KTBB News, Weather, Talk

ATHENS — At a recent meeting of the County Executive Committee of the Henderson County Republican Party, members discussed having the headquarters open again on a regular basis, and how to accomplish that with volunteers working there. Other discussion included a banquet for this Fall, and getting Young Republican Clubs started at TVCC and local high schools. A success strategy for the 2022 Elections was also discussed. There will also be a Precinct Chair Training for February 22. According to the release, there are currently 9 vacant Precinct Chair positions in the county, which is 80% Republican. If you are interested in getting involved, you can contact the Henderson County Republican Chairman, Daniel Hunt at 817-913-5044, or [email protected].

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities announced a changing of the water disinfectant process on Monday. The city said it is due to severe winter weather, noting, “Some residents may notice a slight discoloration and slight changes to taste and odor (to water).” TWU says the water is safe for drinking, bathing and to give to pets. However, as a precaution, dialysis patients should consult with their physicians to decide whether pre-treatment adjustments are needed for dialysis equipment. Most dialysis equipment has already been outfitted with charcoal filters. To read the complete release click here.

SHREVEPORT, LA — A Kilgore woman was arrested over the weekend and charged with second degree aggravated battery. According to our news partner KETK, Jessica Griffith, 34, was arrested in connection with a Friday night shooting that left the victim hospitalized with serious injuries. Griffith is accused of shooting James Giles following an altercation in downtown Shreveport. The crime In Louisiana is a second degree aggravated battery conviction. If convicted Griffith could serve up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

TECULA – The Texas Department of Public Safety is reporting a train derailment in Cherokee County. According to our news partner KETK, the derailment is on on Hwy 135 near CR 2064 in northeastern Cherokee County in the community of Tecula. Officials say there are no reported injuries and Union Pacific has crews heading to the scene to get the train back on the tracks.The roadway is blocked.

TYLER — Multiple traffic signals in Tyler were without power Monday morning, according to our news partner KETK and the city’s Facebook page. The city is asking drivers to “use extreme caution when traveling and treat a “dark” traffic signal like a four-way stop.” However, all residents should avoid non-essential driving. City officials are applying aggregate and de-icer material to roadways. All drivers should slow down and remember that speed limits are based on normal weather, not the extreme winter conditions the area is currently facing. Also, use extra caution on bridges, ramps, and overpasses. Stay back from sanding trucks and EMS vehicles.

TYLER – I-20 is closed both directions from US 69 to FM 14 in Smith County with multiple vehicles stranded, including several 18 wheelers, due to icy conditions. Motorists are urged to stay home. TxDOT crews continue to treat and retreat roadways but conditions are hazardous for travel. Remember bridges and elevated structures are the first to freeze over but patches of ice also develop along other areas of roadways.  DPS said trucks are not able to make the hilly areas of I-20 between Smith and Van Zandt counties and wants motorists to avoid the area. Continue reading Portion of I-20 Closed, multiple vehicles stranded

MARSHALL– With temperatures expected to drop on Sunday, February 14, 2021, City of Marshall officials and the Emergency Management Team expect a significant chance of snow, sleet, and ice accumulation. The City of Marshall has approved the use of the Community Room at Fire Station #1 as a temporary cold weather shelter for the unfortunate due to the incoming winter weather. The Fire Station located at 601 S. Grove Street will open on Sunday, February 14, 2021, beginning at 8:00 p.m. COVID-19 precautions will be followed. Masks will be provided to those who need one and should always be worn. Social distancing will be enforced. We urge community members to share this opportunity with individuals who may need this service. Continue reading Marshall Shelter Opening

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation on Saturday placed several major highways in the Tyler area on its list of problem spots. According to our news partner KETK, TxDOT said the highways had ice on overpasses and bridges and patches of black ice and that motorists should use extreme caution. Among the problem spots are: Continue reading Tyler Area Highways on DOT Caution List

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration on Friday for all 254 counties due to the severe winter weather in Texas. The governor is also deploying state resources to help local officials. He ordered the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) to alter their operations to 24 hours a day until the end of next week. “Texas should heed the guidance of their local leaders and stay alert to changing weather conditions in their area,” said Governor Abbott. “These resources will help us respond to this severe winter weather and keep our communities safe. The State of Texas remains in close contact with officials on the ground and will provide any additional resources and support that are needed.” Continue reading Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration for state due to severe winter weather

LONGVIEW — Longview Police Department has arrested a woman in the shooting death of a man found inside a car in a parking lot. According to our news partner KETK, Tolla Michelle McNeely, 40, of Longview, was booked into Gregg County Jail on Saturday and charged with murder in connection with the death of Jose Manuel Delarosa, 40, of Henderson, the department announced. Delarosa died at a Longview hospital. Police now believe that while arguing in a car parked in a lot at 110 Triple Creek in Longview, McNeely opened fire, said a department statement. The investigation continues. Those with information about the shooting can call Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199.

