KTBB News, Weather, Talk

HOUSTON (AP) — Federal authorities have ordered a Houston-based food producer to cease operations until it improves products possibly contaminated by “filth.” The federal Food and Drug Administration found that shrimp egg rolls may have been “injurious to health.” Chung’s cannot process, prepare, package or distribute food until improvements are made.

LAS VEGAS (AP/Staff) – More honors are handed out to country music superstar and Lindale native Miranda Lambert. Sunday night at the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Lambert was named Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth consecutive time. Her recording of “Over You” was chosen as Single Record of the Year.

WINONA — The investigation continues after three children were killed in an early morning house fire in Winona. It happened just before 3 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of Kay Street. Winona Fire Chief Nelson Brumley tells KETK the fire started in the living room and spread to the kitchen. The mother and father grabbed four of the eight children in the home and got them to safety. But 9-year-old Colby Watson, 6-year old Riley Hickman, and 4-year old Jax Davidson were still asleep in the back bedroom and did not survive. A relative says the father has been released from the hospital. We’re told an 8-year old boy is still in the LSU intensive care unit and the mother remains in critical condition in a Tyler hospital.

LONGVIEW — An accident in Longview has left one person dead. The vehicle/pedestrian accident occurred shortly before 1:45 yesterday morning in the 1100 block of West Marshall. Witnesses tell police Anson Fuller, 30, of Longview, had been inside the Cloud Nine Club and was asked to leave because he was causing a disturbance. As he was crossing the roadway he was struck by a pickup driven by Calob Player, 20, of White Oak. Fuller was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center where he later died.

CHAPEL HILL — Three Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies were treated at ETMC-Tyler for injuries and exposure to blood after responding to a call of an assault in the Chapel Hill area. Around 3:30 yesterday morning, deputies responded to a call in the 12000 block of Farm Road 3226, where a woman reported she was cut with a knife by her husband. After arriving on the scene, deputies noticed blood outside the residence and a shattered glass door at the front of the home. Deputies heard a male’s voice inside and after locating the man, saw he was covered in blood and appeared to be intoxicated. Deputies ordered the man to lie down on the ground, but they say he refused and had to be subdued. The injured wife was found hiding outside the residence, but she refused medical treatment.

The man was transported by EMS to ETMC-Tyler for treatment. After his release, he will be booked in to the Smith County Jail on charges of assault, family violence and resisting arrest. The three Smith County Deputies were taken to ETMC-Tyler for medical evaluation after one suffered a knee injury and two were exposed to blood. The identities of those involved are being withheld pending arraignment and further investigation.

TYLER — Nine people, including adults and juveniles, have been taken into custody in a Smith County burglary case. Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call just before 10:30 Saturday night. at a residence in the 11600 block of County Road 1121. A resident at that location reported that several individuals were causing a major disturbance, were breaking into the resident’s vehicle, and were attempting to break into the residence. The four deputies who responded to the scene took nine suspects into custody. Five are juveniles and four are adults. All are facing charges, including burglary of a vehicle and criminal mischief. The names of the suspects are being withheld pending arraignment and additional investigation.

TYLER — U.S. Senator Ted Cruz was in Tyler Saturday evening. KETK reports he discussed the 13-hour filibuster over the drone program, his fight to protect American’s Second Amendment rights, and his efforts to defund and repeal Obamacare. Sen. Cruz said all of his efforts in Washington so far could not have been accomplished without the help of the people of Texas. The senator is visiting cities all across the state, and felt strongly about stopping in Tyler.

Senator Cruz says there are enormous challenges in our country right now and it’s time to restore economic growth and stand for principle. “East Texas is such a vital region to the state .My job is to represent every citizen in Tyler and every citizen in East Texas and 26 million Texans. I’m spending every day trying to travel the state, listening to people’s concerns and stand up for Texas, fight for our rights and fight for our constitution,” said Sen. Cruz.

