KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Beginning on Monday, the Smith County Tax Office is closing its doors to the public until further notice. However, officials said on Friday, they will still be working to assistance Smith County residents and businesses. Smith County Tax Assessor-Collection Gary Barber said that starting Monday, the Tax Office at the Cotton Belt Building will close its doors. His employees will continue working, answering the phones and mail. Continue reading Tax Office to Close Doors, Will Still Assist the Public

AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott brought Texans up to date Sunday afternoon providing the latest information on the state’s battle against the spread of COVID-19. There are 334 cases statewide, out of the 8,756 tests that have been conducted. Governor Abbott encouraged people to go to the state’s site for official numbers. Click the link for more details. https://dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#coronavirus. Gov. Abbott said that he would NOT be issuing a ‘shelter in place.’ Continue reading Governor’s Report on Latest in Texas on COVID-19

TYLER – On Friday Goodwill Industries of East Texas announced the temporary closure of all 15 of its retail store operations to the public until April 4th. All locations will undergo a deep clean by staff through out the weekend. Donations will be accepted through the weekend during the hours of 10-6 p.m. on Saturday and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday using the “car to cart” method to limit as much personal contact as possible. Goodwill anticipates welcoming back staff, shoppers and donors on April 4th and program participants and non-retail staff on April 6th.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning construction and maintenance work around the Tyler district for the upcoming week begining Monday. In Longview, Judson Road/SH 502 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Hoyt Drive and Pegues Place as a city contractor conducts street work that is expected to take about three months to complete. In Smith County the I-20 Ramp Improvement Project will continue, among other items. To see the entire report for the Tyler District this week click the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/013-2020.html.

KILGORE — Kilgore College announced 17 students have graduated from the Kilgore College Electric Power Technology program. This is the 26th KCEPT class to complete the certificate program, which covers 10 weeks. The public graduation celebration was done away with due to COVID-19 concerns. Sam Alston, of Mount Vernon, was awarded the “Top Hand Award,” which is presented to the student who earns the highest overall score in the course.

TYLER –Free curbside meals will continue to be provided by TISD Food services weekdays through April 3. Beginning Wednesday, Peete Elementary School will also be a pick up location along with Boulter, Hubbard, Moore, and Three Lakes middle schools, Caldwell Arts Academy, and Griffin Elementary School. Last week more than 5,000 grab and go meals were distributed to to students. According to Dr. Marty Crawford, Tyler ISD Superintendent, although this is a favorable amount of meals, he would like to see that number increase since the District currently has approximately 9,000 students participating in the free and reduced lunch program. Continue reading Curbside Extended, TISD adds Peete as Pick Up

TYLER –As of Monday at noon, Smith County remains at 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases. There are no COVID-19 related fatalities within Smith County. Smith County continues to remind the public to contact their healthcare provider prior to visiting hospitals or emergency rooms for treatment. It is very important to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus that all potential patients are screened so healthcare providers can to prepare for their arrival, and not be exposed and taken out of the field because they are greatly needed. Continue reading Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Remains at 10 in Smith County

LONGVIEW — Gregg County has announced that judges have canceled jury trials and jury service through May 1. According to our news partner KETK, the courts will not schedule or perform large docket calls through the first day of May and judges will not schedule or conduct “non-essential” proceedings, including criminal magisterial proceedings, CPS removal hearings, temporary restraining orders/temporary injunctions, juvenile detention hearings, family violence protective orders, emergency guardianship, and certain mental health proceedings. Continue reading Court Dismissed in Gregg County for Next Several Weeks

ATHENS — The city of Athens will hold their regularly scheduled city council meeting online Monday night. According to our news partner KETK, there will be no physical entrance to the meeting in keeping with Gov. Greg Abbott’s order to limit gatherings. Staying in compliance with that order, city officials will conduct the regular business meeting of the city live on Facebook. The meeting will get underway at 5:30 p.m. Continue reading City Council Meeting Online in Athens

