KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER–TxDOT is planning construction and maintenance work throughout the Tyler district beggining Monday. Smith County will have several project including washout repairs in the ROW on SH 31 west of FM 850. Expect delays in traffic flow due to lane closures. Crews will also be staging equipment on SH 64 from RM 698 to RM 702 for a rehab job. In Gregg County, the I20 overlay project continues with asphalt operations, striping, and placing edgeline rumble strips. Expect alternating daytime lane closures. The complete report for the entire distict is available by clicking the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/053-2019.html

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System will host a FREE, indoor Trick-or-Treat celebration for the Longview community on Halloween! This Thursday from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. CHRISTUS Good Shepherd – on Hawkins Parkway will be the site of the fun. Christus says this will give people an opportunity to start your trick-or-treating early. There will be treats, face painting, games, a photo booth & prizes, all inside.

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said a suspect wanted for evading pursuit has been arrested. According to our news partner KETK, Leo Ralph Boyd III was arrested Sunday afternoon by officers with the Chandler Police Department. HCSO had asked for the public’s help in identifying Boyd after he evaded pursuit by multiple law enforcement agencies. Witnesses say multiple law enforcement vehicles were pursuing the suspect on Hwy 31 West. According to HCSO, agencies involved in the chase included Chandler PD, HCSO, Eustace Police Department, Athens Police Department, DPS, and Brownsboro Police Department.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Authorities in Henderson County are engaging the public’s help in identifying a motorcyclist. According to our new partner KETK, on Sunday afternoon a chase ensued on Highway 31 West. Witnesses say several law enforcement vehicles were in pursuit of the suspect. Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call the sheriff’s office at 903-675-5128 or Henderson County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-545-TIPS. Continue reading Motorcyclist Evades Pursuit Wanted by Authorities

MARSHALL — On Saturday afternoon ,the city of Marshall got reports that a man had been shot at the Bel Aire Manor apartment complex. The male was discovered at the location with several gunshot wounds. Medical personnel determined that he was already dead. The victim’s name is being withheld at this time. Charles Ray Mason, 31, of Marshall was identified by witnesses as the shooter. He was located a short distance from the scene, and arrested on the charge of murder.

TYLER — Preparations are well underway for The Junior League of Tyler’s 41st Annual Mistletoe & Magic Gala, that is moving to Willow Brook Country Club. This year’s fundraising soiree will be held on November 16th. Traditionally, the festivities mark the kick off into the holiday season in Tyler. The evening will include dinner and dancing, music by Manhattan and a live auction you won’t want to miss. The Mistletoe & Magic Gala is open to the public and tickets may be purchased online at http://www.juniorleagueoftyler.org or the Junior League Office on S. Donnybrook Ave. Continue reading Mistletoe & Magic “Kick Off Gala” Nears

TYLER — Children’s playhouses constructed by East Texas businesses and schools will be on display in the downtown Tyler plaza starting Sunday evening through Nov. 2. It is part of a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity of Smith County. All 6 of the life-sized playhouses have a different theme and will be auctioned off. East Texans place a bid online for their favorite design. The highest on-line bids will continue at a live auction at a ticketed event on Saturday, Nov. 2. Complete rules are available on the website http://www.playhousesontheplaza.com. Continue reading 2019 Playhouses on the Plaza to Debut Sun. Evening

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is warning of a text scam related to voter registration. According to our news partner KETK, HSCO says the office has received several calls from county residents who have received text messages saying they are not registered to vote. The messages ask the citizens to reply to the text. On Saturday the department encouraged residents not to reply to the text, should you receive it. If you have concerns about your voter registration status, or just want to check it, you should go to the Texas Secretary of State’s voter registration website and check on it there. We have provided a link to the post that was published by the department below.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1988463987922829&id=738877892881451

TYLER — Former TJC Tennis Coach John Peterson, whose teams won a combined 25 national championships in just under a quarter century at the helm at Tyler Junior College, will be honored on Tuesday evening. City of Tyler Mayor Martin Heines, has issued a proclamation naming October 29, “John Peterson Day,” for his contributions to the sport of tennis in Tyler and East Texas. The honor falls during the “RBC Pro Challenge” going on this week at the Tyler Athletic and Swim Club. Tyler City Councilman, Linda Sellers, for the district Tyler Athletic and Swim Club is located, will read and present the proclamation. Current TJC Head Men’s and Women’s Head Coach Dash Connell will share personal remarks about John Peterson. 

