KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TROUP — The City of Troup took steps on Monday night towards getting a new park. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will dedicate half of $122,000 needed for improvements, with the Troup Community Development Corporation providing the other $61,000. The city held a groundbreaking ceremony with City officials and citizens on hand for the kick off. The new park will feature a new half court basketball court, picnic tables, a large children’s play feature, along with fencing and handicapped parking. Completion is projected in less than 90 days, depending on the weather.

TYLER — The city of Tyler needs your help. According to our news partner KETK, a community-wide building of a new playground is set for September 21 at Gassaway Park. The re-do is thanks to a grant from a national non-profit called “KaBOOM!” But the city needs volunteers to get the job done. Anyone is welcome, and there will be things for all ages and skill levels available. Officials say they’ll need at least 200 helpers that day, and you’ll also get fed. The playground build will happen rain or shine. Wear closed-toe shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

TYLER — A Canton man pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking on Monday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, Andrew Harris, 55, pled guilty to conspiracy possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Harris was stopped on a traffic violation in Van Zandt when police found 1.4 grams of methamphetamine, according to documents presented in court. Further investigation revealed Harris admitted to distributing between 50 and 200 grams of methamphetamine. Harris was indicted by a grand jury in May. Under federal law, Harris could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

KILGORE — The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College will host National Oil & Gas Industry Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Admission to the museum will be complimentary for anyone who works in the petroleum industry (and his or her family members). The event, set for 3-7 p.m., will begin with opening remarks by Dr. Brenda Kays, president of Kilgore College. An unveiling of the name of the oilfield worker in Boomtown, USA will take place, as well as family activities and door prizes. The ETOM is located at the corner of Hwy. 259 and Ross Ave. on the Kilgore campus. For updates or more information, visit http://easttexasoilmuseum.kilgore.edu or call 903-983-8295.

PALESTINE — Another East Texas community is now under a county wide burn ban. According to our news partner KETK, Anderson County Commissioners Court took the action to issuing the ban late Monday morning. The move comes in response to the recent heat and lack of rain across East Texas. This marks the 3rd county in less than a week to declare a burn ban. Last Tuesday, Henderson and Rusk counties both issued burn bans. Outside burning of any kind is prohibited.

CHAPEL HILL — Schools around the country are facing a bus driver shortage, including several ditricts in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, profesionals don’t have a specific reason for the drop in drivers, but they do point to job requirements as a possible reason. Drivers must have a C.D.L. license and a certificate, which takes 20 hours to complete and comes with a fee. However, districts like Chapel Hill offer to cover the cost. The district is also offering a $500 sign on bonus for new drivers. Continue reading Bus Driver Shortage in East Texas

TYLER — A plea has been accepted in the 7th District Court from a former Bishop Gorman men’s basketball assistant accused of attempting to sexually assault a UT Tyler student. According to our news partner KETK, Jakeal Lockett, 25, was charged with breaking into a women’s apartment and attempting to climb on top of her and kiss her without her consent. Lockett pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of burglary with intent to commit assault, which is a second-degree felony, instead of a first-degree. He now faces 2-20 years confinement, instead of 5 years to life. With the lesser charge, Lockett will not have to register as a sex offender. Continue reading Former Tyler Coach Pleads Guilty to Lesser Charge, Awaits Sentencing

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse ISD and the Whitehouse Police Department have determined a threat made against the high school was a prank. According to our news partner KETK, police confirmed Sunday night they were working to get to the bottom of a post that was being shared by students and parents. On Facebook, the school district said, “The post was determined to be a prank by a student not enrolled in WISD, in an attempt to bully that Whitehouse High School student…The district is safe and secure and the high school will follow its regular schedule on Monday, August 26th.” Over the weekend a student took to Snapchat to warn others not to attend class at Whitehouse High School Monday as a student threatened to open fire at school. Police were unwilling to share any other details on the investigation.

JACKSONVILLE — The city of Jacksonville is mourning the loss of Nichols Intermediate Assistant Principal, Elgin Johnson, who died at his home early Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, People left their condolences to the family on Jacksonville ISD’s Facebook page after they made the announcement Sunday. Mr. Johnson covered a variety of positions from teacher in 1998 at Robert E. Lee High School to Assistant Principal and Dean of Student Life. Johnson began serving as the Assistant Principal at Nichols Intermediate in 2017.

