KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The East Texas Symphony Orchestra and music director Richard Lee – kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with ¡Celebración!. The night of music takes place on Sept 14th at 7:30 at the UT Cowan Center, in partnership with the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler, highlighting music from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and the USA! The night features Texas A&M University faculty and guitarist Isaac Bustos and the Tyler Junior College Alumni Guitar Ensemble. Complete information on the 2019/2020 season is available by clicking the link. https://etso.org/.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Fire Department will commemorate a new fire engine celebration at Station 10 Friday morning. A “push in” party will welcome the new fire combatant. A “push-in” is a customary tradition in the fire service industry that reflects back to the horse-drawn carriage era when firefighters would actually “push their trucks” into the station to wash them. The fun takes place at Station 10 on Old Omen Road at 9 am.

MARSHALL — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct water distribution sampling on Monday. The city of Marshall says the testing is done to ensure that the city’s water is in agreement with required TCEQ standards. After the sampling, the city will convert chloramines back to free chlorine as a measure of improving and maintaining water quality for two weeks starting on Tuesday. The City of Marshall currently disinfect its drinking water supply prior to distributing it to customers. Some individuals may notice taste and odor changes and a slight discoloration to the water. Continue reading TCEQ to Conduct 3rd Qtr Water System Sampling

TYLER — Tyler state Representative Matt Schaefer responds after drawing nationwide attention for comments he made on social media about gun laws. Over the weekend, Schaefer said on Facebook, in part, “I say NO to ‘red flag’ pre-crime laws. NO to universal background checks… NO to mandatory gun buybacks. What can we do? YES to praying for victims. YES to praying for protection.” His comments have drawn plenty of support and opposition. Actress Alyssa Milano is among those taking Schaefer to task, while Senator Ted Cruz is voicing his support for the Tyler lawmaker. Continue reading Schaefer Responds to Social Media Activity over Gun Law Comments

GUN BARREL CITY — Three East Texans are glad to be alive after escaping their boat that was overcome by high winds and waves. According to our news partner KETK, the boat recently sank on Cedar Creek Lake. The three involved, who have not been identified, did make it to shore before the boat capsized. They were uninjured. UT Health EMS and Texas Parks and Wildlife assisted the Gun Barrel City Police and Fire Departments in the incident. GBC first responders took the opportunity to remind boaters to always wear your life jackets and stay aware of weather conditions.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County joined a growing list of East Texas counties to issue a burn ban. According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday Gregg county became the ninth East Texas county to prohibit outdoor burning. In an order signed by Greg County Judge Bill Stoudt, anyone caught burning outside is subject to a fine up to $500. Over the last several weeks several counties have declared bans as a result of high temperatures and very little measurable rain in the last month. The order does not mention an end date for the ban.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College students Amaya Blanton and Anahi Hernandez are two of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named 2019 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. Both will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Blanton is a sophomore general studies major from Tyler. Hernandez is a sophomore general studies major from Longview. Blanton and Hernandez are members of TJC’s Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

JEFFERSON — An East Texas teacher has been removed from duties following his arrest for aggravated sexual assault. According to our news partner KETK, Lance Reese with the Jefferson Independent School District , was taken into custody in connection with an incident that happened last month outside of Dallas. JISD said in a statement on Wednesday that Reese was arrested at his Longview home, by Garland police. Reese was a Social Studies teacher at Jefferson Junior High School.

KILGORE — The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College is planning an informational meeting to find part-time volunteers to work at the museum. Volunteers are needed to help with archiving, record digitization and exhibit preservation. Tour guides are also needed to escort groups at the museum. The meeting is set for 1 p.m. this coming Saturday. Available days to volunteer are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Continue reading Oil Museum Seeking Potential Volunteers

TYLER — Union Pacific Railroad will be closing down the following roads to perform track maintenance in the evenings and overnight. The road closures will begin at 8 p.m. Union Pacific is expected to open the roads by 5 a.m. the following morning. Travelers will need to find an alternative route and to pay attention to all traffic and signs. Continue reading Multiple Road Closures This Week Due to Union Pacific Railroad Track Maintenance