TYLER — Tyler Police urge motorist to use caution when out on the roadways. Due to the winter weather conditions, ice is starting to form on the road surface. Please use caution when traveling over bridges, overpasses, and on steep hills. Officials said the Streets Department and TxDOT have been notified and are currently treating the streets. Please avoid any unnecessary travel.

TYLER — Smith County Officials announced Friday, they will continue to be weather aware, over concerns of inclement weather in the area. Ice and snow are projected as possible throughout the weekend and next week. Fire Marshal Jay Brooks is asking residents to stay home if possible and to avoid driving on icy or snow-covered roads. Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran says he and other County Officials remain in touch with the Texas Division of Emergency Management in reference to statewide and local conditions. They are also correlating efforts with the City of Tyler to ensure an appropriate response to any severe weather event. To read more click here.

TYLER — The Texas Art Education Association has selected two Tyler ISD students’ art to appear in the Youth Art Month Capitol Celebration in Austin. TISD said, Tyler Legacy High School senior Ian Black and Caldwell Arts Academy eighth-grader, Lucy Hager will have their art appear in the Texas Capitol. “This is a huge honor! TAEA selected only 125 pieces to represent visual art education in Texas Schools,” Tyler ISD Director of Visual and Performing Arts Sandra Newton said. “Many Texas school districts did not have any artwork selected, but Tyler ISD had two!” To read more click here.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments announced Friday, $70,000 in grants, from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. ETCOG says the awards will support regional waste minimization efforts in the 14-county region. This funding from the TCEQ benefits jurisdictions in establishing or expanding projects that will offer a direct and measurable effect on reducing the amount of waste going into Texas landfills. To see the specific amount of each awards and thedifferent entities receiving the grants, click here.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview announced a shift in their collection schedule for next week. Because of anticipated winter storms making their way across the state into East Texas, collection schedule days are adjusted by one day. Monday pick-ups will happen on Tuesday, and so forth. The city said they plan on updating this plan throughout the weekend, as warranted. You can get more information by clicking here.

TYLER — Tyler District 3 City Council has had a new candidate to file for the upcoming May election. Dalila Reynoso, 38, announced her candidacy Friday. Reynoso, a first-generation Mexican-American and mother of two, says she is resolute in serving her community in North Tyler. Reynoso describes herself as hard-working, energetic, and passionate about the most vulnerable in her community– survivors of violence, those struggling with addiction and mental health, and people discriminated against such as immigrant neighbors. This is Reynoso’s second attempt at capturing the District 3 seat, she came up 40 votes short of a run-off in 2019.

TYLER — The state of Texas estimated 1.9 million people were eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in tier 1A. Currently people in tier 1A and 1B are entitled to get the shot. NET Health’s George Roberts addressed getting to another tier with KTBB, “How long will it take to get us to move from tier 1B to other people in the community? I don’t have the answer to that right now. But, as more vaccine gets into our community, it’s just going to make things better and better.” The President and CEO went on to say, “You know, we are very encouraged by the pharmacies. CVS and Walmart are going to be receiving vaccines. We will be receiving more vaccines, UT Health will be receiving more at their hub site. CHRISTUS is doing a good job helping the folks in Longview at their hub site.”

LONGVIEW — Starting Monday, Hawkins Parkway, at the intersection of Good Shepherd Way, will be temporarily closed to eastbound, right-lane traffic daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The city of Longview announced Friday, the start of the project is weather dependent, but the temporary lane closures will allow for the widening of Hawkins Parkway and is expected to take at least 6 weeks once started. Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route. This project will also bring about the installation of a new four-way traffic signal and a center turn lane at the intersection of Hawkins Parkway and Good Shepherd Way. For more information click here.

EAST TEXAS — Walmart, Sam’s Club, and CVS have begun offering COVID-19 vaccines to end the work week. CVS still had appointments available in East Texas just before noon on Friday. The plans are going forward through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Many other retailers will be joining other national retail chains that will give shots to people who want a coronavirus vaccine and qualify to receive the doses. More than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states will receive federal vaccine allocations. Walmart said in a statement, “Ninety percent of the country lives within 10 miles of a Walmart. We’re at the heart of many rural and under served communities, and we are committed to providing access to vaccines as groups become eligible.” For more information on CVS stores offering the vaccine click here.

