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ATHENS — CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Athens will be giving out COVID-19 vaccinations to Athens ISD educators and support staff that wish to receive the shot on Saturday. CHRISTUS announced the partnership with AISD Friday and in an official statement said that health caregivers will give the immunizations on-site at their CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic, located on HWY 19 S, on March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Athens ISD is scheduled to observe spring break beginning Monday and is not expected to return to class until March 22.

TYLER — The East Texas Anti-Gang Center conducted an operation mission Thursday night that resulted in the arrest of Isaac Capetillo. Capetillo, 29, of Tyler is also known as “Grizzly” and was wanted on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity. Authorities say Capetillo was actively avoiding law enforcement. Capetillo was arrested after leaving a Tyler hotel. Reports indicate large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, a large sum of cash and four assault-style rifles were found in his car and hotel room. Capetillo is in the Smith County Jail with bond set at $1.95 million and faces numerous charges.

TYLER — Tyler Legacy High School announced the death of an educator Wednesday night. According to our news partner KETK, Tim Johnson died Tuesday. Principal Dan Crawford spoke with Johnson’s wife, Felicia, before sharing the news, “She wanted me to thank the coaches, teachers, students, athletes and parents who accepted Tim into our school, as this was his first year with us.” Johnson was a science teacher and a football and basketball coach. He was diagnosed with pneumonia and experienced other complications. His wife said his death was not related to COVID-19.

AUSTIN — Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Thursday, $762 million will be sent out to different entities as a result of local sales tax allocations for March. Overall, this is a half percent less for the state than in March of 2020. The city of Tyler will receive $3.6 million, while Longview will be allotted $2.5 million dollars. These allocations are based on sales made in January by businesses that report tax monthly. To learn about other cities in Texas, click here, and scroll down, enter a city of interest and the press the reset button.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is welcoming attendees to Hit the Bricks this weekend. On the second Saturday of every month, Downtown Tyler hosts the event. The Junk Hippy flea market will be on the square from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Various vendors will offer handmade goods and vintage finds. Admission is free. Gallery Main Street’s new display, Caldwell Arts Academy Exhibit, will welcome the works of young artists. This exhibit features the works of artists in preschool through middle school and will be displayed in two parts. Part one is available to view until March 30. Part two of the Caldwell exhibit will be available to view from April 1 to May 5. Visit the exhibit in person at Gallery Main Street in the Plaza Tower Atrium or online. All art is available for purchase. Gallery is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Read more here.

MARSHALL — The city of Marshall is addressing excess water usage following winter storms the week of February 15. On Thursday, the city said many properties located inside the city registered consumption above their usual average. The water billing department noted over 100 accounts that have used thousands of gallons above their normal rate. Those who have usage of ten thousand gallons or more over above normal amounts, are encouraged to stop by the water bill department for a possible adjustment.

HENDERSON — A new commercial kitchen is bringing future opportunities to many culinary high school students at Henderson High School. HISD Culinary Arts Teacher Kristal McNew told our news partner KETK how the changes have “spiced up” their department with the hands-on experience. “It’s definitely improved the program. The students are able to get their industry-based training in here that’s needed for, you know, future opportunities out in the real world.“ The new workspace is a result of the High Demand Job Training grant from the Henderson Economic Development Corporation. The new cookhouse includes convection ovens, multiple gas stoves, industry-grade refrigerators and new prep tables.

TYLER — A local Catholic church is opening to 100% capacity starting this weekend. In a prepared statement, Bishop Joseph Strickland of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Tyler said, “Many have already returned to Mass, and I encourage everyone to do so now, aware of the centrality of the Mass to our lives as Catholics and the obligation attached to it.” He added that one does not have an obligation to attend Mass if they are sick or in a high-risk category for COVID-19. Bishop Strickland said that there is no requirement to wear masks and that the decision is up to the individual. I ask and expect all clergy and faithful to continue to take measures to keep everyone safe. Read more here.

TYLER — Dozens of law officers in Smith County converged Wednesday afternoon on a house where they believed a man who was running from officers was located. According to our news partner KETK, law enforcement officers spent several hours trying to make contact. They eventually entered the home after getting no response. Smith County Public Information Officer Larry Christian said the man was not in the residence on Highway 271, at County Road 332, when police got inside. The suspect has been identified as Bryan Mayfield. Continue reading Man thought to be barricaded in Tyler house still on the run

ATHENS — An Athens company broke ground Wednesday for an expansion project. According to our news partner KETK, Biomerics anticipates bringing an additional 50 jobs through the enlargement. The expansion entails professional office space, engineering labs, quality inspection labs, a 10,000 square-foot classroom and machining center. In a prepared statement, President Todd McFarland, of Biomerics FMI said, “We’re kicking off another 24,000 square-foot building that will add 10,000 square feet in manufacturing space so we can keep growing.” Biomerics employs 420 people at its five-facility campus in Athens, which makes medical equipment.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police arrested a man fleeing from officers Wednesday in what is believed to be a stolen vehicle. Police captured the suspect in the Chick-fil-A parking lot on S. Jackson Street. Authorities originally attempted to detain the the man, but he ran away. Video shows a customer waiting in line at the fast food store used his door to stop the presumed wrongdoer, before being arrested by officers. You can watch the video by clicking here.

