KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER – Workforce Solutions East Texas is honored to host and extend an invitation to the Veterans Job Fair, a special event dedicated to honoring and supporting the brave men and women who have served our country with honor and dedication. This job fair aims to provide veterans with valuable opportunities to explore potential career paths, connect with reputable employers, and take decisive steps toward a fulfilling post-military career. Continue reading Veterans Job Fair to be held Wednesday in Tyler

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine received a $500,000 gift from the Byers Family Foundation, the university announced on Tuesday in a release. The university said the gift will be used to name a professorship in family medicine to aid in the recruitment of nationally recognized faculty. “We are excited to offer our support to the UT Tyler School of Medicine,” Brent Byers, president of the Byers Family Foundation said. “We feel attracting dynamic professors to our region, especially in family medicine, is a priority. This school is a game-changer for health care and the economy of East Texas and we are pleased to join with others who have helped to make this a reality.” Continue reading UT Tyler School of Medicine receives $500,000 gift from local foundation

LONGVIEW — Most City of Longview offices were re-open and with power on Tuesday, June 20, following storms early morning on Friday, June 16. Parks and Recreation Department offices on Timpson remain without power and closed at this time. The Longview Public Library, which has served as a public cooling center during the storm response, is open on regular schedule on Tuesday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Residents needing a place to cool down or recharge devices are welcome to visit the facility during those times.

SHREVEPORT – Power outages caused by Friday’s storms persist across East Texas as we move into the week. Our news partner KETK reports that crews are working extra shifts to restore service across the region. Click here to see the current SWEPCO estimates on when your power may return.

TYLER – The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) is hard at work across the state according to our news partner KETK, Chief of Texas Emergency Management Nim Kidd is out surveying damage and talking with storm victims. They have resources in place to speed up recovery efforts but right now, their biggest concern in our area is keeping the lights on.

“Chief Kidd wanted to make sure that he had an opportunity to see firsthand the extent of the damage. There’s always something to be said for having those first person interactions with local officials and with regional partners and with members of the community. It’s really important that the community knows that they have the support of the state of Texas,” said Wes Rapaport the communications officer for the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

TDEM officials are urging those impacted to survey their homes and to report all damages by using their iSTAT damage survey. They say the sooner that’s done, the faster you will get help.

KILGORE — Like many schools and businesses, Kilgore College was closed Monday due to last weeks severe weather. According to college spokesperson Chris Craddock, they will resume regular business hours Tuesday. Craddock pointed out that KC is thankful for the dedication and hard work of the linemen out in the field that made this possible.

LONGVIEW – The Texas Department of Public Safety announced that Interstate 20 will be closed in both directions for 30 minutes around 3 p.m. today near Eastman Road in Longview.

The closure is needed to allow SWEPCO to install new power lines across the roadway.

Officials said detours will be in place to allow drivers to to take alternative routes.

GREGG COUNTY — With storms leaving the area in disarray, our news partners at KETK report that Gregg County has declared a state of local disaster on Monday. The declaration states: Severe weather conditions occurred in Gregg County, Texas on June 16, 2023 causing catastrophic damage to electric infrastructure. The event resulted in widespread power outages throughout the county, affecting the majority of residents and businesses. The damage to power transmission lines, substations, and other critical infrastructure has significantly impaired the ability to restore electricity in a timely manner. Continue reading Gregg County issues disaster declaration

LONGVIEW – The City of Longview announced that recycled items will not be collected the week of Monday June 26. This is to allow residents to use recycling bins for food waste caused because of the recent power outages. Recycling services will hopefully resume Monday July 3. Officials also say that crews will pick up storm debris, and this won’t count against yearly bulky item pickups. Residents with yard waste need to contact the Public Works department or submit a work order through CitySend. Storm debris length must between 3 and 10 feet in length. Branches less than 3 feet have to be bundled. If you need more information click here.

TYLER — Tyler Police Department confirmed that a woman who was in a single-vehicle crash on Loop 323 was hit by another vehicle while walking down the loop on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said that officers received a call about a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle near West Shaw Street and Loop 323 around 9 p.m. on Saturday. According to authorities, the woman had been in a crash and was walking north on the loop when she was hit. After she was hit the vehicle did stop at the scene and officials said she was taken to a local hospital. Her condition is unknown.

