KTBB News, Weather, Talk

KILGORE — The Texas Shakespeare Festival, the TSF Foundation and Kilgore College regret to announce that the 2020 summer festival has been canceled for precautionary reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release from the college. Established in 1986, the TSF began as KC’s contribution to the Texas Sesquicentennial celebration. It continued as a popular annual attraction for the Kilgore area with patrons traveling to the festival from around the globe. This summer would have marked the professional theatre’s 35th season and the final season for Raymond Caldwell, artistic director since the festival’s inception.

LONGVIEW — Longview’s Spring 2020 Downtown Live concert series was scheduled to begin on Friday, April 3. But due to the current restrictions mandated by city, state, and federal officials to lessen the spread of the coronavirus, all April dates for Downtown Live (April 3, April 10, April 17 and April 24) have been canceled. The May 1 concert has also been canceled. Continue reading Changes to Spring 2020 Downtown Live Schedule

HENDERSON — A 29 year old Henderson man accused of murder has turned himself in. According to our news partner KETK, Gary Jordan Jr. surrendered to authorities at the Henderson Police Department early Tuesday morning. Jordan was being sought in connection with the murder of 45-year-old Sabrien Walton. Police have not released a motive for the killing. Jordan has not had his bond set currently awaits arraignment in the Rusk County Jail.

TYLER — On Tuesday, Captain Nicole Parker told KTBB that the Salvation Army has established a phone number where people impacted by the coronavirus can call for emotional and spiritual support, “It’s for people who are lonely, or need someone to talk with.” Parker continued, “locally we have been hearing a lot people wondering where their meals are going to come from, or how they will pay their rent, and fear of the unknown and we are able to answer those calls and be a listening ear on the other side, we share that we have a greater hope in Jesus to be the anchor of our soul and to trust in Him and to lean into that.” Continue reading Salvation Army Offers Emotional Support Phone Line

TYLER — Two staff members at The Heights of Tyler senior living facility have tested positive for COVID-19. According to our news partner KETK, both staff members have been away from the facility for more than one week and are doing well at home. “At this time there is no indication the virus is spreading in our center, and our residents and staff are doing well,” a center spokesperson commented. Continue reading Two Workers at Tyler Senior Living Facility Test Positive for COVID-19

TYLER — On Monday the City of Tyler’s Mayor Martin Heines issued the “Mayor’s Marquee Challenge.” Heines asked all area businesses, in an afternoon press release, if they have marquee signs or billboards to display safe hygiene practices. Participating businesses are encouraged to share photos of their billboards on social media and tagging #spreadfactsnotfear and #marqueechallenge. Continue reading Mayor Heines Issues Challenge

MARSHALL — City of Marshall Police Department Chief Cliff Carruth said on Monday, “The City of Marshall Police Department is honored to announce final installation of Mobile Data Computers consisting of cradle point mobile routers and wireless in all remaining patrol vehicles, as well as extensive officer training has been completed in the Marshall Police Department.” Continue reading Tech Upgrades Installed for Marshall Police

TYLER — The Smith County District Attorney’s office announced Monday via a press brief, that a majority of its investigators will be dedicated to aid local health officials in contact tracing efforts for the coronavirus. “As of today, I am dedicating five of my seven investigators to assist the Emergency Operations Center in combating the COVID-19 outbreak,” Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman said. “These five investigators will aid in contact tracing to help our public health system determine who may be at risk for infection.” Continue reading Smith County DA’s Investigators to Aid Health Officials

TYLER — On Monday, Adriana Rodrigues told KTBB, that all Tyler area parks will be cleaned and sanitized this week, by Sparkling Clean of East Texas, “the business offered to provide the work free of cost as a way of help to the community.” Rodrigues continued saying, “the sanitation process which includes playgrounds, water fountains, benches, picnic tables, etc, is not a forever fix. Guests visiting the parks and playgrounds should continue to use hand sanitizer, wash their hands constantly and wipe off the equipment before and after use.” Continue reading Sparkling Clean of East Texas to Sanitize Tyler Parks

TYLER — Tyler Independent School District begins it’s 2nd week of online classes. An original version of this story reported classes began today, we regret that misinformation. On Monday, TISD said in a press release, “the district will extend school facility closure through April 10 to comply with Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran’s “Stay at Home” Order issued last Friday. “TISD remains in communication with local health professionals, in-addition to state and local government, in case a recommendation is made to extend the closure date; which is anticipated. Continue reading TISD Extends School Closures thru April 10th

TYLER — As of Monday NET Health says there are now 32 cases of coronavirus in Smith County. The county has added an additional case since Sunday. The 3rd coronavirus death happened in East Texas on Monday in Bowie County. Of the 64 cases across East Texas, Smith county accounts for half of those. Henderson County, reported their first case of confirmed coranvirus on Sunday. You can click the link to get more information from the NET Health site. http://www.mynethealth.org/services/public-emergency-preparedness/local-confirmed-cases.

