KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — New Year’s Day brought a rate hike for drivers who use Toll 49. The toll rate adjustment is not something new. Everett Owen, Interim Executive Director of the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority, said it was decided previously that the rate adjustments would be incremental to bring Tyler closer to the state average. The revenue from the tolls is used to maintain and expand the toll road. You can go to http://www.netrma.org and find the new rate schedule.

TYLER — Tyler police continue their participation in the ‘No-Refusal’ DWI Campaign. It started Thursday afternoon at 3:00 and will run through Saturday. Upon the arrest of a suspected drunk driver, he or she will be asked if they would submit to a breath or a blood test. If the driver refuses and says “No” officers will obtain an immediate search warrant signed by a judge on call to have blood drawn by a nurse on staff at the Smith County Jail. Continue reading Tyler’s “No-Refusal” DWI Campaign

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau of East Texas is warning area home owners about a door-to-door roofing company which reportedly swindled a property owner out of hundreds of dollars. One consumer claimed he paid $500 to a roofer who did substandard work and provided false contact information for himself and his company. This company is currently under BBB Investigation. Storm chasers and other door-to-door salespeople often peddle dubious deals that may be costly to homeowners and create serious headaches, often requiring advance payment and making big promises on which they have no intention of delivering. Continue reading Warning About Dishonest Door-To-Door Roofing Companies

TYLER — A vehicle-pedestrian accident west of Tyler has left one person injured. The wreck occurred just before 1:45 Thursday afternoon at Highway 64 and Toll 49. The Department of Public Safety reports the man was flown to a Tyler hospital. The initial report was his injuries were not life threatening. The accident remains under investigation.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Louie Gohmert of Tyler Thursday discussed his federal version of “Kari’s Law” as he guest hosted the Sean Hannity show, heard on KTBB. Gohmert says he wants the law to apply nationally to any business that currently requires something other than direct 911 dialing in an emergency. Governor Greg Abbott signed a Texas version of the bill into law last May. Kari Hunt Dunn was murdered in 2013 by her husband in a Marshall hotel room. The couple’s daughter tried to call 911 but didn’t realize she had to dial “9” first to get an outside line. The incident prompted a nationwide effort to allow callers to dial 911 directly from hotel rooms and other multi-line systems.

TYLER — Brookshire Grocery Company’s annual Spirit of Christmas Food Drive has once again proved to be a big success. Because of the 34th annual food drive, more than 16,000 families throughout Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas received a week’s worth of food this holiday season. For just over 4 weeks, ending December 22nd, participating BGC stores collected donations of non-perishable food items and also sold pre-assembled “grab bags” and scan coupons for cash contributions. All donations stayed within each store’s community. Continue reading Brookshire’s Food Drive a Huge Success

WOOD COUNTY — Farm Road 2869 at Holly Lake Ranch in Wood County remains closed after the roadway sustained damage during last weekend’s storms. The road is expected to remain closed for several more days as crews work to make the needed repairs. Continue reading Wood County Farm Road Remains Closed

BIG SANDY — One of two persons rescued from high water in Upshur County has died. She is Peggy Hagler, 57, of Gilmer. she was rescued around 5:30 Tuesday morning north of Big Sandy at Big Sandy Creek on Farm Road 1002 and Aspen Trail. After being rescued, Hagler was taken to Tyler’s Mother Francis Hospital, where she later died. Smith County Justice of the Peace James Meredith, ordered an autopsy. About an time later a driver, who drove around the fire trucks, also had to be rescued. He was not injured. Fire department crews from Big Sandy, Gilmer, Pritchett and Mount Pleasant fire departments took part in the rescues.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a vehicle burglary suspect. He is accused of burglarizing vehicles in Southern Smith County and also attempting to steal one. According to the sheriff’s department Facebook page, after finding the keys in a vehicle he went to the address later that night, but was confronted by the owner and wrecked the vehicle in front of the house trying to get away. He then jumped into his vehicle, which is believed to be a mid 2000’s Chevy Colorado Z71 4 door pickup Silver in color with black fender flare. Truck has a tool box mounted in the back and believed to occupied by one suspect. If you have any information contact Detective Larry Swinford at 903-566-6600.

