KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Tyler Police Department are looking for three men, accused of robbing a gas station at gunpoint. Officials say the armed robbery took place early Tuesday morning at a Valero gas station on South Vine St. Police say one of the men pointed a gun at the clerk. who then turned over cash. Reports state that the suspects left in a Nissan Armada. If you can help identify these men, you are urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-0182 or Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER — At Wednesday’s Tyler City Council meeting, members authorized the City Manager to enter into a $267,000 contract with KSA Engineers Inc. for improvements of the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant’s chlorination and dechlorination system improvement project. For more information click here. Also, the city will bring on Mortin Enterprises in a contract for $322,500 to provide asphalt crack sealing for the streets identified for seal coating and resurfacing in 2021. To see complete details click here. Additionally, the city made a decision to move forward in a construction contract with Stripe-A-Zone. The selection will add over 36 miles of bicycle lanes and shared lanes throughout Tyler,and connect 11 routes to a centralized hub in the downtown area. For more information click here.

TYLER — A year long study into Tyler traffic lights began in 2019. On Wednesday, Tyler Council Members got the results of that study, which will result in the re-timing of 18 traffic lights throughout the city. Kemley-Horn and Associates entered into a contract with the city to improve commutes of motorists in the Rose City. It is not surprising that 12 of the lights involve intersections including Broadway, or Troup Highway. For more information click here.

TYLER — A Tyler man pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to two charges of beating a nonverbal autistic teenager last year while he was working as an employee at a community home. According to our news partner KETK, Auston Reed, 24, was captured on video grabbing the victim by the neck, and hit him in the side of the head with an open hand, causing the victim’s head to snap to the side. The 19-year-old cannot speak, so he was unable to communicate what was happening to him. Continue reading Tyler man pleads guilty to beating nonverbal autistic teen

TYLER — Nearly 14,000 people scheduled appointments at the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd COVID-19 Vaccination Hub in Longview. According to CHRISTUS, more than 30,000 people visited the site each hour. Due to the demand, all currently scheduled appointments for the upcoming Hub site in Gregg County have been filled through the first 4 weekends. However, the State is scheduled to replenish vaccine supply, and additional appointments will be added on Feb. 5. To sign up for additional inoculations, click the link. https://vaccinate.christushealth.org/.

TYLER — The Trauma Service Area G, now enters it’s 7th straight week with the percentage of hospitalized COVID-19 patients above 15%. NET HEalth’s George Roberts says, “I want people to get vaccinated. Hopefully we can get the demand taken care of sooner rather than later.” Restaurants,and businesses with incoming customers are required to decrease the maximum customer capacity to 50% or less, as outlined within Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32. The NET Health CEO went on to say, “We are pleased that people want to get the vaccine, we are looking forward to having more and more supply…unless you have an appointment please don’t just show up. Go to our website to take advantage of this.”

TYLER — Tyler police say someone stole cash from an ATM early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, police were notified at 5 a.m. that the ATM outside Cooperative Teachers Credit Union was forced open. Police say that someone used a pickup truck to damage the cash machine and take a portion of the money inside. The truck was left at the scene. Police are trying to determine whether the truck was stolen.

TYLER — Tyler ISD Athletics launched a new website, https://athletics.tylerisd.org/, and mobile app on Tuesday. The new website and app will help fans stay up to date on all things happening in Tyler ISD athletics. “We are excited to launch our new app and website,” Tyler ISD Athletics Director Greg Priest said. “It was very important to bring everything into one location for students, parents, and fans to get schedules, results, news, and ticket information.” The app is available now at no cost on both the App Store and Google Play. Continue reading Tyler ISD Athletics launches new app, website

TROUP — A scholarship fund was created Tuesday, for a longtime East Texas Educator. The former Superintendent for Troup ISD, Stuart Bird, died last week. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. At the age of 19, Bird began teaching band, which started a 47-year career in education. He was the Director of Fine Arts for Carthage ISD, before becoming the Principal then at Jacksonville High School. Bird, would also serve as the interim Assistant Superintendent for Tyler ISD. Continue reading Stuart Bird scholarship fund announced

LONGVIEW — The Greater Longview United Way announced Tuesday, that Executive Director, Donna Sharp, will be retiring effective April 30. According to the organization, this will follow the completion of the current United Way Campaign. Sharp has served in that role since April 2015, working with the organization’s 20 agencies, and supervising the funding of 37 community-based programs. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Executive Director of Greater Longview United Way,” said Sharp. “Long ago, my family instilled in me the spirit of service to others. That spirit is embodied in everything Greater Longview United Way stands for… I will forever be a strong advocate and supporter.”

