KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau serving Central East Texas, in partnership with Kelly Community Federal Credit Union and Ark-La-Tex Shredding, hosted their annual “Secure Your ID” day Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon at the BBB Offices on New Copeland Road. The event was re-scheduled to coincide with and extension for income taxes for Texas residents. The services were provided free, and attendees are encouraged to bring paper documents that contain personal and/or financial information to be destroyed — as well as electronics such as old computers, hard drives, and cell phones.

TYLER — Preparations for the Tyler Rose Complex began Thursday, according to a city news release. The first part of the project will be to install a dedicated parking lot area for Tyler Civic Theater and the Rose Garden Center. WRL General Contractors has begun milling Rose Park Drive to complete this phase. Portions of Rose Park Drive and the majority of Harvey Convention Center’s parking lot will be closed periodically. West Houston Street will remain open for the duration of the project. The Rose Garden and Tyler Civic Theater will remain open to the public. The Rose Garden gate on Rose Park Drive will be closed, but patrons will still be able to access the garden through the Rose Garden Center and the gate on West Houston Street by the Idea Garden. Continue reading Preparations begin for Tyler Rose Complex

ATHENS — A murder investigation is underway in Henderson County. According to Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, Joshua Jones, 37, of Seven Points, has been arrested in connection to the fatal Thursday night shooting of Jason Blake, 44. Deputies responded to a disturbance call at a home on West Oak Ridge Road around 8:15 and found Blake reportedly shot in the back near the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Both Jones and Blake lived at the residence where the shooting took place. Continue reading Murder suspect arrested after shooting Thursday night

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank is holding another mega drive-thru produce distribution Friday in Tyler from 10 a.m. to noon at Lindsey Park. As with past distributions, the events are open to anyone and there are no eligibility or paperwork requirements. These are drive-thru distributions and walk-ups will not be accepted, according to a news release. Multiple households can carpool. To pick up items for another household not present, a note must be provided. An average of 1,200 families are served at each distribution. Even as the pandemic is fading, food bank staffers say they are still seeing an increased need for food assistance. The next Tyler distribution dates are June 26 at Green Acres Baptist Church and July 2 at Lindsey Park, both from 10 a.m. to noon.

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities announces its 2020 drinking water quality report is available for all residential and commercial customers to review. The report confirms TWU continually delivers residents and businesses high-quality drinking water that meets and exceeds state and federal standards, according to a news release. Among other things, the report shows there was no lead and only very low traces of copper detected in the drinking water provided to TWU customers. The water quality report is available here.

LONGVIEW – The CHRISTUS Good Shepherd COVID-19 vaccine hub is expanding access and now offering vaccine appointments at multiple CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic locations across the region. The vaccine will remain free of charge, and the scheduling process will remain the same – simply visit this link to make an appointment. Effective Thursday, June 17, the hub will transition away from the Longview Exhibit Center, and appointments are now available Monday through Friday at designated CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic primary care locations in Longview, Marshall, and Kilgore. Walk-in appointments are also available at CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Urgent Care in Longview on West Loop 281. All patients will receive the Pfizer vaccine, which is available to everyone 12 and older, according to a news release.

LONGVIEW — A man is arrested after leading officers on a high speed chase from Longview all the way to Louisiana. According to our news partner KETK, Jerimiah Brown was driving east on Interstate 20 in a stolen car. That’s when Longview officers got a tip the vehicle didn’t belong to Brown. Authorities say he started to speed away but after calling for backup, officers deployed a spike strip to slow him down. Brown is currently being held at the Caddo Parish Jail.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is charged with murder. According to our news partner KETK, Dontrey Walker is accused of killing his girlfriend and then confessing to the crime during a police standoff in Huntsville. Officers say they found his alleged victim, Paige Martin, dead inside a house on Tuesday during a welfare check. Martin appeared to have injuries to her neck. Walker is now in jail.

TYLER — Tyler state Representative Matt Schaefer is upbeat after his permitless carry bill was signed by Governor Abbott. Schaefer told KTBB, “I believe that the right to defend yourself and your family is given to us by God — and the Second Amendment stands to ensure that right can be exercised. And any infringements contrary to that right must be removed.” He added, “The governor has signed an historic restoration of Second Amendment rights.” Asked about possible legal challenges, Schaefer responded, “I do not think any legal challenges to this bill will be successful. This bill is airtight.” The bill is due to take effect September 1.

