KTBB News, Weather, Talk

GREGG COUNTY — Longview police are investigating a fatal shooting Sunday morning. It happened just after 8:30 on Morrison Street. According to our news partner KETK, officers were responding to a shots fired report and found Ernest Berry Neal, 36, dead from a gunshot wound. Anyone with information is urged to contact Longview Police at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP.

TYLER — An East Texas business is giving back to law enforcement agencies in our area. According to our news partner KETK, the owner of Superior Outfitters in Tyler, Austin Rohr, took time Friday morning to personally deliver checks to the Tyler Police Department and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. “We have a community that supports law enforcement. We’ve spent decades building strong relationships and to have Superior come here today, it goes a long way to show the support they have for law enforcement.” Sheriff Larry Smith says the money they received money will also be going toward their Sheriff’s Office Foundation. Continue reading Superior Outfitters donates $10K to Tyler Police, Smith County Sheriff’s Office

TYLER — Dozens of participants and onlookers packed Tyler’s downtown square Friday evening for a “Prayer in the Square” event. It was another in a series of local activities held in the wake of the George Floyd incident in Minneapolis. The gathering included prayers, music, and praise and worship. Some brought signs with messages including “Black Lives Matter,” “How many weren’t filmed?”, and “After we pray together, can we make change together?” There was also a voter registration table. “Prayer in the Square” was organized by Kilton McCracken of The Mentoring Alliance, a Tyler-based youth-focused ministry.

TYLER — A Tyler police cruiser was involved in a head-on collision Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the accident took place near the hospital district on Beckham Ave. Witnesses say, it appears the officer driving the cruiser did not see the vehicle pull onto the road. The status of those involved is not known. An ambulance was dispatched to the accident scene.

LAKE FORK — Wood County Sheriff Tom Castloo, said Texas Game Wardens and Deputies recovered the body of William Brown from Lake Fork on Friday morning. According to a plea put out from the family on the Lake Fork Facebook page, Brown went missing near Quitman Monday evening while fishing on the South End of the lake. His boat was found floating, with no sign of Brown. The Navy veteran and active US postal service employee is described as a loving father, grandfather and cherished friend who loved the relaxation of fishing.

TYLER — A Tyler man accused in the murder of a Chapel Hill high school senior in April has been indicted for the shooting. As of Friday, a court date has not yet been set. According to our news partner KETK, Zane Collier, 17, was killed in his own driveway. During the search of the residence, evidence connecting an individual to the murder was obtained and a suspect was interviewed about his involvement in this case. During that conversation, John Edward Sparks, 18, admitted to the murder of Zane Collier. Sparks said he was angry because Collier wouldn’t return marijuana that he stolen from him.

TYLER — Peaceful protests have been taking place across East Texas for over a week and Tyler has been no different. According to our news partner KETK, residents have been gathering on the downtown square, but Thursday night they decided on a different location at the corner of Broadway and Rice Road. Demonstrators were seen holding signs and wearing t-shirts, shouting “No Justice, No Peace.” Continue reading Tyler demonstrators take to the streets

LONGVIEW — Several dates were announced Thursday for free coronavirus testing in Longview. In a press release from the city, dates were listed at locations across Longview for June 9, 11, 12, and 13. Drive-up testing will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, at Foster Middle School and next Thursday, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. In order to be tested on June 9 or June 11, a person must first register and get screened for multiple symptoms of COVID-19, including shortness of breath, fever, chills, body aches, vomiting, sore throat, and loss of taste/smell. Continue reading Free coronavirus mobile testing announced in Longview

TYLER — Many gun shop owners across the state are reporting a huge spike in gun sales. On Thursday, Superior Outfitters Austin Rohr, told KTBB, “We have had one of our biggest increases that we have ever seen before and it’s mostly from new buyers. I’d say that 80% of our business right now is coming from new buyers and people that typically didn’t own firearms. First time gun owners are a huge market right now for us.” Continue reading Superior Outfitters sees giant increase in first time gun owners

EAST TEXAS – The Greater East Texas Community Action Program is accepting applications to pay for electric bills. On Thursday Karen Swenson told KTBB, “Its just going to get hotter, and we know that families are really in a mess when they are worried about how they are going to keep the lights and A/C on.” An eligibility review looks at the last 30 days of income. Continue reading GETCAP offering energy assistance

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating two incidents in downtown Tyler after Gentry Donuts was robbed and Andy’s Frozen Custard was vandalized. According to our news partner KETK, investigators are reviewing security tapes. At Gentry Donuts, the drive-thru window was smashed and a cash register was stolen, along with food and drinks. Andy’s Frozen Custard on the square had multiple front windows smashed. Tyler Police said the two cases are not related.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Jail had its yearly inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, TCJS, found the facility to non-compliant on two issues. The jail was deficient on physical education and nutrition. Sheriff Larry Smith addressed both issues with KTBB on Wednesday,”We are installing lights on top of the roof of the jail so we can do recreation at night. The second and third floors are the only ones we were deficient, and that happens as a result of logistics of physically moving prisoners on those levels to recreation on the roof of the jail.” Continue reading Smith County Jail found non-compliant on two issues

TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department announced on Wednesday their intent to increase capacity limits for Glass Recreation Center. According to a news brief, on Monday, the maximum number goes to 30 visitors at a time inside the facility. Once capacity is reached, visitors will have a limit of 2.5 hours per visit. Appointments are not necessary, and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information click the link. https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/parks-rec.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Kimberly Diaz has pleaded guilty to a charge of cruelty to animals. Diaz is the Cherokee County teen accused of shooting her dog to death and posting the video to Facebook. According to our news partner KETK, Diaz made her plea Monday in the 2nd Judicial District Court of Cherokee County. She admitted to participating in the shooting of her dog, filming the suffering, and posting it on Facebook. Continue reading Teen that posted shooting and suffering of dog pleads guilty

TYLER — Hundreds of people met on T.B. Butler Square in downtown Tyler Tuesday for a prayer vigil. Elder Orenthia Mason, North Tyler District, greeted the crowd saying, “To my brothers and sisters of all races, and all color, and all religions, and all political groups one of these days God is going to take that away too, the politics. He said we are all one in the spirit, and one in the Lord. When I needed blood after I had surgery, I didn’t ask them if it was from a white person, or a Hispanic person, or a black person, I said give me the blood!” Continue reading Hundreds gather on the square for prayer vigil in Tyler

TYLER — East Texans are responding to the police-related death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, which has drawn reactions across the country and even overseas. According to the Tyler Together Facebook page, the Democratic Club of Smith County will hold a “Candle Light Prayer Night” Tuesday at Liberty Missionary Baptist Church on North Broadway. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and will be a drive-in service in deference to concerns about COVID-19. Continue reading Tyler responds to George Floyd incident

TYLER — Tyler firefighters put out a large fire at Ye Olde City Antique Mall on Locust Street in the downtown area. Fire Marshall Paul Findley was on with our news partner KETK, “Thankfully this building as old as it is, has got some fire walls in it, and that has assisted us tactically in being able to get a handle of it.” No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is not yet known.

TYLER — The coronavirus has taken another local favorite, this time El Charro on the Ridge, a popular Mexican restaurant in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the owner of El Charro, Manny Vela, released the following statement on their Facebook page: “First of all, I want to thank all the support, and prayers, not only during this COVID 19 crisis but for years of patronage and friendship. Our hearts and prayers go to all the victims of this worldwide crisis. Continue reading El Charro on the Ridge in Tyler closing its doors permanently