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TYLER — Tyler residents will soon be able to participate in activities at Tyler Senior Center on Garden Valley Rd. On Tuesday, the city announced the organization will offer limited hours beginning May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers says seniors can participate in Texercise classes at 11:00 a.m, and Meals on Wheels lunch services will be available at noon. The venue will observe COVID-19 precautions including temperature checks before entry, social distancing during all activities, while also encouraging the use of face coverings. Center staff will be required to wear masks at all times. The Tyler Senior Center is open to all over the age of 55 and becoming a member is free. Learn more by calling (903) 597-0781 or click here.

PALESTINE — In rural areas making sure Texans get vaccinated has been a challenge for health care workers. Dr. Carolyn Salter is a provider at Sycamore Medical Clinic in Palestine, along with her husband Dr. Michael Gorby. Knowing how difficult it can be for those without internet or transportation in the region to access the shot, the pair tells the Texas Tribune they have made it their mission to make it easy. Carolyn says she often uses her blunt straight talking east Texas bedside manner to persuade people who are hesitant to get the shot just how important it can be for their health.”

BULLARD — Wearing masks and face coverings on Bullard ISD property or in school is now optional for students and staff. According to the district, Bullard ISD board members voted unanimously Monday night on a motion making masks voluntary. The district cited extreme declines in COVID-19 cases in the community, as well as the county. Additionally, the board recognized staff members have been given multiple opportunities to get a COVID-19 vaccine. While mandatory masks are now optional, the district will continue to notify parents and guardians when there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on campus. The district said they would consider reinstating masks if there is a dramatic increase of cases. Read more here.

TYLER — Election day for the Tyler City Council is Saturday. Current District 1 council member Linda Sellers has served three terms and is not eligible to run again. Stuart Hene and Greg Grubb are vying for the open seat to replace Selers. According to our news partner KETK, Greg Grubb will rely on his decades-long experience in business and nonprofits. Stuart Hene is using his expertise practicing law for 11 years. He is co-founder and partner of the law firm Tarry & Hene. District 1 is comprised mainly of residents living between Old Jacksonville Highway and Broadway Avenue. To learn more about the upcoming elections click here.

TYLER — East Texas Giving Day is an 18 hour fundraiser event that brings the region together as one community, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits. Organizers got off to a quick start Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. with over $400,000 donated in ‘pre-launch giving’ that started April 5th. On Monday, Kyle Penney shared the importance of the event with KTBB News, “What we’ve seen around the country is that giving days continue to grow. We have been looking to see are these things going to peek and go away? But, they continue to grow.” Continue reading ETGD ends just before midnight tonight

AUSTIN – Texas work zone fatalities increased 9% in 2020 compared to 2019, and that was with less motorists on the streets due to the pandemic. On Monday the Texas Department of Transportation called Texas drivers to make safety the highest priority at all times, especially when passing through active construction and maintenance work zones. TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26–30, with safety tips to reduce work zone fatalities. Last year, there were more than 22,000 traffic crashes in work zones in the state with 186 people killed, including four road workers. Read more here.

TYLER — William George Davis was arrested in the murder of six patients nearly three years ago. On Monday, our news partner KETK said defense attorneys for the former CHRISTUS nurse have filed a motion to suppress interviews that Davis had with police. Legal counsel for Davis says the detectives disregarded Davis’ invocation of counsel and took a “lengthy statement.” Davis 37, is facing the death penalty after being charged with the deaths of three patients at CHRISTUS Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital. Davis trial is expected to be held later this year. Several factors have caused the case to be delayed including; DNA testing, a change in a lawyer, and COVID-19, which have slowed the case since Davis was arrested in April of 2018.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview reminded residents in Districts 1 and 2 Monday that they will elect council members during the next City of Longview Election this Saturday. Early voting will end Tuesday. Election officials say three city council candidates will appear on the ballot for District 1: John A. Sims, Temple Carpenter III, and Jeremiah Hunter. There are two city council candidates that will appear on the ballot for District 2: Nona Snoddy and Marisa R. Ward. For information about city elections, contact the city secretary’s office at 903-237-1080 or click here.

TYLER — A Tyler man confessed to stealing almost $40,000 from a local supplements store. David Moore, 35, admitted to police he stole over $39,000 from a GNC, where he worked over a nine month period. Moore came under suspicion after the business hired a new accountant. A warrant obtained by our news partner KETK, GNC found discrepancies with night deposits. An internal investigation led the store to believe Moore, “would change the deposit slip to show a lower amount of cash, and take cash from the bag and keep it.” He confessed to his boss when confronted and then repeated it to police detectives when they questioned him. The thefts took place between July 1, 2020, and March 14, 2021, and totaled $39,559.67. Moore is facing ten years in prison.

