KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – After over 50 years in healthcare leadership, J. Lindsey Bradley, Jr. is stepping down at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances effective June 30. Bradley is currently Senior Vice President of Group Operations and Chief Executive Officer of CHRISTUS Northeast and will continue in that role until the end of the month. This includes CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System and CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Bradley has been with the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System over 36 years. The search for his successor is underway. But looking at his accomplishments over three decades, he will be a tough act to follow. Continue reading Healthcare Leader Lindsey Bradley is Retiring

LONGVIEW – The Longview emergency shelter, which was opened following last weekend’s tornadoes, will be closing. The shelter was opened because so many residents were without power. Now that much of the power has been restored, the city and the American Red Cross plan to close the emergency shelter at the Longview Exhibit Building by 8:00pm on Friday. According to Fire Chief J.P. Steelman, “It is our understanding that AEP SWEPCO has made significant progress in restoring power to the area. We are thankful that the American Red Cross and Salvation Army worked together to make the emergency shelter an option for residents in need.” According to Tammy Prater with the American Red Cross, 38 persons used the shelter on Monday night, 29 on Tuesday night, 31 on Wednesday night, and 13 were expected to use the shelter on Thursday night.

TYLER – Tyler police are alerting residents about a scam by email. It has to do with municipal court. Police spokesman Don Martin says Tyler Municipal Court will not contact you by email and advise you to pay your fine. If you get such an email, just delete it. Only go to the Tyler Municipal Court website that is secure to take care of any payment transactions on line or go to the court in person.

TYLER — The city of Tyler reports the Bergfeld Park amphitheater renovation project is scheduled to be complete by June 22. The project started in 2011 with a master plan — which became reality after a $325,000 donation from the Centene Charitable Foundation. During a visit to the park with KETK, City Councilman Don Warren said, “The stage is large enough to seat an entire symphony.” Music, theater productions, and movies are among the events that could take place at the revamped facility. The city says the updated venue could be put into motion by the end of June. Warren said, “In the very front, we’ll have about 492 stadium seats which will be very comfortable — and then back here behind me, they’ll have grass seating.” Warren says he doesn’t expect the amphitheater to be a revenue generator — but simply something for families to enjoy.

EAST TEXAS – More hidden electronic devices have been found in gas pumps in East Texas. Lufkin police report the gas card skimmers were found in a couple of pumps at a convenience store on South First Street. Similar skimmers were found in pumps in Diana in April, in Marshall in March and in Tyler last September. The skimmers, which are found inside the pumps, are designed to steal a person’s credit card information. The thieves will use that information to duplicate a credit card and obtain cash funds and merchandise. Continue reading More Credit Card Skimmers Turn Up in East Texas

KILGORE – Kids in Kilgore may find themselves ticketed by the police this summer. Parents, don’t be alarmed. It means your kids are being good. Again this summer Kilgore police are participating in Operation Snow Cone. When a policeman sees a youngster performing a good deed, helping others, being respectful or giving back to the community they will hand out a coupon for a free snowcone at Charlie’s Snoballs. All of the Kilgore patrol officers will have the coupons. Some places they will be watching are parks, neighborhoods and even kids in cars who are wearing their seatbelts. The program is a great way for the officers to develop relationships with youngsters and help teach them the importance of making good choices, being considerate of others and doing the right thing.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Habitat veteran repair program was launched on Veterans Day 2015 with a grant from a local family foundation and. It has expanded each year. Now, the program is being expanded July first because of a grant from the Fund for Veterans Assistance. The money will go toward home repairs in partnership with US military veterans residing in Gregg, Harrison, and Upshur counties. They say the the repair program focuses on disrepair that threatens the health or safety of the home’s occupants. Cosmetic repairs are not eligible for the program. Continue reading Longview Veterans Home Repair Program is Expanding

TYLER – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to drug violations in federal court in Tyler. Saleem Jeffer Jiwani, 58, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He also pleaded guilty Wednesday to and engaging in monetary transactions. Federal prosecutors say from at least April 2013, Jiwani and his co-defendants, conspired to distribute synthetic drugs at at a business in Tyler and in Plano. At his yet to be scheduled sentencing, he could get up to 20 years in prison. Continue reading Tyler Man Guilty of Drug Violations

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches man has been arrested following a drug raid. Cordale Arnold, 30, was taken into custody Tuesday morning after deputies with the Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at his house. Arnold was under investigation after undercover agents reportedly bought drugs, including cocaine and PCP. Officers conducted the search warrant around 6:00 Tuesday morning and found cocaine, codeine and a liquid believed to be PCP. Arnold was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

LONGVIEW – Longview’s emergency sirens, for the most part successfully passed their test on Wednesday. Fire Chief J.P. Steelman said last Sunday the sirens were activated after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southeastern Gregg County. They received reports from some residents that they heard the sirens while other residents have said they didn’t hear them. During Wednesday’s test, all twenty of the city’s strategically located sirens sounded. But three of the twenty sirens did not rotate fully. In the most recent monthly test on March 1, there were no malfunctions noted. These three sirens will be scheduled for maintenance as soon as possible. It is possible that these three were damaged in Sunday’s storm preventing them from full rotation. Those sirens are located at 1600 Blueridge Parkway, 610 East Loop 281, and 1602 W. Cotton Street. According to Chief Steelman, “we can assure the residents of Longview that the system is working properly, and it will be available if and when the next activation occurs.” Continue reading Longview Siren Test Results