LONGVIEW — In Longview, some residents have been without power for days and with the heat index being in the 100’s people are hot and want answers. According to AEP SWEPCO, they have restored power to over 60,000 people but they still have a long road ahead of them. “It’s a lot of the transmission and distribution places that took a damage, significant damage,” said Warner. Even with over 2,500 linemen working all hours of the day, they said power may not be restored until Friday. “This is without question, one of those moments when you have to say it’s unprecedented,” said Warner.o over 60,000 people but they still have a long road ahead of them. Continue reading Hundreds of linemen working to restore power in Longview

KILGORE — Due to widespread power outages, both Kilgore College campuses (Kilgore and Longview) will be closed on Monday, June 19, according to a news release. College administration will assess the power situation Monday afternoon to make a determination about Tuesday operations.

TYLER – Brookshire Grocery Company said they are giving away a bags of ice to people with out power at several Brookshire’s stores across East Texas. They will start giving out bags of ice while supplies last at 8 a.m. at the following stores:
Brookshire’s in Winnsboro: 212 E Coke Rd., Brookshire’s in Hawkins: 1477 N Beulah St., Brookshire’s in Mt. Vernon: 306 Hwy 37 S and Brookshire’s in Jefferson: 404 E Broadway St.

According to our news partner KETK their Community Kitchen will be serving free hot meals starting at 11 a.m. while supplies last in the parking lot of their Mt. Vernon store.

“At Brookshire Grocery Company, we are focused on building greater communities by being there for our neighbors not only during times of celebration but also during times of need.”
Brookshire Grocery Company

TYLER – Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster for Franklin, Harrison, Marion, Upshur and Wood counties after East Texas was hit by severe weather this week according to our news partner KETK. Abbott’s proclamation was originally issued for Ochiltree and Cass counties but was later amended to say the following:

“WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on Friday, June 16, 2023, certifying the severe weather and tornadoes that began on June 14, 2023, and included severe storms, large hail, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, tornadoes, and hazardous wind gusts caused widespread and severe property damage, injury, or loss of life in Ochiltree and Cass counties; NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 4 18.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in these additional counties: Franklin, Harrison, Marion, Upshur, and Wood counties.” Gov. Greg Abbott

This comes after several individual counties like Upshur, Marion and Morris counties had local disaster declarations issued by county judges.

ANGELINA COUNTY — The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office said that a man died at Angelina County Jail on Friday night, only a few hours after being booked. According to our news partner KETK, Glenn Earl Smallwood Jr., 33 of Lufkin, was arrested by Lufkin Police Department after they received information about a man sitting on a curb of the 1200 block of Sayers Street, officials said. According to a press release, an officer found Smallwood and he found him to be “mumbling, not making any sense and intoxicated.” Continue reading Man found dead after being booked into the Angelina County Jail

GREGG COUNTY — Due to the ongoing problems caused by severe storms Thursday night and Friday morning,  Gregg County has canceled jury duty for Monday, June 19, according to Gregg County District Clerk Trey Hattaway.

EAST TEXAS — As recent severe weather has led to wide-spread power outages around East Texas, and with a Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service, local cooling centers are opening to help area residents. The Longview Public Library will remain open as a cooling shelter. Staff are looking ahead for future days and will provide more information as plans are finalized.

Longview ISD will open the Foster Middle School cafeteria and gymnasium to the public from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, June 18 as a heat relief and device recharging center. Area first responders are also invited to use the washing facilities for their clothes and equipment. Continue reading Cooling Centers open as widespread outages surge through East Texas

EAST TEXAS — SWEPCO has activated an all-in response to restore electric service to all impacted customers after the early morning storms on Friday. In a release, SWEPCO said they have requested mutual assistance from neighboring utility companies to help restore communities electricity as quick and safe as possible. They added that customers should prepare for, “prolonged power outages and in some cases additional outages as we repair damage to our system.” There are currently more than 233,800 SWEPCO customers without power in the East Texas and northwest Louisiana territories. the most trecent update, ISWEPCO said the Longview service territory customers should expect to have power back by 10 p.m., Friday, June 23. Continue reading SWEPCO issues power restoration update following severe weather

VAN – The Van PD has a notice for drivers in their area of I-20. According to our news partner KETK, officers have talked to drivers who have found homemade spikes on the interstate. Several spikes have been found on westbound I-20 between mile marker 543 and 544. Police say this is the third time in over two weeks a spike has found. So far no one has been injured, not the same luck for the motorists tires.

