SMITH COUNTY — Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the “caltrops case.†According to our news partner KETK, nearly 300 of these “tire spikes†have been collected in the past weeks along I-20 in the westbound lanes, between Hwy 69 in Smith County and FM 314 in Van Zandt County. They have also been found in the westbound lanes of I-20 near the US 69 on-ramp in Lindale, near the Hideaway and Hwy. 110 exits and in the eastbound lanes near the Hideaway on-ramp. Continue reading Smith County Crime Stoppers offering reward in ‘caltrop cases’
Capital Murder Trial pushed back for Bullard man
TYLER –The capital murder trial for a Bullard man was pushed back Tuesday afternoon due to the coronavirus pandemic and both sets of lawyers awaiting DNA testing results. According to our news partner KETK, 23-year-old Brentavian Henderson is charged in connection to the killing of Roy Bowins, 77. The murder happened in November 2018 while he and two others were allegedly stealing a car and two TVs. Continue reading Capital Murder Trial pushed back for Bullard man
Continuance granted in Ortiz case
TYLER — An extension was granted for the trial of a Tyler man accused of multiple counts of child sexual assault. According to our news partner KETK, Luis Ortiz, 23, could receive life in prison for allegedly posing as a teenager and then sending graphic messages to minors on social media. During a Monday hearing held on Zoom, prosecutors ask for a 60-day continuance as deputies with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office have expanded their investigation. Continue reading Continuance granted in Ortiz case
TxDOT unveils Be Safe Drive Smart initiative
TYLER — Be Safe. Drive Smart. is a public education and awareness campaign presented by TxDOT. On Tuesday, D.P.S. Sgt Jean Dark told KTBB,”We wholeheartedly support that effort. I think one of the things that’s really important for listener’s to recognize is that the state of Texas records more than 3,700 traffic fatalities a year. When you kind of have that perspective, I think then you start to look at ok, what are my driving habits? We can point out all kind of things in other people, but what are the things that we can do ourselves?” Continue reading TxDOT unveils Be Safe Drive Smart initiative
Drive-thru Produce Distribution
TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank will conduct its next free produce distribution this Friday morning. Disbursements will take place from 8-10 a.m. at the East Texas State Fairgrounds. The circulation is returning to a drive-thru model. Free produce and fresh items, pending availability, will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no eligibility or ID requirements. The distributions are held on the first and third Friday morning of each month.
Mentoring Alliance After-School Boys & Girls Club of East Texas registration underway
TYLER — This year more than 1400 elementary students will be served by The Boys and Girls Club of East Texas. Mentoring Alliance After-School program offers options at 19 elementary campuses in the area. The program works with Tyler, Whitehouse, and Bullard ISD’s to offer fun, engaging, Christian after-school care that takes place at each district’s elementary campuses; Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm. – 6:00 p.m. To register or for more information call 903-593-9211 or visit the website by clicking the link, http://www.thementoringalliance.com.
E TX man’s obituary blames Governor Abbott and President Trump for his death
JEFFERSON — 78-year-old David Nagy died from the coronavirus on July 22nd. -His obituary was published in a local newspaper and included an angry message from his wife. She called her husband’s death “needless” and pointed the finger at Abbott, the President, and all other politicians who she says didn’t take the pandemic seriously…She said her husband, who had underlying health issues, did everything he was supposed to do, but they didn’t. Continue reading E TX man’s obituary blames Governor Abbott and President Trump for his death
Bullard high school Junior celebrated
TYLER — A Bullard high school student was recognized in The Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday. Avery Hicks was commemorated for her achievement of the Girl Scout Gold Award. Some of Hicks accomplishments include education of first graders in Oaxaca, Mexico to learn English and Spanish. She helped produce materials intended to help the students learn translations. This included Hicks making over 7,000 game pieces that were designed, printed and laminated for the students to use for years to come. The Gold Award was established over 100 years ago establishing criteria to recognize the highest level of excellence of girls in the program.
Curbside recycling on hold due to plant malfunction
KILGORE — Rivers Recycling in Kilgore has experienced a mechanical breakdown and prompted city of Tyler and Longview officials to ask their customers to hold their recyclables until their next collection date. Tyler residents that would like more information, can contact the Solid Waste Department at 903 531-1388. Customers with questions in Longview, should call 903-237-1250.
Proposed Tyler overpass opposition grows
TYLER — Opposition continues to grow over a proposed overpass on the Loop in Tyler. The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization decided to change the language in their transportation improvement program after an unanimous vote, eliminating the reference to the overpass. The language now reflects overall support to improving the intersection, meaning they will consider other alternatives. According to our news partner KETK, one of the fastest growing areas in Smith County is along Old Jacksonville Hwy from Tyler to Bullard, so the Tyler Area MPO started several expansion projects. Continue reading Proposed Tyler overpass opposition grows
Coronavirus updates
TYLER — NET Health added 60 total new coronavirus cases for Saturday, Sunday and Monday in Smith County. The county has a total of 2,369 cases. There are 17 deaths associated with the coronavirus. There are 1,646 active cases and 646 cases of recovery. In Gregg County, as of Monday, authorities confirmed 1,410 cases, 276 cases of recovery. There are 23 deaths associated with the coronavirus. 5,924 people have been tested; 4,264 were negative. For the latest Gregg County updates, click the link. https://www.co.gregg.tx.us/coronavirus-information.
