KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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.

TYLER — Next Monday Veterans are invited to Time Square Grand Slam Theatre on South Broadway for free movie for them and a guest at 2:30 p.m. The screening of the soon to be released “Midway” will be at 2:30 pm. The complimentary screening is a courtesy of Ross and Shoalmire, a local Elder Law Firm that will be honoring and hosting local Veterans. Each guest will receive a complimentary small drink, tray of popcorn and candy. The law firm started this semi-tradition in 2015 with the release of the World War II film “Unbroken.” For more information or those interested in seeing the move can call 903-561-5653.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Department said on Wednesday that a total of 37 parents were arrested for violating court orders of paying child support. The sweep from last weekend was conducted in conjunction with the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division to locate parents wanted for failing to pay court-ordered child support. Numerous others called in to get warrants cleared. Continue reading Child Support Results in Smith County

HALLSVILLE — On Tuesday 54% of voters in Hallsville passed a $55,000,000 bond. The money will be used for the construction of a new elementary school, a new high school auditorium, safety upgrades and renovations to the Junior High, and district-wide improvements. According to the HISD website voters also approved $3,000,000 to refund and replace Maintenance Tax Debt with I&S Tax Debt that provides approximately $605,000 of M&O funds to pay for things such as staff raises, buses, and additional preventative maintenance.

EAST TEXAS — Unofficial election results are in. According to Smith County’s website, there are 138,290 registered voters in Smith County. Texans considered 10 statewide propositions Tuesday during the election. According to our news partner KETK, Proposition 1 – Failed. Final results show, 65% voted no and 35% voted yes. The proposition would have allowed a person to serve as more than one appointed or elected municipal judge, assuming the person was appointed to each of those positions. Continue reading Unofficial Election Results

MARSHALL — On Monday East Texas Baptist University honored 103 graduating seniors with the presentation of their official ETBU Class Ring. The Ring Blessing was held for the December graduates of 2019. Inspired by Deuteronomy 6, the Class Ring allows ETBU Alumni to carry and display the love of Christ. The ceremony is designed to celebrate the accomplishments of students during their time at ETBU and connect generations of alumni. The ring symbolizes the University’s blessing over students as they commence from ETBU to pursue their vocational callings.

BROWNSBORO — Brownsboro, the oldest city in Henderson County, will host their 6th annual Pioneer Days with family friendly fun this Saturday. Our news partner KETK, had organizers in studio on Monday highlighting activities that will kickoff with a parade Saturday at 9:30 a.m. The event is free to the public. Following the parade, the celebration moves to the High School and Junior High Campuses with booths and enjoyments including a dunking booth. Festivities conclude at 4 p.m.

GRESHAM — First Baptist Church Gresham has closed for the day because of a gas leak. The church was being utilized on Tuesday as one of the 34 polling places in Smith County. County officials say it was closed around noon and voters were redirected to other sites to cast their ballots while the gas company clears the building. Smith County voters are able to vote at any location they choose. Polls are open until 7 p.m. today. For more information, visit: https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/elections

TYLER — Tyler Junior College began online and walk-in registration for its upcoming winter and spring terms on Tuesday. Online registration is available at TJC.edu/register. Walk-in advising and registration will be held in the Apache Rooms of Rogers Student Center Tuesday until 5 p.m. and on Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 7:30 p.m. The opportunity will return in 2 weeks with the same hours on Nov. 19 thru Nov. 21st. The Winter Term is a three-week, online-only session Dec. 16-Jan. 7. For a list of available courses, go to TJC.edu/winter.

