KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Respiratory illnesses in East Texas are alive and well, says NET Health CEO George Roberts. It’s being called the “triple threat” or “triple-demic,” with COVID, RSV, and the flu all making their mark — though Roberts says RSV does appear to have peaked. In any event, there’s a lot you can do to fight back. Roberts urges flu shots, staying home when you’re sick, washing your hands, and covering your coughs and sneezes. He says COVID cases don’t appear as severe as in earlier days, but the disease is still not to be taken lightly. Roberts notes that all that is especially important during the holidays, when you’re likely to start getting around a lot of people.

LONGVIEW — During the monthly test of the City’s Emergency Warning Siren system on Wednesday, Dec. 7, it was determined that Siren #2 at the Longview ISD Aquatic Center was not sounding or rotating. Additionally, Siren #13 at Fire Station 5 was experiencing issues with its radio, according to a news release. Authorities say public safety personnel are investigating the issues and will coordinate any necessary repairs with Mobile Communications America, the third-party vendor that provides the service. It is unclear at this time how long the sirens will be out of service. Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by call or text through the Smart911 system at this link.

TYLER — The City of Tyler is inviting you to visit Downtown on Thursday, Dec. 8, for the annual Holiday Open House. Local businesses will be expanding their hours of operation and hosting different activities from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Main Street Program will have a scavenger hunt that will allow families to explore the various Downtown businesses while in search of a unique Nutcracker hidden in each of the 15 locations. During the Holiday Open House, there will be a shuttle (sponsored by Bricks Bar and Grill) running from 6 to 8 p.m. The route includes eight different stops for participants to use to make their trip around the Downtown area. Scavenger Hunt forms can be found at each participating location. Click here for more information.

TYLER – A Grand Prairie man has been indicted on a second charge in connection to the death of a Smith County deputy. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Nyabuto, 21, was indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Dec. 1. Nyabuto was previously indicted for intoxication manslaughter in a July crash that led to the death of Deputy Lorenzo Bustos. Nyabuto’s bond was reduced in October from $750,000 to $500,000. In his request for a bond reduction, his attorney wrote that the night of the crash, Bustos and his fellow deputy “continued their detention of the vehicle they previously stopped for an unreasonably long time due to the fact they were in a moving lane of traffic causing an immediate danger to themselves, the two individuals they had recently detained and anyone else traveling in the northbound lanes of traffic.” Continue reading Man indicted for second charge in death of Smith County deputy

CHAPEL HILL — The Chapel Hill Independent School District is seeking community input regarding additional safety methods which may be used to further protect campuses. According to a news release, these measures are offered to every school district in the state and are known as the School Marshal Plan and the Guardian Plan. Additional documentation can be viewed on the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) website’s School Safety Services tab. These plans offer respective programs which allow for select and qualified district employees to carry a handgun, according to the release. The school board encourages staff, parents or guardians, students, and community members to complete the survey and provide their opinion on consideration of the implementation of these programs. The survey closes Monday, Dec. 19. Click here for more details.

AUSTIN — December is showing up as another strong month for sales tax allocations in Tyler and Longview, with numbers up from a year ago, continuing to reflect a statewide trend. According to the state comptroller’s office, Tyler is getting $4,847,836.53, compared to $4,426,909.70 a year ago. For the year to date, Tyler totals $58,253,320.09, compared to $53,216,955.30 at this time last year. Longview’s December total is $3,399,886.16; the December 2021 figure was $3,167,408.90. For the year to date, Longview shows $43,925,416.64, up from $38,762,679.54 at this time last year.

