KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County has become the latest ‘Sanctuary County’ in the state for gun rights after Tuesday’s 4-1 vote in favor of the agenda item in Commissioners Court. According to our news partner KETK, with its passage, money and resources will no longer be spent to enforce laws believed to infringe on second amendment rights. Commissioner Terry Phillips is spearheading the move and believes it is the right thing to do with the recent concern of red flag laws and gun confiscation. “Really the constitution, the way I see it, it’s to fight against a tyrannical government, that might come against the people or something, so I just think it’s important that we show our support for the constitution,” said Commissioner Terry Phillips.

MARSHALL — On Monday Marshall police recapped a fatal shooting in the community that claimed the life of 31 year-old Courtney Jamal Johnson. The shooting happened Saturday afternoon around 1:30. Police arrived on Melanie St at the Bel Aire Manor apartment complex to find the male had been shot multiple times. Johnson was pronounced dead by medical personnel. The suspect, Charles Ray Mason, 31, of Marshall was located a short distance from the scene by police. Mason was arrested and charged with one count of Murder, one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and one count of Tampering with Physical Evidence. Detectives continue to investigate this incident.

JACKSONVILLE — On Monday the annual Trunk or Treat event presented by Jacksonville ISD found hundreds of kids in downtown along with parents with an emphasis on reading. According to our news partner KETK, before the Trunk or Treat event, each campus chose a book to read. During the night, staff dressed as characters from their books, set up a station, and gave away copies. The big picture hope is that parents will develop the habit of reading more to their children.

TYLER — The City of Tyler announced on Tuesday a plan to reconstruct the Harvey Hall conference facility in the Rose Garden complex. According to our news partner KETK, plans also include a revitalization of the historic Mayfair building. It was built as a performing arts center in 1927 and hosted artist like Elvis and Johnny Cash. Officials say the current conference facilities at the present location are outdated and floorplans are not adequate to service modern conference needs. Continue reading New Conference Center Coming to Tyler, Restoration of Mayfair Building

TYLER — A grandmother in the news over the Tatum ISD dress code, was arrested on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Randi Woodley was charged with Abandoning a Child with no Intent to Return, and on charges of Perjury. Woodley posted bail Saturday and was released. The arrest warrant shows that Woodley continued to send her grandson to school after he had been expelled. The student did not initially meet the economic requirements, but would qualify if Woodley’s Mom, Barbarra Johnson had guardianship. A notarized document was given to the school district showing the child lived with Johnson. Yet, over a month later, it was discovered Trimble was still living with Woodley.

TYLER –This Thursday, be on the lookout for those trick-or-treaters carrying blue buckets. According to our news partner KETK, the blue buckets are a sign that the child has autism. Blue is the color of autism awareness. The buckets came to be after a mother started a campaign for awareness because she had to explain at each house that her son couldn’t speak but she wanted him to enjoy the fun. Blue pumpkins aren’t the only special color to keep your eyes peeled for this Halloween. A teal pumpkin displayed at a home means that the residence offers non-candy treats for children that have food allergies.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview is reminding residents that public input for the new welcome monument survey is ticking. A public survey on two options for the monument at the intersection of High Street, Mobberly Avenue, and Estes Parkway, needs to be completed in the next week. All responses for the survey must be submitted before Monday, Nov. 4. In an earlier public meeting the city presented various themes and gathered input for the monument development. Continue reading Longview Monument Survey Closes November 4

TYLER — The Tyler and Longview housing market continues to experience steady increase. The Texas Quarterly Housing Report released on Monday showed Tyler home sales increased 5.4%, compared to this time last year. 879 single-family home sales took place, while median price rose to 6.8% to $219,000. In Longview, the median price was up 6.3% with closed sales at 8.9%. Statewide, the Texas housing market experienced steady increases in home sales, increasing 6.4% to 100,733 homes sold. Report is available by clicking the link below.
https://www.texasrealestate.com/wp-content/uploads/TQHR_2019_Q3.pdf

TYLER–TxDOT is planning construction and maintenance work throughout the Tyler district beggining Monday. Smith County will have several project including washout repairs in the ROW on SH 31 west of FM 850. Expect delays in traffic flow due to lane closures. Crews will also be staging equipment on SH 64 from RM 698 to RM 702 for a rehab job. In Gregg County, the I20 overlay project continues with asphalt operations, striping, and placing edgeline rumble strips. Expect alternating daytime lane closures. The complete report for the entire distict is available by clicking the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/053-2019.html

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System will host a FREE, indoor Trick-or-Treat celebration for the Longview community on Halloween! This Thursday from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. CHRISTUS Good Shepherd – on Hawkins Parkway will be the site of the fun. Christus says this will give people an opportunity to start your trick-or-treating early. There will be treats, face painting, games, a photo booth & prizes, all inside.

