KTBB News, Weather, Talk

AUSTIN — The Texas Heartbeat Act, authored by GOP Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola, has been signed into law by Governor Abbott. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Senate Bill 8 achieved final passage last Thursday in an 18-12 vote. Pending any litigation, the still-controversial bill would abolish elective abortions as early as six weeks. Texas Right to Life says that’s when the preborn child’s heartbeat is detectable using methods according to standard medical practice. The policy would take effect September 1.

TYLER — A Tyler lawyer who has practiced in the city for more than two decades has become the first person to announce candidacy for 241st District Court judge in 2022. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Debby Gunter released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying that “every person should be allowed the opportunity to come before a fair, impartial judge who will hear both sides of the matter before making any decision.” The seat will be vacant for the 2022 election after longtime Judge Jack Skeen announced that he would retire after his current term. He is currently 75.

TYLER — Tyler ISD is seeking input from its stakeholders on the usage of its share of the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) III Formula Funds. According to a TISD news release, the $11.2 billion available to the state is part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) enacted by Congress to address the impact that COVID-19 has had and continues to have on schools. Tyler ISD’s share of the funds is $44,868,908. Stakeholders can complete a survey open through Tuesday, June 1. For more information, click here and scroll down to “News.”

TYLER — The City of Tyler has issued updated information on Tyler Public Library and downtown parking. In-person programming at the library has been on hiatus since March 2020 due to COVID-19. But with the rising number of vaccinations and reduction in cases, the library has decided to reopen meeting spaces for public use. Interested parties can complete an online form. Also, Tyler Transit and the Tyler Public Library have partnered to promote the Summer Reading Program. During the months of June, July and August, all students under 18 can ride Tyler Public Transportation System’s fixed routes free of charge when traveling to and from the Tyler Public Library. Continue reading Tyler shares news on library, parking meters

AUSTIN — The fate of the state’s controversial Republican election reform legislation is now in the hands of ten state lawmakers. A House and Senate conference committee will try to hash out their differences in Senate Bill 7. The Senate bill would limit the number of polling places and voting hours, enhance the power of poll watchers, and put restrictions on those assisting voters. Then the House added 18 amendments. That didn’t sit well with the bill’s author, Mineola Senator Bryan Hughes. He cited “significant changes” made by the House and moved that a conference committee take up the matter. Whatever the committee comes up with will again need to be passed by the House and Senate before Governor Abbott could sign it into law.

TYLER — TxDOT has kicked off its annual “Click It or Ticket” seat belt campaign with law enforcement increasing efforts to enforce compliance May 24 – June 6. The campaign tour made a stop in Tyler Tuesday to remind drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts. Officials say unbuckled vehicle occupant deaths increased in 2020. According to TxDOT, putting on a seat belt only takes a few seconds and doing so reduces the risk of dying by up to 45% for people in the front seat of passenger cars and up to 60% for people in pickup trucks. Click here for more information on seat belt use and the Click It or Ticket campaign.

LINDALE — Officials now say a Smith County double shooting incident was an aggravated assault and suicide. According to a sheriff’s office news release, deputies responded around 12:45 Monday afternoon to a scene on Highway 69 north of Lindale, finding a deceased male and still-conscious female. The woman was taken to a hospital. An updated release says officials have determined George Herndon, 44, shot his wife with a small caliber handgun and fatally turned the gun on himself shortly thereafter. Officials say The victim is still in the hospital, in serious but stable condition. Her name is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.

TYLER — Nominations are due this Friday for the “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. According to the NET Health website, the accolade “is NET Health’s highest honor, awarded to an individual or organization that exemplifies the concept of public health, as distinguished by dedication to the goal of protecting and promoting the health of the community.” The nominee does not have to be a doctor or health professional; services provided by the nominee can be in cultural, civic, religious, or philanthropic endeavors, according to officials. This year’s honoree will be announced at the NET Health Board of Directors meeting scheduled for June 24th. Click here for more information.

TYLER — East Douglas Blvd. in Tyler has reopened after closing earlier today between E. Houston St. and E. Front St. due to flooding. Police say to watch out for any flooded areas and not try to cross any area that is flooded.

