KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The city of Tyler seeks input for several components of the Tyler 1st plan. The city is asking for input on north end revitalization, housing and community integrity, transportation, and public facilities and services. Residents are invited to a Public Open House on June 25th at the Harvey Hall Convention Center, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. They are also encouraged to leave comments on the City of Tyler’s website. Tyler 1st addresses issues such as downtown revitalization, historic preservation, parks and recreation, transportation, housing and neighborhoods. For more information on Tyler 1st, visit the City of Tyler web site or http://www.Tyler1st.org.

SMITH COUNTY – A wreck on Sunday afternoon near Winona claimed the life of a 33 year old Marshall woman.  D.P.S. Troopers responded to an accident at 2:19 PM.  That accident claimed the life of Sherri Estelle Oney.  Reports from the crash investigation reveal that Oney was traveling North on HWY-271, when approaching a group of vehicles that had slowed for a traffic light.  Oney took evasive action and hit a concrete barrier.  She was taken to UT Health-Tyler and pronounced dead by Judge Andy Dunklin.  The crash remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — A scoring error at the 2019 National Intercollegiate Flying Association SAFECON competition moves LeTourneau into the top 3 in the nation. Originally the “Sting” were awarded 4th place.  However, an erroneous disqualification was reviewed and found to be mistakenly applied.  Correcting this error resulted in a 3rd place overall national finish for LETU. LETU placed in overall points behind University of North Dakota in first, Southern Illinois University in second, and ahead of last year’s national champion Embry Riddle University—Prescott, which now placed 4th. In the flight events, LETU also placed 3rd behind SIU in first, UND in second, and ahead of Western Michigan University, which placed 4th.

TYLER — After many years of fundraising and planning, the City of Tyler will soon begin construction of a playground designed to be accessible for kids with mobility challenges. Southside Park, at Shiloh and Donnybrook, is the site of a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, June 25, at 2 p.m. This new playground will be the only one of its kind in Tyler and the East Texas region, according to a city news release. Officials say the project and event are made possible thanks to Tyler Parks and Recreation, Keep Tyler Beautiful, the Half Cent board, and Ambucs.

KILGORE – Construction is getting underway on Kilgore’s Chandler Street Improvement project. According to a news release, crews will update the heavily used Chandler Street portion between Woodlawn and Leach Streets with concrete pavement to create a more consistent and long-lasting travel corridor. Lane closures will be in place, with Amanda Lane completely closed. Chandler Street will have one lane closed, allowing traffic to only go one way from Woodlawn to Leach. Drivers are urged to watch for construction workers, heed all traffic signs, and bear with the city as the improvements are made.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning another busy schedule of construction and maintenance work throughout the Tyler District during the Week of June 24. In Canton, motorists should prepare for nighttime work with major paving operations being implemented for the SH 243 Widening Project. In Tyler, motorists can expect lane closures and delays as night work is conducted on Rice Rd. at Broadway Ave. as part of the Turn Lanes Project. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/036-2019.html for a complete rundown of work throughout the district.

TYLER — Tyler officials are putting out the word on the newest addition to the city’s Beauty and the Box effort. They say the installation is unique because it’s in the heart of the city, at Bergfeld Park, which is also one of the most utilized parks in town. During the renovation of the popular Splasher structure, a utility box was placed next to the new splash pad. The art that now appears on the box was designed by Valeria Barnhill, who has contributed several pieces of art to the Beauty and the Box program. Beauty and the Box “transforms utilitarian traffic boxes into beautiful works of art by local artists,: according to a news release.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A theft suspect has been arrested after a resident found a stolen ATV. According to the Henderson County Sheriff, John Salazar was booked into the Henderson County jail on a theft charge and an outstanding warrant. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse’s office received a call around 10:30 Sunday morning regarding a possible stolen ATV that they had seen on Facebook. A deputy responded to the area of FM 315 and CR 4336 and found Salazar, along with the stolen property. The VIN on the ATV did show the vehicle to be stolen out of Cherokee County.

GUN BARRELL CITY — Gun Barrel City firefighters rescued a local worker from what could have been a tragic situation over the weekend. According to our news partner KETK, GBCFD received a call Saturday morning just before 7:00 that a worker had fallen through the roof of the Burger King on West Main Street. Upon arrival, the rescuers found the man with his left leg tightly wedged through the roof. Firefighters used a roof saw to cut through the area around the victim, and could see his leg was wedged between two roof trusses. They had to cut through the trusses to free him, then lowered him down to the ground in a rope harness. The man was checked over by UT Health EMS and taken to an area hospital. Continue reading Gun Barrel City Firefighters Make Rooftop Rescue

TYLER — A Smith County jury found Estevan Camacho guilty. Camacho will serve 40 years for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit aggravated assault. The evidence showed the defendant arrived at his in-law’s residence, where his wife had recently been residing, and unlawfully entered their house without permission. The defendant then began threatening his wife with a handgun before he was forced out of the residence. The evidence showed that the day before this incident, the defendant’s mother-in-law had to call the police because the defendant was in the front yard threatening her daughter and refusing to leave. Additionally, the defendant had a history of domestic violence against his wife. The defendant had multiple felony convictions, including a federal drug conviction, and was a documented member of the Tango Blast prison gang.

