KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Shortly after 12:30 Wednesday afternoon, police announced that all traffic on E. Front St. between Palmer Ave. and Old Henderson Hwy. in Tyler was closed due to lines down in the roadway. Oncor headed to the scene, and Tyler police officers were stationed in the roadway to direct traffic. Police advised that drivers should avoid this area and take alternate routes. By late afternoon, crews were still working to resolve the situation. Click this link for the latest information.

NACOGDOCHES – Nacogdoches County officials said an earthquake happened in the western portion of the county on Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, County Judge Greg Sowell said shortly before 10 a.m., the Nacogdoches Consolidated Communications Center received several calls from the Alazan-Lake Nacogdoches area in reference to a loud boom that shook buildings. Deputies reportedly responded to the area and did not find any damage or the location of an emergency. Nacogdoches County Emergency Management contacted the U.S. Geological Survey headquarters. At 12:12 p.m. Wednesday, they confirmed that a 2.6 magnitude earthquake happened in the western portion of Nacogdoches County at 9:51 a.m. Continue reading 2.6 magnitude earthquake reported in Nacogdoches County

TYLER — As of Thursday, Dec. 30, the City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department will turn off water in all drinking fountains and outdoor restrooms at Tyler area parks and trails for the winter season. Officials say winterizing helps protect from damage during freezing temperatures and prevents unnecessary repair and labor costs. City staffers say remember to bring your own water when visiting the parks and trails in the coming months. Fountains will turn on again in the spring once the risk of freezing temperatures has passed, according to a news release. For more information, contact Tyler Parks and Recreation at 903-531-1370.

TYLER — It still hasn’t been detected here, but NET Health’s George Roberts says it’s all but certain that omicron has arrived in East Texas. He tells KTBB, “We have little doubt.” Referencing the CDC website, he adds, “The omicron variant is becoming more and more prevalent…versus the delta variant.” Roberts also points to a spike in COVID numbers in East Texas. However, he does note, “The case volumes are up around the country, but…the cases of omicron appear to be less severe than the delta variant.” Roberts continues to urge vaccinations along with extra care during the holidays — with a special caution to stay home when you’re sick. Continue reading Roberts: “Little doubt” that omicron has arrived in East Texas

RUSK COUNTY — A man was fatally shot after an alleged burglary in Rusk County on Christmas Day. According to our news partner KETK, the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office got a call in around 12:40 a.m. to respond to CR 4174 for a burglary. According to Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, the owner of the home’s future son-in-law came to the house and noticed that one of the homes on the property had a flashlight shining through the windows, so he went to investigate. “He went over there and noticed that the door was open and he walked into the house, and there stands Jason Holland. He had no permission to be on that property,” Valdez said. Continue reading Alleged burglar fatally shot in Rusk County Christmas Day

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a 21-year-old Tyler man who has not been seen for nearly one week. According to our news partner KETK, Marcus Daniel Rodriguez was last seen on Dec. 23 at the Palomar Apartment complex on Old Jacksonville Highway. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored t-shirt with an orange and white graphic on the front and blue jean shorts. Investigators are unsure if he left in a car or on foot. Any information on his whereabouts should be directed to Det. Molina at 903-531-1097.

WHITE OAK – A White Oak High School student was killed late Monday after some kind of accident, according to a statement released by Principal Donna Jennings. According to our news partner KETK, the student was identified as Tiffani Tant, who was a senior. It was not immediately clear what type of accident she was involved in. Tant was a member of the Regiment of Roughnecks Band and was an officer in the Future Farmers of America. Jennings wrote, “We are heartbroken for her family, our student body and staff.” Grief counselors will be made available for students and faculty members once they return from the Christmas break.

LONGVIEW — Registration for the Longview Fire Department’s annual Ambulance Subscription Program for 2022 closes in just two more days. Since 2009, the fire department has offered the program to help offset the rising cost of out-of-pocket medical expenses, according to a news release. With the typical cost associated with EMS transports averaging $800 to $1,000 per response, the program limits any out-of-pocket EMS expenses to $70/year. To subscribe for 2022, the deadline to register is December 31, 2021. Click this link for more details.

TYLER — As Texans celebrate the holiday season, the Texas Department of Transportation is bringing an exhibit across the state to share real-life stories of people affected by drinking and driving — and it’s making a stop in Tyler. TxDOT’s traveling video exhibit will visit Broadway Square Mall Wednesday from 11 a.m. till 8 p.m. to remind people of the consequences of driving while impaired. The public is invited to see and share the campaign’s video stories of real offenders and survivors of drunk driving. According to a news release, these emotional stories profile Texans whose lives were forever changed and challenge any notion that people can avoid the consequences of drinking and driving.

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police Department is looking for information regarding the whereabouts of a man wanted on two felony warrants. According to our news partner KETK, KPD says Devonta Leavelle Allen is a suspect in several cases and has felony warrants for his arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. If anyone has information regarding the location of Allen, KPD asks that they contact Detective Joshua Sims at 903-218-6907 or [email protected].

