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DALLAS — With hundreds of mobile blood drives canceled due to the pandemic, Carter BloodCare partnered with Thompson Auto Group to give away a car. All donors in December were automatically registered for the give-a-way. On Thursday, Megan Hunt, a senior at Rusk High School picked up her new Chevy Trax. KTBB spoke with the winners grandmother, Virginia Hunt, as Megan was on a test drive in the Carter BloodCare parking lot. “It’s such a blessing for her. Hunt continued, “Megan advocates for people to give blood. As we were coming here, she said, oh look there’s a blood drive Feb. 4th. She’s a good kid.” Continue reading East Texas senior’s name drawn from thousands of blood donors

TYLER — East Texans came out in large numbers Wednesday for day-two this week in a series of COVID-19 vaccinations taking place at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. George Roberts told KTBB, “Right now we are focusing on that Tier 1A, which is health-care workers, first responders…the demand level for the 65 and older crowd, as well as people that are 18 and older with chronic health conditions has been extremely high.” Hundreds of people with appointments were given the Moderna coronavirus inoculation. The NET Health CEO continued, “We have not vaccinated that group as well as we should quite yet. So in answer to your question, I’m not sure when the next tier will be available.” In 8 hours, 500 people were immunized for round 1, a follow-up shot will be given in just under a month. There is a link to enroll on a waiting list for first and second vaccinations and more information at https://www.NETHealthCOVID19.org.

TYLER — Several members of the Smith County Democratic Party are asking for Chairman Michael Tolbert to resign. According to our news partner KETK, failures in the November election, and financial transparency, are some of the reasons for the push. Dave Hansen, the Smith County Democratic Party Precinct 19 chair cited a resolution that was formally submitted to Tolbert demanding he step down. “One of the most concerning highlights is his sworn court testimony falsely representing CEC approval of a primary runoff following the clear win by Sgt. Willie Mims for Constable Precinct 1 in March 2020” Continue reading Smith County Democrats seeking resignation of Chairman Tolbert

TYLER — Motorists experienced travel delays and searched for alternate routes after a pedestrian was hit by a car Wednesday afternoon near the Hollytree neighborhood. According to Tyler Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, the mishap happened around 1:30 and the person hit was examined by EMS, but was not transported to the hospital. The roadway was eventually opened up following the investigation of the scene.

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Rangerettes performed Wednesday, in the virtual Inaugural Parade for the Presidential Inauguration. According to the high-kicking dance corp, earlier this week, they received a letter from the Inaugural Parade team stating they are “thrilled to confirm” the group will be in the virtual parade. “We want to thank you for being a part of what will be a truly unique Presidential Inauguration and for helping us start this new era with such a celebration!” The Rangerettes have now performed at the last 5 Presidential Inaugurations.

TYLER — The U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Stephen J. Cox, resigned from his position Tuesday. According to the news release, the decision became official at 11:59 p.m. Cox said, “The opportunity to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas has been a distinct honor and privilege…” During Cox’s time on the bench, the district focused on fraud and white-collar enforcement, as well as healthcare, financial and antitrust crimes. Nicholas Ganjei, a career federal prosecutor and EDTX’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney, now serves as Acting U.S. Attorney, becoming the first Persian-American in the 174-year long history of the District to serve as EDTX’s U.S. Attorney. Cox returns to the private sector as of now, but plans for the future will be announced soon. For now, he plans to spend time with his family and travel.

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System said Wednesday they will be part of a test for a treatment for COVID-19. The health system will be taking part in the National Institutes of Health trial that will determine how effective a blend of the antiviral drug remdesivir and a concentrated solution of antibodies are in treating COVID-19 patients. CHRISTUS says, the antibody solution contains several times more neutralizing antibodies than in the plasma of people who have recovered from COVID-19. CHRISTUS is one of 50 health systems worldwide taking part in the testing. More information about the clinical trial can be found by clicking the link. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04546581.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox announced Tuesday, that staff members will be able to get free COVID-19 vaccinations through the district. The statement was released following the LISD board meeting, “these would be offered to Longview staff members who wish to take the vaccine, free of charge, and totally voluntary.” The district is partnering with Texas-based company Aurora Concepts, who will bring a mobile unit to the administration building. The exact time and date are still being worked out, with other details, but we are on their list to offer the first Moderna Vaccine, at no out-of-pocket expense to employees. More information is available by clicking the link. http://w3.lisd.org/news/article/01192021-vaccine.html.

