KTBB News, Weather, Talk

RAINS COUNTY — An Amber Alert issued Monday for Lexus Nichole Gray, 14, of Rains County was lifted following her recovery. According to our news partner KETK, the teenager was found a few hours later along with the suspect, Justin Shaun Gray. The 40 year old man is the girl’s non-custodial father and is a registered sex offender. He was arrested Monday in Mineral Wells. Lexus was found safe. The Rains County Sheriff’s Department said in a prepared statement, “Thank you to all of the law enforcement agencies and the organizations who list and search for missing children, who worked to get this case resolved quickly and safely.”

EAST TEXAS — Tornadoes left extensive damage in Panola, Cherokee and Rusk Counties over the weekend. Crews from the Texas Baptist Men are helping people rebuild their lives in East Texas. David Wells with the Texas Baptist Men says, “We try to help and pick up you know some of the home owners who can’t fend for themselves and can’t help themselves; sometimes it’s widows, older folks, folks that don’t have family around. So, that’s what we try to focus on and it’s devastating for those folks.” If you’re interested in helping, click here.

TYLER — Construction was expected to begin in 2020 for the new Rose Complex Convention Center. Then, the pandemic came. The Harvey Convention Center has been one of the vaccination hubs in Tyler that has administered more than 37,000 vaccines from the site. The city expects to begin tearing down the facility later this year. NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB News, “The city has talked about taking down Harvey sometime this summer. It’s quite frankly so far in the distance right now. We don’t know, the end of March right now, what will the demand be like in two months for Harvey Hall from a vaccine standpoint. We just don’t know the answer to that right now.” Roberts went on to say they hope to begin offering the one dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine in the future. You can register for your vaccine by clicking here.

TYLER — Annually, the Tyler ISD Elementary Robotics Showcase highlights student’s robotic creations. According to TISD, the competition went virtual this year. Classmates in first through third grades competed in a “Shark Tank” style competition, making a digital engineer’s notebook and inventing a robot that carried out the theme “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.” Students recorded a video presentation about their robotics for judges to score based on coding, artistic display, the engineer’s notebook and the presentation itself. Read more here.

TYLER — The Federal Emergency Management Agency continues offering assistance to those in need following the mid-February storms. According to our news partner KETK, due to the pandemic, FEMA is providing remote inspections to survey damage in homes. The organization is using digital platforms like Zoom or Facetime to tour damaged residences. Examiners can also assist those in signing up that do not know how to use the virtual applications. More than 70,000 inspections have been completed by FEMA. Learn more by clicking here.

MEXIA (AP/Staff) — The Texas Department of Public Safety says Trooper Chad Walker no longer displays signs of viable brain activity, but he remains on life support until he can share the gift of life as an organ donor. Trooper Walker was hospitalized after being shot multiple times near Mexia Friday. He was stopping to help a driver on March 26th. The man got out of the vehicle, shot Trooper Walker and took off. Police say the man, DeArthur Pinson, 36, of Palestine, took his own life. Trooper Walker leaves behind his wife, 15-year-old son, twin seven-year-old-daughters, and a two-month-old daughter. A go-fund me account has been established you can donate by clicking here.

WOOD COUNTY — There is now a second victim in a one vehicle wreck that took place in Wood County on Saturday. The wreck took place at 1:30 p.m. on US-69, approximately two miles south of Mineola. According to a follow up DPS report, the driver of a 1998 Ford Explorer, Robert Guy Marino of Tyler, was originally transported to UT Health- Tyler in serious condition. However, Marino died Monday morning. His passenger Cathy Marks, 64, of Tyler died at the scene after the vehicle was traveling north on US-69 and the back left tire separated from the vehicle. The vehicle traveled off the roadway, and rolled.

RUSK — A Cherokee County grand jury has no billed a sheriff’s deputy that shot and killed a Jacksonville man in January. According to our news partner KETK, a grand jury ruled evidence presented Monday did not warrant the state filing criminal charges against the unnamed officer. Earlier this year, two deputies were checking property at the owner’s request because of recent break-ins in the Atoy community. Deputies came across two men in a car who were trespassing. During an altercation, Justin Pegues, 26, was fatally shot. Anthony Brooks, 35, was charged with criminal trespass. Pegues’ family has retained an attorney for a potential civil suit against the county and sheriff’s department.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD went into “lockout” action Monday morning following someone being shot at a nearby apartment complex. According to Longview police, officers responded to a call at 10:24 a.m. LISD said they took protective measures after the shooting at Belaire Manor Apartments. A male victim suffered a gunshot wound and is in stable condition at a local hospital. The complex is adjacent to the LISD Education Support Center on E. Young Street. The district also placed Hudson PEP, Foster Middle, Playing For Keeps campus, and the district’s transportation center on lockout, until it was lifted at 11:30 a.m. Continue reading LISD goes into lockout protocol following nearby shooting

