KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The TSA Pre✓ mobile enrollment center will be at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport in the commercial terminal building from Feb. 14 through Feb. 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interested travelers can now schedule their in-person appointment to complete the background check and fingerprinting at the mobile enrollment center. Before applying, be sure to visit this link for full details. TSA Pre✓ is an expedited screening program that enables identified low-risk air travelers to enjoy a smart and efficient screening experience, according to a news release. For participating travelers, there is no need to remove shoes, 3-1-1 liquids, laptops, light outerwear, or belts. Today, TSA Pre✓ has more than 450 lanes at over 200 U.S. airports, including Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. Click here for more information.

TYLER — Congressman and Texas attorney general hopeful Louie Gohmert slams incumbent Ken Paxton, accusing him of falsehoods — and drawing attention to Paxton’s brushes with the law. Gohmert told KTBB Paxton is also wrong in saying Gohmert is not conservative enough. The congressman says, “There are rating agencies…groups…conservatives like ‘Mark Levin’s Conservative Review.’ They analyze every vote — and they say I’m one of the most conservative people in the country.” Gohmert says Paxton has been attacking him because he knows Gohmert is a viable contender. The Tyler Republican says it’s a two-person race between Paxton and himself — that former Texas Supreme Court Justice Eva Guzman and state Land Commissioner George P. Bush don’t have much traction, even though Guzman led the fundraising tally at last report. Continue reading Gohmert slams Paxton, weighs in on AG race

AUSTIN — A Mabank resident claimed a top prize winning ticket worth $1 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game $1,000,000 Ultimate. The ticket was purchased at QuikTrip #993 in Terrell. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. According to a news release, this was the first of four top prizes worth $1 million to be claimed in this game. $1,000,000 Ultimate offers more than $233.3 million in total prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.62, including break-even prizes, according to the release.

LONGVIEW — Voters head to the polls May 7 for elections in Longview City Council Districts 5 and 6, and three candidates have now thrown thrown their hats in the ring. District 6 Council member Steve Pirtle has filed for another term in office. Candidates may file an application for a place on the ballot through February 18. 46-year-old Jose Sanchez and 27-year-old Michelle Gamboa are in the running in District 5. You can click here for more information.

WHITEHOUSE — The Whitehouse Police Department has made a “safe exchange” spot for purchases made on online platforms and to conduct child custody exchanges. According to our news partner KETK, the Whitehouse Police Department said that with the growth of items being sold on online platforms, criminals have begun to take advantage of this. The safe spot is a location that has 24-hour recorded video surveillance from several angles. It allows people from anywhere, not just Whitehouse, to have a safe spot to meet and exchange purchases of items online and child custody exchanges. Continue reading Whitehouse Police Department creates ‘safe exchange’ spot

MONROE COUNTY, Florida — An East Texas man was sentenced to life in prison on Jan. 20, for the murder of a Gilmer woman in Florida. According to our news partner KETK, Billy Baker, 52, was charged and found guilty for the second-degree murder of his girlfriend. On Aug. 2, 2017, Baker pulled Candice Cooper’s body from the water on Smather’s Beach in Florida. He told police that he was swimming at a distance from Cooper when he noticed she was floating and unresponsive. The pair was in Florida on a vacation. An arrest warrant was served for Baker on Feb. 18, 2018. Baker pleaded not guilty on March 27, 2018 according to court documents.

TYLER – Tyler ISD trustees held a first reading of the proposed 2022-2023 school calendar during their January regular meeting. Community members can view the proposed calendar at this link and provide input by completing the calendar survey by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9. “Each year, the calendar committee seeks input and feedback from administrators, teachers, parents, business representatives, and community members. The committee also focuses on the best interests of students, staff, and parents,” Tyler ISD Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines said as quoted in a news release. “Your welcomed feedback is the most valuable tool we have, and it is greatly appreciated.” Continue reading Tyler ISD requests community input on 2022-2023 calendar

LONGVIEW — Crews are completing work on the installation of temporary lights at the intersection of McCann and George Richey Roads in Longview. Officials say once complete, the lights will flash for about a week and then become fully operational. During that week, traffic on McCann Road will see a blinking red light signaling to stop. Meanwhile, traffic on George Richey Road will see a blinking yellow light signaling to continue with caution. Permanent light poles will take several months to arrive and be installed, according to a news release.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday approved a contract with Halff Associates Inc. to prepare design plans for the renovation of Noble E. Young Park in the amount of $77,000. According to a news release, the city parks department plans to replace the deteriorating pavilion and restrooms, install new playground equipment, and add a walking trail and sidewalks, as well as an outdoor exercise area with some ADA-accessible equipment. Continue reading Council approves contract for Noble E. Young Park design plans

