KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Texas Senator John Cornyn will keynote the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Energy Summit Thursday with an on-stage discussion moderated by Ken Waits, President & CEO of Mewbourne Oil. According to a press release, Sen. Cornyn will discuss the state of the energy industry nationally and what the future holds particularly for the fossil fuel and renewable energy industries important to East Texas. He will then answer questions from the audience. Following the keynote discussion, Sen. Cornyn will hold a press conference. The keynote discussion starts at 12:15 at Green Acres Crosswalk Conference Center.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says former County Elections Administrator Denise Hernandez faces assault charges. According to a news release, on May 17, the Sheriff’s Office received information from Smith County Human Resources officials concerning an April 27 incident that allegedly took place in the elections office. Both reported female victims said they were each given a cup containing a pink liquid substance by Hernandez. Hernandez reportedly informed the employees that the cup contained “Spark” energy drink. Both women consumed the drink. Continue reading Former elections administrator arrested for assault

TYLER — Smith County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program being administered by PATH has assisted 276 families, helping keep them from becoming homeless, according to a news release. The Commissioners Court was given an update on the progress of the distribution of more than $7 million the county received from the U.S. Treasury in rental and utility assistance funding to aid those affected by COVID-19. County Judge Nathaniel Moran says he deeply appreciates the partnership with PATH as well as what he terms the agency’s hard work on the effort.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A Big Sandy man is dead in an Upshur County accident caused by a wind gust. The mishap was reported Saturday on SH 154 about seven miles west of Gilmer. According to DPS, a preliminary report indicates that 41-year-old Timothy Robert Field of Big Sandy was trying to keep a mattress secured in the bed of a pickup when the wind gust caught it, causing him to fall from the vehicle. Field was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — The Goodman-LeGrand Museum will host its first mystery dinner of the year on Saturday, June 12, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The theme of the night will be “The Trouble with Paradise.” The mystery dinners are part of the Goodman-LeGrand Museum fundraising efforts to support its day-to-day operations and special events. Admission is $40 per person; reservations and payment are required in advance. Seats are limited. A special meal will be prepared by Chef Rojo Tellez of C Rojo’s Mobile Cuisine. To purchase tickets or for more information, call Debbie Isham, special events and Goodman Museum supervisor at (903) 531-1286.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning another round of roadwork the week of May 31 in the Tyler District. Night work starts Tuesday on the US 80 improvement project just east of Eastman Rd. in Longview. Expect lane closures and delays starting at 9 p.m. In Tyler, crews are scheduled to conduct mill and inlay operations on SH 110 inside North Loop 323 Tuesday and Wednesday nights. The work requires residents who park along SH 110 at this location to park elsewhere. Click here for the complete rundown of work around the district.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department administrative offices will be moving to the third floor of the Cotton Belt Building, at Front and Glenwood. After being closed Friday, May 28, the department will resume regular business hours at the new location on Tuesday, June 1. For more information, contact Tyler Parks and Recreation at (903) 531-1212.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank kicks off its 17th Annual Summer Food Program Tuesday across 24 community sites in the region. The program provides free breakfast and lunch meals to children under 18. There will be sites in Tyler, Whitehouse, Lindale, Mt. Pleasant, Gilmer, Hawkins, Longview, Kilgore, Marshall, Waskom, Jacksonville, Rusk, Mineola, Hawkins, and Wills Point. The full list of sites, meals offered, and service times can be found here.

TYLER — The city of Tyler wants you to know about a special offer for young library patrons. Tyler Transit and the Tyler Public Library have partnered to promote the Summer Reading Program. During the months of June, July, and August, all students under 18 can ride Tyler Public Transportation System’s fixed routes free of charge when traveling to and from the library. Click here for more information.

TYLER — Congressman Louie Gohmert appears at the long-running Memorial Day ceremony at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home. Gohmert shared his thoughts on the holiday with KTBB. He told us, “It is when many people have one of the best, most enjoyable weekends of the year. But we should not forget what this day is about: remembering those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. There’s a lotta divisions in the country right now, and this nation is divided on a number of different things. But on this there should be no division: we owe our freedom — the fact that that we have kept it — to those who have been willing and have laid down their lives for their country.” Continue reading Gohmert, Schaefer reflect on Memorial Day

AUSTIN (AP) – A restrictive voting bill in Texas that was on the verge of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk has failed to pass Sunday night after Democrats walked out of the House chamber before a midnight deadline. Abbott swiftly said he would call a special session to try passing a voting bill again but did not say when. The bill known as Senate Bill 7 would have imposed a raft of election changes that eliminate drive-thru voting, empower partisan poll watchers and impose new requirements in order to cast a ballot by mail in Texas, which already has some of toughest voting laws in the nation.

