KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announced the recipients of this year’s UT System Regents Outstanding Teaching Award. Dr. Amy Hayes, assistant professor of psychology, and Lauren Johnson, lecturer in chemistry, will each receive $25,000 in recognition of what was termed their superior undergraduate instruction and commitment to student success through teaching. They will be celebrated next month in Austin. Since the program began in 2008, the Board of Regents has presented more than $20 million to over 700 UT educators.

TYLER — George Roberts of Tyler begins a new month with new responsibility for the health care expert. Monday Roberts began a one-year term as the Board President of the National Association of County and City Health Officials. Roberts has served served at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Mother Frances of Tyler, and Henderson Memorial Hospital. Since 2006, Roberts has served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Northeast Texas Public Health District.

TYLER — Starting Tuesday, Frontier Airlines will offer non-stop service to and from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport and Denver International Airport. With the addition of the new carrier, Tyler Pounds expects a higher volume of travelers. Each passenger must pass through the Transportation Security Screening Checkpoint. Travelers should arrive at least two hours prior to scheduled departure times to allow time to check in and get through T.S.A. screening.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A Henderson County woman has been arrested in connection with a Dallas murder.  According to our news partner KETK,  Jasmine Williams, 29, is charged with capital murder and aggravated assault.  She is being held on $755,000 bond.  Williams and two other men are accused of murdering 28-year-old Adan Lozano.  Video depicts the suspects in conversation with Lozano inside a convenience store, then shooting him in the back after he walked out. Lozano was apparently unaware he was being targeted.  One suspect in the shooting is still at-large.

TYLER — Tickets will be on sale as of 10:00 a.m. Monday for music stars Bret Michaels and Aaron Watson, who are headlining the 104th annual East Texas State Fair. Fair officials say tickets are limited and are expected to sell out quickly. Tickets to these shows are $30, including fair admission, and are available online only. All tickets are general admission. This is a festival-style stage with standing room only. The fair takes place September 20–29. Visit http://www.etstatefair.com to buy your tickets and get more information.

COLLEGE STATION — There’s been a court appearance for the first of six former members of a College Station fraternity who were arrested three years ago on felony drug charges, after the accidental overdose death of an 11th member, Anton Gridnev. 23-year-old Samuel Patterson of Nacogdoches, who admitted to possessing small amounts of LSD and ecstasy, was placed on five years probation. Conditions include a 90-day sentence in a state jail. That generated an appeal from Patterson’s lawyer. Patterson was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and write a letter of apology to Gridnev’s family for what he did and did not do. The letter, which must be approved first by the judge, won’t be written until a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Gridnev’s family is over.

TYLER — The Tyler-based Meals on Wheels Ministry moves forward in the wake of a leadership change. According to our news partner KETK, the agency recently held its first board meeting since John Moore (pictured) was named executive director. His predecessor, Kari Kietzer, was removed for reportedly unethical and deceptive behavior. That followed months of turmoil, including complaints about Kietzer from former employees and volunteers. Moore says his biggest goal is educating the community. He adds, “When our volunteers come through that door with a smile, a hot meal, and a good visit, it’s also a good chance for us to do a welfare check and make sure everything is okay.”

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating the shooting of a child. According to a news release, shortly before midnight Saturday an officer was flagged down by a citizen at the Glenwood and Vine intersection. The citizen said his nine-year-old son had been shot. The child was taken to UT Health East Texas by ambulance for what police term a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Upon further investigation it was discovered the incident occurred at a residence on S. Glenwood Blvd. No other details were immediately available.

TYLER — Starting on Monday, part of Smith County Road 1113, “Lake Placid Road,” will be closed to traffic for the replacement of a bridge.  It will take about three months  for the rebuild.  In an email, county engineer Frank Smith said, “The bridge is undersized for the amount of road traffic it receives, and it has had structural problems.”   The project will be handled through the Texas Department of Transportation as part of the Federal Office-System Bridge Program.  Smith County has improved a portion of Lake Placid Road and will continue with construction on the road after the bridge replacement is completed.

TYLER — The next District 3 representative on the Tyler City Council will be Shirley McKellar. In a runoff election Saturday, McKellar garnered 201 votes — 53.7 per cent of the total — to 173 for Pamela Phoenix. The two were the top vote getters in the May election, which also included Dalila Reynoso. McKellar will succeed Ed Moore, who was ineligible to run again due to term limits.