TYLER — Tyler Pounds Regional Airport is increasing the long-term parking rate and lost ticket fee. The Tyler City Council approved the increases during the Wednesday, Jan. 26 meeting. The long-term parking rate will go from $0.75 to $1 per hour with the maximum of $7 a day rate remaining unchanged. This slight increase in the long-term hourly rate is to help prolong the life of the equipment by removing coins from the operation and reducing the potential for equipment malfunction. Continue reading City Council approves increased parking fees at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport 

SMITH COUNTY — A trial date was set for a former Smith County elections administrator that is accused of tricking two employees into drinking colon cleanser in April of 2021. According to our news partner KETK, the trial date for Denise Hernandez is set for March 9, 2022. Hernandez was charged with two counts of assault causing bodily injury for allegedly giving the employees colon cleanser and claiming it was a “Spark” energy drink, said the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Hernandez was the supervisor of two female victims that she allegedly gave colon cleanser to in a cup. The women said they were given a cup with a pink liquid by Hernandez, and the two women consumed the drink. Continue reading Trial date set for former elections administrator

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County agreed to pay a $500,000 settlement to the family of a man who died while in custody at the Smith County Jail. According to our news partner KETK, 32-year-old Teddy Parker was booked on a public intoxication charge on May 14, 2017. About half an hour after he was booked, he was carried out unconscious on a stretcher. He died two days later. The city of Tyler has since paid $300,000 to settle its portion of the lawsuit. Now, Smith County will pay $500,000 “for the purpose of terminating and preventing involvement in litigation based on the incident of May 14, 2017.” The settlements are not an admission of guilt. Continue reading Smith County agrees to pay $500,000 settlement to family of man who died in jail

TYLER — A Tyler man accused in a crash that killed a Tyler Legacy High School senior told police he had six cocktails at a local bar before the collision, according to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. After first facing a lesser charge, Jason Charles, 24, is now charged with intoxication manslaughter. Victim Lilly Thornburgh was taken off life support three days after the January 14 wreck. Charles was initially uncooperative with paramedics at the scene and when one asked him to tell the truth, he replied, “No,” according to the documents. The warrant says an officer on the scene said Charles was “unsteady on his feet, had an altered mental state, made rambling statements that did not make sense, had slurred speech, and was very emotional.” It also says the officer smelled alcohol on Charles’s breath.

TYLER — As COVID numbers remain high in East Texas, the call from health officials to get vaccinated remains strong — with some new data as reported by NET Health CEO George Roberts. He says according to studies out within the last few days, people who have had their first two shots “plus their booster have had a much less severe impact of COVID than those who are unvaccinated.” Roberts also continues to urge staying home when you’re sick. January has already set a new monthly record for total cases in Smith County, but Roberts still believes there are good signs the area omicron surge will be abating in the next week or so. However, he points out that area hospital patient numbers continue to rise, noting that they’re “a lagging indicator… of infection.” Hospitals in the NET Health survey region are now treating 265 COVID patients as of the most recent report. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

TYLER – In 2021, factors such as “failing to drive in a single lane” and “unsafe speed” contributed to 176 fatal crashes and 196 total deaths in TxDOT’s Tyler District, an increase from 152 fatal crashes and 168 deaths in 2020. That’s according to information released Tuesday by TxDOT. The Tyler District, which includes Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt and Wood Counties, released preliminary numbers revealing the top five contributing factors of fatal crashes in 2021. They are as follows: failed to drive in a single lane – 34%; unsafe speed – 22%; pedestrian failed to yield right of way to vehicle – 18%; wrong side – not passing – 13%; and failed to control speed – 12%. Continue reading Several contributing factors cited in near-record Tyler District fatalities

TYLER — The trial began Tuesday morning for a Tyler man charged with murder in a 2018 shooting at Tyler’s Westwood Shopping Center, and who police believed was connected to four other fatal shootings in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, 28-year-old Kristian Perdomo was arrested after authorities said they believed the shooting was gang-related. Law enforcement claimed at the time that Perdomo was suspected of being the gunman in five fatal shootings in less than two weeks. However, more than three years later, he still has only been charged with one count of murder.

LONGVIEW — Voters head to the polls May 7 for elections in Longview City Council Districts 5 and 6, and two candidates have thrown their hats in the ring so far. Candidates may file an application for a place on the ballot through February 18. 46-year-old Jose Sanchez and 27-year-old Michelle Gamboa are in the running in District 5, with no filings thus far in District 6. You can click this lnk for more information.

