KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — UT Health East Texas Physicians opened a COVID-19 Recovery Clinic Monday at UT Health North Campus Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the clinic is designed to treat patients who continue to experience lingering symptoms. Some still have issues like brain fog, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste and other symptoms. The clinic has a multidisciplinary team that will screen, assess, treat and provide referrals for patients who continue to experience negative health effects. Continue reading UT Health opens COVID-19 Recovery Clinic

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Department of Music and Dance announced a presentation of the college’s new steel drum ensemble, KC Steel, Tuesday at 7 p.m. The performance will take place in the main room of the Baptist Student Ministries (BSM) building on the Kilgore campus. KC’s director of bands, Brent Farmer, said in a prepared statement, “Steel drums originate from Trinidad and Tobago, and have a very colorful history. The music department was able to purchase these instruments thanks to an Innovation Grant we applied for here at KC.” Traditional selections for steel drum band have been readied, as well as more contemporary pieces. The concert is free and open to the public.

TYLER — Several East Texas airports are receiving relief grant funding. A media brief from U.S. Senator John Cornyn, indicated seven airports will see a total of $184,500 in an effort to fight the spread of COVID-19. The funds were provided through the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020. In a prepared statement, Senator Cornyn said, “More and more Texans are getting vaccinated every day and we’ve seen an uptick in air travel as a result. I am glad to have helped deliver this funding that will improve the health and safety of transportation workers and travelers in the greater Tyler area.” Continue reading East Texas airports receiving COVID-19 funding

RUSK COUNTY — Two people were arrested over the weekend for their involvement in a brawl holding down an alleged shooter. According to our news partner KETK, a man shot a gun into a crowd following a horse race Saturday night. Before two-off duty Rusk County Investigators could arrest the man, a crowd began assaulting him. As authorities were trying to clear out the brawl, one man is said to have taken a swing at one of the officers and a second man in the crowd tried to escape. David Gonzalez, 32, was arrested for assault on a security officer. Juan Carmelo Cerda-Martinez was arrested for evading arrest. The shooting suspects name will be released, once he is no longer being treated for injuries in the hospital and he is formally charged with the crime.

TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department opened registration Monday for the Summer Playground Program and the Glass Summer Camp this summer. The Glass Summer Camp will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a cost of $100 per child, with available early drop-off and late pick-up at an additional fee. Space at Glass is limited to 40 kids. The Summer Playground Program runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and is free of cost. Structured activities are for kids 6 to 12 years old. Playground and camp leaders will be on-site at each location leading sports games, arts and crafts, water activities and special visits from local organizations. Breakfast and lunch will be available daily at each location. Learn more here.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A man has been arrested in Upshur County accused in the murder of an Ore City man. According to our news partner KETK, Robert Lee Travis, 41, was accused of killing Braiden Robinson, Saturday night. Robinson was 32. Authorities say, the shooting took place around 10 p.m. on Salvia Rd, near HWY 259, just North of Ore City. Police have not given a possible motive for the shooting, or if the two even knew each other. Travis awaits his first court appearance in the Upshur County Jail. Bond is $100,000.

TYLER — A rabid skunk was found in Smith county late last week. In a prepared statement, Animal Control and Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene said, “We do ask that you make sure that all of your animals are up-to-date on at least their rabies vaccinations. If you see any wildlife acting in complete opposite than their normal self, please contact us. If your pets attack a sick wildlife or come in some kind of contact with wildlife, please contact us.” Animal control officers are in the area handing out information.

TYLER — iTRI365 ® and Grand Oaks Winery in Mineola have announced the Diva Du Women- Endurance Event is May 22. The Diva Du, a female-only endurance event featuring two races, is in its sixth year. The Duathlon Sprint individual and team relay consists of a 1.5-mile run, ten-mile bike, and concludes with an additional 1.5-mile run. There will also be an opportunity for women of all levels to come out and test your strengths with the annual 5K. The Diva Du also includes wine afterwards at the venue along with a post race meal. All participants receive a finisher medal, race tank and other swag. Learn more here.

TYLER — Tyler Police released the identity a person, Monday, who died in a three-vehicle crash over the weekend. Officers acted in response to the intersection of Loop 323 and Troup Highway. A 61-year-old man from Bullard was killed in the head-on collision. Police say Charles Thomas Reese, was riding in a Jeep traveling westbound on Loop 323. A truck traveling eastbound crossed into the westbound lanes, which first hit a car, then collided head-on with the Jeep. Reese died at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas presented the 2021 BBB Awards for Excellence in a televised production Sunday. According to a news release, the honors went to “five companies and one nonprofit organization who exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of their operations; toward their employees, vendors, customers, and within their community.” A total of 25 organizations were nominated for the awards. Continue reading BBB announces 2021 Awards for Excellence winners

AUSTIN — “Constitutional carry,” authored by Tyler state Representative Matt Schaefer continues making its way through the state Senate. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith was among those testifying last week in favor of the measure. He explained that deputies have a 15-minute response time in rural areas of the county and victims are on their own until deputies arrive. The bill was approved by the House, then, stalled in the senate before moving forward. If passed, the measure would make it legal to carry a handgun in public without a license.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning to conduct another week’s worth of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the week of May 3. Work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Among other things, Tyler motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid delays as crews implement mill and inlay operations on SH 31 at Loop 323, and on Loop 323 from SH 31 to Sam’s Club. Click here for the complete rundown of projects around the district.