HENDERSON — 12 vehicle burglaries in less than a month may not sound concerning, but when you factor in that it’s Henderson, Texas, it raises eyebrows. According our news partner KETK, Lt. James Dukes says it’s a higher than usual amount. The Perez family on Southview Drive has been victimized twice. On Wednesday, their newly purchased home security cameras captured the thieves in the act. The police department shared the video on its facebook page. Go to https://www.facebook.com/HendersonTXPD/ to view it, and call police at (903) 657-3512 with any leads.

TYLER — 36-year-old Smith County resident Barbara Cooperwood has been found and returned home. Cooperwood had been missing since June 14. Smith County Precinct 2 Constable Josh Black said his office was notified at 12:30 p.m. Friday that she had possibly been located. According to a news release, Deputy Constable Tim Maloney responded, found the woman at the Villages Resort in Smith County, and returned her home safely.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police are asking for your help today in identifying the owner of a GMC pickup for questioning in an ongoing hit and run investigation. According to our news partner KETK, the vehicle appears to be a 2012-2013 GMC 4-door pickup. It’s a white truck with tinted windows and the front headlights are tinted as well. The truck also has a large brown tool box or gang box in the back with several stickers on it. If you have information about this vehicle contact Detective Tim Dukes at 903-218-6904, or by e-mail at Charles.dukes@cityofkilgore.com. Reference case #1906-0829. You may also contact the Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or text your anonymous tip to 847411+KILGORE+yourtip.

TYLER — Tyler ISD is warning local businesses about a donation scheme in which fraudsters misrepresent that they work for TISD and ask for donations to help with John Tyler High School athletic uniforms. The phone number used is 888-218-2462. Tyler ISD is not seeking donations for athletic uniforms. Anyone receiving this call may report it to the City of Tyler Police Department.

TYLER — There’s new information on summer swim and splash options in Tyler with Fun Forest Pool closed for repairs. Starting Saturday, June 22, Tyler ISD Aquatic Center on Earl Campbell Pkwy. will be open to the public free of charge. Also, Tyler Transit will transport children ages 17 and under to the closest bus stop to Tyler ISD Aquatic Center, the Bergfeld Park Splash Pad, or the Faulkner Park Splash Pad during the summer months, free of charge. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. City officials note that transit services end at 6:15 p.m. on Saturdays and do not run on Sundays. All information and updates will be available at http://www.TylerParksandRec.com.

MARSHALL — Marshall city residents may dispose of storm debris via curbside bulk waste pickup or by transporting debris themselves to the City of Marshall Convenience Station on Notch Road for disposal. City officials say those who wish to use the curbside bulk waste pick up option must call Republic Services at 903-986-5324 two days in advance for bulk pickup, which occurs on Thursdays. In addition, customers must bundle the debris together, forming an easily handled package not to exceed four feet in length, six inches indiameter, or 50 pounds in weight. City officials say they’ve received a number of calls regarding debris removal in the wake of recent storms. You can go to https://www.facebook.com/marshalltexas.net/ for additional information.

LONGVIEW — A shooting in 2017 resulted in a Longview man being sentenced to seventy years in prison. Dominque Shaquille Marquis Harvey, 23, fatally shot Cameron Taye Brooks, 19. Brooks was a student at Tyler Junior College at the time of his death. According to our news partner KETK, Harvey was ordered to serve seven decades in prison for Brooks’ death. Harvey pleaded guilty to the murder last Friday. He was sentenced in the 124th District Court in Gregg County on Wednesday.

TYLER — Submittals are being requested for the 10th Anniversary of the Downtown Gallery Main Street’s Celebration Exhibit. The city of Tyler invites artists to register their work for the jurying phase of Gallery Main Street’s “Celebration” fine art exhibit. The deadline for entry is June 23. Artists should visit http://www.DowntownTylerArts.com for more details. The exhibit runs July 13 through Sept. 10.