LONGVIEW — You can get a safe ride home from your New Years Eve activities thanks to Longview Transit and R&K Distributors. For the eighth consecutive year, Longview Transit will give free rides to anyone within the Longview city limits on New Year’s Eve between 8:00pm and 3:00am. The curb to curb service is available to any destination within the city limits of Longview. The service is offered to the general public, including individuals that have had a couple of drinks or those that simply do not want to drive that evening. They encourage rides to schedule trips in advance. You can get more information about Longview Transit or Safe-Ride-Home by visiting http://www.longviewtransit.com or by calling 903-753-2287 ext. 10.

EAST TEXAS — Starting next Monday, Workforce Solutions East Texas will have a reduction in their days of operation at six of their centers. The six will go from a five day a week schedule, to a split schedule, sharing staff at the centers which are close in proximity. The group’s board approved the changes at their meeting earlier this month. The changes were made in order to balance the budget due to rising facility costs. This realignment of services will allow Workforce Solutions Eat Texas to maintain a presence in all 14 counties. These are the changes: Emory, Pittsburg and Carthage centers will be open Wednesday through Friday from 8:00am till 5:00pm each day. The centers in Canton, Gilmer and Henderson will be open each day from 8:00am till 5:00pm.

BEREA, OHIO (AP/STAFF) — Browns starting quarterback and Tyler native Johnny Manziel is being evaluated for a concussion and could miss Sunday’s season finale against Pittsburgh. The team said he reported to its facility on Wednesday complaining of concussion-like symptoms, Manziel rushed 11 times for 108 yards, but wasn’t sacked in Sunday’s 17-13 loss to Kansas City. Browns coach Mike Pettine says the team will be cautious with Manziel and doesn’t know yet whether the quarterback will have to enter the league’s concussion protocol. If Manziel can’t play, backup Austin Davis will make his second start this season.

BEREA, OHIO (AP/STAFF) — Browns starting quarterback Johnny Manziel, of Palestine, is being evaluated for a concussion and could miss Sunday’s season finale against Pittsburgh. The team said he reported to the facility on Wednesday complaining of concussion-like symptoms, Manziel rushed 11 times for 108 yards, but wasn’t sacked in Sunday’s 17-13 loss to Kansas City. Browns coach Mike Pettine says the team will be cautious with Manziel and doesn’t know yet whether the quarterback will have to enter the league’s concussion protocol. If Manziel can’t play, backup Austin Davis will make his second start this season.

ATHENS — Trinity Valley Community College has announced a Cardinal basketball player is dead. He is Melvin Swift, 21, who was shot in Houston Tuesday night. The shooting occurred in a home that had been burglarized and was about a block from Swift’s house. Investigators say Swift may have been shot during a home burglary. The residents returned to their home around 8:00 Tuesday night and found a man with a knife in their house. One of the adults is said to have confronted the burglar and shot him in the leg. He was taken to a hospital and later died. Houston police have not officially identified Swift as the suspected burglar., but the shooting took place at the same location of the burglary. Swift, a 6’8″ forward for the Cardinals, had gained interest from such Division I colleges as Memphis, Arkansas, Maryland, and Wichita State, according to 247Sports.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department says a 16-year-old girl who had been missing since Christmas Eve has been found. Emmera Johnson of Marshall had last been seen on December 24th around the Belaire Manor Apartments. Police had sought the public’s help in locating the teenager. The Marshall Police Department says the girl was found in Longview and was returned to her family.

LONGVIEW — Longview fire investigators have determined a Christmas Eve fire at a residence on Hickory Street was intentionally set. According to the Longview News-Journal, fire officials said no one was home when the fire broke out shortly after 10 a.m. Friday. The blaze left the home uninhabitable with heat and smoke damage. On Tuesday, Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary said the blaze had been added to the list of intentional fires in the city. Anyone with information related to Friday’s incident or other fires is asked to call Gregg County Crimestoppers at (903) 236-7867.

