KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Emergency Services District 2 announced on Monday a new fire chief was hired “after an extensive search.” According to our news partner KETK, Fire Chief Eric Greaser assumed the role on Jan. 9. “I am honored to be of service to the citizens of Smith County and the members of Smith County ESD 2,” Greaser said. According to the department, Greaser comes to Smith County with over 30 years of fire service and most recently served as the fire chief for the town of Flower Mound. Continue reading Smith County ESD 2 hires new fire chief

TYLER – Sonic Drive-In on South Broadway Avenue is closed until further notice after a fire started in the kitchen early Monday morning, according to Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley. First responders arrived on the scene around 5:30 a.m. According to our news partner KETK, the fire caused traffic delays, with one lane of traffic blocked by first responder vehicles and fire officials. Findley says the fire started at the deep fryer in the kitchen and spread to the attic and through the roof. Initial 911 calls revealed that flames were coming from the roof of the building, and first responders confirmed the claim upon arrival. Continue reading Sonic closed until further notice after fire

TYLER — The University of Texas System and UT Tyler Monday hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday in Tyler’s midtown medical district for a $308 million Medical Education Building, which will house UT Tyler’s new School of Medicine. Governor Greg Abbott Greg Abbott headed the list of dignitaries offering remarks. He was joined by UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT Chancellor James Milliken, and UT Tyler President Kirk Calhoun. As heard on our news partner KETK, among other things, Abbott said the new medical school “inspires generations of people,” with the groundbreaking ceremony “making a generational change.” Continue reading UT Tyler breaks ground on new medical school building

GRAND SALINE – There is “no imminent danger” to any Grand Saline ISD students after a middle schooler allegedly said he would bring a gun to school, the district’s superintendent said. According to our news partner KETK, Superintendent Micah Lewis said the situation, in which the student allegedly said over the weekend “he might bring a gun to school to protect himself,” is under investigation. According to Lewis, this serves as a reminder to parents to caution their children about what they say on social media. Anyone with questions is asked to call their campus principal or Lewis.

NACOGDOCHES – A second student-athlete at Stephen F. Austin State University has died following a wreck. According to our news partner KETK, officials announced the death of football player Graylan Spring, earlier listed in critical condition. They had previously shared news of the death of baseball player Micah McAfoose. A candlelight vigil in their honor was scheduled for Monday evening at Homer Bryce Stadium on campus. McAfoose, 18, and Spring, 19, died after the Friday wreck just north of Corrigan. Continue reading Second SFA student athlete dies after crash

LONGVIEW — Beginning the week of Jan. 23, TxDOT and contractor crews will begin construction of a new bridge on High Street in Longview. The construction will require a change in traffic in the area. According to a city news release, traffic will travel in both directions on only one side of the bridge while demolition and construction are underway on the opposite side. Traffic flow will then switch to the other side so the project can be completed. The project is scheduled to last approximately two years. Signs warning motorists of the construction project were due to be put into place before the construction begins.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the U.S. Congress, including incoming freshmen, have received their committee assignments. Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Texas District 1 talked to KTBB about the committees he’ll be serving on and some of the issues at hand. Moran said he’s fortunate to be named to the judiciary, foreign affairs, and educational workforce committees, not least because most freshmen only get two assignments. He said it means he’ll be working extra hard, but that that’s what he was elected to do. Moran highlighted the judiciary committee, pointing to the Biden document revelations, Department of Justice oversight issues, and concerns about Hunter Biden. Continue reading Moran offers overview of issues at hand in Congress

EAST TEXAS — Local counties are seeing a big problem with animal dumping in rural areas. People who live in remote areas frequently see unwanted pets abandoned on county roads, which often turn to dirt or gravel, providing an easy spot to dump a dog or a cat without being seen. Upshur County Chief Deputy David Hazel says, “It would be a misconception to believe that most of these animals are taken in and given a good home.” Hazel  added that Upshur County handled 1,900 animal-related calls last year, many for stray or abandoned animals. He says dumping animals is a crime and the sheriff’s office will follow-up leads on anyone who dumps a dog or a cat. He says many deputies have adopted animals because the shelters are overwhelmed.

TYLER — UT Tyler has announced that Gov. Abbott will attend the groundbreaking ceremony for their new $308 million Medical Education Building on Monday, Jan. 23. According to our news partner KETK, the ceremony, which starts at 2 p.m., will be held at 1100 South Beckham Avenue. The ceremony will start with opening remarks and then they’ll break ground and take photos. The event concludes with a reception. UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT Chancellor James Milliken and UT Tyler President Kirk Calhoun will be in attendance along with Gov. Abbott.