The bill, authored by GOP Sen. Bryan Hughes of Mineola, would eliminate drive-thru voting and empower partisan poll watchers. It would also impose new limits on Sunday voting, when many Black churchgoers head to the polls. President Joe Biden called the Texas bill part of an “assault on democracy.”

TYLER — Tyler Memorial Funeral Home is one of many sites holding Memorial Day ceremonies Monday. Due to the legislative session, Tyler state Representative Matt Schaefer had to cancel a planned appearance there, but he shared his thoughts on the holiday with KTBB. Schaefer said, “This Memorial Day is gonna be so special, with everyone able to get together in person, outdoors …barbecuing with family, and remembering the sacrifices that were made for our freedom.” Congressman Louie Gohmert will be speaking at the event, scheduled for 11 a.m. Click here for more details.

AUSTIN — A bill banning critical race theory will go to the governor’s desk. According to his office, State Sen. Bryan Hughes of Mineola served as Senate “point man” for the measure in the absence of Sen. Brandon Creighton. Creighton authored the Senate version of the bill but has been sidelined while recovering from an auto accident. House Bill 3979 forbids teachers from discussing what is called critical race theory — which holds that some people are inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether they know it or not. Supporters of the bill say critical race theory is politically motivated and should not be taught in the classroom. Opponents say it attempts to limit lessons about historic slavery. At one point it appeared the bill might not pass because of procedural complications. It will now go to Governor Abbott for his signature.

TYLER — Former Tyler Legacy High School Dean of Instruction John Smiley is the 2021-2022 Region 7 High School Assistant Principal of the Year. The award is sponsored by the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals. Smiley says he’s “honored” by the recognition. In a press release, Legacy Principal Dan Crawford calls Smiley “one of the hardest working, most dedicated educators with whom I have had the opportunity to work.” This fall, Smiley will be one of 20 regional winners from across Texas to apply for state honors. The state winner will be announced at the June 2022 TASSP Summer Conference. Continue reading Smiley named Region 7 High School Assistant Principal of the Year

TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful’s beautification program Beauty and the Box adds four new boxes to the list of wrapped traffic cabinets. The program began in 2016 with the objective of taking utilitarian traffic boxes and transforming them into works of art by local artists, according to a news release. What started as a pilot program of ten boxes in the Downtown Business Arts and Culture District has grown to 81 vinyl-wrapped traffic cabinets across the city. Continue reading Beauty and the Box: Four new boxes showcase local art

BULLARD — Bullard Southern Baptist Church on North Houston Street is hosting a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 30, in the Jam Room. To receive more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Scott Parrish at (903) 894-9267. It’s all part of a continuing effort to replenish the blood supply. Carter BloodCare continues to term the situation “urgent” due to continuing effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

TYLER — A Tyler man is grieving after his nephew was killed in a mass shooting in California. A total of nine people were killed after a man opened fire at a railyard in San Jose, California, on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, Hector Garza of Tyler said his nephew, 29-year-old Adrian Balleza, was among the victims. Family members said he was the sweetest and most kind hearted person. Despite the loss, they mentioned God’s will was at hand. Adrian and his older brother Juan Jose Balleza worked together at the railyard.

TYLER — A Tyler mother of a 3-year-old girl who drowned in a Chapel Hill pond in 2019 was sentenced to eight years in prison after she entered a guilty plea on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Tiffany Snyder, 31, pleaded guilty in 7th District Court to an injury to a child charge for Madison Williams’s death. Williams disappeared from her home early on August 18. After nine hours, Smith County Sheriff’s deputies and volunteers found Williams dead in the water. According to investigators, Williams had drowned. Sheriff Larry Smith said at the time Williams was known to walk between her mother and grandmother’s home.

TYLER — The City of Tyler’s Fun Forest Pool, on N. Glenwood Blvd., was renovated in 2020 and is set to open for the 2021 season Saturday, May 29. A Grand Opening Ceremony will take place at noon on Saturday, and the pool will open to the public at 1 p.m., according to a city news release. The pool is free to the public and will be open during the 2021 pool season Wednesday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. Tyler Transit will be offering free rides to the pool all summer. Riders will need to notify the driver that they are going to the Fun Forest Pool to receive the free ride. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For more information or questions, contact Tyler Parks and Recreation at (903) 535-1370 or click here.