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police Department is issuing a scam alert pertaining to the “Publisher’s Clearing House.” Callers will say you have won, even if you have not entered. And they need you to pay taxes so they can release your winnings. They warn you, this is a scam. They advise you not to give them any personal information. As always, if the caller request you send them money or information, it is a scam and you need to steer clear. One of the numbers they use is 876-840-2992. They say most of these scams originate in other states or countries. If you receive any suspicious calls of this nature, contact you local law enforcement agency.

TYLER – Once again this summer, children and teens will be able to get a free bus ride to the Tyler Public Library. The free rides start Thursday and run through August 31st. Transit and transfer passes are free for children and teens up to age 18, only to and from the Library. Adult passes are $1 each. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, over 18, at all times. Throughout the summer months, the Library offers a multitude of free programs for all ages to coincide with its annual Summer Reading Club. Partnering with Tyler Transit enables more people to get involved in Library events and nurture lifelong literacy.

LONGVIEW – The cleanup continues around Longview in the wake of the weekend tornadoes. Damage was reported all over Gregg County with trees and power lines downed and some homes damaged. Power has not been completely restored and that means some traffic signals are still not working. Among the latest to arrive to help with the cleanup are volunteers with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief. A cleanup/recovery crew will help remove fallen trees that have damaged homes and blocked roadways in the Easton area.The Red Cross shelter remains open in Longview. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Drive.

TYLER – Tyler’s Mayfair Building got a historical marker during a Wednesday afternoon ceremony. The art deco structure was built in the 1920s. It was originally an opera house. Big bands performed there during the 30s. Over the years the Mayfair Building hosted boxing and wrestling, USO shows during World War II, gospel concerts and a large list of well known entertainers, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Big Bopper, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Dolly Parton. The ceremony kicked off the Friends of the Mayfair fundraising effort to restore the building.

LONGVIEW – The City of Longview and the American Red Cross are continuing to operate an emergency shelter in the wake of severe weather that knocked out power n the area. The Shelter, which opened Monday night, will remain open as long as needed. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Drive. The shelter has cots and blankets. Showers are available, but you will need to bring soap, shampoo, and a towel. Also, remember to bring any medications or medical equipment if necessary. The Red Cross says anyone affected by the storms may also call its 24-hour dispatch number, 866-505-4801. Continue reading Cleanup Continues Following Longview’s Weekend Storm

SMITH COUNTY — The Department of Public Safety has released the identity of the victim in a one-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon. Troopers responded to the crash on Farm-To-Market Road 279, six miles west of Tyler, around 2:00 Tuesday afternoon. The DPS report said the driver, identified as Austynne Brooke Roberts, 21, Murchison, was traveling west on FM 279 when the vehicle went off the roadway to the right. Roberts apparently over-corrected and struck a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

LONGVIEW – One person has been killed when his motorcycle struck the rear of an SUV in Gregg County. Killed was Jabre Cardero Alexander, 30, of Longview. He was pronounced dead at a Longview hospital. Witnesses say the motorcycle had been traveling at a high speed prior to the crash. The accident occurred around 7:30 Monday night on Farm Road 1844, about a mile north Longview. No one in the SUV was injured.

EAST TEXAS — UT Tyler’s Longview University Center will reopen Wednesday after being closed Tuesday due to a power outage. Officials say power has been restored and classes will be held Wednesday as scheduled. The National Weather Service survey team in Longview has determined two tornadoes, including an EF-1, hit the city and surrounding areas on Sunday — just part of the widespread storm activity that struck the area late in the day. KETK reports that with an EF-1 tornado, damage is considered moderate — including significant roof damage, windows broken, exterior doors damaged or lost, and mobile homes overturned or badly damaged. Continue reading Longview University Center Reopens

LONGVIEW – Longview’s emergency warning sirens are scheduled to be tested at noon on Wednesday. Each of the city’s 20 sirens will be tested and individually observed to ensure that all sirens are working properly. Fire Chief J.P. Steelman said last Sunday the sirens were activated after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southeastern Gregg County. According to Steelman, “We’ve received reports from some residents that they heard the sirens while other residents have said they didn’t hear the sirens. Due to some electrical issues caused by power surges during the storm, we are unable to conclusively determine from our normal electronic report whether every siren sounded properly on Sunday evening.” So, with the possibility of strong thunderstorms again this weekend, they felt it would be best to do an additional test of the siren system to make sure everything is functioning properly. Continue reading A Test of Longview’s Emergency Sirens

TYLER – Smith County Constable Andy Dunklin has been presented the with the “Excellence in Action Award.” The presentation came at Tuesday’s Smith County Commissioners’ court session. The award stemmed from quick action, spearheaded by Dunklin, in finding a missing four year old girl earlier this month. The youngster had wandered away from her grandmother’s home on Lake Placid. Lilly-Anne was found over half a mile away, safe and unharmed. Continue reading Smith County Constable Honored

