KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — The City of Hideaway has issued a shelter in place order for residents after a confirmed case of coronavirus. According to our news partner KETK, the order was issued on Wednesday by Mayor Ray Hutcheson and will limit activities within the city over the next seven days until April 1. Continue reading City of Hideaway Issues Shelter in Place Order

TYLER — An employee of the U.S. Postal Service at the Tyler Main Post Office has tested positive for COVID-19. According to our news partner KETK, USPS said it is in the process of reaching out to the local public health office and will follow the guidance officials provide. The service said it believes the risk is low for employees to get the coronavirus who work at the Tyler Main Post Office, but they will keep those employees updated as information and guidance becomes available. Continue reading Tyler Postal Worker Confirmed with COVID-19

MARSHALL — On Wednesday, East Texas Baptist University made the decision to finish out the Spring Semester online. The University said their Emergency Response Team has closely monitored the Coronavirus daily all across the U.S. Leaders say, “the Coronavirus global pandemic that we currently face in our country is the gravest public health crisis in the last century, and the rapid rate at which it has developed and spread across the globe has led to uncertainty. Continue reading ETBU to Finish Spring Semester Online

TYLER — On Wednesday the BBB of East Texas reminded residents to be aware of government impostors. “With COVID-19 cases continue to escalate,” President Mechele Mills says, “just as with any disaster which occurs, the number of scammers preying on your fear and your pocketbook grows along with it.” The BBB is alerting consumers about scammers impersonating government officials who are calling about the anticipated government relief fund checks. Continue reading BBB Alerting Consumers to Be Aware of COVID-19 Frauds

TYLER — The first death from coranivirus in Smith County was announced at a midday briefing held by the Smith County Emergency Command Center. Officials say the victim was a 91-year-old man. Despite the grim announcement, Tyler Mayor Martin Heines says he’s never seen such good inter-agency cooperation.  “After thousands of man hours worth of work, on the part of the city , the county, your hospitals, your North East Texas Public Health, your school districts, we are all together, and we are ready for this crisis, whichever turn it may take. We are ready and we are prepared, Heines said.” Continue reading Tyler Mayor Issues “Stay at Home” Request with 1st Coronavirus Death in Smith County

LONGVIEW — New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview, recognizes there is more of a need to encourage people than ever. On Wednesday, NBBC Lead Pastor Todd Kounitz told KTBB, “they are trying to offer some tangible hope to people who may be a little overwhelmed.” The church is teamming up with 3 local school districts to help feed at-risk students while school campuses are closed due to the coronavirus. “We are attempting to help 200 plus families a week. This is our attempt to offer the hope of Jesus, in a practical way, that yes we do care, someone cares.” Pastor Kaunitz continued, “in the Gospels Jesus runs to those who are sick. He meets the needs of those who are hurting. We are trying to offer hope to the hurting.” If you want to help. If you want to get involved to help those in need, you may visit http://www.nbbctx.org/help.

TYLER — The city of Tyler verbalized on Tuesday, that until further notice, Tyler’s City Council will conduct all meetings utilizing online live streaming. This move according to a press release from the city is based on guidance from federal, state and local health officials and under the direction of orders issued by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott,There will be no face-to-face interactions between members of the public and public officials during these meetings. People wanting to give public comment can do so by calling (903) 363-0651 during the meeting. Callers must limit their comments to the item being discussed on the floor. The next meeting is on Wednesday at 9 a.m. Members of the public may view the meetings live at http://www.facebook.com/CityofTylerTexas.

TYLER — A worker at TRANE Manufacturing Plant in Tyler has tested positive for COVID-19. According to our news partner KETK, the plant has been temporarily closed for deep cleaning. The person is getting medical treatment and is home in isolation. Employees who came in contact with the individual are being asked to quarantine.

LONGVIEW — According to a briefing aired by our news partner KETK on Tuesday, Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt has issued a “Voluntary Shelter in Place Order.” The Judge announced on Tuesday afternoon that although there has only been 1 confirmed in the case, “limiting exposure to COVID-19 is the key to beating this.” Longview Mayor Andy Mack said, “Public Transportation will continue to run, but we ask people to continue to observe social distancing. We are keeping transportation running for essential personnell.” Continue reading “Voluntary Shelter in Place” for Gregg County

TYLER — On Monday, Tyler ISD board members agreed to the naming of two facilities after former district leaders: Dr. Martin L. Edwards Theatre at John Tyler High School and the Al Harris Gymnasium at Moore MST Magnet School. Harris began his teaching career at Moore Middle School in 1970. Dr. Martin L. Edwards, Jr. was a Tyler physician and became the first African American elected to the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees in 1969, serving through 1987. Dedication ceremony dates and times will be announced later this summer when regular educational operations and construction allows.

