KTBB News, Weather, Talk

MARSHALL — Upon the initial release of information concerning COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), East Texas Baptist University began taking preparatory steps to mitigate and prevent the spread of the virus across the ETBU campus and throughout the East Texas region. That’s according to a news release issued late Wednesday. The first email communication regarding University plans went out on February 26 with an update on March 3. New information has now been released, and the University response can be found below. The University says it is closely following recommendations from the CDC. ETBU is being proactive to ensure the safety of students, faculty, and staff amidst the threat of the Coronavirus, according to the release. Continue reading ETBU Announces Executive Orders for Protection from Coronavirus

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler is extending spring break due to concerns about coronavirus. The details are in a letter from UT Tyler President Dr. Michael Tidwell. Tidwell also announced that the university will temporarily go to an online-only class schedule the week after spring break. The schedule of accelerated MBA classes, BAAS and graduate 7-week courses (all online) will not change. Tidwell says he hopes to return to normal operations by March 30 but that a determination on that has not yet been made. Continue reading UT Tyler Extends Spring Break, Announces Temporary Online-Only Classes

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a wanted fugitive. According to our news partner KETK, Jacob Howell was involved in a disturbance at a residence involving a weapon Tuesday night. Howell left the scene and returned to Fruitvale in a stolen vehicle where he was confronted by law enforcement. Officials tried to stop Howell but he escaped and led them on a short pursuit. Authorities say, Howell dumped the vehicle in a wooded area and fled on foot. Howell was considered armed and dangerous before his capture on Wednesday afternoon.

TYLER — The first case of confirmed coronavirus was announced Tuesday in Gregg County. On Wednesday, City of Tyler spokesperson Jenny Wells told KTBB, “there are no cases of coronavirus in the city, and Tyler remains in very regular contact with NET Health, which works with the State Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control in coordinating a regional response if necessary.” Continue reading City of Tyler Continues to Monitor for Coronavirus

TYLER — Tuesday night residents came together to meet for the Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan. According to our news partner KETK, the meeting took into account development for the future of the city. The 20-year plan is an initiative to create a planned framework for the strategic growth of Tyler. Tyler 1st looks to develop topics of concern including downtown revitalization, historic preservation, parks and recreation, and transportation to name a few. For a complete overview visit the website by clicking the link. https://tyler1stupdate.weebly.com/.

TYLER — On Wednesday morning the Salvation Army received a donation of nearly 6,000 bowls of soup from Chick-fil-A in Tyler. The fast-food chain presented the gifts on Wednesday at their South Broadway location. Again this year, Chick-Fil-A matched every donation received from patrons by giving one of their own through out the month of February. In addition to the soup, over 600 cookies were given as well. In this partnership over the last 17 years, the restaurant has now served more than 66,000 East Texas families with the Salvation Army in Tyler.

TYLER — Tyler Pounds Regional Airport will hold a community meeting regarding the master plan of the airport on Thursday at 6 p.m. The gathering will take place at the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum. This will be the second meeting regarding the Airport Master Plan, with a goal of presenting anticipated needs for the facility over the next 20 years. Details of the project will be discussed. Organizers say the public meeting is an excellent opportunity for residents in the region to participate in the discussion to plan future goals and programs for the airport.

MARSHALL — A fire in Marshall on Tuesday, is being investigated as homicide. According to authorities, firefighters quickly got the blaze at Ryan’s Crossing Apartments under control, but discovered one dead inside the unit. If you have information regarding this case, you are urged to call the Marshall Police Department at 903-945-4540. If you want to remain anonymous you can offer a tip with Crimestoppers by calling 903-935-9969 or by using the P3 Mobile App.

TYLER — Dick’s Sporting Good’s announced on Tuesday that they will pull guns off the shelves from more than 400 stores this year. A new location opened in Tyler last month in the Broadway Square Mall. According to our news partner KETK, that location does not sell firearms. The store tested the policy at 10 locations after the 2018 Parkland High School shooting in Florida. That The largest outdoors and sports store in the nation, made the announcement during a 4th quarter earning report. The company has 827 stores nationwide. With the new policy, more than half will not sell firearms.

TYLER — A run-off election for Smith County Commissioner in Precinct 1 between Neal Franklin and Pam Frederick scheduled for May 26, will not happen. On Tuesday afternoon, Pam Frederick told KTBB, “This decision is the result of praying, discussing with my family and other supporters, and a great deal of introspection. My opponent gathered an impressive number of votes and I offer Neal Franklin my full support as the Commissioner-elect. All candidates in this race were respectful and we can all hold our heads high as this campaign comes to a close. Ultimately, I think that I can find other directions and other ways to be effective as a leader in our community.”

