KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the week of Sep. 27. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance plans to begin mill and inlay operations on SH 64, just south of Chapel Hill east to FM 3226. Flaggers will control traffic with a pilot vehicle. A second crew will be performing ditch work on FM 16, just west of FM 14, on Monday only. Longview Maintenance will be finishing ditching operations on SH 42. Crews will be finishing culvert and storm drain maintenance on FM 1845, from Birch St. to Silver Falls Rd. Crews then plan to begin ditch work on SH 42, just south of IH 20 to Go Forth Rd. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

MARSHALL – Officials say escaped Harrison County inmate worker Roy Vaughn has been captured. According to a news release, Vaughn walked off from a work detail at 6:15 Friday morning. He was caught at 1:30 Saturday afternoon by Harrison County K-9 units and deputies who had been searching locations throughout the day and night​ in Marshall and throughout Harrison County. He was arrested on an escape warrant at an address on East End Blvd. He will now be charged with escape from custody and placed in general population of the jail, according to the release.

TYLER — Former Smith County Precinct 2 Constable Josh Black has waived his right to appeal his recent conviction for official oppression. That word came in Friday from the district attorney’s office. Black has been sentenced to 180 days in jail. The DA’s office adds that after discussions with the alleged victims, it will not pursue remaining prostitution and official oppression charges against Black. Officials say the moves make Black’s removal from office permanent and ensure the victims will not be required to testify again. The waiver furthermore allows the Smith County Commissioners Court to appoint a permanent replacement for Black. Black was removed from office by Judge Reeve Jackson, who presided over the oppression case — and who would have been responsible for replacing Black had for the former constable appealed within 90 days.

TYLER – Two men have been indicted for the June daiquiri shop shooting in Tyler in which Tylsha Brown was killed. According to our news partner KETK, Jaderick Willis, 22, of Alabama, was indicted for murder. 23-year-old Dyccorian Lofton of Jacksonville was originally charged with murder but was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. On June 26, Brown, of Katy, was killed while she was celebrating her 46th birthday when a shooting broke out in the parking lot. She was killed after one of the bullets hit her.

TYLER — More mixed news on COVID-19 in East Texas. A number of figures are up, but NET Health’s George Roberts says it appears the total number of positive cases is going down on a daily basis. He singles out statistics for Smith County, where the spread rate went down from about 130 per day on a seven-day basis a couple of weeks ago to 86.17 on Thursday. The trend is similar in Gregg County. Still, Roberts points out that the area remains in a state of substantial spread — and he continues to urge caution and vaccinations.

TYLER — a Tyler man is charged with intoxication manslaughter following a fatal accident in Tyler. Police say officers responded to the intersection of Plantation Dr. and Spring Branch Dr. around 3:00 Friday morning, where Christopher Hardy Jr., 27, had reportedly struck a parked vehicle. According to a news release, 20-year-old Tamyra Campbell of Tyler, a passenger in Hardy’s vehicle, was killed. Hardy went to the hospital with minor injuries. Police arrested Hardy, citing evidence that he was intoxicated. He has since been released from the hospital and jailed on $300,000 bond.

TYLER — The African-American Cultural Events Committee presents a balloon release Saturday in recognition of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Activities begin at 2:00 p.m. at Woldert Park on W. 32nd Street in Tyler. If you would like more information, contact Gregory Buckner at (903) 592-8973.

TYLER — The East Texas State Fair is back after a two-year hiatus. It begins Friday and runs through October 3 at the Rose Complex in Tyler. Despite challenges, fair organizers say they are planning for a successful event. According to a news release from the fair, “We encourage all fairgoers to first evaluate their own potential risk of exposure to COVID-19 before visiting, knowing that vaccines remain the best protection from COVID-19. In addition, we encourage fairgoers to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when attending the East Texas State Fair by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing hands regularly.” Beyond that, you can expect exhibits, livestock shows, carnival rides, fair food, and lots more. Click here for more information.

TYLER — The East Texas State Fair opens Friday, and the Tyler Police Department is issuing a traffic advisory. Police note that on W. Front St., in front of the old Harvey Convention Center location, traffic will be shut down to one lane in both east and west directions that day from 9:00 a.m. until midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays, the traffic lanes will be restricted to one lane both east and west from 11:00 a.m. until the fair closes. During the week, all lanes will be open until 3:30 p.m. each day. Then the traffic will revert back to one lane of traffic flow in each direction until closing time of the fair. Continue reading East Texas State Fair traffic advisory

LONGVIEW – Gregg County has canceled all inmate visitations at jail facilities for Saturday due to unspecified “security concerns.” According to our news partner KETK, Public Information Officer Josh Tubb sent a brief statement saying that would “be the only date affected and visitation will resume on its normal schedule going forward.” Despite the cancellation, video visitation through NCIC kiosks will continue as normal for Saturday.