TYLER — On Monday, Smith County Judge told KTBB that public boat ramps and lakes in the county remain open, “under the order I issued on Friday, one of the essential activities that is still allowed is recreation activities.” Judge Moran continued, “we still want folks to recreate in a safe manner, but that means keeping social distance while they are doing that. As it relates to boat ramps or boating, or fishing activities, if they can that safely by themselves, in a boat on the lake, that would still be permitted under the order.” Continue reading Judge Moran Public Boat Ramps Remain Open with Restrictions

TYLER — On Monday, the University of Texas at Tyler said that the Fisch College of Pharmacy is conducting a community outreach program looking at vaping among East Texas teenagers. As of February, there have been just shy of 3,000 cases of EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury), and almost 300 cases in Texas. Continue reading UT Tyler Examines Teen Vaping Crisis in E TX

HENDERSON — Police in Henderson are investigating a Homicide. It was reported around 5:00 Sunday on Wilson Street. According to the department’s Facebook page, officers responding to a shots fired call found the body of Sabrien Walton, 45. An arrest warrant was issued for Gary Jordan Jr. , 29. Officers said he is considered armed and dangerous. Jordan was driving a tan 1998 Chevy S-10 single cab pickup with Texas License Plate MTZ5120. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henderson Police Department: 903-657-3512.

TYLER — Tyler ISD says schools will begin lessons online Monday through virtual learning. According to our news partner KETK, students and teachers will work through a portal with a grade-specific curriculum. TISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said he and district educators understand that “this is not a sprint.” He said the pace of learning will change under this new system, but that the district is doing what it can to keep education at the forefront. The system is new for everyone, and all will have to practice patience as they navigate through it. Continue reading Tyler ISD Launches ‘Distance Learning’ Portal

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct a range of construction and maintenance work around the Tyler District during the week of March 30. In Smith County, caution is advised Wednesday as a new eastbound frontage road opens on I-20 at US 69 and the existing entrance ramp closes for removal. There will be no I-20 access for US 69 traffic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the removal process. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/014-2020.html for a complete rundown of work planned around the district in the coming week.

TYLER — The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting applications for emergency farm loans due to damages and losses caused by drought occurring on November 1, 2019 and continuing in Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Upshur and Van Zandt Counties. Smith County Farm Loan Manager Clinton Warrick asks farmers who want to apply for emergency loans to submit their applications as soon as possible. The deadline for applications is November 7, 2020, but Warrick says if farmers wait too long, a backlog will develop and cause delays. Generally, farmers who have lost 30% of their production or any physical loss due to the disaster are eligible for the emergency loans. Continue reading FSA Accepting Disaster Applications

TYLER — With 31 cases of coronavirus reported as of noon Sunday, Smith County remains under a stay-at-home order. As the spread of the virus continues, many people have questions about the order. Speaking to KTBB, County Judge Nathaniel Moran addressed uncertainties about recreational activities, such as going to parks. “The best advice I can give to individuals in the community is just to reduce their interpersonal interactions with other individuals,” said Moran. There’s studies that show that if you reduce those interactions by 75 per cent, getting down to 25 per cent of our current level, that that can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19. So the closer you stay to home, the less travel you have to do, the less activity that’s done — even if it’s essential activity on a daily basis — that will help prevent the spread of COVID-19.” Continue reading Moran Addresses Questions about Stay-at-Home Order; 31 COVID-19 Cases Reported in Smith County

EAST TEXAS – Rusk County is reporting its third case of COVID-19. According to our news partner KETK, the new case and others bring the number of reported COVID-19 cases in East Texas to 49. Meantime, Cherokee County has reported its second case. The Cherokee County case is travel related, according to the Cherokee County Public Health Department, and the patient is recovering at home under isolation. Also, Henderson County is reporting its first COVID-19 case. In letter, Henderson County officials say, “The patient has not had any travel history and is believed to have contracted the virus due to community spread.” The patient is not hospitalized, the letter said, “and is in her home with her family, who will be quarantined.” Continue reading New Cases of COVID-19 in Rusk, Henderson, Cherokee Counties

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank is continuing emergency food box distribution in partnership with Tyler ISD for the week of March 30-April 3. Food Bank representatives will be at the following Tyler sites from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Monday- TJ Austin
Tuesday- Griffin, Caldwell and Boulter
Wednesday- Peete, Moore and Hubbard
Thursday- Griffin, Caldwell and Boulter
Friday- Three Lakes, Moore and Hubbard

TYLER — Tyler police are seeking to quell some residents’ concerns that they may be stopped while traveling during the current county-wide stay-at-home order. The police department has posted a statement on its Facebook page that reads, in part, “While residents of Tyler are free to leave their homes to conduct defined essential activities, Tyler PD WILL NOT stop or contact you solely to determine your purpose for travel. Per the Stay-at-Home order, you do not need a form declaring where you work or where you are traveling. We WILL work with you and help educate our public in an effort to gain compliance with all declarations and executive orders. Enforcement action will be taken only as necessary.” Click here for more information on the Smith County stay-at-home order.

