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AUSTIN (AP) – A Texas appeals court has delayed the execution of a second death row inmate as the state tries to contain the outbreak of the coronavirus. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Thursday ordered a 60-day delay of Tracy Beatty’s scheduled March 25 execution in “light of the current health crisis and the enormous resources needed to address that emergency.” Beatty, of Whitehouse, was set to die for the 2003 slaying of his 62-year-old mother. The court noted it previously upheld his conviction and sentence. The court on Monday ordered a similar delay for John William Hummel’s scheduled execution on Wednesday.

HARRISON COUNTY – One is dead following a fatal crash Thursday morning on FM-2625 in Harrison County. D.P.S. investigators preliminary crash report indicates that the driver, David Lee Ogle, 46, of Marshall was traveling westbound when the vehicle ran off the road, traveled through a fence and rolled over in a pasture. Ogle was pronounced dead at the scene and taken to Meadowbrook Funeral Home in Marshall. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — On Thursday Jenny Wells told KTBB that the Smith County Joint Information Center is urging residents to call ahead, “We are asking 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.” There are No new COVID-19 cases reported and to date No COVID-19 related fatalities have happened within Smith County as of Thursday, March 19 at 12 p.m. There are 5 Confirmed cases within the county. Continue reading Thursday Update on COVID-19 in Smith County

MARSHALL –A City of Marshall Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday evening has been cancelled. According to a press release to KTBB, the cancellation comes on the heels of recommendations by the CDC to cancel gatherings of 10 people or more. Marshall Mayor Terri Brown said in the release, “this action is intended to give staff the time in which to implement provisions for remote attendance permitted by Governor Abbott’s temporary suspension of certain provisions of the Texas Open Meetings Act.”

TYLER — The Azalea Orthopedics All-Star Basketball Games are canceled due to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. The annual girls and boys high school basketball games, features East Texas High School seniors with proceeds from the 2 games and concessions benefiting the Bethesda Health Clinic. Anthony Brooks said, “We are in the midst of challenging times, and unfortunately, this pandemic has deprived many high school seniors the opportunity to finish out a normal school year.” Continue reading Azalea Honors Players Despite Cancellation

TYLER — Visit Tyler in conjunction with the City of Tyler canceled the Azalea & Spring Flower Trail Ribbon Cutting that was set for Friday. On Thursday, Susan Travis told KTBB that although the ribbon cutting festivities are not happening, people are still encouraged to enjoy the splendor of it all without harm, “Yes drive through the trails, see the beauty of the Azaleas and the homes from the safety of your car. You don’t have to worry about coming in contact with anyone.” Continue reading Azalea Trails Cancels Ribbon Cutting

TYLER — On Thursday UT Tyler President Dr. Michael Tidwell told KTBB that the university has taken a number of precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 including moving all classes online. “We have taken a number of steps to ensure the welfare of our students, staff and faculty, maybe the most important is moving all of our courses online for the remainder of the semester. We already have a large amount of courses in our portfolio available, but now we are moving all of our courses online for the remainder of the semester.” Continue reading U.T. Tyler Makes Various Moves in Response to COVID-19

CANTON — Canton ISD will be closed from Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27, according to a statement from the school district. Along with numerous other educational entities nationwide, CISD is taking precautions for the COVID-19 virus. You can go to https://www.cantonisd.net/ for further details.

LONGVIEW — City of Longview offices are still operating, but have moved to limited public access to help ensure the health of citizens, according to a city news release. Additionally, some facilities have closed to the public. The city offers many online services. If your business requires you to visit a facility in person, you’re asked check in advance if the facility is open to the public, practice good hygiene habits, and maintain a respectful space from city staff or other residents. Currently there is no change to the sanitation/recycling schedule. You can go to https://www.longviewtexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2518 for more details.

TYLER – In response to COVID-19 concerns, Simon Property Group is closing all malls including the Broadway Square Mall in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, all properties will be closed as of 7 p.m. Wednesday and will stay shut down until Sunday, March 29. “The health and safety of our shoppers, retailers, and employees is of paramount importance and we are taking this step to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” said David Simon, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Simon in a press statement. The Broadway Square Mall has 80 stores including Dillard’s, JCPenny, Victoria’s Secret, and Dick’s Sporting Good which opened in late February.

TYLER — No new COVID-19 cases or COVID-19 related fatalities within Smith County as of Wednesday, March 18 at 12 p.m. There are 5 confirmed cases in Smith County. Judge Nathaniel Moran of Smith County has approved an emergency declaration. There have been no restrictions placed on private businesses at this time. City of Tyler facilities remain closed to public access through April 1. Continue reading Smith County Daily Update on COVID-19

TYLER — Brookshires Grocery Company announced Wednesday that they will be offering discounts of 5% to seniors over the next 6 weeks. According to our news partner KETK, BGC is also asking patrons to allow the first hour of operation to be reserved for seniors during the coronavirus outbreak. The discount will be active through May 5th. Many stores, including Brookshire’s, have altered their service hours due to the coronavirus to allow time for disinfection and for restocking.

