KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Stephen J. Cox announced that Spinal Decompression Clinic of Texas has agreed to pay $330,898.00 to resolve liability under the False Claims Act for the alleged improper billing of electro-acupuncture device neurostimulators. According to the press brief SDCT billed Medicare for the implantation of 41 neurostimulators, a surgical procedure, which usually requires an operating room and is reimbursed by federal health care programs. SDCT, however, did not perform those surgeries, instead applied P-Stim devices in an office setting.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A high-speed chase through multiple counties, involving a DPS helicopter and 8 other agencies, resulted in the arrest of 2 Dallas teenagers Monday. According to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, the chase started in Athens and ran through Kaufman and Van Zandt County. Javier Delarosa, 18, and Arnulfo Baesa, 17, are both facing charges of delivering a “substantial amount of meth.” Authorities say the chase reached speeds of 115 miles per hour and the suspects were seen throwing drugs out the window. Continue reading High-speed chase results in arrest of 2

MARSHALL — Redevelopment of Marshall’s downtown continues. On Tuesday, the city announced the recent removal of four trees that were causing extensive damage. According to the city, the extraction of the four live oak trees was necessary because of wide-ranging detriment being caused. The city said they will plant four live Oak trees on Arbor day at a city park this Spring. Marshall officials welcome your input on how to best repurpose the trunks by calling 903-935-4421 or online by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/marshalltexas.net.

ATHENS — An Athens woman was killed Monday night after being struck by an SUV. According to Athens police, a pedestrian, Teresa Fawcette, 60, of Athens, was attempting to cross South Palestine Street when she was struck. The driver was not physically injured in the tragedy. The accident took place at 7:20 Monday night. The investigation into this crash is ongoing.

TYLER — A woman and three children died Monday in a house fire in Winona. The cause of that fire remains under investigation. Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks is urging residents to make sure smoke detectors are installed in homes and working. “The one key element that we believe, now we don’t know it to be fact yet, we are still under investigation, but we have no evidence of working smoke detectors in either of the fires. But again, it’s pure speculation at this point. That is the reason that it really weighs on my heart, that we get that message out there. We have got to have working smoke detectors in these homes.” Continue reading Details released on fire that kills 4

EAST TEXAS — Multiple school districts will delay the start of classes on Tuesday. KTBB will continue to update delays and closings as schedules warrant. Continue reading Winter weather closings, delays

TYLER — TxDOT crews worked around the clock Monday night to ensure roads were passable and open to the traveling public. The department said that with possible freezing temperatures and icy conditions expected they continued to prepare roads. Crews treated elevated areas, bridges, overpasses, and problem areas on roadways throughout the day and then monitored and addressed issues as they came up. Continue reading TxDOT crews continue to treat and clear roadways

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A fatal crash took place on Monday in Van Zandt County. According DPS Sgt. Jean Dark, the wreck took place on Highway 19, 5 miles north of Edgewood. Preliminary reports indicate Robert Leon Richardson, 52, of Grand Saline, went into a side skid due to ice on the roadway. Richardson was ejected and killed after his vehicle went across the center stripe and struck a vehicle driven by Don Harold Treadway, 67, of Edgewood. Treadway was transported to Christus Trinity Mother Francis Hospital – Tyler in stable condition. Richardson was transported to Lybrand Funeral Home in Wills Point. The crash remains under investigation.

STARRVILLE — A fire on Monday has killed four people in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, a mother and three children were killed in the house fire. One survivor did manage to get out of the home. A neighbor called authorities reporting the fire around 11:30 a.m. Several departments responded including Winona, Red Springs and Jackson Heights. The identities of the victims have not been released at this time, but Smith County Fire Marshall Jay Brooks did confirm, it was a mother and 3 small children.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization invited the community to attend virtual open house later this week. According to group, this is an effort by the MPO to update the Master Street Plan. The purpose of the open house is to gather input on what street elements, such as. curbs, turn lanes, bike lanes, sidewalks, among other items, should be included on different types of roads. The Zoom gathering happens from 4:30 to 6 Thursday afternoon. More information is available at http://www.TylerAreaMPO.org.

WINONA — A fire that was originally reported as a church fire, was actually a house fire in Winona. Our news partner KETK, says that 1 person is dead and a second was injured in the fire on Monday. The call came in around 11:30 a.m. Several fire departments have responded to the scene, including Winona, Jackson Heights, and Red Springs. Details are still forthcoming, on this developing story.