TYLER — The parent company of a local company’s anniversary proves prosperous for Smith County. Kluber Lubrication NA LP, just outside of Tyler is making a donation of 41 fruit trees and compost to the Smith County Juvenile Services Department and 170 trees across the area in honor of the 170th anniversary of its parent company, Freudenberg Group. Continue reading Smith County to Receive Tree Donation

TYLER — Chet Garner, the creator, host, and executive producer of The Daytripper, has been in Tyler this week along with his crew. The Daytripper is an 8-time Emmy-award-winning Texas travel show that airs on PBS stations across the country. Garner spoke with media members on Friday at Stanley’s BBQ and talked about the show that he was in town filming for a travel piece featuring some of Tyler’s local attractions, restaurants, and businesses. The show will air in a few weeks following post production.

TYLER — A Tyler woman received the keys to her new home on Friday. Habitat for Humanity of Smith County made the dedication on Friday. The home on North Tenneha is the 108th home built in Smith County in Habitat’s 30-year history. Scherry Jones and her daughter Brea, helped to build their home this summer along with hundreds of volunteers after the wall raising in May. Jones and her family completed 300 “sweat equity” hours by helping to build her home. She is purchasing her home from Habitat with a no interest, 30-year mortgage. To qualify for a Habitat home, applicants must demonstrate the need for affordable housing and show the ability to make a monthly mortgage payment.

KILGORE — Kilgore College kicked off the weekend putting a bit of a scare into visitors. On Friday night the school started their first “Kil-GORE College Horror Movie Festival” with the Alfred Hitchcok classic “Pyscho”. Dodson Auditorium will host movies through Tuesday on the Kilgore campus. The movie festival is open to the public, admission is $10 per person with single movie passes available for $2 per person. Attendees who bring a donation for the KC Student Food Pantry will receive a single movie pass. Continue reading ‘Kil-GORE College Horror Movie Festival’

LONGVIEW — Each year Davita Dialysis centers from across America hold a benefit ride to raises money that is used in chronic disease research. According to our news partner KETK, Tour Davita is a 3 day, 200 mile ride. This year, when Richard Forsyth got the opportunity to get involved, he did not hesitate. Forsyth, is a technician with Davita in Longview. He is not an avid rider,but was inspired by his patients to help raise $1.2 million in total.

TATUM – On Friday, the grandma of the Tatum child at the heart of a dress code controversy was arrested. According to our news partner KETK, Randi Woodley was charged with the charge for perjury and child endangerment. Woodley is in the Rusk County jail and is currently being held on a $27,500 bond. It is not clear what led to her arrest. In August, Woodley made charges that the Tatum ISD superintendent, Dr. J.P. Richardson, told her that her grandson must cut his hair or put him in a dress. Richardson has vehemently denied those accusations. Continue reading Dress Code Grandma in Tatum Arrested

TYLER — The grand opening of Southside Park in Tyler has been moved due to weather issues. On Nov. 16 the City of Tyler Parks and Rec Department and Tyler Area Ambucs will be cutting the ribbon on the new inclusive playground at Southside Park. The festivities will happen at 10 a.m. for the playground that feature ramps, swings and slides and accommodate kids with mobility disabilities and wheelchairs. These accommodations will allow children to enjoy the same playground regardless of their abilities. Continue reading Southside Park Ribbon Cutting Rescheduled

TYLER — Democrat Julie Gobble is announcing her campaign for the 2020 Texas House of Representatives District 6. Julie will hold a candidacy kickoff event from 5:00-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, at Martin Walker P.C. on N Spring Ave in Tyler. Gobble will file to appear on the March 3 Democratic Primary Ballot for the seat in District 6. The public is invited to the October 29 event but RSVPs are requested at julie4texas.com. Contact chair Greg Bryant at [email protected] for more info.

LONGVIEW — Due to Inclement weather. Downtown Live will be moving this week to Backstreet Bar and Grill on W. Methvin St. You are invited out tonight for this free event from 5 to 8 p.m. for great food and the music by Bobby “O” and the Mojos. Backstreet Bar and Grill is a smoke free establishment.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview, Partners in Prevention’s Unity and Diversity Committee will host “Longview Listens” from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on November 4, 2019. The evening will be at Maude Cobb Activity and Convention Center. Longview Listens seeks to promote unity and diversity by creating a safe environment by celebrating all individuals through community dialogue. This will be the first in a three-part series with the subsequent Longview Listens planned for February and May of next year. For more info call Partners in Prevention at 903-237-1019.

