KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Applications are now being accepted for Azalea Belle for next year’s l Azalea and Spring Flower Trail in Tyler. The opportunity is open to Smith County freshman and sophomore high school girls. They wear antebellum dresses throughout this three-weekend event, March 22 – April 7. They are used to promote Tyler, greet tourists, and pose for photographs. Applications are due January 30, 2019 and can be found online at http://www.visittyler.com/azaleatrail or at local high school counselor’s offices

LONGVIEW – Many people want to help the Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center during the holidays, but are not in a position to adopt an animal. So, the center, and Longview PAWS, is offering another way that anyone can support their dogs and cats. You are invited to adopt Charlie, a stuffed dog, or Lucy, a stuffed cat. For a minimum $50 donation to Longview PAWS, you can take one of these adorable lovable stuffed animals home for Christmas. All of the proceeds will go directly to enriching the lives of the shelter animals.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work throughout the district during the week of December 10. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct pavement repair operations on Farm Road 2015 at the junction of U.S. Highway 271. Crews will also conduct work on Farm Road 2908 just north of Farm Road 2767. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control at both locations. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects Update

LOS ANGELES – The Grammy Award nominations were released Friday morning. Two East Texas natives are on the list. Kacey Musgraves of Golden, Texas, received four nominations. Her album “Golden Hour” is nominated for Album of the Year and Best Country Album. A song she co-wrote, “Space Cowboy,” is nominated for Best Country song. She is also nominated for Best Country Solo Performance for “Butterflies.” Also nominated is Lee Ann Womack of Jacksonville. She is nominated in the Best Americana Album category for “The Lonely, the Lonesome and the Gone.” We will find out if the win February 10th

MABANK – One person was killed and one injured in a three vehicle accident in Van Zandt County. It occurred around 10:00 Thursday night on State Highway 198, five miles north of Mabank. Killed was Isiah Robertson Jr., 69, of Garland. He played for the Rams and the Bills in the 70s and early 80s and was a former two-time All-Pro linebacker. He founded a drug treatment program in Mabank called the House of Isaiah. The DPS says he was traveling at an unsafe speed on the wet road when he lost control of his vehicle. The limo was hit by a pickup. The limo was then hit by an oncoming car. The pickup’s driver, Aron Keith Green, 37, of Ben Wheeler. suffered minor injuries

TYLER – There is a new head today at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals. He is Jason Proctor. He becomes president of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospitals – Tyler, South Tyler and CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital – Tyler. In his new role, he will assume administrative control of the three hospital facilities and will oversee their operation. He make to transition as president after serving as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the hospitals since 2016. Proctor has more than a decade of operational leadership experience in both for-profit and not-for-profit health care.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a woman accused of embezzlement. She is Holly Leann Elliott, 42. She is wanted for theft of property valued at $30,000, but less than $150,000. She is accused of embezzling over $100,000 from a local business. Elliott is described as being 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighs around 115 pounds. She has blonde hair and brown eyes. If you know where she can be found, you are asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

TYLER — Police are still trying to learn what led to the death of Tyler man. Just before 3:00 Friday morning, officers found Mario Nicolas Guzman, 32. He was found with a gunshot wound near a door of a residence on Summit Avenue. Guzman was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with information about potential suspect(s) involved in this crime are urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833).

TYLER – The Rotary Christmas Parade was held in downtown Tyler on November 29th. It was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Tyler, South Tyler Rotary, and Sunrise Rotary. This year’s parade theme was, “Be the Inspiration.” Over 100 groups and individuals participated in this year’s parade. The winners selected in six categories were:
*Best Holiday Theme- At Home Healthcare
*Best Band – Tyler Junior College
*Brightest Entry – Hospitality Health ER
*Spirit Award – Vernon Rivers & Goldwings
*Most Creative – Kings Academy Christian School
*Best Decorated – Kindle Dental

TYLER – Tyler police have identified a suspect in a recent robbery. He is Gabriel Lamando Johnson, 41, of Flint. He is a suspect in the robbery of Razzoo’s, on South Broadway, that occurred on November 19. Investigators have obtained an arrest warrant for aggravated robbery and a bond was set at $1,000,000. Johnson has a lengthy criminal history and is currently out on parole. He is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have any information, please contact any law enforcement agency or Tyler Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833 with your information.

