KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — UT Health East Texas has administered more than 33,000 COVID-19 vaccines in the three months since the health system began giving vaccinations. On Wednesday, Dr. Tom Cummins told KTBB, “I think we are turning the corner. I would encourage people that have not been to please do so whenever they are eligible. You can go through us, NET Health, through their clinics, wherever they can get a vaccine,please do so. In the meantime, continue to wear your mask in-spite of the mask mandate, keep your distance, keep your hands clean, if we can do that and really make a push on the vaccine, we are going to get back to a sense of normalcy.” Continue reading UT Health East Texas surpasses 33,000 COVID vaccines

KILGORE — The city of Kilgore is urging motorists to use caution when traveling through two temporary lane closures. The momentary shut downs were announced Tuesday, as a result of construction work on a new Chick-fil-A. The traffic transitions start Wednesday near the intersection of North Kilgore Street and Highway 42. Officials say the outside lane of eastbound North Kilgore Street could be closed through Friday. The outside southbound lane of Highway 42 will need to remain shutdown longer because of additional construction undertakings.

RUSK — Last year, in-person visits at the Cherokee County Jail were halted to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On Tuesday, the jail announced inmate visitation will resume. According to our news partner KETK, guidelines include wearing a mask, temperature checks, social distancing in the lobby and disinfecting visitation areas after each visit. The jail will allow a maximum of two visitors each week, per inmate, for periods of no more than 15 minutes. Visitors can speak to an inmate across a clear panel using a phone. Women in the jail will be allowed to have visitors from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 1 to 3 p.m. Saturdays. Male inmates can have visitors from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and 3 to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

JACKSONVILLE — According to our news partner KETK, Woodland Heights Baptist Church in Jacksonville was recently burglarized. Monday, the church shared a post on social media in hopes of locating the man they believe stole from them and discarded the buildings security cameras. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone that can help identify the man to contact them at (903) 683-2271 or the church at (903) 586-6019.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Public Safety said Troopers responded to a two vehicle fatal crash Monday on HWY 64. The wreck happened at 3 p.m., three miles west of Arp. Preliminary reports indicate a vehicle had stopped in the eastbound lane of the highway when a motorcycle struck it from behind. The driver of the bike, 21 year old Henderson resident Payton Vance St. Clair was killed at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, Erich Wilson, of Arp, was not injured. This was the second fatal accident within 48 hours in the same area of HWY 64. On Saturday, Tony Calvin Henson, 56, of Troup, also died at the scene after being struck by a truck towing a trailer.

AUSTIN — Tesla may soon get to do what Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Chrysler and most other automakers cannot do in Texas, sell directly to consumers. A bill filed by Palestine Republican State Representative Cody Harris would allow makers of electric vehicles to act as dealers to sell directly to buyers. The biggest beneficiary of that, obviously, would be Tesla, which is constructing a giga-factory in Austin to produce electric pickups and SUVs. The Texas Automobile Dealers Association opposes the bill, saying it safeguards consumers by preventing Tesla from creating a monopoly; but others say its protectionism. The Statesman reports that analysts believe lawmakers need to play their cards right because it would be a huge black eye for Texas to make trucks in the state and not be able to sell them directly to consumers.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation is scheduled to transition drivers to the newly completed Highway 69 overpass at FM 346 south of Tyler on Tuesday. Upon completion of the adjusted traffic flow, the old lanes approaching FM 346 will be reduced to one lane to convert motorists to the final ramp alignment. TxDOT said to expect lane closures and delays. The work zone speed limit is 60 mph. TxDOT also says County Road 431, also known as Jim Hogg Road, will be closed temporarily from U.S. Highway 69 to Interstate 20, starting Tuesday. TxDOT says, workers will replace a bridge and several major cross-drainage structures, widen the road base, and overlay over two miles of roadway with asphalt. The projects completion timeline is summer 2021. Read more here.

WASHINGTON – Tyler Pounds Regional Airport will be the beneficiary of two federal grants totaling $1,033,127 in relief funds following the economic distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a prepared statement Monday, U.S. Senator John Cornyn said, “As we look to turn the corner on this deadly pandemic, it’s critical that Texas airports are given every resource they need to handle the coming increase in travel.” Congressman Cornyn went on to say, “I applaud this announcement that will benefit the health and well-being of travelers in Tyler.” The funding was appropriated by Congress in December as part of the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.

TYLER — The move to expand vaccine eligibility to Texans aged 50 and older, sorted as 1C, is now underway. However, appointments could continue to be hard to come by, as the number of those eligible exceeds the amount of attainable immunizations. Last week, NET Health’s George Roberts updated Smith County Commissioners reporting almost 44,000 east Texans had received the inoculation. Those, doses of the vaccine were limited to front-line health care workers, long-term care residents and staff, people 65 year old and older or at least 16 with a qualifying health condition. Last week, teachers and child care workers also became eligible for the vaccine. Learn more here.

