KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — As of Monday, anyone 16 or older in the state of Texas became eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. NET Health’s George Robert told KTBB news he is not worried about a shortage of vaccines, “Now we can order our first doses based on what we have done the previous week or how the trends are going. The last couple of weeks our order has been satisfied. As of right now the supply is good.” You can get more information and sign-up for your vaccine by clicking here.

RAINS COUNTY — An Amber Alert was issued Monday for a 14-year-old girl that authorities say was abducted by a registered sex offender. According to the Rains County Sheriff’s Office, Lexus Nichole Gray, 14, was taken by her non-custodial father, Justin Shaun Gray, 40. The two were last seen March 24 in Point, Texas. Lexus is described as 5’6″, 160 pounds, and has blonde hair and hazel eyes. Justin is described as 6’1″, around 200 pounds, with black hair and hazel eyes. Gray is a registered sex offender, and has an active parole violation warrant. Justin was convicted of sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in 2009. Rains County Sheriff’s officials ask anyone with information on their whereabouts to contact them at 903-473-3181 or call 911.

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health has thousands of doses of COVID vaccines to administer at clinics set for Wednesday. As of Monday morning, the hospital still has 2,500 slots available for this Wednesday.  The appointments are open to all individuals 16 and older and can be scheduled online by clicking here. Qualified candidates can also schedule an appointment by calling 877-335-5746. The health group says once you have your appointment, you will want to wear loose fitting clothes, arrive 15 minutes early and bring a mask to practice social distancing.

CARTHAGE (AP) — Authorities say one person was killed after severe weather, including a tornado, caused damage in several communities in East Texas. Widespread destruction across Panola County was reported, including damaged homes and downed trees, from Saturday evening’s severe weather, Sheriff Kevin Lake said Sunday in a Facebook post. The Longview News-Journal reported that a woman in the city of Deadwood was killed when a tree fell on her home. Authorities reported several people had also been injured. Officials in neighboring Rusk County reported some damage from the severe weather but no fatalities or major injuries. Continue reading 1 killed, several hurt after tornado hits East Texas

MEXIA (AP) — The Texas Department of Public Safety says a state trooper was shot and critically wounded near the city of Mexia, about 75 miles southeast of Dallas. Officials say the suspect fled on foot and killed himself. Authorities say Trooper Chad Walker is hospitalized in critical but stable condition after being shot in the head and abdomen Friday night. Investigators say Walker had stopped to help a motorist in an apparent disabled vehicle. DPS says the gunman exited the stopped vehicle and shot Walker through the windshield of the patrol vehicle. The suspect was identified as 36-year-old DeArthur Pinson, of Palestine. Authorities launched a manhunt for Pinson and he was reported dead Saturday. Pinson had a long criminal history, including a 10-year sentence for armed robbery and an arrest for desertion from the U.S. Army.

CANTON — A registered sex offender in Van Zandt County was charged with a drug crime Friday when he was found to be in possession of meth, the sheriff’s office said. According to our news partner KETK, Van Zandt County Deputies were checking on sex offender Jimmy Beggs at his residence when they found meth and a glass pipe, often used in taking meth. Beggs was arrested and charged with the felony crime of possession of a controlled substance. Van Zandt County Sheriff Steve Hendrix said he has implemented a strict policy that requires sex offenders be checked on regularly. “We will stay on these offenders to ensure their compliance. These checks will be ongoing and can occur at any time,” he said.

TYLER — A Longview man was sentenced to federal prison Friday for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. According to the court, Allen Martez Anthony, 30, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine last June. Anthony was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison. In a prepared statement, Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said, “This case illustrates how effective we can be at disrupting narcotics trafficking when our state and local law enforcement officers coordinate with federal agencies like the DEA.” Testimony revealed a canine alerted officers to narcotics in Anthony’s vehicle. A follow up search found 1,958 grams of methamphetamines.

TYLER — Smith county announced the closure of a portion of Smith County Road 217 on Friday. County leaders say, the road northwest of Overton will be closed for six to eight weeks for a bridge replacement. County road and bridge crews are replacing the bridge on CR 217, also known as Old Providence Road. Detour signs have been posted to alert drivers to take alternate routes.