TYLER — The 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence, were canceled in the interest of public health, but were conducted online Tuesday. A total of 7 winners were announced for the 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence. This year, BBB received 17,000 votes. “Although we weren’t able to celebrate with our guests in person,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. Continue reading 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence Awarded Online

PALESTINE — On Wednesday, the Anderson County public school districts released a joint statement…
“For the health and safety of the Anderson County community, Anderson County public school districts have determined to suspend normal school operations at this time. Please visit your school’s website for additional details.” Continue reading Anderson County School Districts Suspend Normal Operations

TYLER — Tyler Independent School District proceeds with curb service meals to students and families during the extension of spring break classes. Since Monday, TISD Food Services have distributed 1,796 curbside meals at designated campus pick up locations. Curbside meals are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Boulter, Moore, Three Lakes, Hubbard, Caldwell, and Griffin campuses daily. Continue reading TISD Food Services Distributes nearly 1800 Meals

TYLER — The Eastern District of Texas announced on Wednesday that a 27-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Dakota Allen plead guilty in September of last year to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison. Judge Kernodle also ordered forfeiture of $5,000 seized from the defendant.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College announced that all in-person classes are subject to resume on Monday, March 30. Students are asked to not return to on-site classes until Monday, March 30. In the meantime, limited online instruction will continue this week, and all existing online instruction will begin again on March 23. Students living on-campus in residence halls will be able to return on Sunday, March 29. Employees who are able to work remotely, in coordination with their respective supervisors, may remain at home until March 30 to maximize social distance, but are not restricted from working on-site, provided they are healthy, symptom-free and have not been exposed to anyone who is ill.

TYLER — NET Health has received confirmation of the fifth COVID-19 case in Smith County. Officials said the individual had direct exposure to a known confirmed case in Smith County. As of 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, per our local Health Authority, there are no deaths related to COVID-19 in Smith County. With the potential for community spread, every individual should take heightened precautions. The source of exposure of the fourth confirmed case remains unknown and the patient is currently in home isolation. The three other confirmed patients have a recent travel history outside of the United States. Continue reading Fifth Confirmed Coronavirus Case in Smith County

CANTON — In an extraordinary move First Monday Trade Days in Canton announced on Tuesday, that it would not be in operation for the upcoming April event. According to a post on social media the city says, “The safety of our citizens, vendors, visitors, and employees remains our highest priority. Closing First Monday due to COVID-19 was a hard decision because it supports more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and local merchants who rely on this market for their livelihood.” Continue reading Corona to Close Trade Days First Time in 150 Years

TYLER — On Tuesday, the Smith County Commissioners Court ratified the Declaration of Local Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency from the Coronavirus, signed by County Judge Nathaniel Moran on Monday. Judge Moran told KTBB on Tuesday “The continued spread of COVID-19 presents an imminent threat of widespread illness, which requires emergency action for the protection of the people of Smith County.” Continue reading Disaster Declaration Ratified by Commissioners

TYLER — U.T. Tyler announced new action steps to confront coronavirus on Tuesday. According to a news release from President Dr. Michael Tidwell,starting Monday, all classes will be delivered online through the remainder of the semester. Faculty are spending this week in preparation for online class delivery. The operational adjustment includes nearly 10,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff across Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston campuses. Continue reading UT Tyler Will Begin Online Classes for Remainder of Semester

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House passes a coronavirus relief bill — but East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert held it up until some changes were made. Gohmert says an earlier version contained “devastating aspects to small business, hitting them with penalties and requirements that were just gonna take them under.” Gohmert says after ten hours of negotiations, the House finally came up with a bill he could support. The bill then moved on to the Senate.

TYLER — TxDOT is out with its weekly roadwork schedule around the Tyler District. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct base repairs on SH 110N at FM 16. Expect the roadway to be reduced to one lane carrying two-way traffic controlled by flaggers and a pilot vehicle. Longview Maintenance crews plan to conduct patching operations and address routine maintenance issues on various roadways around Gregg County. Lane closures are possible at all work locations with flaggers providing traffic control. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/012-2020.html for a complete rundown.

HENDERSON — The Texas Department State Health Service reported the first coronavirus case in Rusk County on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the case is travel-based and the person has been isolated at home. Further details weren’t immediately given.

TYLER — A number of businesses and other entities in East Texas are continuing to make adjustments in response to the coronavirus outbreak. That’s according to our news partner KETK.

Local attractions

Caldwell Zoo will be closed until April 3 to protect visitors and employees.

The Discovery Science Place will be closed until Friday, March 20. During the time, the museum will comprehensively clean surfaces, spaces, and manipulatives. Continue reading Tyler Businesses and Others Adjust Services in Response to COVID-19

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University has updated its operational plan as coronavirus concerns continue. The university issued this news release Monday afternoon:

East Texas Baptist University’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) is closely monitoring the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the United States. We are working diligently to ensure the health and safety of our University community. Continue reading ETBU Updates Operational Plan

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview says it is closely monitoring the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is dedicated to keeping its residents informed during this quickly-evolving season. In addition to notifications sent out as news releases, the City is maintaining a series of pages to point residents to the most up-to-date, official information. You can go to https://www.longviewtexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2477 to find that information.

LONGVIEW — Beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, Judson Road (SH 502) will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction between Hoyt Drive and Pegues Place. Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route. The closures are expected to last for three months. This street work is part of the Transportation Alternative Grant Funded by the Longview Economic Development Corp. and Texas Department of Transportation. This project consists of constructing the Guthrie Creek Trail from Marshall Avenue to Eden Drive. This project is being constructed by Leland Bradlee Construction of Longview, Texas. If you have any questions related to construction, call the City’s Project Manager, Bob Watson, at 903-239-5504.