KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Governor Abbott Tuesday announced the appointment of Kevin P. Eltife to a second six-year term as a member of The University of Texas System Board of Regents. First appointed as a regent in 2017, Eltife was elected board chairman in December 2018. His first term was slated to run through February 2023, but with two years left on his current term Governor Abbott reappointed Eltife to a new six-year term. One of Eltife’s early priorities as a Regent was to streamline the UT System’s administrative operations, with the intent of reducing overhead to redirect funds to UT institutions to support their students and patients. Continue reading Governor Abbott appoints Eltife to a new six-year term

TYLER — A motion by an East Texas man convicted of sexually assaulting and murdering Kayla Gomez was denied by a Smith County judge on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the move would have allowed Gustavo Zavala-Garcia, who is serving a sentence of life in prison, to have copies made of the state’s evidence against him to be given to his family. Zavala-Garcia entered a guilty plea In August of 2019 for the murder of a 10-year-old girl. In November of 2016, Kayla Gomez went missing from the Bullard First Assembly of God Church. A few days later, her body was found in a well.

TYLER — Mothers Against Drunk Driving East Texas is teaming up with Next Step Community Solutions to urge parents to share the dangers of underage alcohol and drug use with their children. According to our news partner KETK, this is part of MADD’s National’s Power Talk 21 campaign that co-aligns with Alcohol Awareness month throughout April. Experts say it is necessary to talk with children as early as possible because they begin to make up their minds based off of what they observe in their environment at eight years old. Read more here.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A Henderson County man has been sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of possessing child pornography. According to our news partner KETK, Charles Lee Shellito, 36, of Tool, will serve nine years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a result of his conviction. Also, Shellito must register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. Shellito was indicted in July of 2020 after a cyber-tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and a three-month-long investigation by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department.

MARSHALL– The Marshall-Harrison County Health District canceled all of its COVID-19 appointments that had been scheduled at its office for Tuesday. The move came about after the Texas Department of State Health Services recommended a pause to Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccinations. The action was supported by views from the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In a prepared statement, the health district said, “At this time the J&J COVID-19 vaccine is the only one we have in stock. We will provide an updated when available.” The pause is recommended following nationwide reports of blood clots in six individuals, six to 13 days after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

TYLER — A Smith county woman charged with stealing a classic convertible, before selling it on social media, pleaded guilty Tuesday and was sentenced to four years prison. According to our news partner KETK, Latosha White, of Tyler, entered her guilty plea over a Zoom hearing in the 241st District Court. White was also ordered to pay restitution of $2,390. Police say the 1937 Packard convertible was recovered hours after they first posted about it and asked residents in the area to keep an eye out for the vehicle or to submit any information they might have.

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler’s annual event Mistletoe and Magic is moving locations for 2021. On Tuesday, event Chair Chelsea Cooper, told KTBB News, “This years holiday shopping destination will be the at the Cascades in Tyler. The city of Tyler let us know early on that the Harvey Convention Center would not be available due to construction. So we spent a good bit of time searching for the perfect spot. And at the Cascades we will have full use of the downstairs area and we are really excited to have a new take on the event.” The JLT has raised over eight million dollars in 43 years. Dates will be Dec. 1 through 4. Continue reading Mistletoe & Magic announces ‘A Chinoiserie Christmas’ to be held at Cascades

SMITH COUNTY — If you received a Smith County Jury Summons to report for jury duty on Wednesday, April 14, at the Smith County Courthouse, you do not need to appear. If you received a summons for Smith County jury duty on a different day or location, you must still report.

WILLS POINT — A Wills Point man shot to death his elderly mother and then threatened to kill law officers during a seven-hour standoff before being arrested. According to our news partner KETK, Gerald Wayne Powell, 45, was booked into the Van Zandt County Jail on a charge of murder. Sheriff Steve Hendrix said deputies were notified by Powell’s sister that Powell told her around 10 p.m. Sunday that he had killed the family dog and planned to kill their mother. Officers surrounded the house at 890 FM 2965, just outside the Wills Point city limits, evacuated neighbors and blocked off the roadway. Continue reading Man kills mother, threatens law officers during 7-hour standoff

LONGVIEW — As of Monday afternoon, Officials with CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System said they still have two hundred COVID-19 Vaccine appointments available. According to to press release from the health center, limited appointments are open for April 14 at the hub site in Longview. The slots are accessible to all individuals 16 and older. Individuals in need of assistance or that do not have access to the internet, may schedule a time by calling 877-335-5746. Click here to schedule your appointment online.