Senator Cruz also talked about the national debt, saying his number one priority is to restore economic growth. “Over the last four years, our economy has grown 0.8% a year,” he said. “23 million people are out of work because the economy isn’t growing. Republicans and Democrats should work together to reform our taxes, to limit the burden and complexity of our taxes and to lift the regulatory burden off of small businesses.” Cruz said the only other period since WWII where our country had four consecutive years of less than 1% economic growth was from 1979-1982. He said how to fix this is by following the policies of President Reagan’s administration. “Limit the growth of government spending, cut taxes and simplify our tax code, reduce regulation, unchain the private sector and allow small businesses to flourish. Growth is the key to opportunity,” said Cruz.

And of course, there was the topic of gun control. Cruz fired back at California Senator Dianne Feinstein’s proposed ban on assault weapons, saying his goal is to safeguard the constitutional rights of law-abiding Americans. Cruz along with Sen. Rand Paul and Sen. Mike Lee sent a letter to Sen. Harry Reid stating that the three of them would use any procedural needs necessary, including another filibuster, to stop any legislation that violates citizens’ Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

KILGORE — A Kilgore woman has been arrested, accused of assault of a public servant and other charges. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Holly Sheppard, 21, was arrested about 9:30 Friday night in her home in the 3200 block of State Highway 31 by Kilgore police. In addition to assault of a public servant, police charged Sheppard with resisting arrest or transport and interfering with public duties. She was held Saturday in the Gregg County Jail on more than $18,000 in bonds. Further details on the case weren’t immediately available.

LONGVIEW — You’ve heard of three strikes and you’re out. Well, how about four husbands and you’re sent to prison, especially if you’re married to them all at the same time? Candice Andrade, 32, of Kilgore got a year in prison for each husband after being found guilty of polygamy.

According to Gregg County prosecutor Chris Botto, Andrade told the judge “she was just looking for the fairy tale and she just kept marrying different men ’cause she always thought she could do better.” Botto says Andrade is a drug addict and a liar, and that she married the men for their money, without bothering to file for divorce or sign off on divorce documents filed by her husbands. He says it all came to light when one of her husbands filed a police report claiming Andrade was a bigamist, and two more came forward. All the men live in East Texas.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College communications and media students swept the competition at their annual state conference, taking the top honors in their division. The students won First Place for Overall Excellence for Newspaper Division 4, as well as Sweepstakes for Newspaper Division 4, Sweepstakes for Online Division 4, and Best of Show for Newspaper Division 3, during the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) conference April 3-6 in Fort Worth. In addition, judges named Editor in Chief Taylor Griffin as Reporter of the Year for Division II. Griffin also received a scholarship during the ceremony. The students placed in an array of categories from design and layout, to news and sports feature writing, to photography and online multimedia packages.

“I am proud of my students who showed that TJC is preparing them with the tools to succeed in a an ever-changing news business,” said Laura Krantz, TJC department chair of Communications & Student Media. “These students are the future of journalism, and it was exciting to see them use their talents to compete against two- and four-year schools from across Texas.”

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) — Authorities say University of Texas receiver Kendall Sanders, an Athens native, has been arrested on a drunken driving charge. Brazos County records show that Sanders was booked into the county jail in Bryan just after 5 Saturday morning and released on $3,000 bond before 8:00. In a statement Sunday, Longhorns coach Mack Brown said UT would monitor the situation. Brown said UT would “do what’s best for the university, Kendall and the team” when the legal process is complete. Jail records don’t show whether Sanders has an attorney.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

