KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The City of Tyler Beauty and the Box program has added 2 new vinyl-wrapped boxes in their beautification program. In 2016, the program began which takes traffic boxes and covers them with works of art by local artists. The program has grown to 56 total boxes across the city, from the initial start with 10 boxes in the Downtown Business Arts and Culture District. The most recent are at South Beckham Avenue and East Houston Street: Sponsored by Tyler Museum of Art. Artwork is by Courtney Wrenn. Continue reading Beauty and the Box expands in Tyler

TYLER — Tyler Police and the Tyler Fire Department responded to a report Monday, of a naked man on top of a building on Bonner Ave. Officer’s got on the roof after finding a man threatening to jump. Responders say Kenneth Hampton, 21, of Tyler, was in an agitated state. They gave him water and attempted to talk him off the roof. A ladder truck arrived and a Fire Fighter talked Hampton onto the ladder. He was brought down safely and transported to UT Health for a mental evaluation.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police are investigating a Saturday morning homicide. According to our news partner KETK, just before 10:30, officers were called to a house on 8th Street for a welfare check and found a deceased male. He was later identified as Llewellyn Williams, 58, of Longview. The preliminary autopsy and evidence at the scene determined Williams’ deaths was a homicide. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Longview Police (903)237-1110 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers (903)236-7867.

TYLER — An 8-year-old Lindale girl was killed in a two vehicle wreck on Toll 49 Monday. DPS Troopers responded to the scene on the just south of Hwy-64 W in Smith County around 8:30. The preliminary report indicates that the driver of a 2018 Mazda CX5, Daisy Pineda, 28, of Lindale, was traveling south on Toll 49 at a speed that was unsafe for the roadway conditions. The driver lost control of the vehicle and traveled into the path of a north bound Dodge 2500 pick-up towing a trailer driven by Steven Joseph Worl, 69, of Whitehouse. The vehicles collided causing extensive damage to both. Continue reading Fatal Toll 49 wreck under investigation

TYLER — The debate to change the name of Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler has resurfaced. According to our news partner KETK, over 75 protestors supporting the change showed up outside Monday night’s board meeting with one goal – to put the topic back on the board’s agenda. Back in 2018, after several months of debate, the motion to change the school’s name was ultimately tabled with no action taken. Continue reading Robert E. Lee High School name change debate resurfaces

TYLER — An inmate in the Smith County Jail died over the weekend. On Monday, Sg.t Larry Christian told KTBB, “Detention officers found Tommy Gene Lindsey, 64, unresponsive in his cell at 4:44 a.m. They immediately called, what’s called a code blue. Medical staff responded, as well as the detention officers of course. They immediately began to perform C.P.R. and used the A.E.D. device until E.M.S. staff arrived.” The report states that Lindsey was being housed in a separation cell on special observation due to behavior. Attempts to revive Lindsey were unsuccessful. Texas DPS Rangers are investigating the death.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will host the annual Independence Day celebration at Lindsey Park. On Monday Adriana Rodriguez told KTBB, “We wanted to still do the Fourth of July Celebration, but due to Covid, we’ve had to modify it. So we will still do the fireworks show. It will start around 9:15 once the sun goes down. But, we will not be having any entertainment, food, kids zone, or any kind of thing like that .” Continue reading Modifications for Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Lindsey Park

JACKSONVILLE — Austin Bank has been named as one of the 2020 Best Companies to Work for in Texas. The press release states this is the 12th year in a row for the honor. The bank was recognized at the Texas Association of Business virtual awards presentation. “Austin Bank is especially proud to receive this honor because it came from the input of our employees,” said Jeff Austin III, Vice Chairman of the Board. Continue reading Austin Bank Named “One of 2020 Best Companies to Work for in Texas”

TYLER — Four-thousand cornavirus cases Saturday another 38-hundred reported yesterday…the numbers just keep going up. Dr. David Lakey with University of Texas System says caution fatigue is a real thing, “We’re getting tired of the virus and the virus will continue to spread. So, I don’t think this stops until we reach what is called herd immunity, where enough people have seen the virus have immunity to the virus through a vaccine or natural infection to defeat the virus to prevent the spread in the community. Continue reading Coronavirus numbers on the rise in Texas

TYLER — Rusk and Wood County will offer several free coronavirus tests this week. On Monday, NET Health announced the free COVID-19 plans for this week in Henderson and Mineola. The locations include Carlisle ISD, Mineola Civic Center, Henderson Civic Center and the Quitman Fire Station. The tests include registration and non-registration sites, with a variety of criteria. The testing also includes drive-thru and walk-in tests. The screenings begin Tuesday and go through Saturday of this week. Click the link for all of the details. https://www.nethealthcovid19.org/im-sick.