RUSK COUNTY — In what officials are calling a “Christmas miracle,” everyone escaped a major two-vehicle crash in Rusk County uninjured. According to our news partner KETK, the Crims Chapel Volunteer Fire Department reports an SUV hit a large tractor pulling a bush hog on Highway 259 and CR 236. Photos from the scene show extensive damage to the vehicles and equipment, especially the white SUV. The scene was eventually cleared.

TYLER — The Tyler Junior College Wind Ensemble is about to take a historic turn in the spotlight. This year, TJC will be the first junior/community college ever to perform a featured concert at the Texas Music Educators Association convention, with the wind ensemble doing the honors when attendees gather in San Antonio. According to a news release, the convention has been held for 102 years, and it’s one of the largest such gatherings in the country, attracting attendees from across the nation and around the world. The TJC performance is scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11. The other two college wind ensembles performing this year are from Tarleton State University and The University of Texas at Austin.

LONGVIEW — A portion of Mobberly Avenue between Myrle Avenue and Oakdale Avenue in Longview will be temporarily reconfigured from Jan. 14 to Jan. 31 to demonstrate the roadway’s planned Complete Street redesign. According to a news release, the Mobberly Complete Street Project will consist of reducing the number of travel lanes from 5 lanes to 3 lanes to add buffered bike lanes and improve existing sidewalks to Mobberly Avenue. The stated goal of the project is to make Mobberly Avenue safe and accessible for both pedestrians and cyclists and efficiently manage existing and future traffic demands. Click here for all the details.

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have one crew performing bobcat milling from Paluxy to Grande. This job should take two days to complete. In Gregg County, maintenance crews will be spot milling on SH 300 north and southbound at Seven Pines Rd., just south of the intersection of FM 1844. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

MARSHALL — Marshall police are seeking leads in an aggravated robbery December 17 at a Chevron station on Victory Drive. Police say the suspect arrived in a vehicle that had been reported stolen in Bossier City, Louisiana. If you recognize the suspect shown in this video, contact MPD at 903-935-4543. If you wish to remain anonymous you may submit a tip using the P3 mobile app or call 903-935-9969.

TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts hopes everybody has a joyful holiday weekend — and a careful one too. Roberts points out that all seven counties in NET Health’s survey area are now in the moderate spread category — all the more reason, he says, to get vaccinated as soon as possible. There are, of course, some holiday season limitations. NET Health’s clinic at Tyler’s Majesty Event Center is taking some time off but will be open again Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. Roberts also reminds you to be careful about those seasonal gatherings. Most importantly, he tells us, is staying home when you’re sick — not least to limit the spread of the virus. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful are providing two locations for Christmas tree recycling in Tyler. Residents can drop off undecorated, non-flocked natural Christmas trees until Jan. 16, 2022, in designated areas at Golden Road Park and Fun Forest Park in Tyler. Golden Road Park is located at Golden and McDonald Rds., and Fun Forest Park is at Glenwood Blvd. and Garden Valley Rd. All lights, ornaments, garland and tinsel should be removed from the Christmas tree before taking it to one of the parks. Each park will have a designated area for the trees marked with a sign that reads “Christmas Tree Drop Off.” Continue reading Christmas tree recycling continues in Tyler

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies found four children inside a residence that was “extremely dirty.” According to our news partner KETK, Katelynn Schengeli, 26, was arrested Wednesday and charged with four counts of child endangerment. Cory Evans, 27, the father of twin girls and an 11-month-old infant involved in this incident was charged with four counts of child endangerment. On Wednesday, around 10:10 p.m. deputies were called to a home on Rhones Quarter Road to help with an EMS call. An 8-year-old child had called because his mother was unresponsive. Schengeli appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, said law enforcement. Continue reading Couple arrested on child endangerment charges

GLADEWATER – Gladewater police seek your help in solving an ATM break-in. According to our news partner KETK, police got a call around 5:30 Thursday morning of suspicious activity at City National Bank on E. Broadway Ave. Arriving officers recovered a stolen vehicle and discovered the ATM at the bank had been broken into and an undisclosed amount of cash had been stolen. Video revealed four Black males running away from the scene before police arrived. If you have any information, contact detectives at the Gladewater Police Department at 903-845-5801.

TYLER — The East Texas Communities Foundation is on track to achieve its highest granting year on record by awarding more than $17 million to over 700 different nonprofit organizations. “ETCF is honored to connect generosity with need,” said ETCF President Kyle Penney as quoted in a news release. “Thanks to the support of our donors, and the work of dedicated and talented nonprofits, we are able to fund solutions that address community needs.” The top awards categories were Education (21%), Religion (19%), and Human Services (16%).