KILGORE — A man was arrested on Friday after the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and reportedly found various illegal substances, as well as an illegally owned alligator. According to our news partner KETK, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Investigators, along with Texas Game Wardens, obtained the warrant for a home on Leach St. A follow-up investigation had been conducted based on a Crime Stoppers Tip alleging controlled substance distribution and the illegal possession of an alligator. 44-year-old Jason Best of Kilgore was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with four controlled substance felony offenses, landing him with a bond that totaled $118,500. Continue reading Kilgore man charged with illegal possession of alligator, various drugs

TYLER — A Chandler man charged with intoxication manslaughter in a fiery December crash near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, according to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. 39-year-old Daniel Juarez was arrested Thursday afternoon. A preliminary 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 — Lindsey Harrison announced Monday she is seeking election to the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees for District 6. Harrison was appointed in June to fill the unexpired term of Fritz Hager, who is now seeking a spot on the Smith County Commissioners Court. Before joining the school board, Harrison served as the 2020-2021 past president of the Junior League of Tyler and is a current member of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County Board of Directors. She received the W. C. Windsor Award for outstanding community service in 2018 from the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce. Harrison has no announced opposition thus far.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A Cherokee County sheriff’s deputy has been involved in a fatal accident. According to information from DPS and the sheriff’s office, 31-year-old Juan Munoz Pinales of Rusk was headed south on FM 346 about eight miles west of Bullard just before midnight Sunday when he struck 43-year-old Tony Boswell of Bullard. Authorities say Boswell was walking on the roadway’s edge with his back to traffic. Officials say EMS was immediately called and deputies attempted life-saving measures but Boswell was later pronounced dead in an area hospital. Pinales was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation, but authorities say no foul play is suspected at this time.

TYLER — Longtime Tyler radio personality Bill Atkins has died at the age of 90. According to his obituary on the Stewart Family Funeral Home website, Atkins, a Houston native, died January 20 in Tyler. Graveside services will be held Thursday, January 27, at 2:00 p.m. at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery. Atkins was in radio for 45 years, mostly in Tyler — including some time at KTBB — and also worked at Tyler Junior College. He is survived by his daughters, Jo Meagher (Ken) and Tricia Wilshire (Craig); his son, Stacy Atkins; 7 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, crews will be performing ditch work on FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Hwy.) near Loop 323. Expect daily lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Gregg County workers will continue bridge channel maintenance on SH 135, just north of SH 31. There will be possible right-lane closures north or southbound over Rabbit Creek and Rabbit Creek Relief bridges. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

LONGVIEW — Rivers Recycling, the third-party materials recovery facility that processes the recyclables collected by the city of Longview, will be closed for four weeks beginning Jan. 24 and continuing through Feb. 20. According to a news release, residents are encouraged to continue to place recyclables in the recycling cart during this time; however, all collected material during this closure will be taken to the landfill. If residents wish to ensure their recyclables are not taken to the landfill, the city recommends they rinse recyclable food and beverage containers to minimize odors and vector-attracting residues and hold back the material until the Rivers Recycling resumes operation. The most valuable recyclables to reserve for recycling are Plastics No. 1 or 2, cardboard, and metal (steel and aluminum food and beverage containers).

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University’s enrollment for this semester has set yet another spring term record for ETBU, with 1,495 new and returning Tigers signed up for classes. That figure features a 1.1% increase over last year’s record spring enrollment, according to a news release. The new semester also exhibits an increase in new transfer student enrollment, marking another spring term high for ETBU. Along with that, the university showed significant growth in adult education with adult learners enrolling for workforce readiness and career advancement, according to the release.

EAST TEXAS — Several East Texas school districts plan Monday reopenings following temporary closures due to COVID-19 issues. According to our news partner KETK, the Whitehouse, Leverett’s Chapel, and Palestine ISDs plan to be back in business Monday. According to its website, the Lindale ISD plans to do likewise.

WINONA — What started as an attempt to create a rescue for dogs turned into a hoarding situation in East Texas on Friday, with 38 dogs being taken from a Winona property, according to officials. Our news partner KETK reports the dogs were taken by the SPCA of East Texas, Smith County Animal Control, and the Humane Society of the United States. At one time, 124 dogs lived in kennels on the property. The SPCA of East Texas was alerted about eight dogs originally, but once they got there, they say they realized an investigation needed to happen for dozens of dogs. Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin was brought in to look into the case. The property owner had 52 dogs when Joplin arrived. She said she tried to start a rescue center for the dogs, but it got out of control and she didn’t know what to do. Continue reading Officials: 38 dogs taken from Winona hoarding situation

TYLER — 39-year-old Daniel Juarez of Chandler was arrested Thursday afternoon on a charge of intoxication manslaughter stemming from a fiery fatal crash near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport last month. According to our news partner KETK, a preliminary report says 54-year-old Dennis Criner, a Tyler native, was heading east as Juarez approached in the opposite direction. Troopers said that 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 — As of Thursday, Jan. 20, the ozone treatment system at Tyler’s Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant has been offline due to a failure with the main control panel. Tyler Water Utilities has ordered a replacement panel but has not received an estimated delivery date, according to a news release. Officials say the ozone treatment system cannot be operated until the control panel is replaced. Due to this portion of the taste and odor treatment system being offline, consumers may experience a spike in geosmin, a taste and odor compound, coming from Lake Palestine to the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant. Officials say geosmin is non-toxic and safe to consume. It typically produces an earthy odor and is naturally present in some foods such as beets, spinach, and mushrooms. Continue reading Potential for “earthy” water taste and odor explained