KTBB News, Weather, Talk

MARSHALL — Monday is first day across the nation that businesses are required to be compliant with Kari’s Law. This law requires telephone systems to have direct access to 9-1-1. According to our news partner KETK, the law is named for Kari Hunt, she was stabbed to death in 2013 by her husband in a Marshall motel room. The couple’s oldest daughter, was 9-year-old at the time, dialed 9-1-1 for help. Continue reading Kari’s Law Now in Effect Nationwide

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, a colossal search by multiple agencies ended early Monday morning at the Tyler State Park. Battalion Chief David Gerald said an autistic 17-year-old went missing just after 5:30 p.m. on Sunday night. A little over 7 hours later, Kevin Wickliffe was found on CR 35 north of I-20. The teen had no injuries and was dehydrated. Gerald said that Wickliffe was found by a volunteer roughly a half-mile from where the command post was set up.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning to conduct a range of construction and maintenance work around the Tyler District during the Week of Feb. 17. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones. Note: All TxDOT offices will be closed Monday, February 17, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Normal business hours resume at 8 a.m., Tuesday. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

AUSTIN — Sales tax allocations for Tyler and Longview are up from a year ago according to the state comptroller’s February tally. Tyler’s total for this month is $4,983,966.71, compared to $4,648,037.66 a year ago — an increase of 7.22%. For the year to date, it’s $8,400,559.09, a 1.37% jump from $8,286,561.80 at this time last year. For Longview, the February total is $3,771,503.49, compared with $3,562,214.14 a year ago — up 5.87%. For the year to date, Longview’s figure stands at $6,517,637.04 — an increase of 5.34% from this time in 2019, when the total was $6,186,953.91.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A three-year-old has died and two people have been badly hurt in a weekend accident in Upshur County. According to DPS, troopers responded at 3:01 Saturday afternoon to SH 300, 3/10 of a mile southeast of Gilmer. The crash investigators’ preliminary report indicates that the driver of a Honda, Amelia Wright Scott, 62, of Gilmer, failed to yield the right of way from a private drive and was struck by a Ford driven by Mindi Marie Higar, 24, of Longview. Higar was transported to Christus Good Shepherd – Longview in serious condition. Scott was transported to Longview Regional Hospital in critical condition. The child, a passenger in Scott’s vehicle, was taken to Children’s Hospital – Dallas where she later died. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announced that a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program has been approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the program may be available in fall 2020. As quoted in a news release, Dr. Amir Mirmiran, UT Tyler provost and vice president for academic affairs, said, “There is a critical shortage of social workers across the country, and particularly in our own East Texas region.” Because of its rural nature, aging population, economic challenges, and a growing drug epidemic, East Texas has a unique need for social workers, according to information in the 2018 Comptroller’s report.

LONGVIEW — The field is set for the May 2 election in Longview City Council Districts 3 and 4. The deadline to apply for a place on the ballot was Friday. In District 3, the hopefuls are 51-year-old incumbent Wray M. Wade, 55-year-old Darrin Rudy Rudolph, and 62-year-old Hank Guichelaar. 38-year-old incumbent Kristen Ishihara is running unopposed in District 4. For more information about the City of Longview General Election, visit http://www.LongviewTexas.gov or contact the City Secretary’s Office at 903-237-1081.

TYLER — Tyler police need your help in locating someone in a hit and run episode that injured two people. According to police, the incident occurred Tuesday at Broadway Square Mall. Alejandra Duarte-Valle, 35, and Jose Lopez-Perez, 27, both of Longview, were struck while walking in the parking lot in front of JC Penney. Witnesses who did not see the incident saw a silver sedan speeding out of the parking lot. Duarte-Valle and Lopez-Perez were both taken to a local hospital by EMS. Duarte-Valle has been released from the hospital, but Lopez-Perez remained in critical condition at last report. Anyone with information about this incident or who may be involved is urged to contact Detective Gardner at (903) 535-0192 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at (903) 597-2833.