TYLER — Tyler Police have started a plan that began Friday and will run through this coming Friday, the fifth of July. TPD has placed additional officers on the streets utilizing the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program.  This strategy is based on crash data in the city limits of Tyler that allows officers to pinpoint problem target areas.  With increased traffic conditions for the 4th of July Holiday, officers will be specifically watching for hazardous violations such as speeding, intersection enforcement, seat belt violations and most importantly, impaired drivers.  The department also reminds drivers not to drink and drive.

TYLER — A big annual fundraiser for the American Cancer Society is set for Saturday night. The 32nd annual Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala will be held at the Texas Rose Horse Park with the theme “Triple Crown: On Track for a Cure!” According to the event website, over $15 million has been raised by the local event since it was first held in 1988. The gala features food, entertainment, gaming tables, live and silent auctions, and much more. This year’s headline entertainer is country star Mark Chesnutt. Go to https://www.tylercattlebaronsgala.org/ for more information.

TYLER — The  Neighborhood Services Department of Tyler is hosting a block party to support the United States Housing and Urban Development’s Strong Families initiative on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 900 W. Gentry Pkwy.  The Strong Families initiative program focuses on strong, healthy families through empowering fathers, mothers and their children to connect and work together.  The event features free health and housing information, joint activities for children and their fathers and/or mothers, food, music and more.  For additional info, contact Prentice Butler, housing manager, at (903) 531-1303 or e-mail [email protected].

OVERTON — Kaleigh Brian of Overton was arrested for reportedly assaulting a peace officer, resisting arrest, and attempting to take a weapon from an officer.  According to our news partner KETK, the 20 year old was arrested and at last report was in the North Gregg County jail and had not had bond set.

LONGVIEW — Longview Missionary Baptist Church grieving the death of their student ministries pastor Ryan Carlisle. According to our news partner KETK, Carlisle died on Thursday afternoon while working out. Ryan was a graduate from Longview and held bachelor’s degrees from U.T. Tyler and Texas Baptist Institute and Seminary. The church held a prayer gathering Thursday night for the Carlisle family. It is not clear what caused his death. Funeral arrangements are pending.

SMITH COUNTY — An Overton man is arrested on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to our news partner KETK, Octavian McKee, 18, was booked into the Smith County Jail Thursday. Judicial records indicate the arrest stems from an incident back in December of last year. McKee’s trial is scheduled for August 12. His bond was set at $350,000.

TYLER — The Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College has scheduled several events and STEM-related activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. “The Apollo 11 moon landing was a historic event and momentous achievement for all mankind,” said Dr. Beau Hartweg, TJC Science Center Director. “Perhaps its lasting legacy is how it inspired generations of schoolchildren to pursue STEM careers. We’re excited to continue in that tradition by partnering with so many wonderful people and organizations in the East Texas region to bring a fun-filled day of STEM activities to Tyler.” TJC alumnus and former NASA engineer, Charles R. Price will speak July 13, at the science center on the TJC main campus. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended. For more information, go to sciencecenter.tjc.edu or call 903-510-2312.

TYLER — Smith County’s credit rating has been upgraded this year by Moody’s Investor Service. County Auditor Ann Wilson reported to the Commissioners Court on Tuesday that the county’s general obligation limited tax and long-term issuer rating was upgraded from Aa2 to Aa1. Smith County’s credit strengths were listed as healthy and stable financial reserve levels, a favorable tax base growth and a modest balance sheet leverage. According to a press release County Judge Nathaniel Moran said, “The ratings upgrade is a reflection of the strong fiscal policies that the court has put into place during the last few years.” He went on to say, “The rating also considered the county’s modest debt burden with rapid principal amortization, as well as below average income indices.”   For more more details, visit http://www.moodys.com.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments will host a community meeting for residents affected by the April 13 tornadoes in Alto to offer assistance through its new HOME Disaster Relief Program. Through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, ETCOG is able to assist qualified individuals impacted by storms and other disasters in East Texas. The community meeting will be held at Alto City Hall on Monday, July 8, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Individuals are encouraged to seek assistance to attend the community meeting on July 8th, or contact the ETCOG Housing Program at 903-218-6565 or [email protected].