TYLER — People Attempting to Help will be instituting temporary operational changes to adapt to COVID-19 public health crisis. On Friday the organization announced hours of operation for the week of March 23 through March 26, will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with only food pantry service available. The temporary change in operations is partially due to the loss of volunteers, the majority of long-term PATH volunteers are over the age of 60. Continue reading PATH Program Services Change due to COVID-19

TYLER — In an attempt to make accessing physicians quicker, UT Health East Texas Physicians has launched telehealth. On Friday UT Health publicised that Telehealth appointments can be made by calling 903-596-DOCS. Established patients can schedule FaceTime vistits. Telehealth visits are also available for new patients for an acute illness. Routine patients may also reach out to their provider via the patient portal. Continue reading UT Health East Texas Launches Telehealth Services

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview has scheduled “A Special Called City Council Meeting” for Monday. The conference call will include City Council members, staff, and citizens that will participate via audio only. Instructions and direct links to view the meeting or speak during citizen comment can be found at the City Council Meetings via Teleconference page. The virtual conference meeting room will open at 5:15 p.m., and the meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. For assistance or questions related to participating in the meeting, please contact the City Secretary’s Office at 903-237-1080.

TYLER — Tyler ISD has a plan to keep its students learning during the statewide school facility closure that is in effect through April 3. On Friday, the district announced the Distance Learning curriculum provides at home instruction opportunities for all grades, Pre-K through 12, with online platforms and resources. Plans also include options for learning through printed grade-specific instructional packets for students and families without internet access or devices needed to complete the online curriculum. Continue reading Distance Learning for TISD Begins Monday

TYLER — On Friday, Jenny Wells told KTBB, “there are eight confirmed COVID-19 cases in Smith County as of noon today, and evidence of community spread has been found.” There are no COVID-19 related fatalities within Smith County as of noon Friday. Wells continued, “the Joint Information Center of Smith County is urging the public to contact their healthcare provider prior to visiting hospitals or emergency rooms for treatment. It is very important to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus that all potential patients are screened so healthcare providers can to prepare for their arrival, and not be exposed and taken out of the field because they are greatly needed.” #SpreadFactsNotFear http://www.MyNETHealth.org/Coronavirus. Continue reading “Evidence of Community Spread” 8 Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in Smith County

TYLER — Smith County Public Information Officer Larry Christian told KTBB on Friday, “No one was injured during the ATF’s controlled detonation on Thursday evening.” This came about after Smith County Deputies acted in response to a call from an individual cleaning out a vacant house in the Chapel Hill area. Materials in a shed were recognized as explosives. Investigators notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Continue reading ATF Performs Controlled Detonation

LONGVIEW — A car wreck Thursday afternoon on East Loop 281 in Longview, has killed a local pastor, known all over the country. Rev. Glynn Stone, the senior pastor of the Mobberly Baptist Church came to Longview in 2007. According to our news partner KETK, Pastor Stone was pronounced dead at around 5:15 p.m. Thursday at Longview Regional Medical Center. Stone was the only occupant in the one vehicle accident. Almost 7,000 people are members of Mobberly Baptist. About 2,600 people attend the church’s six morning worship services, which are offered in three languages.

MARSHALL — On Friday the city of Marshall released a preventative maintenance standard with many the war of germ free against COVID-19. The city verbalized the following statement. “During this time of heightened usage of disinfectant, anti-bacterial wipes, and personal hygiene wipes, please be reminded that the City of Marshall sewer lines cannot process many of these items. The following items are often found to be the cause of stoppages in the City sewer lines and should NEVER be disposed of by flushing into the Sanitary Sewer Collection system.” Continue reading Public Works Safeguards for City of Marshall

TYLER — In the middle of quarantine concerns, residents are putting grocers to the test. Nearly 14,000 employees will receive a “thank you” bonus of appreciation from their employer Brookshire Grocery Company of Tyler. The company says they wanted to recognize the great energy and efforts of service during the COVID-19 crisis. Brookshire’s has opened a hiring center on Rice Rd. to help with increased shoppers.

