KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler Monday announced two new projects in collaboration with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Officials say they’re aimed at training future healthcare leaders and improving health in East Texas and beyond. The first project entails exploring the development of a collaborative doctoral program in Health Administration. Officials say it will focus on increasing the knowledge of healthcare professionals to better address issues related to population health. The second project is a program to examine the social and economic impact of undertreated mental health conditions in East Texas. Officials point out that access to care for mental health and reducing undertreatment of the conditions has become a public health issue.

TYLER — Tyler’s Glass Recreation Center will be closed Nov. 18 through Dec. 15 for maintenance, repairs, and renovations. During this period, crews will be resurfacing facility floors, replacing all weight room fitness equipment, and repainting the interior walls of the facility. City officials say the facility will reopen on Monday, Dec. 16, at 7 a.m. Classes and programs will resume their regular schedules.

GREGG COUNTY — Gregg County officials are investigating a Sunday afternoon shooting. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened around 5:45 p.m. at Barracudas Gas and Grill on Highway 149 in Easton, just north of the Gregg County line. One person was injured and taken to the hospital. Authorities say the shooter left the scene. The sheriff’s office is asking for anybody with information to contact them right away.

TYLER — The CEO of NET Health has sent KETK a statement confirming the death of a man who contracted Legionnaire’s disease. According to our news partner KETK, the statement reads, “NET Health has learned of the death of one of the confirmed Legionnaires Disease cases. We are sorry to hear of the loss and send our heartfelt condolences. NET Health is devoted to the ongoing investigations of the situation.” Family and friends on Facebook have identified the deceased as Ruben Gutierrez, a longtime Tyler community leader, an advocate for immigrant rights, and precinct chair for the Smith County Democratic Party. Continue reading NET Health Confirms Tyler Resident Dies from Legionnaires’ Disease

TYLER — November 7, 2000 was the last deathless day on Texas roadways. TxDOT held a press conference on Thursday to bring awareness about the Anniversary. The “Texas Tag 10 Challenge” issued by Texas Transportation Commissioner Laura Ryan is similar to the “ice bucket challenge.” Commissioner Ryan is asking every Texan to share via social media what they are doing to end the daily death streak. Statewide almost 67,000 people have died since it started. Continue reading End The Streak of Daily Death on TX Roadways

TYLER — Tyler city officials confirm that an airplane flipped during take off on Friday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, no injuries resulted in the crash. Officials have not determined what caused the plane to flip during the take off. The runway was shut down for a short time while they awaited equipment to remove the single engine plane. Tyler Pounds Regional Airport remained open during cleanup efforts, as the airport funneled additional flights to the other runway, that was still in operation.

TYLER — The Healthy Me Healthy Babies Coalition invites the community to attend the Purple For Preemies Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center. Tickets are $30, and proceeds benefit the March of Dimes. The community can also become involved with the Healthy Me Healthy Babies Coalition by attending their next monthly meeting, scheduled for November 18th, at 11:00 a.m. Room 104 on the Tyler Junior College West Campus.

TYLER — Non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed Monday, in observance of Veteran’s Day. County offices will reopen on Tuesday, for regularly scheduled business hours. Commissioners Court will be held at its regular time, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, in the Annex Building, on E. Ferguson. No new jury panels will be called because of the holiday.

TYLER — NETRMA released results on the Toll 49 Segment 6 feasibility study on Friday. The segment would run between State Highway 110 and U.S. 271. The survey began in September of last year with nearly 900 citizens participating with input. To see the complete report click the link. https://www.netrma.org/assets/Toll49_Seg6_FeasibilityStudy_FINAL.pdf

TYLER — Astronomer and visual artist, Dr. José Francisco Salgado, spoke to students at Moore MST Magnet School Thursday about his Science & Symphony films and the creative process involved in making them. Students learned how Salgado collaborates with orchestras, composers, and musicians to present films that provoke curiosity and a sense of wonder about the Earth and the Universe. On Saturday, Dr. Salgado is taking part in the ETSO concert at the UT Tyler Cowan Center. Continue reading Astronomer, Visual Artist Speaks at Moore MST Magnet