SMITH COUNTY — One man injured, one man jailed following a shooting early Sunday morning. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on CR 3104, near Gladewater, on a report of shots fired at a large party. Officials said one victim with a gunshot wound to the head had been transported to Good Shepherd Hospital in Longview by private vehicle. The victim was identified as Quavion Mumphrey, 23, of Overton. Mumphrey was later flown to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for further treatment and is in serious condition. The alleged shooter was identified as Trevor D’Jaun Tinney, 19, of Overton. Continue reading Smith County shooting under investigation

TYLER — Students and alumni of Robert E. Lee High School in Tyler are organizing to make another attempt to change the name of the school. According to our news partner KETK, they have been making plans to address the school board at its next meeting, outlining talking points and even gathering solutions for alternative names. So far, Rose City High School has proven most popular. The issue of changing the school’s name, which many consider offensive, has been raised multiple times in the past, and voted down each time. Continue reading Tyler Lee students, alumni hoping to change school name

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas (BBB), in partnership with Kelly Community Federal Credit Union and Ark-La-Tex Shredding, will be hosting their annual “Secure Your ID” day on July 18 from 8:00 a.m. until noon at the BBB Offices (3600 Old Bullard Road in Tyler). The event was supposed to be held in April but was postponed due to Covid-19 regulations/recommendations. The services are provided free, and attendees are encouraged to bring paper documents that contain personal and/or financial information to be destroyed as well as electronics such as old computers, hard drives, and cell phones. Go to https://www.bbb.org/article/events/21702-2020-shred-day-tyler to learn more.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct another week’s worth of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the week of June 22. One highlight: dstrictwide seal coat operations are ongoing with work in Smith County. Motorists should expect lane closures and delays during this work to seal and protect roadways from water, and provide a longer life cycle. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/023-2020.html for a full rundown of work scheduled around the district.

TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department has announced their new modified hours for the Tyler Senior Center. On Monday, the center will reopen for phase one, with select services and modified hours. The center will open with a maximum of 25 people at a time and social distancing will be practiced for all activities. The Tyler Senior Center will open at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. each day, Monday through Friday. The Texercise classes will resume at 10 a.m. and Meals on Wheels will be offering meals to seniors at 11 a.m. Continue reading Tyler Senior Center to reopen Monday with modifications

LONGVIEW — Free COVID-19 testing will be available at various locations across Longview from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 30 – July 7. According to a city news release, the walk-up testing with no appointment required and no pre-screening will be conducted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those being tested are asked to provide a phone number where they can be reached with their results. Go to https://www.longviewtexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2693 for additional information, including a list of testing sites and dates.

TYLER — The Tyler Downtown Square hosted a vigil Friday night — the evening of Juneteenth — to remember local lynching victims. Organizers said there have been 92 known victims of lynching in the Tyler/Smith County area. The event included songs, sacred dance, prayer, and a variety of other presentations. It was organized by a group called Tyler Justice and Reconciliation. Several speakers offered stories of local lynching victims dating to the mid-nineteenth century. Pastor Darryl Bowdre, who has previously served as a Tyler City Council member and school trustee, commented, “We are standing on blood…it’s time to acknowledge our thorny past.” Other pastors emphasized the importance of repentance and empathy. The event was yet another in a series of activities held in East Texas and elsewhere following the George Floyd incident in Minneapolis.

