KTBB News, Weather, Talk

East Texas – From now through May 20, several relief agencies are staffing a free hotline for debris removal and home cleanup after the recent severe weather. This hotline will connect survivors with reputable and vetted relief agencies that will assist in chainsaw work, debris cleanup, and mucking out, as they are able. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. Survivors needing assistance with home cleanup may call 1-800-451-1954. Continue reading Free East Texas Tornado Home Cleanup Hotline

TYLER – A professor at the University of Texas at Tyler has been named a Fulbright Scholar. He is Dr. Ali Azghani, a biomedical researcher and a professor of biology. The Fulbright Program is a prestigious international exchange initiative created in 1946 that awards grants to American scholars each year to teach or conduct research in the more than 125 participatory nations throughout the world. With the award, Azghani will travel next spring to Azerbaijan, where he will study antimicrobial resistance in certain bacteria affecting the lungs. His appointment is for the 2018 – 22 academic years.

EAST TEXAS – State health officials have a reported a slight increase in confirmed rabies cases in Northeast Texas. The Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis Control for regions 4 and 5 reported 14, confirmed rabies cases in the first quarter of the year. This compares to 12 confirmed cases in the 35 counties in the first quarter of last year. Besides skunks, there have been one dog, one cow, and three bats testing positive for rabies. And four persons have been treated for possible exposure to the disease.

LINDALE – A preliminary report from the National Weather Service indicates the weekend storms produced a tornado north of Lindale. The report said the storm was an EF-1 tornado. This type of storm produces moderate damage, including significant roof damage, windows broken, exterior doors damaged or lost and mobile homes overturned. Winds in an EF-1 tornado run between 86 and 110 miles an hour. The weather service says they will release additional information when the survey is completed.

CANTON (ABC/Staff) — The cleanup continues in Canton following the weekend’s devastating tornadoes. Mayor Lou Ann Everett says they’ve been getting utilities back up and running. Everett said Monday that power has been restored to the city of Canton. She added that crews hoped soon to resolve issues with people who weren’t able to receive power, possibly due to some limbs down. Specifically, the power at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances HealthPark in Canton has been restored. A news release says the facility will be open to see patients Tuesday during normal business hours. Continue reading Canton Mayor Offers Update Following Tornadoes

TYLER – A Medication Cleanout Event hosted by the Tyler Police Department and Brookshires turned out to be a big success. The “No Question’s Asked” cleanout event was held Saturday. According to police spokesman Don Martin, the total amount of medications dropped of weighed in at 741.80 pounds. This beat last year’s amount which came to 482.2 pounds.

CANTON – Among those supporting the first responders and those involved in search and rescue following the powerful tornadoes in East Texas are units of the Salvation Army. While the Tyler Salvation is on standby by, awaiting a call, three Salvation Army mobile kitchens and a Rapid Response Unit have been on the scene. The Salvation Army EDS team from Lewisville has been serving meals. The Rapid Response Unit from Granbury, operated by members of the Women’s Service League of Hood County, provided roving support in addition to two other mobile kitchens. One staging area was at a Canton car dealership where The Salvation Army disaster teams distributed meals and snacks. Monday was supposed to be an exciting day for the dealership as they were scheduled to open a brand new showroom. Instead, the buildings were torn apart by the tornado with cars and trucks tossed around the property.

TYLER – Following the East Texas tornadoes, the focus is now on rebuilding and healing. The Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas warns the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors who take advantage of those who have already been victimized. BBB reminds homeowners to be on the lookout for storm chasers, individuals who follow severe weather hoping to get business from victims whose homes have been damaged by storms. You are warned to be on the lookout for, not only dishonest contractors, but also bogus charities. Continue reading Tornado Victims, Watch Out for “Storm Chasers”

TYLER – Smith County sheriff’s deputies are looking for the two men who robbed nearly a dozen persons at a home north of Tyler. The two armed men are said to have broken in a back door to a home on County Road 485 shortly before 4:45 Monday morning. Ten persons, including several children were in the house. During the robbery, one round was fired, but there were no injuries. The men took money, jewelry and cell phones and then fled. The suspects were described as Hispanic males wearing ski masks, gloves and dark clothing.