TYLER — Three local leaders are inviting people to get first dose vaccines through Tuesday. Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance President-CEO Nancy Rangel and Tyler Metro Chamber Board Chairman Derrick Choice are encouraging people to get immunized. Opportunities remain available for Monday at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Tyler, until 7 p.m. On Tuesday doses will be available at St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Continue reading Walk-ins invited to local churches for COVID-19 vaccines Monday & Tuesday

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — After a five month investigation, two Van Zandt county residents have been arrested in connection to a structure fire on Thanksgiving day 2020. According to our news partner KETK, Brand Lee Harrison, 28 and Carl Klump, 30, both of Grand Saline, are facing numerous charges. Harrison is accused of arson with intent to damage a habitation of worship, theft of property, burglary of a building, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana. Klump is also charged with arson with intent to damage a habitation of worship, possession of a controlled substance and theft of property.

RUSK COUNTY — Officials identified the pilot who died in the single-engine plane crash in Rusk County. The man was identified by officials as William James Weatherspoon, 74, of Longview, who crashed his plane between Tatum and Easton on County Road 2194 last week. A call came into first responders regarding the incident around 2:20 p.m. April 19. The Rusk County Office of Emergency Management said Weatherspoon had taken the plane up for a maintenance flight. Multiple Volunteer Fire Departments, D.P.S. Troopers and Sheriff’s Deputies arrived extinguishing the fire and maintained the scene of the wreckage until the Federal Aviation Administration arrived.

TYLER — The city of Tyler Library announced a series of programs and events Monday that are scheduled over the next several weeks. Organizers say “Sticky Wall Art” and “Kite Kit’s” will happen May 3, while “Library Under the Trees” will continue May 7 and 21. The library in the Rose City is also offering “Beginner Computer Classes” to begin May 8. You can register by calling the Library at (903) 593-7323. Club Read will meet virtually May 25 at 10 a.m. Get more information on these programs and more by clicking here.

PALESTINE — The Texas Attorney Generals Office announced results from a recent law enforcement round up across the state on Monday. In Anderson County, Luis Gilberto Castillo was arrested in Palestine April 19 on an outstanding warrant for “harboring a runaway.” The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office issued the warrant for Castillo after receiving an NCMEC Intake Report as a lead from the United States Marshals Service in Hidalgo County regarding a missing/endangered 13-year-old female child from Edinburg possibly in the Palestine area. Investigators believed the teen was with Castillo. The child was not located with Castillo, at the time of his arrest, and the investigation into her disappearance continues. 

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District announced first dose COVID vaccines will be available starting Monday in Wood and Anderson Counties. On Sunday, the health organization said they will continue to offer the vaccination hub in Tyler as well. In a prepared statement, President and CEO George Roberts said, “NET Health is expanding access to COVID vaccines for residents of rural counties by opening our vaccine clinics in Anderson County and in Wood County.” Roberts continued, “It is important to increase the percentage of vaccinated East Texas residents so that all populations are protected from COVID-19.” Ge more information here.

WILLS POINT — A routine traffic stop has led to the arrest of two Van Zandt County residents. According to our news partner KETK, David Porter, 40, and Candie Rai, 49, both of Wills Point, were pulled over Saturday for not using a traffic signal. Once the vehicle stopped, deputies discovered arrest warrants on both individuals. Porter was arrested for parole violation and Rai was arrested for evading arrest detention with a vehicle. They were transported to the Van Zandt County Jail.

NEW SUMMERFIELD — A fatal wreck killed four people in New Summerfield on Saturday. The Texas Department of Public Safety said one of the four dead included a baby girl. One person was critically injured in the accident that took place on U.S. 79 near CR 4301 just after 3 p.m when the driver of a Chevrolet passed over into oncoming traffic. The driver of the Impala was identified as Ronald Lewis Williams, 52, of Jacksonville. Williams was driving with 21-year-old Ariana Lashell Richardson of Jacksonville. The couple also had a baby girl in the passenger in the vehicle. The driver of the Saturn was identified as 83-year-old Bobby G. Johnson who was driving with 80-year-old Katherine June Johnson, 80, both of Sage, Arkansas. Katherine, Williams, Richardson and the baby all died at the scene and were taken to Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

AUSTIN — Reports that constitutional carry handgun legislation has stalled in the Texas Senate may have been a bit premature. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick seems to have found a way to keep the bill moving through the state capitol. After first saying permit-less carry handgun legislation didn’t have the votes in the Senate, Patrick has now created a new Senate committee to ensure it keeps moving. Rice University political scientist Mark Jones says, “I’ve never seen a committee created literally overnight for the sole purpose of providing a venue for a single bill.” Continue reading Constitutional carry still alive in the Senate

TYLER — CHRISTUS Health and Texas Oncology broke ground Friday afternoon on an 85,000-square-foot center expected to open in the fall of 2022. Leaders at CHRISTUS Health and Texas Oncology joined Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, providers, nurses and associates to celebrate the ceremony. The facility promises 3,000 square feet to be dedicated to research with 30,000 square feet for medical, radiation and gynecology oncology. CHRISTUS Health will also house a 7,500-square-foot advanced imaging center with 3T MRI, PET and CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and more. Read more here.