WASHINGTON — The Congressman of District One released his 3rd episode of “Special Order w/ Louie Gohmert,” on Thursday. The East Texas Congressman discussed his amendment to the Democrats police bill in the House Judiciary Committee. In the video Congressman Gohmert says, “Nadler’s only objection that he stated to the amendment I had in making it a death penalty case if you lynch someone, he said it was “barbarous” to have the death penalty. So, take a look, see for yourself the kind of games the Democrats will play over something as serious as racism that leads to death. This isn’t a game.” Watch the full podcast by clicking the link.https://youtu.be/2tJazfwlSp0. To view the full transcript click this link. https://gohmert.house.gov/uploadedfiles/transcript_gohmert_podcast_episode_3_.pdf.

TYLER — The Tyler Downtown Square will host a vigil on Friday night from 7 to 8 p.m. On Friday, D.G. Montalvo told KTBB, “This is the first remembrance that will take place in Tyler as far as we can tell, dating back well over 50 years. We hope the spirit of the event is a somber one and really takes into account, the Black lives that were lost to violence through out Tyler’s history.” The gathering will seek to honor the victims of the 92 known racial terror lynching in the Tyler and Smith County area. Continue reading Vigil Friday for 92 lynching victims in Tyler & Smith County

LONGVIEW — The Longview police department is grieving the loss of one of their own. According to the departments Facebook page veteran officer, Cedric Davis died early Friday, following a “courageous battle” with cancer. Officer Davis started his career with the Longview Police Department about 15 years ago. Davis is described as a dedicated and loyal officer that loved God, his family, co-workers, and the community that he served.

TYLER — After months of concern about the coronavirus, the Tyler Area Builders Association’s 67th annual Parade of Homes began Saturday and runs through June 28 — two weeks later than usual. This year’s event features 41 homes, a big jump from last year. Appearing on KTBB’s “In Focus,” Parade chairman Drew Carlyle says he believes the Parade will continue to grow as Tyler keeps growing. Safety guidelines will be in place, including hand sanitizer stations along with mask and social distancing advisories. For more information, go to http://www.tylerareabuilders.com or call (903) 561-3964. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/infocus to hear the “In Focus” show in its entirety.

UPSHUR COUNTY — One man is dead and another in jail after a Thursday morning shooting in Upshur County. According to our news partner KETK, Upshur County deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Private Road 3051 around 7:40 a.m. They were told the victim had been taken to a local hospital in a private vehicle and that the man accused of the shooting had fled. Witnesses identified the victim as Michial Clint Moses. Moses died at the hospital. The suspect, identified as Matthew Gregory Harris, was found at a residence on Private Road 4351. Harris has been charged with murder and is in the Upshur County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

PALESTINE — Andeson County Judge Robert Johnston announced a total of four new coronavirus cases on Thursday. The news brief states the cases are over the last two days, bringing the total number of cases to 107 positive cases county-wide. There are 79 reported recovered cases, with 28 active cases.

TYLER — Dr. Marty Crawford has been elected to serve on the Universal Interscholastic League Legislative Council. In an interview Thursday with KTBB, Crawford said, “I’ll just say it, Texas has the best interscholastic league in the nation and I am proud to serve on their legislative council. They have done a great job for what’s amounting to about 100 years in managing all the different competitions, performances and games played since the early 1900’s. I am very proud to be selected by my peers to serve.” Continue reading TISD Superintendent elected to UIL Legislative Council

TYLER — Tyler is one of 74 cities through out the lone star state to be recommended for reaccreditation of the Texas Mains Street Program. On Thursday, the TMSP of the Texas Historical Commission announced the decision. This marks the 18th year of accreditation for the Rose City, and this is now the 8th year in a row that the city has earned the distinction. “Receiving the accreditation at a National level is very exciting for our community,” said Amber Rojas-Varona, Main Street director. “It is a true testament to the dedication of downtown staff, volunteers, organizations and supporters. Our continuous success is not made up of a few, but that of many. Downtown Revitalization is key to a successful community and maintaining our local uniqueness.”

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in finding a man that has been missing since Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, Shane Lawson of Canton was last seen leaving his home outside of Canton. Lawson is considered an endangered missing person. Anyone with details about Lawson’s whereabouts should contact the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office at 903-567-4133, or your local law enforcement agency.