TYLER — Next Step Community Solutions announced the inaugural “Stand Up to Stigma” comedy show Monday. Organizers say the event has been scheduled for April 30 at 8 p.m. at Liberty Hall in Tyler. Proceeds from the show benefit local nonprofit Next Step Community Solutions and will help break down stigma around the mental health services the organization provides to youth in 61 schools in east Texas. Read more here.

TYLER — The temporary waiver granting the suspension of registration renewal requirements ends Wednesday. According to The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, motorists will need to come into compliance by renewing their registration on or before April 14. Starting Thursday, law enforcement will begin issuing citations to motorists operating a vehicle without a current registration sticker or current registration receipt. There is no grace period once the temporary waiver expires. Read more here.

SMITH COUNTY — In August of 2019, an east Texan entered a guilty plea for the murder of a 10-year-old girl in Bullard. According to our news partner KETK, Gustavo Zavala-Garcia’s defense attorney filed a motion, on Monday, in the 241st District Court, to release all court documents. However, the state filed an objection. In November of 2016, Kayla Gomez went missing from the Bullard First Assembly of God Church. Just a few days later, her body was found in a well a few miles away. A hearing for the motion has been set for Tuesday afternoon.

TYLER –Nine trees were donated to the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department by UT Health Tyler to celebrate the construction of the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. In a prepared statement, Vicki Briggs, chief executive officer of UT Health Tyler, said “We thought this would be a special way to symbolize the nine neonatal beds being added as part of the construction, while giving something additional to the community. One day these trees will provide much needed shade for our families during the warmer months.” The trees were positioned around soccer fields at Lindsey Park. The NICU is scheduled to open later this year.

TYLER — Texas College announced Monday, that Caroline A. Wanga, will be the speaker at the 2021 Spring Commencement Exercise. While the event will be observed virtually May 15, Wanga, a 2005 alumnus and ESSENCE C.E.O. will also be recognized with the honorary degree Doctor of Humane Letters. Wanga began her corporate journey as a Distribution Center Intern for Target Corporation in Tyler. Wanga would climb the ranks within Target for the next 15 years, elevating herself to the “C-Suite.” In 2020, Wanga departed Target to join Essence Ventures, parent company of ESSENCE. Shortly thereafter, she was named the Interim CEO of ESSENCE.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD students returned to complete on-campus learning Monday. The district announced the plan last month to end the online alternative. In a prepared statement, Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox said, “Longview ISD, like all public schools, is doing everything we can to make up for the classroom time lost last year due to the outbreak of COVID-19. As we welcome all our students back to their campuses, we are going to work to bring our students back to where they need to be heading into the summer break.” Read more here.

TYLER — The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has named Dr. Beverly J. Bryant, a leader in child and adolescent psychiatry, as the new chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. She has been serving as interim chair since December 2020. Bryant has extensive leadership experience serving in numerous program and medical director roles. She previously had served since 2017 as an associate professor of psychiatry and human behavior at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Continue reading UTHSC names new psychiatry chair

TYLER — TxDOT is planning another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the week of April 12. Tyler Maintenance plans to move its bridge work to Black Fork Creek on US 271 inside Loop 323 at MLK Blvd. Expect lane closures. Longview Maintenance plans to conduct bridge work on US 80 at the Upshur County line. Once complete, bridge maintenance operations move to other locations around the county. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — Anyone over the age of 16 can make an appointment to obtain the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler this coming week. According to a NET Health news release, appointments are open for Tuesday through Thursday, April 13 through 15, from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. If you have internet access, you are also encouraged to help anyone without such access to register for an appointment as long as a working phone number is entered for the person’s “First Dose” Pfizer vaccine appointment, according to the release. Persons who do not have internet access can make an appointment over the phone by contacting the COVID Call Center at (903) 617–6404 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. For more details or to make an appointment online, click here.