LONGVIEW – Due to the weather forecast, the annual Longview Christmas Parade has been rescheduled to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 11. The Longview Fire Department color guard will lead off the parade. There are bands and floats, numerous organizations, over 100 entries in all. And, of course, Santa Claus will be on hand. The parade starts at the intersection of Whaley at Green streets, heads west on Whaley Street, turns south onto Horaney Street and then east onto Methvin Street before ending back at North Third Street. Spectators are encouraged to bring their own food and beverages, but food trucks will be strategically located throughout the downtown area. Continue reading Area Christmas Parades Rescheduled

LINDALE – As the funeral for former president George Bush was being held, his Points of Light organization honored a family working with Mercy Ships, which is based in Garden Valley, in northwestern Smith County. According to a news release, Mercy Ships volunteer Dr. Gary Parker, his wife, Susan and their two children, of Seattle, received the Daily Point of Light Award. Dr. Parker is the chief medical officer abord the Africa Mercy. It is the world’s largest charity hospital ship. When Dr. Parker first volunteered, he thought it would be a 3 month task. Thirty one years later, Dr. Parker, and his wife, who he met on board, continue to provide help to those living without access to safe, timely and affordable surgical care. Continue reading A Point of Light Honor for a Mercy Ships Family

TROUP – The accident that killed a Troup man remains under investigation. Pronounced dead at the scene was Kevin Alexander Burleson, 37. The Department of Public Safety says his car was traveling at an unsafe speed when it left the road on a curve. The car went into a side way skid, hit a tree, and then rolled over. The accident occurred just before 4:45 Wednesday morning on County Road 2138, also known as Blackjack Road, four miles northwest of Troup.

TYLER – The 12th court of appeals in Tyler has upheld the conviction of a child predator from Cherokee County. In April of last year, Kevin Ray Morris Sr., of Jacksonville, was handed 11 life sentences. In addition to the life sentences stacked with 450 years in prison, the jury also assessed a $340,000 fine against Morris. Morris had been molesting, raping, and threatening numerous children who ranged in age from 4 to 16 for more than twenty years before being brought to justice. When he was sentenced, State District Judge Chris Day told him, “Mr. Morris, there is really no other way to put it, you are a monster.”

ATHENS — Some doctors in Texas say there’s a good and bad side to new pharmacy rules designed to prevent opioid abuse. The rules allow pharmacists to question the legitimacy of some prescriptions. Athens physician Dr. Doug Curran, president of the Texas Medical Association says that can cross the line. Curran adds, “And I do think it can be challenging sometimes whenever…you’re told, especially if you’re an orthopedic surgeon or you’re a physician who has to use pain medicines — and pharmacists are pushing back saying, ‘Well, I’m not gonna prescribe that many,’ or you can only prescribe seven days.” He says seven days with a broken hip or something like that isn’t going to work. He says they want to fix the opioid crisis, but not at the expense of patients in pain.

MARSHALL – A Marshall man, said to have been intoxicated, has been arrested for hitting a pedestrian. Charged with assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury was Aaron Callaway, 49. He was booked into the Harrison County Jail under a $50,000 bond. The accident occurred October 25 at the intersection of West Pinecrest Drive and Washington Avenue. The pedestrian, who had serious injuries, and Callaway, who was also injured, were taken to the hospital. Continue reading Man Arrested for Driving Drunk and Hitting a Pedestrian

TYLER – Church security and safety is the topic of a meeting scheduled in Tyler Thursday. The town hall meeting starts at 5:30pm at the Smith County R.B. Hubbard Facility, also know as The Hub, at 304 East Ferguson. A letter was sent to area churches about the meeting, but the public can also attend the free event. Conducting the meeting will be Precinct 4 Commissioner JoAnn Hampton; Precinct 1 Constable Bobby Garmon; and Gary Pinkerton, Director of Pre-Trial Release and Personal Bond Office.

TYLER – The Smith County Animal Shelter has started a dog blood donor program. Shelter dogs Casper, Allistar and Lane donated two units of blood and two units of plasma to save another dog’s life. They are now known as Hero Dogs. The Smith County Animal Control is partnering with Tyler Animal Emergency Clinic and Tyler Junior College Clinic Vet Tech Program in the project. Hero Dogs are approved by in depth testing to become a blood donor. The blood will supply the veterinarians in the area as they work to save animal’s lives. Approved Hero Dogs need to be available to donate blood for a minimum of four times a year. In return, they will received Heart-Guard heart-worm preventative medicine and rabies vaccinations for life. Continue reading Tyler’s Dog Blood Donors

GREGG COUNTY — Longview police arrested a woman Monday on suspicion of beating her 9-year-old son with an extension cord. According to the Longview News Journal and our news partner KETK, Alicia Denise Palmer, 25, of Longview, is free on bond after being charged with injury child/elderly/disabled person with intent to commit bodily injury. Palmer was arrested after an officer responded Monday evening to a convenience store on South Eastman Road. A naked boy said he ran away from his mother, who had beaten him. The boy sustained welts on his left arm and buttocks. The boy’s mother, Palmer, told police that she made him take off his clothes before she gave him a “lick” with an extension cord because he had gotten into trouble at school. Palmer also faces payment plans on warrants from Longview police for speeding 15 to 19 mph in a 30 mph zone and for no driver’s license.

