KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler ISD is nearing the end of its 1st grading period. Beginning September 7, District students and families may choose to change between Learn@Home or In-School Learning for the 2nd grading period by submitting a form through the Parent Self-Serve Portal. The Instructional Declaration form must be submitted by September 11, which is 10 school days prior to the new grading period start date. Families who wish to continue in their current learning model do not need to take any action. Continue reading TISD’s 2nd grading period instructional declaration window opens Monday

EAST TEXAS — NET Health is updating the list of COVID-19 testing locations in East Texas. Palestine Civic Center on West Spring Street in Palestine will host testing Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. It’s available for anyone, whether you have symptoms or not. No appointment needed: this is a walk-in testing location and you must wear a face covering upon entry. Continue reading Update: COVID-19 testing locations in East Texas

TYLER — Smith County officials have released the identity of the man that barricaded himself inside a house Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, officials say they attempted to detain 26-year-old Roberto Lugo following an attempted traffic stop. That’s when they say Lugo ran off, and into a house, near the intersection of Ardmore Avenue and Van STreet on the northwest side of Tyler. Officials sent a robot into the house first to figure out where he was, and then the SWAT team went in and brought him out.

LONGVIEW — On the first Tuesday of October each year, usually more than 100 neighborhoods across Longview gather for National Night Out, but this year’s local event has been canceled due to the risk associated with COVID-19. The City of Longview is asking neighborhoods to forego their regular parties and instead connect with neighbors in other ways this year. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safe, more caring places to live. Go to https://www.longviewtexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2822 to learn more.

CANTON — Following a year that included the opening of a new Emergency Care Center and an expansion of clinic facilities, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances HealthPark – was recognized by the Canton Chamber of Commerce. The AM Connection event was held at the HealthPark on Thursday. Due to COVID-19, Chamber members were unable to gather for the 2020 Community Awards Gala, however the Chamber is presenting this year’s awards to honorees in person. The new Emergency Care Center, which opened July 2, and serves as a full-scale emergency department onsite, with 6 exam rooms, one trauma room, a full-service imaging center including advanced imaging services and a laboratory for test results.

LONGVIEW — Rain continued to pour Thursday and as a result many streets and creeks throughout East Texas were flooded. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police and fire crews responded to multiple flooded roadways. An accident with injuries was reported at Spring Hill Road and N. Spur 63. Numerous vehicles were towed throughout the city due to stalls. The following streets did close due to flooding in the Longview area: High & Cotton, Mobberly & Methvin, Green & Mopac, West Marshall Avenue, Ward Street and the 1000 block of Sabine Street.

TYLER — Smith County announced a virtual Town Hall Meeting Thursday. The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. on September 10. Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, Elections Administrator Karen Nelson, Democratic Party Chairman Michael Tolbert and Republican Party Chairman David Stein will discuss the upcoming General Election on November 3rd. Continue reading Smith County officials to host upcoming Town Hall online

KILGORE — Kilgore Police shared video of a man who broke into the Burger King on HWY 259 after its closure on Wednesday night. The “Burger Bandit” was wearing a red shirt. He used a crow bar to smash through a window. If you have any information regarding this case, you are asked to contact Detective Stephen Goodson at 903-218-6903. To see a video click the link. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1216726362027581&extid=b6ZjFMcIlMUluEp3. Continue reading Overnight break-in at Burger King in Kilgore

GALESBURG, Illinois — A McAllen man is in jail in Galesburg, Illinois, accused of stabbing an East Texas man to death. According to our news partner KETK, Gregory Acosta, 28, of Lindale was killed in an early morning stabbing, that took place Wednesday in a parking lot. Police have indicated Acosta was stabbed numerous times in the torso before being dropped off at a local emergency room. He was then transferred to a hospital in Peoria, where he was pronounced dead.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler revealed a new look for “Swoop” the mascot. The new new look for “Swoop” was unveiled on Thursday in virtual presentation. President Dr. Michael Tidwell, said “Just over a year ago, we decided we wanted a new and fresh look for our beloved mascot ‘Swoop’. So we put together some of the brightest minds in our student body, made up of student athletes and student leaders. They wanted a mascot with great life and wonderful vitality.” Take a look at “Swoop’s” debut by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/uttyler/videos/686617485262706.