TYLER — 34-year-old Michael Fry of Whitehouse gets a life prison sentence for threatening deputies with a firearm in March 2020. According to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, the deputies were trying to arrest Fry at his home for an outstanding warrant when he began to resist. He eventually grabbed a handgun and pointed it at both deputies, who drew their own guns. Fry’s brother intervened and got the gun from Fry, who then fled but was apprehended. No shots were fired during the incident, and no one was injured. Fry had two prior misdemeanor convictions and two prior felony DWIs.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is investigating after a dead body was found early Friday morning on the city’s northeast side. According to our news partner KETK, police say officers were called to a group of tents near railroad tracks at the intersection of Division Avenue and Commerce Street around 9 a.m. Police say at this time, they do not suspect foul play. We’ll provide updates as they come in.

TYLER — Authorization for the Health Science Center at UT Tyler to allocate its resources to attain accreditation of a doctor of medicine (MD) program, a step needed to create a new medical school, has passed through the Texas Legislature and will soon be on its way to Governor Abbott’s desk for signature. According to a press release, the authorization is included in Senate Bill 1, the state’s biennial budget. Led by Chairman Kevin Eltife, of Tyler, the UT System Board of Regents approved a proposal in February 2020 to launch efforts to establish a medical school in Tyler. Continue reading Texas Legislature gives approval to new UT medical school

TYLER — The City of Tyler unveiled a new Half Mile of History Marker Thursday at the Plaza Tower Atrium on the downtown square, honoring the Rotary Club of Tyler as the club celebrates 100 years. According to a city news release, the club was chartered May 1, 1920. Through the years, the club has supported education by highlighting area high school seniors and giving a banquet for Tyler Rotary Young Citizens Club members from Smith County since 1930. The club has contributed funds and support for all major organizations of Tyler, such as the Literacy Council of Tyler, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, The Texas Rose Festival, and Tyler Museum of Art, according to the release. Continue reading City unveils new Half Mile of History marker

TYLER — Carter BloodCare continues its efforts to replenish the local blood supply. Hollytree Dental on Old Jacksonville Highway is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. To receive more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Kaila Wimmer at (903) 270-1100. Carter reiterates that the pandemic has kept the blood supply at levels not seen in decades. Shuttered workplaces and virtual schooling led to blood drive cancellations and a potential loss of more than 50,000 units of blood collected, according to a news release.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department will be participating in the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt safety campaign. Officers will be watching to make sure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained with a seat belt over the Memorial Day Holiday. Statistics show wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying in a crash by 45%. The Tyler program runs May 28-June 1. The statewide program, organized by TxDOT, began May 24 and continues through June 6.

TYLER — With more people getting vaccinated everyday, more people are willing to travel. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Pounds Regional Airport has been working on a master plan for more than two decades. Their goal is get more commercial airlines to come to the airport, but, first they hope to renovate some areas. On Wednesday, City of Tyler and airport leaders met to discuss this. Officials want to focus on fixing runway 1331, since the pavement is old and in bad condition. Experts said it also may only last another 1-5 years. Continue reading Officials discuss possible changes to Tyler Pounds Regional Airport

AUSTIN — The Legislature is close to passing a bill that would require new signage in some public buildings. Under Senate Bill 797 some public schools and universities would be required to display the phrase “In God We Trust” in prominent places inside all campus buildings. The bill, authored by Republican Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola, would require that any school that had a poster or framed copy of the phrase donated to it would be required to hang it in a conspicuous place in each building of the school. A spokesman for Senator Hughes said Wednesday afternoon that the bill has gone back to the Senate for further review after receiving preliminary passage in both legislative chambers.

KILGORE — Tickets are available to purchase online for the 36th season of the Texas Shakespeare Festival at Kilgore College. The festival will run from July 1 to Aug. 1 at Van Cliburn Auditorium on the Kilgore campus. With the relaxation of COVID-19 protocols in accordance with Gov. Abbott’s recent declaration, capacity for the productions will be 100%, allowing for more patrons to attend the summer productions, according to a news release. Face coverings are optional, although patrons are encouraged to wear a face covering if they feel it is necessary. Click here for more information.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council unanimously voted to authorize a $348,218 contract with A&B Construction, LLC to replace and reroute a 10-inch sanitary sewer line and install four manholes in the 2800 block of South Southwest Loop 323. That’s near the Walton Road intersection. “The City assessed the line and determined the segment of sewer line is eroding and compromising the line and adjacent manholes,” said Environmental Engineer Paul Neuhaus. According to a news release, the project includes removing and replacing about 982 linear feet of a gravity sanitary sewer main, rerouting the line and constructing and installing four manholes.

EAST TEXAS — Thousands lost power in East Texas Tuesday afternoon as storms passed through the area. According to our news partner KETK, at one point over 3,000 outages were reported in Tyler, with many more spread around the region. Crews were working to get things back to normal. More rain is expected Wednesday and later in the week as well.