KTBB News, Weather, Talk

JACKSONVILLE — The Gun Room in Jacksonville was robbed late Tuesday night. According to our news partner KETK, the theifs in the break-in around midnight, used a vehicle to plow through the front of the shop. The owners believe at least two guns were taken and estimate damages to the building at a minimum of $20,000. The value of the guns stolen is around $2,000.

TYLER — Tyler Police are warning residents to be aware of a series of incidents in the area where an individual is calling and posing as a Lieutenant with the Tyler Police Department. The caller then tells them they are involved in a civil matter that needs urgent attention and/or payment and asking them for personal information or to meet. Residents should be aware that the Tyler Police Department will never contact them for payment of fines. Continue reading TPD warning of phone scam in the area

TYLER — Smith County is hosting a Virtual Town Hall Meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday. In a press release Wednesday, the County said, “Officials will address the topic of mental health issues in the criminal justice system.” Residents are to call in at 1-866-899-4679 (access code: 152-353-781). You can also email questions in advance to [email protected]. The meeting will be streamed in real time at http://www.facebook.com/SmithCountyTexas and at https://tinyurl.com/spombtj. Continue reading Smith County to host virtual Town Hall Thursday

ANDERSON COUNTY — As coronavirus cases continue to spike across the Lone Star State, one East Texas County saw a large uptick in its confirmed case count. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Department of State Health Services said in a news release, Anderson County has nearly 900 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus and nearly all are located in jails. The release did not specify the count at each facility located throughout the county. Anderson County also released a statement on Tuesday afternoon that one non-jail case was confirmed in the county to bring their grand total to 103 cases. Of those, 66 have recovered to leave the area with 37 active cases.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioner’s Court held its first in-person meeting on Tuesday to provide an update from the Coronavirus Relief Fund Task Force. According to our news partner KETK, under the CARES Act, the Coronavirus Relief Fund is used for specific purchases under state and local governments to mitigate COVID-19. Texas received $11.24 billion which was allocated to counties across the state. Counties under 500,000 population, received $1.85 billion. With the money Smith County received, 20% was given upfront while 80% will be reimbursed at a future date. Continue reading Smith County officials look to future purchases using coronavirus relief funds

VAN — Van ISD has canceled summer workouts for the boys athletic program until further notice after four staff members tested positive for COVID-19. According to our news partner KETK, only one of the infected staff members is associated with boys athletics, while the other three have not been in contact with students. All four are in quarantine. Workout facilities utilized by all students have been sanitized and will continue to be cleaned according to CDC guidelines. “Student and staff safety is always our number one priority and we have taken every precaution to keep our student-athletes safe. Continue reading Van ISD cancels some summer workouts following positive COVID-19 cases

TYLER – D.P.S. released details Tuesday of a fatality that took place in Rusk County over the weekend. Troopers responded to the crash scene on U.S. 259 North of Henderson after a pedestrian was struck and killed. The victim has not yet been identified. Investigators say Dante Tyrell Gaston, 21, struck a pedestrian that ran into his path. After impact, Gatson’s vehicle was disabled and was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Jacoby Ray Taylor, 21. Both drivers were treated and released at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott Tuesday referenced an East Texas jail faclity as he stressed that hospitals are not being overwhelmed by coronavirus cases, even as cases in hospitals have reached new highs. According to our news partner KETK, Gov. Abbott said that this was the goal of many social distancing restrictions and shutdown orders that were put in place earlier in the spring. Abbott said that many spikes are from large batches of testing that has come from nursing homes and jails. However, others are patients under the age of 30 who have been in social settings such as bars. Abbott did say that the state would reach yet another high of hospitalizations across the state at 2,622. Continue reading Abbott: No reason to panic despite COVID-19 spike