KILGORE — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to conclude resurfacing operations on Farm Road 1252 between State Highway 135 and State Highway 42, then on Wednesday are scheduled to move to U.S. Highway 259-Kilgore Relief Route to make pavement repairs near Synergy Park. The work at Synergy Park will require a daytime closure of the bypass between US 259 north of Kilgore and Farm Road 349. A marked detour will be in place while work is in progress, sending southbound traffic past the US 259 bypass entrance and then left at the SH 31/FM 349 intersection, and then onto the bypass at FM 349. Northbound traffic will exit at FM 349, turn toward Kilgore, then north toward Longview at SH 31/US 259 intersection. The work, which is scheduled to take three days to complete, in preparation for a second project to add a turn lane at Synergy Park, which is scheduled to let to contact in August.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base pavement repairs in various locations in both directions on Interstate Highway 20 between U.S. Highway 69 and Farm Road 14. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform surface-sealing operations on Interstate Highway 20 in various locations between Farm Road 1255 east of Canton and the Smith County Line. Elsewhere, contract crews are still at work making base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 773 between IH 20 and Ben Wheeler, and construction crews are at work on Farm Road 17 between IH 20 near Canton and State Highway 110 in Grand Saline, and on Farm Road 2339 between Farm Road 1861 and Farm Road 773. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers and pilot vehicles will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 782 between Farm Road 1716 in Oak Hill and State Highway 149 near the Gregg County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on Farm Road 1801 east of Mineola and on Loop 564 in Mineola. A second crew is scheduled to make pavement and edge repairs in various locations on Farm Road 779 northwest of Mineola. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 773 at its intersection with State Highway 31 in Murchison. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform pavement-texturing operations on U.S. Highway 175 in and around Frankston, and on Farm Road 855 between Cuney and Mount Selman. A second crew is scheduled to continue making base and pavement repairs on Farm Road 1911 between U.S. Highway 69 north of Wells and the end of state maintenance. Also this week in Cherokee County, construction crews are scheduled to continue work to add shoulders to State Highway 110 between U.S. Highway 79 in New Summerfield and U.S. Highway 84 in Rusk, and on State Highway 294 between Alto and the Anderson County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

ANDERSON COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to make base and pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 837 between State Highway 19 and Farm Road 315, and Farm Road 320 between Farm Road 645 to U.S. Highway 79. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

MARSHALL — A Marshall woman was arrested Friday after allegedly shooting at police officers. KETK reports authorities arrested Kelly Ann Tibbetts, 32, for attempted capital murder of a peace officer. On Friday, around 3:48 p.m., the Marshall Police Department responded to a call in the 700 Block of West Burleson Street in reference to a woman who barricaded herself inside her home and was allegedly armed. As the standoff continued, it was learned that Tibbetts was armed with a rifle, according to police. Several rounds were reportedly fired by Tibbetts. Officers say they were able to manage the situation after a short time. They say Tibbetts surrendered, exited the house without incident, and was taken to the Harrison County Jail.

Attempted capital murder of a peace officer is a 1st degree felony and punishable by imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for life or for any term of not more that 99 years or less that five years and a possible fine not to exceed $10,000.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are seeking leads after a local barber shop owner was wounded by gunfire during a robbery. On April 4 at 7:58 p.m., Police were dispatched to a shooting in the 2000 block of South High Street. When officers arrived, the victim told them he was locking up his barber shop when the suspect pulled up in a maroon Toyota or Mazda 4 door 90s model car. The suspect ran up to him, produced a handgun, and demanded money. The suspect then shot the victim one time and pointed the handgun at him again, while continuing to demand the money. The victim stated he threw down his money; the suspect picked it up and fled the scene. The victim was transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center with what police term non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect is described as a black male dressed in a ski mask, tan jacket with a hood, and blue jeans. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Greg McCasland at 903-237-1199. If the tipster wishes to remain anonymous, they are asked to contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-7867.

LONGVIEW — A residential burglary in Longview has landed three suspects behind bars. On April 4 at 2:28 p.m., Officers responded to the 200 Block of Collins Street. According to a witness, three males were seen walking around the home. One of the suspects was believed to be working as a lookout while the other two were inside the home.

According to a police news release, when Officers arrived they found two of the suspects leaving the location and placed them under arrest. Police located a third suspect down the street from the burglarized home. Two of the suspects were determined to be juveniles and were transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Facility and charged with Burglary of a Habitation. The adult, identified as James Stevenson, 18, of Longview, was transported to the Gregg County Jail and charged with Burglary of a Habitation, which is a second degree felony.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Foundation has met its annual fund goal of $150,000 in unrestricted donations. Campaign chairs Sharie Withers and Dr. Brian Stone announced the completion of the initial community drive. But they encouraged the Foundation Board of Directors and the community to provide a stretch goal of $250,000, at the most recent Foundation Board of Directors’ meeting at the Gary Campus March 27th. According to a news release, the money will be used by the Foundation “to administer its mission of inspiring learning, enriching teaching and enhancing opportunities for the over 18,000 students enrolled in Tyler Independent School District.”