TYLER — A Tyler man will spend 10 years in jail for sexually explicit images of children. James Edward Clement, 38, pled guilty Monday, to possession of child pornography. Clement was indicted last August. According to an arrest warrant, detectives started looking into this case after they received multiple tips with various images of child pornography. They were also able to issue subpoenas to Suddenlink Communications and find Clements through his phone number and email address. Investigators eventually arrived at the man’s apartment, and they said Clement was “emotional.”Police found more than 3,000 files of alleged child porn on his phone.

MARSHALL — An instrument used to steal credit card information was discovered at a gas pump in Marshall on Monday. The card skimmer was found on pump #1 at Sam’s Food Mart on Victory Drive. Police are continuing in the investigation of the situation. Credit card skimmers are devices added to card readers, usually in gas pumps or ATMs. Once the card is swiped into a reader with a skimmer attached, criminals may be given access to personal information of the cardholder. Continue reading Skimmer found on pump at convenience store in Marshall

WILLS POINT — Two people are in custody after a shooting left two people injured in Van Zandt County late Monday night. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff’s office early Tuesday morning said that the shooting occurred just after 8:30 p.m. on Monday night on Willow Drive, near HWY 80. One victim was found at the scene while a second was in another area of the city. Both victims were taken to a hospital in Tyler. One remains in critical condition. The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office helped locate a car in their area that investigators believe was used in the shooting. Continue reading Two injured, two arrested following Van Zandt County shooting

TYLER — The city of Tyler announced a special antique quilt display on Monday. The Goodman-LeGrand Museum will host a special vintage quilt display that begins Saturday, and runs through Feb. 27. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Quilts that will be on-hand include overlays from the 1830s and an 1880s quilt owned by the Goodman family. Many other quilts made from the 1850s to the 1930s will be on display throughout the home. Admission is free, however, a suggested $2 donationfor each admission will go toward the day-to-day operation of the museum. Due to COVID-19 precautions, visitors are required to wear a mask at all times during their tour and tour size are limited to five people. The museum is located on N. Broadway Ave. For more information, contact Debbie Isham, special events and Goodman Museum supervisor at (903) 531-1286.

TYLER — NET Health announced more plans Monday, for various vaccination clinics to take place this week. CEO George Roberts tells KTBB, that Harvey Hall is an ideal setting, for a couple of reasons. “Our primary method is drive through, but there are days, when the weather is too cold or there are threats of rain, that we bring people inside Harvey Hall. The nice thing is we can pivot from a drive through to a walk-in as the weather dictates.” Second dose clinics will happen on Wednesday and Saturday of this week. Harvey Hall will be also be the site for first dose inoculations this Thursday and Friday. Continue reading Harvey continues to be busy with 1st & 2nd dose vaccines

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System has been named a COVID-19 Vaccination Hub by the State of Texas to serve Gregg County. On Monday, Mark Anderson said, “We are calling this campaign My Shot Now. I know I can speak for myself representing CHRISTUS Good Shepherd, and I know all of our public officials can say that that name really resonates with us because we have heard from the public. They have waited patiently. They want their shot now, and this is their time.” CHRISTUS Good Shepherd is directing patients to make an appointment by visiting vaccinate.christushealth.org and answering the questions in the chat box on the right of the screen. Continue reading CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Designated COVID-19 Vaccination Hub

LONGVIEW — This week, the City of Longview will conduct a Point-in-Time Homeless Count. According to the city the count is planned for this Thursday. Organizers say the initiative is a coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Texas, in association with the Texas Homeless Network and volunteers from the community. Trained volunteers will count and survey individuals in emergency shelters and transitional housing over a 24 hours period, based on standards by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This count will provide a “snapshot” of the number of people experiencing homelessness as well as key characteristics of those individuals and families.

TYLER — Annual property taxes are due by the close of January in Smith County. However, on Monday, Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber, told KTBB, “Since the 31st falls on a Sunday this year, those mailing their property tax payments must have them postmarked on or before February 1.” Last October, Barber’s office mailed out 186,000 property tax statements county-wide. Residents can make payments online, in person or through the Tax Office’s new drop-box in Tyler until February 1, 2021. Barber continued, “This drop box will allow customers to drop off their property tax payments without mailing it or coming in the building.” Citizens are encouraged to write their phone numbers on the envelope in case communication is needed. More information is available by clicking the link. https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/tax-assessor/property-taxes.