LONGVIEW — An outbreak of coronavirus that originally started in Wuhan China in January, has made it to East Texas. On Tuesday, NET Health’s Russell Hopkins told KTBB, “the unidentified patient has been released from the hospital and has isolated themselves inside their home with mild symptoms.” The Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director continued saying, “we believe the virus was contracted by travel association with-in the continental United States.” Continue reading Gregg County has First Case of Coronavirus

TYLER — Congressman Louie Gohmert is back at work in Washington because he showed zero symptoms of coronavirus, despite possibly being exposed. On Tuesday, Ghomert told KTBB, “I’m fine, they gave me a physical exam and said, but you don’t meet the criteria. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you.” The U.S. Representative for Texas District 1 continued, “You don’t meet any of the criteria for being tested for the coronavirus. They said we are not allowed to test you, because you are not sick. There’s nothing wrong.”

TYLER — A former Emergency Services District 2 employee has been formally indicted on numerous charges that he uploaded child pornography with victims as young as two years old on Snapchat. According to our news partner KETK, Silas Franks, 25, had been under investigation after Tyler police received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The NCMEC sent several files involving children performing lewd sex acts. It stated that many of the images involved children between the ages of 2 and 7. Continue reading Former ESD 2 Employee Formally Indicted

TYLER — City of Tyler residents will soon be able to have bulky items picked up by the Tyler Solid Waste Department. The campaign is sponsored by Keep Tyler Beautiful and Tyler Solid Wasted Department and runs from March 30 through April 3. This does not include muliti-family home communities and businesses. If you want to participate in the campaign you will need to place the bulky items on the curb by March 30. Once crews have collected on your street, do not place items at the curb, or you will be charged a special pick up fee. Continue reading Free Bulky Item Collection Coming Soon

TYLER — Smith County Commissioners Court approved a four-year, 80 percent tax abatement on Tuesday for Wastequip Manufacturing Company LLC on Tuesday. Felicia Herndon, executive vice president of finance for the Tyler Economic Development Council said, the operation is expected to add 133 manufacturing and professional jobs with an average wage of $20 an hour, as well as a comprehensive benefits package and create new investment of up to $6 million. Wastequip had also considered Conroe and Dallas for the project, Ms. Herndon said.

TYLER — The city of Tyler hosts a Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan open house Tuesday from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center. There’ll be a review of draft updates to the chapters on Downtown; Historic Preservation; North End Revitalization; Housing and Community Identity; Parks, Recreation and Open Space; Transportation; Public Facilities and Services; Business and Education; Future Land Use; and Education. Go to the “Meetings” tab at http://www.cityoftyler.org for more information.

TYLER — It was a record-breaking year for Saturday’s annual FRESH 15 race in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, more people participated this year than ever before. 4,500 runners from 19 states and two countries gave it their all. The race also raised $175,000, which will be donated to 26 charities, including the American Cancer Society and the East Texas Food Bank.

BEN WHEELER — Organizers are preparing for the 6th Annual motorized barstool races scheduled for Saturday in Ben Wheeler. The races will take place at 2:45 p.m. in downtown during Ben Wheeler’s Saint P’s 279 Street Party. Kay Dorman told KTBB on Monday, “last year the event drew around 2,500 people.” The spokesperson continued, “it’s a fun way to raise funds for the Ben Wheeler and Edom Fire Departments. Volunteers will be onsite accepting donations to benefit the units.” The day is filled with festivities for the whole family all within the downtown area. Continue reading Motorized Barstool Races Saturday in Ben Wheeler

TYLER — 2, 400 hardwood seedlings will be planted on Saturday at Lindsay Park in Tyler. On Monday, Angela Dennis told KTBB, “When we were contacted by TFA, we jumped at the chance to get 12 acres of open-space land in Lindsey Park planted with trees.” The Community Coordinator continued, “it’s all part of the GreenSideUp event in conjunction with the Texas Forestry Association, the City of Tyler and Tyler Trees Committee and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Committee.” Continue reading 2, 400 Seedlings to Be Planted for GreenSideUp Event

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating an early morning robbery Monday of a Tyler gas station. According to our news partner KETK, the robbery at the CEFCO gas station on W. Houston Street in Tyler was called in just after 6 a.m. Details are limited as to the the amount of money taken during the theft. If you have any information regarding the burglary you are encouraged to contact Tyler Police.