ATHENS — An Athens ISD school bus was struck by a truck on Hwy 175 on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the collision happened just before 5 p.m. The district say none of the students on the bus were injured, nor was the driver of the bus. The driver of the truck was transferred to a hospital in Athens in stable condition. The driver of the bus made a stop on HWY 175 to drop off two students. Video shows that the driver activated its warning lights for unloading before the truck hit the driver’s side. Within 30 minutes of the accident, students were checked out and loaded onto another bus to be taken home.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says four people died in two head-on vehicle collisions in Oklahoma, including three in one crash. The OHP says Amanda Satoe of Anadarko; Joshua Westerman of Marshall, Texas; and Larry Fitzgerald of Lecanto, Florida, died Tuesday on U.S. 281 near Anadarko, about 45 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. Continue reading East Texan Killed in Oklahoma Crash

TYLER — UT Health East Texas has acquired HOPE Cancer Center of East Texas. The center will now be known as UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center. According to the division administrator of cancer services for UT Health, Cody Boyd, the practice will continue to operate utilizing the same physicians, along with the same phone numbers, at the same location. UT Health Center Operates clinic locations in Athens, Gun Barrel City, Henderson, Jacksonville and Tyler. UT Health East Texas HOPE Cancer Center is home to eight physicians specializing in hematology and oncology.

MARSHALL — Harrison County joins the list of East Texas counties banning outdoor burning. Commissioners issued the order Tuesday for unincorporated areas. One exception: outdoor cooking is permitted, but only in enclosed pits or grills. Also, several outdoor burning activities related to public health and safety will be allowed. The order will stay in effect for 90 days unless the restrictions are terminated earlier by local authorities.

TYLER — Half Price Books, located in The Village at Cumberland Parks is celebrating National Literacy Month, throughout the month of September, and is partnering with Literacy Council of Tyler (LCOT) in promoting adult literacy. Special signage will be displayed as well as collection boxes, offering shoppers the opportunity to learn more about LCOT programs and to support free adult education by leaving a donation behind. Continue reading Literacy Council of Tyler Partners with Half Price Books

TYLER –Nearly 5, 000 Smith County Families have had their medical debt retired thanks to a hand of generosity from Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, RIP Medical Debt is a nonprofit organization that allows donors and organizations to erase the debt of Americans. RIP randomly buys medical debt accounts in large portfolios. They purchase the debt for pennies on the dollar. $1 donated will relieve, on average, $100 of medical debt. Pastor David Dykes said the church donated $45,102 during the month of August. Continue reading Green Acres Baptist Church Clears Medical Debt for Local Families

JACKSONVILLE — Police Chief Andrew Hawkes has issued his resignation to the city of Jacksonville. Hawkes stepped down to accept a position as the next Police Chief in Sunnyvale. According to our news partner KETK, Hawkes has served as Jacksonville Chief since July 2016. Under his command, the department began a bike patrol program, a canine team, and a National Night Out program. City Manager Greg Smith says Hawkes has done a great job and has set the path for continued success for J.P.D. Hawkes was the lone finalist in a national search of 96 applicants.

CANTON — A woman has died following a wreck on I-20 Monday evening. It happened just before 6:00 about two miles west of Canton in Van Zandt County. According to the Department of Public Safety, 29-year-old Elizabeth Leigh Lindsey, Canton, was traveling east on I-20 in the inside lane when her vehicle began to drift. She reportedly over corrected and hit a semi-truck. Her vehicle flipped several times, ejecting her. Lindsey was pronounced dead at a Tyler hospital. The driver of the truck was not injured. The crash remains under investigation.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A wreck involving an overturned semi-truck has closed one westbound lane of I-20 early this morning. According to our news partner KETK, the wrecked truck is near mile marker 535, near the city of Van. The left lane of westbound I-20 has reopened. Commuters can expect traffic delays.

LONGVIEW — The celebration begins Tuesday at 6 p.m. in Longview for the 36th Annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event with a party at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex. Citizens are encouraged to attend for a night of fun and to learn how to host a successful neighborhood party for the upcoming National Night Out event on the first Tuesday in October. The City of Longview, the Longview Police Department, Partners in Prevention, and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office coordinate this annual event. Last year, Longview placed 12th in the nation for outstanding participation for its population size, with over 100 parties. Go to https://longviewtexas.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=2062 to learn more.