EAST TEXAS — Van Zandt County officials are asking for volunteers and peace officers following devastating tornadoes that ripped through East Texas Saturday night. Volunteers will begin meeting at 7:00 a.m. daily at the Canton Senior Citizen Center, 200 Groves Street, Canton. Volunteers are asked to bring their own tools, chainsaws, tractors and other equipment. Bring your own lunch/drinks, as well. A volunteer check will be utilized for safety and accountability, according to KETK. Peace officers are also being asked to help the community. Uniformed officers, patrol, or POV with lights are asked to meet at the Law Enforcement Command Post, located at the TxDOT facility at FM 1255, just south of Interstate 20. Briefings will take place every 12 hours at 5:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Continue reading Volunteers, Peace Officers Needed in Van Zandt County

EAST TEXAS — Several schools affected by recent tornado damage will be closed on Monday. According to KETK, Fruitvale ISD, Eustace ISD, Martins Mill ISD and Canton ISD will not be open. Canton ISD will work with local officials on the status each day. Eustace ISD says they will resume classes on Tuesday, however, the library will be open until 4 p.m. on Monday to allow for recharge of devices or access to the internet.

EAST TEXAS — The National Weather Service has released a preliminary report on four tornadoes which touched down on Saturday. One twister’s path of destruction was a mile wide. The one west of Canton has been upgraded to an EF-4 storm. According to KETK, a National Weather Service survey team began to survey the damage associated with at least four tornadoes that occurred in Henderson, Van Zandt, Rains and Hopkins Counties. Two of the four tornadoes were given a preliminary EF-0 rating while the other two were long-tracked tornadoes with more significant damage, leading to at least EF-3 ratings. Several survey teams will head out during the day Monday to continue to assess the damage. Continue reading NWS: Tornado East of Canton a Mile Wide

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott Sunday visited Van Zandt County following the severe weather and deadly tornadoes that struck Texas overnight. During his visit, the Governor surveyed the damage and received updates from local officials. Following the briefing, the Governor held a press conference where he called on Texans to come together to rebuild and help those affected, as well as pray for those who were lost and their families. “Today is a difficult day for the people of Canton and the surrounding region,” said Governor Abbott. “In response to the devastation, I’m confident Texans will come together to rebuild and help their neighbors in need. I would like to express my deepest sorrow to the families of those lost, and thank the first responders for their preparedness and efforts to keep Texans safe.” Continue reading Governor Abbott Surveys East Texas Tornado Damage

TYLER — Hundreds turned out as the City of Tyler’s Innovation Pipeline, a facility for budding entrepreneurs, hosted its Launch Party Saturday evening. That followed what organizers called a day of fun and innovation with the Maker Faire, hosted by the Discovery Science Place. The new space showcased what it has to offer — 3D printing, laser cutting, screen printing, embroidery, and more. The event also included music, demonstrations by local makers, food trucks, and many ways for guests to learn how the Innovation Pipeline could help them reach the next level in their innovative endeavors. The Innovation Pipeline is housed in a newly-renovated building on East Oakwood Street, across from the Old Cotton Belt Depot. Go to http://www.cityoftyler.org/Government/MayorandCouncil/TylerInnovationPipeline.aspx to learn more about the Innovation Pipeline.

TYLER – Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews continue to assess damage from yesterday’s tornadoes. While no damage to roadways occurred, employees are working to remove trees and debris, and assisting with county roadway issues. FM 17 closed north of I-20 to allow pole trucks to work. Employees worked throughout the night to remove fallen trees and debris to get roadways open and continue to assess the situation. Once downed powerlines and poles are attended to, crews will perform additional necessary work. Crews are also assisting with clearing county roads to allow access to impacted areas for wellness checks of citizens. TxDOT currently has crews and equipment working in Van Zandt County and will remain on active duty until no longer warranted. Continue reading TxDOT Crews Continue Recovery Efforts in Van Zandt County

CANTON — CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health Park in Canton will be closed for several days, due to power outages caused by Saturday’s storms.