SMITH COUNTY — Kelsey Paige Frazier, 26, of Tyler, was indicted by Smith County grand jury, after she left an infant abandoned and strapped in a baby bouncer for about three hours in October 2020. According to our news partner KETK, Frazier was charged with abandonment/endangering a child and causing imminent danger with bodily injury. Her bond was set at $150,000. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, 11-month-old Addison was left in a garage apartment at the 11000 block of County Road 2249 on Oct 3. A friend of Frazier arrived at the residence and heard the dog barking inside of the apartment. When she went inside, she heard the infant crying. The woman found the baby in the baby bouncer and she messaged the parents on Facebook. The child was later reunited with her parents.

TYLER — One person died after single-vehicle crash in Tyler Saturday morning. According to our news partner KETK, just before 1:00, police were called to the scene on West Queen after a car had veered off the street and crashed into a fence in the backyard of a residence. According to the person who called dispatchers, they saw two people run away from the vehicle. One person inside the car was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional information was not available. Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to call Tyler police, 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER–Tyler police officers were called to 50 Grand Club on North Grand following a report of multiple shots fired. Witnesses reportedly said one person was shot in the leg and was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and continued on to the hospital where the victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER — Smith County has cancelled jury duty for Monday. Officials said Friday afternoon, Smith County residents scheduled to report for jury duty with their yellow cards, do not have to make the trip to the courthouse. However, if you have been summoned for duty on Tuesday or Wednesday, you must still report to the Smith County Courthouse. You can find out more information by clicking the link. https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/district-clerk/jury-duty-430.

TYLER — A groundbreaking ceremony was held late Friday afternoon for the new neonatal intensive care unit at UT Health Tyler. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, a private ceremony was held to initiate the construction of the new medical unit, that will be located on the 4th floor of the hospital. Developers say the new NICU, will include 9 state-of-the-art neonatal beds with UT Health investing $2.7 million for construction and equipment. With the addition, UT Health will be able to accept transfers of high-risk mothers and infants from regional hospitals previously sent to Dallas for a higher level of care. The NICU is expected to open in the fall of this year.

TYLER — With his status in doubt most of the week, after his removal against the Cleveland Browns, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes announced he is clear to play this weekend. According to our news partner KETK, the East Texas native said Friday afternoon, he has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Mahomes did not return to the game and backup quarterback Chad Henne, finished the game for KC.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Health State Services website is reminding residents that vaccinations are still in the “limited supply phase.” While it is unclear when “additional supply” and “broad supply” stages will happen, George Roberts tells KTBB, progress continues. “With the second round, we have to reschedule. So, going back to our NETHealthCOVID19.org waiting list, we ask people when they get their first vaccination, we are now signing people up to get on a waiting list for their second dose. The NET Health CEO continued, “We are depending on the supply to do this, so we should be vaccinating people for their second round starting next week.” To be added to a waiting list for a vaccination, click the link. https://www.nethealthcovid19.org/vaccine-updates.

TYLER — An endangered chicken native to parts of Texas and Louisiana has found refuge at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the zoo is doing their part to help the Attwater Prairie Chickens “strut their stuff.” Brandon Melton, a wildlife biologist says,“We supplemental feed them with corn, green beans, and peas. That’s usually the mixture we use. That’s just a way to put a little weight on them; to get them acclimated to the wild prairie.” They can only be found in two places within our state: the national refuge and the Goliad private reserve. You can watch the complete segment by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/CaldwellZoo.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is asking the public to be alert with many multiple vehicles stolen over the last several weeks. LPD says that often autos are being left running while unattended. For instance, individuals will start up the car to warm it up and then return inside. Or, someone will get the truck going, only to realize they have forgotten something and return to their home. The department is urging residents to take steps to prevent vehicle theft. Police say the number one thing to do is stay your vehicle when it is running.

MARSHALL — Back to back record breaking attendance was announced by East Texas Baptist University on Friday. After a record-breaking fall enrollment, ETBU’s Spring 2021 enrollment has set yet another record. With 1,479 new and returning Tigers enrolled in January 2021, this marks the highest spring enrollment in University history. This year’s spring enrollment shows a 5.3% increase over last year’s record spring enrollment of 1,405 Tigers. The spring undergraduate enrollment exhibits a 2.2% increase over a year ago. Graduate enrollment is also at a record high with 157 students enrolled in post-graduate programs, an increase of over 40% from last spring.

TYLER — A Tyler man has been indicted on a murder charge after being accused in a shooting death, last October. According to our news partener KETK, Tommy Pettigrew, 22, is believed to have shot and killed 39-year-old Christopher Bolden. The arrest warrant states Bolden had left a party he was attending at Pettigrew’s home, because he “had a bad vibe.” Pettigrew and Bolden spoke, said everything “was cool”, and took a shot of liquor together before Bolden left. Bolden later returned to the party. Continue reading Tyler man indicted for murder after fight at party