KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — No new COVID-19 cases or COVID-19 related fatalities within Smith County as of Wednesday, March 18 at 12 p.m. There are 5 confirmed cases in Smith County. Judge Nathaniel Moran of Smith County has approved an emergency declaration. There have been no restrictions placed on private businesses at this time. City of Tyler facilities remain closed to public access through April 1. Continue reading Smith County Daily Update on COVID-19

TYLER — Brookshires Grocery Company announced Wednesday that they will be offering discounts of 5% to seniors over the next 6 weeks. According to our news partner KETK, BGC is also asking patrons to allow the first hour of operation to be reserved for seniors during the coronavirus outbreak. The discount will be active through May 5th. Many stores, including Brookshire’s, have altered their service hours due to the coronavirus to allow time for disinfection and for restocking.

TYLER — The 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence, were canceled in the interest of public health, but were conducted online Tuesday. A total of 7 winners were announced for the 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence. This year, BBB received 17,000 votes. “Although we weren’t able to celebrate with our guests in person,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. Continue reading 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence Awarded Online

PALESTINE — On Wednesday, the Anderson County public school districts released a joint statement…
“For the health and safety of the Anderson County community, Anderson County public school districts have determined to suspend normal school operations at this time. Please visit your school’s website for additional details.” Continue reading Anderson County School Districts Suspend Normal Operations

TYLER — Tyler Independent School District proceeds with curb service meals to students and families during the extension of spring break classes. Since Monday, TISD Food Services have distributed 1,796 curbside meals at designated campus pick up locations. Curbside meals are available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Boulter, Moore, Three Lakes, Hubbard, Caldwell, and Griffin campuses daily. Continue reading TISD Food Services Distributes nearly 1800 Meals

TYLER — The Eastern District of Texas announced on Wednesday that a 27-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Dakota Allen plead guilty in September of last year to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison. Judge Kernodle also ordered forfeiture of $5,000 seized from the defendant.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College announced that all in-person classes are subject to resume on Monday, March 30. Students are asked to not return to on-site classes until Monday, March 30. In the meantime, limited online instruction will continue this week, and all existing online instruction will begin again on March 23. Students living on-campus in residence halls will be able to return on Sunday, March 29. Employees who are able to work remotely, in coordination with their respective supervisors, may remain at home until March 30 to maximize social distance, but are not restricted from working on-site, provided they are healthy, symptom-free and have not been exposed to anyone who is ill.

TYLER — NET Health has received confirmation of the fifth COVID-19 case in Smith County. Officials said the individual had direct exposure to a known confirmed case in Smith County. As of 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, per our local Health Authority, there are no deaths related to COVID-19 in Smith County. With the potential for community spread, every individual should take heightened precautions. The source of exposure of the fourth confirmed case remains unknown and the patient is currently in home isolation. The three other confirmed patients have a recent travel history outside of the United States. Continue reading Fifth Confirmed Coronavirus Case in Smith County

CANTON — In an extraordinary move First Monday Trade Days in Canton announced on Tuesday, that it would not be in operation for the upcoming April event. According to a post on social media the city says, “The safety of our citizens, vendors, visitors, and employees remains our highest priority. Closing First Monday due to COVID-19 was a hard decision because it supports more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and local merchants who rely on this market for their livelihood.” Continue reading Corona to Close Trade Days First Time in 150 Years

TYLER — On Tuesday, the Smith County Commissioners Court ratified the Declaration of Local Disaster Due to Public Health Emergency from the Coronavirus, signed by County Judge Nathaniel Moran on Monday. Judge Moran told KTBB on Tuesday “The continued spread of COVID-19 presents an imminent threat of widespread illness, which requires emergency action for the protection of the people of Smith County.” Continue reading Disaster Declaration Ratified by Commissioners

TYLER — U.T. Tyler announced new action steps to confront coronavirus on Tuesday. According to a news release from President Dr. Michael Tidwell,starting Monday, all classes will be delivered online through the remainder of the semester. Faculty are spending this week in preparation for online class delivery. The operational adjustment includes nearly 10,000 students and 1,000 faculty and staff across Tyler, Longview, Palestine and Houston campuses. Continue reading UT Tyler Will Begin Online Classes for Remainder of Semester

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House passes a coronavirus relief bill — but East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert held it up until some changes were made. Gohmert says an earlier version contained “devastating aspects to small business, hitting them with penalties and requirements that were just gonna take them under.” Gohmert says after ten hours of negotiations, the House finally came up with a bill he could support. The bill then moved on to the Senate.

TYLER — TxDOT is out with its weekly roadwork schedule around the Tyler District. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct base repairs on SH 110N at FM 16. Expect the roadway to be reduced to one lane carrying two-way traffic controlled by flaggers and a pilot vehicle. Longview Maintenance crews plan to conduct patching operations and address routine maintenance issues on various roadways around Gregg County. Lane closures are possible at all work locations with flaggers providing traffic control. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/012-2020.html for a complete rundown.

HENDERSON — The Texas Department State Health Service reported the first coronavirus case in Rusk County on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the case is travel-based and the person has been isolated at home. Further details weren’t immediately given.

