KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Krist Swimberghe, DBA, has been appointed the new dean of Soules College of Business at The University of Texas at Tyler. Swimberghe was one of five candidates considered for the position, according to a news release. Swimberghe has been serving as interim dean since May 2020. A member of the UT Tyler faculty since 2010, he was appointed chair of the Department of Management and Marketing in 2014. He will now lead the largest of UT Tyler’s six colleges. He will also lead the college’s fundraising and business outreach efforts.

TYLER — A man was found dead in a car in the parking lot of a Walmart in Tyler Thursday morning, according to local police. According to our news partner KETK, just before 8:30, Tyler police responded to a welfare concern at the gas station in the parking lot of the Walmart at the intersection of Highway 31 and Loop 323. Investigators say the man appeared to be homeless. They are working to identify him. A cause of death was not immediately known, but police do not suspect foul play.

CHAPEL Hill — The omicron variant of COVID has been causing some East Texas school districts to make difficult decisions on whether or not to shut their doors. According to our news partner KETK, Chapel Hill ISD was the first East Texas school in 2022 to bring back mask mandates which violate Greg Abbott’s executive order. At the start of the 2021/22 school year, several schools were sued for requiring masks. Now, districts are trying to find a way to continue classes without turning to virtual learning. “We are basing all of our decisions on data and our local health experts,” said Belen Casillas, the Chapel Hill ISD communication director. Continue reading Chapel Hill ISD reinstates mask mandate due to rising COVID cases

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Criminal Justice issued a warrant for a man that they say failed to comply with his supervision. According to our news partner KETK, 39-year-old Corey Rashad Bell was released after serving time for multiple convictions and is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities said that Bell has previously resided in Chandler and Tyler. He is a Black man with black hair and brown eyes, 6’1″ and weighing 300 lbs. TDCJ asks that anyone with information about Bell contact their local law enforcement or contact the TDCJ Absconder tip line at 1-866-680-6667 with an anonymous tip.

TYLER — After first facing a lesser charge, a man has now been charged with intoxication manslaughter for a crash in Tyler that left a Tyler Legacy High School student dead. According to our news partner KETK, Jason Charles, 24, was initially booked on Saturday for the Friday night crash. Victim Lilly Thornburgh (pictured) was taken off life support Monday. Lilly was a member of the school band and would have turned 18 on Wednesday. Intoxication manslaughter is a second-degree felony in Texas. A second-degree felony carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence in the state along with a potential fine of up to $10,000.

LONGVIEW — A five-month-old boy who was seriously injured in an alleged drunk-driving crash last week has died from his injuries, according to an update from DPS. According to our news partner KETK, two cars wrecked in Gregg County near Lakeport just before 4:30 p.m. January 13. 21-year-old Hayden Malone, a Tyler native, was charged with intoxication manslaughter for the death of a two-year-old boy in the crash. The boy died in a Shreveport hospital two days after the accident. The five-month-old had been taken to a Longview hospital before being flown to Dallas. He died January 18. Malone will now face a second intoxication manslaughter charge. He also is charged with two counts of intoxication assault. He faces a maximum of 60 years in prison if convicted on all counts.

MARSHALL — Marshall police seek leads in a couple of drive-by shooting incidents following multiple reports of shots fired early Wednesday morning. Police say the first call came around 2:15 on East Burleson near the Jackson Street intersection. No injuries were reported, but an hour later a second report of shots fired came from the same area, with a female sustaining a non-life threatening gunshot wound to her upper arm. The investigation is ongoing. You’re asked to call 903-935-4575, or if you prefer to remain anonymous you may submit a tip to Crimestoppers at 903-935-9969.

TYLER — Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber is reminding property owners that taxes are due January 31, and he is urging people to pay online. Payments can be made easier than ever this year, according to a news release. Scanning the QR code on your statement will take you directly to the payment page on your account. “I think it will be a game changer in how people pay their property taxes,” Barber said as quoted in the release. The Tax Office mailed out 177,175 property tax statements in October. Taxpayers can make their payments online, in person, through the Tax Office’s drop-box at the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail (it must be postmarked on or before January 31, to be accepted as an on-time payment through the mail). Barber said for those who want to pay in-person at the Tax Office, expect long lines and wait times. Click here for more details.

