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TYLER — Detective Gregg Roberts has retired after 33 years of service with the Tyler Police Department. According to a news release, Roberts began his career at the department on January 14, 1988. He worked as a patrol officer, Crime Stoppers officer, property crimes detective, and crimes against persons detective. He ended his career as a detective assigned to the U.S. Marshal’s Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. Roberts received several awards during his long career, including two Meritorious Conduct awards, a Police Commendation, two Life Saving awards, three Certificates of Merit, a Certificate of Civic Achievement, and Plainclothes Officer of the Year. Roberts was also a member of the Tyler Police Department SWAT Team.

TYLER — 34-year-old Raymond Morgan of Whitehouse faces multiple charges after he reportedly led Smith County deputies on a high-speed chase Friday evening. According to our news partner KETK, law officials said the pursuit began after they tried to complete a traffic stop near Dogwood City, with the chase at times going more than 100 mph. Officials said the pursuit lasted 20 minutes, ending on Old Omen near Charleston Park across from UT Tyler. Authorities were able to stop the car by spiking it and arrested Morgan right before 9 p.m. after he reportedly fled on foot. Several Tyler police and deputy cars were blocking intersections to stop the chase. Continue reading Whitehouse man arrested after high-speed chase

ATHENS — Henderson county deputies arrested four individuals in Athens Friday. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said Sabian Young, 21, was a wanted fugitive, and was arrested on Jonathan Street. That encounter, led to a second warrant from the 392 District Court to a residence where three people were arrested. A gun, cash, drugs, and two automobiles were seized at the residence. Justin Young, 20, Ja’Quaylon Bowman, 19, and Laporcha Brown, 22, were all placed in the Henderson County Jail on numerous charges.

PALESTINE — Palestine police continue investigating what happened at a Palestine night club Sunday morning after a man entered the building and shot four people. According to reports, a black man entered the Daquiri King, on W. Palestine Ave., about 3:30 a.m. Sunday and started shooting into a group of people before running away. Police Chief Mark Harcrow said in a prepared statement, “We know there was some sort of conflict prior to the shooting. Detectives are working to identify the suspect and motive behind the shooting.” The four shot were transported to the hospital with what was described as non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with any information, is asked to call the Palestine Police Department at 903-731-2254 or Anderson County Crime Stoppers at 903-729-8477.

TYLER — Tyler ISD announced its 2021 Teachers of the Year at the annual Tyler ISD Educator of the Year Banquet Thursday night. The evening also celebrated the Rookie of the Year, and Principal of the Year. The 2021 Rookie of the Year is Jade Perry, a second-grade teacher at Jones Elementary School. Ashley Phelps from Andy Woods Elementary School is the District Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Ashley LaCroix from Moore MST Magnet School is the District Secondary Teacher of the Year. Phelps and LaCroix will now compete for Regional Teacher of the Year through the Region 7 Service Center. Historically, the Principal of the Year award honors a principal. This year, after fighting COVID-19 all year, Superintendent Marty Crawford named them all Principal of the Year. Read more here.

PALESTINE — Warrants were served at 9:00 a.m. Thursday in Palestine, where police seized 123 gaming machines and $167,000 in cash, at six different businesses in the community. In a prepared statement Chief Mark Harcrow said, “In recent months, we have received numerous complaints and calls at these locations.Aside from the illegal gambling, we have had cases ranging from aggravated robbery to drug trafficking at these places. They simply are not good for our community.” Continue reading Police seize 123 gaming machines and $167,000

TYLER — Smith County Judge Jack Skeen has announced he will not be seeking reelection in the March 2022 Republican Primary. According to our news partner KETK, Skeen made the announcement Friday morning. The judge will complete his current term, which expires December 31, 2022. Article V, section 1-A, of the Texas constitution states, “The office of every such Justice and Judge shall become vacant on the expiration of the term during which the incumbent reaches the age of seventy-five years.” Judge Skeen turned 75 in March. As a District Attorney, Skeen served six terms, before being appointed to fill Judge Diane DeVasto’s unexpired term as Judge of the 241st District Court in 2003.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is looking to hire their summer recreation team. On Friday Angela Bennis told KTBB News, “We have 12 positions with our summer playground program and 12 positions at our Fun Forest Pool that we are looking to hire for. For the summer playground program it’s really like running a mini-summer camp and so it is a lot of fun. If you like kids and you like organizing activities and playing games with them, that would be great for you there. “We see a lot of teachers who are not working during the summer, so it is a great way to bring in extra cash.”The Fun Forest Pool and Splashpad was completely renovated in 2020 and this year we are ready to open for our community. It is free for anyone to come swim at the pool during open swim hours. Continue reading City hiring for parks program and pool

