KTBB News, Weather, Talk

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate an early morning homicide. Deputies responded to a home on CR 384 in Tyler around 5:30 Sunday morning after being contacted by UT Health EMS regarding a woman dead from a gunshot wound. She’s been identified as Diamond Samantha Cruz, 21, of Tyler. Deputies received information that the suspect had fled the area in an unknown direction driving a Ford pickup. The suspect vehicle description was immediately broadcast to additional law enforcement agencies. Continue reading Smith County murder suspect arrested

TYLER — A hit and run accident involving a cyclist is under investigation. According to Tyler Police, an unknown vehicle struck the cyclist around 9:15 Friday night on W. Bow, then fled the scene. The victim was transported to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler for treatment and is said to be in serious condition. Additional details were not available.

TYLER — A former Smith County inmate has received her sentence for smuggling in contraband into the jail. Alex Arnold, 39, of Tyler, has received 10 years in prison and 10 years probation for organized criminal activity for her role in smuggling items inside. Arnold is not the only was charged in this crime. Five other inmates and a jail guard have also been charged for their roles. According to Sheriff Larry Smith, Officer Lance Watson was identified as the source of the contraband through an unnamed source. Continue reading 10 years prison, and 10 years probation for Smith County inmate guilty of smuggling contraband

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. On Friday, the institution said it was recognized for improving the environment and quality of life on campus. During the annual UT Tyler Arbor Day event in February, more than 250 faculty, staff, students and community members planted 50 trees on campus. This is now the third time UT Tyler has received this distinction, and it is one of five in the UT System to have this mark of honor.

TYLER — On Thursday Tyler ISD Board members made a decision to rename two local high schools. The school located on Red Raider Ln will now be Legacy High School, after a 6-1 vote in favor of the move. The school located on Lion Ln will now revert back to its original name, that it carried for for 78 years, after an identical 6-1 vote. On Friday, Dr. Bob Peters told KTBB how he decided on his suggested name to rename Tyler High School in 1958. “We had a contest in school. I had lived in Austin a couple of years before I was here, and they had split the schools in Austin and the Austin High School became Stephen F. Austin. Well, I thought OK, if Austin could become Stephen F. Austin, why can’t Tyler become John Tyler.” Continue reading What’s old is new again

JACKSONVILLE — A multi-agency homicide investigation has resulted in the arrest of two Jacksonville residents. According to a press brief from Cherokee County, Brandon Branton, 22, and Ja’Michael Rusk 22 of Jacksonville were arrested in connection with the death of Randy Davenport. Authorities believe that Davenport, 25, of Jacksonville was receiving a ride from Branton and Rusk when the individuals stopped their vehicle at the Corner of Cr 3109 and Cr 3106 and intentionally committed the act of murder. Both men were arrested on Thursday, with bonds set a $1,000,000.

TYLER — One day after the name changes of two Tyler High Schools were adopted KTBB spoke with both Head Football Coaches/Athletic Coordinators. On Friday, the Lions Ricklan Holmes said, “When you think of Tyler High School, now you’re going to think about the city of Tyler. So, what we have to do is continue to do everything we have been doing to, not just represent John Tyler, but to represent the Lions, because now the Lions are now the Tyler High Lions.” The Red Raiders Joe Willis said, “People have come together and made the decision on what name they wanted and it ended up being Legacy. I believe that’s a good thing, because I think our team and our group, going forward now, we kind of have a vision of leaving our own legacy here.”

AUSTIN — The annual sales tax holiday for certain back to school items begins on Friday. Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reminds shoppers, footwear, backpacks and school supplies, meeting certain criteria, will be tax exempt Aug. 7-9. Texas’ sales tax holiday weekend has been an annual event since 1999. To see apparel and school supplies that may be purchased tax-free click the link. https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department has released information about a Wednesday night shooting in the city. According to the our news partner KETK, officers were called to Tallwood Lane around 9 p.m. Wednesday. They arrived to find a 45-year-old man with non-life threatening injuries. He was, however, taken to the hospital to be checked out. If you have information regarding this case, you are encouraged to contact Longview Police at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867).

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University took a big step in their expand academic capabilities recently with a matching grant challenge from the Mabee Foundation. Dr. Scott Bryant told KTBB Thursday, “It’s not a done deal yet, a challenge grant means we have to raise an additional amount before they will pass along their portion of the grant. It’s a $7.5 million project, fortunately we have already raised $3 million towards it. And they have asked us to raise the additional $3 million needed, and when we complete that task they will provide the final $1.5 million dollars.” Continue reading ETBU gets challenge grant opportunity of $1.5 million from Mabee Foundation

TYLER — The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications in July, but Ahmaud Goree, with the SBA, told KTBB Thursday, “The new deadline to apply is this Saturday. What we are looking for is for small business under 500 employees, that also includes the self-employed, sole-proprietors and independent contractors. Any of those Uber drivers out there, Lyft drivers, barbers, beauticians, musicians, musicians at churches, definitely can qualify for this program. Also, non-profits including houses of worship and churches they can qualify.” Continue reading PPP deadline this Saturday

