-check mobile enrollment center will be in the commercial terminal building at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The mobile enrollment center will be near the baggage claim area. Signage is present to provide location information inside the terminal. Officials said they anticipate no delays as a result of the federal government shutdown. Go to the TSA Website at http://www.tsa.gov for full details to enroll.

KILGORE — Noted philanthropist and Kilgore College alumnus Kelcy Warren has gifted $500,000 to the college to improve its information technology infrastructure. College officials say the gift will allow KC to provide state-of-the-art technology services to students and faculty. More specifically, the funds will be used to upgrade KC’s wireless networking. Officials say the gift will also allow students to easily access Open Educational Resources that will help reduce the cost of textbooks. Warren, Chairman and CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, graduated from White Oak High School before attending KC and graduating from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1978.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road 168 between County Road 178 and Highway 155 South in Noonday will remain closed to through traffic at least until Friday for repairs. County Engineer Frank Davis said work to repair the concrete box culvert is taking longer than expected. Officials say once work began on Monday, road and bridge crews discovered heavier damage than expected. To avoid potential collapse, Davis said it will take the rest of the week to repair the damage and insert a temporary metal pipe. He added that a permanent concrete box culvert or concrete pipe will be installed there this summer. For now, drivers need to seek alternate routes.

TYLER — The Great Decisions lecture series makes its annual return to the Tyler Public Library starting Wednesday. According to a news release, for eight weeks, knowledgeable lecturers from various fields of study will discuss current topics facing our world, from U.S.-Mexican relations to cyber security and much more. Each lecture will take place Wednesday from 12:00 until 1:00 p.m, in the Taylor Auditorium. This Wednesday’s topic is “The United States and Mexico: Partnership Tested.”

LINDALE – A portion of County Road 4191 in Lindale will be closed through Wednesday for a culvert replacement. The Smith County Road and Bridge Department will replace a culvert on the road between Jim Hogg Road and Ballard drive. That portion of the road will be closed to thru traffic so drivers will need to seek alternative routes.

RUSK COUNTY — A Texas appeals court has delayed this week’s scheduled execution of a man convicted of killing his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter during what the couple had said was part of an “exorcism” in Rusk County. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Monday granted the stay for Blaine Milam. His execution was slated for Tuesday. Milam’s attorneys say his conviction was based on “now discredited” bite mark evidence. They also argue he is intellectually disabled and therefore ineligible for execution. The 29-year-old Milam would have been the first inmate put to death this year both in the U.S. and in Texas. Continue reading Appeals Court Stays Convicted Killer’s Tuesday Execution

TYLER — Tyler Police investigate a Monday shooting on the east side of town. At 1:55 p.m., police received a call reporting that a man later identified as 19-year-old Christopher D. Jimerson had been shot multiple times. Jimerson ran for help into the DJ’s Mariscos Restaurant on East Erwin when police were called. Arriving officers determined that the actual scene of the shooting was on nearby George Street in the driveway of a residence. Officers located a second victim identified as 21-year-old Patricia Tave in the driveway; she had been shot multiple times. Both victims went to the hospital. Tave is listed in critical condition, Jimerson is listed in stable condition. Tyler Police received a Crime Stoppers tip which led investigators to Martinez around 6:30 Monday night in Van Zandt County. Continue reading Tyler Shooting Suspect Arrested

TYLER — TxDOT will be meeting with interested citizens to allow them an opportunity to review and comment on the proposed expansion of FM 756, or Paluxy Drive, in Tyler. Three alternatives will be presented for public input. The meeting will be Tuesday, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Cornerstone Church Gymnasium on Paluxy. The proposed work includes widening the existing two-lane facility to four lanes with a flush median, and aligning the roadway to improve grades and curves. The project will require new right of way from adjacent property owners. Right-of-way personnel will be on hand to answer general questions about the acquisition process.

KILGORE — Kilgore College Rangerettes Director Dana Blair was honored by the Texas Dance Educators Association with a Lifetime Achievement Award at its annual convention Jan. 12 in Houston. As a member of the Rangerettes from 1981-83, Blair was both a Rangerette Lieutenant and Swingster. After two years at KC, she attended The University of Texas at Austin. Blair returned to KC in 1986 as the Rangerettes’ assistant director and choreographer. She held the position of assistant director until 1993, when she was promoted to become only the third director since the organization’s inception in 1940. Blair was also inducted into the TDEA Hall of Fame in January of 2012.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler recently announced the induction of 68 students into its Texas Alpha Xi Chapter of the Alpha Chi National College Honor Society for the 2018-2019 academic year. Alpha Chi recognizes superior academic performance in all fields of study, according to a university news release. The Texas Alpha Xi chapter has been celebrating UT Tyler student achievement for 42 years. To be eligible for membership, an undergraduate student must be at least a junior, have completed a minimum of 24 hours at UT Tyler and be ranked in the top 5 percent of students in their college with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Eligible graduate students are those who have completed at least 15 hours at UT Tyler and fall in the top 5 percent of their college with a minimum 3.5 GPA.