TYLER — Construction for the Rose complex should begin in June for a new convention center that will take the place of Harvey Hall. On Friday Tyler Mayor Don Warren told KTBB News, “You know Tyler is known for its roses and I’m just going to be simplistic. People travel here to see our rose garden. Having this new Rose Complex adjacent to the Rose Center with kind of a rose theme, it is something that is going to bring in a lot of folks. It is going to bring in people that will stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and I just think it is going to be great for our city. I am fired up about it.” The $28 million facility is expected to be opened in time for The Rose Festival season in October of 2022. Continue reading Mayor Warren pumped about possibilities of Rose Complex

TYLER — After President Joe Bidden addressed a joint-session of congress, Representative Louie Gohmert told KTBB News, “No I was not one of the 200 that Biden felt close enough to that he would invite me. I was one of the 335 that he rejected of being allowed of even being in the Capitol. This is the first time that I have been in Congress that I have been told that I am not even allowed to come into the Capitol as a member of Congress”. Gohmert went on to talk about the challenge of President Biden’s plan to enlarge government involvement in public education. “A third of the kids drop-out of high school, or something close to that. You see so many that don’t graduate. And when you see so many that graduate, can’t even read. It sure seems like the more federal control, it has not been an improvement.” Continue reading Gohmert ‘couldn’t even enter the building of the Capitol’

TYLER — Spring brings about new life to our landscape, along with warm, sunny days. Often we find ourselves able to spend more time outside and near the water. On Thursday, UT Health’s Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Lara Rowe talked water safety with KTBB News, “The absolutely most important thing that we can do is teach our children how to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin swimming lessons around the age of four. Enrolling your child in formal swim lessons, can reduce their chances of drowning by 88%.”The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin swimming lessons at the age of four. Continue reading Health safety for kids this spring

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has announced this years graduation celebration will take place outdoors in Patriot Plaza. The pandemic caused last year’s ceremonies to be canceled. In a prepared statement, UT Tyler said, “Graduates will cross the stage during ceremonies Friday and Saturday. Students who completed degrees in spring 2020, summer 2020 and fall 2020 can also participate.” Masks will be required for everyone participating in and attending the outdoor ceremonies. Social distancing will be practiced in the standing and seated areas. Read more here.

TYLER — This week, the Centers for Disease Control said vaccinated people can safely ditch the mask outdoors, except in crowds like a concert or parade. Three million Americans are being vaccinated daily and over half the country has received at least one shot. Cases of the deadly virus are well below peak levels. So why are masks still recommended? KTBB News posed the question to NET Health’s George Roberts, “We have been asked that question a lot. If I am fully vaccinated, when can I stop wearing the mask? We are kind of waiting for some additional guidance on that ourselves.” Roberts continued, “I think basically they are trying to make sure that everything works. I think everyone is exercising a modicum of caution to make sure everything is working properly.” If you received your first Pfizer vaccine at Harvey Hall April 13 – April 15, or anytime before April 16, second dose clinics continue Friday and Saturday at Harvey Hall. Register here.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Public Safety released the details of a two-car accident on Wednesday afternoon that killed a Bullard woman. According to our news partner KETK, D.P.S. Troopers arrived at the scene of the wreck just after 5:30 p.m. The Bureau said that a car driven by Violet Louise Wright, 59, was attempting to enter HWY 110 from Meador Cemetary Road. However, reports indicate she failed to yield the right of way to an oncoming car driven by Jessica King, 20, of Lindale. Wright was transported to U.T. Health in Tyler where she later died. King was also taken to UT Health in Tyler in stable condition. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — The Harvey Convention Center remains a COVID-19 vaccine hub with the Northeast Texas Health District continuing to host clinics. On Wednesday, NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB News, “Now is the time. So, there are Pfizer vaccines available for first doses, at Harvey Convention Center. We are there from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All you need to do is show up. If you want to set-up an appointment time you are welcome to do that online. But please if you haven’t received your first vaccine yet, please come and get it.” Roberts went on to give an update on the different demographics of who has been vaccinated. “If you look at race or ethnicity, 14% are African American, 9% are Hispanic, 49% are White, and others is around 10%. Then, there is an unknown category. They were not capturing the race ethnicity category in the first month or so. But, we are very diligent about that now.”

