KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Starting on Friday, the Tyler Police Department will be adding additional officers on patrol and utilizing the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program. Officials say this plan of action will run through Monday. This approach is based on crash data in the city limits of Tyler that allows officers to pin point target areas that are historically a problem. Tyler police remind the community with increased traffic conditions for Labor Day weekend, officers will be watching for hazardous infractions such as impaired drivers, speeding, intersection enforcement, and seat belt violations.

JACKSONVILLE — The City of Jacksonville has purchased a new fireboat. According to our news partner KETK, the craft will be used for fire rescues and operations on Lake Jacksonville. A team of firefighters are training this week on the boat and will have it out and patrolling the lake Labor Day weekend. Looking forward Jacksonville FD will use the boat on holidays and weekends.

TYLER — Tyler’s Gallery Main Street, on the downtown square, marked its 10th anniversary Wednesday with a celebration, a new art exhibit — and information about its impending move. The city of Tyler’s Main Street Department — including the gallery — will soon join the non-profit Heart of Tyler and Visit Tyler in the nearby Plaza Tower, currently undergoing major renovations. The city’s Stephanie Franklin says it’s all about “creating a space that has synergy for tourists.” Visitors will find maps, general visitor info, and local merchandise, along with the gallery. Franklin says it’s a ten-year lease arrangement, and she hopes to have the move complete by early November.

EAST TEXAS — Pittsburg police say their building was struck at least four times by gunfire Wednesday night. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened at around 10:45 Wednesday night. The building was occupied at the time. No injuries have been reported. Police are working to determine who the shooter is and how many people are involved in this crime. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 903-843-3131 or the Pittsburg Police Department at 903-856-3330.

GLADEWATER — Gladewater police need help learning a man’s identity in connection to an ongoing investigation. According to our news partner KETK, the man is wanted for questioning in connection to counterfeit bills found in circulation. GPD says the fake bills are mostly $100 bills. The U.S. government provides this visual guide for identifying counterfeit bills. Anyone with any information about this individual or who has received fraudulent money is urged to contact Gladewater police at 903-845-2166 or report anonymously at https://local.nixle.com/tip/city-of-gladewater.

WISE COUNTY — Among the new laws taking effect on Sunday is one that originated in Overton. It allows kids to operate lemonade stands without the fear of having them shut down by police. House Bill 234 makes it legal for kids to operate lemonade stands on private property without having to obtain a permit. It sailed through both houses of the Legislature, and Governor Abbott signed it into law earlier this summer. Similar incidents have played out in recent years across the country. James Asher, whose two daughters operated a lemonade stand at their Wise County home earlier this summer without incident, says he’s glad the Legislature stepped in to put an end to that practice in Texas.

JACKSONVILLE — A GoFundMe page has been created to help provide a future college fund for the children of late Jacksonville ISD assistnat principal Elgin Johnson. Johnson died at his home Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, tributes have poured in from parents, faculty, and former students. The contributions have reached over half of the $10,000 goal. If you would like to donate, click the link below. https://www.gofundme.com/f/elgin-johnson-memorial-fund. Visitation for Elgin is set for Friday from 5-8 p.m. at Corinth Missionary Baptist Church in Bullard. The funeral will be Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler.

TYLER — Mountain Bike Trails of Texas has ranked Lindsey Park in the top 10 of biking trails in the state. According to our news partner KETK, the popular website ranked the local trail the 7th best out of 861. The ranking was given based on their difficulty level and ratings among viewers. Lindsey Park is rated as an intermediate trail with a 4.5/5 star rating. The biking trails is 15.1 miles in length with a 2% elevation grade. Dogs are allowed on the trail but must be leashed. The trail is managed by the Tyler Bicycle Club and the City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department.

ALTO — Alto ISD released their students early Wednesday afternoon after severe rain and winds created distress on the school campus. According to our news partner KETK, school officials said some buildings experienced flooding and water leaks. AISD administration and staff worked through out the morning to ensure students had a safe, dry place to conduct class. Students were released at 1:00 p.m. School officials felt confident that classes would resume to normal the rest of the week, but will notify parents Wednesday night about classes for Thursday. The district is hopeful to begin work on long term roofs for the district next week.