LINDALE — The first of four Smith County Courthouse Citizen Input Meetings was held on Monday in Lindale. It was the first of four to be held throught out Smith County in the month of November as the county works to formulate a plan for a new Smith County Courthouse. The county courthouse needs to address several challenges with current building including, plumbing, security, and space for all courtrooms are of top concern. Parking is also an obstacle, and commissioners are proposing a 750-car parking structure to help alleviate the need. Continue reading Smith County Holds First Citizen Input Meeting

EAST TEXAS — It’s Election Day in Texas, with several constitutional amendments on the ballot as well as some local items. You can go to
https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/elections to find out more about voting in Smith County. Visit https://www.greggcountyvotes.com/ to learn more about the process in Gregg County.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A man and woman from Athens have been arrested for possession of meth following early morning traffic stop. According to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, Patrick Massey, 48, and Dana Mccormick, 47, were stopped for a vehicle violation around 2:30 Tuesday morning. During the stop, deputies noticed the smell of marijuana and found a glass pipe and two baggies of meth. Massey said he was trying to hide the drugs in his socks when the pair was being stopped. He said he had the marijuana because it was his birthday. Massey’s meth was hidden in his right, front pants pocket. Continue reading Henderson County Meth Bust

UPSHUR COUNTY — An Upshur County teenage boy has been arrested after a shooting of another teen during an argument. According to our news partner KETK the shooting occurred at early Sunday morning at 1:45 a.m. Authorities believe a 16-year-old male shot a 15-year-old during a fight involving multiple teenagers North of Gilmer on Gopher Road. The victim was taken to a Tyler hospital with a “serious injury.” Others at the scene suffered minor injuries, but it is unclear how many were involved. Continue reading 16 Year Old Arrested for Shooting of 15 Year Old In Fight

TYLER — Tyler Junior College was the only two-year institution in the state, and one out of four higher education institutions in Texas – to be recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education with a national 2019 Educational Fundraising Award. TJC was honored in the category of overall improvement. The Tyler Junior College Foundation is a separate, 501(c)(3) support organization governed by a 25-member, self-perpetuating board of directors. Institutionally related foundations play a vital role in raising and managing private resources in support of public institutions like TJC. For more on the TJC Foundation, go to TJC.edu/foundation.

TYLER — An East Texas deputy sheriff shot during a routine call is now out of ICU at a Tyler hospital. Bradley Colman remains in stable condition, and Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor said his deputy is doing better. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reports Colman went to the hospital after the shooting and the suspect in the case was shot and killed after a short chase October 19.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department are searching for a man they say robbed a store on Saturday night and assaulted a bystander. According to a post on the departments facebook page, the suspect entered a store on East Hawkins Parkway and began demanding money at gunpoint. A customer attempted to intervene and the robber then used that gun to strike the man repeatedly in the face and head. The suspect escaped with an undetermined amount of money. if you have any info about this crime, contact Longview Police at 903-237-1199, Gregg County Crime-stoppers at 903-236-7867 or online at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org

LONGVIEW — Three and a half years of planning and construction have become a reality. The Longview Transit Center highlighted their new services and routes on Monday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The initial application was submitted in 2016 for funding to construct a Transfer Center in the same complex as Amtrak and Greyhound. Now all of the services are located in one spot for those utilizing public transportation. The city plans to continue to work with residents to grow public transportation in Longview as the area continues to grow.

TYLER — Prosecution swore in witnesses on Monday morning for the capital murder trial of a Tyler man. According to our news partner KETK, Dameon Mosley is accused of shooting and killing Billy Stacks during a robbery of a gas station in January 2017. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Mosley. Testimony for the case could begin on Thursday, or Tuesday of the following week. Two other suspects, Lamarcus Hannah, 35, and Kedarius Oliver, 26, were also arrested for their involvement in the robbery and have also been charged with capital murder.

TYLER — TxDOT has issued its Tyler District roadwork schedule for the week of November 4. In Smith County, crews plan to continue rehab operations on SH 64E just west of Arp. In Gregg County, workers plan to conduct overlay operations on FM 2087 from Sabine St. to the railroad crossing. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/055-2019.html for a complete rundown on work around the district.

