KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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.

EAST TEXAS — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) made a presentation at the Gregg County Commissioner’s Court on Monday. The total between the three projects is $635,000. It is the biggest donation to-date for the organization, According to our news partner KETK. “We’ve been able to take excess funds from toll revenues to support our counties in our area with their priority projects,” said Dave Spurrier, NET RMA senior board member. “The NET RMA was to give local and rural communities to give a larger voice and we collectively do that, support each other and this is just another way we’re doing that,” said Spurrier. Continue reading NET RMA gives $635K to East Texas counties for infrastructure projects

TYLER — A Tyler man been arrested for allegedly trying to sexually assault his teenage niece. According to our news partner KETK, 26-year-old Jesus Angel Gomez-Gonzalez is charged with sexual assault of a child. The victim was 15 years old at the time and brought the claims to police while being interviewed as a child witness to an alleged assault between her parents, in October of 2019. Continue reading Tyler man arrested for alleged sexual assault attempt of niece

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Historical Museum announced Monday, Jonny Ferguson will launch the Summer Lecture Series on June 18th. Ferguson was a NASA Flight Controller through the Apollo Missions beginning in 1966 and subsequent human space flight programs including the International Space Station, retiring in May 2009. He will be speaking on the topic, “Failure Is Not An Option; The Apollo Missions.” The event is limited to 10 and starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Ann Lacy Crain Exhibit Center.

TYLER — The Gladys and Thomas “T.B.” Stewart Community Education Fund is accepting grant applications through 5:00 p.m. on July 15. On Monday, The East Texas Communities Foundation in Tyler, announced applicants would be limited to non-profits with 501(c)(3) status providing services in Smith County. Governmental entities, private schools, and private non-operating foundations are not eligible. Continue reading Stewart Fund accepting applications from Smith County nonprofits

OVERTON — The City of Overton will host “Fireworks in the Park” on July 4. On Monday, the city of Overton’s Interim City Manager, Clyde Carter, told KTBB, “We’re just making it a bigger event with bounce houses, water slides, food vendors, food trucks, other vendors. This is the first time we are opening it completely up to the public, not charging any fees at all for vendors to come out and set up, they just need to contact the city ahead of time.” Continue reading New Overton Lake project completed in time for “Fireworks in the Park”

TYLER — After months of concern about the coronavirus, tickets go on sale Monday for the Tyler Area Builders Association’s Parade of Homes. Normally held in early June, it’s now set for June 20 through 28. Appearing on KTBB’s “In Focus,” with Parade chairman Drew Carlyle, TABA’s Libby Simmons says there’ll be safety guidelines in place. Simmons and Carlyle say the Parade, now in year 67, showcases the latest in home design and technology while giving you a chance to meet the builders. 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.

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University held its Spring 2020 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn presided over socially distanced ceremonies as 173 students received undergraduate degrees and 20 earned graduate degrees. Students were permitted to celebrate “in-person” or “virtually” at the ceremonial graduation festivities.

TYLER — Monday is the final day to register to vote in the Texas primaries runoffs from March. Runoffs are typically held in May, but Gov. Abbott delayed them due to the coronavirus pandemic. In Smith County, Republicans will choose the next 114th District Court Judge. Judge Christi Kennedy will retire when her current term expires at the end of the year. Austin Reeves Jackson and Jarad Kent are vying for the seat. Jackson finished with roughly a thousand votes more than Kent in the March primaries. There were 12,070 votesfor Austin and Kent took in 10,902 ballots. Attorney Mitch Adams finished with slightly more than 4,000 votes that kept either of the other candidates from reaching the required 50%. Continue reading Final day to register for runoff elections is Monday

TYLER — Brookshire Grocery Co. is extending its hourly appreciation pay for over 14,000 retail and logistics employees. The company announced the extension will continue to July 10. This is part of an increase that started in March. Brookshire Grocery Company has provided more than $13.5 million to employee-partners through a variety of ways for those affected by COVID-19, including bonus checks, temporary wage increases. BGC has also improved changes to benefits, such as temporarily waiving co-pays for medical services delivered via MDLive, according to the BGC statement.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Historical Museum announced the presentation of a limited edition Sesquicentennial commemorative ornament and cigar. 2020 marks the 150th year celebration for the city of Longview, established in 1850. The items can be found at Gregg County Historical Museum on Fredonia St. You can also learn more about the city’s yesteryear by going online at gregghistorical.org.

BULLARD — Modifications are in place, but the Independence Day, ‘Blast over Bullard’ event is planning to continue the annual tradition. The event is on Saturday, June 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bullard High School. Following CDC guidelines, the event will not host food vendors, booths, or activities. However, other events will take place that includes children and adults alike. Continue reading Independence celebration is on, with modifications

TYLER – TxDOT is planning the following beginning Monday.: In Smith County, the FM 2493 Widening Project continues from Gresham to Flint. Traffic will be moved to the newly constructed eastern side of the roadway on Monday. Once traffic has been shifted, construction is set to start on the western side of the roadway. The work zone speed limit is 45 mph. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance crews plan to continue bridge joint repairs on I-20 eastbound, between FM 2087 and US 259. Overlay operations are planned on FM 3053 in Liberty City. To see the complete report for the Tyler District, click the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/022-2020.html.

