KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — A longtime volunteer and donor was remembered recently with the dedication of The Hubert Kidd Children’s Eye Clinic at St. Paul Children’s Services. According to a news release from Tyler-based St. Paul, Hubert Kidd served on the agency’s Board of Directors from 1997- 2015. He especially loved the opportunity to serve the children from the “Wonderful Wednesday” program, according to the release. Kidd served on the finance committee and helped to secure the land where the current campus is located. (Pictured at left: Dr. Clayton Whitney, St. Paul’s director of ophthalmology, and Susie Kidd, who was Hubert Kidd’s wife.)

TYLER — The March for Babies/March of Dimes “Mother of a Movement” Walk is being planned for May 22, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, at Southside Park and Rose Rudman Trail on Shiloh Road in Tyler. According to a news release, organizers say their goal for this year is $8,000. Sponsors and organizers for the event include Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Healthy Me Healthy Babies, Net Health, WIC, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Kappa Zeta Chapter. The March of Dimes works toward healthy moms and babies, with a focus on preterm birth and its complications. Continue reading Tyler March for Babies set for May 22

TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a suspect in a murder case. Authorities say Zaccheus Dunn, 23, of Tyler was arrested on a warrant for capital murder, with bond set at $700,000. According to an earlier news release, officers responded around 7:30 Thursday morning to a Crosby Street address on a report of a dead man. Police determined he had been shot numerous times. He was identified as Christopher Frank Eiglebiger, 33, of Tyler. Officials say the case remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department recognized some of its personnel during National Police Week by presenting its annual awards. Police say the officers and civilians “were nominated by their peers for their outstanding service to the community.” This year’s ceremony was canceled before the COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Officer Luke Altman was named Officer of the Year. Go here for more details.

CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill ISD staff has received word about the Friday death of a Chapel Hill High School junior following a prom night accident. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler police said Alexandra Rondan, 17, was involved in a crash May 1 at 5:36 p.m. in front of the Village at Cumberland Park. A statement from CHISD Superintendent Lamond Dean describes Rondan as “a kind, gentle young lady.” Dean continues, “As more information becomes available, including funeral arrangements, we will share that information as her family wishes. We are so sorry for this tragic loss to her family, friends, her teachers, and the entire junior class of Chapel Hill ISD.”

LONGVIEW — A fatal shooting is under investigation in Longview. Around 7:48 p.m. Thursday, police were dispatched to E. Pliler Precise Road and found 41-year-old Chris Baker of Longview had been shot. He died of his injuries Friday morning. 36-year-old Jeanne-Marie Minter of Longview told police that she and Baker were involved in a verbal argument that turned physical. She said she was able to separate from Baker, where she then retrieved a firearm and returned to the room with Baker. She said they continued to argue and she shot the victim. Police are still seeking the public’s help in their investigation. Go here for more information.

AUSTIN — Now that state Senator Bryan Hughes’s heartbeat bill has passed and is expected to be signed by the governor, court challenges are considered a given. But the Mineola Republican says his measure is likely to withstand any litigation. He told KTBB some “really smart lawyers” are on board. He adds, “We have looked at every Supreme Court opinion on the topic and looked at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals — all the federal law that’s relevant. And this is a strong bill — and…we’re ready, we’re confident that it’s gonna be upheld. We believe this bill is gonna make it to the Supreme Court more quickly and in better shape than other heartbeat bills passed by the state — so we feel real good about the court challenge.” Once signed, the policy sharply limiting abortion availability is due to take effect September 1.

LONGVIEW — Police in Longview are following up after responding to a call about shots fired around 11:10 Friday morning on S. Green St. near the Edgefield intersection. At this time, there are no known victims, but there was some property damage to a vehicle and the convenience store. This is still an active investigation and more details may be released at a later time, according to police. Authorities said S. Green from Avalon to Edgefield has been shut down for the investigation, with drivers asked to find an alternate route. Police are seeking leads. Go here for more information and updates.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview has dropped its mandate to wear a mask at city events and in city buildings. According to our news partner KETK, Mayor Andy Mack said the city dropped its mandate after the CDC announced that people who have been vaccinated no longer need to wear a mask indoors around others. “If you have been vaccinated, you are free to take your mask off in this public arena,” Mack said at the council meeting. “If you haven’t been vaccinated, we ask you to keep it on but you don’t have to. It’s up to you.” Mack said at least 62,000 people have received a COVID-19 vaccination at the vaccination hub in Longview. Others have received vaccinations at pharmacies and other places.