TYLER — The Tyler City Council passed a major milestone Wednesday, awarding WRL General Contractors, LLC a $28,000,000 contract for the construction of the Tyler Rose Complex. In a prepared statement the city said, “The Rose Complex has been a legacy project that started with former Mayor Kevin Eltife and has gone through many different mayors and city councils.” The design has been in the works since 2017. In October of 2019, former Mayor Martin Heines as well as former Mayors Joey Seeber, Barbara Bass, and Eltife unveiled plans for the new campus. The Rose Complex includes Harvey Convention Center, the Rose Garden Center, East Texas State Fairgrounds, the old Mayfair building, and the surrounding areas designed by Fitzpatrick Architects. In total the facility will house over 60,000 square feet of meeting space. Read more here. For a virtual tour click here.

TYLER — The city of Tyler will again pay $1.25 million to a private company to work with the water department on wastewater improvements. The council made the move Wednesday, reestablishing a contract with Pipeline Analysis, a Garland engineering firm that specializes in the testing and analysis of wastewater collection systems. The city has contracted with Pipeline Analysis to help Tyler Water Utilities comply with wastewater system requirements, since 2017. According to the city, the company helps the water department staff develop and implement programs; inspect equipment, review data collection and record keeping and develop hydraulic. To date the firm has inspected 11,000 manholes and more than 367 miles of the 690 miles of gravity main throughout the city. Officials hope to have the inspection of the entire system completed by 2023. Read more here.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are trying to identify a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery. Longview officials say the incident happened April 19, when a man pulled out a gun and demanded money from a store clerk at the Dollar General Store on Eastman Road. It is not clear how much money the suspect got away with. In Texas, aggravated robberies are first-degree felonies which can include up to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. If you have information regarding this case, contact Longview police at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) or click here.

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University announced Miss ETBU for 2021 Monday. Kathryn Pedroza, of Mansfield, was selected to wear the crown for the next year. She is the 65th overall selection in the history of the prestigious award. In a prepared statement, ETBUS said, “Pedroza embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Christian servant leader on campus and in the community.” Pedroza was selected during the annual pageant sponsored by ETBU’s Student Government Association. Leah Akridge was selected as first runner-up, and Anissa Mott was selected as second runner-up. Pedroza, a junior, was commended for her involvement with the university and in the city during her time at ETBU. Read more here.

ATHENS — The 13th annual TVCC National Intercollegiate Rodeo will take place May 7-8 at the Henderson County Fair Park Complex. A winter blast forced the rescheduling of the original February event. The event is being presented by TVCC and Living for the Brand Cowboy Church. Performances begin each night at 7:30 p.m. with slack beginning at noon on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday. General admission tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at the gate. Free admission is available to children 12 and under and individuals with current TVCC IDs. Proceeds from the rodeo are given back to students to further their education. The TVCC rodeo will feature approximately 400 contestants representing 20 colleges and universities.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation Tyler District launched an interactive mapping exercise Wednesday, involving the 6-Lane Widening Project of FM 2493. Organizers say the purpose of the tool is to get feedback and experiences from motorists. The instrument will allow users to provide first-hand input onto an interactive map that shows the proposed study area for FM 2493, commonly known as Old Jacksonville Highway, from Loop 323 to FM 2813. Leaders say the planned project will improve mobility and safety along the corridor with additional travel lanes, upgraded intersections and raised medians. Learn more here.

TYLER — More than 5,800 donors gave to nonprofits during East Texas Giving Day Tuesday. The online 18 hour fundraising effort brought in a new record of $2,790,533 in total. Donors picked from among 258 participating charities, with donations starting at just $10. Throughout the day, donations to select nonprofits were eligible to be matched thanks to the generosity of individuals and nonprofit business partners that had already pledged funds to the charities they support. Over $1 Million in match was available through the East Texas Giving Day website.

