KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Once again this summer, children and teens will be able to get a free bus ride to the Tyler Public Library. The free rides start Thursday and run through August 31st. Transit and transfer passes are free for children and teens up to age 18, only to and from the Library. Adult passes are $1 each. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, over 18, at all times. Throughout the summer months, the Library offers a multitude of free programs for all ages to coincide with its annual Summer Reading Club. Partnering with Tyler Transit enables more people to get involved in Library events and nurture lifelong literacy.

LONGVIEW – The cleanup continues around Longview in the wake of the weekend tornadoes. Damage was reported all over Gregg County with trees and power lines downed and some homes damaged. Power has not been completely restored and that means some traffic signals are still not working. Among the latest to arrive to help with the cleanup are volunteers with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief. A cleanup/recovery crew will help remove fallen trees that have damaged homes and blocked roadways in the Easton area.The Red Cross shelter remains open in Longview. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Drive.

TYLER – Tyler’s Mayfair Building got a historical marker during a Wednesday afternoon ceremony. The art deco structure was built in the 1920s. It was originally an opera house. Big bands performed there during the 30s. Over the years the Mayfair Building hosted boxing and wrestling, USO shows during World War II, gospel concerts and a large list of well known entertainers, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Big Bopper, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Dolly Parton. The ceremony kicked off the Friends of the Mayfair fundraising effort to restore the building.

LONGVIEW – The City of Longview and the American Red Cross are continuing to operate an emergency shelter in the wake of severe weather that knocked out power n the area. The Shelter, which opened Monday night, will remain open as long as needed. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Drive. The shelter has cots and blankets. Showers are available, but you will need to bring soap, shampoo, and a towel. Also, remember to bring any medications or medical equipment if necessary. The Red Cross says anyone affected by the storms may also call its 24-hour dispatch number, 866-505-4801. Continue reading Cleanup Continues Following Longview’s Weekend Storm

SMITH COUNTY — The Department of Public Safety has released the identity of the victim in a one-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon. Troopers responded to the crash on Farm-To-Market Road 279, six miles west of Tyler, around 2:00 Tuesday afternoon. The DPS report said the driver, identified as Austynne Brooke Roberts, 21, Murchison, was traveling west on FM 279 when the vehicle went off the roadway to the right. Roberts apparently over-corrected and struck a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

LONGVIEW – One person has been killed when his motorcycle struck the rear of an SUV in Gregg County. Killed was Jabre Cardero Alexander, 30, of Longview. He was pronounced dead at a Longview hospital. Witnesses say the motorcycle had been traveling at a high speed prior to the crash. The accident occurred around 7:30 Monday night on Farm Road 1844, about a mile north Longview. No one in the SUV was injured.

EAST TEXAS — UT Tyler’s Longview University Center will reopen Wednesday after being closed Tuesday due to a power outage. Officials say power has been restored and classes will be held Wednesday as scheduled. The National Weather Service survey team in Longview has determined two tornadoes, including an EF-1, hit the city and surrounding areas on Sunday — just part of the widespread storm activity that struck the area late in the day. KETK reports that with an EF-1 tornado, damage is considered moderate — including significant roof damage, windows broken, exterior doors damaged or lost, and mobile homes overturned or badly damaged. Continue reading Longview University Center Reopens

LONGVIEW – Longview’s emergency warning sirens are scheduled to be tested at noon on Wednesday. Each of the city’s 20 sirens will be tested and individually observed to ensure that all sirens are working properly. Fire Chief J.P. Steelman said last Sunday the sirens were activated after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southeastern Gregg County. According to Steelman, “We’ve received reports from some residents that they heard the sirens while other residents have said they didn’t hear the sirens. Due to some electrical issues caused by power surges during the storm, we are unable to conclusively determine from our normal electronic report whether every siren sounded properly on Sunday evening.” So, with the possibility of strong thunderstorms again this weekend, they felt it would be best to do an additional test of the siren system to make sure everything is functioning properly. Continue reading A Test of Longview’s Emergency Sirens

TYLER – Smith County Constable Andy Dunklin has been presented the with the “Excellence in Action Award.” The presentation came at Tuesday’s Smith County Commissioners’ court session. The award stemmed from quick action, spearheaded by Dunklin, in finding a missing four year old girl earlier this month. The youngster had wandered away from her grandmother’s home on Lake Placid. Lilly-Anne was found over half a mile away, safe and unharmed. Continue reading Smith County Constable Honored

MARSHALL – Marslall police are looking for several theft suspects. Two of them tried to stal and ATM machine. It happened around 5:00am on May 19th, at the EZ Mart on West Pinecrest Drive. The vehicle the men used was stolen. It has since been recovered and returned to the owner. Continue reading Marshall Theft Suspects Sought

TYLER – In an appearance in Tyler federal court, two East Texas men have pleaded guilty to drug violations.Saihaine Nijel Freeman, 23, of Longview (pictured) and Quentin Leonta Brown, 40, of Gilmer entered the pleas Tuesday before U.S Magistrate Judge Nicole Mitchell. Both were indicted by a federal grand jury in February. Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. He also pled guilty to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Freeman pleaded guilty to to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Both could get up to 40 years in prison at a future sentencing hearing.

