KTBB News, Weather, Talk

AUSTIN – A Jackson Heights volunteer firefighter, fatally injured on his way to an accident, has received special recognition. KETK reports Jalen Smith, 19, was added to the Texas Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Austin. On November 30, 2012, Smith and two other firefighters were responding to an accident when they were involved in an accident on Farm Road 2767. Smith died a few days later at East Texas Medical Center. He is the first Jackson heights firefighter to die in the line of duty.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) and Smith County received some encouraging news about residents’ health in a national report Wednesday, though it also shows that much more needs to be done in some vital areas. That’s according to a NET Health news release, also issued Wednesday. The release of the sixth annual County Health Rankings, by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI), shows where we live matters to our health, according to NET Health officials. Continue reading NET Health Responds to County Health Rankings

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to authorize the city manager to advertise a request for qualifications for a design build firm for the design and construction of a hotel conference center. City of Tyler staff is in the process of developing a hotel conference center as part of the Industry Growth Initiative (IGI) plan that identifies tourism as a primary building block for economic development in the community. Officials say tourism brings in “fresh” dollars to Tyler and is a growing industry. Tyler has historically lost significant tourism revenue because of the lack of appropriate facilities to host large conferences, according to officials. Continue reading Design Build Firm Sought for Hotel Conference Center

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday approved amendments to the street closure and parade permit process and fees. “The previous street closure and parade permit process used three separate applications for events such as a block party, street closure or parade application,” said City Engineer Carter Delleney. “Often, applications were returned to the incorrect department or were missing vital information such as road names and maps. This new application process should help the applicant get approved much faster.” Continue reading Council Amends Street Closure and Parade Permit Process and Fees

TYLER — The Tyler City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to request support from Tyler’s Texas Legislative delegation to oppose Senate Bill 182. The bill is related to municipal revenue caps. According to a city news release, Senate Bill 182 has been introduced into the 84th session of the Texas Legislature by Senator Paul Bettencourt from District 7. This proposed legislation was filed on Nov. 13, 2014, read on Jan. 27, 2015, and then referred to the Finance Committee. Continue reading Tyler Council Opposed to Senate Bill 182

KILGORE — A special guest will be on hand when Kilgore College Fire Academy No. 94 holds its graduation ceremony tonight. Guest speaker will be firefighter Joe Yeakley of Lindale, who was the recipient of the Star of Texas Award in September from former Gov. Rick Perry. The award is given annually by the governor to honor peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical first responders who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Continue reading Joe Yeakley Will Speak at Fire Academy No. 94 Graduation

KILGORE — Kilgore police say a known “dope house” located at 908 West North is now boarded up so no one can sell drugs from it. According to KETK, police say a car drove by the residence March 17 and sprayed it with bullets but no injuries were reported. Authorities are investigating the incident but claim the occupants of the house were less than cooperative. Police are unsure if the shooting was motivated by a disgruntled customer, a competitor, or gang activity. Continue reading Police: “Known Dope House” Shut Down

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities say a man led deputies on a chase through Smith County that ended in a crash. According to KETK, Lt. Gary Middleton says Charles Wayne Brown, 43, of Whitehouse, was taken into custody Monday night on one count of evading arrest. Middleton said dispatchers received a call about a car driving erratically on I-20 near Loop 49. Responding deputies found the vehicle in the area and a pursuit began after the car exited an off ramp onto Highway 110, according to Middleton. Brown’s vehicle headed north on 110 and made a couple U-turns during the case, Middleton said. According to Middleton, the pursuit came to an abrupt end when the car crashed through a Mercy Ships fence. Middleton says Brown then jumped out of his vehicle and ran but gave himself up shortly after leaving the car. Brown remains in the Smith County Jail on $25,000 bond.

LONGVIEW — Investigators said a Longview man set fire last week to a house belonging to his ex-stepfather. Longview Fire Marshal criminal investigator Bert Scott said Cody Rodgers, 20, started the fire shortly after 9 p.m. March 15 at a residence in the 700 block of E. Lynnwood Lane. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Rodgers, 20, remained in the Gregg County Jail on charges of arson and assault of a public servant. Investigators said the blaze pattern indicates the fire was started in the living room. Continue reading Man Accused of Setting Fire to Ex-Stepfather’s Home

ATHENS — A motorcycle/pickup accident in Henderson County has left one person dead. The accident happened around 5:30 Monday afternoon on U.S. 175 south of Athens. Investigators say a motorcycle headed northwest on Business 175 was approaching the off ramp when a truck stopped at a stop sign failed to yield the right of way and pulled out in front of the bike. The motorcyclist hit the side of the pickup. Judge Randy Daniel pronounced James Scholar, 54, of Aubrey dead at the scene. His body was taken to Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens. James Creel, 35, of Palestine, was identified as the truck’s driver. There was no immediate word on possible charges against Creel.