TYLER — The Red Dirt BBQ Festival has canceled this year’s festivities. Officials on Wednesday, cited challenges from Governor Abbott’s Executive Order of recommendations regarding mass gatherings. If you have already purchased tickets, refund information is available by clicking the link. https://reddirtbbqfest.com/. Tickets for this year’s gathering, will be honored at next year’s event, scheduled for May of 2021.

LONGVIEW — Kilgore police said that multiple people were arrested Tuesday in a multi-agency operative. According to our news partner KETK, a criminal organization had been targeted and eight people were arrested across Gregg and Rusk County. None of the identities of those arrested were released. The Texas Anti-Gang Unit, Smith County K-9s, Gregg County Sheriff, Rusk County Sheriff, DPS Special Response Team, Longview PD and DEA were all involved in the operative.

TYLER — A Tyler man will spend 37 years in prison for the murder of a Chapel Hill High School senior earlier this year. According to our news partner KETK, 18-year-old John Sparks pleaded guilty to killing 17-year old Zane Collier, last April. As part of the plea agreement, Sparks gave up his right to appeal. The warrant stated that Sparks, confessed to the crime in an interview with police the following day. According to the warrant, Collier and a friend went to Sparks’ home where they robbed him of the marijuana. Continue reading 37 year sentence for Tyler teen after pleading guilty to murder

KILGORE — The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College announced Wednesday, that they will host its 40th anniversary celebration beginning Saturday, Sept. 5, with a limited exhibit depicting the history of the Great East Texas Oil Field and the inception of the museum in 1980. The restricted presentation of the commemoration exhibit will be on display through Oct. 24. Visitors can also experience the upgraded Boomtown Theater which was part of a two-year museum renovation project thanks to a grant from the city of Kilgore. Continue reading ETOM at KC celebrating 40th anniversary beginning Saturday

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank is preparing for a produce distribution on Friday. The drive-thru event will take place at the East Texas State Fairgrounds from 8 to 10 a.m. Lauren Barnes told KTBB, “This will be passed out on a first-come first served basis, and there are no eligibility requirements or paperwork necessary.” Lauren Barnes went on to say, “The event has moved away from the farmers-market style, where families could pick out what items worked best for their family, but just with COVID, we want to limit person-to-person contact. That is the reason we have moved to a drive-thru pick-up.” Continue reading ETFB announces upcoming produce drop

TYLER -Tyler Police will be presenting a virtual crime watch meeting on September 8, at 6:30 p.m. Flock safety will also be sharing technology that they are using to help TPD address crime quicker and more efficiently. Click the link to register for the webinar. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VGIwIaRFQBiBu77HcY1vyw.

JACKSONVILLE — A prayer vigil was held in honor of a missing Jacksonville teen, Tyress Gipson, Tuesday night. According to our news partner KETK, his mother, Lavance Wooten, is pleading for help. “It’s unbearable, I never thought that I would be looking at my baby on a poster that says missing. I never in a million years, I didn’t think that I would be in a situation like this. If I had known I would go through something like this, I would have rethought having children.” It has been 10 days since Wooten has seen her son, leaving the entire family desperate for answers, and praying he comes home soon. Continue reading Prayer vigil held for missing Jacksonville teen

TYLER — Tyler City Hall will be closed in observance of Labor Day on Monday. In addition, Tyler Solid Waste offices, the Tyler Recycle Center and Holiday Curbside Recycle will not be in operation to observe the Holiday. For information about changes to garbage collection schedules, recycling and other special projects, visit http://www.TylerSolidWaste.com. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport administrative offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7. Administrative offices will re-open Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 8 a.m. Customers should contact their airline or check the Airport website at http://www.FlyTYR.com for special holiday travel schedules. The Tyler Public Library will be closed Sunday, and Monday. Continue reading City of Tyler offices closed in observance of Labor Day

LONGVIEW — Can you maintain your privacy after winning a $5 million Lottery Jack Pot? One East Texas resident will soon find out. The Texas Lottery announced Wednesday that a Longview resident won the last of three top prizes to be awarded in the premiere game. The winner elected to remain anonymous, but purchased the winning ticket at a Valero on HWY 259. The odds of winning were one in 3.26, including break even prizes for the $50 ticket.