ATHENS — A Henderson County Deputy Jimmy Moseley is being hailed as a hero for his actions that saved a man’s life from a burning vehicle. According to our news partner KETK, Deputy Moseley, with the help of another passerby, pulled the man away from the wreck which had now set the ditch it crashed into on fire. The man was taken to the hospital. Moseley was treated for flash burns across the left side of his face and arm. Mosley elected to go home instead of to the hospital. Continue reading Henderson County Jailer Saves Man From Burning Car

MARSHALL — Marshall police have arrested a Marshall ISD bus driver following a hit and run on Monday morning. According to our news partner KETK, there were no children on the bus at the time of the accident. A witness told police that an MISD bus hit a parked car. The investigation lead police to question driver Mareida McCay of Marshall, who said she looked down and thought she hit a curb before continuing on her route. Investigators believe she had to have known the impact was more than striking a curb. McCay was placed under arrest for duty on striking an unattended vehicle.

EAST TEXAS — A raid in Tyler Tuesday night uncovered a massive drug operation. It happened around 10:30 at an apartment complex on Old Omen Road. Officers seized a half-pound of meth, along with black tar heroin, suspected cocaine, crack and marijuana. Scales, baggies and other items commonly used to distribute the drugs were also confiscated at the scene. Four suspects were arrested. The investigation started in Henderson County following a large meth bust last week. Continue reading Drug Raid Uncovered Massive Operation

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man has been charged with promotion of child pornography after confessing to police that he distributed it through his Facebook account, according to an arrest warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. Andrew Armstrong, 27, was investigated for more than a year by the Tyler Police Department on different occasions where they received tips that he was distributing child porn. Armstrong uploaded multiple images of child pornography, according to Tyler police. One of them included a girl, aged 8-12. Continue reading Tyler Man Charged with Promoting Child Porn

EAST TEXAS — The founder of Pine Cove, Bill McKenzie, died Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, McKenzie envisioned Pine Cove in 1963 while standing on his father’s land. The camp began with two 20-bed cabins on seven acres of land. Now the camp has 12 locations in Texas and South Carolina. “I didn’t have any special ability to start a camp—only my availability. I didn’t know any better than to believe God.” Bill McKenzie. Pine Cove has invited the public to attend the memorial service and visitation for McKenzie. The visitation will be at Stewart Family Funeral Home in south Tyler on Monday, September 2 from 4-6 p.m. The service will be held in the chapel at Green Acres Baptist Church on Tuesday, September 3 at 11:00 a.m.

TYLER — Smith County 114th District Court Administrator Tammy Camp-Miller was celebrated for 25 years of service on Tuesday to the county. Mrs. Camp-Miller began working as a tax clerk for County District Clerk’s Office in August of 1994, at the age of 25. She went to work for the 114th District Court as the Assistant Court Coordinator in 1997. Eventually she moved to position of Court Administrator. Mrs. Camp-Miller said she has enjoyed working directly with District Attorney’s Office, defense attorneys and law enforcement in helping serve the citizens of Smith County. Continue reading Smith County Employee Recognitions

LINDALE –Lindale PD are searching for a woman who they say was involved in a hit-and-run parking lot at the Walmart parking lot. According to our news partner KETK, it is unknown if anyone was hurt in the accident or what damage was caused by the collision. The woman is driving a Maroon colored SUV, that could be a Kia Sportage. If you know this persons identity, contact Detective Curtis Philpot by email at [email protected] or call 903-882-3313.

TYLER — Smith County property taxes are going up after the Smith County Commissioner’s Court approved the measure Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the measure passed 4 to 1. After the final public hearing was held on the balanced budget, the Commissioners Court approved the FY2020 Budget and Tax Rate. The goal for the county is to raise more revenue to balance out expenses. Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran said earlier this month that the county has been dipping into its savings account for years. The increase will ramp up from 33.7 cents to 34.5 cents per $100 of value. Smith County will still have the 12th lowest tax rate out of all 254 counties in Texas, despite the escalation.

LONGVIEW — Buckner Children and Family Services has named Shelly Smith as the nonprofit’s Executive Director in Longview. Smith will take on her new role on Aug. 30. Smith comes to Buckner after leading East Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates as its executive director for the last six years. Prior to her work at CASA, Smith held multiple supervisory roles at the Gregg County Juvenile Probation Department and has 22 years of actionable experience with children and families.

TROUP — The City of Troup took steps on Monday night towards getting a new park. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will dedicate half of $122,000 needed for improvements, with the Troup Community Development Corporation providing the other $61,000. The city held a groundbreaking ceremony with City officials and citizens on hand for the kick off. The new park will feature a new half court basketball court, picnic tables, a large children’s play feature, along with fencing and handicapped parking. Completion is projected in less than 90 days, depending on the weather.