MARSHALL — Richard Anderson, 23, has been indicted for the murder of Keith Carr, 25.  According to our news partner KETK, Anderson was found passed out in a truck not far from Carr’s body. According to police, a witness claimed Anderson had assaulted Carr’s ex-girlfriend and Carr went to confront him, Investigators then say Anderson shot Carr multiple times. Anderson’s bond has been set at $50,000 and he remains in the Harrison County Jail. He is due back in court July 9th.

TYLER — Now that the FAA is offering a $950,000 grant for improvements at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, it’s time for the city to formalize its intent to receive the money. According to our news partner KETK, the feds will supply 90 per cent of the funds, with the city picking up the other 10 per cent. Stakeholders will gather to look at specific needs for the next five years and beyond. Airport Manager Davis Dickson says he’d like to see security improvements and better surveillance systems. Dickson notes a big change in the traffic fleet mix, including larger aircraft.

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas is issuing a warning about a purportedly Mabank-based company. According to our news partner KETK, a quick look at Fresh Christian’s website portrays a company that values faith, patriotism, and bargain prices too. The comments on its Facebook page tell a different story, with numerous complaints. According to the BBB, customers claim they’re being short-changed on orders and not getting refunds. Efforts to contact Fresh Christian, including a trip to its reported physical address, proved futile. The BBB says you have to protect yourself when shopping online by doing such things as researching companies. Also, you’re advised to use credit cards, PayPal, and the like when making purchases for that extra layer of security.

TYLER –  Douglas Dunn has more than 20 years of experience with Brookshire Grocery Co. and was honored for safely driving 1 million miles.   According to our news partner KETK, Dunn is one of only 24 company drivers in the company’s history to have ever logged 1 million safely driven miles.  Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO for B.G.C. said “Our company places great focus on the safety of our drivers and the traveling public. This incredible accomplishment is a testament to Douglas and his commitment to our safety standards.” Dunn accomplished the milestone while delivering groceries from the company’s distribution center in Tyler. Company leaders, Dunn’s family and coworkers, gathered to congratulate him upon his return.

PALESTINE — Paul Morris of Palestine has been appointed to the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott. Morris will serve a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The board has the responsibility to develop and conserve water resources in the Upper Neches River basin and tributaries located in Anderson, Cherokee, Smith, and Henderson Counties.

MARSHALL — City of Marshall residents should be receiving in the mail the 2018 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Consumer Confidence Report, more commonly known as a water quality report. The Consumer Confidence Report provides consumers information about the quality of drinking water in an easy to read format, according to officials. The city’s water system already collects data to comply with Federal and State regulations. As residents examine the report, they will notice a section on page three titled “Mandatory Language for Monitoring and Reporting Violation.” Officials say this occurred due to a paperwork error that they say they have taken steps to rectify.  Residents can go to http://www.marshalltexas.net/uploads/pdf/CoM%60Drinking%20Water%20Quality%20Report%202018%20(00000002).pdf to view the report.

LONGVIEW — Uncle Kracker will headline the July 4th Celebration at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center in Longview.  The country rocker will be the featured act for the free  outdoor concert.  The fireworks event afterwards is billed by officials, “as the biggest fireworks show in East Texas.”  Many other activities are scheduled. Activities including amusement rides, wet and dry inflatables, and much more.  For more details visit https://www.longviewtexas.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1975

TYLER — Smith County far exceeded expectations — for slightly less money than projected — during its first year of using road bonds. County Engineer Frank Davis gave the Commissioners Court a report on Tuesday, detailing the work done to county roads in the first year of the three-year $39.5 million bond package approved by voters in November 2017. According to officials, the county had projected to complete 8.8 miles of major road construction projects, including widening roads, replacing culverts, and other significant repairs, for $4.6 million. Instead, the county completed 15 miles of road for $4.3 million. Davis said competitive bids and interest from contractors, as well as coordinating projects, played a role in the amount of work done. You can go to https://www.smith-county.com/Home/Components/News/News/284/97 for additional details.

MARSHALL — The city of Marshall is kicking off its street improvements campaign. The 2019 Street Improvement Program will take approximately three months to complete, barring weather-related delays and other unforeseen circumstances. Crews will begin milling Buffo Road to North Grove and will then move over to Holmes Road and Enola Mae Drive. Residents who live in these areas will still be able to access the roads, but may experience delays. Officials say they are starting the program much earlier this year in an effort to get roads resurfaced in a time frame that works better for everyone.