KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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.

QUITMAN — The Wood County EDC is providing help to local businesses in the county. On Thursday, Roger Johnson told KTBB, “Just like everyone else, we have many businesses who are really hurting and in bad shape and they just need the help. We found funding in the amount of $200,000. We had to go to the Commissioner’s Court because it wasn’t in our budget.” The court passed the agenda item, and is now inviting businesses to contact the EDC for details about the business assistance. Continue reading Wood County EDC to pass on $200K in business assistance

TYLER — The Texas Department of State Health Services continues to offer coronavirus testing. Thursday is the final day for free COVID-19 testing in Tyler. There are two locations for the walk-up testing sites to be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at North Tenneha Church of Christ and Saint Louis Baptist Church. The tests are free and do not require advanced registration. Results will be given over the phone by text or phone call.

JACKSONVILLE — The Gun Room in Jacksonville was robbed late Tuesday night. According to our news partner KETK, the theifs in the break-in around midnight, used a vehicle to plow through the front of the shop. The owners believe at least two guns were taken and estimate damages to the building at a minimum of $20,000. The value of the guns stolen is around $2,000.

TYLER — Tyler Police are warning residents to be aware of a series of incidents in the area where an individual is calling and posing as a Lieutenant with the Tyler Police Department. The caller then tells them they are involved in a civil matter that needs urgent attention and/or payment and asking them for personal information or to meet. Residents should be aware that the Tyler Police Department will never contact them for payment of fines. Continue reading TPD warning of phone scam in the area

TYLER — Smith County is hosting a Virtual Town Hall Meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. In a press release Wednesday, the County said, “Officials will address the topic of mental health issues in the criminal justice system.” Residents are to call in at 1-866-899-4679 (access code: 152-353-781). You can also email questions in advance to [email protected]. The meeting will be streamed in real time at http://www.facebook.com/SmithCountyTexas and at https://tinyurl.com/spombtj. Continue reading Smith County to host virtual Town Hall Thursday

ANDERSON COUNTY — As coronavirus cases continue to spike across the Lone Star State, one East Texas County saw a large uptick in its confirmed case count. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Department of State Health Services said in a news release, Anderson County has nearly 900 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus and nearly all are located in jails. The release did not specify the count at each facility located throughout the county. Anderson County also released a statement on Tuesday afternoon that one non-jail case was confirmed in the county to bring their grand total to 103 cases. Of those, 66 have recovered to leave the area with 37 active cases.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioner’s Court held its first in-person meeting on Tuesday to provide an update from the Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force. According to our news partner KETK, under the CARES Act, the Coronavirus Relief Fund is used for specific purchases under state and local governments to mitigate COVID-19. Texas received $11.24 billion which was allocated to counties across the state. Counties under 500,000 population, received $1.85 billion. With the money Smith County received, 20% was given upfront while 80% will be reimbursed at a future date. Continue reading Smith County officials look to future purchases using coronavirus relief funds

VAN — Van ISD has canceled summer workouts for the boys athletic program until further notice after four staff members tested positive for COVID-19. According to our news partner KETK, only one of the infected staff members is associated with boys athletics, while the other three have not been in contact with students. All four are in quarantine. Workout facilities utilized by all students have been sanitized and will continue to be cleaned according to CDC guidelines. “Student and staff safety is always our number one priority and we have taken every precaution to keep our student-athletes safe. Continue reading Van ISD cancels some summer workouts following positive COVID-19 cases

TYLER – D.P.S. released details Tuesday of a fatality that took place in Rusk County over the weekend. Troopers responded to the crash scene on U.S. 259 North of Henderson after a pedestrian was struck and killed. The victim has not yet been identified. Investigators say Dante Tyrell Gaston, 21, struck a pedestrian that ran into his path. After impact, Gatson’s vehicle was disabled and was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Jacoby Ray Taylor, 21. Both drivers were treated and released at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott Tuesday referenced an East Texas jail faclity as he stressed that hospitals are not being overwhelmed by coronavirus cases, even as cases in hospitals have reached new highs. According to our news partner KETK, Gov. Abbott said that this was the goal of many social distancing restrictions and shutdown orders that were put in place earlier in the spring. Abbott said that many spikes are from large batches of testing that has come from nursing homes and jails. However, others are patients under the age of 30 who have been in social settings such as bars. Abbott did say that the state would reach yet another high of hospitalizations across the state at 2,622. Continue reading Abbott: No reason to panic despite COVID-19 spike

HENDERSON — The City of Henderson announced Monday, plans for their fourth of July firework show with modifications. The event will be held on Saturday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m. at Lake Forest Park as a drive-up experience. The city announced on their social media page they would not have vendors, kid’s activities, or a parade in light of social distancing recommendations. People are encouraged to stay in their cars, but public restrooms will be available. For more details click the link. https://www.facebook.com/events/691084535072156/?notif_t=event_calendar_create&notif_id=1592253997083746.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announced Tuesday that two clinical assistant professors from the UT Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy have been recognized by the Texas Pharmacy Association. The TPA honored Dr. Takova Wallace-Gay with the TPA 2020 Bowl of Hygeia Award, recognizes a pharmacist who continually demonstrates professional excellence and made significant public service contributions to their community. Continue reading Drs. Wallace-Gay, Wooster awarded for exemplary community service, dedication

CHAMBERS COUNTY — Authorities located the body of a Palestine man Monday after a boating accident in the Houston Ship Channel. Shawn Robert Scarbrough, 40, was identified as the victim in a boating accident that took place Saturday in the Chamber County waters. According to the departments facebook page, the boating accident happened east of Kemah, and involved two men and two children, ages 11 and 13. Authorities say the watercraft turned sharply, throwing three passengers into the water. The driver pulled the children back into the boat.

MARSHALL — Officers in Marshall responded to multiple gunshots near Bella Wyatt Park on Monday night. Multiple calls were made to 911 services. A bystander told first responders someone had been shot. The male was located with serious injuries. Officers administered first aid until EMS arrived. The victim was admitted to a local hospital. Marshall Police are requesting witnesses to come forward at 903-935-4540, or to remain anonymous contact Marshall/Harrison Crime Stoppers at (903) 935-9969.