“Due to the severe weather, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances HealthPark – Canton is without power and cannot see patients. Crews estimate several days before power will be restored and the HealthPark will be able to receive patients. Patients who had previously scheduled appointments at this location have been contacted and rescheduled to nearby CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System facilities. Until power is restored at the Canton HealthPark, patients who wish to seek treatment from Urgent Care or Primary Care providers should call 903.606.DOCS, and they will be scheduled at a nearby CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System facility. Patients in need of emergency care should call 911.” Continue reading Canton Clinic Closed Due to Power Outage

CANTON — Following devastating storms yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott will today travel to Canton, where he will receive a briefing and survey the damage. Afterwards, the Governor will hold a media availability conference at the Canton Police Department at 3:00.

EAST TEXAS — Smith County officials are aiding Van Zandt County in the rescue and recovery efforts following Saturday’s tornadoes. The Smith County Volunteer Fireman’s Association command trailer is set up at Canton High School as an emergency command unit. Smith County Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson and assistant Smith County fire marshals have been requested to assist the emergency management coordinator in Van Zandt County. Mrs. McCoy-Wasson said they have set up a strike team consisting of 15 fire apparatus units and about 25 personnel to relieve those who worked the ravaged area Saturday night. Continue reading Smith County Helping Van Zandt County Recovery Efforts

EAST TEXAS(AP) — According to a National Weather Service survey team, a preliminary report shows an EF-3 or EF-4 tornado hit the Canton area. The area the NWS team was surveying is located southwest of Canton. The NWS previously confirmed four tornadoes touched down during Saturday’s storms. The tornadoes were spotted in Caney City, Canton, Grand Saline and Eustace. Authorities in East Texas said at least four people have been killed as a series of tornadoes pummeled parts of three counties east of Dallas. They caution that the death toll, originally put at five, could rise again as search teams go through the extensive wreckage. Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett says multiple tornadoes that began late Saturday afternoon left “heartbreaking and upsetting” destruction 35 miles long and 15 miles wide. Continue reading Four Dead, Dozens Injured following East Texas Tornadoes

CANTON — Nicholas Pet Haven has been helping with injured and misplaced animals that were victims of the Canton Tornadoes. They are set up in the parking lot of Sears Home Store in Canton. Please send them a FB message if you need help. If you find an injured or stray animal, please contact Nicholas Pet Haven at 903-312-7585. According to their Facebook page, Dr. Gary Spence will be available to help the injured. If you would like to foster, please send them a private message. https://www.facebook.com/nicholaspethaven/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf

EAST TEXAS — The American Red Cross of East Texas is urging those in need of help following severe weather to contact them. A shelter has been opened at First Methodist Church Life Center, 600 S. Buffalo, Canton, and Emory City Center, 735 North Texas Street, Emory. Volunteers will begin damage assessment Sunday as it is safe to do so. The Red Cross encourages anyone affected by the storms their 24-hour emergency dispatch line at 866-505-4801. If you are looking for loved ones or want to let loved ones know you are ok, please feel free to use Safe and Well: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php

SMITH COUNTY — Department of Public Safety Troopers responded to the scene of a two vehicle crash on Toll 49 just west of Hwy-155. Investigators preliminary report indicates that the driver of a small passenger car was traveling north on Toll 49 when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle went into the southbound lane. A truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling south on the same roadway and took evasive action to the left of the south lane in an effort to avoid the vehicle. The driver of the passenger car swerved back toward the north lanes, striking the rear right axle of the semi-trailer. The driver of the passenger vehicle was transported to ETMC-Tyler with unknown injures. There were no passengers involved and no other injuries reported. The crash remains under investigation and names have not been released.