TYLER — NET Health continues vaccinations at Harvey Hall in Tyler. On Wednesday, NET Health CEO George Roberts told KTBB, “The Department of State Health Services is supplied by the federal government and then the state decides where those vaccinations need to be going…We have been given a good supply, but we have a ways to go in getting the community vaccinated like we should.” Going into this week, NET Health had administered over 4,000 inoculations. The city of Tyler has made Harvey Hall available to hold appointments in a safe, socially distanced setting. Continue reading Appointment vaccinations continue at Harvey Hall

EAST TEXAS — The latest to be arrested in the Capitol Hill riot is Daniel Adams, of Tyler. He is accused of confronting and fighting with Capitol Police on the steps of the building. He joins a growing list that includes two other East Texans. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Nichols, 30, of Longview and Alex Harkrider, 32, of Carthage, were arrested and charged with several federal crimes. Nichols is being held in the Smith County Jail and Harkrider in the Gregg County Jail. Continue reading More East Texans arrested for Capitol Hill riot

TYLER — Various Tyler ISD campuses celebrated Tuesday. The TISD Foundation awarded 29 grants, on 14 different campuses, totaling almost $90,000. According to our news partner KETK, the annual Grants for Great Ideas program will impact 9,400 students positively. Since its inception in 1990, the Tyler ISD Foundation has gifted more than $3.3 million dollars through teach grants, student and parent programs, academic and teaching recognition events and scholarships.

TROUP — The city of Troup is offering their condolences and sympathies to Lt. Frank Blake. Lt. Blake died on Monday, after a career in law enforcement, that spanned over 5 decades. According to our news partner KETK, Lt. Blake, spent 11 of those years serving the community of Troup. The department honored Blake in a post on the Departments page saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Blake family… Lt. Blake was a great man and will most definitely be missed by all. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Funeral services are pending at this time.

TYLER — A Tyler man is facing a charge of murder and assault with a deadly weapon after an altercation early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Demarkus Bircher, 21, of Tyler is accused of shooting two and killing one just after midnight, in Smith County. Smith County Sheriff’s deputies took the call at Jackson Avenue in the Chapel Hill area and found two people shot. They were later identified as Argusta Stansell, 48, of Winona, and Kendrick Gill, 41, of Tyler. Authorities say Stansell was shot in the chest and died at the hospital. Gill was shot in the leg taken into surgery and is listed in critical condition. Continue reading Tyler man arrested for murder

ATHENS — A man was arrested Monday for unlawfully carrying a loaded hand gun as well as drugs and paraphernalia and transported to the Henderson County Jail. According to Sheriffi Botie Hillhouse, Jeremy Wayne Phy, 36, was pulled over for a traffic stop about 10:30 p.m. Deputies say, Phy had a loaded gun and attempted to hide a bag of meth inside an altoids container. They also discovered a zippered case, containing baggies, pipes, and scales with additional meth. Psy was charged with possession and unlawfully carrying a weapon.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is asking for help in identifying the man pictured. Kilgore Police say the person is wanted in connection with a theft on Higginbotham Rd. Authorities say the crime took place around noon on January 13th. If you can help establish who the suspect is, contact Detective Joshua Sims at 903-218-6907 or joshua.sims@cityofkilgore.com. You may also contact the Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-STOP or you can text your anonymous tip to 847411+KILGORE+your tip. Refer to KPD Incidents # 2012-1096.

SABINE COUNTY — The Pendelton Harbor Volunteer Fire Department had three members killed in a car crash Saturday night. A three-car accident near the Louisianna border claimed the lives of Ralph Cheyenne Hill, along with Jason and Vanessa Davis. According to our news partner KETK, Jason and Vanessa left behind three children. A GoFundMe account was made for their funeral expenses, organized by Samantha Hill who lost her husband Ralph in the wreck as well. Continue reading Community rallies around 3 volunteer firefighters killed in wreck

NEW CANEY — A former Marshall ISD superintendent was arrested outside of Houston. According to our news partner KETK, Kenn Franklin is accused of falsifying expense sheets at least 22 times in 2020. Court records show over $2,500 in fraudulent claims. The arrest warrant alleges Franklin returned travel vouchers for work trips he did not take. Employees became suspicious when they did not see him at events he said he was at. An investigator say Franklin was home the day, he would later submit an expense report for mileage to San Antonio. Phone and toll records were also viewed. Franklin resigned from the District in November. Franklin was the Marshall ISD superintendent from 2006-2009 before leaving for New Caney.

TYLER — The Tyler Together Race Relations Forum Monday welcomed participants and guests to an online celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. County Judge Nathaniel Moran offered his thoughts as he greeted viewers. Moran said, “Though we are not together physically this year…we are together in unity of spirit, vision, and resolve.” During a panel discussion, Mayor Don Warren reflected on a TV show in which several young people honored Dr. King — but also voiced despair. Warren commented, “It’s up to us as older people to give these young people this hope. It’s up to us to show young people strength that tomorrow is gonna be a better day.” During an earlier greeting, Warren said, “Let’s march forward together to make Tyler a unified community.” Continue reading Tyler Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A structure fire Monday afternoon on HWY 69 found first responders battling a building fire, near the old Thunder Mountain Speedway. According to our news partner KETK, the fire was north of Rusk at HWY 69 and CR 1605. Although the fire spread to a portable building and the woods, both the Rusk Fire Department and Gallatin firefighters worked to contain the fire.