BROWNSBORO — Brownsboro ISD announced on Thursday that they will be closed through April 3rd to support the community and health care professionals in containing the spread of the coronavirus. Additionally, all extracurricular activities, practices and athletic events are suspended while the school is closed. The district is working to provide review materials, as well as online support. Grab and go meals for students begins next Tuesday. More information will be posted on the district webpage at http://www.gobearsgo.net.

TYLER — UT Health East Texas and CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System have issued a joint statement regarding elective surgeries in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The statement reads as follows:

As the demands of the current COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve in our community, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System and UT Health East Texas want to keep our East Texas communities informed about our approach to elective procedures and “non-essential” procedures. Continue reading Joint Hospital Statement in Response to COVID-19

ATHENS — Henderson County and the city of Athens have declared a “local disaster” after tension over the coronavirus spreading in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, until further notice, Athens has closed City Hall, Athens Partnership Center, Development Services Center (restricted to lobby) and Athens Police Department. (restricted to lobby) Henderson County has closed several facilities to the public, including the Clint W. Murchison Memorial Library & County buildings.

TYLER — TJC has announced plans for students in support of Gov. Abbott’s executive order and State of Texas directive to close schools from midnight Friday, March 20, through Friday, April 3.

For continuity the College announces the following plans:

– Online 2nd 8-week and Healthcare Technology Medical Systems courses will continue as planned.
– Online 16- and 12-week courses will resume as planned on Monday, March 23.
– All face-to-face and hybrid courses will be converted to an online format for the time being with a tentative return to campus on April 6. Students will be receiving communications from their instructors with further details. Continue reading TJC Update to Students and Communities

TYLER — With Governor Greg Abbott’s executive order issued on Thursday, Tyler ISD will be closing school facilities through April 3 to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Although the order closes campus facilities to students and non-essential staff, the District’s mission to educate students will continue during this Community Mitigation Period. A Video message from TISD Superintendent Dr.Marty Crawford is available by clicking the link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOqgOcjtDgY&t=38s. Continue reading TISD follows Governor’s Executive Order to Close School Facilities Thru April 3

LONGVIEW — Longview’s Buckner Westminster Place has updated its visitation policy in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. You can go to https://www.buckner.org/coronavirus-blog/buckner-retirement-services-updates-limited-access-visitation-policy to get all the details.

MARSHALL — Marshall Police Chief Cliff Carruth announced new procedures in the daily operation of the City of Marshall Police Department Animal Control and Shelter. In response to the COVID-19 threat and with hopes to reduce exposure, the following procedures will be followed from March 19, 2020 to April 15, 2020.

• No visitors or tours will be granted at any time.

• Intake will be curb side only from Monday-Friday 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. by appointment only. Please call (903) 935-4530 to schedule an appointment. Continue reading Marshall Animal Control Center & Shelter New Procedures

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University is functioning in accordance with Governor Abbott’s executive order given on Thursday. Only vitally important employees should be working from their University offices or workstations. All other employees should be working from home until further notice. All recommended safety practices are currently being implemented on the residential campus. To see the complete statement from the University, click the link. https://www.letu.edu/coronavirus.html.

TYLER — H-E-B has donated $40,000 to the East Texas Food Bank to support its response to COVID-19. The gift will be able to provide up to 320,000 meals for the 1 in 5 East Texans facing hunger, according to food bank officials. In total, H-E-B is donating $3 million in response to COVID-19.

TYLER — On Thursday Northeast Texas Health’s George Roberts told KTBB, “we don’t have a whole lot of cases of COVID-19 in our community that we are aware of. However, this is a very infectious disease, and if it starts spreading it could be to the point that it would overwhelm the health care system. That is not what we want, that is why we are asking people to stay back, stay at home, get out for essential services only and go to work only if you have to, or work from home. That’s what we are trying to do, we are asking people to practice social distancing, along with the idea of wash your hands, cover your cough, stay home if you are sick and stay away from sick people.” Continue reading How Community Can Help Decrease Corona Virus