KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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.

KILGORE — A 21-year-old woman was arrested Saturday by the Kilgore Police Department for an alleged improper relationship between a student and an educator. Monica Sanchez of Kilgore was charged with three counts of improper relationship between an educator and a student and was also charged with assault causing bodily injury as well as sexual assault, according to judicial records. According to our news partner KETK, Sanchez was booked on Saturday with $26,000 worth of bonds. Kilgore ISD’s website shows that Sanchez was employed by KISD as an ESL aide.

TYLER — Early voting for the May 24 primary runoff election begins Monday, May 16. Early voting will be held from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, May 16-20. There will be five early voting locations throughout Smith County: the HUB in Tyler, the Tyler Heritage Building, Lindale Masonic Lodge, Noonday Community Center, and Whitehouse United Methodist Church. The election includes a Republican runoff in the Constable Precinct 2 race, several runoffs for Democratic and Republican precinct chairs, and several statewide runoffs for the Republican and Democratic primaries. Click here for more details.

LONGVIEW – A new beer garden and outdoor sports complex is causing controversy in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, a proposal for the business said it was expected to be built right off Bill Owens Pkwy., near the Paul Boorman trails. After hearing from several residents, city council unanimously voted to rezone the area from multi-family to general retail. But just hundreds of feet both north and south of the potential business are residential areas. Some say the development would be great to help the city grow economically and socially. But others are worried that the business will create light and sound pollution to those living near the area. The business will have to abide by certain requirements. Construction can now begin, but it is unknown when owners will decide to break ground.

TYLER – A Tyler man pleaded guilty Thursday to murder in the 2019 death of another man, who was stabbed 22 times. According to our news partner KETK, Humberto Lauro Leal, 42, is expected to be sentenced May 16. A Smith County detective found Luis Rene Maruffo-Castaneda in the driver seat of a car. He was dead and covered in blood. Officials interviewed Leal, who said he stabbed Castaneda in self-defense. Leal was shot in his lower abdomen and was taken to UT Health East Texas. When he was first interviewed, Leal said he stabbed Castaneda four times and that Castaneda was standing when he fired the gun, but this did not match what officials discovered. Leal later told officials the men were arguing earlier that day at a different place. They had also had a fight six months before the murder.

TYLER – Smith County Precinct 1 Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris was placed back into the Smith County Jail for allegedly violating his bond, records show. According to our news partner KETK, online judicial records indicate Traylor-Harris was arrested by the Smith County Adult Probation Office, and was booked on Friday on a $500,000 bond. According to a bond violation report, Traylor-Harris was seen on a YouTube livestream on May 10 for the 2022 Police Academy Graduation for Navarro College. A supervisor with Smith County watched the video, which officials say shows Traylor-Harris receiving his diploma in full uniform and in possession of his weapon. Continue reading Graduation video leads to arrest of constable for alleged bond violation

TYLER — A well-known East Texas pastor accused of taking a significant amount of property from an elderly couple now has a trial date of August 15. According to our news partner KETK, Rev. Dr. Jerome Milton is charged with theft of property worth more than $30,000 and less than $150,000. A probable cause affidavit states that Milton was caring for and had power of attorney for the couple. Milton has been out of jail since Oct. 22, according to records. Among other things, Milton took the lead in originating Tyler’s annual downtown Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration and had a highly successful career as a coach and dean at Bishop Gorman High School.

TYLER — East Texas and the rest of the country will take part as the National Association of Letter Carriers conducts its annual national food drive Saturday, May 14. Officials say the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, the country’s largest one-day food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need. Customers simply leave their donation of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox on Saturday. Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food banks, pantries, shelters and churches. Donations collected locally go to the East Texas Food Bank. You can click this link for more details.

NEW ORLEANS — Texans now have a way of getting back on social media giants, like Facebook and Twitter, after being banned for voicing unpopular viewpoints. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has re-instated the new law, that was blocked by a lower court back in December. State Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola sponsored the new social media law. He says, “If a site does block or restrict a user based on viewpoint, the user can file suit against the site to get back online — and the site has to pay the user’s attorney’s fees.” Industry trade groups call the law an assault on the first amendment, and constitutionally rotten from top to bottom.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man has been indicted on a murder charge in a case in which the victim ended up recording his own death during a fight. According to our news partner KETK, 49-year-old Michael Ralston (pictured) was arrested March 19 for the killing of housemate Eric Wynns, 44. Two neighbors told investigators that Ralston and Wynns were having an ongoing “noise feud,” where they were both being “intentionally being loud to annoy each other.” A housemate told police that both were also hearing impaired, with Ralston being called the “Deaf Dragon.” After the shooting, police found Wynns’ cell phone next to his body, which was still recording. Several clips from earlier that night were also saved on the device. Ralston is being held in the Gregg County Jail and is still awaiting his next court appearance.

CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill ISD Student Services has partnered with Goodside Health to bring on-demand telehealth services to the high school and junior high. According to a news release, the pilot program is currently being offered only at those campuses with hopes of offering it to Kissam Intermediate, Jackson Elementary, and Wise Elementary students in the future. Through the partnership and with parent consent, students can be tested and treated for strep, flu, and COVID-19, as well as sore throat, headache, skin rash, pink eye, upset stomach, and the common cold. Goodside Health even allows children to receive age-appropriate mental health screenings with parental consent. Continue reading CHISD launches telehealth pilot program with Goodside Health

GILMER — The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the opening of five Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Texas, including one in Gilmer, to meet the needs of those affected by severe storms and tornadoes March 21. Officials say SBA customer service representatives will be on hand to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help each individual complete their electronic loan application. No appointment is necessary. The Gilmer center will be located on the third floor of the Upshur County Courthouse, on West Tyler Street, in the Old Commissioners Meeting Room. It will be open as of 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 13. It will be available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 26. Click here for more information.

WINNSBORO — Dozens of people in Winnsboro are frustrated. They say a chicken fertilizer plant regularly lets out plumes of smoke causing people to feel unsafe outside. According to our news partner KETK, the Wood County courthouse was packed with Winnsboro residents focused on one thing, fighting for the health of their community. One resident said their COPD has become worse and that they are having a hard time breathing. “It makes me so sick, so I can’t even enjoy outside because the smell is so strong,” said a resident. According to attorneys, the toxic fumes have been coming from the Texas Sigma Partners plant for almost a year, leading to a lawsuit. Continue reading Fertilizer plant temporarily shut down after residents voice concerns

AUSTIN — Continuing to reflect a statewide and local trend, Tyler and Longview both show increases in sales tax allocations for May as announced Wednesday by the state comptroller’s office. Tyler’s monthly figure is $5,433,751.90, up from $5,332,564.37 a year ago. For the year to date, Tyler has amassed $24,790,993.92, up from $20,984,141.10 at this time last year. In Longview, the figure for May is $4,253,590.70, rising from $3,938,681.05 at this time in 2021. Longview’s year-to-date number is $18,194,154.92, compared to $15,234,616.57 at this point last year. Click here for a more comprehensive look.

TYLER — It was another busy Wednesday for Tyler’s City Council, with two key projects topping the list of action items. The Council authorized the city manager to execute two contracts associated with a consent decree the city entered in 2017 with the Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose is to address what’s termed the city’s aging wastewater collection system and resulting discharges. Work done under the contracts will rehabilitate 387 deteriorated sanitary sewer manholes and make 373 needed repairs to sewer main lines, according to a news release. The council also approved a contract for the 2022 asphalt enhancement project. Officials say the work will improve 25 lane miles of roadways, curbs, and gutters and restripe and place reflective markings. Continue reading Several items addressed by Tyler’s City Council

TYLER – A Tyler man has been indicted for manslaughter for a wreck last October that killed his passenger. According to our news partner KETK, 24-year-old Jose Esparza was arrested after a high-speed, three-car wreck near Mercado’s Restaurant on Loop 323 in Tyler. While Esparza had minor injuries, Pablo Avila was taken to UT Health in critical condition. He died two days later. The computer in the car Esparza was driving showed that he was traveling at 113 MPH when he slammed on his brakes. Esparza was arrested November 5, and he posted a $10,000 bond. His first court date has not yet been set. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

TYLER — A Chandler man has been indicted for intoxication manslaughter in a fiery December crash near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. 39-year-old Daniel Juarez had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, according to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. Juarez was arrested in January. A DPS report says 54-year-old Dennis Criner, a Tyler native, was heading east as Juarez approached in the opposite direction. Troopers said Juarez lost control of his car on the wet road, crossed over the center line, and hit Criner. Both men went to the hospital, where Criner was pronounced dead and Juarez was initially listed in serious condition. If convicted, Juarez faces up to 20 years in prison.