HENDERSON — The City of Henderson announced Monday, plans for their fourth of July firework show with modifications. The event will be held on Saturday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m. at Lake Forest Park as a drive-up experience. The city announced on their social media page they would not have vendors, kid’s activities, or a parade in light of social distancing recommendations. People are encouraged to stay in their cars, but public restrooms will be available. For more details click the link. https://www.facebook.com/events/691084535072156/?notif_t=event_calendar_create&notif_id=1592253997083746.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announced Tuesday that two clinical assistant professors from the UT Tyler Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy have been recognized by the Texas Pharmacy Association. The TPA honored Dr. Takova Wallace-Gay with the TPA 2020 Bowl of Hygeia Award, recognizes a pharmacist who continually demonstrates professional excellence and made significant public service contributions to their community. Continue reading Drs. Wallace-Gay, Wooster awarded for exemplary community service, dedication

CHAMBERS COUNTY — Authorities located the body of a Palestine man Monday after a boating accident in the Houston Ship Channel. Shawn Robert Scarbrough, 40, was identified as the victim in a boating accident that took place Saturday in the Chamber County waters. According to the departments facebook page, the boating accident happened east of Kemah, and involved two men and two children, ages 11 and 13. Authorities say the watercraft turned sharply, throwing three passengers into the water. The driver pulled the children back into the boat.

MARSHALL — Officers in Marshall responded to multiple gunshots near Bella Wyatt Park on Monday night. Multiple calls were made to 911 services. A bystander told first responders someone had been shot. The male was located with serious injuries. Officers administered first aid until EMS arrived. The victim was admitted to a local hospital. Marshall Police are requesting witnesses to come forward at 903-935-4540, or to remain anonymous contact Marshall/Harrison Crime Stoppers at (903) 935-9969.

EAST TEXAS — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) made a presentation at the Gregg County Commissioner’s Court on Monday. The total between the three projects is $635,000. It is the biggest donation to-date for the organization, According to our news partner KETK. “We’ve been able to take excess funds from toll revenues to support our counties in our area with their priority projects,” said Dave Spurrier, NET RMA senior board member. “The NET RMA was to give local and rural communities to give a larger voice and we collectively do that, support each other and this is just another way we’re doing that,” said Spurrier. Continue reading NET RMA gives $635K to East Texas counties for infrastructure projects

TYLER — A Tyler man been arrested for allegedly trying to sexually assault his teenage niece. According to our news partner KETK, 26-year-old Jesus Angel Gomez-Gonzalez is charged with sexual assault of a child. The victim was 15 years old at the time and brought the claims to police while being interviewed as a child witness to an alleged assault between her parents, in October of 2019. Continue reading Tyler man arrested for alleged sexual assault attempt of niece

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Historical Museum announced Monday, Jonny Ferguson will launch the Summer Lecture Series on June 18th. Ferguson was a NASA Flight Controller through the Apollo Missions beginning in 1966 and subsequent human space flight programs including the International Space Station, retiring in May 2009. He will be speaking on the topic, “Failure Is Not An Option; The Apollo Missions.” The event is limited to 10 and starts at 2:30 p.m. at the Ann Lacy Crain Exhibit Center.

TYLER — The Gladys and Thomas “T.B.” Stewart Community Education Fund is accepting grant applications through 5:00 p.m. on July 15. On Monday, The East Texas Communities Foundation in Tyler, announced applicants would be limited to non-profits with 501(c)(3) status providing services in Smith County. Governmental entities, private schools, and private non-operating foundations are not eligible. Continue reading Stewart Fund accepting applications from Smith County nonprofits

OVERTON — The City of Overton will host “Fireworks in the Park” on July 4. On Monday, the city of Overton’s Interim City Manager, Clyde Carter, told KTBB, “We’re just making it a bigger event with bounce houses, water slides, food vendors, food trucks, other vendors. This is the first time we are opening it completely up to the public, not charging any fees at all for vendors to come out and set up, they just need to contact the city ahead of time.” Continue reading New Overton Lake project completed in time for “Fireworks in the Park”

TYLER — After months of concern about the coronavirus, tickets go on sale Monday for the Tyler Area Builders Association’s Parade of Homes. Normally held in early June, it’s now set for June 20 through 28. Appearing on KTBB’s “In Focus,” with Parade chairman Drew Carlyle, TABA’s Libby Simmons says there’ll be safety guidelines in place. Simmons and Carlyle say the Parade, now in year 67, showcases the latest in home design and technology while giving you a chance to meet the builders. For more information, go to http://www.tylerareabuilders.com or call (903) 561-3964. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/infocus to hear the “In Focus” show in its entirety.