TYLER — Tyler police are looking into a disturbance at the Eastwood Apartments at 1030 Old Omen Road. Shortly before 7:45 last night there was a call of gunshots at the apartments. During the disturbance, someone discharged a firearm and damaged a vehicle. No one was injured. The investigation is ongoing.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Streets Department will close the northwest bound lanes of Sunnybrook Drive between Robertson Avenue and Kennedy Avenue from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Wednesday. It is to remove debris from the drainage channel on Sunnybrook Drive. Traffic will be detoured onto Robertson Avenue. Continue reading Work on Sunnybrook and Old Bascom Road

TYLER — Smith County road and bridge crews are working to repair several roads that were damaged by last weekend’s storms. County Engineer Frank Davis urges drivers to not cross roads that still have high water over them, especially if they are barricaded. Continue reading Heavy Rains Continue to Cause Travel Problems

BIG SANDY — Two persons have been rescued from high water in Upshur County. The first rescue happened around 5:30 Tuesday morning north of Big Sandy at Big Sandy Creek on Farm Road 1002 and Aspen Trail. A woman was first rescued. She has been taken to Tyler’s Mother Francis Hospital for treatment. About an time later a driver, who drove around the fire trucks, also had to be rescued. He was not injured. Fire department crews from Big Sandy, Gilmer, Pritchett and Mount Pleasant fire departments took part in the rescues.

TYLER — In the wake of the tornadoes which struck over the weekend, the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors who take advantage of those who have already been victimized. The Better Business Bureau of East Texas reminds homeowners to be on the lookout for storm chasers, individuals who follow severe weather hoping to get business from victims whose homes have been damaged by storms. Continue reading BBB Advises Tornado Victims to be on the Lookout for “Storm Chasers”

EAST TEXAS – Drivers continue to face numerous challenges throughout East Texas following storm activity this past weekend and earlier in the month. Officials said Tuesday that Road and Bridge crews are working to repair several roads throughout Smith County that were damaged by this month’s storms. County Engineer Frank Davis urges drivers not to cross roads that still have high water over them, especially if they are barricaded. Continue reading Heavy Rains Continue to Cause Travel Problems

TYLER — A South Tyler traffic accident has destroyed a traffic control cabinet. The accident occurred at Southtown Street and Broadway Avenue. Because the cabinet was destroyed, this has caused the intersection to operate in recall mode. The traffic signal may be out of sync in comparison to others in the area. The city is currently working with suppliers to find a replacement cabinet. It is expected to be replaced by Thursday afternoon.

EAST TEXAS — The National Weather Service is now reporting four tornadoes in East Texas on Saturday. Two storm forecasters were in Harrison county today, surveying damage north of Marshall. The forecasters say the damage was caused by an EF-2 tornado. The Sunday evening storm destroyed houses and barns, snapped trees in two and knocked out electricity. The most affected area is near Farm Road 1793. While the damage is extensive, no injuries have been reported. Around 250 homes are without power. It could take several days before the power is completely restored. Other weaker storms were reported at Emory, Eustace and at Sulphur Springs. The national Weather Service says those were EF-0 storms with maximum winds around 70mph.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help in identifying two burglary suspects. They are accused of breaking into the Shell Station on Interstate Highway 20 at Jim Hogg Road north of Tyler around 5:00 last Wednesday morning. From the photos captured by the stores security cameras, both appear to be white males 5’7” to 6” tall, both wearing mask, one is camo design the other appears to have some type of logo or design stitched on the front. If you have any information concerning this burglary please contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division or Communications at 903-566-6600.

MARSHALL — Two National Weather Service storm forecasters were in Harrison county today, surveying damage north of Marshall. The forecasters say the damage was causedby an EF-2 tornado. The Sunday evening storm destroyed houses and barns, snapped trees in two and knocked out electricity. The most affected area is near Farm Road 1793. While the damage is extensive, no injuries have been reported. Around 250 homes are without power. It could take several days before the power is completely restored.

TYLER — The Tyler Senior Center was closed yesterday today due to a power outage. City officials said Oncor worked to replace a damaged pole and restored power to the area. The center, located on Garden Valley Road a short distance west of the Glenwood intersection, will be back in operation today.

TYLER — Due to flooding, part of Old Bascom Road from Shiloh Road to Old Omen Road will be closed until further notice. No through traffic will be allowed on the road until the City of Tyler Streets Department evaluates repairs Monday morning.

LONGVIEW — A shooting in a parking lot of a Longview business left one man dead and one injured. It happened around 12:30 Saturday afternoon at the Family Dollar store at the intersection of South High Street and Garfield Drive. Killed was Michael Louis Boyd, 42 of Longview. The other man is identified as Arthur Lee Taylor III 35, of Longview. (pictured) He was treated and released at Good Shepherd Medical Center. He was then arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. There is no word this morning if that charge will be upgraded as the investigation continues. Continue reading One Killed in Longview Shooting