MARSHALL — Union Pacific’s historic Big Boy steam locomotive No. 4014, will be stopping in Marshall for several hours on Monday. The world’s only operating Big Boy locomotive, will be there from 9:00-3:00. The Big Boy’s return to the rails is the product of more than two years of restoration work. Marshall is one of four Texas cities selected to have a daylong display which will include access to a multimedia exhibition that provides a glimpse at the past while telling the story of modern day railroading.  Admission to the exhibition is free. Continue reading Union Pacific Big Boy No. 4014 in Marshall

ALTO — Oncor let clients in Alto know that some households will temporarily lose electric power next Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, this is part of an ongoing reliability improvement project. The electricity provider will be updating equipment in east Alto next week. Part of this work will require temporary power outages for 30 to 50 customers in east Alto, near Old Spanish Trail. Outages will be begin at approximately 7:30 a.m. and conclude by approximately 5 p.m.

TYLER — A Smith County Jury found Michael Orr guilty of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Young Child in the 241st Judicial District Court on Wednesday. After hearing punishment evidence on Thursday, the jury returned a sentence of Life Without Parole. The jury heard evidence that the defendant was sexually abusing a seven year old girl for more than 30 days in 2014. After three days of testimony, the jury deliberated for an hour before coming back with a guilty verdict.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The remains of a soldier from Alba killed during the Korean War have been identified after almost 70 years. According to our news partner KETK, the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Thursday that Army 1st Lieutenant George S. Crisp, 24, of Alba, killed in 1950, was accounted for Sept. 3, 2019. Crisp was an officer in Company L, 3rd Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. His unit was engaged in intense fighting with the Chinese People’s Volunteer Forces at Sinhung-ri, near the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea. He was reported to have last been seen near Hagaru-ri, but his remains could not be located. The U.S. Army declared Crisp dead December 12, 1950. Continue reading Remains of Missing Korean War Soldier Identified

SMITH COUNTY — Prosecutors will continue to present their case against Damian Mosley in the second day of his capital murder trial for killing Billy Stacks back in January 2017 during a gas station robbery. According to our news partner KETK, opening statements were given and then over 10 state witnesses testified to help establish the basic facts of the case. Smith County DA Jacob Putman gave a near 30-minute opening statement, talking about how Stacks, 62, worked at the gas station for over 13 years. Continue reading Capital Murder Trial Continues in Tyler

TYLER – Friday is the last day to register for the 2019 Rotary Clubs of Tyler Christmas Parade at a reduced rate. Beginning Saturday the fees are doubled. Organizers are also reminding would be particpants to keep in mind once the parade reaches 110 entrants registration will close. The parade will be held in downtown Tyler and begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 5. This year’s parade theme is “Rotary Connects the World” and winners will be selected in six categories: Best Holiday Theme, Best Band, Brightest Entry, Spirit Award, Most Creative, and Best Decorated Vehicle. Continue reading Early Registration Closes Friday for 2019 Rotary Christmas Parade

TYLER — All Texas Roadhouse locations nationwide will be celebrating Veterans and active duty military on Monday by offering free lunches November 11. According to our news partner KETK, the Veterans Day event will run from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. All former, retired and, current US military members will be able to choose one of 10 entrees from a special Veterans Day menu. Organizer’s say you will just need to provide proof of service, such as a military card, VA card, or discharge papers. Texas Roadhouse in Tyler is located on E. South East Loop 323. The restaurant’s Longview location is on E. Loop 281.

TYLER — A 44-year-old Longview, man has been convicted of federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Correy James Rider was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and crack cocaine on Wednesday. The verdict was reached following a two-day trial. According to information presented in court, Rider was indicted together with several co-defendants on charges related to the distribution of methamphetamine and crack cocaine in the Gregg County area. Continue reading Gregg County Man Convicted of East Texas Drug Trafficking Crimes