TYLER — Smith County officials will make a decision next week on the purchase 50 additional curbside voting machines for the November elections. Commissioners took a pass on the item in court Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Elections Administrator Karen Nelson said in a phone interview, there was a minor issue with the language of the purchase on the county agenda and that it needed to be fixed. The item is expected to pass easily, with the court very receptive to its proposal in June. Continue reading 50 curbside voting machines for elections put on hold for now

TYLER — The City of Tyler will be hosting a drive-in movie later this month. Adriana Rodriguez told KTBB on Tuesday, “Every summer we host movies in the park, and this year we are trying to something a little bit different. We want to make sure that people keep their distance and stay safe, so the drive-in movie made perfect sense.” The event will be a week from Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Harvey Convention Center. The September 12 feature presentation will be the live-action version of The Lion King. City officials said in a press release that admission is free, and for audio, vehicles will tune in to a station. Due to COVID-19, families are asked to remain in their cars. No concessions will be available. The event is being put on by the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department. For questions, contact Debbie Isham, special events supervisor, at (903) 531-1214.

ATHENS — An Athens attorney has utilized three decades of representing clients in accidents that was not their fault to author, The Car Wreck Book. Jeff Weinstein is offering the publication for free. The author gives an overview of the insurance claim process; covering the who, what, where, when, and why of maneuvering through the challenges of an insurance claim. The Car Wreck Book is available in paperback or digitally as a PDF. Weinstein has been practicing law since 1988.

TYLER — NET Health will host its quarterly community mobile blood drive with Carter BloodCare on Wednesday. Carter BloodCare will be on-hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The donation bus will be parked in the NET Health parking lot on N. Broadway Ave. COVID-19 antibody tests will be available for all donors. To find free coronavirus testing locations in the East Texas area, visit https://www.nethealthcovid19.org/testing.

TYLER — Smith County is suspending jury duty through Oct. 1. The county said Tuesday, this enables fulfillment of guidelines announced by the Texas Supreme Court and the Texas Judicial Branch – Office of Court Administration. However, the press brief went on to say, Grand jury service has not been canceled. Grand jurors are still expected to report as scheduled. Certain essential judicial functions will continue. Each District Judge, County Court-at-Law Judge and Justice of the Peace in Smith County are in charge of their own dockets and attorneys and litigants should contact their specific court with any questions.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announced Tuesday, the Longview University Center (LUC) has been designated as a national testing site for the ACT college readiness exam. The LUC will offer its first ACT exam on Saturday on the LUC campus. Participants should visit act.org to register for the test and enter the center code for the UT Tyler Longview University Center. The LUC is located at 3201 N. Eastman Road in Longview. The ACT test covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning. Continue reading ACT testing announced UT Tyler LUC

BECKVILLE — A former Beckville ISD employee has been indicted. According to our news partner KETK, former coach and teacher, Anthony D’Andrew Moore, 32, of Carlisle, is accused of sending images of himself through social media to two students. The incident stems from December 2019 when investigators were called to the high school. The cellphones of the students were taken and investigators downloaded the contents of the phones. Following the issuance of two arrest warrants Moore was arrested for two counts of online solicitation of a minor. Moore was a coach for the following Beckville teams at the time of the boys high school basketball team, as well as high school and middle school track.

TYLER — Starbrite has announced Cindy McCall as the nonprofit agencies first Executive Director. McCall will begin her role on Tuesday. The organization is situated on 33 acres on Bascom Rd. near Lake Tyler and provides therapeutic services to children, adults, and veterans with physical, mental, social, and psychological disabilities. One of the goals facing McCall is fundraising for the construction of a 43,000 square-foot facility to include an arena, multiple therapy rooms, offices, stalls, and a tack room for horses. They hope to break ground on the permanent headquarters in the very near future. Get more information by clicking the link. https://StarbriteTyler.org.