TATUM — The City of Tatum remains in the dark following Sunday’s severe weather. A fire department member told KTBB Tuesday that the problem still hadn’t been resolved. According to KETK, Tatum fire crews responded to numerous reports of downed trees. Trees are said to have fallen on at least six houses. Mayor Phillip Corey is asking residents to conserve water until further notice. The city has also set up an emergency operation center at the fire station in Tatum. Anyone needing assistance is asked to contact the Tatum Fire Department.

MALAKOFF – A Henderson County student has graduated with a special distinction. Cross Roads High School senior Julie Rogers has graduated with perfect attendance. And not just for her senior year. According to the district’s Facebook page, Julie has not missed a day of school from kindergarten through 12th grade, a total of 13 years. She was recently recognized for her achievement at the school’s awards ceremony. The school’s homecoming queen finished 5th in her class.

MARSHALL — There was a serious blow to public safety service due to weekend storm activity in East Texas. The storm was so strong that it knocked out 9-1-1 service to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall Police Department, and six other law enforcement agencies. Lt. Jay Webb says, “A T-1 line had gone down and became the problem. When the T-1 line went down, of course, everything went with it.” Webb said Harrison County sent a dayshift dispatcher to Marion County Monday to assist with call volume until the service was restored around 3:00 Monday afternoon. Harrison County officials plan to meet soon to determine a way to keep this from ever happening again.

TYLER – Smith County Commissioners learned about the community of Arp during Tuesday’s commissioners’ court session. Mayor Terry Lowry, whose father also served as mayor, gave a brief presentation about the history of Arp, which was established in the 1860s. His grandfather, Cleve, was one of the founding fathers of Arp and owned about half of the town. After the nearby community of Omen rejected the railroad coming in, Arp became a railroad community and began to grow. According to Lowery, there are now 22 businesses in Arp, and about 1,000 students attending schools in the Arp School District. Mayor Lower told the commissioners, “We’ve got a good community. The school system, I will admit, is second to none.” Continue reading Arp Highlighted Before Smith County Commissioners

EAST TEXAS — The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Memorial Day weekend accidental shooting that claimed the life of Cass County resident and former Marshall firefighter Danny Duncan. According to KETK, Sheriff David McKnight said the incident occurred early Saturday morning as Duncan and some relatives were boating on the Little Cypress River. According to the preliminary investigation, Sandy Duncan, the cousin of the 43-year-old victim, was shooting at a snake, when he laid the gun down and it went off, hitting Danny Duncan. “It was a single gunshot wound,” said McKnight. Continue reading Former Marshall Firefighter Killed by Gunshot

EAST TEXAS — Thousands of residents in and around the Longview area are still without power following severe storms over the weekend. As of 8:00 Monday night, SWEPCO has been able to restore power to 57,000 customers, more than half of the customers who lost electric service due to Sunday’s storm. Approximately 45,600 customers remain without power. Sunday night’s storm packed winds of up to 60 miles per hour and downed power lines and trees across East Texas. An EF-1 tornado was confirmed in the Longview area. More than 421 men and women are working to restore power to SWEPCO customers in the Ark-La-Tex. The estimated restoration times below tell when the company expects to have power restored to 95 percent of customers in an area. Power may be restored prior to their estimate. Continue reading Thousands without Power Following Sunday’s Storms

LONGVIEW — Since many residents are without power, the City of Longview and the American Red Cross opened an emergency shelter Monday night. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Dr. The shelter has cots and blankets available for those in need. Showers are available, but you will need to bring soap, shampoo, and a towel. Also, remember to bring any medications or medical equipment if necessary. The shelter will be open to anyone without power. The Red Cross says anyone affected by the storms may also call its 24-hour dispatch number, 866-505-4801.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in TxDOT’S Tyler District during the Week of May 29. Work will resume Tuesday, May 30, following the Memorial Day holiday. As for I-20, work will resume on Wednesday, May 31. These 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.

Smith County – Tyler Maintenance will be performing base repairs on FM 14 south of the Sabine River. A second crew will conduct spot seal operations starting on SH 110N then continuing on FM 849 and FM 857. Expect lane closures at both work locations with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith wants to make sure we remember what Memorial Day is all about — honoring those who have given their lives in the service of their country. Smith took the podium Monday at the annual Memorial Day service at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery. The sheriff also hopes those who have made the ultimate sacrifice will be remembered each day — not just one day a year. And he tipped his hat to surviving veterans of America’s armed services.

