KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department will be participating in the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt safety campaign. Police say officers will be watching to make sure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained with a seat belt over the Memorial Day holiday. Statistics show wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying in a crash by 45%. The program will start Monday, May 23, and will run thru Sunday, June 5. Click here to learn more.

KILGORE – A child was hospitalized after they were hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, the Kilgore Police Department said. According to our news partner KETK, the driver failed to stop and render aid. Luckily, others stopped to assist. According to Kilgore PD, a friend of the bike rider gave police officers details of what happened and they were able to find a vehicle that matched the description at a nearby apartment complex. “No matter who’s fault it may or may not be, you are required to stop and render aid,” Kilgore PD said in a Facebook post. “Always call 911 to report it and summons assistance. Even if you aren’t at fault, but don’t summons aid you may be charged with a crime.”

TYLER — The Tyler man who was charged with intoxicated manslaughter in a wreck that killed a Tyler Legacy high school senior has been indicted. According to our news partner KETK, Jason Charles, 24, was indicted by a Smith County grand jury on March 24 on the charge of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle. Charles was originally charged on Jan. 14 in the death of Lily Thornburgh after she succumbed to her injuries in a late-night wreck on Broadway Ave. She was just shy of 18.

PALESTINE — East Texas nonprofits are struggling to stay afloat in today’s sluggish economy. According to our news partner KETK, the Tri-County Meals on Wheels in Palestine previously received $2,000-$3,000 per month in donations and now they only get about $1,000 per month. The organization serves Anderson, Cherokee and Rusk counties. The community fears the program is going to close because of the significant decrease in funding. They are having to pull money from other places within the ministry and reach out to city officials for help. “We have the gas that’s increasing, the food prices increasing, everything is increasing except the funding sources,” said Executive Director Ruby Taylor. “I decided to compose a letter and send it to each county judge, letting them know of our need.” Tri-County Meals on Wheels has lost nearly $85,000 in local funding due to the effects of the pandemic. Some of the people they serve, solely depend on Meals on Wheels to eat everyday. The program does get government funding but that only accounts for 43%, the rest is on them so they are asking for help from the community.

TYLER — Smith County Road 289, south of New Chapel Hill, is back open to traffic after a two-month bridge replacement project. According to a news release, CR 289, also known as Wolfe Lane, now has a new, wider concrete bridge with railing. The bridge project is part of a federal program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation. Smith County Engineer Frank Davis said the County is only required to pay about five percent of the project. Davis said under the same construction contract, a wooden bridge on CR 2110 will also be replaced with a concrete bridge. That project, east of Arp, will begin this coming week and is expected to last about three months. CR 2110 will be closed during the construction project and detour signs will be placed in the area.

TYLER — Leadership Tyler has selected Wendy Frizzell as its new executive director. Leadership Tyler is a non-profit organization whose stated goal is equipping leaders to enrich the Tyler community. Frizzell was a member of Leadership Tyler’s Core Program Class 31. According to a news release, she has an extensive background in marketing and development in the non-profit and healthcare industries. Frizzell will assume the role on May 23. She will be responsible for the planning and management of Leadership Tyler’s three programs and oversee all other operations of the organization. You can learn more about Leadership Tyler here.

LONGVIEW — Gov. Greg Abbott will highlight a community-wide Memorial Day event May 30 at Teague Park in Longview. The City of Longview, Gregg County, and the Boy Scout Troop 201 Alumni Foundation will host what’s termed A Day of Thanks and Remembrance. The event will include a main ceremony featuring Abbott, a flag retirement ceremony, free lunch, and more. The main ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Military and law enforcement recruiters will be on hand, and there will be opportunities for COVID vaccinations and blood pressure checks. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair and umbrella and can spend time exploring the park’s Veterans Memorial Plaza. Click here for more details.

TYLER — The Smith County District Attorney’s Office reports 18-year-old Ernesto Castellon of Tyler was handed four life sentences for an incident in which an officer was injured. Castellon was caught in an East Texas Anti-Gang Center operation that included the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the Tyler Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and other agencies. Officials say Castellon sold narcotics and automatic weapons to an undercover officer and then tried to flee, causing the injury. Castellon was charged with manufacture/delivery of multiple controlled substances, weapons trafficking, and aggravated assault on a peace officer.

LONGVIEW – Authorities say a man was arrested and jailed after leading police on a pursuit that allegedly damaged their vehicles. That’s according to our news partner KETK. 37-year-old Kelvin Earl Smith Jr. is charged with evading arrest in a vehicle, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of dangerous drugs, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. At around 6:10 a.m. Thursday, Longview police officers responded to a welfare check call for service in the roadway of H.G. Mosley Parkway near Loring Lane. Upon arrival, officers found a car stopped at a traffic signal for several minutes and the driver “appeared to the passed out,” according to a press release. Smith allegedly led officers on a short pursuit in which two police vehicles were damaged, as well as the suspect’s vehicle.