TYLER — The Texas Democratic Party released a comprehensive list Monday calling on Lone Star State Republicans to resign from office after the Capitol Hill riots earlier this month. Accorded to our news partner KETK, Senator Ted Cruz and East Texas Representative Louie Gohmert are included on the list. Cruz led the effort by many Senate Republicans to object to the results from several states that went for President-elect Joe Biden. Continue reading Texas Democratic Party calling for exhaustive list of Republicans to step down

TYLER — DPS released the identities of two East Texans, Monday, that were killed in a wreck over the weekend, in Henderson. A preliminary report shows, Benjamin Slaughter Jr., 33, of Longview, veered into oncoming traffic, over corrected and eventually began to skid. Slaughter was struck by Kristen Charnell Herron, 26, of Pittsburg. Both Herron and Slaughter died at the scene. At this time, the crash remains under investigation.

CANTON — Sanctity of Human Life Sunday will be recognized this weekend at Hope Pregnancy Center in Canton. In honor of life, Hope is hosting a community open house from 1-3 pm this Sunday. The event will be at Hope’s facility from 1 to 3 pm on E. State Highway 243 in Canton. The community is invited to take part, with all attendees getting a tour of the center, as well as an opportunity to learn about the numerous services available for women and families in Van Zandt County and surrounding areas. Organizers say refreshments will be served. For more information click the link. https://www.hopecanton.com/.

TYLER — Meals on Wheels East Texas provides meals, and daily contact among other support services for seniors that are confined to home, as well as disabled citizens. The distribution of those meals is now a little easier, thanks to a gift from The Junior League of Tyler. A grant for $15,000 was used to purchase a van that will help deliver meals. Meals on Wheels East Texas serves six counties in the East Texas region, including Smith, Gregg, Wood, Henderson, Van Zandt and Upshur. More information is available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/mowheels.

TYLER — The Cambridge Road improvement project will start Tuesday. The city of Tyler said the work will include the expansion width of the pavement, the addition of curb and gutter, sidewalks, a new underground storm drain system and the installation of a 12-inch water line. Other miscellaneous water and sewer system improvements will also happen on Cambridge Road from Broadway Avenue to Jeff Davis Drive. Additionally, drainage issues adjacent to the project on Oxford Drive will also be addressed. Continue reading Improvements coming to Cambridge Road

TYLER — A Tyler woman was killed in a wreck just after 6:00 Sunday evening. According to the preliminary DPS report, Troopers responded to a crash on CR 384, approximately 5.5 miles northeast of the city of Tyler, in Smith County. The  report indicates that the driver of a 2003 Ford Expedition was traveling east on CR 384, when for an unknown reason, the vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver was identified as Lucia Sanders, 25, of Tyler. Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Hiland Dairy recalled a batch of half-pint 1% Low Fat Chocolate Milk on Sunday that was sent to Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Hiland Dairy said that the recall is specifically for a batch that was produced at its Norman, Oklahoma facility. The company says that some of the products may contain “food-grade sanitizers,” which could cause illness if consumed. “To ensure 100% containment, Hiland Dairy is recalling all of the product with 1/27 code, although there were only eight cases affected,” Hiland Dairy said on Sunday. Continue reading Hiland Dairy recalls chocolate milk cartons that were shipped to Tyler

TYLER — TxDOT has issued its Tyler District roadwork update for the week of January 18. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to continue mill and inlay work on FM 15 near Troup. A second crew is scheduled to finish the erosion work under the bridge on FM 2710. Longview Maintenance crews plan to perform ditch cleaning on FM 1639 from Old SH 31 to the Rusk County line. Shoulder operations are planned on SH 31 from SH 42 to SH 135. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/04-2021.html for more detailed information.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Van Zandt County man was arrested Saturday after what officials term continuous sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 and indecent exposure with a child. According to our news partner KETK, James Ray Hix, 40, was arrested around 10 p.m. after Sheriff Steve Hendrix and his deputies executed a warrant near Grand Saline. In a Facebook post, Hendrix says he “will not tolerate this type of activity in Van Zandt County.” He’s also thanking Grand Saline police and the Precinct 1 constable deputies who assisted in the case.

EAST TEXAS — East Texans will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday — the holiday set aside to recognize the iconic civil rights leader. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum has switched its traditional downtown celebration to a virtual format. Activities centered around a panel discussion will be held Monday evening from 6:30 till 8:30. Mayor Don Warren will be joined on the panel by other community leaders. Go to https://tylertogether.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/letstalktyler/ for more information. Continue reading MLK holiday to be observed Monday