TYLER — Habitat for Humanity of Smith County is hosting a fundraiser at Tyler’s Walk On’s on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, 10 percent of lunch and dinner proceeds will go to Smith County Habitat for Humanity when you mention their name to a server. Walk Ons’ will honor the 10% donation of the ticket tomorrow from open to close, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Workforce Development-Continuing Education (WDCE) department recently announced its Texas Talent Connection (II) Grant has been extended to Jan. 31, 2020. This will allow the school to accept applications from qualified displaced workers wanting to take advantage of tuition-free classes in one of three industry areas. Certificates offered include Commercial Driving (CDL); Industrial and Residential Electrical Technology; and Human Resource Specialist. The $500,000 grant allows the training to be offerred at no charge. Continue reading Kilgore College Gifts Retraining to Qualified Apps

TYLER — Representatives from the Texas Veterans Commission visited the Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Tyler late last week to present grants from the TVC’s Fund for Veterans’ Assistance. According to our news partner KETK, the check delivered was nearly three quarters of a million dollars for 4 Veterans charities. The groups will receive varying amounts of the $725,000. The grants will assist those to continue providing services for over 500 Tyler area veterans. The funds support a wide range of services including housing, financial aid and mental health. Continue reading TVC Delivers Big Check to Local Charities

TYLER — On Friday morning, TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia led the College’s convocation in preparation for the 2019-2020 academic year. The session was described by attendees as upbeat, and setting an energetic tone for the College’s faculty and staff. Mejia laid out plans as the College works on its strategic plan, with faculty and staff working as “One TJC,” listing the strategic plan’s core values: unity, caring, integrity, empowering and excellence.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning to conduct a range of construction and maintenance work throughout the Tyler District during the weeks of August 26 and September 2. Summer seal coat operations have wrapped up, in the Tyler District. Striping and pavement marking operations will continue on roadways around the district for the next few weeks with an anticipated completion date in early October. Motorists are reminded to use caution during these mobile operations and through and all work zones. For complete Details for the Tyler District click the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/044-2019.html

TYLER — Urology Tyler, UT Health and AbbVie invite you to join them at the 2019 ZERO’s Heroes Breakfast. The breakfast will be from 8 to 10 Friday morning, September 6. The breakfast is free for you and one guest. You do need to RSVP, and can get more information by clicking the link. http://support.zerocancer.org/site/Calendar?id=100661&view=Detail. Continue reading ZERO to Partner with Urology Tyler, PA to End Prostate Cancer.

TYLER — The U.S. Postal Service is hosting a passport fair at the public library on Saturday at the Tyler Public Library. The passport will ensure U.S. citizens are prepared to travel internationally. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Appointments are not required, so individuals are encouraged to show up early, as applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until the applicant maximum capacity has been reached. Continue reading Passport Fair at Tyler Library

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Rangerettes have named their new officers following tryouts and the annual Rangerette Show-Offs. Fifteen sophomores vyed for five officer positions in front of a full house at Dodson Auditorium. The Rangerettes’ first performance will be during halftime of KC’s first football game tonight, Saturday, the 24th. Tyler Junior College will visit Kilgore. Kick off is set for 7pm. Continue reading Rangerettes Name New Officers for 2019-2020 School Year

TYLER — As part of the Tyler 1st comprehensive planning process, the City of Tyler is looking for input from residents on Downtown, Business and Economy, and Education. One way the city will be taking in feedback is at at a Public Open House at the Discovery Science Place Annex on Tuesday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Community members can also also provide input by leaving a comment at http://www.Tyler1st.org on the Resilient Economy and Regionalism meeting page. Continue reading City Seeking Input for Tyler 1st Plan

The City of Tyler’s Street Department will be cleaning and sweeping all major intersections, center medians and turn lanes on Highway 155 and Loop 323 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting on Aug. 25th through Aug. 29th. The city will have two sweepers and a four-person ground crew. The ground crew will be ahead of the sweepers, clearing debris and cutting weeds where needed. City of Tyler sweepers are well lit up, and the ground crew will have an arrow board warning traffic to stay to the right. The ground crew will be wearing highly reflective clothing.