TYLER – A Smith County judge denied a request Thursday morning from Pct. 1 Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris to reduce his bond. According to our news partner KETK, that’s after Harris was re-arrested while awaiting trial for charges of felony theft by a public servant and misdemeanor public oppression. 241st District Judge Jack Skeen denied Traylor-Harris’ motions to reduce the two $500,000 bonds down to between $20,000 and $30,000. Harris was arrested last week after a video on a Youtube live stream showed him at a graduation in full uniform with his weapon. Conditions of his bond include an order that he cannot possess a firearm, explosive, ammunition or deadly weapon. He would now have to post a $1 million bond to be released again. His next court date is July 7 when he must decide on a plea.

LINDALE – Special Agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted an online solicitation of prostitution operation Tuesday and Wednesday that led to the arrest of eight. Defendants include Jason Wilhelm Veihl, 45, of Canton; Jeffrey Alan Watts, 64, of Tyler; Chaminda P Alwis, 53, of Tyler; Allen Ronald Johnson Jr, 44, of Lindale;David Balderas, 32, of Tyler; Leonardo Hernandez Rodriguez, 23, of Lovington, NM; Ryan Craig Burgess, 30, of Lindale; and Chester Ray Webb, 32, of Tyler. Investigators with the Smith County TAG (Texas Anti-Gang Unit) assisted in the investigation and apprehensions, according to officials.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A man was sentenced to 99 years in prison in Upshur County. On Tuesday, a jury of five men and seven women found Taylor guilty of retaliation against a witness from Jan. 2021, according to our news partner KETK. Charles Lance Taylor, 45, broke into the house of a woman that he previously dated on June 23, 2020 and assaulted and strangled her, according to Upshur County District Attorney, Billy W. Byrd. “The assault was so bad it required the victim to be hospitalized for a brain bleed,” said Byrd. Continue reading Upshur County man sentenced to 99 years for threatening victim

SMITH COUNTY — A 35-year-old man who had special needs died in a house fire Wednesday night, according to Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks. The victim has been identified as Jack McKenzie Ross. Our news partner KETK reports the fire started around 8:00 p.m. on County Road 1113. 26-year-old firefighter Cameron Franks was taken to the hospital for observation after being injured by a power line on the scene but has since been released. No one else was injured in the fire. The Smith County, Noonday and Red Springs Fire Departments assisted with the fire. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Officials are asking the community to pray for the family affected by this tragic fire.

TYLER – Phillip Hayes, the lead defense attorney for convicted murderer and former CHRISTUS nurse William Davis, has been indicted for allegedly trying to solicit a prostitute during the month-long trial. Hayes will go before 7th District Judge Kerry Russell next week to enter a plea. He was arrested in November days after the high-profile Tyler trial concluded. According to our news partner KETK, Davis was found guilty and sentenced to death for killing patients at the hospital where he worked as a nurse.

ANGELINA COUNTY — One woman has been released after a man was shot several times early Wednesday morning in Deep East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, Diboll Police were called to a home on the 500 block of N. 3rd Street, a neighborhood just off Highway 59. When officers arrived, they found a Hispanic male who “had been shot several times during a domestic dispute,” according to a release from the department. The victim’s name was not released, but investigators said he was approximately 30 years old. The suspect was identified as Cynthia Zamora Ramos. She has been charged with aggravated assault-family violence and was initially held at the Angelina County Jail before her release per a judge’s order.

TYLER — As part of National Police Week, Smith County holds its annual Peace Officer Memorial Service on Tyler’s downtown square. Tyler Police Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh told KTBB, “It’s very important to remember those who have given their lives in the service of the communities that they serve. He says law officers “want to make a difference” — and when they are killed doing their jobs, “it’s important that we remember why they died… and these kind of services are just a reminder that these were men and women who just entered a life of service and, doing that, lost their lives.” The event was one of numerous such remembrances being held this week around East Texas and across the country.

TYLER – The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Wednesday announced its partnership with the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) to provide improved billing and customer service systems for Toll 49 customers, according to a news release. NET RMA points to NTTA’s customer service rating of 95.4%. The initial transition was made May 5. As part of the remaining transition, officials say over the coming months, NET RMA is also installing new tolling equipment on Toll 49 to improve scanning and billing efficiency. Continue reading New provider for Toll 49 billing, customer service

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler Tuesday formally announced the 2022 edition of Mistletoe and Magic, its biggest fundraiser. The annual holiday shopping market and gala will be held November 30 through December 3 at the Rose Garden Center. According to our news partner KETK, the location was chosen due to the construction of a new facility at the former site of the event’s traditional venue, Harvey Convention Center. “This year we did not pick a theme. My goal is to raise awareness for the mission of the Junior League of Tyler and what Mistletoe and Magic is, and support our partner agencies,” said Lindsey Adams, 2022 Mistletoe & Magic chair. The Junior League also announced it’s awarding $171,918 in grants and thousands of volunteer hours to 12 nonprofits and three community projects.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court has approved using a portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funding to purchase police pursuit, emergency, and public safety vehicles for several county departments. ARPA funding was given to Smith County by the U.S. Department of Treasury as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. The purchases will include one grapple truck and four dump trucks for the Smith County Road and Bridge Department, one truck for the Fire Marshal’s Office, and 38 law enforcement Chevrolet Tahoes. Officials cite a supply shortage with law enforcement vehicles and saving taxpayer dollars locally by using federal money. Click here for further information.