TYLER — A Whitehouse man was sentenced for a federal income tax violation in the Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston announced Dec. 6. On Mar. 30, Anthony D. Klein, 48, pleaded guilty to attempting to evade or defeat taxes and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle. Klein was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $404,292 to the IRS. In 2016, Klein filed an IRS Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, with the Internal Revenue Service. On that form, he claimed that he had no taxable income and that he was entitled to credits in the amount of $5,836.00, according to a release. Continue reading Smith County man sentenced for federal income tax violation

TYLER — The Smith County Veteran Services Office held a groundbreaking ceremony at CampV Tuesday to kick off renovations to a building that will house its services. Currently, one of Smith County’s Veteran Services Officers is stationed out at a satellite office at CampV each week. But according to a news release, once the renovations are complete next year, the entire office will relocate to better provide services to veterans in one location. CampV Executive Director Travis Gladhill said since CampV started several years ago, it has become the pinnacle for services for veterans in East Texas. He added that CampV assists about 340 veterans per month. Click here to learn more.

EAST TEXAS — What are the top 10 Christmas towns in Texas? The list has been compiled by tripstodiscover.com. The travel website says, “The top Christmas towns go all out for the holiday season. The top 10 are Grand Prairie, Marshall, Galveston, College Station, Jefferson, Richmond, San Antonio, Wimberly, Fredericksburg and No. 1 … the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Grapevine.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office warns of a missed jury duty scam. According to a news release, the sheriff’s office has received several calls from concerned citizens. They have each advised that an unknown individual has called and identified himself as Sheriff’s Captain Craig Halbrooks. The caller then tells the victim that he needs to discuss a criminal matter with them and states that they owe money because they missed jury duty. If you receive a call like this, you’re asked not give them any information and simply hang up the phone. The news release says the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, as well as any law enforcement agency, will never call anyone and ask for money. Continue reading Missed jury duty phone scam in Smith County

TYLER – Two more Houston-area 19-year-olds were sentenced to eight years deferred adjudication, or probation, after pleading guilty to engaging in organized criminal activity in several Tyler catalytic converter thefts. According to our news partner KETK, Tedrick Perry and Avory Coleman were arrested with one other person in Tyler in connection to the cases. All three men had remained in jail since their July arrests. The third person arrested with Perry and Coleman, Kennedy Watkins, received the same sentence last week. In addition to their eight-year sentences, all three were given 137 days credit for time spent in jail.

TYLER — Citing further complications, the City of Tyler announced Monday afternoon that Rice Road between South Broadway Avenue and Old Bullard Road may remain closed for the rest of the week after a sinkhole emerged last week. The city had earlier hoped the stretch could reopen Tuesday. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes until further notice. Police say barricades are set up and will divert traffic away from this stretch of Rice Rd.

TYLER – The Tyler Rotary International clubs have announced the winners in their Christmas Parade, held in downtown Tyler December 1. Life Church was honored for Best Holiday Theme, Best Band honors went to TJC, and Hospice of East Texas was recognized for Brightest Entry. Leslie Cain Realty captured the Spirit Award, the Career and Technology Center was judged to have the Most Creative entry, and the award for Best Decorated Vehicle went to Thrive Skilled Pediatric. Parade organizers say they want to thank everyone who attended the parade, all the organizations that entered — and especially all the volunteers who helped make it a success.

TYLER — Tyler police are seeking help in a theft of diamonds and gold. According to the police department’s Facebook page, officers responded at 4:20 Friday afternoon to a business on S. Broadway that had a large amount of the items stolen. Police say one of the possible suspects (pictured) may have been with three other women driving what is possibly a silver Honda Odyssey. If you have any information on who this might be, you’re asked to contact Det. Tekell at 903-531-1046.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful are providing two locations for Christmas tree recycling in Tyler. Residents can drop off their undecorated, non-flocked natural Christmas trees Monday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 15, in designated areas at Golden Road Park and Fun Forest Park in Tyler. Golden Road Park is located at the intersection of McDonald Road and Golden Road. Fun Forest Park is located at North Glenwood Boulevard and Garden Valley Road. All lights, ornaments, garland, and tinsel should be removed from the Christmas tree before dropping it off near the sign that says “Christmas Tree Drop Off,” according to a news release. Continue reading Christmas tree recycling starts Dec. 26 in Tyler

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District for the week of December 5. In Gregg County, work continues at the intersection of US 80 and FM 2208 (Alpine Road). This project consists of installing new pedestrian signal poles, sidewalks, and handicap ramps. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 850, two miles south of SH 31. Motorists should expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Deputies are investigating an aggravated assault Sunday. Officials responded to a mobile home park off of Hwy 271 and found that the victim had been taken to the hospital. According to authorities, the victim, a 17-year-old male, had been shot in the face and arm. He is expected to survive. Investigators have determined that the incident may be gang related and said it appears as though the suspect(s) entered the area on foot just prior to the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600. The investigation is ongoing.