CANTON — The Van Zandt County Jail has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for not meeting state requirements. According to our news partner KETK, an inspection on Jan. 25, found jail staff did not check on inmates, being restrained for safety reasons every 15 minutes, as required. The inspection also revealed some inmates were unsupervised in the kitchen, while helping prepare meals. Sheriff Steve Hendrix said “This happened under my watch and I take responsibility.” Hendrix said the inspection took place a few weeks after he became sheriff and he has put new procedures in place to make sure the problems are corrected. Hendrix says he is working with the commission and is confident the jail will be taken off the non-compliant list soon.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been charged with impersonating a public servant. According to our news partner KETK, the incident resulted in the arrest of Travis Cain, 33, of Longview. Authorities say Cain was wearing a tactical vest and pretended to be a CIA officer when he interrupted a meeting at World of Wonders children’s museum. A staff member recognized him as the husband of a current employee. Cain allegedly pulled out a photocopied document with black marker through it, making it appear to be a redacted government document. Continue reading Longview man arrested on charges of impersonating CIA officer

WOOD COUNTY — The Wood County COVID Vaccination Clinic has filled all scheduled immunization time slots for Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the clinic at the Mineola Civic Center will be by appointment only. Walk-ins and additional names will not be accepted. If you are still trying to sign-up for a COVID-19 vaccine, click here and then, click “I want the COVID vaccine” and follow the prompts. The service is free and available to anyone 18 years and older who resides in the U.S. and is legally and medically qualified to receive the COVID vaccine. You must also have a cellphone to use the service.

QUITMAN — Wood County Sheriff’s Office has introduced a new K9 officer. Major is a German shepherd that has been paired with Deputy McKenzie Chandler. Officer Chandler has been a K9 handler for three years. In a prepared statement, the Sheriff’s Office thanked K9 Officers Inc., a charity that donates dogs to law enforcement agencies and provides handler/dog training. To date, the organization has gifted 70 K9 officers that have reported for duty. The group says the average K-9 donation is a $15,000 investment. You can learn more here.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler and Dallas Morning News have released results regarding a COVID-19 survey, and those numbers indicate masks may remain for some time. On Wednesday, UT-Tyler Political Science Professor, Dr. Mark Owens told KTBB news, “We saw that 83% wore masks just to protect themselves. A total of 50% did so to protect themselves, or because local businesses required that mask. The role of the state-wide mandate was the third biggest reason. We saw there was about 8% of the individuals that saw that as the only reason that they would wear a mask. So, that means about half of folks are focused on what local businesses will do now.” Governor Greg Abbott’s mask mandate was officially rescinded on Wednesday. Read more here.

TYLER — NET Health schedules immunization appointments based on COVID vaccine supplies. On Wednesday, the entity announced anyone expecting to receive round two of the Moderna vaccine this Thursday and Friday will be rescheduled. In a prepared statement, President/CEO George Roberts said, “NET Health is awaiting a new shipment of second doses of the Moderna vaccine from the Texas Department of State Health Services.” The department said If you already enrolled in the “Second Dose Waiting List” to receive your second Moderna vaccine from NET Health, no further action is needed. You will be contacted with a new appointment time. Read more here.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police say a woman allegedly passed a counterfeit check at Brookshire’s in Kilgore. The incident took place January 24. Authorities are asking for help in identifying the woman pictured wearing an orange shirt and black pants. Contact Detective Andre Phillips at (903) 218-6904 or by email at [email protected].

TYLER — Smith County is doing away with mandatory mask requirements for non-judicial county buildings starting Wednesday. Judge Nathaniel Moran made the announcement in Commissioner’s Court Tuesday. He went on to say the judicial branch of the county will continue to require masks. “We are doing jury trials, we are going to continue to do jury trials safely. In fact, I believe we will be able to do more jury trials with the Governor’s new order, but we are still going to screen for high temperatures coming into the courthouse.” Read more here. Continue reading Smith County to drop mask requirements in all non-judicial buildings, but will continue in courtrooms

TYLER — A biking project has been a dream for many in the Rose city for years. Now, the $550,000 bike stripes project is becoming a reality. A hub near the downtown area is also part of the plan. City of Tyler Traffic Engineer Cameron Williams spoke with our news partner KETK, “You will have a little bit of interruption in these areas where you are going to have the bike lanes put on the ground. They gotta make sure the cars are out of the way so that we can stripe, so you’ll have some short disruptions but it should be fairly, fairly minor.” Continue reading Tyler biking project gains traction

ATHENS — An east Texas K-9 officer, Max, who had recently suffered from medical problems has been euthanized. In a prepared statement, the Henderson County Sheriff Department said, “We are heartbroken, but we know he is not suffering anymore. Max was one of the best we have ever seen. He will be missed by all of us.” Max and another K-9 deputy, Kan, were acquired in 2018, using money seized from illegal drug trafficking. Max was teamed-up with Deputy Meagan Hogan. They attended K-9 Global Training Academy near San Antonio.