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University’s School of Nursing has announced that they have received the first place distinction out of 118 programs in Texas by the annual Registerednursing.org state ranking. Rankings are measured by the pass rates on the exam required to become an RN. The program has been around for nearly 3 decades and recently moved into their new state-of-the-art education center. Over the summer, ETBU graduates achieved a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX for the fifth consecutive year. Continue reading East Texas Nursing School Ranks Number 1 in the State

KILGORE — Kilgore College is accepting delivery of applications for the next Pharmacy Technology certification classes that begin on March 30 and will run through July 22. The Pharmacy Technician program is designed to provide students with flexible classes to earn a certificate opening possibilities in drug stores, doctors’ offices and grocery store pharmacies. For more information and entrance requirements, visit http://www.kilgore.edu/pharmacy-technology.

BIG SANDY — Upshur County Sheriff’s Investigators are analyzing the crime scene of the murder of an 18 year old Big Sandy resident. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to a shooting Thursday night on Juniper Road. Sheriff Larry Webb says officers discovered Christopher Johnson who had sustained a gunshot wound. Johnson later died at Good Shepard Medical Center. The Sheriff says, Johnson’s family has been notified, and investigators are following up on leads.

KILGORE — On Thursday the East Texas Council of Governments reported Anderson County Judge Robert Johnston has taken the Oath of Office to serve as Vice President of the Texas Association of Regional Councils Board. Johnston will serve on the board as a representative of ETCOG. Judge Johnston took his oath in Austin at the TARC Annual Board of Directors meeting. Continue reading Judge Johnston Elected VP of TARC

TYLER — An early morning robbery took place at Gander RV & Outdoors in Tyler on Friday. Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh told KTBB, “an unknown suspect broke through a garage door window in one of the service bays, and smashed a hand gun display case, that had FN hand guns, and took 12 to 15 pistols.” The break-in took place around 2:30 a.m. Erbaugh continued, “it was in, straight to the display, and out the same way and gone, so it was very quick.” Erbaugh said that Tyler police investigators are pursuing several leads and that the investigation is ongoing.

TYLER — Last November, Dameon Mosley became the first person to receive the death penalty from Tyler in 4 years. On Thursday Kadarius Oliver, 26 was sentenced to 35 years for his role as a “look out”, during a gas station robbery in 2017. In that robbery, Mosley murdered Billy Stacks. Oliver, was originally charged with capital murder, which carries with it the death penalty, but pleaded to the lesser charge. As part of his plea agreement, he waived his right to a jury trial.

TYLER — Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East boat ramps were temporarily closed due to a rain event earlier this week. On Friday the city of Tyler Water Utilities reopened all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East. According to our news partner KETK, Lake Gladewater has re-opened after closing from the earlier flooding as well. The Lake water levels have receded to, what is considered, safe levels. The city is also encouraging boaters to be aware of hidden objects or debris that may have washed into the lake from the floods.

TYLER — The Rose Plaza Shopping Center is being renovated. According to our news partner KETK, the upgrade includes a Sprouts Fresh Market, which is known for healthy eating options and fresh produce. As well as the shopping center facelift, Lisa Crossman say there will also be a new traffic light, “There are already issues with being able to get in and out of that shopping center.” Continue reading Traffic Signal Coming to Remodeled Rose Plaza

TYLER — An Athens man has been arrested following an undercover sting where officers found significant amounts of drugs in his home. According to our news partner KETK, Logan Carr, 19, allegedly posted ads on Snapchat for LSD, Xanax, meth, and spiked mushrooms. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, said surveillance of Carr showed him making several different interactions with people in a business parking lot on Wednesday. Undercover officers arrested Carr, and a search warrant was executed at his home where, what’s described as “significant amounts” of drugs were found. Continue reading E TX Man Accused of Posting Drugs for Sale on Snapchat

KILGORE — Kilgore College’s East Texas Police Academy will host the graduation ceremony of it’s latest class, the 323rd class in total, on Feb. 20 of the ETPA. The festivities will be held in the Devall Ballroom on the Kilgore Campus at 10:30 a.m. The BPOC is an intensive 775-hour licensing course. Following successful completion of the BPOC, students meeting the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) licensing requirements are eligible to take the peace officer licensing test. For more information on the ETPA, visit http://www.kilgore.edu/etpa.