LONGVIEW – After two years of construction, Longview held a grand opening for its new Arboretum and Nature Center. According to our news partner KETK, the LANC grew out of a dream by the Gregg County Master Gardeners, with 26 acres in the heart of Longview chosen for the location. Phase 1 of the LANC master plan was completed with a grand opening held Saturday, featuring tours and activities. The park features cultivated forests, meadows, formal and informal gardens, waterways, and extensive walking trails. The arboretum event center is projected to be a multi-use teaching/event facility built in the near future. You can visit http://www.longviewarboretum.org/ for more information on the arboretum.

LINDALE – The sponsors of the Lindale Veterans Memorial are asking for help in finding a company that can clean the monument. The granite memorial was egged Halloween night, according to the official Facebook page, and the stone has been stained by the eggs. Anyone with information about cleaning companies is urged to call 903-279-5612 or message the page through Facebook. According to our news partner KETK, anyone with any information about the vandals is urged to call Lindale police or the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Go to https://www.facebook.com/LindaleVeteransMemorial/posts/2554528768113280 to view the Facebook page.

TYLER — Over the past week, Tyler firefighters have responded to eight separate fires in residential structures, caused by heating appliances, electrical wiring issues, and fireplace/chimney maintenance. According to a news release, five of these incidents occurred on Thursday and Friday, with at least three of these believed to be related to home heating and heating appliances. The Tyler Fire Department reminds citizens to take precautions as we enter the cooler months of the year. According to the United States Fire Administration, heating is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. A few precautionary steps can help prevent these types of fires. Continue reading Tyler Firefighters Respond to Multiple Calls, Citizens Urged to Use Caution

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been arrested for stabbing someone multiple times. According to our news partner KETK, Curtis Carl Walter, 62, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after police responded to calls on Mobberly Avenue around 3:30 p.m. The victim has not been identified. Police determined that the stabbing occurred at another location and the victim walked to that area. Walter was located and arrested without incident. He has been charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and is being held on a $35,000 bond. If convicted, Walter faces up to life in prison.

TYLER — Tyler police responded to a wreck shortly after 7:30 Friday morning. The fatal crash that involved a motorcycle and mini-van, took place at the corner of Loop 323 and University Blvd. The driver of the bike was 28 year-old, Bruno Cunha. Cunha was transported to U.T. Health Hospital and pronounced dead. Cunha, who was a student at the University of Texas at Tyler, is from Brazil. Investigators are still examining crash scene information and witness accounts of what occurred. This case remains open pending further investigation.

TYLER — Police detectives from Tyler P.D. have charged two 15-year-old black males in connection with 2 criminal investigations. One is from Dallas and the other is from Tyler. Authorities believe the suspects committed an Aggravated Robbery, where a 16-year-old was shot during a struggle over a gun that he was selling. This incident occurred in a parking lot on S. Broadway, on August 4. Investigators have also charged the 15-year-old juvenile from Dallas, for the Aggravated Robbery of a TJC student. She was held at gunpoint while police believe he stole her car from the parking lot of U.T. Health on October 14. Continue reading 2 Juveniles Arrested in Connection with 2 Crimes in Tyler

WHITEHOUSE — Mayor Charles Parker announced Friday that Leslie Black will be the next city manger of Whitehouse. Black comes comes to Whitehouse from the Town of Sunnyvale, where she has served for eight years as the Interim Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Town Secretary. Prior to Sunnyvale, Black served in the cities of Kaufman and Belton. Continue reading Black Named New City Manager in Whitehouse

MARSHALL — Over 350 three and four-year old students from Marshall ISD were part of the 12th annual Washington Early Childhood Center Field Day. earlier this week. East Texas Baptist University Kinesiology Departments students led the ECC attendees,ranging from parachute play, and tricycle riding, to obstacle course running. Field Day is more than a one-day activity for ETBU students. Ahead of time, students spend time building lesson plans for the age range of children that attend the event. In addition, the students also practice teaching strategies, applying effective use of wording and body language to elementary students.