TYLER — NET Health has confirmed the second death in East Texas related to COVID-19. According to a news release, the individual was a 47-year-old female who was hospitalized for treatment of COVID-19 symptoms, and was the confirmed case announced by Van Zandt County on March 18. “The public has the responsibility, more than ever, to follow recommendations from health officials,” says George Roberts, Chief Executive Officer of NET Health, in the news release. “This is now a team sport. It is critical for everyone to play their part and to help us “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 having a devastating impact in East Texas.” Continue reading Second COVID-19 Related Death in East Texas

PALESTINE — The city of Palestine has issued a statement addressing concerns related to public meetings in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Officials say, in part, “Continuing efforts have been authorized and are underway to improve by making all adjustments needed to ensure that future City Council meetings which may be completely remote and electronic will allow for the public and press to participate in a way that ensures they can both hear and comment on the items under discussion.” Continue reading Palestine Addresses Coronavirus-Related Meeting Issues

LONGVIEW — The Longview 150 Parade has been rescheduled for Aug. 29,at 10 a.m. in Downtown Longview. The rain date for the parade is Sept. 12. Main Street co-rdinator Melida Heien said in a press release on Friday, “While rescheduling events of this magnitude is always difficult, we really wanted to continue to celebrate our community’s big birthday. It definitely gives us something to look forward to with hope that better days are ahead.” Continue reading Longview 150 Parade Rescheduled

GREGG COUNTY — On Thursday, Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt told KTBB the intent behind issuing a mandatory shelter in place is to bring awareness and flatten that coranaviurs curve, and the only way to do it, is to quit gathering in large crowds.” Longview Public Information Officer Shawn Hara told KTBB originally they left the decision totally up to individuals, but if we get some of these returns back and we see we have these positive cases for sure then we are going to go to that mandatory. So, that’s what they did, because the very next day, we had two more confirmed cases.” Stoudt continued, “we are not trying to stop commerce, we want you to work if necessary, we want you to go and get your groceries, but don’t take the whole family to the store. This is a serious issue.” The mandate begins at 11:59 p.m Thursday night.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressmen Louie Gohmert told KTBB on Friday, “the $2 Trillion plan was passed in the House and then President Trump signed it shortly thereafter.” Every person making $100,000 or less, or every couple making $200,000 or less will get a check in the mail. The check will be for $1,200 per adult, $2,400 per couple and $500 per child. When asked how soon East Texans could expect some relief, the District 1 Congressman from Texas said, “Very soon, we know families and small businesses are needing help. Businesses have got to have some liquidity quickly to pay their employees and make their monthly payments just to stay in business and avoid bankruptcy they need to go ahead and be looking at small business loans through banks. Steve Mnuchin was explaining to me that if it’s an FDIC bank or an approved Federal Credit Union then they expect them to be able to make those loans and them be able to get those loans directly.” Continue reading $2 Trillion Dollar Package Signed by President Trump

WHITE OAK — Police are looking for a suspect who robbed a convenience store clerk at gun-point. According to our news partner KETK, the robbery took place just after 8 p.m. Thursday night. An employee at the store said the robber came into the store, demanding money while showing a handgun. The worker complied and the alleged ran out of the store. He is described as as black male, approx 6’3” with a black mole near his nose. He was wearing a red hoodie, black sweat pants, and a mask over the bottom part of his face. Anyone with information is asked to contact White Oak Police Department at 903-759-0106 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867). The video from surveillance cameras is available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/104389476316029/videos/2607920922865198/.

KILGORE — The city of Kilgore has issued a shelter in place order. While Gregg County issued a shelter in place on Wednesday, March 25, parts of Kilgore fall out of the jurisdiction. That prompted Kilgore Mayor Ronnie Spradlin to issue his own executive order of shelter in place for residents. The order went into effect Thursday, March 26 at 11:59 p.m. and ends on April 9. Continue reading East Texas Shelter in Place Orders

TYLER — Due to the coronavirus, many non-essential businesses have been shut down. This has caused companies to reduce employees’ hours and lay off workers. According to our news partner KETK, to help with unemployment, Workforce Solutions in Tyler is helping. The organization helps people apply for benefits and helps laid-off workers find new jobs. The office is closed to the public, but you can call (903) 561-8131 or visit their website. With unemployment reaching an all-time high, they are receiving a large number of calls. “We’ve had over 500 calls in a day,” said manager Stephen Lynch. East Texas workers dealing with job losses are adjusting to their new challenges. Workforce Solutions say the best way to apply for benefits is online. If you make a call to the call center, remember to be patient and persistent.