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect wanted for evading pursuit has been arrested. According to our news partner KETK, Leo Ralph Boyd III was arrested Sunday afternoon by officers with the Chandler Police Department. HCSO had asked for the public’s help in identifying Boyd after he evaded pursuit by multiple law enforcement agencies. Witnesses say multiple law enforcement vehicles were pursuing the suspect on Hwy 31 West. According to HCSO, agencies involved in the chase included Chandler PD, HCSO, Eustace Police Department, Athens Police Department, DPS, and Brownsboro Police Department.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Authorities in Henderson County are engaging the public’s help in identifying a motorcyclist. According to our new partner KETK, on Sunday afternoon a chase ensued on Highway 31 West. Witnesses say several law enforcement vehicles were in pursuit of the suspect. Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call the sheriff’s office at 903-675-5128 or Henderson County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-545-TIPS. Continue reading Motorcyclist Evades Pursuit Wanted by Authorities

MARSHALL — On Saturday afternoon ,the city of Marshall got reports that a man had been shot at the Bel Aire Manor apartment complex. The male was discovered at the location with several gunshot wounds. Medical personnel determined that he was already dead. The victim’s name is being withheld at this time. Charles Ray Mason, 31, of Marshall was identified by witnesses as the shooter. He was located a short distance from the scene, and arrested on the charge of murder.

TYLER — Preparations are well underway for The Junior League of Tyler’s 41st Annual Mistletoe & Magic Gala, that is moving to Willow Brook Country Club. This year’s fundraising soiree will be held on November 16th. Traditionally, the festivities mark the kick off into the holiday season in Tyler. The evening will include dinner and dancing, music by Manhattan and a live auction you won’t want to miss. The Mistletoe & Magic Gala is open to the public and tickets may be purchased online at http://www.juniorleagueoftyler.org or the Junior League Office on S. Donnybrook Ave. Continue reading Mistletoe & Magic “Kick Off Gala” Nears

TYLER — Children’s playhouses constructed by East Texas businesses and schools will be on display in the downtown Tyler plaza starting Sunday evening through Nov. 2. It is part of a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Smith County. All 6 of the life-sized playhouses have a different theme and will be auctioned off. East Texans place a bid online for their favorite design. The highest on-line bids will continue at a live auction at a ticketed event on Saturday, Nov. 2. Complete rules are available on the website http://www.playhousesontheplaza.com. Continue reading 2019 Playhouses on the Plaza to Debut Sun. Evening

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a text scam related to voter registration. According to our news partner KETK, HSCO says the office has received several calls from county residents who have received text messages saying they are not registered to vote. The messages ask the citizens to reply to the text. On Saturday the department encouraged residents not to reply to the text, should you receive it. If you have concerns about your voter registration status, or just want to check it, you should go to the Texas Secretary of State’s voter registration website and check on it there. We have provided a link to the post that was published by the department below.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1988463987922829&id=738877892881451

TYLER — Former TJC Tennis Coach John Peterson, whose teams won a combined 25 national championships in just under a quarter century at the helm at Tyler Junior College, will be honored on Tuesday evening. City of Tyler Mayor Martin Heines, has issued a proclamation naming October 29, “John Peterson Day,” for his contributions to the sport of tennis in Tyler and East Texas. The honor falls during the “RBC Pro Challenge” going on this week at the Tyler Athletic and Swim Club. Tyler City Councilman, Linda Sellers, for the district Tyler Athletic and Swim Club is located, will read and present the proclamation. Current TJC Head Men’s and Women’s Head Coach Dash Connell will share personal remarks about John Peterson. 

TYLER — The parent company of a local company’s anniversary proves prosperous for Smith County. Kluber Lubrication NA LP, just outside of Tyler is making a donation of 41 fruit trees and compost to the Smith County Juvenile Services Department and 170 trees across the area in honor of the 170th anniversary of its parent company, Freudenberg Group. Continue reading Smith County to Receive Tree Donation

TYLER — Chet Garner, the creator, host, and executive producer of The Daytripper, has been in Tyler this week along with his crew. The Daytripper is an 8-time Emmy-award-winning Texas travel show that airs on PBS stations across the country. Garner spoke with media members on Friday at Stanley’s BBQ and talked about the show that he was in town filming for a travel piece featuring some of Tyler’s local attractions, restaurants, and businesses. The show will air in a few weeks following post production.