TYLER — East Texas health experts say omicron is twice as contagious as the delta variant and encourage people to keep their guard up against COVID-19, according to our news partner KETK. Omicron is possibly already in East Texas. “Given the spread across the country, given that over 70% of the cases are linked to it, I think it’s safe to say it has arrived,” said Dr. Thomas Cummins, Division Chief Medical Officer at UT Health East Texas. He added that COVID-19 cases have slightly risen in the area. “This one is probably twice as infectious, so it moves really rapidly through people and from host to host,” said Cummins. Early evidence shows that the vaccines are offering protection against the new variant. Continue reading East Texas doctor says Omicron is twice as contagious as Delta

ATHENS — The Texas Game Warden memorial will be moved from Athens to the grounds of the Texas Capitol. According to our news partner KETK, the Game Warden Peace Officer’s Association has made efforts since 2012 to move the statue from the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center. The memorial shows a life-size game warden made of bronze. It honors the officials that lost their lives in the line of duty. The Game Warden Peace Officer’s Association provided some of the funding and assisted with legislative efforts to relocate the statue. Continue reading Texas Game Warden Memorial to be moved from Athens to Texas Capitol

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – A 22-year-old woman pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 14-year-old Van Zandt County girl. She was sentenced to 6 years, according to our news partner KETK. Courtney Odum, was sentenced to 6 years in TDCJ. She already has 581 days of credit from the Van Zandt County Jail. In May, Odum and Austen Walker, 21, were arrested in May for the kidnapping of Willow Sirmans which resulted in an Amber Alert. Sirmans was located in Louisville, Kentucky, according to a Special Agent with the FBI Dallas field office. Walker and Odom were arrested on felony kidnapping charges in Kentucky before being extradited to Texas.

TYLER — DPS is investigating a fatal hit and run accident just before 10 Monday evening on Hwy. 110 N. at Lakeview, less than a mile north of Tyler. According to a news release, preliminary investigation indicates a vehicle was traveling northbound on 110 when it struck a pedestrian who was standing in the roadway. The vehicle then continued northbound on the highway. The victim was Patricia G. Radican, 69, of Gun Barrel City. No description of the vehicle or the driver was immediately available.

LINDALE — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office seeks your assistance locating a missing person. On December 15, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing person from Hope Haven near Lindale. It was reported that 17-year-old Leila Outlaw-Williams walked away from that facility at approximately 2:45 p.m. that day. She is described as white, with brown hair, green eyes, 5’5”, 140 lbs. She was last seen wearing a pink spaghetti strap shirt and blue jeans. It is unknown where Lelia went, but she does have ties to the immediate Lindale area. Continue reading Missing person sought

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview is encouraging the community to assist with Longview’s Homeless Resource Day, a collaborative effort of the city and various nonprofit organizations to provide homeless individuals access to available services. The Homeless Resource Day will take place from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Thursday, January 27, 2022, in the Longview Exhibit Center on Jaycee Drive. According to a news release, in 2017, Mayor Andy Mack’s Task Force on Homelessness identified what’s termed the critical need to have a “One Stop Shop” opportunity for Longview’s homeless population to access actual services. On March 24, 2018, the first event took place with 44 different service providers and an estimated 350 attendees attending to access those services. Continue reading Donations sought for Homeless Resource Day on Jan. 27

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a stabbing and seeking a suspect in a Saturday incident on CR 489. Officials allege 36-year-old Quentin Gardner of Tyler stabbed his brother, 38-year-old Jerry Gardner of Mesquite, during an apparent argument over loud music. The victim is listed in serious but stable condition. Quentin Gardner is described as Black, 5’08”, 210 lbs., last seen wearing a red shirt and blue shorts. If you know the suspect’s whereabouts, contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600. Authorities urge you not to try to apprehend the suspect, saying he has made statements to harm himself and is considered dangerous. Quentin Gardner faces a charge of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury, with bond set at $400,000.

TYLER — Last week, NET Health’s George Roberts said the COVID omicron variant may be in the East Texas area. Now he strongly suspects it has arrived, though there are still no confirmed cases. Meantime, with Christmas approaching, you have through Wednesday at 4:30 to get your COVID shot at Tyler’s Majesty Event Center — and Roberts says a number of other facilities continue to offer the vaccine. Roberts continues to urge vaccinations and extra care during the holiday season, with seasonal gatherings planned by many. He again advises you to stay home if you’re sick. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Municipal Court is once again offering its warrant amnesty program from Jan. 1 through April 30. Anyone that goes to the clerk’s office to take care of their outstanding warrants will be given safe harbor. The warrant amnesty program began in January 2017 and has grown from a one-month to a four-month program. In 2021, 555 warrants were cleared during the program. From January to April, the Municipal Court will remove all warrant fees when a citizen voluntarily contacts the court to pay a minimum of one half the total amount due and start a payment plan for the balance owed. As an added incentive, anyone that pays in full will also save an additional 20% off the fine amount. Continue reading Longview court offering warrant amnesty program beginning in January

KILGORE – A pharmacist from Kilgore was recently appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott to serve on the Texas State Board of Pharmacy. According to our news partner KETK, Jennifer “Jenny” Downing Yoakum is the co-owner and pharmacist-in-charge at Med Shop Total Care, Inc. in Longview. She specializes in the art of compounding pharmacy with an emphasis in veterinary medicine. She is a member of Texas Pharmacy Association, National Community Pharmacist Association, Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. She got her Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.