TYLER – While they may look like they have a hard exterior, on the inside this group of East Texas bikers have soft hearts. According to our new s partner KETK, the group known as Bikers Against Bullying East Texas, or Babet for short, said they just want to spread joy this holiday season and the rest of the year. The bikers teamed up with Mobile Home Masters in Tyler to make the Christmases of many foster kids a lot brighter, bringing in bags of toys, not on Santa’s sleigh, but on motorcycles. The president of Mobile Home Masters, Matias Pena, said it was a no-brainer partnering together for a good cause. “Getting involved with the kids is very important. They are our future, so making sure that we take care of them, put a smile on their face is something they’ll remember forever,” said Pena. It’s the toy run’s third year, and it’s bigger than ever before.

PALESTINE – A firefighter was injured by a handgun accidentally going off outside of Palestine Fire Station #2 on Saturday Dec. 3, according to our news partner KETK. Officers from Palestine Police Department arrived at the station and said they found the injured firefighter who had already been given emergency medical aid by members of Palestine Fire Department. According to Palestine PD, the firefighter was transported to Palestine Regional Medical Center ER and they expect them to recover. Witnesses said that one of the injured firefighter’s co-workers took their new gun from their vehicle and was showing it off when it discharged. The Palestine Fire Department employee whose gun went off accidentally has been placed on administrative leave while Palestine PD investigates.

TYLER — Law enforcement officials said they arrested a man in Tyler Friday evening, who was wanted for capital murder. According to our news partner KETK, Jason Edward Rhodes, 21, was arrested after a chase around 6:30 p.m. Rhodes led officers on a chase in a vehicle before running away in the area of Bow Street and Valentine Street, prior to his arrest. Deputies attempted to pull over the vehicle, a black Ford Mustang, on FM 14 but the driver drove away heading south. The driver lost control and hit a pole at Fannin Avenue and Valentine Street, officials said. When the car crashed, the passenger, identified as Rhodes, ran from law enforcement and the driver was taken into custody. Rhodes was caught in the 400 block of Bow Street. According to the sheriff’s office, Rhodes was the last of three suspects in a capital murder case out of Tyler to be arrested.

TYLER — The Tyler Salvation Army reports it’s diligently working to reach its Angel Tree goal, but the December 10 deadline is fast approaching. The Salvation Army registered over 2,500 children and seniors for gifts for this holiday season. As of Friday afternoon, 1,400 remained unclaimed. According to website information, the Angel Tree program of Tyler helps families in need by providing new clothing and toys to 2,300 children each year. For more information, call Greg Mason at 903-592-4361 or 903-203-7686.

TYLER — A lawsuit has been filed by the family of a young man whose relatives helped find a suspect in a Halloween hit and run in Tyler that put the man in the hospital. According to a news release from the McGuire Firm, on October 30, Noah Mireles was leaving a Halloween party, dressed as an inflatable dinosaur, when he was run over by a driver who immediately fled the scene. The firm says Mireles’s injuries caused him to spend multiple days in the hospital and suffer significant pain and impairment. After reporting the incident to the police and seeking help from the public, Mireles’s family did their own detective work and tracked down the suspect vehicle, according to the release. Continue reading Lawsuit filed after victim’s family helps locate Halloween hit and run suspect

LONGVIEW – Authorities say a man has been missing since being released from the Gregg County Jail. According to our news partner KETK, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is looking for 39-year-old Thomas Walter Pennix, who has been missing since Nov. 16. He is described as a Black male with black hair and brown eyes, who stands roughly six feet tall and weighs between 160 and 180 pounds. Authorities said Pennix is from Virginia and does not have family locally. His family members have reportedly not seen or spoken to him since his release. If you or anyone you know has information leading to Thomas or his whereabouts, you’re asked to contact Investigator Tyler Myers at 903-237-2527 or the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 903-236-8400. Reference case number C22-16815.