TYLER — COVID-19 vaccinations continue in East Texas, and NET Health’s George Roberts says they’re going well among those 65 and over — but he’d like to see more response among younger folks. Roberts says he’d especially like to see parents bring in their kids in the newly-designated 12-15 age group — and he urges everyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to take care of that as soon as possible. Numerous vaccination availabilities continue around East Texas. Go here for more information on what NET Health has to offer.

OVERTON — Overton ISD was informed shortly after 6 Friday morning that there was a major water leak in town and there would be no water pressure on the OISD campuses for much of the day. Therefore, all classes are cancelled for Friday, May 14. Superintendent Stephen DuBose said Kindergarten graduation would still take place. He said any off campus field trips would continue as planned.

LONGVIEW –  The city of Longview Thursday began experiencing difficulties with its phone service. As of Friday morning, the city says the problem has been resolved.  The 911 emergency answering point was not affected.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been arrested in connection with a murder in White Oak after being on the run for 10 days. According to our news partner KETK, Brandon Gilliam, 39, was charged with murder and failure to register as a sex offender. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail Thursday afternoon. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office had asked the public for help in finding Gilliam in connection with a May 3 homicide on North White Oak Road, in White Oak. A press release did not include any information about the victim or a possible motive for the killing. Continue reading Longview man arrested in connection with White Oak murder

AUSTIN — The Texas Heartbeat Act, authored by GOP Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola, is headed to the governor’s desk. Senate Bill 8 achieved final passage Thursday in an 18-12 vote according to information received from Texas Right to Life and confirmed by Hughes’s office. When signed into law, the still-controversial bill will abolish elective abortions as early as six weeks. Texas Right to Life says that’s when the preborn child’s heartbeat is detectable using methods according to standard medical practice. The policy would take effect September 1.

AUSTIN — An East Texas-rooted bill that would let Texans carry guns without a permit is now headed to a conference committee to hash out differences between the state House and Senate. The House rejected changes the Senate made to the bill, originally authored by Tyler state Representative Matt Schaefer. The Senate approved amendments that would add penalties for people caught with guns who are felons or have been convicted of family violence. The Senate also added an amendment that would not allow permitless carry for people convicted of assault with a deadly weapon, deadly conduct, or making a terroristic threat in the past five years. Continue reading Permitless carry headed to conference committee

TYLER — With an eye on developing district leaders, the University of Texas at Tyler announced a new partnership with Henderson ISD to make two master’s degrees more accessible to district employees. According to a news release, UT Tyler will offer the Master of Education in curriculum and instruction and the Master of Education in educational leadership degrees via online and on-site instruction. The university will provide a field supervisor to coordinate each program and incorporate district-specific instruction to complement online instruction, according to the release.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man whose trial for a fatal 2017 drunk driving wreck is just weeks away was put back in jail on a $1 million bond after being charged with DWI for the second time since the crash. According to our news partner KETK, 30-year-old Corie Murray was arrested by Longview police around 2:30 a.m. May 2 and charged with driving while intoxicated. He was also booked for two drug possession charges. Murray is accused of intoxicated manslaughter in the 2017 incident. His trial in that case is currently set to begin June 21.

LONGVIEW — The East Texas Food Bank is holding another mega food distribution in Longview Friday from 8-10 a.m. at the Gregg County Fairgrounds while supplies last. Food Bank officials say more than a year into the pandemic, they are still seeing an increased need for food assistance. 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. Multiple households can carpool. If someone is unable to attend a distribution, they may send a note with a friend or family member to pick up food for them. The note must include their name, signature, and a statement that the individual is permitted to pick up food for you. Any single car may not have more than three of these notes. Drivers should enter from 300 W. Cotton.

TYLER — After six years of serving on the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees, Rev. Fritz Hager Jr. is resigning his post serving Single Member District 6. His resignation is effective June 10, 2021. Hager was first appointed to the Board in 2015 to fill a vacancy in Single Member District 6. In 2016 and again in 2019, he was elected by voters to serve 3-year terms, with his latest term expiring in 2022. Hager said he plans to attend law school to practice law with his wife, Sarina, at their law firm, Hager Law, PLLC. He also said he will continue to serve as a pastor at Bethel Bible Church and as a chaplain in the Texas State Guard. The Board of Trustees will deliberate to determine the statutory options regarding the vacancy.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Deputies made an arrest in connection to a shooting that happened near Chapel Hill on Tuesday, but they are still searching for a second suspect. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Jackson Heights area after a man was shot. The suspects reportedly fired shots from a vehicle, then drove off. The victim’s condition is not known. On Wednesday, Smith County investigators announced they found the suspect’s car on CR 489 near Tyler. The owner was identified as Jylon Cross, 19, of Jackson Heights. Continue reading Suspect arrested in connection to shooting near Chapel Hill