TYLER — No injuries reported following a fire Monday morning at the Sonic on South Broadway in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, fire crews arrived around 5:30 and said the fire is believed to have started in the grease vent. Traffic delays were reported for a time as crews worked the scene. There was no immediate word on how the fire might affect operations at the restaurant.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District for the week of January 23. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will continue mill and inlay operations on FM 2207, from FM 1252 to SH 135. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a crew completing base failures on FM 2493 inside Loop 323, from Sunnybrook to Broadway in the northbound lane. This crew will then move to FM 850 to do profiling, just off SH 31 towards Overton. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic at all of the above locations. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — The Goodman-LeGrand Museum, on North Broadway in downtown Tyler, will be closed for annual maintenance from Jan. 24 through Jan. 28. During this time, the house and museum, including all the artifacts, will be cleaned and polished for necessary preservation, according to a news release. Officials say some pieces will undergo refresh and restoration work to conserve for future generations. For more information, call Goodman Museum Supervisor Debbie Isham at (903) 531-1286.

CORRIGAN – Stephen F. Austin State University has announced that former SFA baseball player Micah McAfoose was killed in a Friday afternoon crash that left Graylan Spring, an SFA football player in critical condition. According to our news partner KETK, SFA head football coach Colby Carthel said in a Saturday tweet that the crash involved a semi. “Prayers needed for one of our own, Graylan Spring, a freshman WR for @SFA_Football. He was involved in a terrible accident yesterday, involving a semi,” Carthel said. “He is now fighting for his life and needs all of our prayers! Please pray for him, his family, and his entire medical team.” Continue reading Former SFA student-athlete killed, another in critical condition after Corrigan crash

TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful has unveiled a new restroom mural at Noble E. Young Park. The park is currently being renovated and will be reopening later this year, according to a news release. The mural, completed in December, was painted by local artist Jamie Robinson and features the phrase “Good things happen here.” Robinson is also working on a special companion piece that will be unveiled during the park’s grand opening. Other restroom murals are currently in progress at Pollard Park, Lindsey Park, and P.T. Cole Park. It is the goal of Keep Tyler Beautiful to cover all Tyler area park restrooms with murals in the next few years as part of their ongoing mission of beautification, according to the release.

TYLER — The City of Tyler said the old St. James CME church is a hazard, filled with asbestos, and needs to be demolished. According to our news partner KETK, the church building in downtown Tyler hasn’t been in use for 20 years but has been a pillar in the Black community for 102 years. “A sad ending for a building that had a great history,” said church member Malcolm Jackson. It has been a pillar in the community dating back to 1870, five years after slaves were freed. “They listened to the community for a larger facility to have worship as well as other community events and so in 1920, they built this church,” said Pastor Brian Lightner. The church that is active today was built next door in 1982. Continue reading Historical church needs donations for demolition

TYLER — King’s Academy Christian School in Tyler has announced the death of its head of school, Dr. Wayne McEntire. That’s according to our news partner KETK. “Please pray. Wayne went to Heaven to be with our Lord today. He will be missed by so many. Please pray for those he left behind,” the school said in a Thursday Facebook post. McEntire started his journey as an educator at age 28, teaching the Bible to high school students in Houston. He was also a pastor and worked in other church staff positions, according to King’s Academy. McEntire leaves behind a wife, five children, and four grandchildren.

LONGVIEW — Two candidates have filed for terms on the Longview City Council as the May elections approach. Incumbent Wray Wade hopes for a return to office in District 3. Loan oficer John Nustad has filed in District 4, where incumbent Kristen Ishihara can’t run again due to term limits. Candidates may file an application for a place on the ballot for District 3 and District 4 until Feb. 17. Click this link for more details.

TYLER – A Dallas man faces several charges following a Smith County chase. DPS reports that around 10:30 p.m. this past Monday, a trooper tried to stop a car for a traffic violation on CR 164. Officials say the driver did not stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle chase ended at the Village on Broadway apartment complex, where the driver fled on foot, according to a news release. Officials say the trooper chased the suspect on foot and captured him. The suspect is identified as Wilbert J. Brown, 47. Authorities say a search of Brown’s vehicle revealed 77 pounds of marijuana. Brown was charged with evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana, and fail to identify-fugitive from justice. The news release says Brown also had four warrants for his arrest out of Tarrant County. Brown was booked into the Smith County jail. Officials say an open investigation continues.

TYLER – The Women’s Fund of Smith County (WFSC) awarded seven grants totaling $369,320 to seven local nonprofit agencies during its 2023 Grants Announcement Event held at Hollytree Country Club on Thursday. Since the collective giving circle was founded 2007, the Women’s Fund has awarded $2,929,384 to over 30 Smith County nonprofits, according to a news release. This year’s recipients are the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County, the East Texas Food Bank, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Camp V, The Fostering Collective, PATH, and Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Continue reading Women’s Fund awards over $360,000 in grants

BULLARD – On Wednesday, officials confirmed that an SUV crashed into the Bullard Post Office. According to our news partner KETK, the driver went to the hospital but reportedly did not suffer any major injuries. The post office is closed, and the Bullard Fire Department was boarding up the hole in the wall caused by the crash. While the office is closed, residents can drop off mail at the mailbox in the parking lot. According to the Bullard Police Department, the vehicle crashed into the building around 1:30 p.m. and a wrecker was called around 2:05 p.m. to remove the vehicle from the building.