EAST TEXAS — Kids and teens preparing to attend summer camps and any summertime activities that require proof of COVID vaccination can begin their two-dose Pfizer vaccine series at the NET Health COVID vaccine clinics being held at Harvey Hall Convention Center in Tyler or any COVID vaccination clinics in East Texas. NET Health is offering the two-dose Pfizer vaccine and the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine at Harvey Hall Convention Center, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Continue reading COVID vaccines available for ages 12 – 15

HARRISON COUNTY — Lieutenant Jay Webb confirmed that the suspect in the I-20 standoff was a Christopher Charles Bailey, 49, of Shreveport. According to our news partner KETK, Bailey led law enforcement on a chase that began in Bossier City, Louisiana and ended across state lines near Waskom on I-20 after his car was spiked and law officials quickly surrounded it. According to an officer on the scene, they arrested Bailey after five and half hours. Officials said that Bailey was alone and wielded a weapon multiple times. Officials with the Harrison County Sheriff’s office and Marshall police and Texas Rangers were on the scene in addition with Shreveport and Louisiana state police.

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – A tiger that frightened residents after it was last seen briefly wandering around a Houston neighborhood was transported to an East Texas wildlife sanctuary on Sunday after police found the animal a day earlier following a nearly week-long search. Noelle Almrud, senior director of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, says the 9-month-old male named India is now being cared for at the animal sanctuary in Murchison. Authorities had been looking for the tiger since it was spotted May 9 in a west Houston neighborhood and was nearly shot by an off-duty deputy before being whisked away in a car by Victor Hugo Cuevas, who police allege is the owner. Cuevas’ attorney says his client doesn’t own the tiger.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning to conduct a range of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the Week of May 17. You’re reminded that work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. TxDOT also cautions you to slow down and pay attention in work zones. Among other things, motorists should prepare for lane closures and delays with night work underway as of Sunday, May 16, on the US 69/Glenwood Blvd. resurfacing project in Tyler. Work will be conducted from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. Go here for the complete district-wide rundown.

TYLER — Thousands of people from 24 states and three countries gathered Saturday for Tyler’s FRESH 15 race. According to our news partner KETK, runners and walkers alike hit the starting line at 7 a.m. for the 8th annual event, organized by Brookshire Grocery Company. People had the option to run a 15K, a 5K, and a 1K for little kids. Every dollar that was raised went to charities in East Texas local communities.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is observing Older Americans Month (OAM). Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nationwide OAM celebration. According to an ETCOG news release, this year’s theme is Communities of Strength, recognizing the vital role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities. Working with local seniors, AAA is spending the month encouraging East Texas seniors to share their experiences. Click here for more information.

TYLER — May is Mental Health Month, and the Smith County Behavioral Health Leadership Team (BHLT) is highlighting Mental Health America’s #Tools2Thrive. According to a news release, the website outlines what individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health, according to the release. Go here to learn more. You can click here for more information about BHLT.

TYLER — After more than 80 years in business, Tyler Piano and Organ Company has sold its building on South Broadway and owner Bill Jeffreys is retiring. Jeffreys, who has owned the company for over 20 years, began liquidating all remaining inventory on May 15. The sale features a large inventory of remaining new and used pianos, player pianos, digital pianos, Hammond organs, and more, according to a news release. The company was established in 1940 and has had six locations around town. The Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County will be relocating into the company’s current building.

TYLER — A longtime volunteer and donor was remembered recently with the dedication of The Hubert Kidd Children’s Eye Clinic at St. Paul Children’s Services. According to a news release from Tyler-based St. Paul, Hubert Kidd served on the agency’s Board of Directors from 1997- 2015. He especially loved the opportunity to serve the children from the “Wonderful Wednesday” program, according to the release. Kidd served on the finance committee and helped to secure the land where the current campus is located. (Pictured at left: Dr. Clayton Whitney, St. Paul’s director of ophthalmology, and Susie Kidd, who was Hubert Kidd’s wife.)