Police arrest Oakwood man on multiple charges
PALESTINE — Palestine police arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged assault at a Wal-Mart on Loop 256 in the city. According to a news release on Monday, the victim reported an unknown black male poured a chemical, believed to be a cleaning solution, on her upper body and face while she shopped in the store. The victim, a 49 year-old Palestine resident,accompanied by two small children did not know the suspect, who fled. The victim was transported by ambulance to Palestine Regional ER for treatment. Continue reading Police arrest Oakwood man on multiple charges
$100,000 gift for ETBU Sisk Health Services Clinic and endowed scholarship
MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University announced a sizeable donation on Monday. According to a news brief from the school, Irene Sisk gave $100,000 to ETBU. A $75,000 gift is designated for the new on-campus Health Services Clinic, and $25,000 is designated for an endowed student scholarship. ETBU’s health clinic will be named the Sisk Health Services Clinic in honor of Mrs. Sisk’s gift and and in memory of her late husband, Dr. Walter Sisk, M.D. The clinic is opening for the Fall 2020 semester.
East Texas coaching legend dies
EAST TEXAS — A legend in the high school coaching died on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, Dickey Meeks death was shared by family members, but did not give details on his passing. Meeks spent 42 years as a high school football coach, with 37 as a head coach. Meeks won state championships at Chapel Hill in 1989, and Henderson in 2010. Meeks retirement became official in 2016, following his second tenure at Mount Vernon. Continue reading East Texas coaching legend dies
Power restored following crash in Tyler
TYLER — A traffic alert on Friday evening had Tyler police advising motorists to use caution at the intersection of West Grande Blvd. and Old Jacksonville Hwy. A crash at the scene took out power and traffic lights until early Saturday morning. Officers directed traffic until the power could be restored. According to a news brief, traffic lights were reestablished at 4:47 a.m. Details were not given as to the cause of the accident or those that were involved.
Protecting Your Identity During Unprecedented Times
TYLER — So far this year, the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network has reported approximately 55,499 identity theft cases in Texas with credit card fraud being the top reported fraudulence with 18,204 cases. “As some businesses prohibit the use of cash amid COVID-19 concerns, credit/debit cards or online payments have increasingly become only acceptable forms of payment in many cases,†Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas said. “As you can imagine identity thieves are out on the prowl.†Continue reading Protecting Your Identity During Unprecedented Times
TxDOT announces plans for upcoming week
TYLER — TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work in the district starting on Monday. In Smith County, work continues on Loop 323 in Tyler from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday nights. Paving operations are being conducted on the south side from SH 155 moving east to US 69. Expect lane closures and delays as work is conducted. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance crews plan to conduct ditch maintenance on FM 2275 in Warren City, east of Gladewater. Edge repairs are planned for FM 2011 from FM 2204 to SH 322. See the complete report for the entire 8 county district by clicking the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/028-2020.html.
PTISD mourns loss of student
LONGVIEW — Funeral services will be observed Monday for a Pine Tree ISD student. The District announced on its social media page, that Alston Roger Craver died earlier this week. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Welch Funeral Home on Judson Road. Craver’s funeral service is July 27, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Longview. The family is asking mourners to wear bright colors and superhero shirts. Continue reading PTISD mourns loss of student
Gregg County coronavirus update
GREGG COUNTY — Gregg County health officials have updated the total number of positive coronavirus cases to 1,207, with 238 cases of recovery as of July 23. Another death has been reported, bringing the number to 17 deaths now linked to COVID-19. There have been a total of 5,146 tests given, 3,705 have been negative, 234 tests are still pending. Current statistics for Gregg County are available by clicking the link. http://www.co.gregg.tx.us/coronavirus-information.
50 new Coronavirus cases in Smith County
TYLER — Smith County added 50 new coronavirus cases on Friday, bringing the total to 2,106, with 512 total recoveries. There are 13 deaths associated with the coronavirus, and 1,581 active cases. To find a free testing location in the East Texas area, visit https://www.nethealthcovid19.org/testing. You can see a complete list of reopening facilities and phone information on Tyler’s webpage by clicking the link. https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/communications/coronavirus-updates. For a full list of adjusted Smith County services, please visit https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/corona-virus-information. Continue reading 50 new Coronavirus cases in Smith County
Armed robbery Thursday night in Tyler
TYLER — Tyler Police responded to an armed robbery on Thursday night at around 9:45 p.m. The reported theft took place at the Valero on WNW Loop 323. The clerk advised that while he was mopping, a suspect wearing a red toboggan, dark blue shirt and grey shorts with a black handkerchief over his face came in the store pointing a gun at the other clerk behind the counter. The clerk mopping got into a physical altercation, causing him to drop the gun. The suspect fled on foot out of the store. The clerk behind the counter said she thought the suspect was going to shoot her. It was later determined that the gun was a replica but said neither clerk realized that until later.