TYLER — The accused killer of 10-year-old Kayla Gomez has had his trial pushed back again. According to our news partner KETK, testimony in the case of Gustavo Zavala-Garcia is scheduled to begin in March of 2020. Jury selection begins on January 30. Zavala-Garcia is accused in the November 2016 killing. Zavala-Garcia was one of the last people to see the little girl before she went missing from a church on Highway 69 in Bullard.  No official word for the delay, but past delays pointed back to “further DNA evidence testing.”

EAST TEXAS — Tyler police are warning small businesses in the area of a payroll check scam. According to the Tyler Police Financial Crimes Unit, in January, a group of Hispanic males cashed fake payroll checks on accounts that did not issue the checks. Lindale, Rusk and Marshall were also victimized. Investigators received several cases where the suspects have cashed a payroll check from small companies, predominantly nurseries. The company name is legitimate and the checks were forged using the correct banks and check numbers. The suspects are using fraudulent identifications from other countries and are believed to be foreign nationals. Continue reading Tyler Police Warn Companies of Payroll Check Scam

WOOD COUNTY — A former Mineola ISD employee has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for online solicitation of a minor. According to our news partner KETK, Todd Karch, 50, the former technology and transportation director for MISD, was also fined $10,000. He was indicted in April of last year for using the online site Grindr to seek a sexual encounter with a 16-year-old Mineola student. Karch was sentenced Wednesday in Wood County.

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department, the Northeast Texas Public Health District, representatives with Smith County, and multiple public service agencies in the community met Wednesday to update and release this year’s Heat Response Plan. Officials say the plan is designed to serve as a guide and to provide useful information to the public. It includes information and tips on avoiding heat-related illness and injury. Additionally, it highlights resources that are available to the public during the season, including overnight and daytime sheltering locations. Partnering agencies will have access and links to the plan, which can be viewed at http://fire.cityoftyler.org/Portals/FireDept/Documents/2019%20Heat%20Response%20Plan%20Final.pdf.

TYLER — A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday for the Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center. Wise Auditorium has been a mainstay for Tyler Junior College and East Texas performing arts since 1956. It will be renovated and converted into a comprehensive performing arts center. The TJC Campaign for the Performing Arts launched in 2018 to provide $7.5 million in private funding to underwrite the new facility. Construction begins immediately with a target completion date of January 2021.

HARRISON COUNTY — The National Weather Service confirms an EF-0 tornado touched down Wednesday morning in Harrison County. According to our news partner KETK, the NWS survey team says the twister hit a small area near Harleton on FM 450. EF-0 tornado wind speeds can be 65-85 mph. The National Weather Service says most of the damage in Nesbitt, Texas was due to straight line winds. The wind speeds topped 90 miles per hour. No injuries were reported. The Harrison County activity was part of a line of storms that made their way through East Texas Wednesday morning.

LONGVIEW — Starting on Thursday, Brent Rd. in Longview will be closed between Snoddy Rd. and Surratt Rd. The street will be closed to all through traffic at the culvert crossing at the creek for repairs. City officials anticipate the project’s completion by the end of September.

TYLER — A National Science Foundation grant has been awarded to the University of Texas at Tyler. The three year grant will enable advanced research in biological sciences. The fund of nearly $442,000 allocates monies to develop and examine genetically modified organisms, and how they can potentially enhance biosafety and environmental protection. According to U.T. Tyler assistant professor Dr. Clement Chan, “Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing industrial sectors in Texas.”

TYLER — Smith County officials are wishing their retiring fire marshal a fond farewell. In a news release, County Judge Nathaniel Moran terms Connie McCoy-Wasson “a thoughtful and hard-working and inspirational leader.” County Commissioners voted Tuesday to accept her retirement, effective June 30. McCoy-Wasson has worked in the fire marshal’s office for 26 years, including the last four as the county’s first female fire marshal. No word yet on the County’s plans to fill the role moving forward.

TYLER — Power was restored within a few hours at the Tyler Municipal Court following a Wednesday morning outage linked to early morning storm activity. Officials said customers who were scheduled for court Wednesday morning could appear beginning at 1 p.m. Wednesday to be worked into the afternoon sessions or get an appointment for another date. Customers unable to attend Wednesday can expect a reset notice in the mail. The city advises those affected to contact the Municipal Court by the end of the week to ensure the court has your updated mailing address. Officials said all customers scheduled for the Wednesday afternoon dockets would be required to appear at their scheduled times.

TYLER – Woldert Park will be the site for Wednesday afternoon’s commemoration of World Sickle Cell Day. A balloon release will be presented by the African-American Cultural Events Committee. The AACEC invites you to Woldert Park from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday. The goal is to honor, observe and remember those who have finished their fight with sickle cell, while encouraging warriors who are still fighting the good fight.