MARSHALL — An East Texas teen driving last January during a crash was charged Wednesday in relation to the death of two of his passengers. According to our news partner KETK, Latavion Demond Jackson, 18, of Marshall,is charged with two counts of criminally negligent homicide. Ny’Jahl Armstrong and Derrick Bennett were killed in the crash. Three other Marshall ISD students were involved in the accident. Marshall Fire Chief Reggie Cooper said it happened about 1 a.m.January 12, on Highway 43 South near Grangeway in Marshall. Continue reading Marshall Teen Charged in Double Fatality Accident

LONGVIEW — Longview Mayor Andy Mack delivered the State of the City address on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, this was Mack’s 5th year to deliver the speech. Longview council members say the annual declaration is a great way to know what’s happening in their city. On Wednesday the 5th year mayor’s remarks included a pop quiz highlighting the the town’s history, ahead of next years 150 year celebration in 2020.

HENDERSON — Henderson ISD school board member Jonathan Best has been indicted on a criminal mischief charge for allegedly sabotaging his opponent Adam Duey. According to KETK, Best is accused of hiring teenagers to steal signs as well as putting sugar in the gas tank of Duey’s truck in an attempt to hold on to his seat on the Henderson ISD school board. He has vehemently denied the allegations and released a statement through his lawyer. It read in part: “Jon knows he did not ask these boys to do any of the mischief for him, nor did he pay them to remove any signs or damage any vehicle.” The charge against Best is a state jail felony and he can face up to two years in prison if convicted. Duey wound up unseating Best in the Nov. 5 election 298-170.

SMITH COUNTY — Residents of Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 have approved a sales tax that will increase pay for additional firefighters. The final unofficial tally was 3,439 in favor, with 3,368 against. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County sales tax is at 0.5 percent and voters approved an increase of up to 1.5 percent. 11 Departments make up ESD No. 2, most of which are staffed with volunteers. The departments cover over 700 square miles and protects more than 92,000 residents.

GREGG COUNTY — A body found Wednesday in the Sabine River has been identified as a missing Kilgore man. According to our news partner KETK, family members have confirmed that the body recovered Wednesday is Lloyd Keith Thrasher. He’d been reported missing since Sunday. Investigators found his car on FM 2087, near Old Kilgore Highway. Family members say he suffered from dementia. Daughter-in-law, Lauren Thrasher, posted her thanks to the Harleton Fire Department Search and Rescue K-9 team, which assisted in the search for Thrasher, on the team’s Facebook page. “We are so very thankful to your team!!! Thank you for helping to find my father in law,” she wrote. Continue reading Body Found in Sabine River Identified as Missing Kilgore Man

TYLER — The 2nd of 4 November Input meetings for a new Smith County Courthouse is Thursday. Officials say there were about 15 community members in attendance on Monday. Smith County is working to produce a plan for a new Smith County Courthouse. Before a proposal is presented to voters, officials are gathering public input on the new court house. Thursdays meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church on E. Main in Whitehouse. Pct. 2 Commissioner Cary Nix and Judge Moran will lead the meeting. Continue reading 2nd Smith County Courthouse Meeting on Thursday

TYLER — Museum and cultural arts supervisor for the city of Carrollton, Cody Scallions, will be the guest speaker at Tyler Junior College’s series of President John Tyler Lectures. The event will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, in the Admiral Inman Room (1109), in Jenkins Hall on the TJC main campus. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. Scallions’ serves as superintendent of the A.W. Perry Homestead Museum in Carrollton. Continue reading Cultural Arts Expert Coming to TJC Lecture Series

TYLER — Bruno Cunha, died after crashing into the back of a mini-van last friday near the U.T. Tyler campus. The 28 year-old from Brazil was here earning a degree in civil engineering. His friends have set up a go-fund-me account to raise money for funeral expenses and the thousands of dollars to send his body back to Brazil. A Mass was held on Tuesday night for Cuhna. A second event to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. At last check the site had earned over $14,000 dollars. https://www.gofundme.com/f/2fcub-bruno-cunha-funeral

LONGVIEW — On Tuesday fire workers came together to share strategies and new techniques for dealing with arson and explosion scenarios. Organizers say criminals are getting smarter and that’s why East Texas first responders continue to come together for this conference as they have the past 3 and half decades. Ideas are given out and valuable info is shared. Advisers hope the concepts prevent future crimes and track down criminals who commit them.