TYLER — Tyler Parks and Recreation announced Thursday, the new splash pad at the Glass Recreation Center, on W. 32nd St., and Woldert Park is now complete. The splash pad will switch on and open to the public this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free and will be open daily. Tyler officials want to remind the public that play is not monitored and visitors should exercise caution.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler says it was the target of a ransomware attack. According to our news partner KETK, in a letter to university supporters, school president Dr. Michael Tidwell said the university was notified by Blackbaud, a third-party database provider, of a “security incident” that occurred in May. Blackbaud provides software and online apps that support philanthropic and communication activities, serving a host of clients that include most of the University of Texas system. Continue reading Local university victim of ransomware attack

LONGVIEW — The PRCA Rodeo, scheduled for September, in Longview has been canceled. The Longview Greggton Rotary Club announced the decision on Wednesday, citing safety concerns related to COVID-19, as the cause for the termination. The rodeo was originally scheduled for April, but pushed the date back due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. The Rodeo was set to Celebrate it’s 30th year in 2020. Continue reading September Rodeo canceled in Longview

TYLER — On the second Saturday of every month, Downtown Tyler celebrates “Hit the Bricks.” Organizers say the August event, will be partially online and in person with restaurants and stores reopening to the public. An online scavenger hunt will be posted on Friday, for this weekends adventure. Follow Downtown Tyler and Hit the Bricks on Facebook for updates and more information. https://www.visittyler.com/hitthebricks/.

ATHENS — An East Texas woman was arrested Tuesday night following a shooting in Henderson County. According to a media brief, Tiffany Marie Schultz, 29, of Frankston, was arrested on charges of First-Degree Felony for shooting her boyfriend. The victim survived. Reports state that Schultz and the man began arguing at a residence in the Brierwood Bay subdivision, he was tampering with a vehicle at the residence, Schultz allegedly went into the home and retrieved a revolver. The man was holding a battery from a vehicle when she fired the first shot. As the argument continued, Schultz fired a second shot and struck the victim. He was transported to a hospital by private vehicle. Schultz faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

TYLER — Walmart is preparing for pop-up, drive-in movie theaters in their parking lots. The event will take place across 26 states, and stores in Kilgore will have shows October 13-14, in Tyler dates include October 16-17, and October 20-21. The site does not identify which locations in Tyler will be used for the screenings. Free tickets can be obtained after 4 p.m. Central time Wednesday. Tickets will not be available at the gate. The events is taking place across 26 states beginning next week and will finish at the end of October. https://www.thewalmartdrivein.com/.

SMITH COUNTY — Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the “caltrops case.” According to our news partner KETK, nearly 300 of these “tire spikes” have been collected in the past weeks along I-20 in the westbound lanes, between Hwy 69 in Smith County and FM 314 in Van Zandt County. They have also been found in the westbound lanes of I-20 near the US 69 on-ramp in Lindale, near the Hideaway and Hwy. 110 exits and in the eastbound lanes near the Hideaway on-ramp. Continue reading Smith County Crime Stoppers offering reward in ‘caltrop cases’

TYLER — An extension was granted for the trial of a Tyler man accused of multiple counts of child sexual assault. According to our news partner KETK, Luis Ortiz, 23, could receive life in prison for allegedly posing as a teenager and then sending graphic messages to minors on social media. During a Monday hearing held on Zoom, prosecutors ask for a 60-day continuance as deputies with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office have expanded their investigation. Continue reading Continuance granted in Ortiz case

TYLER — Be Safe. Drive Smart. is a public education and awareness campaign presented by TxDOT. On Tuesday, D.P.S. Sgt Jean Dark told KTBB,”We wholeheartedly support that effort. I think one of the things that’s really important for listener’s to recognize is that the state of Texas records more than 3,700 traffic fatalities a year. When you kind of have that perspective, I think then you start to look at ok, what are my driving habits? We can point out all kind of things in other people, but what are the things that we can do ourselves?” Continue reading TxDOT unveils Be Safe Drive Smart initiative

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank will conduct its next free produce distribution this Friday morning. Disbursements will take place from 8-10 a.m. at the East Texas State Fairgrounds. The circulation is returning to a drive-thru model. Free produce and fresh items, pending availability, will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no eligibility or ID requirements. The distributions are held on the first and third Friday morning of each month.

TYLER — This year more than 1400 elementary students will be served by The Boys and Girls Club of East Texas. Mentoring Alliance After-School program offers options at 19 elementary campuses in the area. The program works with Tyler, Whitehouse, and Bullard ISD’s to offer fun, engaging, Christian after-school care that takes place at each district’s elementary campuses; Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm. – 6:00 p.m. To register or for more information call 903-593-9211 or visit the website by clicking the link, http://www.thementoringalliance.com.

JEFFERSON — 78-year-old David Nagy died from the coronavirus on July 22nd. -His obituary was published in a local newspaper and included an angry message from his wife. She called her husband’s death “needless” and pointed the finger at Abbott, the President, and all other politicians who she says didn’t take the pandemic seriously…She said her husband, who had underlying health issues, did everything he was supposed to do, but they didn’t. Continue reading E TX man’s obituary blames Governor Abbott and President Trump for his death