TYLER — Services are Friday for Jeff Williams of Tyler, who died September 14 at 63. Williams had a number of community affiliations, most notably serving as president of the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum. The group takes on a number of diversity-related projects and is best known as the organizing agency for Tyler’s annual downtown Martin Luther King, Jr., observance.

LONGVIEW — The Oak Forest Country Club clubhouse in Longview will be closed for an extended period after suffering “heavy smoke and heat damage” on multiple floors Thursday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Fire Department was called to the scene around 7:30 Thursday morning. Fire Marshal Kevin May said crews upgraded the fire to a two-alarm case due to flames spreading to both the first and second floors. The cause was not immediately known, but the fire has been put out. No injuries were reported.

TYLER — The City of Tyler is offering a rebate for city employees who are fully vaccinated. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler officials discussed the COVID-19 Vaccination: Medical Insurance Premium Rebate Program during a meeting on Wednesday. The program is voluntary. Those who are eligible for the incentive are any full time or part time regular employees of the city of Tyler. They must have contributed premiums in 2021. Eligible employees can receive up to $730 dollars if they are on the City of Tyler medical insurance plan or $500 for employees enrolled outside or as a dependent of an outside medical insurance program. Continue reading Incentive for City of Tyler employees who are fully vaccinated

CHEROKEE COUNTY — An hours long standoff is over following the arrest of one suspect. According to our news partner KETK, Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson said the standoff happened around 3 p.m. Wednesday on County Road 1207 in the Moon City community. Officials arrived with secure warrants for the arrest of Mark Duran on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a family member and felony possession of a firearm. When the authorities attempted to make the arrest, Duran barricaded himself inside. Duran suffered minor injuries from attempting to break windows to escape. The standoff ended around 7 p.m.

TYLER – Smith County commissioners have approved the purchase of property for a new courthouse that has been on the drawing board for some time. According to our news partner KETK, a unanimous vote entered the county into nearly a half-million-dollar contract with Brigadier Enterprises on N. Spring St. The $495,000 that was voted on had already been set aside for the courthouse project, which has been a top priority for County Judge Nathaniel Moran since the new decade began. While there seems to be a design that commissioners have signaled they would approve, the project has been hampered by the coronavirus pandemic. Moran said earlier this year that the court did not feel comfortable putting such a large bond on the public during a time of economic hardship.

CHAPEL HILL – Chapel Hill ISD has seen its number of positive COVID cases “drop significantly” and the district is crediting the mask mandate implemented nearly one month ago. According to our news partner KETK, the mandate took effect Aug. 31 and the district peaked with 117 positive cases on Sept. 2. The district currently has just 19 active cases, an 84% drop in less than three weeks. In a prepared statement, CHISD Superintendent Lamond Dean says, “Thank you to the School Board, parents, and students for helping us reduce the spread and exposure of the virus COVID-19 at our campuses. We also ask that everyone do their part by staying home if you are feeling sick.” Continue reading CHISD sees big COVID-19 drop under mask mandate

TYLER — The city of Tyler’s new budget, passed Wednesday, will expand forensic capabilities and the police department’s homeless outreach. The city will be adding a forensic specialist to help police resolve more investigations and present stronger cases for prosecution, according to city press materials. Officials also say adding a homeless coordinator allows the police department to work closely with homeless residents and guide them to the available resources. Tyler will also be adding two firefighters, along with buying improved personal protective equipment and a new tower truck for the fire department to address community growth, according to city officials. And the budget includes a residential rate increase of $2.50 for Tyler Solid Waste. The city is raising the tax rate to 26.99 cents per $100 valuation. Continue reading Budget approval headlines City Council session

LONGVIEW — A summit held Tuesday in Longview focused on how elected officials can better support students academically. According to our news partner KETK, many students fell behind with classes because of the pandemic, and officials say it’s going to take time and money to catch them up. “We’re trying to do all that we can for our students who did miss so much of their education last year,” Marshall ISD Superintendent Richelle Langley said. “Not only getting them caught up, but also getting them on the grade level or above the grade level where they need to be.” Continue reading School administrators gather in Longview

TYLER – Smith County commissioners have begun the process to permanently fill the vacancy for the Pct. 2 constable position that was created with last week’s conviction of Joshua Black. According to our news partner KETK, Black was found guilty of official oppression, which instantly triggered a judicial order to remove him from office. County Judge Nathaniel Moran explained during their weekly meeting on Tuesday that for the time being the chief deputy of the constable’s office has the authority to oversee operations until the position is filled. The court has the authority to fill the post unless Black files an appeal within 90 days, which had not happened at last report. If he does, Judge Reeve Jackson, who oversaw the trial, would assume that responsibility. Moran said the court would not be taking the appointment lightly and that nominating someone on Tuesday would be too quick.