TYLER — Spring in Tyler is historically busy with tourists coming to the Rose City for events including the Azaela & Spring Flower Trail. However, that changed last year with the pandemic taking its toll on tourism across the country. In a prepared statement Friday, Visit Tyler President Shari Lee said, “Direct travel spending contributes more than $390 million to the local economy annually and supports more than 4,000 jobs within the city.” Visit Tyler says, despite the winter storms of February that delayed the blooming of flowers  and various events being pushed to later dates, the month of March brought an increase in guests to the visitor center. Recent hotel bookings indicate Tyler is starting to see the return of travelers to the area with 80% occupancy for hotels citywide over the last month.

TYLER — Two Tyler churches are registering people for first dose vaccines. The clinics are set for Monday at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Tyler from 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. With a second coming up Tuesday at St. Louis Baptist Church from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The churches will also accept walk-ins without an appointment. Nearly 1,500 people were vaccinated in February and March where Northeast Texas Public Health District and Christus Trinity Mother Frances employees vaccinated community members at the church sites. Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton thanked Reverend Ralph Caraway Sr., of St. Louis Baptist; and Father Luis Larrea, of St. Peter Claver Catholic Church, for hosting and for their help in coordinating the centers. The goal is to help the elderly and people with medical conditions living in under-served areas of Smith County.

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminded Texans Friday that emergency preparation supplies are tax free through Monday night. A number of items will forego the usual tax during this period that began at 12:01 a.m. Saturday. The media release said there is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. These include: household batteries, fuel containers and flashlights priced at less than $75; hurricane shutters and emergency ladders priced at less than $300; and portable generators priced at less than $3,000. Read more here.

CANEY CITY — Paynse Springs Fire and Rescue reported details Friday of a head-on collision, the previous night, involving a car and motorcycle. The deadly crash happened just north of the bridge going into Caney City. Local police were first on the scene and removed the injured rider from a growing fire to a safe area for treatment. UT-Health’s Air 1 was sent to the location, landing on the bridge. However, the unidentified rider died from their injuries before they could be transported to the hospital. HWY 198 remained closed for an extended period of time while DPS Troopers conducted an investigation. Information was not immediately available on the condition of the driver of the pick up.

PALESTINE — Palestine police said Friday, seven people were arrested after members of a drug task force raided numerous hotels in the city where drug solicitation was suspected. After receiving complaints of drug activity in hotels, the police department launched an investigation. In a prepared statement, the city said, “Investigators learned that multiple suspects were selling narcotics at several of the hotels.” The department formed a task force involving other law enforcement agencies. Those arrested and transported to the Anderson County Jail include; Stephen Davis, Marisol Jimenez Arredondo, John Louie Gonzales, Joshua Troy Yelverton, Abel Lee Hudson, Olin Lee Reagan and Christopher Lenard Williams. During the arrests, investigators seized methamphetamines and cocaine.

TYLER — The Brookshires on Rice Road in Tyler will be the site Saturday for a ‘Take Back Event.’ Tyler police say they will work together with the Drug Enforcement Agency, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., collecting unused, unwanted and expired prescription medications. In addition to that, they will also collect capsules, tablets, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs, free of charge. However, liquids, syringes and other sharps and illegal drugs will not be accepted. In a recent Take Back Event, over 600 pounds were collected in Tyler alone.

TYLER — The City of Tyler is actively looking for 24 individuals to be a part of their summer recreation team at Fun Forest Pool and the Summer Playground Program sites. On Friday the city said positions include a Pool Manager, Assistant Pool Manager, Lifeguards, Playground Leaders and Playground Aides. Each position will work between 30 to 40 hours a week. Start date will be in late May and end in August. Interested applicants should apply online by May 5, and can do so by clicking here. For more information contact Tyler Parks and Rec at (903) 595-7217.

TYLER — The brother of a six-year-old child that died after they were found unresponsive in the bathtub of a Tyler motel has been arrested. On Friday, Tyler Police Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh told KTBB News, “Just based on interviews with the 12-year-old and other evidence found during the investigation, we were able to determine that the 12-year-old was responsible for the manslaughter of the six-year old.” The unidentified 12-year-old minor was transported to the Juvenile Attention Center in Tyler and charged with the second degree felony. The case will be filed with the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. Continue reading Brother of child found in motel bathtub arrested

JACKSONVILLE – A Jacksonville man was sentenced Thursday to 78 months in federal prison for meth charges. According to our news partner KETK, Andres Gallegos, 38, pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2020 to possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. Court documents show that an investigation into drug trafficking in Smith and Cherokee counties revealed in October 2018 that Gallegos “regularly sold methamphetamine from his residence in Jacksonville.” Continue reading Jacksonville man sentenced to federal prison for meth charges