The Foundation’s next event will be the Night of Shining Stars — a Hollywood-style event to honor the top 20 students graduating this spring from Lee and the top 20 students graduating from JT, Tuesday, April 30th, 7 p.m. Each student will honor one Tyler ISD educator for being an important impact of their success. Only donors to the Foundation are invited; donations may be sent to the Tyler ISD Foundation, 315 North Broadway, Suite 401, Tyler, Texas 75702.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Water Utilities Department advises residents that notices being distributed by home warranty companies regarding service line warranties are not affiliated with the City of Tyler. “We are receiving many calls from our customers about these solicitations,” said Managing Director of Utilities and Public Works Greg Morgan. “We just want to ensure that our customers act with due diligence in determining whether to purchase this coverage for their home. They should not assume this coverage is endorsed by the City of Tyler.”

City of Tyler ordinances do state that property owners are responsible for the maintenance and repair of water and sewer service lines as outlined below:
· From the meter to the structure for water service
· From the structure out to, and including, the connection to the City main for sewer service

“While many residents may choose to purchase this coverage, the City does not endorse any particular company and urges residents to thoroughly research the provider and coverage,” adds Morgan.

LONGVIEW — The search is on for the driver of a hit and run vehicle in a Longview incident. On April 1 at 12:13 p.m., Police were dispatched to the intersection of West Marshall Avenue and Spur 63 for a hit and run accident. When Officers arrived, they were told that the driver of a silver Nissan Titan truck had exited the northernmost driveway of the Kroger parking lot and attempted to turn southbound on Spur 63. The driver of the truck reportedly failed to yield the right-of-way to a 2007 white Dodge Nitro and a 2003 silver Honda Accord. Police say the truck struck both vehicles and did not stop. The truck is believed to have sustained major damage to the driver’s side.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact Officer Mike Grisham at 903-237-1199. If the tipster wishes to remain anonymous, he or she may contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-7867.

HUNTSVILLE (AP) – The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has rejected a clemency request from an East Texas man facing execution next week for a fatal shooting during a home robbery more than 22 years ago. The board voted 7-0 Friday to not recommend clemency for 50-year-old Rickey Lynn Lewis. He’s set for lethal injection Tuesday evening in Huntsville. Lewis, from Tyler, was condemned for killing 45-year-old George Newman during a break-in at Newman’s Smith County home in September 1990. Newman’s fiance was raped and tied up but survived and managed to call police. Lewis already had a long criminal record when he was arrested for the slaying. Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review his case. Two other men involved in the break-in never have been caught.

KAUFMAN (AP) – A second man has been arrested for allegedly threatening a public official as investigators probe the deaths of Kaufman County’s district attorney, his wife and another prosecutor. Authorities say Robert Allan Miller of Terrell was arrested Thursday and charged with making a terroristic threat. He is being held on $1 million bond in the county jail. The 52-year-old Miller allegedly posted a threat against an assistant Kaufman County district attorney on a news website via Facebook. Another Terrell man was charged with the same offense on Tuesday. Nick Morale allegedly threatened an unspecified official on the tip line set up by investigators probing the murders of DA Mike McLelland, his wife Cynthia and Assistant DA Mark Hasse. Authorities say neither Miller nor Morale have been linked to the murders.

TYLER — A Tyler ISD school bus was involved in an accident Friday morning. Police say there were no children on the bus and no injuries. KETK reports the accident happened on Lyons Ave. and Front St.