KILGORE – A bald eagle was spotted on a derrick near the Kilgore Police Department on Wednesday. “This magnificent fellow was spotted checking out their favorite perch,” the city of Kilgore said in a prepared statement. According to our news partner KETK, BJ Owen, a wildlife enthusiast and the city’s director of special services, took the photos. A group of buzzards fled the area when the eagle arrived and went downtown. “So…next time you think you see a buzzard on the derrick, look a little closer to make sure,” city officials said. The bald eagle is a national symbol for the United States. They have strong vision that they use to hunt their prey, said the Smithsonian.

TROUP — On Wednesday afternoon, Troup High School hosted their Hoop for Coop fundraiser to support Cooper Reid and his family. According to our news partner KETK, basketball team reps say the effort involves shooting free throws to make money, with flat donations also accepted. Reid, a junior at Troup High School, had a significant head injury in early September during his football game. Since his injury, the community has rallied around him and his family. While Reid is still recovering in Houston, fellow Tigers are always looking for ways to support him. Boys basketball coach Darin Harley said that they are working on another event to help support the Reid family. The Troup community is hopeful for Cooper’s full recovery and asks East Texans to continue praying until he can come back home.

TYLER — Eleven Texas Republican members of Congress have written a letter to the Homeland Security Secretary demanding that he change the way he’s dealing with the border. The letter, sent Wednesday from freshman Congressman Morgan Luttrell, of Magnolia, and 10 others to Alejandro Mayorkas, reads in part, “The Department of Homeland Security states the purpose of the secretary is to secure and manage our borders; you have failed to do this job.” The letter was obtained by Fox News Digital. In addition to Luttrell, U.S. Representatives Kay Granger, Michael Burgess, Brian Babin, Dan Crenshaw, Lance Gooden, Ronny Jackson, Pete sessions, Nathaniel Moran, Keith Self and Beth Van Duyne also signed the letter.

ARP — An animal cruelty investigation that began last summer has led to the arrest of an Arp non-profit founder. Kym McRee is the founder of the organization “K-9’s & Heroes” which was established in 2020 to train support and service dogs for veterans. She has been arrested on a charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals. Bond was set at $10,000. Twenty animals – including several dogs – were taken from McKee’s home last August 15th. Officers said the dogs were emaciated and filthy, living in dirty cages and with no fresh water. McRee says she had been hospitalized for weeks and had left the animals in the care of a relative.

PRICE – A Carlisle ISD administrator was arrested for allegedly failing to report a possible sexual assault on the junior high campus. According to our news partner KETK, Carlisle ISD Superintendent Michael Payne says that the incident involved “one student’s conduct toward another” and that the district is cooperating with law enforcement. The district did not immediately release the name of the administrator who was arrested. “Student safety is of paramount importance,” Payne said. “The offending student was disciplined which included removal from CISD campuses and elimination of any threat to students.” Payne said on Wednesday the district is hopeful that with “additional evidence and clarification” the matter will be resolved.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announces $4.5 million in grants from the Governor’s Public Safety Office awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits. According to a news release, the Governor’s Public Safety Office administers federal and state grant funding to promote strategies that improve public safety, support victims of crime, prevent terrorism, and prepare communities for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to Texans. ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually. Click here for a more complete report.

TYLER — $86,000 was handed out Tuesday at 17 Tyler ISD campuses. The Tyler ISD Grant Patrol delivered the news to educators that were named 2022-2023 Grants for Great Ideas recipients, our news partner KETK reports. “Grant Patrol is one of the highlights of our year. It’s a rewarding opportunity to partner on these projects with an amazing group of educators who aim to engage their students in new and creative ways,” Tyler ISD Foundation Executive Director Suzette Farr said. The 29 grants given to educators on 17 campuses will fund projects like honey bees at Tyler Legacy High School to supporting the district’s literacy bus and expand student learning in the STEAM lab at Orr Elementary School. Continue reading $86k awarded to Tyler ISD educators with ‘Grants for Great Ideas’

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler blocked social media app TikTok from all campus internet networks effective Tuesday, the university announced. According to our news partner KETK, UT Tyler said this comes in response to Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent directive that requires all state agencies to remove the app from state-issued devices and equipment to address cybersecurity risks. “UT Tyler is taking these important steps to eliminate risks to information contained in the university’s network and to our critical infrastructure,” the university said. The order does not apply to student-run accounts that are owned by student organizations, since they are not government or Texas state agency accounts. Continue reading UT Tyler blocks TikTok from campus internet networks

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Law enforcement and a SWAT team took a man into custody around 9:20 p.m. after he barricaded himself inside a home Tuesday, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said. According to our news partner KETK, the man was identified as 34-year-old Lionel Charles. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to execute a search warrant at a residence on CR 4126 around 5:30 Tuesday evening. The sheriff’s office and Jacksonville Police Department were investigating the residence due to reported stolen property when Charles barricaded himself in a rear bedroom with firearms. Charles was arrested without further incident.