TYLER — UT Health East Texas officials said Monday, they will launch a vaccine signup this week for those who need help signing up for the COVID-19 vaccine. UT Health says this particularly benefits those without internet access. Starting Tuesday, individuals can call (903) 747-4VAC (4822) weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., for help. Those with internet access do not need to call and should continue to sign up directly by clicking here. Officials say that more appointments will become available at the link, as more vaccines are received. The shots will be given at UT Health North Campus Tyler on U.S. Highway 271.

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System continues to work to improve communication and access for both patients and providers. In a prepared statement Monday, Todd Hancock, President and Chief Execcutive Officer said, “CHRISTUS Good Shepherd is proud to be at the forefront of the electronic integration that is revolutionizing how care is provided across the country. New tools like Epic and MyChart will make it easier for our patients and doctors to interact, thus improving communication and creating more ways for patients to access health care services.” Statistics show that this form of care improves patient care and workflow. Learn more about MyChart here.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview will be testing early warning sirens this week. In a prepared statement Monday, the city said, “This is part of Eastman’s commitment to the safety of employees and operations. The Longview site will be installing a new emergency siren system and conduct a series of tests.” Testing is set to begin Tuesday at 9 a.m. A series of siren tests are planned to confirm they are fully operational. Sounds from the evaluations will vary and include at least nine different tests throughout the day. Read more here.

TYLER – The Texas Department of Transportation has announced construction and maintenance work this week in Tyler. On Monday, TxDOT said, motorists in Tyler, should be prepared for major changes on the U.S. 69 project at FM 346. TxDOT says a switch, originally planned for Monday, was postponed. Intentions are to move U.S. 69 traffic to the new bridge permanently on Tuesday. The traffic switch should be completed by mid-week. Expect lane closures. The U.S. 69 work zone speed limit is 60 mph. The project consists of building a new U.S. 69 bridge over FM 346. In Longview, maintenance plans include mill and inlay work on SH 31 from South Street to US 80. Read more here.

TYLER — An Arlington man has been indicted for capital murder after allegedly shooting Starville Methodist Church Pastor Mark McWilliams in January of this year. According to our news partner KETK, Mytrez Deunte Woolen, 21, was on the run from Smith County deputies and Department of Public Safety Troopers on the night of Saturday, January 2. After hiding in the Starville church overnight, he was discovered by Pastor McWilliams just before service was set to begin. Police say the pastor pulled out a gun and tried to hold Woolen until police arrived. But Woolen fought for the gun and shot the pastor before fleeing the scene. Continue reading Man indicted in fatal East Texas church shooting

WOOD COUNTY — Deputies have captured a man that was considered armed and dangerous. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Department, Samuel Salas, 34, was arrested late Monday morning at a residence just outside of Mineola. Salas is accused of shooting a woman east of Lindale Friday morning. The shooting occurred on CR 498 off FM 16. Salas is charged with shooting the woman and fleeing the scene. The woman was taken to the hospital where she was listed in stable condition. The weekend long manhunt included a drone, helicopter, and dogs in tracking Salas.

TYLER — Consumer fraud involving gift cards is on the rise according to the Better Business Bureau and the trend has accelerated during COVID lockdowns. Losses reported to the BBB’s Scam Tracker nearly tripled between 2017 and 2020. According to the BBB, scammers extract money from victims by convincing them to purchase a gift card from a well-known retailer like Target, Wal-Mart or Amazon in order to make immediate payment to avoid arrest for unpaid taxes or the termination of electric utility service. Once a card is purchased, the scammer tells the victims to read the numbers from the back of the card. Scammers then steal the value loaded on the card. Read more here.

HENDERSON — Rusk County authorities arrested two women Thursday for having more than 1,000 grams of THC edible candies. According to our news partner KETK, Angelique Propes, 21, and Alisabeth Currey, 22, were arrested after the sheriff’s department executed a search warrant on College Street and identified methamphetamine, marijuana, firearms, along with 1,190 grams of the THC candies. The infused candies have a similar look to Sour Patch Kids. Continue reading 2 women arrested with THC edible candies, firearms, methamphetamine

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Historical Museum is reminding the community that an exhibition that started in February, in celebration of Black History Month, continues. The GCHM presents “Stitching a Legacy- The Symbolism in African American Quilts.” The display will run through April 3. Also, on March 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., organizers will host a special presentation by the Pleasant Hill Quilt Club, that tells the story of how quilts were used in the underground railroad. Learn more by calling 903-407-7243, or email [email protected]

ATHENS — The upstart soccer program at Trinity Valley Community College received a boost from a local business this week. First State Bank awarded TVCC a $1,000 gift of support. TVCC soccer will play a club schedule this spring before its first NJCAA-sanctioned season this fall. Soccer Coach Antonio Ledesma will host tryouts April 10, at the soccer field on the lower level next to Cardinal Gym. Tryouts for women are set for 9 a.m.-noon. Tryouts for mean are set for 1-4 p.m. Tryouts fees are $25. Registration forms are available by clicking here. For more information, email Ledesma at [email protected].