LINDALE — Several teachers got a big surprise at Lindale ISD Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the LISD Education Foundation awarded over $22,000 to teachers on four of the six campuses throughout the district. The money will be used to buy innovative tools for the teachers classrooms. Recipients were unaware they had been selected until the grant patrol; made up of the band, cheerleaders, mascot, donors and various employees arrived. The Education Foundation began awarding grants in November 2009. Since then, over $370,000 has been distributed to LISD classrooms for more than 90 projects.

TYLER — A Tyler man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after admitting to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Cory Jsamard Ford, 33, confessed to the charges of distribution of both cocaine and methamphetamine in Smith County before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. Ford was indicted last November. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled for a later date. Investigators in the case include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety-CID and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.

LONGVIEW — City officials in Longview announced a virtual town hall meeting for next week on Friday. Arts!Longview Executive Director Cynthia Hellen and Board President Jon Cromer will present a progress report and answer questions live beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday. You can register for the meeting by clicking here. The cultural district covers more than 320 acres including downtown Longview and stretches south to LeTourneau University. The area is home to museums, restaurants, parks, live music, theater, and historic buildings.

TYLER — A Tyler woman pleaded guilty last week to leaving an infant alone in a closet for three hours. According to our news partner KETK, Kelsey Frazier, 28, was sentenced Friday, to eight years in prison. Frazier’s counsel could not come to an agreement last week with Smith County prosecutors. AT the hearing, Judge Skeen pronounced the sentence describing Frazier’s choices as “extremely troubling.” It is not immediately clear if Frazier will file an appeal in the case.

TYLER — Everyone age 16 and older, regardless of occupation or health status, will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas starting Monday. The Northeast Texas Public Health District President George Roberts told KTBB News, “Since we have started giving vaccines here at NET Health, we have given almost 37,000 vaccines. In essence, if you think about the new Globe Life Field. What we have given in vaccinations will fill up the new Globe Life Field.” Read more and sign-up here.

HENDERSON — A man died late Thursday afternoon after a shooting in Henderson. Henderson police say officers responded to a call on Summer Street about a person being shot and injured. The victim was a 46-year-old black male whose identity has not been released at this time. Anyone with information regarding the case should contact the Henderson Police Department at (903) 657-3512.

TYLER — Everyone age 16 and older, regardless of occupation or health status, will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas starting Monday. The Northeast Texas Public Health District President George Roberts told KTBB News, “Supplies have increased quite a bit. We have an adequate supply right now. So, online, right now, you can go to our net health covid19.org website and then go under vaccines, where you can sign-up for your first dose.” The vaccinations continue to be administered by NET Health at the Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. Read more and sign-up here.

TYLER — Earlier this week, a Tyler man agreed to a plea deal for murdering his girlfriend and stuffing her body in a trunk at a motel last year. According to our news partner KETK, Johnny Osburn, 40, was officially sentenced Thursday to 50 years in prison for the murder of Leslie Gamino. Gamino was stabbed several times. Police began investigating Osburn after Gamino was reported missing by her daughter.

LONGVIEW — In a prepared statement, the City of Longview announced that Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Longview Fire Department Chief J.P. Steelman as chairman of the Texas Commission on Fire Protection. If confirmed in the Texas Senate, Chief Steelman would serve his term through early February of 2027. The Commission elevates and enforces statewide fire service standards while providing education and assistance industry wide.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is offering a series of free health and wellness classes for adults. The classes are scheduled to begin in April. The Glass Recreation Center will host the series scheduled to include Master of Memory, Get the Fact, Walk N’ Talk and A Fresh Start to A Healthier You. These classes are free of cost thanks to Texas A&M Agrilife Extension of Smith County, with a $30 annual membership to the facility. Read more here.

TYLER — Louis B. Gohmert of Mt. Pleasant, father of Congressman Louie Gohmert, died Thursday morning. In a prepared statement, Congressman Gohmert said, “He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew and loved him.” The senior Gohmert was 95 years-old. Congressman Gohmert is serving in his eighth term of office, being sworn in January of 2005. Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Gohmert was elected to three terms as District Judge in Smith County. Former Texas Goveror Rick Perry later appointed Gohmert to complete a term as the Chief Justice of the 12th Court of Appeals.

LONGVIEW — A former Sabine Independent School District  teacher’s aide was sentenced to ten years probation Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, Cassie Headley, 29, also known as Cassie Dowden, was arrested in June 2019 after an investigation found that she had sex with a student at SISD. She pleaded guilty to an inappropriate relationship with a student in January and could have served a maximum of 20 years in prison. Testimony revealed that she and her now ex-husband Zachary Dowden mentored the victim before the inappropriate relationship started. Dowden is required to attend counseling and pay a fine of $10,000.