LONGVIEW – Longview Police Chief Mike Bishop announced late Friday afternoon an arrest in a February murder. In the Harrison County Jail is Darrell Wayne Wilson, 58, of Marshall. He has been charged with the February murder of Ivory Nell Wilson, 57, Longview. On February 12th, officers were sent to a welfare check on Avalon Avenue. They were told that no one had been able to get in touch with the resident of the apartment for several days. Wilson’s body was found inside her apartment. Continue reading Arrest Made in Longview Murder

LONGVIEW – A man, who is said to be a known gang member, has been indicted in a Longview shooting. He is Tyson Dixon, 22, who is said to be a transient from Tyler. He was indicted for aggravated assault in the the shooting last June of Victor Jessie, 21. He was shot twice outside a Pine Tree area duplex on Spring Street. He was taken to a Longview hospital by private vehicle. Jessie later told a Longview policeman he was shot as he, his brother, a woman and her infant had gone to the house to buy marijuana. He said the house was known as “Duck’s dope house.” He also identified Dixon as the shooter.

TYLER – Bulky item collection weeks starts in Tyler on Monday for residential customers. It’s a great time to get rid of those large items around the house you no longer need. The pickup of those large items is sponsored twice a year by Tyler’s Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful. It’s a great time to get rid of those large items that would normally require a special fee to pick up. Just place the items on the curb Monday and a city crew will pick it up. There is no need to call the Solid Waste Office when bulky items are placed at the curb. But you need to note that items may be collected on a different day from your usual scheduled garbage collection. Items that will be picked up include furniture, appliances, carpet, fence material, up to four non-commercial vehicle tires, old toys and other such large items. No liquid waste, limbs or brush will be picked up. Paint must be dried out with oil dry or kitty litter. Continue reading Bulky Item Collection Time in Tyler

TYLER – East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System is doing what other hospitals in the area and state have done. They are working with a management consultant to locate a strategic partner. The healthcare systems’ president and chief executive officer, Elmer Ellis said in a news release, the consulting firm of Kaufman Hall is heading the search. He said the strategic partner will provide additional capital for growth and expansion, as well as other resources to support the operation of ETMC hospitals, clinics and other services. He said in the past a healthcare system their size could remain independent. But, in today’s healthcare environment, he said regional health systems have come to realize that partnering with larger organizations is helpful in many ways.

TYLER — 34-year-old Chad Boening of Dallas and 33-year-old Jamie Hardy of Tyler have been indicted for a knife robbery in March at the Village at Cumberland Park in Tyler. Police say the two met the victim of the robbery online — and then set him up to be robbed. KETK reports two good Samaritans who were concealed handgun carriers foiled their plan. They held Boening on the ground until police got there, and HArdy was arrested a short time later. Both were charged with aggravated robbery.

LONGVIEW – Two new deans have been named at LeTourneau University. Dr. Steven K. Starrett as its new Dean of Engineering and Engineering Technology. The new dean of the School of Business is Van Graham, J.D. Both were named to the posts following a nationwide search. Continue reading New Deans at LeTourneau University

TYLER – Construction started this week on a portion of South Hillcreek Road at Lake Tyler. The work is for repairs to the drainage channel and road. This portion of South Hillcreek Road will be closed for around two months while crews repair erosion that has taken place in the channel and under the roadway. Until the project is completed, the road will remain closed to all traffic. Residences to the east of the project location may still be accessed from the east by Slack Road or County Road 2133.

LONGVIEW – Two men arrested for a Longview bank robbery have been indicted in the case. Named in the indictments are Michael Duntae Fagans, 39, of Kilgore and Christopher Lee Hutsell, 25, of Overton. They were indicted in the February 9th robbery of the Austin Bank in Longview. They were arrested 12 days later. Both remain in the Gregg County Jail. They are charged with aggravated robbery. And Fagans is also charged with evading arrest while Hutsell is also charged with theft of property.