TYLER — A Tyler woman received the keys to her new home on Friday. Habitat for Humanity of Smith County made the dedication on Friday. The home on North Tenneha is the 108th home built in Smith County in Habitat’s 30-year history. Scherry Jones and her daughter Brea, helped to build their home this summer along with hundreds of volunteers after the wall raising in May. Jones and her family completed 300 “sweat equity” hours by helping to build her home. She is purchasing her home from Habitat with a no interest, 30-year mortgage. To qualify for a Habitat home, applicants must demonstrate the need for affordable housing and show the ability to make a monthly mortgage payment.

KILGORE — Kilgore College kicked off the weekend putting a bit of a scare into visitors. On Friday night the school started their first “Kil-GORE College Horror Movie Festival” with the Alfred Hitchcok classic “Pyscho”. Dodson Auditorium will host movies through Tuesday on the Kilgore campus. The movie festival is open to the public, admission is $10 per person with single movie passes available for $2 per person. Attendees who bring a donation for the KC Student Food Pantry will receive a single movie pass. Continue reading ‘Kil-GORE College Horror Movie Festival’

LONGVIEW — Each year Davita Dialysis centers from across America hold a benefit ride to raises money that is used in chronic disease research. According to our news partner KETK, Tour Davita is a 3 day, 200 mile ride. This year, when Richard Forsyth got the opportunity to get involved, he did not hesitate. Forsyth, is a technician with Davita in Longview. He is not an avid rider,but was inspired by his patients to help raise $1.2 million in total.

TATUM – On Friday, the grandma of the Tatum child at the heart of a dress code controversy was arrested. According to our news partner KETK, Randi Woodley was charged with the charge for perjury and child endangerment. Woodley is in the Rusk County jail and is currently being held on a $27,500 bond. It is not clear what led to her arrest. In August, Woodley made charges that the Tatum ISD superintendent, Dr. J.P. Richardson, told her that her grandson must cut his hair or put him in a dress. Richardson has vehemently denied those accusations. Continue reading Dress Code Grandma in Tatum Arrested

TYLER — The grand opening of Southside Park in Tyler has been moved due to weather issues. On Nov. 16 the City of Tyler Parks and Rec Department and Tyler Area Ambucs will be cutting the ribbon on the new inclusive playground at Southside Park. The festivities will happen at 10 a.m. for the playground that feature ramps, swings and slides and accommodate kids with mobility disabilities and wheelchairs. These accommodations will allow children to enjoy the same playground regardless of their abilities. Continue reading Southside Park Ribbon Cutting Rescheduled

TYLER — Democrat Julie Gobble is announcing her campaign for the 2020 Texas House of Representatives District 6. Julie will hold a candidacy kickoff event from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, at Martin Walker P.C. on N Spring Ave in Tyler. Gobble will file to appear on the March 3 Democratic Primary Ballot for the seat in District 6. The public is invited to the October 29 event but RSVPs are requested at julie4texas.com. Contact chair Greg Bryant at [email protected] for more info.

LONGVIEW — Due to Inclement weather. Downtown Live will be moving this week to Backstreet Bar and Grill on W. Methvin St. You are invited out tonight for this free event from 5 to 8 p.m. for great food and the music by Bobby “O” and the Mojos. Backstreet Bar and Grill is a smoke free establishment.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview, Partners in Prevention’s Unity and Diversity Committee will host “Longview Listens” from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on November 4, 2019. The evening will be at Maude Cobb Activity and Convention Center. Longview Listens seeks to promote unity and diversity by creating a safe environment by celebrating all individuals through community dialogue. This will be the first in a three-part series with the subsequent Longview Listens planned for February and May of next year. For more info call Partners in Prevention at 903-237-1019.

TYLER — On Monday early voting opened, on Friday Smith County officials reported that 724 ballots have been cast in the county as of Thursday’s close. Elections are being held for statewide Constitutional Amendments, as well as local elections for Smith County Emergency Services District 2 and Overton Mayor and City Council members. Polls remain open on Friday. Smith County residents will still have a chance to vote early next Monday through Wednesday at The Hub, on E. Ferguson in Tyler, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, is November 5, voting will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early election balloting continues next week.

TYLER, Texas (AP) – Southside Bancshares Inc. (SBSI) on Friday reported third-quarter profit of $19.8 million. The Tyler, Texas-based bank said it had earnings of 58 cents per share. The holding company for Southside Bank posted revenue of $71.7 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $55.3 million, which missed Street forecasts. Southside Bancshares shares have increased slightly more than 9% since the beginning of the year. The stock has climbed 16% in the last 12 months.