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University held its Spring 2020 Commencement ceremonies on Saturday. ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn presided over socially distanced ceremonies as 173 students received undergraduate degrees and 20 earned graduate degrees. Students were permitted to celebrate “in-person” or “virtually” at the ceremonial graduation festivities.

TYLER — Monday is the final day to register to vote in the Texas primaries runoffs from March. Runoffs are typically held in May, but Gov. Abbott delayed them due to the coronavirus pandemic. In Smith County, Republicans will choose the next 114th District Court Judge. Judge Christi Kennedy will retire when her current term expires at the end of the year. Austin Reeves Jackson and Jarad Kent are vying for the seat. Jackson finished with roughly a thousand votes more than Kent in the March primaries. There were 12,070 votesfor Austin and Kent took in 10,902 ballots. Attorney Mitch Adams finished with slightly more than 4,000 votes that kept either of the other candidates from reaching the required 50%. Continue reading Final day to register for runoff elections is Monday

TYLER — Brookshire Grocery Co. is extending its hourly appreciation pay for over 14,000 retail and logistics employees. The company announced the extension will continue to July 10. This is part of an increase that started in March. Brookshire Grocery Company has provided more than $13.5 million to employee-partners through a variety of ways for those affected by COVID-19, including bonus checks, temporary wage increases. BGC has also improved changes to benefits, such as temporarily waiving co-pays for medical services delivered via MDLive, according to the BGC statement.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Historical Museum announced the presentation of a limited edition Sesquicentennial commemorative ornament and cigar. 2020 marks the 150th year celebration for the city of Longview, established in 1850. The items can be found at Gregg County Historical Museum on Fredonia St. You can also learn more about the city’s yesteryear by going online at gregghistorical.org.

BULLARD — Modifications are in place, but the Independence Day, ‘Blast over Bullard’ event is planning to continue the annual tradition. The event is on Saturday, June 27 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bullard High School. Following CDC guidelines, the event will not host food vendors, booths, or activities. However, other events will take place that includes children and adults alike. Continue reading Independence celebration is on, with modifications

TYLER – TxDOT is planning the following beginning Monday.: In Smith County, the FM 2493 Widening Project continues from Gresham to Flint. Traffic will be moved to the newly constructed eastern side of the roadway on Monday. Once traffic has been shifted, construction is set to start on the western side of the roadway. The work zone speed limit is 45 mph. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance crews plan to continue bridge joint repairs on I-20 eastbound, between FM 2087 and US 259. Overlay operations are planned on FM 3053 in Liberty City. To see the complete report for the Tyler District, click the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/022-2020.html.

KILGORE — Several departments came together in a raid of a “trap house,” just outside of Kilgore. The Kilgore Police Department posted recovered evidence from the scene on their social media page Saturday. Two Kilgore residents, and a Longview man were arrested after being tipped off about the house used to store drugs, earlier this week. Police say candies seized were infused with THC, and they are marketed toward children. Continue reading “Trap House” raid outside of Kilgore

TYLER — Rising temperatures combined with social distancing concerns have likely contributed to the 50% increase (over 435,000 in 2020 compared to 290,000 in 2019) in those searching for pool contractors on bbb.org. “If you’re planning on building a pool, you’ll be spending tens of thousands of dollars,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Serving Central East Texas. “So, it’s important that you do the research to choose the best contractor possible.” Continue reading Tips to hire the right pool Contractor

LONGVIEW — A new fire station and training facility for first responders has been approved for Longview. According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Economic Development Board closed on two land grants, Friday, for the new Station #8 and a new fire and police training facility. This is part of the 2018 bond package. In November, the Board approved the construction of a new fire station on 11.5 acres in North Business Park. They also approved 91 acres for a new fire and police training facility. Continue reading New fire station and training facility coming to Longview