TYLER — In spite of encouraging numbers, NET Health’s George Roberts is cautioning East Texans not to let their guard down as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Roberts told KTBB the area is still in a state of substantial spread. As he has been doing for months, he again urged all eligible East Texans to get vaccinated as soon as possible if they haven’t already. Roberts points out that case numbers remain high even though Smith and Gregg Counties’ new case figures are substantially down from last week. He also notes that a lot of patients remain in area hospitals with the virus despite a drop in that number. All in all, Roberts says there’s “no cause for letting up our response at this particular point in time.”

TYLER — The East Texas State Fair will open this Friday, and the Tyler Police Department is issuing an early traffic advisory. Police note that on W. Front St., in front of the old Harvey Convention Center location, traffic will be shut down to one lane in both east and west directions that day from 9:00 a.m. until midnight. On Saturdays and Sundays, the traffic lanes will be restricted to one lane both east and west from 11:00 a.m. until the fair closes. During the week, all lanes will be open until 3:30 p.m. each day. Then the traffic will revert back to one lane of traffic flow in each direction until closing time of the fair. Continue reading East Texas State Fair traffic advisory

ATHENS – A burn ban is in effect for Henderson County. According to our news partner KETK, the ban started Tuesday morning and will last for 14 days. No outdoor burning will be allowed during that time.

EAST TEXAS — Opportunities remain abundant to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Jarvis Christian College and the Texas Department of State Health Services will host a free clinic from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday in the E. W. Rand Center Varsity Gymnasium on the Jarvis main campus in Hawkins. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be offered for those age 16 or older. Appointments can be made at this link or by calling (430) 247-1479. Walk-ins will be accepted. Continue reading COVID-19 vaccination clinics Wednesday

TYLER — 72-year-old David Donley of Tyler has been sentenced to life in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child. The Smith County DA’s Office says Donley was arrested on February 6, 2020, for sexually assaulting his granddaughter. He was convicted August 19. At the sentencing hearing, the state argued for a maximum sentence of life in prison based on what it terms “the heinous nature of the crime.”

TYLER — If a recent poll is any indication, Texas has a long way to go before it reaches herd immunity. More than 60,000 Texans have died from COVID since the pandemic began, yet many Texans are still unwilling to get a vaccine. A new poll by the Dallas Morning News and the University of Texas at Tyler indicates about 1 in 4 Texans say their either won’t get vaccinated or are unlikely to. 18% say they will definitely not take the shot. Another 6% say it’s unlikely. 9% of those surveyed say they probably will get around to getting vaccinated. 7% say they definitely will. Over 1,100 people were surveyed for the poll. Close to 60% of eligible Texans are already fully vaccinated. Johns Hopkins says 70 percent of the population must be vaccinated to reach herd immunity.

TYLER — On Monday, parents banded together to speak up at a Tyler ISD board meeting about COVID-19 related topics like mask and vaccine mandates. According to our news partner KETK, vaccines and masks in schools have been hot topics since the start of classes. These subjects have divided parents and staff in school districts across the state and here in Tyler. Continue reading Tyler ISD votes against mask mandate

TYLER – A now-former Smith County deputy is accused of using his unique log-in information to access a secure database to assist a drug trafficking operation from Mexico, according to an arrest warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. 28-year-old Luis A. Sandoval was arrested in August and charged with misuse of official information. It came after a months-long investigation by the East Texas Anti-Gang Task Force. Sandoval was terminated from the sheriff’s office before he was arrested. He had been employed with the department since November 2017. Sandoval was booked on a $250,000 bond, which he posted one day later. He is facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

TYLER — Smith County commissioners will discuss the future of the Pct. 2 constable’s position at the end of their Tuesday meeting in the wake of Joshua Black’s conviction for official oppression last week. According to our news partner KETK, prosecutors showed that he offered sexual favors in exchange for monetary payment as part of his business that provided supervised visitations for parents. He was sentenced to six months in jail and ordered to pay a $4,000 fine. Judge Reeve Jackson also issued a court order removing Black from office.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office has released details about the events leading up to an officer-involved shooting Monday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff’s office, Grand Prairie PD and Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office entered Van Zandt County where deputies, Canton PD, and Edgewood PD units responded. The vehicle was driving at speeds up to 95 mph, the sheriff’s office said, and turned its lights off many times during the pre-dawn Monday pursuit. Canton PD used spike strips as the vehicle approached Highway 19 and successfully spiked the tires. The vehicle came to a stop in a drainage ditch between the Colfax exit ramp and the service road. Continue reading Details released on officer-involved shooting