AUSTIN — A Tyler resident claimed a top prizewinning ticket worth $1 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game, Stacks of Cash. The ticket was purchased at Speedy Express on Troup Highway in Tyler. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. According to a news release, this was the seventh of 15 top prizes worth $1 million to be claimed in this game. Stacks of Cash offers more than $100 million in total prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.37, including break-even prizes.

TYLER — Another week of roadwork is set around TxDOT’s Tyler District. Highlights include a pavement markings project at locations around Tyler and a SH 149 overlay project in Rusk County. There’s also a traffic switch set for Wednesday on U.S. 79 at the UPRR Overpass project in Palestine. You can go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/002-2019.html for a complete district-wide rundown.

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas is preparing for its Annual Luncheon and Awards Banquet, March 12 at the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Conference Center in Tyler. In addition to presenting BBB’s year-end review, the bureau will present the BBB Awards for Excellence to three companies, one nonprofit, and — for the first time — one veteran-owned business. 25 organizations were nominated, and you can go to https://www.facebook.com/BBBCET to vote for your favorite. Go to
https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-central-east-texas for additional information.

EAST TEXAS — Three people are dead in two accidents in East Texas. The DPS reports 65-year-old LaJuan Fisher Rice of Henderson died in a Rusk County crash Friday morning on U.S. Highway 79 ten miles south of Henderson. Officials say Rice was trying to cross the highway from an intersection when she struck a truck tractor. In Harrison County before dawn Saturday, the DPS says a car was traveling at an unsafe speed on State Highway 43 two miles south of Marshall when it hydroplaned, went off the roadway, and struck a tree. 17-year-old passenger Derrick Lamon Bennet of Marshall and a 16-year-old male were killed.

TYLER – Tyler Junior College has received a $3 million commitment from The Rogers Foundation. It will be used to help underwrite construction of TJC’s new performing arts center. The current Wise Auditorium, located in the heart of the Cultural Arts District on TJC’s main campus, will be transformed into the “Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center.” Groundbreaking is expected to take place in June. When completed, the comprehensive performing arts center will include more than 14,000 square feet of new space including a recital hall and art gallery and green room and rehearsal and dance studios. There will also be a larger stage and backstage with expanded dressing rooms, a new main lobby and all new technology. Continue reading A Large Gift for TJC

AUSTIN – Two Longview athletic trainers are scheduled to be honored Monday in Austin. A track coach had a heart attack on campus in October and licensed athletic trainers Deirdre Kay Scotter and Kristin N. Bell came to rescue. When cross-country coach Ken Jernigan collapsed during track practice, the two women were able to resuscitate him and continued with CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived.

NOONDAY – On Monday morning a portion of County Road 168 will be closed to traffic for repairs. The Smith County Road and Bridge Department will replace a culvert on CR 168, between County Road 178 and Highway 155 South, in Noonday. That portion of the road will be closed until further notice. Drivers will need to seek alternative routes.

LONGVIEW – The city council has taken action that will allow alcohol sales at a Longview theater. According to the Longview News Journal, the city council approved a zoning change allowing beer, wine and mixed drinks at the AMC Classic Longview 10 theater. This would come along with with Carmike Cinemas over $4 million remodeling project of the theater. The renovations would result in larger chairs, which would reduce seating in the theater by half. There is no word on when the remodeling will begin.

LINDALE – A music festival is coming to Smith County. The inaugural Koe Wetzel’s Incredible Music Festival is coming to Darden Harvest Park next to The Cannery in Lindale on Saturday, March 23. Wetzel is a East Texas native. He grew up in Pittsburg and sang on stage with his mother at the age of six. Concert promoters announced other performers will be Parker McCollum, JB and the Moonshine Band and Chris Colston. There will also be food, beverages and a variety of activities. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Music & Arts Alliance of Texas and the The Boot Campaign, a charitable organization with headquarters in Tyler. It provides financial assistance to service members, veterans, and their families.