TYLER — A recently released study by the School of Community and Rural Health at the Health Science Center at UT Tyler on the health of Northeast Texas residents found that Northeast Texans experience higher mortality rates compared to Texas overall and to the U.S., according to a news release. According to the report, persons age 35-44 years old are seeing the greatest relative increased risk of mortality in this part of the state. The new report outlines the health issues affecting the 1.6 million people who live in Northeast Texas. It builds off a similar study conducted by the group in 2016. The new report also includes information on social and economic factors that impact health, according to the release. Continue reading UT Tyler issues Northeast Texas Health Status Report

LONGVIEW — An upbeat message was offered by Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt Tuesday as he presented his annual State of the County Address. “I will start off by telling you the state of the county is strong,” Stoudt said, according to our news partner KETK. “I keep saying it, I’ll continue to say it – this is a great community with a lot of great people in it.” Stoudt also spoke about COVID-19, telling attendees, “If you haven’t gotten your vaccination we encourage you to do so.” And he addressed bringing broadband internet access to rural areas throughout the county using grant funds. “Broadband, if you’re inside the cities, it’s not too bad. If you get out into the county, it’s terrible,” Stoudt said. “I live out in a rural area of Gregg County, and it’s something that we work on. These grant funds that we received will allow us to do something about it.”

TYLER — NET Health CEO George Roberts couples a time estimate with some familiar advice as he assesses the latest area COVID numbers. Roberts tells KTBB the current spike will likely continue for about two more weeks — and your best bets remain staying home when you’re sick and getting vaccinated. Roberts points out that following that advice can play a key role in stemming the virus’s spread. And he adds that more testing options are becoming available. He singles out HRS Medical on Old Grande Boulevard in Tyler, saying it will be open Monday through Friday starting next week. He also notes that local clinical providers and pharmacies can do the job. All area counties remain in the substantial spread category. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

TYLER — A man has been charged with intoxicated assault for a crash in Tyler that left a Tyler Legacy High School student brain dead. According to our news partner KETK, Jason Charles, 24, was booked on Saturday for the Friday night crash. The crash critically injured Lilly Thornburgh, who was a member of the school band. Her family confirmed that they planned to take her off life support Monday night. She would have turned 18 on Wednesday. Very limited information has been released on the details of the wreck. Charles was officially charged with “Intoxication Assault causing brain injury/vegetative state.” He is being held in the Smith County Jail on a $200,000 bond. Continue reading Tyler High School senior killed by suspected drunk driver

CHAPEL HILL — The new Wise Elementary Road is now open, according to the Chapel Hill ISD Operations Department. The new road, approved by school trustees, will bring changes to the drop-off and pick-up system for staff, parents, family, and community members. In 2020, a traffic study was conducted by an engineering firm which reported traffic issues. Soon after, the Operations Department proposed the plan to the school board. “What we saw was a congestion of vehicles at the traffic light. All trying to use one exit and one entrance. It created a very tight congested area at the intersection, and it made it difficult for vehicles and buses to drive in,” said Steve Lenz, Executive Director of Operations and Administrative Services, as quoted in a news release. Continue reading Wise Elementary Road opens Tuesday

ORE CITY — An East Texas woman arrested for DWI Saturday night had an assault charge added after police say she claimed to have COVID-19 and coughed directly into a jailer’s face. According to our news partner KETK, the Ore City Police Department says Darla Ann McCurry was pulled over around 10:30 p.m. Saturday for “failing to drive in a single lane.” The department wrote that the officer smelled “a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle.” The initial charge followed a field sobriety test. While being booked into the Upshur County Jail, McCurry claimed to have COVID-19, turned toward a correctional officer, and “deliberately coughed in his face,” according to a police statement. McCurry was then charged with assaulting a public servant. She faces a maximum of 10 years in prison if convicted.