TYLER — The March for Babies/March of Dimes “Mother of a Movement” Walk is being planned for May 22, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, at Southside Park and Rose Rudman Trail on Shiloh Road in Tyler. According to a news release, organizers say their goal for this year is $8,000. Sponsors and organizers for the event include Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Healthy Me Healthy Babies, Net Health, WIC, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Kappa Zeta Chapter. The March of Dimes works toward healthy moms and babies, with a focus on preterm birth and its complications. Continue reading Tyler March for Babies set for May 22

TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a suspect in a murder case. Authorities say Zaccheus Dunn, 23, of Tyler was arrested on a warrant for capital murder, with bond set at $700,000. According to an earlier news release, officers responded around 7:30 Thursday morning to a Crosby Street address on a report of a dead man. Police determined he had been shot numerous times. He was identified as Christopher Frank Eiglebiger, 33, of Tyler. Officials say the case remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department recognized some of its personnel during National Police Week by presenting its annual awards. Police say the officers and civilians “were nominated by their peers for their outstanding service to the community.” This year’s ceremony was canceled before the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Officer Luke Altman was named Officer of the Year. Go here for more details.

CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill ISD staff has received word about the Friday death of a Chapel Hill High School junior following a prom night accident. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler police said Alexandra Rondan, 17, was involved in a crash May 1 at 5:36 p.m. in front of the Village at Cumberland Park. A statement from CHISD Superintendent Lamond Dean describes Rondan as “a kind, gentle young lady.” Dean continues, “As more information becomes available, including funeral arrangements, we will share that information as her family wishes. We are so sorry for this tragic loss to her family, friends, her teachers, and the entire junior class of Chapel Hill ISD.”

LONGVIEW — A fatal shooting is under investigation in Longview. Around 7:48 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to E. Pliler Precise Road and found 41-year-old Chris Baker of Longview had been shot. He died of his injuries Friday morning. 36-year-old Jeanne-Marie Minter of Longview told police that she and Baker were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical. She said she was able to separate from Baker, where she then retrieved a firearm and returned to the room with Baker. She said they continued to argue and she shot the victim. Police are still seeking the public’s help in their investigation. Go here for more information.

AUSTIN — Now that state Senator Bryan Hughes’s heartbeat bill has passed and is expected to be signed by the governor, court challenges are considered a given. But the Mineola Republican says his measure is likely to withstand any litigation. He told KTBB some “really smart lawyers” are on board. He adds, “We have looked at every Supreme Court opinion on the topic and looked at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals — all the federal law that’s relevant. And this is a strong bill — and…we’re ready, we’re confident that it’s gonna be upheld. We believe this bill is gonna make it to the Supreme Court more quickly and in better shape than other heartbeat bills passed by the state — so we feel real good about the court challenge.” Once signed, the policy sharply limiting abortion availability is due to take effect September 1.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview are following up after responding to a call about shots fired around 11:10 Friday morning on S. Green St. near the Edgefield intersection. At this time, there are no known victims, but there was some property damage to a vehicle and the convenience store. This is still an active investigation and more details may be released at a later time, according to police. Authorities said S. Green from Avalon to Edgefield has been shut down for the investigation, with drivers asked to find an alternate route. Police are seeking leads. Go here for more information and updates.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview has dropped its mandate to wear a mask at city events and in city buildings. According to our news partner KETK, Mayor Andy Mack said the city dropped its mandate after the CDC announced that people who have been vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask indoors around others. “If you have been vaccinated, you are free to take your mask off in this public arena,” Mack said at the council meeting. “If you haven’t been vaccinated, we ask you to keep it on but you don’t have to. It’s up to you.” Mack said at least 62,000 people have received a COVID-19 vaccination at the vaccination hub in Longview. Others have received vaccinations at pharmacies and other places.

TYLER — COVID-19 vaccinations continue in East Texas, and NET Health’s George Roberts says they’re going well among those 65 and over — but he’d like to see more response among younger folks. Roberts says he’d especially like to see parents bring in their kids in the newly-designated 12-15 age group — and he urges everyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to take care of that as soon as possible. Numerous vaccination availabilities continue around East Texas. Go here for more information on what NET Health has to offer.

OVERTON — Overton ISD was informed shortly after 6 Friday morning that there was a major water leak in town and there would be no water pressure on the OISD campuses for much of the day. Therefore, all classes are cancelled for Friday, May 14. Superintendent Stephen DuBose said Kindergarten graduation would still take place. He said any off campus field trips would continue as planned.

LONGVIEW –  The city of Longview Thursday began experiencing difficulties with its phone service. As of Friday morning, the city says the problem has been resolved.  The 911 emergency answering point was not affected.