KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Unemployment claims in Texas increased by 505.51% compared to the same week in 2019, according to wallet hub. On Thursday, Jill Gonzalez told KTBB news, “Only West Virginia is doing a little bit worse than Texas. A lot of that has to do with everything from small businesses shutting their doors and not reopening, as well as the travel and tourism industry, with events like conventions and conferences, that are simply not happening.” Gonzalez said some of the unemployed are choosing not to return to the job force. “When were talking about ‘blue-collar’ jobs…there are a lot of people making more money on unemployment. So it does make sense that there are those that are not rushing back into the job market because they are making more money being out of it.”

MARSHALL — The East Texas Baptist University School of Nursing has ranked number one in Texas by RNCareers.org. ETBU made the announcement Thursday. The site measured 55 associate in nursing degree programs and 37 bachelor of science in nursing degree programs in Texas. RNCareers analyzed every program in the states first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the exam, the program nursing accreditation, and more. ETBU has achieved a 100% NCLEX pass rate for five consecutive years. Read more here.

RUSK COUNTY — A Rusk County deputy was injured Thursday morning after his patrol car was involved in a wreck with a semi-truck. According to our news partner KETK, the accident happened north of Henderson, near the intersection of HWY 322 and CR 240A, just before 7:30 a.m. The deputy was treated for knee and hip injuries at a nearby hospital. Officials expect the officer to be released from the hospital on Thursday. The condition of the truck driver has not been confirmed.

LONGVIEW — The East Texas Food Bank will hold a free produce drive Friday at the Gregg County Fairgrounds on Jaycee Drive. ETFB says the distribution will take place on a first-come, first-serve basis from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. There are no requirements, concerning eligibility or identification for receiving food. Organizers ask attendees to enter from Cotton Street and remain inside their vehicle. They do ask that the back door or trunk be unlocked and items will be placed inside the vehicle. For more information about the East Texas Food Bank click here.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies are no longer searching for a boy reported missing around 9:00 Wednesday night near Arp. According to Lt. Larry Christian, 5-year-old Hayden Wilcox has been found unharmed in close proximity to the area of his residence on CR 251. More details will follow as they become available. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice K-9 Unit, along with members of the International Alert Academy had been called in to search the area.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health authority is nearing a new milestone. On Wednesday, NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB, “So far since we started doing vaccines through NET Health, we’ve given 49,954 total vaccines. Of which first doses are 29,091 and second doses are 20,863.” When combining those numbers with CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Francis and UT Health East Texas, the number is approaching 150,000 total immunizations in east Texas. Roberts went on to say that the health authority will be distributing first dose Phizer vaccinations for anyone 16 or older Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. You can register here.

GROESBECK (AP/Staff) – Thousands of people are remembering a Texas state trooper who was killed in the line of duty. A memorial service was held Wednesday for Trooper Chad Walker at a high school football stadium in his hometown of Groesbeck. The 38-year-old was shot March 26 during a traffic stop near the town of Mexia, about 75 miles southeast of Dallas. Authorities say the Palestine man suspected of shooting Walker later killed himself. Walker is survived by his wife and four children. He’d worked in law enforcement since 2003.

TYLER — A Lindale man was arrested on charges of violating his bond Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Adam Aguirre, 37, was initially arrested last fall after being accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl. It is not clear what portion of the bond Aguirre violated. The original charge stems from a March 2020 incident where the victim says she was staying at Aguirre’s home with about 10 other girls for a sleepover. According to an arrest warrant, the victim claims she and another friend were in Aguirre’s room, but he was not there at the time. She told authorities that sometime later, she awoke to Aguirre assaulting her. Six months later, Aguirre was arrested and later released after posting a $50,000 bond.

HENDERSON — A routine traffic stop by Henderson Police on Highway 79 led to the discovery of vapes, edibles, marijuana and promethazine. According to the Henderson Police Chief Chad Taylor a large quantity of THC-infused vapes and edibles were found during a standard traffic violation stop. “The edibles, what scares us about that is the packaging,” Taylor said. “If someone brings that home and leaves it out, and a 6-year-old walks up to that, they’re going to see Doritos or Cheetos.” The chips are actually infused with THC, which can be dangerous to children and is illegal in Texas. Continue reading Police chief warns parents of THC-infused chips, vape pens