SMITH COUNTY – On June 2 and June 13, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received two separate calls involving deadly conduct near the intersection of FM 16 and FM 14 in the northern part of Smith County. Both of the unrelated callers reported being shot at by a male driving a black Jeep SUV under similar circumstances. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division began investigating the incidents and determined that they were related based on video footage of the suspect vehicle. Continue reading Smith County Sheriff’s Office Investigates road rage shootings

LONGVIEW – The dedication ceremony of a portion of Guthrie Creek Trail in recognition of Frank “Penny” Edwards, originally set for 10 a.m. today, Friday, June 16, has been postponed and will be rescheduled.

The City of Longview is recovering Friday morning from a severe, overnight storm. As such, this dedication will be rescheduled to a later date and time to ensure Edwards’ service to our community is able to be fully celebrated and remembered.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Nathaniel Moran, of Tyler, released the following statement today after introducing H.R. 4039, No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act: “For over a decade, the Chinese government has persecuted Uyghur minorities in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. The Uyghur people have been subjected to torture, imprisonment, forced labor, forced sterilization, and many other atrocities.

“The United States has always valued the right to practice faith freely and without persecution. To that end, no companies who use raw materials or goods manufactured using forced labor should profit from the American taxpayer. Continue reading Congressman Moran introduces legislation to prohibit forced labor funds

EAST TEXAS — After an early Friday morning of severe weather throughout East Texas, damage reports are issued for numerous areas, our news partner KETK reports.

Longview police report “significant disruptions” in the area, including power outages and road blockages due to fallen trees. City crews are working to clear debris from the roads but officials ask that people consider allowing extra travel time when heading to your destination. You can report road blockages or downed trees by calling 903-237-1170. In addition to that, the city is reporting that there is damage to various city parks and trails. The water utility system is functional but operating at a reduced capacity, and residents are encouraged to save water by turning off sprinkler systems, making sure to not leave water running and taking other appropriate water conservation measures. The city assured residents that they will be able to maintain service “as long as we work together as a team to minimize our usage.” Longview splash pads will be closed as well. Continue reading Storm damage reports from around East Texas

EAST TEXAS — Several school districts in East Texas are canceling classes due to severe weather aftermath. According to our news partner KETK, severe thunderstorms brought on an influx of power outages and extensive damage in the area. Continue reading Summer schools closing due to weather damage

TYLER — Early Friday morning severe weather in East Texas has more than 150,638 people without power in our region. According to our news partner KETK, the following is a partial list of current outages: Gregg County – 47,111,  Smith County – 2,802, Van Zandt County – 2,680, Wood County – 10,020, Anderson County – 115, Angelina County – 508, Harrison County – 22,705, Henderson County – 121,  Rusk County – 2,130,  Upshur County – 16,847. Click here for the full list.

BULLARD – Bullard city officials say the parts needed to start the repair of the city water well arrive Friday, with the project to begin Monday June 19. According to our news partner KETK, the process of making repairs and bringing it up to TCEQ standards will take 7 to 10 days. In the meantime, conservation measures are still in place for city residents. No watering Monday, Tuesday or Friday. Day or Night. Irrigation is allowed but only between 9:00 PM and 12:00 AM. Once the water well project is completed and meets standards, the conservation measures will be lifted.

RAINS COUNTY – Rains County officials are on the look out for an emu that was last seen on County Road 3425, according to our news partner KETK. The Rains County Sheriff’s Office asks that if you see the emu or know who owns it, please call them. They also add, if you encounter the emu, keep your distance.

TYLER — Police departments across East Texas are still in need of officers. Longview PD’s recruitment team is reaching out to people across several states. “We’ve been going to job fairs across Texas and in Louisiana and we’ve been partnering with colleges and universities,” said Kendric Montgomery, Longview Police Department Recruiting Lieutenant, our news partner KETK reports. Tyler Police are using any method they can to reach potential applicants. “We use billboards, sometimes we use movie ads in theaters. We have a traffic device that goes to different areas that sometimes have a funny slogan on them,” said Andy Erbaugh, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer. Continue reading East Texas police departments find new ways to recruit officers

PALESTINE — Palestine police arrested a man they said tried to evade arrest after stealing his mother’s vehicle. According to our news partner KETK, authorities said that on June 10 at 11:18 a.m., they received information from a Houston County woman who said her son could be in Palestine with her stolen vehicle. “The complainant also stated that her son, identified as Brandon Bennett, 43, had warrants for his arrest,” Palestine police said. Corporal Yvette Durbin gathered information and confirmed that the vehicle in question had been reported stolen out of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Just minutes after that, Officer Tim Green saw Bennett and the vehicle at the Clean Scene car wash on Crockett Road. Continue reading Man arrested in Palestine for allegedly stealing his mother’s vehicle