KC cancels summer graduation ceremony due to rise in COVID-19 cases
KILGORE — Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the area, Kilgore College has decided to cancel its summer graduation ceremony, set for Aug. 6. The school announced in a media brief on Friday, that although there will not be an in person summer graduation ceremony, KC will recognize the students. The plan calls for a social media celebration, as well as on the college’s outdoor digital sign.
Former caseworker pleads not guilty to sexual assault
NEW BOSTON — A former East Texas caseworker has pleaded not guilty on all charges after being accused of sexually assaulting a teen she had supervised while employed at a juvenile facility. According to our news partner KETK, Jessica Pratt, 26, is charged with three counts of sexual assault of a child. Pratt allegedly picked up the underage victim in Pittsburg, Texas, and drove him to her father and stepmother’s house, and sexually assaulted him numerous times. Continue reading Former caseworker pleads not guilty to sexual assault
TISD trots out ‘Return to Learn’ plan
TYLER — TISD unveiled their complete Return to Learn Plan on Friday. The strategy is available with critical information on the environments offered for students this fall: In-School Learning and Learn@Home. The plan also outlines health and safety protocols that campuses will follow during the school year. After reviewing the Return to Learn Plan, parents and guardians are asked to choose the instructional method they want for their child(ren) by submitting the District’s Instructional Declaration form by Wednesday, August 5. Continue reading TISD trots out ‘Return to Learn’ plan
11 new cases of COVID reported in Anderson County
PALESTINE — There are 11 new coronavirus cases in Anderson County, as of Friday afternoon. Judge Robert Johnston announced a new total of 395 positive cases, there are currently 177 reported cases of recovery, with 217 active. Two deaths have been linked to COVID-19 in Anderson County. More details are available by clicking the link. https://www.nethealthcovid19.org/blog/post/confirmed-cases-of-covid-19-in-east-texas.
UT Health Tyler nurse recognized as JetBlue Healthcare Hero
TYLER — After months of long and challenging shifts on the COVID-19 unit, nurse Dionne Martin has a plan for re-energizing when she’s able to finally take a break — a trip to sandy shores and sparkling blue water. The beach has always been Martin’s go-to spot when she needs rest and relaxation, and now she’ll be heading to an island destination courtesy of JetBlue, which recently recognized her as a JetBlue Healthcare Hero. Continue reading UT Health Tyler nurse recognized as JetBlue Healthcare Hero
Public invited to Tyler Area MPO meeting
TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Policy Committee will hold their regularly scheduled meeting next Thursday, at 2 p.m. People interested in attending can join in person in the Council Chambers at Tyler City Hall, on Bonner Ave. You can also attend online through Microsoft TEAMS. There is no need to download Microsoft Teams, simply choose “watch on the web” option. Continue reading Public invited to Tyler Area MPO meeting
Gohmert: ‘If they want to get rid of things that remind people of slavery Democrats should change their name’
WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressman Louie Gohmert introduced the Privileged Resolution to Congress Thursday. He told KTBB why it was important, “The political party that fought to keep slavery, that fought to keep people slaves, that fought against the 14th amendment and 15th amendment was 100 percent the Democratic Party. The point I was trying to make, and apparently from what I hear it made the point, If you are going to get rid of things that remind people of slavery, then you need to get rid of the Democratic Party, because that’s who fought to keep slavery.” Continue reading Gohmert: ‘If they want to get rid of things that remind people of slavery Democrats should change their name’
Liberty Hall to celebrate with Concerts from the Couch on Saturday
TYLER — Liberty Hall will celebrate its 90th anniversary virtually on Saturday. While Liberty officially turned 90 earlier this summer. Liberty Hall’s Facebook page will host Saturday’s next Liberty Live: Concerts from the Couch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. during Hit the Bricks. Artists to be featured include, 11 to 11:30 a.m.: Cody Norman, 11:30 a.m. to noon: Covenant Olatunde, Noon to 12:30 p.m.: Lucas Kelm, and 12:30 to 1 p.m.: 2nd Childhood.
Fire destroys family home in Rusk County
LANEVILLE — A family in Rusk County had their home destroyed by fire Thursday morning. According to a post by the Rusk County Office of Emergency Management; multiple departments, including, Laneville, Mt. Enterprise, New Salem, and Carlisle Volunteer Fire Departments responded to the blaze on FM 1662. Officials say no one was inside the house at the time of the fire.