TYLER — Indoor capacity restrictions for Texas restaurants, bars, and businesses, as well as statewide mask mandates, will be lifted by Gov. Greg Abbott Wednesday. NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB news, “We just really encourage everyone to remain vigilant. I mean, it could flip back. If you think back over the last year when we stopped the lock down at the end of April things looked pretty good. We got through end of May and things looked pretty good and then things started ramping back up again in the month of June and in July we spiked.” Continue reading Roberts: I am somewhat concerned as Texas prepares to open 100%

AUSTIN — The Save Our Seniors COVID-19 vaccine initiative continues in week two for several East Texas counties. Henderson, Rusk, Van Zandt and Wood Counties are just a few of the counties involved. The plan is an effort by Texas to provide immunizations to seniors across the entire state for those most at risk from COVID-19. Governor Abbott’s office says, there are 10,000 doses allocated statewide for the second week of the program. The program is in partnership with local officials and service organizations that targets Texans who are 65 years and older or home-bound.

TYLER — UT Health East Texas begins providing COVID-19 vaccines to school districts and child care employees Thursday. Vaccines are available by appointment only. Organizers say, eligible individuals include those working in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including teachers, staff and bus drivers) and those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers. Immunizations will be given at the UT Health North Campus Tyler, on U.S. 271. Appointment time slots are available Thursday through Saturday. Read more here.

TYLER — One person was killed Monday in a fatal accident on Toll 49 in Smith County. According to the DPS, the wreck took place just north of the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. A preliminary investigation reports 38 year old Steven Frederick Elgin, of Hughes Springs, was towing a food trailer and traveling south on Toll 49 when the trailer became detached. The trailer hit a vehicle in the opposite lane, driven by Kelly Michelle Hall, 49, of Tyler. Hall died at the scene and was taken to Lighthouse Mortuary in Tyler. April Michelle Files, 42, of Houston was in a vehicle behind Hall. Files was struck by the back of the food trailer and transported to CHRISTUS TMF in stable condition. Elgin did not appear to be injured in the crash.

TYLER – A 90-year-old Tyler man, with a wrap-sheet dating back to the 1940s, has been indicted for arson in connection with a November 6, 2020 fire. Kermit Francis Gabel was booked into the Smith County Jail one week after the fire. According to our news partner KETK, it was the latest in a string of blazes at vacant buildings. Officials have not said whether a November 13 fire was connected to the arrest. Gabel was also accused of multiple crimes in Ohio. He was known as a serial cat burglar and was dubbed the “Silver Burglar.” His crime sprees date back to the 40s and early 50s. Continue reading “Silver Burglar” arrested for arson

TYLER — A donation from COVID Tech Connect will enable CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Tyler to add 15 new Samsung tablets for use by patients on COVID Units. Christina Mosier told KTBB News Monday, “This will mean so much because it’s been extremely hard not only to have a loved one that’s not only in the hospital, but to be unable to see them, communicate with them, love them, hug them and be by their bedside.” COVID Tech Connect is a group of volunteers across the nation working to equip hospitals with smart devices to help coronavirus patients connect with loved ones. Continue reading Donated tablets will bring patients and family members closer

LONGVIEW — Last March, Neiman Marcus listed their distribution center in Longview for sale. On Monday, our news partner KETK said the center will close in the upcoming months, following its recent sale. The Dallas based retailer describes this as part of the plan to improve supply chain efficiency. The Las Colinas distribution center is set to close next year. The center, which is located in the city’s Business Park near Interstate 20, employs about 160 people. Employees affected by the closing will be eligible for severance pay. The center is scheduled to close by the end of 2021. The company did not identify who bought the Longview site.

LONGVIEW — A resurgence of new homes is taking place in the southern part of Longview, thanks in part, to a group of local builders. Corey Shaw, owner of Shaw Construction, based in Longview, told our news partner KETK, he and his team have already completed several houses. “If you look down, go down, I-20, all the new, even the business side of things have gone north. Nobody’s investing back on the southside anymore. And my objective here is to try to help build up the southside and give back to the community.” Shaw went on to say, to date, every home he’s built he’s sold. The builder is constructing craftsman style homes, which, he says, will blend in with existing properties.”

CAMP COUNTY — A Longview man was arraigned Monday after being arrested over the weekend. According to our news partner KETK, Ricardo Gonzalez is charged with aggravated robbery, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Authorities were dispatched to a location on HWY 271 N. in reference to a stolen vehicle. Two victims said Gonzalez, 31, was at their home along with several others, when Gonzalez pointed a gun at them, then stole a vehicle. Gonzalez was arrested and transported to the Camp County Jail. Bond was set at $85,000.