TYLER — On Monday early voting opened, on Friday Smith County officials reported that 724 ballots have been cast in the county as of Thursday’s close. Elections are being held for statewide Constitutional Amendments, as well as local elections for Smith County Emergency Services District 2 and Overton Mayor and City Council members. Polls remain open on Friday. Smith County residents will still have a chance to vote early next Monday through Wednesday at The Hub, on E. Ferguson in Tyler, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours Thursday and Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Election Day, is November 5, voting will be from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early election balloting continues next week.

TYLER, Texas (AP) – Southside Bancshares Inc. (SBSI) on Friday reported third-quarter profit of $19.8 million. The Tyler, Texas-based bank said it had earnings of 58 cents per share. The holding company for Southside Bank posted revenue of $71.7 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $55.3 million, which missed Street forecasts. Southside Bancshares shares have increased slightly more than 9% since the beginning of the year. The stock has climbed 16% in the last 12 months.

TROUP — A much loved boxing coach by his students and the community of Troup died on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Shawn Vascocu was put into hospice care, after formerly being given the all clear from his fight with pancreatic cancer. Visitation will be held at Cottle Funeral Home in Troup, on Tuesday, from 6 pm-9 p.m. The funeral will be held at First United Methodist Church in Troup Wednesday at 2 p.m. Continue reading Troup Boxing Coach Dies After Battle With Cancer

TYLER — Gasoline prices are down across Texas, and Tyler is in the spotlight. Triple-A Texas says the statewide average fell four cents to $2.27. Spokesman Dan Armbruster says prices could wobble a bit in the near future as supplies trend to the downside. At $2.19, the cheapest gas in the state is found in Tyler and McAllen. Midland is on the high side at $2.46. Those prices are still about 30 cents lower than a year ago.

SMITH COUNTY — A Whitehouse man has been charged with DWI following a wreck involving an ambulance. Jose Martizez-Moran, 21, was arrested Thursday following a head-on collision with an ambulance. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened on Highway 31, just outside of Chandler. Martinez-Moran was driving in the wrong lane when he hit the ambulance, which was heading east. The driver of the ambulance and his partner were not seriously injured. Martinez-Moran was released from the Smith County Jail after posting bond. He was also arrested for DWI September 1, 2019.

JACKSONVILLE — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Dylan Scott McClelland, 19. On Monday Dylan was last seen leaving his residence outside Jacksonville around 7:20 a.m. to go to work. He left in a Gray 2000 GMC step side (TXLP MGP6120), wearing white Nike shoes, blue jeans, and a white and blue hat. The hat has “Its Personal” on it. If you have any information on his location contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office 903-683-2271.

TYLER — Friday’s Paul Cauthen Concert has changed venues. The City of Tyler and Liberty Hall will host Paul Cauthen in concert at the Caldwell Auditorium, on S. College Ave. The event, originally scheduled for Bergfeld park will kick off at 6 p.m. food trucks and live music begins at 7:30 p.m. The Tylerite, Paul Cauthen, first earned his reputation as a fire-breathing truth-teller with the acclaimed roots-rock band Sons of Fathers. In 2016, he released his solo debut, My Gospel. Continue reading Venue Change for the Paul Cauthen Concert

TYLER — Smith County mailed 186,000 total property tax statements this week. The bills are due upon receipt, and must be walked in or postmarked by January 31, 2020, to avoid delinquency. Tax-Assessor Collector Gary Barber said if you have not received your property tax bill by the first week of November, you should contact the Smith County Tax Office at 903-590-2920. Continue reading Smith County Property Tax Statements Mailed

TYLER — The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has been awarded a grant renewal in the amount of nearly $1.4 million. It was awarded to continue tuberculosis research in their biomedical research center. While less common in the United States, TB is still considered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Serving as the principal investigator, Rama Vankayalapati, PhD, will continue to explore the human immune responses to the disease. Continue reading UTHSC at Tyler Receives $1.4 Million for Research

TYLER — The members of a committee who will guide The University of Texas System Board of Regents in its exploration for the next president of UT Medical Branch were announced Wednesday by Chairman Kevin P. Eltife. Kirk Calhoun, M.D., president of UT Health Science Center at Tyler, has been named a committee co-chair. The committee will offer recommendations on possible successors to David Callender, M.D., who stepped down in August to become president and CEO of the Memorial Hermann Health System. Ben Raimer, M.D., UTMB’s senior vice president for the Office of Health Policy and Legislative Affairs, has been serving as interim president since then. Over the course of the next several months, the search advisory committee will consider potential candidates and make recommendations to the board, which will make the ultimate decision. Eltife is a former Tyler mayor and state senator.