TYLER — Additional COVID-19 vaccine appointments were added Monday at UT Health East Texas for anyone 16 and older. Immunizations are administered by appointment only. Vaccines for walk-ins will not be available. Appointments can be made by clicking here. New appointments will continue to open at this link as more vaccine arrives. Officials say if you need help navigating online sign-up, or if you are without access to internet, you can call 903-747-4VAC (4822) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to get a vaccine appointment. Vaccines will be given at UT Health North Campus Tyler on U.S. Highway 271.

TYLER — As of Monday, anyone 16 or older in the state of Texas became eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. NET Health’s George Robert told KTBB news he is not worried about a shortage of vaccines, “Now we can order our first doses based on what we have done the previous week or how the trends are going. The last couple of weeks our order has been satisfied. As of right now the supply is good.” You can get more information and sign-up for your vaccine by clicking here.

RAINS COUNTY — An Amber Alert was issued Monday for a 14-year-old girl that authorities say was abducted by a registered sex offender. According to the Rains County Sheriff’s Office, Lexus Nichole Gray, 14, was taken by her non-custodial father, Justin Shaun Gray, 40. The two were last seen March 24 in Point, Texas. Lexus is described as 5’6″, 160 pounds, and has blonde hair and hazel eyes. Justin is described as 6’1″, around 200 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. Gray is a registered sex offender, and has an active parole violation warrant. Justin was convicted of sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in 2009. Rains County Sheriff’s officials ask anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact them at 903-473-3181 or call 911.

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health has thousands of doses of COVID vaccines to administer at clinics set for Wednesday. As of Monday morning, the hospital still has 2,500 slots available for this Wednesday.  The appointments are open to all individuals 16 and older and can be scheduled online by clicking here. Qualified candidates can also schedule an appointment by calling 877-335-5746. The health group says once you have your appointment, you will want to wear loose fitting clothes, arrive 15 minutes early and bring a mask to practice social distancing.

CARTHAGE (AP) — Authorities say one person was killed after severe weather, including a tornado, caused damage in several communities in East Texas. Widespread destruction across Panola County was reported, including damaged homes and downed trees, from Saturday evening’s severe weather, Sheriff Kevin Lake said Sunday in a Facebook post. The Longview News-Journal reported that a woman in the city of Deadwood was killed when a tree fell on her home. Authorities reported several people had also been injured. Officials in neighboring Rusk County reported some damage from the severe weather but no fatalities or major injuries. Continue reading 1 killed, several hurt after tornado hits East Texas

MEXIA (AP) — The Texas Department of Public Safety says a state trooper was shot and critically wounded near the city of Mexia, about 75 miles southeast of Dallas. Officials say the suspect fled on foot and killed himself. Authorities say Trooper Chad Walker is hospitalized in critical but stable condition after being shot in the head and abdomen Friday night. Investigators say Walker had stopped to help a motorist in an apparent disabled vehicle. DPS says the gunman exited the stopped vehicle and shot Walker through the windshield of the patrol vehicle. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old DeArthur Pinson, of Palestine. Authorities launched a manhunt for Pinson and he was reported dead Saturday. Pinson had a long criminal history, including a 10-year sentence for armed robbery and an arrest for desertion from the U.S. Army.

CANTON — A registered sex offender in Van Zandt County was charged with a drug crime Friday when he was found to be in possession of meth, the sheriff’s office said. According to our news partner KETK, Van Zandt County Deputies were checking on sex offender Jimmy Beggs at his residence when they found meth and a glass pipe, often used in taking meth. Beggs was arrested and charged with the felony crime of possession of a controlled substance. Van Zandt County Sheriff Steve Hendrix said he has implemented a strict policy that requires sex offenders be checked on regularly. “We will stay on these offenders to ensure their compliance. These checks will be ongoing and can occur at any time,” he said.

TYLER — A Longview man was sentenced to federal prison Friday for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. According to the court, Allen Martez Anthony, 30, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine last June. Anthony was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison. In a prepared statement, Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said, “This case illustrates how effective we can be at disrupting narcotics trafficking when our state and local law enforcement officers coordinate with federal agencies like the DEA.” Testimony revealed a canine alerted officers to narcotics in Anthony’s vehicle. A follow up search found 1,958 grams of methamphetamines.