TYLER — Tyler ISD has responded with a brief statement after its partnership with locally-based Mentoring Alliance was challenged. The Freedom from Religion Foundation said Wednesday that TISD must immediately revoke a large subsidy for the Mentoring Alliance’s sectarian religious summer camp. In a news release, the foundation says TISD has approved $500,000 in partnership with the Christ-centered ministry to send students to camp each summer. The news release says FFRF was contacted by a concerned district community member about the summer camp program. TISD responded by saying, “The district values its partnership with the Mentoring Alliance and its support of the district’s mission of successful student outcomes.”

TYLER — A Tyler man has been indicted in the case of seven people beating a friend unconscious and leaving him in a ditch for allegedly being a “snitch.” According to our news partner KETK, Daymond Gray, 18, is the first to be indicted in the case. Jesus Tinoco, 17, was also charged, but has yet to be indicted. KETK News is withholding the name of the victim for privacy reasons. A warrant obtained by KETK in April said that Victor Villegas was at the victim’s house because he was dating his sister. The couple began arguing so the victim called the police. Continue reading Tyler man indicted for beating friend unconscious

TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is preparing to host the annual July Fourth Celebration at Lindsey Park on Sunday, July 4. Gates will open at 2 p.m. for families to come out to enjoy a variety of vendors and food trucks. The firework show will begin after dark, at around 9 p.m., according to a news release. Vendors and food trucks can still register to be a part of the event until June 28. City officials say an update with more details will be sent next week. For more information, click here or call (903) 531-1370.

TYLER — The Tyler Main Street Department and Parks and Recreation Department have installed three bicycle fix-it stations downtown. Officials say they were purchased thanks to grant funds from the Texas Physical Activity and Nutrition Program from the Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health). The stations can be found on the northwest corner of the downtown square, inside the Fair Plaza parking garage by the exit, and by the downtown Tyler Transit Depot. Each station includes all tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, such as inflating a flat tire and adjusting brakes, according to a news release.

KILGORE — Authorities say they have re-captured a man who escaped from them Monday night. Kilgore police got a tip from a concerned citizen on where James Butler III was after the citizen saw his picture circulating around East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, officers say they picked Butler up near Green Hills Drive Monday night on suspicion of three burglaries but he slipped out of his cuffs and got away. After searching throughout the area Tuesday, officers say they found one of Butler’s shoes along with the help of a K-9 unit and were then able to locate Butler.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Officials say a man found dead alongside I-20 in Van Zandt County has been identified as 39-year-old Joshua Hammond of Canton. Department of Public Safety Troopers responded to a report of a body found Monday afternoon. According to a DPS report, road crews cleaning debris from the grass on the south side of IH-20, approximately 2.6 miles west of Canton, found the body just after 4:00. DPS says the investigation is ongoing.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Louie Gohmert speaks to KTBB after suing administrators of the House of Representatives. He says using metal detectors to screen members of Congress is unconstitutional and security is being used unfairly against Republicans. He says Democrats have been allowed to enter the floor without being screened, although at least one has been fined. Along with that, Gohmert says he goes through the detectors every day, “but we don’t need one at the House floor — especially after the chief of Capitol Police said there is no intelligence from any source whatsoever that any member of Congress is a threat to another member.” Continue reading Gohmert discusses suit involving metal detectors

SMITH COUNTY — Commissioners for Smith County held their first public hearing where they discussed how to possibly spend the $45 million the area would be receiving under the American Rescue Plan Act. According to our news partner KETK, the law was passed under the Biden administration and allocates $22.5 million to the county this year along with another $22.5 million in 2022. The act was passed to help communities across the nation deal with lost revenue and higher than normal expenses during the pandemic. Continue reading Commissioners hold first public hearing on spending $45 million from American Rescue Plan Act

TYLER — The East Texas Symphony Orchestra announces Robin Hampton as its new executive director. According to a news release, “Robin brings with her more than 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofit arts management, performing arts and cultural institutions, with a particular passion for music education and community engagement.” ETSO’s five-concert season at the UT Tyler Cowan Center will begin November 13.

TYLER — West 4th Street between Broadway and Chilton in Tyler reopened Tuesday afternoon after being temporarily shut down for tree work. But city officials now say due to an equipment issue, the Street Department will need to close the street again Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon to finish removing dead trees and trimming low-hanging limbs. The 4th and College intersection will remain open for northbound and southbound traffic. Drivers should obey all detour and road closure signs and use caution in the area.

CHAPEL HILL — Eight months after a major accident sent an infant and two adults to the hospital, a Chapel Hill intersection some deem dangerous has received funding for a left-turn lane. According to our news partner KETK, the upgrade will be implemented on State Highway 64 at Wolfe Lane. State Representative Matt Schaefer pushed TxDOT to allocate funds for the project, and his office announced the funding Tuesday. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2022.