LONGVIEW — After vaccination rates slowed down in Texas, East Texas organizations and leaders across the state have gotten creative in getting people to become vaccinated. The Texas Department of State Health Services is getting the word out by using large video boards. According to our news partner KETK, DSHS is planning to host pop-up events in cities across Texas. On Monday the pop-up event was in Longview, Tour coordinator Robert Santiago said, “We’re going to be visiting 23 cities in 25 days with this unique message.” A 16 foot screen will push videos released by officials that address common concerns people may have about getting vaccinated. It also answers questions people may have.

LONGVIEW — A Gregg county man has pleaded guilty to two counts of arson. According to our news partner KETK, Javonte Williams, 27, of Longview admitted to arson Tuesday, in two different incidents from April of 2020. Longview Police responded to a commercial structure fire just before midnight on April 12. Damages mainly consisted of smoke and water. A week later, crews responded to a vacant structure fire on East Marshall Avenue. That fire was also quickly under control and damage was moderate. Williams was arrested in July 6 of last year. It is not clear at this time when Williams will be sentenced.

TYLER — Judge Nathaniel Moran and the Smith County commissioners received an update on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic Tuesday. Smith County Public Health Authority Dr. Paul McGaha told the court vaccines are very much readily available. “Before now vaccine demand was greater than supply, but we are reaching that point now where supply is greater than demand. We really need to reach out to our citizens, it is not over yet. Still a lot of people have not been vaccinated and we need to reach them.” McGaha went on to say, ” Some calls I’m on with DSHS [Department of State Health Services] some people are not ordering. You know, there were upwards of 80 hubs in the state of Texas, now we are about half that, and many are not placing orders and many have excess inventory in place now.”

TYLER — Tyler residents will soon be able to participate in activities at Tyler Senior Center on Garden Valley Rd. On Tuesday, the city announced the organization will offer limited hours beginning May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers says seniors can participate in Texercise classes at 11:00 a.m, and Meals on Wheels lunch services will be available at noon. The venue will observe COVID-19 precautions including temperature checks before entry, social distancing during all activities, while also encouraging the use of face coverings. Center staff will be required to wear masks at all times. The Tyler Senior Center is open to all over the age of 55 and becoming a member is free. Learn more by calling (903) 597-0781 or click here.

PALESTINE — In rural areas making sure Texans get vaccinated has been a challenge for health care workers. Dr. Carolyn Salter is a provider at Sycamore Medical Clinic in Palestine, along with her husband Dr. Michael Gorby. Knowing how difficult it can be for those without internet or transportation in the region to access the shot, the pair tells the Texas Tribune they have made it their mission to make it easy. Carolyn says she often uses her blunt straight talking east Texas bedside manner to persuade people who are hesitant to get the shot just how important it can be for their health.”

BULLARD — Wearing masks and face coverings on Bullard ISD property or in school is now optional for students and staff. According to the district, Bullard ISD board members voted unanimously Monday night on a motion making masks voluntary. The district cited extreme declines in COVID-19 cases in the community, as well as the county. Additionally, the board recognized staff members have been given multiple opportunities to get a COVID-19 vaccine. While mandatory masks are now optional, the district will continue to notify parents and guardians when there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on campus. The district said they would consider reinstating masks if there is a dramatic increase of cases. Read more here.

TYLER — Election day for the Tyler City Council is Saturday. Current District 1 council member Linda Sellers has served three terms and is not eligible to run again. Stuart Hene and Greg Grubb are vying for the open seat to replace Selers. According to our news partner KETK, Greg Grubb will rely on his decades-long experience in business and nonprofits. Stuart Hene is using his expertise practicing law for 11 years. He is co-founder and partner of the law firm Tarry & Hene. District 1 is comprised mainly of residents living between Old Jacksonville Highway and Broadway Avenue. To learn more about the upcoming elections click here.

TYLER — East Texas Giving Day is an 18 hour fundraiser event that brings the region together as one community, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits. Organizers got off to a quick start Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. with over $400,000 donated in ‘pre-launch giving’ that started April 5th. On Monday, Kyle Penney shared the importance of the event with KTBB News, “What we’ve seen around the country is that giving days continue to grow. We have been looking to see are these things going to peek and go away? But, they continue to grow.” Continue reading ETGD ends just before midnight tonight