KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – In 2022, factors such as driving under the influence, failure to drive in a single lane, and unsafe speed contributed to 167 fatal crashes and 192 total deaths in the TxDOT Tyler District. The district Thursday released preliminary numbers revealing the top five contributing factors of fatal crashes in 2022. The district includes Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt, and Wood Counties. Failure to control speed and pedestrian failing to yield right-of-way to a vehicle rounded out the top five. Continue reading TxDOT Tyler District releases 2022 fatal crash statistics

TYLER – 73-year-old Charles Ronald Lowrance of Flint was sentenced Thursday to sixty years in prison after being convicted of aggravated assault against a family member. According to information from Tyler’s 114th District Court, Lowrance shot his wife and then himself last February in what law enforcement referred to as an attempted murder-suicide. At trial, Mrs. Lowrance testified that as she lay gasping for air, she fought for life because of her determination that she still had things she wanted to tell her kids. Ronald Lowrance will now have to serve at least thirty years before he is eligible for parole.

TYLER — Committee members, past chairs, sponsors, and hospital partners joined the 2023 Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala Chairs, Sara and Ryan Nash, for the announcement of the Gala’s 2023 headline entertainer Wednesday at The Potpourri House during the American Cancer Society Leadership Breakfast. Country star Jack Ingram will headline the 35th Annual Gala, Hope on the Horizon, June 10 at the Texas Rose Horse Park, home of the event for the past five years. 2022 Gala Chair Whitney Cain told attendees, “The work of the American Cancer Society is incredible. So many milestones and advancements in prevention and treatment have been made, but we are not done. To continue the work to literally put an end to cancer, we know that we are Stronger Together here in Tyler.” Continue reading Jack Ingram to headline 2023 Cattle Barons’ Gala

TYLER — An East Texas museum says it will not receive a major donation from the ex-wife of Muhammad Ali, as previously announced. The Texas African-American museum in Tyler has announced that the one-million dollar gift from Dr. Khalilah Camacho-Ali will be unfulfilled. The donation was announced at a fundraising gala in February of last year. But the Empowerment Community Development Corporation announced Wednesday on behalf of the museum that Camacho-Ali will not provide the contribution after all, saying only that she doesn’t have the funds.

TYLER – U.S. News and World Report named The University of Texas at Tyler’s Master of Science in Nursing among the nation’s top 25 best online master’s in nursing programs. This year’s ranking of 24 improved five spots from the previous year. Of the other universities listed, UT Tyler ranked second best in Texas, following a fellow UT System school, The University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston. “We’re honored that our nursing program has been recognized,” said Dr. Julie V. Philley, MD, UT Tyler executive vice president for health affairs, as quoted in a news release. “This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without the numerous School of Nursing faculty and staff who tirelessly work to ensure we have an exceptional program.” The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 40 percent growth rate in the number of advance practice registered nursing positions from 2021-2023, according to the release.

FRANKSTON – Frankston ISD announced on Tuesday the board had approved a three-year pilot period for a four-day instructional week beginning next school year. According to our news partner KETK, the district says the new school calendar will give every Monday off to students unless they are invited to an “Intervention Day” which will be scheduled alongside staff development days each month. The district said one of the expected benefits from the adjusted schedule is staff retention and an increase in teachers and staff satisfaction while encouraging them to stay longer. “Retaining quality teachers and staff directly benefits student instruction and achievement,” the district said in a prepared statement. Continue reading Frankston ISD board approves pilot period for four-day school week

HENDERSON – A lawsuit was filed against Henderson ISD on Tuesday that alleges the district ignored the bullying of a middle school student and retaliated against her mother after she made complaints. According to the lawsuit, the student, identified as a “person with a disability,” was a student at Henderson Middle School until her mother and stepfather removed her from the school in April 2022, “as the school district could not keep their daughter safe.” According to our news partner KETK, the family said in the lawsuit they made the district aware that the student in question had a history of emotional distress, depression, an eating disorder, and panic attacks, and had been hospitalized in the past for “suicidal ideation.” Continue reading Lawsuit alleges Henderson ISD ignored bullying of student, retaliated against mother

TYLER/LONGVIEW — Tyler and Longview will take part this Thursday in a coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Texas, referred to nationally as the Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count. The Longview effort is facilitated by the City of Longview’s Volunteer in Service to America coordinator, Sabrina Fields; the North East Texas Homeless Consortium (NET); the Texas Homeless Network; and volunteers from the community. The East Texas Human Needs Network will head up the Tyler project. Officials say these counts will provide a one-day snapshot of homelessness in the two communities, with an eye on addressing concerns related to the local homeless populations. Click here and here to read more.

TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful’s annual Great Tyler Cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 1. KTyB is inviting volunteers to show pride in their city by coming together for this community-wide cleanup, according to a city news release. As part of the Don’t Mess with Texas Trash-Off and the Keep America Beautiful Great American Cleanup, this is a nationwide event occurring in April. The Great Tyler Cleanup will be hosted from Southside Park, and volunteers are encouraged to meet at the tent for registration. Sign-up will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the cleanup will begin at 9 a.m. Click here for more information.