MARSHALL — The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two unrelated sexual assault incidents that allegedly occurred over the weekend. That’s according to KETK and the Marshall News-Messenger. Last Friday, deputies arrested 26-year-old Cody Tinsley, of 3733 St. James Road, for aggravated sexual assault of a child after a woman reported that he had been in her residence on James Marshall Road, allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old. “The reports are being completed and the investigation in ongoing,” Lieutenant Jay Webb with the sheriff’s office said Monday, noting Tinsley was in the Harrison County Jail on a $100,000 bond. Continue reading Two Harrison County Men Charged with Sexual Assault

GREGG COUNTY — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying two men at the site of a recent burglary. According to KETK, officials said a truck was used during the crimes at North Ranch Storage on Highway 259. During the early morning hours of March 19, the two thieves in the maroon colored Ford Explorer Sports Track stole items. The model of the truck and ages of the thieves are unknown. If you have any information regarding this offense, contact Inv. Jon Fulgham at 903-237-2531 or anonymously give a tip at 903-236-STOP.

TYLER — Longtime educator Becky Chenevert has been named the new principal of St. Gregory Cathedral School in Tyler, Rev. Hank Lanik, rector of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception has announced. She will begin her new position for the 2015-16 academic year this June. According to materials from the cathedral and the Diocese of Tyler, Chenevert comes to St. Gregory with 29 years of experience in elementary education and has served the last 24 as a principal. She is currently the principal of the Wise Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School in Chapel Hill ISD. Continue reading Chenevert Named St. Gregory Principal

TYLER — Smith County commissioners have taken another step toward setting up a veterans court. According to a news release, commissioners Tuesday approved a memorandum of understanding between Smith County, the Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System, and the VA Regional Office in Waco. Michael Roark, the county’s veterans service officer, said the agreement by each party as to what services will be provided puts officials one step closer to establishing the Smith County Veterans Court Program. The memorandum of understanding states that the parties plan to “provide eligible veterans charged with misdemeanor offenses in Smith County an opportunity to realize better outcomes in their contact with the criminal justice system through utilization of the VA-sponsored rehabilitative programs.” Continue reading Smith County Commissioners Move Closer to Veterans Court

TYLER — Gateway to Hope, a temporarily shuttered resource center for the Homeless in Tyler, will reopen Monday, March 30. According to a news release, Hiway 80 Rescue Mission Ministries and the board of directors for Gateway to Hope have established an agreement that will allow Hiway 80 Rescue Mission to operate the Gateway to Hope facility for a six month time period. The agreement establishes that Gateway to Hope will provide its current facility at 601 E. Valentine in Tyler and resources contained within the facility to Hiway 80 Rescue Mission to operate. Hiway 80 Rescue Mission will provide staff and cover all staffing expenses and daily program and guest service expenses over and above commitment from Gateway to Hope, according to the news release. Gateway to Hope will continue to cover building related expenses and guest service assistance as part of its basic monthly commitment. Continue reading Gateway to Hope Reopens March 30

LONGVIEW — A trial continues after beginning Monday in the murder of a Kilgore College football player. According to KETK, 25-year-old Brendan Douglas of Longview is accused of coordinating the shooting of DeAundray Rossum in May 2012. Rossum was with two people in his car when he was shot to death in Longview. According to Longview police officers, Douglass directed Rossum to the scene of the shooting, saying they were going to buy marijuana. Douglas is believed to have been working with men who opened fire on Rossum’s car.

TYLER — A car/pedestrian accident in Tyler has left a child injured. It happened around 4:30 yesterday afternoon at the intersection of South Lyons and Jackson Street. A 12-year-old boy was injured when hit by a car as he stepped off the curb. A witness said that they too had almost struck the juvenile. They added that the boy had ear buds in his ears and appeared to be unaware of his surroundings. Continue reading Tyler Child Struck by Vehicle, Driver Arrested

LONGVIEW — One person has been killed in a Longview accident. The two-vehicle wreck occurred in the 600 block of Young Street near South Ward Elementary School. Police say a woman died after veering into oncoming traffic and colliding with another vehicle head-on. The victim was identified as Maureen A. O’Brien, 60, of Longview. She was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace James Mathis. Police said the driver of the pickup, Brandon Herber, 41, of Longview, and his passengers were not injured. The wreck remains under investigation.

TYLER — Traffic on Shiloh Road at Donnybrook is shut down to one lane in both directions until approximately 10:00 tonight due to repair of a sinkhole in the area. Police ask that you avoid that area if possible and take an alternate route to avoid traffic congestion.

WOOD COUNTY — Two people have been wounded by gunfire in a Wood County incident. KETK reports the Wood County Sheriff’s Office assisted by DPS responded to a shots fired call at 8:54 Sunday night on Wood County Road 3420 near Lake Hawkins. The injured were transported to area hospitals and are currently being treated. The case is under investigation. Sheriff Jim Brown said no additional information could be immediately released.