TYLER — A number of businesses and other entities in East Texas are continuing to make adjustments in response to the coronavirus outbreak. That’s according to our news partner KETK.

Local attractions

Caldwell Zoo will be closed until April 3 to protect visitors and employees.

The Discovery Science Place will be closed until Friday, March 20. During the time, the museum will comprehensively clean surfaces, spaces, and manipulatives. Continue reading Tyler Businesses and Others Adjust Services in Response to COVID-19

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University has updated its operational plan as coronavirus concerns continue. The university issued this news release Monday afternoon:

East Texas Baptist University’s Emergency Response Team (ERT) is closely monitoring the evolving Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the United States. We are working diligently to ensure the health and safety of our University community. Continue reading ETBU Updates Operational Plan

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview says it is closely monitoring the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and is dedicated to keeping its residents informed during this quickly-evolving season. In addition to notifications sent out as news releases, the City is maintaining a series of pages to point residents to the most up-to-date, official information. You can go to https://www.longviewtexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2477 to find that information.

LONGVIEW — Beginning at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, Judson Road (SH 502) will be reduced to one lane of traffic in each direction between Hoyt Drive and Pegues Place. Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route. The closures are expected to last for three months. This street work is part of the Transportation Alternative Grant Funded by the Longview Economic Development Corp. and Texas Department of Transportation. This project consists of constructing the Guthrie Creek Trail from Marshall Avenue to Eden Drive. This project is being constructed by Leland Bradlee Construction of Longview, Texas. If you have any questions related to construction, call the City’s Project Manager, Bob Watson, at 903-239-5504.

LONGVIEW — Mayor Andy Mack has declared a local disaster and public health emergency for the City of Longview in response to the threat of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The declaration coincided with Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt’s similar declaration for the county. Mack says the local state of disaster and public health emergency shall continue for a period of not more than seven days from the date of this declaration unless continued or renewed by the Longview City Council. Continue reading Declaration of Local Disaster and Public Health Emergency Related to Communicable Disease

The following events have been cancelled, postponed until a later date, or otherwise adjusted due to the coronavirus.

UT Health Science Center at Tyler Extends Spring Break

TYLER — Amidst the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns, the safety of students and the community is deemed of the utmost importance. To preserve this safety, officials say, the best preventive practices must be implemented and exercised for the campus. Therefore, UT Health Science Center at Tyler’s Spring break has been extended until March 20, 2020. At this time, a determination has yet to be made regarding the format and delivery of courses following this extended break. Institutional leadership is currently exploring potential options. Continue reading Coronavirus Closings, Cancellations, and Other Adjustments

TYLER — TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia has issued a memo to all employees of the College asking that they stay home Monday and Tuesday (March 16 and 17), in light of recent developments in the coronavirus crisis. During that time, the President’s Cabinet will meet to determine strategies to lead the institution. Mejia said, “I ask that all of us remain proactive, vigilant, and solution driven, and that we comply with the guidelines and directions from credible sources such as NET Health.” Employees will receive instructions by Tuesday evening regarding steps going forward. Students will observe an extended Spring Break and are set to return to classes on March 23.

EAST TEXAS — Numerous schools across the East Texas area have extended Spring Break for a week so the schools can be cleaned and disinfected following Coronavirus concerns. Additional information can be found at the School’s webpage or Facebook page. Continue reading Coronavirus Related School Closings and Extended Spring Breaks

EAST TEXAS — Grocery stores around the East Texas area have announced a reduction in hours to allow time for cleaning and restocking. Brookshire’s Grocery Company released the following statement, “In order to better serve our guests, Brookshire Grocery Company family of stores will be temporarily modifying store hours effective Saturday, March 14th to allow our partners to continue preventive sanitation and restock shelves. Our temporary hours will be 7am-9pm, and we will work to return to normal business hours as soon as possible. As friends and neighbors let’s continue to come together to support one another and be kind.” Continue reading Grocery Stores to Reduce Hours to Combat Coronavirus

EAST TEXAS — SWEPCO is temporarily suspending all disconnections for non-payment as the coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout communities. According to their Facebook page : “We know our customers are concerned about their families and ensuring they have reliable electric service allows them to focus on staying healthy and well. We are committed to doing what we can to help our customers, our employees, and the communities we serve navigate this uncertain time.”

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD has extended Spring Break due to coronavirus concerns. According to the LISD webpage, officials announced that after talking with district administration and TEA officials, they are going to extend Spring Break by two weeks. This means we will potentially resume classes on Monday, March 30. Continue reading Longview ISD Extends Spring Break

TYLER — Tyler State Park was closed early Friday, March 13 out of an abundance of caution after receiving information about a potentially ill person in the park. Initial reports were not factual, but staff at the park will take this opportunity to clean and sanitize park facilities to ensure visitor safety and will reopen Sunday. Continue reading Tyler State Park Closed

TYLER — Beginning on Monday, March 16, Tyler Transit will implement an alternate route schedule until April 1. The routes and times are outlined below. Continue reading Tyler Transit Announces Alternate Schedule Through April 1