TYLER — The city of Tyler needs your help. According to our news partner KETK, a community-wide building of a new playground is set for September 21 at Gassaway Park. The re-do is thanks to a grant from a national non-profit called “KaBOOM!” But the city needs volunteers to get the job done. Anyone is welcome, and there will be things for all ages and skill levels available. Officials say they’ll need at least 200 helpers that day, and you’ll also get fed. The playground build will happen rain or shine. Wear closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

TYLER — A Canton man pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking on Monday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, Andrew Harris, 55, pled guilty to conspiracy possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Harris was stopped on a traffic violation in Van Zandt when police found 1.4 grams of methamphetamine, according to documents presented in court. Further investigation revealed Harris admitted to distributing between 50 and 200 grams of methamphetamine. Harris was indicted by a grand jury in May. Under federal law, Harris could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

KILGORE — The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College will host National Oil & Gas Industry Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Admission to the museum will be complimentary for anyone who works in the petroleum industry (and his or her family members). The event, set for 3-7 p.m., will begin with opening remarks by Dr. Brenda Kays, president of Kilgore College. An unveiling of the name of the oilfield worker in Boomtown, USA will take place, as well as family activities and door prizes. The ETOM is located at the corner of Hwy. 259 and Ross Ave. on the Kilgore campus. For updates or more information, visit http://easttexasoilmuseum.kilgore.edu or call 903-983-8295.

PALESTINE — Another East Texas community is now under a county wide burn ban. According to our news partner KETK, Anderson County Commissioners Court took the action to issuing the ban late Monday morning. The move comes in response to the recent heat and lack of rain across East Texas. This marks the 3rd county in less than a week to declare a burn ban. Last Tuesday, Henderson and Rusk counties both issued burn bans. Outside burning of any kind is prohibited.

CHAPEL HILL — Schools around the country are facing a bus driver shortage, including several ditricts in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, profesionals don’t have a specific reason for the drop in drivers, but they do point to job requirements as a possible reason. Drivers must have a C.D.L. license and a certificate, which takes 20 hours to complete and comes with a fee. However, districts like Chapel Hill offer to cover the cost. The district is also offering a $500 sign on bonus for new drivers. Continue reading Bus Driver Shortage in East Texas

TYLER — A plea has been accepted in the 7th District Court from a former Bishop Gorman men’s basketball assistant accused of attempting to sexually assault a UT Tyler student. According to our news partner KETK, Jakeal Lockett, 25, was charged with breaking into a women’s apartment and attempting to climb on top of her and kiss her without her consent. Lockett pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of burglary with intent to commit assault, which is a second-degree felony, instead of a first-degree. He now faces 2-20 years confinement, instead of 5 years to life. With the lesser charge, Lockett will not have to register as a sex offender. Continue reading Former Tyler Coach Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charge, Awaits Sentencing

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse ISD and the Whitehouse Police Department have determined a threat made against the high school was a prank. According to our news partner KETK, police confirmed Sunday night they were working to get to the bottom of a post that was being shared by students and parents. On Facebook, the school district said, “The post was determined to be a prank by a student not enrolled in WISD, in an attempt to bully that Whitehouse High School student…The district is safe and secure and the high school will follow its regular schedule on Monday, August 26th.” Over the weekend a student took to Snapchat to warn others not to attend class at Whitehouse High School Monday as a student threatened to open fire at school. Police were unwilling to share any other details on the investigation.

JACKSONVILLE — The city of Jacksonville is mourning the loss of Nichols Intermediate Assistant Principal, Elgin Johnson, who died at his home early Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, People left their condolences to the family on Jacksonville ISD’s Facebook page after they made the announcement Sunday. Mr. Johnson covered a variety of positions from teacher in 1998 at Robert E. Lee High School to Assistant Principal and Dean of Student Life. Johnson began serving as the Assistant Principal at Nichols Intermediate in 2017.

TYLER — Habitat for Humanity of Smith County is hosting a fundraiser at Tyler’s Walk On’s on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, 10 percent of lunch and dinner proceeds will go to Smith County Habitat for Humanity when you mention their name to a server. Walk Ons’ will honor the 10% donation of the ticket tomorrow from open to close, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Workforce Development-Continuing Education (WDCE) department recently announced its Texas Talent Connection (II) Grant has been extended to Jan. 31, 2020. This will allow the school to accept applications from qualified displaced workers wanting to take advantage of tuition-free classes in one of three industry areas. Certificates offered include Commercial Driving (CDL); Industrial and Residential Electrical Technology; and Human Resource Specialist. The $500,000 grant allows the training to be offerred at no charge. Continue reading Kilgore College Gifts Retraining to Qualified Apps