AUSTIN — A Texas House Committee has taken up bail reform. This after the fatal shooting of a DPS Trooper by a Palestine man that was out on bond. Representative Kyle Kacal’s district includes Limestone County. That is where Trooper Chad Walker was shot the week before last during a traffic stop. “This is not the kind of timing we want.” Kacal authored House Joint Resolution 4, which proposes a constitutional amendment authorizing the denial of bail to an accused person if necessary to ensure the person’s appearance in court and the safety of the community, law enforcement, and the victim of the alleged offense. Continue reading Texas House committee takes up bail reform

TYLER — The city of Tyler is inviting artists to submit their work for the jurying phase of Gallery Main Street’s fine art exhibit. On Wednesday, the city said the upcoming deadline for entry is at midnight, April 18. The theme for the spring display is “Spring Open.” Artists are asked to create works of art capturing the beauty of nature reawakening from winter to a season of color and new life. The entry process is digital and allows artists to submit up to three pieces with an entry fee of $20 total. Artists selected for the jurying phase of the exhibition will be announced April 26. Read more here.

AUSTIN — Lt. Governor Dan Patrick is taking on American Airlines and all companies that have come out against election reform legislation passed by the Texas Senate. Texas Democrats held their own news conference as well. Lt. Governor Patrick went after American Airlines for its position that Senate Bill 7 makes it harder for people to vote, not easier. “You have your right to your opinion, but read the damn bill before you give one. And don’t insult us, we don’t want you to take this personally. You know why they said that? Because they might come down the street next session and have a bill that they want us to pass for them. Good luck!” Continue reading Lt. Governor Patrick takes on American Airlines over Senate Bill 7

TYLER — Southside Bank announced news to expand their footprint in the Houston region Tuesday. Bank leaders say the new office is expected to open next Monday with a primary focus of serving the commercial loan market in that area. In a prepared statement, President and Chief Executive Officer of the bank headquartered in Tyler, Lee R. Gibson said, “We are excited to open this location and grow the Bank’s presence in the Houston region. Continue reading Southside Bank to open commercial loan office in Houston

AUSTIN — Two Texas lawmakers are trying to end the sound ordinance in Austin and other big Texas cities. Palestine Republican Cody Harris and Nacogdoches Republican Travis Clardy filed the bill in the State House. It would prohibit cities with populations between 750 thousand and 1.5 million from regulating amplified sound between 75 decibels at bars or live music venues between 10 a.m. and 2 a.m. in residential areas. Continue reading Palestine law maker presents noise bill in State House

TYLER — Smith County officials announced portions of County Road 220, between CR 289 and CR 2298, will be closed to through traffic starting Wednesday. Drivers in the area will need to take alternative routes. Road and Bridge Crews will be repairing damage to a box culvert and improving the road way. The closure is expected to last seven to ten days, depending on the amount of repair necessary. If the culvert needs to be replaced, the project would take the entire ten days. Read more here.

ATHENS — A court appearance for the driver of an Athens ISD bus involved in a fatal accident with a train has been postponed. John Franklin Stevens, 80, is charged with criminal negligent homicide and injury to a child. According to our news partner KETK, authorities believe Stevens pulled onto railroad tracks and the bus was hit by a train on January 25, 2019. Christopher Bonilla, 13, a passenger on the bus, was killed. An elementary school student, Josylynn Torres, 9, was injured in the crash. Stevens has entered a plea of not guilty. Continue reading Court case delayed for driver in fatal AISD bus accident

GROESBECK — (A.P./Staff) The funeral service for D.P.S. Trooper Chad Walker begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the high school football stadium in his hometown of Groesbeck. Walker, 38, was shot multiple times March 26 by DeArthur Pinson, of Palestine, who fled the scene before committing suicide. Walker started his career with the Groesbeck Police Department in 2003. He also worked in the Athens PD and for the Henderson County and Limestone County Sheriff’s Department. Walker joined D.P.S. in 2015. Walker died March 31 at a Waco hospital. He is survived by a wife and four children.

CANTON — Two women have been arrested for selling counterfeit products at First Monday Trade Days in Canton. According to our news partner KETK, Nhu Ngoc La and Chiquita Peoples were vendors at the flea market. Authorities originally detained the pair last weekend. Investigators discovered fake designer clothes, bags and accessories from brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Felony charges are pending for the pair. The total value of the fake designer items found by law enforcement from both vendors is $70,000, but would have been worth $1.3 million if real.

HENDERSON — Law enforcement officials arrested a couple in Henderson after guns and drugs were discovered while executing a search warrant. According to our news partner KETK, Aaron Knight and Natasha Knight were arrested at the scene. The pair is facing felony charges of possession of controlled substances and felony firearms charges. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office found fire arms, over 14 grams of what they believe is methamphetamine, THC-infused cannabinoid substance and a powdered substance believed to be DMT. Juveniles found during the search were put into custody of Child Protective Services.