LONGVIEW — A man was arrested on a murder charge on Sunday after officers discovered a dead 23-year-old woman. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police say they were called to The Gilmer Apartments on Gilmer Road around 2:54 p.m. on Sunday. When they arrived, they found Cyan Winn dead from an apparent gunshot wound. 30-year-old Adrian Grissom, Winn’s boyfriend, was booked into the Gregg County Jail at 7:20 p.m. after a warrant was issued for his arrest earlier that day. Investigators believe the incident began as a domestic dispute between Winn and Grissom. Grissom has no prior criminal record in Texas, according to a search of public records.

HENDERSON COUNTY – A deputy was involved in a crash with a person who had been drinking alcohol, according to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. According to our news partner KETK, on Friday night, a deputy drove eastbound on Highway 334 with lights and a siren on to assist another deputy who was calling for assistance. The HCSO Facebook page reports a Chevrolet truck pulled out in front of the deputy at an intersection without a stoplight. The driver of the truck had been drinking alcohol, according to the page. State troopers were called to the scene to conduct a crash investigation. The Gun Barrel City Police and Fire Departments also assisted. The driver of the truck was taken by ambulance to a local hospital and the deputy is doing well at the time, according to HCSO.

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. Smith County maintenance crews will be finishing up base and edge repair in Troup on FM 13, going out of town toward the Cherokee County line. The crew will then move to FM 2493 in Gresham to finish bobcat mill profiling. In Gregg County, maintenance crews will be conducting mobile operations on various roadways throughout the county including patching and debris pickup. Crews also plan to do bridge channel work. No delays are expected. Click here for a full rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — The Tyler Together Race Relations Forum returns to an in-person format for its 2022 Martin Luther King, Jr., Day celebration. Guest speaker Kim Lewis, CEO of Goodwill Industries of East Texas, reflected on the event theme, “Everybody Can Be Great Because Everybody Can Serve.” During an interview with KTBB, she said, “It sounds so simple — but so few people take advantage of the things that they can do. What is in your control? What can you do? There are so many different things that we can do right here in our community. We can help serve… the sick and the poor, we can read to children; we can even do …some of those things virtually.” Continue reading Tyler honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

GREGG COUNTY — A two-year-old boy was killed and one adult and two other children were injured in a two-vehicle crash involving an intoxicated man. According to our news partner KETK, on Thursday afternoon around 4:30 p.m., DPS Troopers responded to the crash on State Highway 149, about three miles southeast of Lakeport. A preliminary investigation report indicates that Mercedes D. Cole, 24, of Longview was driving south in the inside lane in a 2015 Nissan Versa with her turn signal activated and was preparing to turn left into the Dollar General. Hayden M. Malone, 21, of Tyler, was driving south, and reportedly hit Cole’s car. Continue reading Two-year-old boy killed after two-vehicle crash involving intoxicated man

LONGVIEW — The LeTourneau University Belcher Center in partnership with the Longview Cultural Arts Advisory Commission will host “The Music of Sam Cooke: A Change is Gonna Come” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15. There will be a pre-show concert in the plaza at 6:15 p.m. with local favorite band “Covie” — and you can stay for the post-show talk back with star Bradd Marquis as he discusses the life and music of Sam Cooke, Martin Luther King Jr., and their role in the Civil Rights movement. Click here for more information.

TYLER — NET Health CEO George Roberts assesses the latest COVID-19 picture in East Texas. He tells KTBB the area is apparently “right in the middle” of the omicron surge, which he still expects to continue “for a few more weeks.” Though Smith and Gregg Counties saw drops in community spread, Roberts points out that that could turn in the other direction at any time — and other counties saw increases in spread. Roberts also notes, “The numbers that we’re sharing don’t include a number of the at-home tests…that are coming back positive as well.” And he continues to strongly urge vaccinations and staying home when you’re sick. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

TYLER — After going virtual last year due to COVID, the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum is back with its standard Martin Luther King, Jr., Day Interfaith Community Celebration. It all happens Monday and features keynote speaker Kim Lewis, CEO of Goodwill Industries of East Texas. The theme of the 36th annual celebration is “Everybody Can Be Great Because Everybody Can Serve.” Beginning at 9 a.m. on the downtown square, the event will feature a familiar sequence — including a march to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, where the customary interfaith service will be offered. Masks will be required for the activities. Again this year, Tyler Together will also be holding an essay and visual arts contest in conjunction with the holiday. Click here for more information.