TYLER – The U.S. Marshals and the FBI are alerting the public of several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. They are urging people to report the calls to their local FBI office and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Officials say during the latest series of calls, scammers identifying themselves as “Deputy John Garrison” (the name of the actual U.S. Marshal in the Eastern District of Texas) attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest due to a claim of identity theft, failing to report for jury duty, or other offenses. Continue reading Officials issue fraud advisory

BULLARD – A Bullard woman was arrested last week and accused of misrepresenting funds between $2,500 and $30,000 linked to a youth nonprofit. According to our news partner KETK, local judicial records indicate 46-year-old Misty Adair was arrested by Bullard police May 6 and charged with theft of property and misapplication of fiduciary property. The investigation began after a tipster said there “were improprieties” with financial accounts for the local nonprofit Youth for Agriculture. An investigation revealed Adair was the account manager for the organization. Bullard police released a statement about Adair’s arrest but did not list details on what evidence was discovered to prompt her to be charged. Both charges are state jail felonies, which each carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison. Adair was released after posting a $60,000 bond.

TYLER — The City of Tyler’s Fun Forest Pool on N. Glenwood Blvd. is set to open for the 2022 season the weekend of May 28 and 29, and then regularly starting Saturday, June 4. Admission fees are $1 for residents and $2 for non-residents. Each patron must present proof of age and residency. Kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No outside food is allowed. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tyler Transit will be offering free rides to the pool all summer. Riders will need to notify the driver that they are going to the pool to receive the free ride. All bus riders 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Click here for more information.

EAST TEXAS — Just one day after setting a record for its highest gas prices ever, the Tyler metro area passed another dubious mark on Tuesday: the average cost for a gallon of unleaded fuel is more than $4 for the first time. According to our news partner KETK, AAA reported Tuesday morning that the average price for unleaded gasoline in the Tyler area was $4.04, a five-cent increase from the $3.99 mark on Monday. Diesel fuel is also at its highest point ever, averaging $5.19 per gallon. Fuel costs have spiked over the last 30 days. In Tyler, the average price just 30 days ago was $3.65. That marks a jump of nearly 40 cents. One year ago, gasoline in the Rose Capital was around $2.70 a gallon. Continue reading Tyler gas prices pass $4 for first time ever

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Commissioner’s Court approved the appointment of Joe Carter as Van Zandt County sheriff in an emergency special session. According to our news partner KETK, the motion to appoint Carter passed unanimously during Monday’s meeting. This comes after former Sheriff Steve Hendrix resigned following a grand jury indictment on the charge of providing false statements to a peace officer. Hendrix’s resignation is set to be effective on May 14.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is hosting an open house to engage with residents and update the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). According to a news release, the TIP is a short-range budgeting document that provides details on how federal transportation funding dollars will be spent on planning, design, and construction of highway and transit improvements over the next four fiscal years. The TIP is updated every two years. The open house will be held Tuesday, May 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center on W. Ferguson St. Click here for all the details.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man is accused of forcing a woman into his car at gunpoint last week, according to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. 47-year-old Juan Hernandez was charged with aggravated kidnapping and booked into the Gregg County North Jail on May 1. According to the warrant, he went to a home where the victim was located. Hernandez is accused of pulling a gun on a witness and saying “he would kill him,” per the documents. The victim exited a nearby truck, which is when Hernandez allegedly “grasped [the victim] by the arm, pointed the gun to the back of her head, and escorted her to his truck,” according to the warrant. The victim told police Hernandez spoke with her in the truck about their past relationship, which she had ended. Hernandez is also being held on an INS detainer.

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 bobcat crew on SH 64 in Chapel Hill, in Troup at the four-way stop, and on Spur 248 near the hospital. In Gregg County, the Spur 63/McCann Road Bridge Project continues, with traffic reduced to two lanes. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — Gas prices in the Tyler area hit their highest all-time mark Monday morning after averaging $3.99 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, according to AAA. According to our news partner KETK, prices have spiked over the last few days after slowly coming down over the previous two months. According to AAA data, the average price for unleaded gasoline in the Tyler area was $3.66, which was 33 cents cheaper. The previous record was $3.97, which was set back in July 2008 during the Great Recession. The $3.99 record does not factor in inflation for past prices. When adjusted for inflation, the most expensive year for gas nationally was 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continue reading Tyler sets all-time record for city’s highest gas prices

MARSHALL (AP) — Officials at Wiley College in East Texas say students graduating from the historically Black college were told at their commencement ceremony that an anonymous donor had paid their balances. Wiley College said in a news release that over 100 students were gathered for graduation Saturday when the school’s president made the announcement. The college said in the news release that the estimated total for the balances owed to the college by the graduating class of 2022 was about $300,000.