SULPHUR SPRINGS (AP) – A sheriff’s office spokesman in East Texas says two inmates who escaped for two days took advantage of a guard distracted by several other duties. Capital murder suspect Brian Allen Tucker (pictured) and John Marlin King – who recently pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge – were found Thursday in a barn in Cooper, a town about 20 miles away from the Hopkins County Jail in Sulphur Springs. While the two men face additional felony charges, Hopkins County officials say they’re studying how to improve security and prevent another escape. Sgt. Brad Cummings of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office says part of the problem was Tucker and King had been in the jail several times and possibly knew how to successfully escape.

LONGVIEW – Representative David Simpson (R-Longview) issued the following statement about the House budget passed Thursday night and his “nay” vote:

“Today the Texas House passed a budget with a $10 billion or 5.3% increase in spending over the current biennium continuing the growth of government. It also continues the longstanding practice of taxation with misrepresentation — collecting fees, surcharges, and taxes for one purpose and then using these dedicated funds to authorize other spending. I sought to amend the budget to reduce this egregious practice, but was unsuccessful. Much has been said about reforming this practice, but this budget continues its use without any substantial reform. We are counting on future legislatures to do what we should have done ourselves.

“Moreover, we again gave preference to corporate welfare and subsidies to industries such as Hollywood movie production over our schools, emergency services, and other core or constitutionally-mandated functions of government. Because of this unnecessary and substantial increase in government spending with wrong priorities I voted against the budget.”

Representative Simpson serves House District 7, which comprises Gregg and Upshur Counties.

WORTHAM (AP) – A funeral service was held Friday for the slain Kaufman County district attorney and his wife in the small Central Texas town where he grew up. The funeral for Mike and Cynthia McLelland was held in Wortham. The town of some 1,000 residents is about 75 miles south of Dallas. Dozens of law enforcement representatives from across the country and beyond were among the capacity crowd at First Baptist Church of Wortham. Following the service, a funeral procession with sirens began moving toward Wortham Cemetery, where both victims were laid to rest. The McLellands were found shot to death Saturday in their house near Forney, about 20 miles east of Dallas. No arrests have been made, but a $200,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the killer’s conviction.

LONGVIEW — Many members of Longview’s Interstate 20 Corridor Task Force are determined to find a way to crack down on untended or dilapidated buildings in the area. To do that, the focus of discussion at Thursday’s meeting turned to adding teeth into some city ordinances. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. “The ways our codes are set up are very minimum standards — unfortunately, ugly is not really one of those standards,” said City Manager David Willard. He told the task force that most ordinances of the city are designed to be non-invasive and to allow freedom. “You can leave a building as long as you secure the building and board the windows up. It can rust, it can be crooked; but unless it gets into such disrepair that it becomes a public hazard, there’s not much we can do,” he said.

Task force member Robert Crawley said the group should seize the opportunity to address vacant and blighted buildings across the city. “I lived in Longview in the 70s. There were buildings that were vacant in the 70s that are still vacant today,” Crawley said. “Not just on the I-20 corridor, but across the city, too. The mayor created this task force, so he obviously wants to do something about this problem. … I think the city needs to get aggressive in this area. … We need to put some teeth into it, so they can’t let it set there forever because it hurts the rest of us.” Crawley suggested calling for a city ordinance that would require property owners to maintain the look of non-leased property. Willard told the task force that if members proposed a strengthened ordinance, the city could look at the legalities of the suggestion and allow the City Council to decide.

Task force members also discussed the possibility of an overlay zone after a presentation by City Planner Michael Shirley about the best practices for revitalizing an interstate corridor. The overlay zone could be fit to whatever criteria the city wants, including landscaping policies or incentives to develop. Task force members discussed the opportunity of using an overlay zone to specify the look and provide incentives to promote growth in a large tract of land west of Estes Parkway south of the interstate.

Kasha Williams, council liaison to the task force, returned recommendations she gathered from members at the group’s last meeting. City staff combined those recommendations into seven larger goals. Williams told the task force to spend time before the next meeting to begin thinking of ways to achieve the goals all the members are beginning to embrace.

TYLER — East Texas Medical Center Tyler has added the da Vinci Si Surgical System, and the public is invited to come and see it. Hospital officials say the system makes it easier to treat a variety of procedures with greater benefits for the patient. The new system will be on display at the ETMC Pavilion at 801 Clinic Drive in Tyler on Tues., April 9, from 2-6 p.m.