TYLER — UT Health East Texas is gearing up for a free Lunch and Learn seminar on April 1. The session is titled The Diabetic Foot: Care and Treatment and takes place at the UT Health Tyler Pavilion, on Clinic Drive. Board-certified Podiatrist Dr. David Andreone will present information about diabetes and how it affects your feet, common foot problems associated with diabetes and proper care of the diabetic foot. Seating is limited and is required by March 27 for the free meeting. Register online at UTHealthTylerHospital.com/foot or call 903-747-4749.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct a number of construction and maintenance work projects around the Tyler District during the Week of March 9. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct base repairs on Spur 364 near Greenbriar Road and ditch maintenance on roadways around Smith County. Longview Maintenance crews plan to conduct bridge joint repairs on I-20 between FM 2087 and the Gregg/Harrison County line. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control at all locations. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/011-2020.html for a full rundown of this week’s roadwork in the Tyler District.

EAST TEXAS — East Texas schools are assuring parents that they are staying current on information regarding the coronavirus outbreak. According to our news partner KETK, though no confirmed cases have been reported in this area, school districts are being proactive in providing information to students and their families. According to a post on the UT Tyler website, “All university-sponsored international travel for students, faculty and staff is prohibited. This restriction will take place until further notice. Those who have current plans to travel internationally should cancel reservations.” Continue reading Schools Offer Advisories about Coronavirus

LUFKIN — Lufkin police arrested a Henderson man Friday evening after a high-speed pursuit over some of the city’s main roadways. According to our news partner KETK, police say they received a call about a reckless driver on Loop 287 from an off-duty police officer. The officer reported that the driver, later identified as Travis Thornton, 27, of Henderson, almost hit his family’s vehicle, was ignoring traffic lights, driving all over the road well over the speed limit, and passing other vehicles on the shoulder of the road. As the reporting officer continued to give the vehicle’s location, another officer waited on Loop 287 to see if he could make a traffic stop to ascertain whether the driver was intoxicated. Police say the suspect blew through the stop and passed the officer at an estimated 80 mph. Continue reading Lufkin Police Arrest Henderson Man after High-Speed Chase in Stolen Car

LONGVIEW — A Kilgore man has been charged with double murder in the killings of his mother and aunt last fall. According to our news partner KETK, Jermaine Wheat, 33, is in the Gregg County Jail on bonds totaling $3.5 million. He’s charged with capital murder of multiple persons, burglary of a habitation, and making a false alarm or report of an emergency. The charges stem from the October 9 killings of Daisy and Karen Sue Wheat of Kilgore, 68 and 63 respectively, on Pine Burr Lane. Officers arrested Wheat two blocks away from the complex where the women died. He is reportedly the son of Karen Wheat.

LONGVIEW — Health officials from throughout Gregg County and the East Texas region are working together to coordinate response for the potential arrival of coronavirus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued health alerts regarding a novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and has spread to other parts of the world including the United States. According to a news release from the city of Longview, there are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Gregg County and the threat to East Texas remains low. However, local health officials encourage residents to take precautions to avoid exposure and spread of viruses. Continue reading Gregg County Area Health Officials Encourage Coronavirus Precautions

TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking crimes in the Eastern District of Texas. On Friday U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown said Victor Hernandez Jr. 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to information presented in court, Hernandez distributed around 25 grams of methamphetamine last July to another person for $400 in an undercover transaction. Continue reading Smith County Man Guilty of Federal Drug Trafficking

LONGVIEW — March 14 will provide a unique event at the Greenwood Cemetery in Longview. As part of the celebration of Longview 150, there will be a distinguished tour of the city’s oldest cemetery. Greeters in period costumes will welcome visitors at the gate for a “walk through history” as they tour the grounds and encounter more than a dozen individuals who made a historic impact in Longview. Gates open at 10 a.m., and the last tour will begin at 11:30 a.m. Children visiting Greenwood on March 14 will also have the opportunity to do a gravestone rubbing. For more information, contact Ellen Gordon at 903-720-1398, or Susan Baker at 903-918-0721.

TYLER — Artists are invited to submit their work for the Gallery Main Street’s spring fine art exhibit. The entry deadline is March 29. The entry process is digital and allows artists to submit up to three pieces, with an entry fee of $20. Click http://www.DowntownTylerArts.com for all information. The spring exhibit is an open theme to go along with the new open style gallery! This will be the first juried exhibit in the new gallery space inside the Plaza Tower. Continue reading Gallery Main Street Seeks Entrants for Spring Exhibit