TYLER — Smith county announced the closure of a portion of Smith County Road 217 on Friday. County leaders say, the road northwest of Overton will be closed for six to eight weeks for a bridge replacement. County road and bridge crews are replacing the bridge on CR 217, also known as Old Providence Road. Detour signs have been posted to alert drivers to take alternate routes.

LINDALE — Several teachers got a big surprise at Lindale ISD Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the LISD Education Foundation awarded over $22,000 to teachers on four of the six campuses throughout the district. The money will be used to buy innovative tools for the teachers classrooms. Recipients were unaware they had been selected until the grant patrol; made up of the band, cheerleaders, mascot, donors and various employees arrived. The Education Foundation began awarding grants in November 2009. Since then, over $370,000 has been distributed to LISD classrooms for more than 90 projects.

TYLER — A Tyler man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after admitting to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Cory Jsamard Ford, 33, confessed to the charges of distribution of both cocaine and methamphetamine in Smith County before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. Ford was indicted last November. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Investigators in the case include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety-CID and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.

LONGVIEW — City officials in Longview announced a virtual town hall meeting for next week on Friday. Arts!Longview Executive Director Cynthia Hellen and Board President Jon Cromer will present a progress report and answer questions live beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday. You can register for the meeting by clicking here. The cultural district covers more than 320 acres including downtown Longview and stretches south to LeTourneau University. The area is home to museums, restaurants, parks, live music, theater, and historic buildings.

TYLER — A Tyler woman pleaded guilty last week to leaving an infant alone in a closet for three hours. According to our news partner KETK, Kelsey Frazier, 28, was sentenced Friday, to eight years in prison. Frazier’s counsel could not come to an agreement last week with Smith County prosecutors. AT the hearing, Judge Skeen pronounced the sentence describing Frazier’s choices as “extremely troubling.” It is not immediately clear if Frazier will file an appeal in the case.

TYLER — Everyone age 16 and older, regardless of occupation or health status, will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas starting Monday. The Northeast Texas Public Health District President George Roberts told KTBB News, “Since we have started giving vaccines here at NET Health, we have given almost 37,000 vaccines. In essence, if you think about the new Globe Life Field. What we have given in vaccinations will fill up the new Globe Life Field.” Read more and sign-up here.

HENDERSON — A man died late Thursday afternoon after a shooting in Henderson. Henderson police say officers responded to a call on Summer Street about a person being shot and injured. The victim was a 46-year-old black male whose identity has not been released at this time. Anyone with information regarding the case should contact the Henderson Police Department at (903) 657-3512.

TYLER — Everyone age 16 and older, regardless of occupation or health status, will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas starting Monday. The Northeast Texas Public Health District President George Roberts told KTBB News, “Supplies have increased quite a bit. We have an adequate supply right now. So, online, right now, you can go to our net health covid19.org website and then go under vaccines, where you can sign-up for your first dose.” The vaccinations continue to be administered by NET Health at the Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. Read more and sign-up here.

TYLER — Earlier this week, a Tyler man agreed to a plea deal for murdering his girlfriend and stuffing her body in a trunk at a motel last year. According to our news partner KETK, Johnny Osburn, 40, was officially sentenced Thursday to 50 years in prison for the murder of Leslie Gamino. Gamino was stabbed several times. Police began investigating Osburn after Gamino was reported missing by her daughter.

LONGVIEW — In a prepared statement, the City of Longview announced that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Longview Fire Department Chief J.P. Steelman as chairman of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. If confirmed in the Texas Senate, Chief Steelman would serve his term through early February of 2027. The Commission elevates and enforces statewide fire service standards while providing education and assistance industry wide.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is offering a series of free health and wellness classes for adults. The classes are scheduled to begin in April. The Glass Recreation Center will host the series scheduled to include Master of Memory, Get the Fact, Walk N’ Talk and A Fresh Start to A Healthier You. These classes are free of cost thanks to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension of Smith County, with a $30 annual membership to the facility. Read more here.

TYLER — Louis B. Gohmert of Mt. Pleasant, father of Congressman Louie Gohmert, died Thursday morning. In a prepared statement, Congressman Gohmert said, “He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.” The senior Gohmert was 95 years-old. Congressman Gohmert is serving in his eighth term of office, being sworn in January of 2005. Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Gohmert was elected to three terms as District Judge in Smith County. Former Texas Goveror Rick Perry later appointed Gohmert to complete a term as the Chief Justice of the 12th Court of Appeals.