SMITH COUNTY– DPS investigated a fatal crash late Friday night, involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. The accident took place 12 miles South of Tyler on Highway 155. Sgt. Jean Dark said on Saturday night the investigators preliminary report indicates that the driver, Eryn Macen Pryor, 18, of Frankston was traveling northbound in the left lane of SH-155. A pedestrian, Melissa Renee Chreiman, 33, of Frankston was attempting to cross the roadway from east to west. Chreiman died at the scene and was taken to Lighthouse Funeral Home in Tyler.

HARRISON COUNTY — We now know more details about an accident Thursday night that killed a Smith County man. DPS said Friday, Jody Anthony Bobeck, 55, of Whitehouse died after the 18-wheeler he was driving rolled into a ditch on I-20. Investigators say, Bobeck was in the left lane and started to cross over into the center median lane, they believe Bobeck tried to merge back into the left lane, but the vehicle jackknifed. The trailer rolled over to the right and stopped in the south ditch of IH-20. The truck went the other way and landed upright in the ditch. Bobeck, was taken to CHRISTUS Good Shepherd – Longview. He later died there, and was transported to Stewarts Funeral Home in Tyler.

HALLSVILLE — A Hallsville man has been charged with sex and drug crimes by the Harrison County Sheriff’s office. According to our news partner KETK, Kevin Fernandez is suspected of giving the girl gummy candy infused with THC, and alcohol then sexually assaulting her. THC is a compound found in cannabis. Fernandez is charged with sexual assault and possession of a controlled substance. Authorities say the investigation led them to believe that Fernandez provided THC gummies to the juvenile as well as alcohol. The girl has been moved to a juvenile center.

MARSHALL — An east Texas community is rallying resources in an attempt to stop violent and drug crimes in Harrison County. On Friday, Sheriff Brandon Fletcher, Marshall Police Chief Cliff Caruth, and District Attorney Reid McCain announced the alliance of forces. The move, in effect, brings the agencies together in a more proactive stance against violent crimes and drug crimes, which are often associated with violence. The media brief says the teams intend to form a task force environment enabling shared resources, streamline communication and a “common cause” and make the area safer.

TYLER — Firefighters spent Thursday night battling a fire in downtown Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the Tyler Fire Department fought the flames at an abandoned strip mall on N. Spring Ave. and Broadway Ave. The large blaze was called in at 8:20 p.m. Tyler police were on the same as well, with the road closed for some time. There were no reported injuries in the fire that had 4 engine trucks respond. Investigators have not released a cause for the fire at this time.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is facing charges in connection with raping an intellectually disabled woman. According to an arrest warrant obtained by our news partner KETK, Timothy Mussared, 60, was arrested Tuesday on a sexual assault charge. The warrant indicates Mussared was staying at a motel with three other people on March 2. One of the travelers came out of the shower and found Mussared allegedly raping the victim, who was saying, “Get off me.” Mussared denied any knowledge of the incident to police earlier this week. Detectives interviewed the victim and learned that another traveler threatened to break off their relationship with the victim if she did not have sex with Mussared. Mussard is currently in the Gregg County Jail on a $75,000 bond, His first court date has not yet been set.

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Rangerettes kicked off Rangerette Revels on Thursday night. In a prepared statement, the dance troupe said, this marks the start of a two-weekend run, adapting its traditional schedule and ticket sales due to COVID-19 protocols. Show dates remain through this weekend, with repeat performances March 18-20. Start times are nightly at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are Sunday the 14th, and Saturday the 20th at 1 p.m. “This Stage, Our Story,” will highlight multiple dance genres, including the Rangerettes signature high kick production for the finale.

TYLER — A 17-year-old Kilgore teen was arrested earlier this month, accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in February. According to our news partner KETK, Jaxson Downey was arrested March 3, and has since posted a $50,000 bond and has been released from the Smith County Jail. In an arrest warrant, the victim told police the alleged assaults occurred twice in February and she made an outcry after the second incident. In a police interview, Downey said he had been drinking but did not remember the alleged assaults. Downey later admitted remembering the second incident. His first court appearance has yet to be scheduled.

TYLER — Time is running out to enter a major fund-raiser for the East Texas Crisis Center. The organization said Friday, the raffle for a vintage burgandy1965 Mustang Coupe will take place at 4 p.m. March 20, at Traditions Restaurant in Tyler. Proceeds fund services provided to survivors of violent crime. The East Texas Crisis Center serves Smith, Henderson, Van Zandt, Wood and Rains Counties. Raffle tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by clicking here.

TYLER — Honorees announced in January of 2020 will soon be celebrated at the Women in Tyler luncheon. On Friday, the organization invited the community to commemorate “Women Who Turned the Tables” next week. Last years affair was canceled due to the pandemic. But the 2021 soiree will take place next Thursday at The Tyler Rose Garden at 11 a.m. The luncheon has been modified to observe all social distancing guidelines. Women in Tyler began over two decades ago as a way to celebrate Women’s History Month, and through the years has continued to praise pioneers in their fields, organizations, and in the arts, to name a few. Learn more here.