AUSTIN – A Longview resident claimed a top prizewinning ticket worth $3 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game $750 Million Winner’s Circle. Lottery officials say the ticket was purchased at Murphy Express 8894 on E. Loop 281 in Longview. The claimant elected to remain anonymous. This was the eighth of 12 top prizes worth $3 million to be claimed in this game. $750 Million Winner’s Circle offers more than $750 million in total prizes. Overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 2.88, including break-even prizes, according to Lottery officials.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The SPCA of Texas seized 12 dogs from a Van Zandt County home Monday after they were found living in what were termed poor conditions. According to our news partner KETK, the organization’s Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit removed 12 Chihuahua mixes that were “in bad shape – emaciated with spines and ribs visible, some with hair loss.” The SPCA said the dogs are being cared for with bedding, food, water, treats, toys, and medical attention. The organization says it needs the public’s help in finding homes for all the dogs. Those looking to add a furry member to their family can email [email protected].

KILGORE — Kilgore police are searching for a man who escaped from them late Monday night. The department said they pulled over 30-year-old James Collie Butler III at Green Hills Dr. and Higginbotham Rd. According to our news partner KETK, Butler has several warrants out for his arrest and records show he has been charged with burglary on three separate occasions. Officers say that he was able to “slip his handcuffs to the front” and ran away. He is 5’10”, 175 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. Butler was last seen wearing a white polo shirt, jeans, and black shoes. Continue reading Kilgore Police search for man who escaped officers

LONGVIEW — Longview police have arrested two people and are looking for a third in an armed robbery of a convenience store Saturday morning. According to our news partner KETK, an employee at an EZ Mart on Judson Road told police three men robbed the store at gunpoint at 2:22 a.m. Police started chasing a car that pulled out of the parking lot. When the car crashed, police arrested two of the three men inside. The third one ran away, said information from the police department. Police have charged Lamar Jackson Jr., 24, and Andre Mason, 19, both of Shreveport, with aggravated robbery. They are in the Gregg County Jail. The third man was still on the run Monday afternoon. Those who have information are asked to call Longview Police Department Criminal Investigations at 903-237-1110.

ATHENS — Ricardo Abundiz, 43, has been sentenced to 30 years in state prison after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child. That’s according to our news partner KETK. In May 2019, a 10-year-old girl reported that Abundiz had sexually abused her for years. Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigator Jerry Moore’s work on the case led to the discovery of DNA evidence, said information from the district attorney’s office. Abundiz is required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life and is forbidden by a court order from ever having contact with the victim.

LONGVIEW — Buckner Longview is calling on the community for the final week of its annual Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls drive to reach its goal of 2,000 pairs of shoes. The goal of this year’s Longview Community Shoe Drive drive is to put new shoes on the feet of local children at the Junior League of Longview during the annual School Supply Train in August. Donations can be made now through June 18, according to a news release. Go here for more information.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert released the following statement Monday on the filed lawsuit against the use of magnetometers on the House floor and fines for alleged violators: “It is an honor to be joined by Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-GA), and counsel, former DHS Deputy Secretary Ken Cuccinelli, in bringing suit in the D.C. Circuit Court against the unprecedented power grab by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

“With the Speaker’s full support, Democrats passed House Resolution 73 that would subject Members of Congress to illegal interference in the course of fulfilling their duties. Under Section 1(a), I received a notice from the Acting Sergeant at Arms alleging a violation for ‘failure to complete security screening in the House Chamber,’ when in fact I had completed the screening before entering the House Chamber. Continue reading Gohmert issues statement on suit involving magnetometers, fines

TYLER — Supporters of pride month gathered in downtown Tyler Sunday for a festival after some made their opinions heard against this type of event in the Rose City. According to our news partner KETK, for the first pride event in downtown Tyler, the turnout was larger than expected for organizers. About 1,000 people showed up to the festival on Sunday. “The community has truly come together for this,” Pride Festival organizer Raynie Castaneda said. While festival-goers were celebrating pride, others were caught in deep conversations discussing whether homosexuality was right or wrong. Continue reading Peaceful discussions held by opposing sides at Tyler Pride Festival

TYLER — Plans call for the westbound lane of West Houston Street between South Palace Avenue and South Glenwood Boulevard in Tyler to remain closed at least until sometime Monday. The closure was put in place Friday due to groundwater issues, . Officials with the city say the street department will reassess the situation on Monday.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning continued construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the week of June 14. Tyler Maintenance plans to continue ditch work and base repairs on FM 2089. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Base repairs are planned on SH 64W at Toll 49. Expect lane closures utilizing signage and cones. Longview Maintenance plans to conduct ditch cleaning operations on FM 1845 near the Upshur County line before moving to US 80 at the White Oak city limits. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control. Go here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.