NECHES — An online petition calling for the removal of an East Texas principal is gaining momentum. According to our news partner KETK, more than 450 people have signed an online petition calling for Kimberlyn Snider to immediately resign from her position as Neches Elementary School Principal. Neches ISD is located in Anderson County. Snider was indicted for interfering with an investigation involving the sexual assault of a minor. Last week, Snider turned herself in to sheriff’s deputies and placed in Anderson County Jail. Continue reading Growing demand for principals resignation

TYLER — The city of Tyler is taking preparation steps with the National Weather Service forecasting winter weather including freezing rain, sleet, snow and frigid temperatures through the end of next week. Action steps include, the City Streets team having three sanding trucks, and placing a snow blade on the motor grader. Staff are on standby to sand the roads in case of severe ice. Crews are also on reserve in regard to clearing fallen trees from roadways. City officials are asking residents to let their faucets drip and cover exterior faucets and leave heat on. Tyler Animal Control and Shelter reminds pet owners to bring their pets indoors. Continue reading City officials continue to monitor potential winter weather

TYLER — A pedestrian that was hit Wednesday night was transported to UT Health Tyler in critical condition. According to our news partner KETK, officials say the person was struck by a vehicle the accident took place at the intersection of N. Beckham Avenue and E. Oakwood St.

TYLER — The East Texas Crisis Center had to make the difficult decision to cancel their annual auto and cycle show this year. On Thursday however, Executive Director Lana Peacock told KTBB, “This would have been our 31st show, but we still have a raffle car. We were able to extend our drawing by 30 days, so our drawing will be for March 20th.” The Executive Director went on to say, “These raffle ticket sales have always been a real good avenue of revenue for the Crisis Center. So, we are selling all of the raffle tickets online and there is now, no such thing as sitting outside at a table and having people to fill out the card. They can do it all electronically, so it’s safer that way.” To purchase your tickets, click here.

EAST TEXAS — Tyler Police are asking residents to avoid all non-essential driving. They’re also advising drivers to avoid several areas, including the Gentry Parkway overpass at the intersection of Gentry Parkway and North Beckham Avenue and the Beckham Avenue overpass leading to UT Health East Texas and Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals. According to our news partner KETK, the City Streets Team is also adding aggregate and de-icer material on the roadway, according to the city of Tyler. Continue reading Officials urge drivers use caution

TYLER — North East Texas Health has administered more than 10,000 COVID-19 vaccinations in Tyler. George Roberts tells KTBB what effects people will often experience. “Typically on the first dose, we’ve seen sight soreness, peoples arms being sore, soreness of sight.” The NET Health CEO continued, “The second doses we have seen that a lot of cases of people have a greater immune response. Maybe people have not felt well the next day, perhaps running a little fever, sight soreness, and kind of feeling a little malaise and then typically after 24 hours they begin feeling better. The effectiveness, of both the Phizer and Moderna vaccine, after you receive the second dose, several weeks after you receive those doses they are 94 to 95% effective.”

TYLER — A Tyler man has been charged with assault, after allegedly choking his son during a disagreement. According to our news partner KETK, the argument started over whether or not outside help was needed on a garage door repair. William Owen, 57, of Tyler was attempting to fix the garage door by hiring outside help. Owen’s son did not think that was necessary. The warrant states that the two then got into a verbal argument for about 10 minutes. Both men then went inside. Video footage, by all accounts, captured Owen “forcefully pushing [the son] in… his upper chest or neck area.” Another family member witnessed the incident and said Owen was “obviously overreacting and that [the son] did nothing to instigate or continue the argument.”

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview warned the community Thursday to make preparations for frigid weather in the upcoming days. The extended forecast for the East Texas area calls for snow, wintry precipitation, and sub-freezing temperatures reaching the single digits next week. City of Longview personnel are surveilling potential problems and preparing plans for emergency response. Residents should take steps to prepare for the cold weather and the possible accumulation of snow and ice. For now, city offices are scheduled to remain open the week of Feb. 15. Changes will be announced accordingly. For more information click here.

QUITMAN — A last call ceremony was held for Juma at the Wood County Courthouse Thursday morning. The beloved Officer is the K-9 partner of Wood County Constable Kelly Smith, who reported that his colleague was battling Addison’s disease. Juma had quit eating and could not keep anything down. Smith said in a social media post “the low blood pressure, low blood sugar and high levels of potassium have become life-threatening.” In spite of several days and round of medication and vitamins, administered by IV, Juma continues to decline. “We are doing all we can to keep her comfortable.”