EAST TEXAS — Rain has caused roads to flood and some have shut down across East Texas. Here is a partial list of areas affected:

SMITH COUNTY — Waters have receded from many county roads that saw high water crossings Wednesday morning. However, at this time, FM 3311 in Smith County remains closed due to flooding and a washout under one lane. Crews are working on repairs and expect to open it by 5 p.m. on Friday. Continue reading Flooded Roadways in East Texas

TYLER — A celebration of life Friday for a former Tyler radio personality. Troy Nathan “Bobby” Bell, 58, of Tyler died on Monday and was scheduled to be memorialized at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, in the Stewart Family Funeral Home Chapel. Bell is well known across multiple radio industry platforms, and for his production company. However, family say his love of God and family outreached his passion for all of it. Continue reading Services Friday for TX Radio Hall of Fame Nominee

LINDALE — The Cannery announced on Thursday they will be home to the Back the Blue Bash on March 7. This event is the annual Fundraising Event & Concert for the East Texas Fraternal Order of Police. Festivities include a Car show, vendors, food trucks & live music. This event helps fund Annual Blue Santa Event, Philanthropy, Officer Benevolent Fund, Officer Training and Officer equipment. The Cannery and Pickers Pavilion are located on Miranda Lambert Way in downtown Lindale. Continue reading Back the Blue Bash at The Cannery in Lindale

TYLER — The Rose Plaza Shopping Center is being renovated. According to our news partner KETK, the upgrade will include the opening of a Sprouts Fresh Market. As well as the shopping centers facelift, Lisa Crossman say there will also be a new traffic light, “There are already issues with being able to in and out of that shopping center.” Continue reading Traffic Signal Coming to Remodeled Rose Plaza

TYLER — A record-setting amount of rain fell Wednesday in Tyler. KTBB weather consultant Dr. Bob Peters reports that it was the wettest February day since records began — in 1883. Peters reports 5.59 inches. The previous record for February was 4.78 inches on February 3, 1986. The prior record for February 12: 1.53 inches in 1984.

GRAND SALINE — Grand Saline ISD has made the decision to close their doors due to a flu outbreak. According to our news partner KETK, classes have been cancelled for Thursday and Friday so the custodial team can conduct a thorough cleaning of all classes on each campus. Students were already scheduled to be off on Monday for a staff development day. Classes are scheduled to resume on Tuesday.

TYLER — On Wednesday, leaders from the Flint neighborhoods surrounding the proposed concrete batch plant met with owners of Tycon Ready Mix. The meeting was hosted by Rep. Matt Schaefer, and attended by Sen. Bryan Hughes, Smith County Judge Moran, and Commissioner Jeff Warr. The meeting consisted of dialogue over concerns raised by numerous residents. Continue reading State Rep Weighs In on Proposed Concrete Plant in Flint

WHITEHOUSE — The on-going rain this week has taken its toll on not only on roads but on lake boat ramps as well. According to Tyler city officials, Lake Tyler has closed their boat ramps to the public along with those roads, until further notice. The lake is currently at an elevation of 376 feet MSL and are continuing to rise, according to the City of Tyler Utilities. Spillway elevation is at 375.5 feet MSL. Ramps are being closed due to hazards resulting from debris washed into the lakes by recent rains and to reduce damage resulting from shoreline erosion. In addition, the lakes are closed to boat traffic from lake residents.

ATHENS — A Henderson County Jailer has been dismissed and arrested for sexual assault. On Wednesday Sheriff Botie Hillhouse told KTBB, “a Henderson county inmate informed a Detention Officer that she had been assaulted by Rashaan Miller who was a jailer here at the Henderson County Sheriffs Office working inside the jail.” Hillhouse said the incident happened on Tuesday evening, “I immediately contacted the Texas Rangers and the Henderson County District Attorney’s Office to conduct an investigation that we assisted with.” Continue reading E TX Jailer Fired After Inmate Claims Sexual Assault

LONGVIEW — The mass emergency notification system for the City of Longview is changing, and residents that want to stay informed of severe weather and emergency situations impacting the area, will need to sign up. On Saturday the city will replace the formerly used CodeRED system and begin using Smart911 by RAVE Mobile Safety. If residents had an account in the old system they will need to create a new account through Smart911. Continue reading Longview Invites Residents to Opt-In for Alerts