MILLARD COUNTY, Utah – The body of a missing Longview man was found in a Utah desert, officials confirmed. According to our news partner KETK, the Millard County Sheriff’s Office reports 21-year-old Jonathan Barrett Brantley’s vehicle was found in the west desert of the county in April. His cellphone had been left in the vehicle. Officials reported finding a body in the Notch Peak area on April 28 near where the truck was found. They posted again on May 12 to confirm the remains belonged to Brantley. Though they positively confirmed the identity, Brantley’s cause of death has not yet been determined. In a news release, the Millard County Sheriff’s Office expressed its “deepest condolences” and thanked those who helped in the search.

MARSHALL — An East Texas native has been named as the doctor who heroically charged the California church shooter Sunday, sacrificing his life to save others. The doctor killed in Sunday’s shooting has been identified as a former Marshall High School graduate, class of 1987. doctor John Cheng is being called a hero for giving his life to stop the gunman who opened fire at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes says Dr. Cheng was killed charging the gunman, giving others time to jump in and disarm the killer and hold him for police. Continue reading Marshall graduate killed in California church shooting

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler will kick off its largest fundraiser, Mistletoe and Magic, on Tuesday, May 17, at 7 p.m. at Willow Brook Country Club. Organizers say the kickoff will include unveiling the 2022 event theme and setting fundraising goals for the year. According to a news release, Mistletoe & Magic raises vital funds that financially support over 20 local nonprofit agencies and community programs. The three-day holiday gift market in December will be held at the Tyler Rose Garden Center and will feature more than 50 specialty merchants from around the nation as well as special events, a brunch, and other exciting entertainment, according to the release.

KYIV, Ukraine (FOX/Staff) – Paul Grey was born in Tyler and is a graduate of the University of Texas. He’s a U.S Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient now on the frontline in the war in Ukraine. He served two duties in Iraq with the 101st airborne division, which prepared him for his current situation. According to our news partner KETK, Grey was living in Ukraine where he owns and operates a gymnasium when the invasion began. He recently had to shut it down about a month ago due to the crisis. With his business closed he had the choice to leave or stay, but he decided to stay. Continue reading Ukraine allies are many, including a Tyler volunteer

TYLER – Shortages in the supply of baby formula are leading new moms to find other ways of finding the much-needed item – and risking themselves to potential online scams. The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas is helping get the word out. According to the 2021 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, online shopping scams are the riskiest. An ad, post, or social media group posts they have baby formula available. The buyer contacts the seller and makes a payment through a peer-to-peer platform such as PayPal or Venmo — both BBB accredited — but the formula never arrives. Click here to learn more about the scams — and how you can avoid becoming a victim.

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on Spur 124 near SH 31. The crew will then move to FM 15 for base failure work the rest of the week. Flaggers will control traffic at both locations. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be on FM 449 conducting pavement widening. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — The latest Dallas Morning News, UT Tyler Poll shows a close Governor’s race here in Texas. The poll shows Governor Abbott still leading his Democratic Opponent Beto O’Rourke by 7 points. However, the poll finds voters, by a very slim margin, trust Beto more than they trust the Governor. The poll also shows most Texans, 55%, support Governor Abbott’s decision to spend billions on “Operation Lone Star Program” his border security plan that’s deployed hundreds of law officers and Texas military members to help slow illegal immigration.

TYLER — Golden Road in Tyler will be closed at Debby Drive from May 16 through May 23 while contractors install water and sewer lines under the roadway for a new development. Northbound traffic will detour onto Neeley Street, then Terrance Lane and to Sterling Drive to go back to Golden Road. Southbound traffic will detour onto Sterling Drive, then Terrance Lane and to Neeley Street to go back to Golden Road. Motorists are asked to use caution while driving in the area and to obey all detours and traffic signs.

LONGVIEW — Longview’s Greenwood Cemetery will be closed for several days beginning Monday, May 16, while crews remove a tree from the property. Due to the size and location of the tree, it is estimated work will take about four days to complete and will block the entrance to the cemetery. The tree is being removed to prevent potential damage to the grave markers and monuments surrounding it, according to a news release. Crews plan to leave a portion of the trunk of the tree which will be carved into a monument or statue at a later date. Right-of-Way Supervisor Amanda Ellsworth is the point of contact for this project and can be reached at 903-237-1291.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) announces that nominations are now being accepted for the 2022 W.T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. According to press materials, this 23rd annual award will honor an individual or organization exemplifying the concept of public health distinguished by dedication to the goal of protecting and promoting the health of the community. The nominee does not need to be a public health professional. Services provided by the nominee may be in the area of civic, cultural, health, welfare, religious, or philanthropic endeavors. All nominations must be physically received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 20. Click here for more information.