KILGORE — Several departments came together in a raid of a “trap house,” just outside of Kilgore. The Kilgore Police Department posted recovered evidence from the scene on their social media page Saturday. Two Kilgore residents, and a Longview man were arrested after being tipped off about the house used to store drugs, earlier this week. Police say candies seized were infused with THC, and they are marketed toward children. Continue reading “Trap House” raid outside of Kilgore

TYLER — Rising temperatures combined with social distancing concerns have likely contributed to the 50% increase (over 435,000 in 2020 compared to 290,000 in 2019) in those searching for pool contractors on bbb.org. “If you’re planning on building a pool, you’ll be spending tens of thousands of dollars,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “So, it’s important that you do the research to choose the best contractor possible.” Continue reading Tips to hire the right pool Contractor

LONGVIEW — A new fire station and training facility for first responders has been approved for Longview. According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Economic Development Board closed on two land grants, Friday, for the new Station #8 and a new fire and police training facility. This is part of the 2018 bond package. In November, the Board approved the construction of a new fire station on 11.5 acres in North Business Park. They also approved 91 acres for a new fire and police training facility. Continue reading New fire station and training facility coming to Longview

PALESTINE — On Thursday morning, Palestine police responded to an armed robbery. The victim reported that one white male and one black male entered her residence and pointed a handgun at her. The suspects then removed several firearms from the residence and fled. Authorities announced Friday in a press release that officers have arrested Que Green, 17, Eddie Barnes, 18, both of Palestine. Continue reading Palestine police arrest two suspects and identify third after armed robbery

TYLER — 7-Eleven is making a big push into the East Texas market. The convenience store chain is currently building a new location at the corner of S. Broadway Ave. and Loop 323. According to our news partner KETK, 7-Eleven is in the process of occupying Kidd Jones locations in Tyler. Permits have been obtained from the City of Tyler.
Jerry Kidd Oil Co. is the company that owns the local convenience stores. Continue reading 7-Eleven to take over multiple Kidd Jones locations in Tyler

PALESTINE — With a steady number of COVID-19 cases on the rise across the East Texas region, Anderson County is hosting free drive-thru testing this Sunday. The testing will take place Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Anderson County Annex. Registration is currently open. Anyone wishing to be tested must register in advance. Go online to txcovidtest.org or call 512-883-2400. Continue reading Anderson County to offer drive-thru testing Sunday

WASHINGTON — Rep. Louie Gohmert launched his new podcast series, “Special Order with Louie Gohmert” on June 3. On Friday, the congressman released the latest episode, breaking down the Democrats Police Bill. To view his second podcast, click the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=152rwqn_maA&feature=youtu.be. To view the transcript click the link. https://gohmert.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399791Gohmert. Continue reading Latest episode of “Special Order with Louie Gohmert”

MARSHALL — Marshall police were dispatched Thursday to an address where human remains were found inside a home. Patrol officers discovered the skeletal remains of a human body at a home inside the 100 block of Martin Luther King Blvd. In a Friday news brief, the department said, “There was no immediate evidence of foul play.” The remains were sent off for an autopsy. The investigation is ongoing and additional information will be released when it becomes available.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are warning residents to be aware of a scam involving social security numbers. According to our news partner KETK, police say multiple residents have been notified that their social security number has been compromised and that a car rented in their name was seized at the southern border while transporting drugs. Continue reading Scam involving SSN appearing in Longview

TYLER — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority, announced Friday, they will give back a total of $635,000 to member counties. The release from NET RMA notes, this is the fifth consecutive year of give-backs, totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars to support transportation-related projects in the East Texas region. This year’s total is the most ever in the program’s history. Recipients of the grant money include Gregg County for a road submission, Rusk County for a rail submission and Wood County for an airport submission, for $270,000, $240,000 and $125,000.

TYLER — Starting on Friday, phase three of Gov. Greg Abbott’s open Texas plan moves to 75% indoor capacity. Dinning facilities can also seat groups with up to 10 in a party. On Thursday, Tim Legrand with The Krazy Cajun Kitchen and Market told KTBB, “We were open 10 days before COVID-19 shut us down.” Legrand continued, “When we opened up at 25% it gave us a chance to ease back into it. We had some staff that didn’t come back. It helped us. We have been more fortunate than most. We were able to ease back into tables of four, six and now we will be able to seat parties of 10.” Restaurants around the state were allowed to open at 25% capacity May 1. The expanded capacity moved to 50% on June 3rd.

TYLER — East Texas school districts will be among those receiving personal protective equipment from the Texas Education Agency to help ensure a safe reopening for the 2020-2021 school year. According to our news partner KETK, the TEA received the PPE in partnership with the Governor’s Strike Force and the Texas Department of Emergency Management. The tools are expected between late July and August. The allotment given to Districts will be based on the amount of students in the school system as of 2019-2020 students and staff counts.