TYLER — Two iPads with electronic copies of the City Council meeting agenda now sit outside the doors of the Tyler City Council Chambers. The new technology is available where dozens of note cards and a pen previously sat in a basket. The iPads allow residents to electronically sign in if they wish to speak on an agenda item during the bi-weekly City Council meeting or the monthly Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. According to a news release, Chief Information Officer Benny Yazdanpanahi challenged the City’s IT technicians to automate the sign-in process and eliminate the cards and stack of papers that used to sit by the doors. “We did this with zero funding,” said IT Specialist Khaled Elsayed as quoted in a news release. “We used tools available to us through our Microsoft licensing.” Continue reading City’s IT Department automates meeting sign-in process

TYLER — The City Council voted Wednesday to enter into an advanced funding agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for two Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Projects. The first project is an LED curve warning system and profile pavement markings, which will be installed through the reverse curve on West Grande Boulevard. The LED curve warning system and profile pavement markings were safety improvements recommended in the West Grande Boulevard Reverse Curve study. The total construction cost of the project is currently estimated at $134,704.79. Continue reading City, TxDOT to implement safety measures

TYLER — A second restaurant on South Broadway in Tyler has temporarily closed due to a mishap. According to our news partner KETK, 32-year-old Zachary Clark was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, third offense, after police say he crashed into the dining room of Jason’s Deli Monday night. The vehicle reportedly went through the front door of the restaurant into the dining room and crashed into the wall between Jason’s Deli and Marble Slab. No one was injured, and Clark was released from jail on Tuesday. The restaurant shared on social media that it will be closed for some time. “We apologize for the inconvenience and hope to reopen as soon as possible,” Jason’s Deli said. The Sonic on South Broadway remained temporarily closed following a fire that broke out Monday morning.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) is seeking public input in an effort known as Advance Longview. According to a news release, Advance Longview is a planning initiative underway to identify strategies that will lead to continued economic development success in the community. Officials say the effort will explore a variety of issues related to job creation and retention in Longview. Residents have the opportunity to participate in the study through an online survey. According to a news release, the survey takes only a few minutes to complete, and a broad range of participants is needed. Advance Longview also includes interviews and surveys of employers. Click here for more detailed information.

TYLER – A Tyler man was arrested on multiple charges over the weekend after an eight-month search related to a child injury case in which he is alleged to have hit his infant son. According to our news partner KETK, Lasabien Ford, 26, was arrested Saturday for assault family violence, assaulting a public servant, obstruction, possession of a controlled substance between three and 28 grams, resisting arrest, failure to identify as a fugitive, evading arrest, and on a felony warrant. In May, Tyler police announced they were searching for Ford, and that he had an open warrant for his arrest. According to his arrest warrant, Ford allegedly held down the infant’s mother on his bed while she was holding the child after she came to pick him up from Ford, who had been watching him. Continue reading Tyler man wanted for injury to child arrested after eight-month search

TYLER – A Houston woman has been sentenced in Tyler federal court to 18 months prison for illegal transport of aliens. According to a news release, Maria Elizabeth Lopez, 48, pleaded guilty on August 18, 2022, to engaging in a conspiracy to transport certain aliens for commercial and private financial gain. According to information presented in court, on October 3, 2021, deputies with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office stopped Lopez for a traffic violation and discovered 24 Hispanic individuals in the Chevrolet Suburban she was driving. Federal agents responded to the scene and determined that each of the passengers in the Suburban had illegally entered the United States and that Lopez had been hired to transport the individuals to destinations in Mississippi and Florida. Lopez also admitted during the investigation that she had previously transported illegal aliens in the same manner.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees Monday voted to approve the District and Boshears calendars for the 2023-2024 school year. The first day of school for students will be Wednesday, August 16, 2023, and the last day of school will be Friday, May 24, 2024. Officials say that fulfills a prominent request among families and District staff to wrap up the school year before Memorial Day. The first day of school for students in the Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs will also be Wednesday, August 16, 2023, and their last day will be Friday, July 12, 2024. The newly adopted district calendar continues to feature the nine-week grading periods. Click this link for more information.

TYLER — Longtime Smith County employee Ralph Caraway Jr. took the oath of office Tuesday after being appointed by the Commissioners Court as Smith County Precinct 1 constable. The appointment followed the resignation of Curtis Traylor-Harris. Caraway was appointed and sworn in as interim constable July 8, 2022, while Harris was awaiting trial on felony charges. He has since been convicted and is awaiting appeal, according to a county news release. Since Traylor-Harris sent a resignation letter to County Judge Neal Franklin and it was approved by the Commissioners Court Tuesday, Caraway will now serve as Precinct 1 Constable until the 2024 Primary and General Elections are held. Click here to read more.

AUSTIN — On Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Senate committee assignments for the 88th Legislature. Sen. Bryan Hughes was appointed chairman of the Committee on Jurisprudence and reappointed chairman for the Committee on State Affairs, our news partner KETK reports. Hughes is serving his second term in the Texas Senate, representing 16 counties in East Texas. Continue reading Senator Hughes appointed Chairman for two committees in 88th Legislature

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.