MARSHALL — An early morning fire claimed the life of an individual in Marshall. According to the city, a call came in to Marshall Dispatch just before 2:00 a.m. regarding a single-family dwelling fire. The home was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived to the home on Jeff Davis Drive. First responders searched the residence for survivors initially, however, there was one fatality in the home. Marshall Fire Department Chief Reggie Cooper said, “Our firefighters did an outstanding job under the circumstances, battling weather conditions and other EMS runs. The Marshall Police Department provided exceptional support, helping survivor Edith Morton during this tragic event.”

STARVILLE — The Starville Methodist Church came together Sunday, just one week after their pastor was fatally shot. According to our news partner KETK, this was the first gathering in service since the tragedy. Pastor Mark McWilliams’ was killed last week before services began. The late pastors wife, Rosemary Williams encouraged the congregation in a prayer to forgive, “Father, we can only forgive because you forgave. So Father, I just ask right now that you would help people to call on that power, Jesus. Call on that forgiveness that we wouldn’t put any blame. My husband is the happiest he has ever been.” Continue reading Church meets for first time since pastor was fatally shot

TYLER — The city of Tyler said Monday, they were working on three inoperative traffic signals due to power outages from weekend winter storms. Crews continue reacting to reports of downed trees throughout the City. At this time, we are not aware of any downed trees impeding traffic. Residents can report traffic signal issues to the Tyler Police Department’s non-emergency number at (903) 531-1000. Residents can report downed trees by contacting the Streets Department at (903) 531-1393, through the MyTyler app available on iOS and Android devices or through our website at https://www.cityoftyler.org/government/departments/streets-department/contact-streets. Continue reading City responding to aftermath of Sunday winter storms

KILGORE — Kilgore College is one of the higher education schools benefiting from the Texas Reskilling Grant. According to KC, the grant will provide free training to qualified individuals who have lost their jobs, or who stopped out of higher education. KC received a $750,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. The $750,000 Texas Reskilling Grant will allow Kilgore College free training to qualified individuals who need to re-skill to get back into the workforce and provide support for students to complete a post secondary credential. Other East Texas colleges that received the grant are: UT Tyler and Stephen F Austin, both received $112, 500 each, and Texas A&M Texarkana got $300,000.

TYLER — Shift work has been implemented for response to winter storm conditions that could create issues for roads in East Texas. On Sunday, TxDOT said crews had treated roadways ahead of the storms, that could be troublesome for drivers through at least Monday afternoon. The weather event could mean slushy snow-covered bridges, overpasses, and primary roadways around the district. Roadways were reassessed and where needed treated a second time, before snow began to fall. The first crews reported at noon Sunday and will continue to monitor forecasts and inspect road conditions. Maintenance personnel throughout the Tyler District’s eight counties have readied their vehicles and equipment for an around the clock response.

BROWNSBORO — Police in Brownsboro are asking for help in locating a missing teen in Henderson County. Chloe Hollowell, 14, was last seen in Brownsboro. Hollowell is described as 5’6, 275, with dirty blonde hair, and brown eyes. Chloe struggles with anxiety and depression. She is under a doctor’s care and is on medication, which she does not have. Authorities are asking if you see Chloe, to contact Brownsboro Police Department 903-852-6761 or the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department 903-675-5128.

TYLER — The BBB has announced a call for nominations for the 2021 BBB Awards for Excellence. According to the organization, these awards commemorate businesses and charities that demonstrate superior ethics, reliability and trustworthiness. All BBB Accredited Businesses and Accredited Charities who have a physical location within the nineteen (19) counties served by BBB Central East Texas are eligible to be nominated and to receive a prestigious BBB Award. Nominations for businesses are due January 31, 2021.

LONGVIEW — The annual prom dress boutique give-a-way by Zonta Club of Longview has been canceled for 2021. Organizer’s said the decision to stop their 13th annual gift of free prom dresses, is for this year only and is due to COVID-19 and the lack of being able to give the items away safely. Zonta Club will continue to collect dresses from size 0 to 28. The dresses can either be brand new or gently used and can be any style, length and color. The Zonta Club also collects accessories and shoes. The collection site is at the Longview Fire Department at 100 S. Center Street.

TYLER — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) says that Toll 49 bridges were treated in advance of the possibility of the snow. The agency is encouraging all motorists to drive safely and with caution. There are several actions drivers can take to be a safe driver in inclement weather. Continue reading NET RMA and winter weather

TYLER — A vehicle has crashed head on into a brick wall surrounding the Hollytree West neighborhood. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police and Fire were called to the scene, involving a black SUV, and a white Lexus that was involved in the wreck. UT Health EMS was part of the first responders that worked the crash site at Hollywest Dr. and Old Jacksonville HWY just after 7 p.m. on Friday night.