TYLER — The trial of one of three men accused in the Nov. 5, 2017, shooting death of Andrew Carpenter, 19, of Tyler, has been scheduled for June 28. According to our news partner KETK, the trial was set after Martin Wesley Reynolds Jr., 21, of Whitehouse, rejected a plea deal in 114th District Court for a 15-year sentence for his guilty plea to the first-degree murder charge. Two other men, Colton Wade Tate and Nathan Ryan Garcia, also are charged with murder in the shooting death. The arrest warrant affidavit said Reynolds and Carpenter got into an argument on the phone. Continue reading Trial date set for Whitehouse man accused in shooting death

TYLER — They made the ultimate sacrifice — and Wednesday on Tyler’s downtown square, officers who died in the line of duty locally and statewide were honored at Smith County’s annual Peace Officer Memorial. Tyler Police Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh says it’s important to hold the ceremony each year. Erbaugh told KTBB he and his colleagues “get into this job to help others” and improve communities — and that they shouldn’t be forgotten when they lose their lives in the process. Erbaugh says he was pleased with the ceremony — and with the crowd, which he says included several family members of Smith County officers who were killed in the line of duty.

TYLER — A busy Wednesday for the Tyler City Council. The Council approved the addition of a five-year implementation schedule to the current Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Master Plan. The schedule covers planned projects through 2025. This year the city is set to complete the Lindsey Park restrooms, the Bergfeld Park tennis courts, and a soccer field at Fun Forest Park. The Council also signed off on pavement improvements for 48 streets. Two veteran councilmembers — Shirley McKellar and Bob Westbrook — were sworn in to new terms, along with first-time Councilmember Stuart Hene. McKellar (pictured at left) was chosen to serve as mayor pro tem. And the city reduced space requirements for backyard chickens and other fowl.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – One man was killed and another is in critical condition after an 18-wheeler wreck in Nacogdoches County early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, an 18-wheeler transporting timber was driving behind a 2004 pickup truck on HWY 103, roughly five miles west of Etoile. Investigators believe the pickup truck “made an unsafe turn” in front of the 18-wheeler and it was hit in the driver’s side. Continue reading Fatal accident involving 18-wheeler in Nacogdoches County

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting. Around 2:15 Tuesday afternoon, deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim on Jackson Avenue in the Jackson Heights community of Chapel Hill. They found a male suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim was taken to the hospital; his condition wasn’t immediately known. Authorities say the suspects apparently fired rounds from a vehicle toward the victim and fled the area in an unknown direction. Law officers were reported on location late Tuesday afternoon working the scene and speaking with witnesses. If you have any information on this incident, call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600. This is an ongoing investigation and details will be released as they become available, according to officials.

TYLER — Police invite everyone to attend the 2021 Peace Officer Memorial Wednesday at noon on the downtown square in Tyler. Police say the purpose is “to pay tribute to Texas peace officers who made the supreme sacrifice while performing their duties.” In case of rain the memorial will be moved to the sanctuary at First Baptist Church of Tyler located on W. Ferguson Street.

TYLER — Tyler police continue to investigate a family violence incident involving gunshots. Officers responded around noon Tuesday to a home on Parklen Drive. They say they found a female victim with injuries from a physical altercation with her boyfriend, Thaddeus Taylor Jr., 19, of Tyler. Witnesses also said they saw Taylor shooting a gun in the air in the front yard. Officers located the gun and shell casings. Taylor was jailed for assault family violence, discharging a firearm in the city limits, and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Continue reading Tyler police investigate family violence/gunshots

TYLER — Tyler ISD trustees have certified the results of the May election, which saw board members Aaron Martinez and Yvonne Atkins picked for new terms. The trustees also chose officers for the upcoming school year. Wade Washmon will serve as board president, with Martinez named as vice president.

NACOGDOCHES — A man wanted in multiple states was arrested in Nacogdoches County after a high-speed chase started in Rusk County. According to our news partner KETK, Kentrell Reese bonded out of the Clark County, Arkansas, jail earlier this week on felony charges. He was forced to wear an ankle monitor and told not to leave town. Despite this, he ended up in East Texas, where the chase began in Rusk County. It was not immediately clear what started the pursuit. Reese is also wanted in Illinois for a shooting. He was been extradited back to Clark County, which is southwest of Little Rock.

TYLER — The public is invited to view a virtual presentation posted by the Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) beginning Thursday, May 13, in an effort to amend its long-range and short-range transportation plans. The presentation will be available for 30 days and includes information on draft amendments to the plans relating to the proposed Old Jacksonville Highway improvement projects that are currently under development. According to a news release, the proposed amendments will be considered for adoption by the MPO’s Transportation Policy Committee on June 17, 2021. Go here and scroll down to “Tyler News” to learn more.