TYLER — Three Tyler locations are hosting blood drives this month. In a news release, Carter BloodCare is touting blood donations as “a way to combat the sadness, isolation and stress resulting from the pandemic” by doing “a good deed for someone.” Starting things off, South Tyler Animal Clinic will hold a drive from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 23, in its parking lot on Old Jacksonville Highway. To receive more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Jodi Dana at (903) 561-1717. Continue reading Carter BloodCare announces blood drives

KILGORE — Two Kilgore teens found $10,000 Tuesday while working their normal shift at the local Atwoods Ranch and Home — and the money is now back in the hands of its owner. According to our news partner KETK, 17-year-old Devonte Allen and 19-year-old Josh Young stumbled upon a mysterious bag. “I didn’t really know what was in the bag until I met up with [Josh] and he was like open it,” Allen said. Young said he was glad an Atwoods employee found the bag first, noting, “A customer could’ve easily just taken it and been gone.” The two told their manager, and after a few phone calls, they were able to contact the owner and return the cash. Continue reading Teens find, return $10,000

LINDALE — Leaders at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Francis say round-the-clock emergency care will soon be available, at the TMF HealthPark in Lindale. Health leaders announced Friday, construction would begin on the 24 hour Emergency Care Center this summer. The new facility will be located at the HealthPark site on South Main Street. The medical staff will include board-certified Emergency Medicine physicians and nurses, who will join the CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic primary care providers, as well as the specialty providers in cardiac, orthopedics and sleep medicine that already see patients the HealthPark.

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler announced the upcoming kick-off of its largest fundraiser Friday. Mistletoe and Magic officially launches Monday, at 7 p.m. at Willow Brook Country Club. While the three day event does not take place until December,the gathering will unveil this years theme and announce the new event location. Organizers say this is the Junior League of Tyler’s largest fundraiser, that financially supports over 20 local non-profit agencies and community programs. To date, the group has given back more than $8 million, along with hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours, to improve Smith County.

LONGVIEW — The Longview-Greggton Rotary Club is nearing the 30th annual PRCA Rodeo. The event takes place April 16 and 17, in Longview. The event is making a comeback in 2021 after being canceled due to COVID-19, last year. The PRCA event will take place at the Longview Rodeo Arena on Grand Blvd. next to the Longview Arboretum. Admission is free for all ages and will feature bull riding, bronco bucking, barrel racing, roping event, barrel man entertainment, mutton-bustin and more. All proceeds benefit local nonprofit organizations throughout Longview.

TYLER — The Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County announced preparations for a new home Thursday. The 8,300-square foot, former Tyler Piano Co. building, will soon be the new home of the non-profit. The new location is on S. Broadway Ave. Stephanie Taylor, Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, told our news partner KETK, “The new facility will just allow us to serve more people. We are seeing more and more people being diagnosed with alzheimer’s and related dementia. So, we want to make sure we are in a position to serve as many people as we can.” Renovations are scheduled for mid-summer and will open this fall.

MARSHALL — Keep Marshall Beautiful shared a new initiative Friday. The Beautification Awards in partnership with the city of Marshall and the Greater Marshall Chamber of Commerce will recognize residential and commercial properties in the Marshall city limits that show on-going dedication to keeping the city beautiful through beautification or improvements of their property or business.

TYLER — COVID-19 vaccinations have had a success rate of 94-95%. The Northeast Texas Public Health District’s George Roberts told KTBB news, that once a person finishes their vaccine recommendation it is complete. “At this point and time there is discussion about booster shots, but there have been no studies on that yet. So, we don’t know what booster shots would be needed in the future. But, once you finish either the two doses of Pfizer or two doses of Moderna or your one dose of Johnson and Johnson you have completed your vaccination series for this point and time.” NET Health is offering vaccines at Harvey Hall Convention Center through Saturday. Schedule your vaccination by clicking here.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview has announced a nearly $6 million contract for renovations. According to our news partner KETK, The Broughton Recreation Center on Martin Luther King Blvd has received approval from the Longview council. The Director of Longview Parks & Recreation Department, Scott Caron says, “The open gym will be able to be utilized for those large gatherings, while at the same time, the meeting room where the bridge library currently is will be able to be converted back into a regular meeting room. We will be able to do programs, activities and events in.” The target date for completion is expected for the summer of 2022.

TYLER — A small percentage of people who have had the vaccine still contracted COVID-19. Net Health’s George Roberts told KTBB News why that happens, “It is just going to be dependent on our body. The fact that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine after two doses are 94% and 95% effective is pretty astounding. The effectiveness of those is very high. The Johnson and Johnson is around 77% effective after one dose. It’s only a one dose regiment, but they say it also does a great job in preventing severe illness.” NET Health continues first dose vaccines through Saturday of this week. Register for your vaccine here.