KILGORE — The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College opened a new exhibit Saturday featuring Miguel Covarrubias. Organizers describe Covarrubias as one of the most famous Mexican artists of the 20th century. The traveling exhibit, “Miguel Covarrubias: Caricaturist,” is on display at the museum through Feb. 20. It focuses on the sophisticated caricatures that made Covarrubias famous.The museum is open Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is limited to 75 guests at a time due to COVID-19 protocols. Face coverings are required for all visitors. Visit the museum online at http://www.kilgore.edu/etom. https://www.facebook.com/events/1165281647150399/.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments announced this week, they have been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. This marks nearly 2 consecutive decades of being highlighted with the award. “Nineteen consecutive years receiving this recognition from an independent source is an outstanding achievement,” said ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland. “It is also reflective of ETCOG’s commitment to financial accountability. I am so proud of our entire Operations Team for their relentless pursuit of excellence!” The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting. ETCOG’s 2019 CAFR can be viewed at http://www.etcog.org/financials.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department announced the retirement of 3 long term team members. Sergeant Chad Lemaire retired Friday, after 20 years of service. Sergeant Shaun Pendleton recently stepped away after serving the citizens of Longview for the past 35 years. Officer David Cheatham is moving on to a new chapter in his life, with over 32 years of service. Longview Police, are looking to add officers to their team. The city is seeking new and experienced officers. Pay begins at $53,990.31 with step increases throughout your career. More information, including requirements, benefits, salary, and more is available by clicking the link. https://longviewtexas.gov/2197/Join-Our-Team. LPD is also searching for new and experienced dispatchers with a starting salary of $34,130.98 annually.

TYLER — A new QR code based Scavenger Hunt Program is coming to the city of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department. According to the department the plan will launch in February of 2020, with a goal to increase exploration within the City’s parks and trails. The Scavenger Hunt has now been expanded and updated with 12 new clues hidden across Tyler area parks for people to find and complete. QR codes are located at each participating park for people to scan with their cellphones to get the task instructions. For more information, please contact Tyler Parks and Recreation at (903) 531-1371.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Fire Department and Emergency Management officials say they will continue to monitor the inclement weather conditions in the Tyler area in preparation for the snow, rain, and ice predicted for Sunday. Officials say emergency services will be available to residents of Tyler, including personnel in the Fire, Police, Streets, Water/Sewer, Traffic, and Information Technology departments. Continue reading Tyler Emergency Management Officials monitoring winter weather conditions

TYLER — To increase safety during the upcoming Cambridge Road improvement project, a four-way stop sign is being installed at the intersection of Cambridge Road and Jeff Davis Drive in Tyler, according to a news release. The signs will be installed on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Drivers are urged to use caution when driving through the intersection. Warning signs will be placed in advance of all approaches to the intersection to advise drivers of the change. The four-way stop will be permanent after the completion of the project. Continue reading Four-way stop being installed at Cambridge/Jeff Davis intersection

TYLER — UT Health East Texas has filled all available appointments for COVID-19 vaccines designated for high-risk members of the public. “We had an overwhelming response to the availability of the vaccine, which allowed us to fill all slots,” said Dr. Tom Cummins, chief medical officer for UT Health East Texas in a news release. “We hope the state will see the great interest by the community and allocate us additional vaccine soon.” UT Health is the only healthcare system in East Texas to be selected by the Texas Department of State Health Services as a mass vaccine location. The 1,500 doses of the Moderna vaccine will be given by appointment only, first-come, first-served basis. No walk-ins will be accepted. Continue reading UT Health East Texas vaccine appointments full

TYLER — TxDOT crews have been getting ahead of the winter storm forecast for East Texas by preparing roadways around the eight-county district for snow and icy conditions. The pre-treatment of bridges and other roadway areas susceptible to wind and ice was due to wrap up Friday, according to a news release. I-20 and other major roadways were being pre-treated with a brine solution consisting of salt and water designed to prevent ice and snow from sticking to surfaces. The process is a fast-moving mobile operation with minimal impacts to traffic, according to officials. Drivers were asked to allow a safe traveling distance between their vehicles and the mobile convoys distributing the pre-treatment materials. Continue reading TxDOT prepares roads for winter weather