“The da Vinci technology allows surgeons to perform procedures through just a few tiny incisions using the latest in computer and robotic technologies,” said John Stewart, vice president of operations for ETMC Tyler. “The surgeon controls the da Vinci system, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside the body. Although it is often called a “robot,” the da Vinci can’t be programmed or make decisions. The system replicates the surgeon’s movement.”

The da Vinci system consists of a surgeon’s console, a patient-side cart with four interactive robotic arms, a 3D HD vision system, and miniaturized wristed instruments. Officials say the surgeon is able to operate from a comfortable, seated position, with eyes and hands placed in line with the instruments. To move the tools or change the camera, the surgeon simply moves his hands.

Officials say the da Vinci system, manufactured by Intuitive Surgical, has been successfully used worldwide to perform a variety of procedures including cardiac, colorectal, general surgery, gynecology, head and neck, thoracic and urology. The potential benefits to the patient compared to traditional open surgery may include shorter hospital stay, less blood loss, less pain, faster recovery, and less scarring.

TYLER — A Smith County grand jury has no-billed a Tyler officer following a fatal shooting in January. According to authorities, Officer Matt Riggle was involved in a shooting that occurred at 603 E. Queen Street on January 1. The patrolman was responding to multiple reports of shots fired. Victor Fuentes, 22, died at the scene after he was shot by Riggle.

Officer Riggle was reassigned to an administrative duty pending the outcome of the Grand Jury investigation. He will remain on administrative duty until the conclusion of the department’s administrative investigation, which is expected to be concluded next week.

TYLER — Early morning gunfire had Tyler Police on alert. According to KETK, it happened around 1:30 Friday morning at Club Ice on Lake Wood Drive. Dispatchers received reports of a man shooting his gun outside of the club. No injuries were reported and no arrests were made.

TYLER — The investigation into Wednesday’s incident at a structure at 1430 E SE Loop 323 is ongoing. Fire Investigators have not yet determined the ignition source of the explosion. The victim that was transferred to Parkland Hospital in Dallas remains in critical condition. Witnesses reported seeing a man on fire after an explosion at an East Texas house being remodeled in an accident that left two rescuers hurt. The Tyler Fire Department says the critically burned man apparently was using solvents to refinish the floor when the vapors ignited. Authorities say two other people who saw the house on fire Wednesday and helped search the structure were treated for smoke inhalation. Investigators say the burn victim was transported to a Dallas hospital where he remains critical.

AUSTIN — The Texas Transportation Commission has approved funding to pay for the continued operations of air traffic control towers at 14 airports in Texas, including Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Currently, 21% of aircraft take off and land at these towered airports in Texas. Cuts in federal funding for air traffic control services at 149 facilities nationwide are scheduled to begin in phases starting next week. “Safety is our top priority and I am glad we’re able to keep these critical air traffic control services operating,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Fred Underwood. “As a pilot, I know firsthand how critical these services are to the safety of air traffic.”

“I applaud the commission for taking this action as it was the right thing to do for Texas,” said TxDOT Executive Director Phil Wilson. “The commission’s action today will allow these communities to partner with TxDOT during this period of transition while longer-term solutions are being evaluated and considered.”

The decision by the Commission will provide approximately $2 million for the following 14 airports for 90 days: New Braunfels (BAZ); Brownsville (BRO); Easterwood Field College Station (CLL); TSTC Waco (CNW); Lone Star Executive Houston (CXO); Georgetown Muni (GTU); San Marcos Muni (HYI); Dallas Executive (RBD); Sugarland Regional (SGR); Stinson Muni San Antonio (SSF); Collin County Regional (TKI); Texarkana (TXK) ; and Victoria Regional (VCT). Tyler Pounds Manager Davis Dickson is one of many who are very happy with the move — but he says the job’s not done. Dickson says the airport will be working with TxDOT through the 90-day period as Tyler Pounds gets ready for permanent plans to keep the control tower open.