TYLER — A man has been arrested on allegations that he threatened mass gunfire at the Walmart Supercenter on Loop 323 at Highway 31 East in Tyler. Police say around 1:43 Monday afternoon, they received a 911 call from an employee in reference to a man threatening to shoot everyone with a gun. Police say 32-year-old Trumaine Washington of Tyler had gotten into an altercation with an employee inside the store. The employee had gone to get a store manager when Washington took out a handgun from his backpack, placed a loaded magazine in the gun, and racked the chamber, according to police. Authorities say Washington then started yelling that he was going to shoot and start killing people. Units responding a few minutes after the 911 call found Washington in the parking lot and arrested him without shots fired. Washington was jailed on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

UNION GROVE — The family of a 13-year-old girl from Union Grove has reported her missing. According to our news partner KETK, family members say Samantha Mullins has not been seen since 3 a.m. Saturday. The family says it is working with Longview police to find her. Family members say they fear an older man may be involved as they believe Samantha was texting him before her disappearance. The girl disappeared with a friend, but family members say the friend has since been found. Anyone with information about Samantha is urged to call Longview police at 903-237-1199 or your local police department.

LAKE TYLER — A drowning at Lake Tyler is under investigation. According to our news partner KETK, sources say 22-year-old Natalie Orr of Bullard has been identified as the woman who drowned Sunday evening after jumping from a boat in Party Cove, off FM 3341 and Eastside Road. Game Wardens found her body after 7:00 p.m. An autopsy has been ordered. Tyler Police are conducting the investigation.

GLADEWATER — The Gladewater Economic Development Corporation is teaming up with Gladewater ISD to assist in funding the District’s new technical skills development curriculum at Gladewater High School. According to GHS Principal Cathy Bedair, the new classes got underway in August with 21 students enrolled. “It is our hope that as this program grows, we can increase the diversity and the number of skills development classes we offer moving forward,” Bedair said in a news release. Technical Skills Development classes are free to Gladewater High School students and may be eligible for dual credit, according to the release.

AUSTIN — Approximately $666,667 for Van Zandt County Regional Airport was approved by the Texas Transportation Commission at its August meeting. According to a news release, the funds will be used for planned airport improvements, which include design and construction for a hangar. Officials say a project consultant will be selected this summer. Project costs will be funded through the city of Wills Point and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system, according to the release. This year, TxDOT expects to provide approximately $60 million in funding for planning, constructing, and maintaining community airports.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University announces a couple of new hires, including a familiar face. LETU has named Dr. Dana J. Medlin (left) of Omaha, Nebraska, the first-ever Kielhorn Professor of Welding and Materials Joining Engineering. According to a news release, Medlin has more than 30 years of experience leading multidisciplinary failure analysis and design projects in multiple areas. LETU is also bringing back Dr. Robert H. “Bob” Roller (right) from southern California as the Calvin Howe Professor of Finance. Roller served eight years as a business professor at LETU, with six years as LETU’s dean of the School of Business.

TYLER — The Rusk TJC Citizens Promise has been selected as a finalist for a 2019 Texas Higher Education Star Award, Tyler Junior College officials have announced. All seven finalists and subsequent winners will be recognized during the 19th Annual Star Awards Ceremony Nov. 22 in Austin. In a news release, a TJC official says if the program is selected, it will be the college’s first Star Award. Created in February 2014, the Rusk TJC Citizens Promise is the first program of its kind in Texas. According to the college website, “this scholarship program will improve the lives of countless Rusk students and families.” Go to https://www.tjc.edu/RuskPromise to learn more about the program.

GILMER — Upshur County Judge Todd Tefteller has ordered a burn ban for the entire county until further notice. According our news partner KETK, the latest drought monitor shows moderate drought and abnormally dry conditions have developed over portions of Northeast Texas and Northwest Louisiana. In the order, Judge Tefteller cites “present circumstances in all or part of the unincorporated areas of Upshur County (that) create a public hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning.” The order bans “all outdoor burning” for 10 days from the order’s issue (August 30) “unless the restriction is terminated earlier based on a determination made by the Texas Forest Service” or the judge’s court. Violation of the order could result in a fine of $500 and would be classified as a Class C misdemeanor.