TYLER – Tyler police are asking the public’s help in identifying an auto burglary suspect. He is said to have burglarized an auto at the Children’s Park on East Dobbs on Sunday. He then is said to have tried to use a stolen credit card at Walgreen’s to purchase a Visa gift card, but was declined. He was seen driving a 4-door white SUV. If you can identify this man, you are asked to contact Detective Tekell at 903-531-1046 or call Tyler Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER – Centerpoint Energy has closed the intersection at Sunnybrook Drive and Robertson Avenue in Tyler till 2:00 p.m. Wednesday to cap off a natural gas line at the bridge. Sunnybrook Drive will be closed to thru traffic between Old Jacksonville Highway and South Azalea Drive. Robertson Avenue will be closed to thru traffic between Powers Drive and Hamvasy Lane. All people who live in the work zone will be allowed access to their homes.

TYLER – The East Texas Communities Foundation is taking applications from East Texas students for scholarships to be awarded for the 2019-2020 academic year. There are a total of 64 scholarships that will be handed out. They range from $500 to $5,000. A student may apply for every scholarship for which they meet the eligibility guidelines. The deadline for submission varies, but it is clearly marked on the applications. All of the applications must be submitted online. You can go to https://etcf.org/scholarships for detailed eligibility criteria and links to the applications.

ATHENS – The Athens School District is considering going to a four day school week. School district employees learned about it during a district wide meeting Monday afternoon. In order to comply with the state’s requirements for a minimum number of instructional minutes during a school year, the instructional day would increase by 50 minutes. They have been studying a possible change for the past six months. This includes discussions with district leadership in other states that have implemented a four-day school week. District officials stress, this remains only a proposal at this time, and, if implemented, it would be launched as a three-year pilot program.

TYLER – A new constable has been appointed in Smith County for Precinct 2. Smith County commissioners have appointed Deputy Constable Josh Black, on the left in the picture, to the post. He is replacing Constable Andy Dunklin who is stepping down to become Justice of the Peace. He ran unopposed for the position in both the primary and the general election. He steps down as constable December 31st and takes over his new duties on January 1st. Black served briefly in the Texas State Guard before he worked at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, first in the jail and then on patrol. He became Dunklin’s deputy constable just over 4 years ago.

LONGVIEW — The U.S. Postal Service is investigating reports of vandalism at collection boxes in the Longview area. According to a postal inspection officer, it’s been going on for the past two weeks. As we told you last week, the White Oak Police Department reported that a box in front of the post office was broken into. According to our news partner KETK, the number of thefts is unknown at this time. Anyone convicted of mail theft faces a maximum of five years in prison per stolen item.

LONGVIEW – A man accused of a Friday shooting in Longview is in the Gregg County Jail. Justin Glenn Littrell, 29, of Longview is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Jail records show his bond is $50,000. He is charged with the early Friday morning shooting outside the Jaguars Gold Club on Estes Parkway. One man was wounded. Another man was injured after he rolled under a truck to keep from being shot. The driver drove off, not knowing someone was under his truck. Littrell was arrested Friday morning when he turned himself in at the police department.

TYLER – There is less than a week left in the Salvation Angel Tree program in Smith County. There are still a lot of angels on the tree. There are nearly 900 Angels remaining. In addition to the hundreds of Angels still in need of adoption, there are currently over 1,300 Angels needing to be returned by the deadline. Donors can adopt an Angel at the Broadway Square Mall, both Tyler Slim Chicken locations, Hideaway Country Club, Galaxy Vape Lounge and The Cotton Patch. The deadline to return the angels and their gifts is this Sunday at 6:00pm.

NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in East Texas in locating a wanted fugitive. He is Royce Earl Sessions 41, of Nacogdoches. Last week, Sessions is said to have forced his way into the residence of his estranged wife. She was able to get away and to seek help, but a man was stabbed. He remains hospitalized. If you know where Sessions can be found, you are asked to contact the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement agency.

TYLER – The Tyler Junior College Medical Laboratory Technology program has received accreditation for 10 years. That is the highest possible number of years awarded for continuing accreditation from the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The medical laboratory technology profession combines medicine and science. Technicians perform a variety of laboratory procedures in both public and private labs within the health care sector. According to TJC, the job outlook is favorable as the need for registered lab techs is projected to grow by 26% over the next 10 years. TJC’s program currently has a three-year average of 89% Board of Certification pass rate, a 95% graduation rate, and a 100% placement rate.