QUITMAN — A Wood County Jail inmate has died. KETK reports Charles James (Jim) Perry, 68, died shortly after 5:00 Sunday afternoon. Perry had been jailed on 3 counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and 1 count of indecency with a child by sexual contact. He had been in custody since August 13, 2014, and was awaiting trial. Officials say Perry had a terminal illness and was attended by hospice medical staff at the time of his death. An internal investigation is being conducted by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Ranger John Vance is investigating the death. The investigation by the Ranger is required on all in-custody deaths. Additional information will be released as it becomes permissible to do so, according to officials.

KILGORE — Kilgore College has received the written report from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) committee that visited KC and Hallsville High School in February to review KC’s offerings at HHS. The committee’s report contains no recommendations and KC is not required to provide any further information to the commission, according to A KC news release. “These results are the best possible outcome that we could have hoped for and we appreciate the commitment of Hallsville ISD to providing a quality dual credit program for its students,” said Dr. Staci Martin, vice president of institutional planning. “We look forward to continuing our excellent partnership with Hallsville ISD.” Continue reading KC Gets Positive Report from Visit to Hallsville High School

TYLER – As TxDOT rolls out another week’s worth of area highway construction updates, the department is also promoting Work Zone Awareness Week. With 146 people killed in Texas work zone crashes last year – an increase of more than 20 percent from 2013 – the Texas Department of Transportation urges drivers to slow down, pay attention, and be extra cautious when driving through work zones and construction areas. TxDOT’s call-to-action, “Drive Safe in Work Zones So We All Get Home,” coincides with National Work Zone Awareness Week, March 23-27. You can go to https://www.txdot.gov for more information. Continue reading TxDOT Updates Projects, Promotes Work Zone Awareness Week

TYLER — Following a weather-related postponement from Friday, Tyler’s Azalea and Spring Flower Trail finally saw its official kickoff Sunday afternoon at the home of Guy and Joan Pyron, at 212 W. Dobbs St. Mayor Martin Heines was on hand and made note that the Trail is one of Tyler’s signature events. Heines told KTBB, “This is a great time for us to engage as a community and really see the beauty of our community.” The mayor also pointed to a major reason the Trail continues to be held each year. He remarked, “It’s great to have all the visitors from out of town come to Tyler and spend some time and spend some money in our community.” Continue reading Azalea and Spring Flower Trail Officially Kicks Off

LONGVIEW — An East Texas lawmaker’s father has been arrested again, just three days after being arrested on a stalking charge. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Benny Paddie, father of District 9 state Rep. Chris Paddie, remained in the Gregg County Jail, charged with violation of a protective order. Bond was set at $25,000 by Justice of the Peace Tim Bryan. Paddie was arrested at about 9:15 p.m. Saturday by Longview police after bonding out of jail Thursday. He was previously arrested Wednesday on the corner of Sequoyah and Fourth streets in Longview. Continue reading Lawmaker’s Father Rearrested for Allegedly Violating Protective Order

TYLER — The official kickoff of Tyler’s Azalea and Spring Flower Trail is set for 2 p.m. today. The ceremony was originally scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday but was postponed due to the weather. Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau officials say the opening event will still be held at the home of Guy and Joan Pyron, at 212 W. Dobbs St., as originally planned. Organizers have scheduled a wealth of activities during the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail, which runs through April 5. You can go to http://www.visittyler.com/azaleatrail for more information.

TYLER — In an ongoing effort to enhance government transparency and citizen involvement, the City of Tyler has launched a new online tool, according to a city news release. Tyler Speaks is an online forum for civic engagement that can be accessed via several avenues, including:

– The Quick Links section on the right side of the City’s website homepage at http://www.CityofTyler.org

– Directly through the Tyler Speaks website at http://www.TylerSpeaks.com

– the widget on the City’s Facebook page Continue reading City Launches New E-Citizen Engagement Tool: Tyler Speaks

TYLER — Four Tyler Junior College professors have distinguished themselves as endowed teaching chairs for 2015. The TJC Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence program enables professors to nominate and reward their peers who demonstrate excellence as educators, according to a TJC news release. Continue reading Four TJC Professors Named 2015 Endowed Teaching Chairs

SALT LAKE CITY (AP/Staff) – The Utah Attorney General has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to take over a polygamous community’s water utility amid allegations that managers loyal to imprisoned leader Warren Jeffs have siphoned off $1.7 million in revenue. Jeffs is serving a life sentence at the Louis C. Powledge Unit near Palestine for sexually assaulting underage girls he considered brides. But he is thought to still be leading the sect from prison. Continue reading State Asks for Takeover of Polygamous Towns’ Water Utility