TYLER –Linda Goelzer with Carter BloodCare told KTBB on Tuesday, “it is still safe to donate blood during the coronavirus pandemic.” According to Goelzer, donating blood does not transmit the novel coronavirus, because it’s a respiratory virus, not bloodborne. “We need donors. We have to protect the supply, and it’s safe to donate,” said Goelzer, “We’re all doing the same thing, and we’re all trying to prevent an unintended health emergency of a blood supply shortage on top of the COVID-19 emergency.” If you would like to set up an appointment in Tyler you can click the link. https://ww2.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/center/24.

TYLER — The Tyler Civic Theatre Center announced on Tuesday that they have cancelled the upcoming Mark Twain Show. The center said in a press release this the best and safest decision for our actors and our patrons due to the continued spread of COVID-19. Tyler Civic Center said they will provide refunds to customers who have already purchased tickets. Please contact our box office during business hours. https://tylercivictheatre.com/.

GREGG COUNTY – Gregg County area officials will host a news conference at 1:00 today to discuss the current status of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Gregg County and related community preventative actions. The news conference will be live streamed on the City of Longview’s Facebook page. As of Monday afternoon, Gregg County has reported one case of COVID-19 in the county. Continue reading Gregg County Officials to Hold Coronavirus Status Meeting, Establish Hotline

TYLER — On Sunday, Christus telehealth services began expanding the offering of secure, HIPAA-compliant video visits with the more than 200 primary care providers throughout CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic locations across all of Northeast Texas served by CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd and CHRISTUS St. Michael Health Systems. These video visits are available for Apple iPhone and Android users. The goal is to prevent overcrowding in clinics while preventing exposures, reducing risk and facilitating high-quality care Continue reading CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Expands Telehealth Services

ATHENS — A church missions group from Thrive Community Church in Athens is stranded in Honduras. Pastor Nathan Herrington told KTBB on Monday,”We were supposed to leave last Friday, but have been staying inside our hotel and working to get home.” Herrington continued, “Everything has just kind of gone haywire around here right now, the government, the Embassy, they are basically creating a road map, because nothing like this has ever happened.” The group consists of 13.

LONGVIEW — Two Longview-based health systems are placing new restrictions on visitors. CHRISTUS Health released the following joint statement Monday:

As the demands of the current COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve in our community, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System and Longview Regional Health System want to keep our East Texas communities informed about updated visitor guidelines. Out of an abundance of caution, we are further limiting visitors to our hospitals and ERs.

Effective immediately and until further notice, we are restricting ALL visitors. Continue reading Joint Hospital Statement from Longview – Visitor Restrictions

TYLER — Smith County’s next Precinct 1 constable will be Willie Mims. Mims won a majority of the votes in the March Democratic primary, but his victory was held up because incumbent Bobby Garmon raised questions about whether Mims had obtained sufficient ballot petition signatures. Now a judge who earlier ruled Mims ineligible has reversed course and decided Mims indeed won the election. The judge now says a candidate can’t be deemed ineligible once the voting process gets underway. In the primary, Mims outdistanced both Garmon and Curtis Traylor Harris. There is no Republican candidate on the November ballot.

TYLER –As of Monday at noon, Smith County remains at 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases. There are no COVID-19 related fatalities within Smith County. Smith County continues to remind the public to contact their healthcare provider prior to visiting hospitals or emergency rooms for treatment. It is very important to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus that all potential patients are screened so healthcare providers can to prepare for their arrival, and not be exposed and taken out of the field because they are greatly needed. Continue reading Cases of COVID-19 Remains at 10 in Smith County

TYLER — On Monday, Smith County announced Tuesday’s 9:30 a.m. meeting would be closed to the public but will be available online in real time. Based on guidance from federal, state and local health officials and under the direction of orders issued by Texas Governor Gregg Abbott, until further notice, the Smith County Commissioners Court will conduct all meetings online only. Continue reading Commissioners Court Closed in Smith County but to be Streamed Live