KILGORE – A non profit organization has been formed in east Texas to support the families of fallen law officers who die or are injured in the line of duty. It is called the “100 Club of East Texas.” It was introduced at a news conference in Kilgore. A regional group of civic and business leaders, who saw the need in the area, came together to create the organization. The foundation will provide support to law enforcement in 20 East Texas counties. And, as it grows, the foundation will provide financial assistance for training and equipment not budgeted through governing bodies. Continue reading Aid for Families of Fallen Officers

TYLER — The 86th Queen of the Texas Rose Festival, Hanna Claire Waits, says she’s really looking forward to the big October event. Hanna told KTBB, “I’m very excited. It’s a huge honor — and I’m just so thrilled that I get to represent the community and learn more about the rose industry.” Asked why the festival is important, Hanna said, “To the community in general, it brings in over $2 million in revenue. And so, it’s just a great way to support the rose industry and kind of foster volunteers and then celebrate together.” As for what makes it special for her, Hanna responded, “I think that the whole process in general is just very exciting. I get to meet new people in the community, learn more about the process of growing roses — and just kind of be a mentor for those around me. And so I hope that I can do a great job and just really make a difference this year.” Continue reading New Rose Queen Looks Ahead to Festival

TYLER – A Tyler man has received the maximum sentence for the burglary of some restrooms. It took a jury in 7th State District Court on Wednesday an hour to find Solomon Burke Squalls, 26, guilty. After evidence of Squalls’ lengthy criminal history was admitted, the jury deliberated for 10 minutes before sentencing him to 10 years in prison. He had been accused of breaking into the locked bathrooms in a building behind the Goodman Museum in order to steal items. He was running out of the building when police arrived. He was arrested following a foot chase.

TYLER – There are may positive signs about the economy, from east Texas to around the country. That was the message brought to Tyler by economist Ray Perryman. He presented his annual economic forecast Thursday. Perryman says he feels very good about the local economy. There’s a lot of positive things happening in east Texas right now. As far as the state, Perryman said we are kind of hitting on all cylinders at the moment. He said, basically, all of Texas’ major sectors are doing very well, with a lot of new locations for the state. He feels the growth will slow a little bit from last year, but it’s only because he is not sure we’re capable of growing that fast again. And, as far as the United States is concerned, Perryman said, despite a lot of uncertainty, caused by a variety of situations, underneath it all, there is a pretty strong economy. And that we are on the verge of getting into the longest economic expansion in history.

TYLER – Some new library cards will soon be be available at the Tyler Public Library. The cards were designed by two area students. The new children’s library card was designed by Caroline R. from Three Lakes Middle School. The new teen library card was designed by Mia M. from All-Saints High School. The public voted on the designs at the library, on on the library website, between December 14th and January 1st. The new cards will arrive in the spring and the Library will announce when they are available to the public. Current Library card holders will be required to pay a $1 card replacement fee if they would like to have a card with the new design. Any person who does not currently have a Library account will be able to get a card for free when they signup. Continue reading New Tyler Library Cards

TYLER – A fatal Tyler accident remains under investigation. It happened just before midnight on Wednesday on South Broadway near Amherst. Killed was Anthony Gonzalez, 26, of Tyler. His motorcycle was slowing or had stopped for the red light when it was struck from behind by a pickup truck. The truck then hit a power pole and was engulfed in flames. The truck’s driver and his passenger were treated and released from a Tyler Hospital. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the blood of the pick-up’s driver and it was submitted to the Department of Public Safety Lab for testing. The accident had traffic in the area shut down for hours.

TYLER – The Tyler city council has approved over $2 million in improvement and renovation park projects, water infrastructure projects and sidewalk improvements. The biggest chunk of the money, close to $1.3 million, goes to park projects. Lindsey Park will see improvements to its sewer system. For Fun Forest and Woldert Parks, renovations, remodeling bathrooms and adding ramping to meet ADA requirements at Fun Forest, along with the addition of a pavilion and parking at Woldert Park and light pole demolition and electrical light work as part of the renovation projects at Fun Forest and Woldert Parks. Continue reading Tyler Approves Infrastructure Projects

TYLER – The City of Tyler has received the Certificate of Achievement Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting. It was for the city’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for its fiscal year 2017-2018. This is the thirty-second consecutive year that the City of Tyler has received this award. The ward comes from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. It was presented to the mayor and city council during Wednesday’s city council meeting.

AUSTIN – The state is sending out the monthly sales tax revenues to local governments. Tyler and Longview are ahead of last year’s figures. The allocations that are being sent out for January are based on sales made in November. Tyler’s check is $3,638,524.14. This is up 6.29% from the same period last year. Longview’s check is for $2,624,739.77, for an increase of 1.33% The state is sending out a total of $734.7 million in local sales tax allocations for January, 3.6% more than in January 2018.

NACOGDOCHES – Officials say a suspected kidnapper has turned himself in to authorities in Nacogdoches. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office had earlier reported Hector Renee Sandoval, 24, could be in the Tyler or Mt. Enterprise area. Sandoval was booked in on charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated sexual assault, and a motion to revoke probation warrant. Bond was not immediately set. The kidnapping and sexual assault cases date to December 27, when authorities say the victim was able to escape from the suspect after being held at gunpoint in Nacogdoches County. They say Sandoval then went on the run.