RAINS COUNTY – Officials say an investigation is underway after the Rains and Hunt County Sheriff’s Offices found human skeletal remains in Rains County on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Rangers are working with the two sheriff’s offices on the investigation. Authorities said they additionally found other “evidentiary items.” The remains were sent to the University of North Texas to identify the person. “Our agencies are aware there have been postings on social media regarding evidence and assumptions that the remains are of a missing Quinlan man, however proper identification has not been made and can only be made by dental records or DNA,” said the Rains County Sheriff’s Office in a prepared statement. Officials also asked people to be mindful of the family if they post information about the case.

TYLER — Beginning Monday, weather permitting, eastbound traffic on Cambridge Road in Tyler will shift from the south side to the newly paved north side at Townhouse Drive. Drivers will move back to the south side of Cambridge Road just before reaching Potomac Drive to continue traveling east. Officials say the shift is needed for demolition of the south side of the roadway to make the area ready for new asphalt pavement. Residents on the south side of Cambridge Road, Bishops Gate Lane, Southland Drive, and Radcliff Drive will continue to use the existing pavement for eastbound travel until their access road or driveway is cut to match the newly paved elevation. Continue reading Cambridge Road traffic shifts to north side as construction continues

KILGORE — Kilgore police said they apprehended a “reckless driver” after it hit two vehicles in the Walmart parking lot, but the “driver” was actually a dog. According to our news partner KETK, an owner of one of the cars that was hit said he saw a suspect barreling down on him but he couldn’t get out of the way. The person was shocked to see that the driver was a dog. KPD said the dog was behind the wheel when the crash happened. Their investigation revealed that the dog was sitting in the unoccupied car waiting for its owners while they shopped, but apparently got a little antsy and “bounced around” in the cab, setting the truck into motion. Continue reading ‘Reckless driver’ crash turns out to be dog behind the wheel in Kilgore

WOOD COUNTY — A man was no-billed by a grand jury this week after being arrested earlier this year for the capital murder of Brittany McGlone. According to our news partner KETK, Hope McGlone, Brittany’s half-sister, said the family is disappointed in the decision. “Everything points to this person, so my biggest question to them is why,” Hope said. “I don’t understand when the sheriff felt like there was an overwhelming amount of evidence, that we should have received an indictment.” McGlone was tragically beaten, sexually assaulted and murdered in 2007. 15 years later, the family thought they had found justice when Chad Carr was arrested. Continue reading No closure in East Texas cold case following no-bill

TYLER — UT Health Tyler has named Zach Dietze as CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The organization said that Dietze is an experienced healthcare executive who most recently served as chief operating officer of Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Before that, he served as assistant administrator, then as CEO of Seton Medical Center in Harker Heights and as a program manager at Harris Health System in Houston. “We are thrilled to welcome Zach back to Texas and to UT Health East Texas. He is a people-first, physician-driven leader who understands that serving people is at the heart of everything we do,” said Donald Baker, market president of UT Health East Texas, as quoted in a news release. Dietze received his bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and his Master of Healthcare Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio.

TYLER – Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Judge Taylor Heaton to the new 475th District Court in Smith County according to our news partner KETK. Heaton’s term will start in the court on Jan. 1 for a term set to expire at the end of 2024. Heaton is currently judge of the County Court at Law No. 2 in Smith County, and has previously served as an assistant district attorney in Tyler for over 12 years. Gov. Abbott signed the house bill in June 2021 to create the 475th District Court to help reduce backlog of criminal cases, according to former Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran, who said the courthouse’s backlog had nearly doubled after the pandemic. Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman testified in favor of the bill for a new district court in front of the House of Representatives before it was signed.