TYLER — Country music star Jon Wolfe will headline this year’s Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala, set for June 11 at the Texas Rose Horse Park — the gala’s home for the past four years. The 2022 event, the 34th, will be called “Neon Rose.” The Cattle Barons’ Gala is a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. Click here or call 903-570-8126 for more information.

LONGVIEW — The latest surge in COVID-19 is hitting East Texas school districts hard and many teachers and staff are absent because of the virus causing districts to have to use office staff to fill in. According to our news partner KETK, Longview ISD and Arp ISD are just two of the many school districts actively recruiting, hiring, and training substitute teachers. Two dozen substitutes were registered and trained at Longview ISD’s Education Support Center Thursday. The instructor put an emphasis on safety protocols for fire and weather emergency procedures – and Covid -19. Continue reading East Texas schools in need of substitute teachers amid rising COVID-19 cases

TYLER – Chick-fil-A has awarded Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc. a $100,000 grant as a recipient of the 2022 True Inspiration Award. According to a news release, this grant will support Goodwill’s skills training and vocational opportunities for people with barriers for employment in East Texas. Goodwill of East Texas provides a variety of job skills training and is one of 34 organizations recognized for a commitment to serving individuals in the areas of education, hunger, or homelessness, according to the release. In addition to serving their communities in these areas, the recipient organizations are either Black-led or serve communities of color. Chick-fil-A increased its investment in the initiative last year, with a collective $5 million awarded to recipients for the second year in a row.

SMITH COUNTY — A Kilgore man has been charged with intoxication manslaughter following a wreck Wednesday night. According to the DPS report, Gary L. Nichols, 40, of Kilgore, was headed east on Hwy 31, approximately 13 miles east of Tyler, when he struck a disabled vehicle. Two male occupants were attempting to push/pull the vehicle while the driver and female passenger remained inside. Jace D. Taylor, 22, of Overton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Devin C. Hardee, 24, of Overton, was transported to UT-Health East Texas Tyler in stable condition. Ashley L. Wilson, 22, of Overton, was also transported to UT-Health East Texas Tyler in critical condition. Hayley Wilson, 23, of Overton, was taken to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in critical condition.

TYLER — The City Council approved updating and establishing new school speeding zones to help ease traffic congestion in our community while also keeping students safe, according to our news partner KETK. The number one reason for the use of school zones is for the safety of all students. “It’s been quite a while since we have made these updates. Cameron Williams, the Traffic Engineer, has really implemented this project to kind of catch up on things we have kind of let go for a number of years,” said Mayor Don Warren. Continue reading Setting Tyler school speed zones: City Council approves Phase 1 of new traffic plans

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office obtained warrants Wednesday for the suspects involved in the string of auto burglaries that occurred last week. According to our news partner KETK, following the initial investigation, it was discovered that a total of 32 vehicles had been burglarized and one was stolen in the Whitehouse area. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Smith County near Loop 49 and Highway 64 West in the late morning on Jan. 6. Continue reading Suspects wanted in string of more than 30 Tyler, Whitehouse vehicle burglaries

AUSTIN — Tyler and Longview continue to show up well in the latest sales tax allocation figures from the state comptroller’s office. For the month of January, Tyler gets $4,996,960.85, a big leap from the $3,670,114.25 reported a year ago. In Longview, $3,511,150.03 was allocated, well above the $2,616,475.39 figure reported at this time last year. Statewide, there was a 26.8 per cent increase in allocations from January 2021. Click this link to see figures for individual entities around the state.