MARSHALL – Marslall police are looking for several theft suspects. Two of them tried to stal and ATM machine. It happened around 5:00am on May 19th, at the EZ Mart on West Pinecrest Drive. The vehicle the men used was stolen. It has since been recovered and returned to the owner. Continue reading Marshall Theft Suspects Sought

TYLER – In an appearance in Tyler federal court, two East Texas men have pleaded guilty to drug violations.Saihaine Nijel Freeman, 23, of Longview (pictured) and Quentin Leonta Brown, 40, of Gilmer entered the pleas Tuesday before U.S Magistrate Judge Nicole Mitchell. Both were indicted by a federal grand jury in February. Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. He also pled guilty to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Freeman pleaded guilty to to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Both could get up to 40 years in prison at a future sentencing hearing.

TATUM — The City of Tatum remains in the dark following Sunday’s severe weather. A fire department member told KTBB Tuesday that the problem still hadn’t been resolved. According to KETK, Tatum fire crews responded to numerous reports of downed trees. Trees are said to have fallen on at least six houses. Mayor Phillip Corey is asking residents to conserve water until further notice. The city has also set up an emergency operation center at the fire station in Tatum. Anyone needing assistance is asked to contact the Tatum Fire Department.

MALAKOFF – A Henderson County student has graduated with a special distinction. Cross Roads High School senior Julie Rogers has graduated with perfect attendance. And not just for her senior year. According to the district’s Facebook page, Julie has not missed a day of school from kindergarten through 12th grade, a total of 13 years. She was recently recognized for her achievement at the school’s awards ceremony. The school’s homecoming queen finished 5th in her class.

MARSHALL — There was a serious blow to public safety service due to weekend storm activity in East Texas. The storm was so strong that it knocked out 9-1-1 service to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall Police Department, and six other law enforcement agencies. Lt. Jay Webb says, “A T-1 line had gone down and became the problem. When the T-1 line went down, of course, everything went with it.” Webb said Harrison County sent a dayshift dispatcher to Marion County Monday to assist with call volume until the service was restored around 3:00 Monday afternoon. Harrison County officials plan to meet soon to determine a way to keep this from ever happening again.

TYLER – Smith County Commissioners learned about the community of Arp during Tuesday’s commissioners’ court session. Mayor Terry Lowry, whose father also served as mayor, gave a brief presentation about the history of Arp, which was established in the 1860s. His grandfather, Cleve, was one of the founding fathers of Arp and owned about half of the town. After the nearby community of Omen rejected the railroad coming in, Arp became a railroad community and began to grow. According to Lowery, there are now 22 businesses in Arp, and about 1,000 students attending schools in the Arp School District. Mayor Lower told the commissioners, “We’ve got a good community. The school system, I will admit, is second to none.” Continue reading Arp Highlighted Before Smith County Commissioners

EAST TEXAS — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Memorial Day weekend accidental shooting that claimed the life of Cass County resident and former Marshall firefighter Danny Duncan. According to KETK, Sheriff David McKnight said the incident occurred early Saturday morning as Duncan and some relatives were boating on the Little Cypress River. According to the preliminary investigation, Sandy Duncan, the cousin of the 43-year-old victim, was shooting at a snake, when he laid the gun down and it went off, hitting Danny Duncan. “It was a single gunshot wound,” said McKnight. Continue reading Former Marshall Firefighter Killed by Gunshot

EAST TEXAS — Thousands of residents in and around the Longview area are still without power following severe storms over the weekend. As of 8:00 Monday night, SWEPCO has been able to restore power to 57,000 customers, more than half of the customers who lost electric service due to Sunday’s storm. Approximately 45,600 customers remain without power. Sunday night’s storm packed winds of up to 60 miles per hour and downed power lines and trees across East Texas. An EF-1 tornado was confirmed in the Longview area. More than 421 men and women are working to restore power to SWEPCO customers in the Ark-La-Tex. The estimated restoration times below tell when the company expects to have power restored to 95 percent of customers in an area. Power may be restored prior to their estimate. Continue reading Thousands without Power Following Sunday’s Storms

LONGVIEW — Since many residents are without power, the City of Longview and the American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter Monday night. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Dr. The shelter has cots and blankets available for those in need. Showers are available, but you will need to bring soap, shampoo, and a towel. Also, remember to bring any medications or medical equipment if necessary. The shelter will be open to anyone without power. The Red Cross says anyone affected by the storms may also call its 24-hour dispatch number, 866-505-4801.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in TxDOT’S Tyler District during the Week of May 29. Work will resume Tuesday, May 30, following the Memorial Day holiday. As for I-20, work will resume on Wednesday, May 31. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.

Smith County – Tyler Maintenance will be performing base repairs on FM 14 south of the Sabine River. A second crew will conduct spot seal operations starting on SH 110N then continuing on FM 849 and FM 857. Expect lane closures at both work locations with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update