EAST TEXAS — A Shreveport woman has pleaded guilty for her role in an elder fraud scheme. Monica Ruiz, 45, pleaded guilty to wire fraud Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. According to information presented in court, Ruiz enlisted a variety of bogus pretenses and promises in a scheme to defraud an elderly victim from Bullard, collecting more that $4.8 million. Some of those fake claims include: Ruiz had been in a coma, had brain surgery, had a kidney transplant, was in a car accident and was committed to a mental institution. Ruiz faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Continue reading Louisiana woman guilty in $4.8 million elder fraud scheme

TYLER — The city of Tyler approved a contract Wednesday that looks to improve multiple drainage projects. The council approved three design contracts and a construction contract for storm water and drainage improvements. A preliminary engineering study was conducted in March of 2018 of the drainage surrounding Bedshire Court in the Holly Park subdivision due to localized flooding in yards and homes in the area. The study indicated additional inlets and storm sewer pipes along Holly Creek Drive from Silvermaple Cove to Bedshire Court and a larger storm sewer inlet and pipe were needed. Read more here.

TYLER — More houses are coming to North Tyler. City Council members approved the new project during a council meeting Wednesday. According to the city, 13 craftsman style homes will be constructed in the “pocket community” near North Palace Avenue and West Queen Street. In a city council meeting Wednesday, the city talked about the goal of building modern, affordable dream homes for families near the new fire station. The builder anticipates completion of phase one in the next six months. Read more here.

HENDERSON COUNTY — An East Texas man pleaded guilty to one count of continuous sexual abuse of a young child and was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years in prison. Jerry Neal Finnell, 40, of Trinidad, will be required to serve his sentence day-for-day and is not eligible for parole. Finnell will also be required to register as a sex offender the rest of his life and will be subject to a lifetime protective order for his victim. Finnell was indicted last June for sexually assaulting a child for more than 30 days, from the time the child was 12 years old until they became 13 years old.

HENDERSON — UT Health Henderson announced plans Wednesday that will vaccinate qualifying members of the public from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Immunizations will be by appointment only. The vaccine sign-up is for healthcare workers, anyone 50 and over (or ages 18+ considered high risk) and school or child care employees who need to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals that met this criteria can make a first-dose appointment by clicking here. You must have an appointment, no walk-ins will be accepted.

TYLER — Tyler City Council voted to move forward on a contract Wednesday that will bring about asphalt overlay for 22 streets and 25 lane miles across the city. The 2021 sealcoat contract of $845,000, will be used on the streets based on their pavement condition index score. In a prepared statement, City Enginer Lisa Crossman said, “Sealcoating involves applying an asphalt binder and an aggregate to the roadway. It seals the road from water intrusion and prolongs the life of the streets and roadways.” The project will begin in June and should be completed in August 2021. Read more here.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council approved a nearly $2 million contract for the the Group 3 Manhole Rehabilitation Package, which is part of the Consent Decree work on the City’s wastewater collection system. The plan will rehabilitate over 1,000 sanitary sewer manholes and almost 400 sanitary sewer clean-outs across Tyler. According to city officials the project is expected to be completed by December of 2022. Read more here.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank partnered with Feeding Texas for an Advocacy Day of Action Wednesday urging state legislators to address a policy that prohibits Texans from accessing food assistance if they own more than one reliable vehicle. Texas’ “vehicle asset test” refuses SNAP benefits to otherwise eligible families if the value of their cars exceeds a minimum that opponents say, has not been updated in decades. In a prepared statement, CEO Dennis Cullinane said, “The East Texas Food Bank serves 26 counties, the majority of which are rural. Many of our neighbors are working poor and have to cross county lines to find work. Having reliable transportation is key to accessing work.” There is no federal requirement to have the test, with 35 states totally abolishing it.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District is immunizing second rounds of the Pfizer vaccine at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. On Wednesday, NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB, “We want people to set up an appointment. We want to try and minimize the amount of time that people have to wait in line to get their shot. So, if people can schedule we have a certain amount of appointment times per hour. If people can schedule a time, that would be preferable. If they can’t then if they have their card (CDC COVID Vaccination Record Card) that they received after their first dose, if they bring that with them, we will take care of them.” Read more here.