TYLER – The Texas Department of Public Safety have released investigation details from a fatal weekend accident. The wreck took place on SH-64, three miles east of Tyler. Investigators believe Jonathan G. Perkins, 44, of Baton Rouge, lost control and ran off the roadway and struck a signal pole at the intersection of Spur 248. Perkins died at the scene and was transported to Lighthouse Funeral Home in Tyler. The crash remains under investigation.

ATHENS — The memory of Mike McGee will live on at Trinity Valley Community College. In April of 1969, competing in a rodeo as a sophomore bull rider for Henderson County Junior College, he was killed in a tragic accident. In a ceremony, Monday, TVCC President Jerry King announced an endowed scholarship in McGee’s name had been established. The scholarship comes about after McGee’s brother Kenneth and wife Reba made a generous donation. Kenneth is a former member of the college’s board of trustees. King said the annual scholarship would be available for two bull riders on the college’s rodeo team, which the coach will determine.

TYLER – Zachary Tatman, 23, was arrested for intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury. According to our news partner KETK, Tatman is charged in connection to an incident Thursday night where a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed near Old Jacksonville Highway and Oak Creek Boulevard struck a bicyclist. The bicyclist was transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. Tatman was transported to UT Health with non-life threatening injuries. Tatman was booked into the Smith County Jail Friday with bond set at $10,000. He bonded out the same day.

TYLER — Additional COVID-19 vaccines have opened for anyone 16 and older at UT Health East Texas. Vaccines will be given by appointment only. Appointments can be made by clicking here. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/ut. New commitment times will continue to open as more vaccine arrives. If you need help navigating online sign-up or know of people without access to the internet, they should call 903-747-4VAC (4822) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The vaccines will be given at UT Health North Campus on U.S. Highway 271. Walk-ins for vaccines will not be available. There is no charge for the vaccine, but residents are asked to bring their insurance card.

NET-Health-1-150×150.png” alt=”” width=”150″ height=”150″ />TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health Authority has announced that first doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be available for anyone over the age of 16 later this week. NET Health says appointments should be made now for Thursday, Friday or Saturday. Time slots are available between the hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Organizers also reminded people who have had their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine on March 13, 16, or 17, they should set up an appointment for Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. Read more here.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County has announced the cancellation of jury duty for Tuesday, April 6, at the Tyler Rose Garden Center. The county says if you have a summons for a different day, you do need to appear at the scheduled time.

TYLER — The East Texas Crisis Center held a bi-annual Hope Awards Ceremony at the Tyler Public Library Monday. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Mayor Don Warren declared the month of April Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Commemorations were given to citizens and businesses that the city and East Texas Crisis center felt went above and beyond as volunteers and professionals to help survivors of sexual violence. The East Texas Crisis Center has acknowledged Sexual Assault Awareness Month as a goal to increase awareness in the community about the nature and prevalence of sexual violence.

TYLER — Bicycle lane work began Monday on a project approved in January by the city of Tyler. Officials say upon completion, there will be 36 miles of designated roadway for bicyclists. Plans are to have the initiative completed by the middle of August. All of the routes will be added to existing pavement that will make up 11 different routes with a hub near downtown. Development includes a combination of signage and lane markings. The disruption to commuters should be minimal. Read more here.

RUSK COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety released details Monday of a fatal one vehicle weekend accident. The crash took place Saturday on FM 2276 two miles east of Kilgore. DPS investigators say Richard Dale Thomas, 47, of Kilgore, was driving south and drifted off the right edge of the roadway before over correcting to the left and crossing over the road and striking a tree. Thomas died at the scene and was taken to Cunningham Funeral Home in Kilgore. Officials say the crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Several East Texas law enforcement agencies are joining the upcoming National Drug Enforcement Agency’s Takeback event. Rebecca Smith was a recent guest on KTBB’s “In Focus” and named several regular drop off locations that are available to throw out old prescriptions. “There’s two in Tyler at the Smith County Sheriff’s office and the downtown office in the emergency services center. There is one at Longview P.D., Marshall, Kilgore. We are really placing these boxes in as many areas as we can.” Continue reading DEA take back locations announced for East Texas

DIANA — The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide after a body was found Saturday night. According to our news partner KETK, witnesses found the body of a man inside a home on Swan Road, in Diana, and called authorities around 11:30 p.m. According to police, the person appeared to be the victim of an assault. Police say the victim is known to his neighbors, but the sheriff’s office is not releasing the name until next of kin can be located.