LONGVIEW — A hunter arrested a year ago on a poaching charge pleaded guilty Friday and was sentenced to probation and a hefty state financial penalty. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Phillip Dale Summerfield, 39, of Big Sandy was indicted in April. He was accused of killing white-tailed deer on land owned by Kilgore civic leader Randy Brogoitti and former Gregg County Judge Mickey Smith in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Assistant Gregg County District Attorney Tanya Reed said part of Summerfield’s probation prevents him from hunting in Texas for two years. Summerfield also must pay the state $10,790 in restitution. The fine goes to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, rather than the landowners, because the state is considered the owner of wildlife roaming its fields and forests, Reed said. Continue reading Poacher Gets Probation, Must Pay Restitution

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is investigating after woman was hit by a vehicle and killed early Monday morning. According to KETK, it happened just after midnight. Dolores Reese, 77, of Longview, was standing in the inside lane of traffic in the 5700 block of West Marshall Avenue when she was hit by a vehicle heading west. Police say the weather was not a factor in the accident.

LONGVIEW — Due to recent storms, the City of Longview Sanitation Division reminds residential sanitation customers that Bulky Item collection is available for collection of yard debris. Residents can call Sanitation at 903-237-1250 to schedule a pick-up. Residents may also take debris to the Compost Site located at 2020 Swinging Bridge Rd. The Compost Site is not open Monday, May 29, but will be open Tuesday, May 30. Please bring a current water bill to the Compost Site to show as proof as customer. Citizens are reminded to follow these simple yard debris guidelines. Continue reading Bulky Item Pickup for Longview Storm Debris

TYLER — A number of observances are planned around East Texas this Memorial Day. One of the events is an 11:00 a.m. service at the Field of Honor at Tyler Memorial Park on State Highway 64 West. Guest speakers will be Sheriff Larry Smith and Rev. Mike Ford. There will be patriotic songs, rifle salutes, and bagpipes, and Taps will be played. Refreshments will be served. All veterans and the general public are encouraged to attend. Continue reading East Texans Observe Memorial Day

TYLER — CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System reports big results from its Food Collection to benefit the St. Paul Children’s Foundation. Officials announced over 2,000 pounds of food was collected and delivered to the foundation’s food pantry at the end of last week. This is an annual event/challenge that bested last year’s total by 700 pounds. The CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Cardiology team collected the most items — 1,104. Pictured are nurses from Education, CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Cardiology, and the Observation Care Center, along with staff from Integrated Services.

BEN WHEELER — To help raise funds for victims of the tornadoes that ripped through Van Zandt County April 29, a benefit concert is taking place from 12:30 p.m. to midnight today at The Pickin’ Porch Park in historic downtown Ben Wheeler. The Van Zandt County Twister Relief Concert features a long list of talented musicians who are stepping forward to donate their time to the cause. Confirmed performers include Neal McCoy, Jeff Allen, the Wesley Pruitt Band, Will Burgin, Clay Thrash, Austin Layne, Heather Little, Meredith Crawford, Seek the Peace, Buddy and the Flashbacks, Diamondback TX, Chad Bennett, TuTu Jones, and blacktopGYPSY. Continue reading Van Zandt County Twister Relief Concert

TYLER – With summer approaching, the Tyler Fire Department and several other agencies re-grouped Friday to finalize the draft for their 2017 Heat Response Plan. KETK reports it’s nothing new, but they continue to meet each year to make sure the public is informed properly. “It’s not uncommon to hear about heat related injuries, of course, and illnesses — but also, unfortunately, deaths,” said Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley. “Also tied to that, the incidents of children in vehicles.” Findley points to “some startling statistics on how hot it can get inside of an enclosed vehicle.” Their drafted plan shows if the outside temperature is 95 degrees, within an hour the interior air temperature of a car is around 140 degrees. Continue reading Officials Prepare for East Texas Heat

LONGVIEW – The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a theft suspect. The theft occurred on Wednesday at Texas Best Smokehouse on Eastman Road. The man in the pictures is suspected of taking a Husqvarna Backpack Blower. If you can supply information about the man, you are asked to contact Lieutenant Hope at 903-234-3118, Gregg County Crime stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867), or greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

TYLER – A man accused of robbing Rotolos Pizza in Tyler last December will be spending a long time in prison. Freddy Lee Criss, 55, was sentenced Friday by state District Judge Jack Skeen to 6 life prison sentences. He had pleaded guilty to five counts of aggravated robbery and one count of evading arrest. As officers arrived at the restaurant, they saw his vehicle leaving. A chase followed. It ended when Criss wrecked on South Broadway at Loop 49. He then tried to flee on foot, but was arrested after a short chase. Criss has a criminal history spanning over three decades, including bank robbery. In July of 2009, Criss pleaded guilty to the April 2009, robbery of the First National Bank of Emory. He was out of prison on supervised release in the federal bank robbery case when he robbed the Tyler business.