TYLER — On Monday East Texas Baptist University announced a partnership with Grace Community School in Tyler, that will offer brand new opportunities for students attending the High School. Juniors and Seniors at GCS can choose college-level courses through ETBU giving students dual credit course work toward both a high school diploma and a college degree simultaneously. ETBU will provide 27 hours of undergraduate general education courses to “college-ready” students at a reduced tuition rate of $100 per semester hour. Grace Community School plans to provide the technology necessary to support these dual credit courses, as well as the textbooks needed to complete the curriculum, making this an affordable way for high school upperclassmen to get ahead in their pursuit of a college degree.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran told KTBB on Monday, “I have no intention to sign a shelter in place order for Smith County at this time. That would further restrict the activities of citizens and businesses as a result of COVID-19.” Moran continued, “One of the things I want to continue to stand on is this matter of individual freedom of choice. As a governmental entity we should not act quickly to impose regulatory authority over citizens. It is something in a time of crisis, that many are apt to do, but that is something that I do not want to do.” Continue reading Judge Moran Will Not Issue “Shelter in Place” at Present Time

TYLER — On Monday Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford told KTBB administrators have worked diligently to put together a strategy for education to continue, “today we began what we are calling distance learning. There are lessons everyday. Some students will do studies online, some do not have access to a device to get it online, or some may not have data, and still others prefer hard copies. We are making every opportunity available for our students.” Continue reading TISD Begins Distance Education

TYLER — Beginning on Monday, the Smith County Tax Office is closing its doors to the public until further notice. However, officials said on Friday, they will still be working to assistance Smith County residents and businesses. Smith County Tax Assessor-Collection Gary Barber said that starting Monday, the Tax Office at the Cotton Belt Building will close its doors. His employees will continue working, answering the phones and mail. Continue reading Tax Office to Close Doors, Will Still Assist the Public

AUSTIN — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott brought Texans up to date Sunday afternoon providing the latest information on the state’s battle against the spread of COVID-19. There are 334 cases statewide, out of the 8,756 tests that have been conducted. Governor Abbott encouraged people to go to the state’s site for official numbers. Click the link for more details. https://dshs.texas.gov/news/updates.shtm#coronavirus. Gov. Abbott said that he would NOT be issuing a ‘shelter in place.’ Continue reading Governor’s Report on Latest in Texas on COVID-19

TYLER – On Friday Goodwill Industries of East Texas announced the temporary closure of all 15 of its retail store operations to the public until April 4th. All locations will undergo a deep clean by staff through out the weekend. Donations will be accepted through the weekend during the hours of 10-6 p.m. on Saturday and 1-6 p.m. on Sunday using the “car to cart” method to limit as much personal contact as possible. Goodwill anticipates welcoming back staff, shoppers and donors on April 4th and program participants and non-retail staff on April 6th.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning construction and maintenance work around the Tyler district for the upcoming week begining Monday. In Longview, Judson Road/SH 502 will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Hoyt Drive and Pegues Place as a city contractor conducts street work that is expected to take about three months to complete. In Smith County the I-20 Ramp Improvement Project will continue, among other items. To see the entire report for the Tyler District this week click the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/013-2020.html.

KILGORE — Kilgore College announced 17 students have graduated from the Kilgore College Electric Power Technology program. This is the 26th KCEPT class to complete the certificate program, which covers 10 weeks. The public graduation celebration was done away with due to COVID-19 concerns. Sam Alston, of Mount Vernon, was awarded the “Top Hand Award,” which is presented to the student who earns the highest overall score in the course.

TYLER –Free curbside meals will continue to be provided by TISD Food services weekdays through April 3. Beginning Wednesday, Peete Elementary School will also be a pick up location along with Boulter, Hubbard, Moore, and Three Lakes middle schools, Caldwell Arts Academy, and Griffin Elementary School. Last week more than 5,000 grab and go meals were distributed to to students. According to Dr. Marty Crawford, Tyler ISD Superintendent, although this is a favorable amount of meals, he would like to see that number increase since the District currently has approximately 9,000 students participating in the free and reduced lunch program. Continue reading Curbside Extended, TISD adds Peete as Pick Up

TYLER –As of Monday at noon, Smith County remains at 10 confirmed COVID-19 cases. There are no COVID-19 related fatalities within Smith County. Smith County continues to remind the public to contact their healthcare provider prior to visiting hospitals or emergency rooms for treatment. It is very important to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus that all potential patients are screened so healthcare providers can to prepare for their arrival, and not be exposed and taken out of the field because they are greatly needed. Continue reading Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Remains at 10 in Smith County