KILGORE — The East Texas 2-year-old who was fighting for his life after a swimming accident at a Kilgore hotel has died. According to our news partner KETK, Luke Wayne Killough died April 30 due to brain trauma. Luke was about to go swimming with his sister when he slipped and fell in a hot tub. He was able to donate to other kids in similar situations. His blood type was a universal donor and he was able to possibly save six or more children. Luke’s uncle set up a GoFundMe page for family expenses. You can donate to it and learn more about this case by clicking here.

EAST TEXAS — The results are in for local elections around East Texas. None of the Tyler contests were close. In city council races, Stuart Hene earned his first term, while incumbents Shirley McKellar and Bob Westbrook retained their seats. Incumbent Tyler ISD board members Yvonne Atkins and Aaron Martinez will also be returning to office. Learn more here. In Longview, Nona Snoddy handily won another term on the city council, while Temple Carpenter overwhelmed two opponents to win the other contested council seat. Click here for details on those two races. Go here for further information on Gregg County election activity.

TYLER — Smith County leaders are reminding residents of the Smith Countywide Cleanup. The dates are May 3-29 and allow residents one free trip to the landfill. The program enables residents a complimentary truckload of bulky items, up to three cubic yards of solid waste, to be dropped off at the Greenwood Farms Landfill. The county says one voucher is available per resident at the Courthouse Annex on East Ferguson in Tyler or at any of the Justice of the Peace Constable Offices throughout the county. The vouchers can be redeemed beginning May 3. Read more details here.

TYLER — Detective Gregg Roberts has retired after 33 years of service with the Tyler Police Department. According to a news release, Roberts began his career at the department on January 14, 1988. He worked as a patrol officer, Crime Stoppers officer, property crimes detective, and crimes against persons detective. He ended his career as a detective assigned to the U.S. Marshal’s Service Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. Roberts received several awards during his long career, including two Meritorious Conduct awards, a Police Commendation, two Life Saving awards, three Certificates of Merit, a Certificate of Civic Achievement, and Plainclothes Officer of the Year. Roberts was also a member of the Tyler Police Department SWAT Team.

TYLER — 34-year-old Raymond Morgan of Whitehouse faces multiple charges after he reportedly led Smith County deputies on a high-speed chase Friday evening. According to our news partner KETK, law officials said the pursuit began after they tried to complete a traffic stop near Dogwood City, with the chase at times going more than 100 mph. Officials said the pursuit lasted 20 minutes, ending on Old Omen near Charleston Park across from UT Tyler. Authorities were able to stop the car by spiking it and arrested Morgan right before 9 p.m. after he reportedly fled on foot. Several Tyler police and deputy cars were blocking intersections to stop the chase. Continue reading Whitehouse man arrested after high-speed chase

ATHENS — Henderson county deputies arrested four individuals in Athens Friday. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said Sabian Young, 21, was a wanted fugitive, and was arrested on Jonathan Street. That encounter, led to a second warrant from the 392 District Court to a residence where three people were arrested. A gun, cash, drugs, and two automobiles were seized at the residence. Justin Young, 20, Ja’Quaylon Bowman, 19, and Laporcha Brown, 22, were all placed in the Henderson County Jail on numerous charges.

PALESTINE — Palestine police continue investigating what happened at a Palestine night club Sunday morning after a man entered the building and shot four people. According to reports, a black man entered the Daquiri King, on W. Palestine Ave., about 3:30 a.m. Sunday and started shooting into a group of people before running away. Police Chief Mark Harcrow said in a prepared statement, “We know there was some sort of conflict prior to the shooting. Detectives are working to identify the suspect and motive behind the shooting.” The four shot were transported to the hospital with what was described as non-life threatening injuries. Anyone with any information, is asked to call the Palestine Police Department at 903-731-2254 or Anderson County Crime Stoppers at 903-729-8477.

TYLER — Tyler ISD announced its 2021 Teachers of the Year at the annual Tyler ISD Educator of the Year Banquet Thursday night. The evening also celebrated the Rookie of the Year, and Principal of the Year. The 2021 Rookie of the Year is Jade Perry, a second-grade teacher at Jones Elementary School. Ashley Phelps from Andy Woods Elementary School is the District Elementary Teacher of the Year, and Ashley LaCroix from Moore MST Magnet School is the District Secondary Teacher of the Year. Phelps and LaCroix will now compete for Regional Teacher of the Year through the Region 7 Service Center. Historically, the Principal of the Year award honors a principal. This year, after fighting COVID-19 all year, Superintendent Marty Crawford named them all Principal of the Year. Read more here.

PALESTINE — Warrants were served at 9:00 a.m. Thursday in Palestine, where police seized 123 gaming machines and $167,000 in cash, at six different businesses in the community. In a prepared statement Chief Mark Harcrow said, “In recent months, we have received numerous complaints and calls at these locations.Aside from the illegal gambling, we have had cases ranging from aggravated robbery to drug trafficking at these places. They simply are not good for our community.” Continue reading Police seize 123 gaming machines and $167,000

TYLER — Smith County Judge Jack Skeen has announced he will not be seeking reelection in the March 2022 Republican Primary. According to our news partner KETK, Skeen made the announcement Friday morning. The judge will complete his current term, which expires December 31, 2022. Article V, section 1-A, of the Texas constitution states, “The office of every such Justice and Judge shall become vacant on the expiration of the term during which the incumbent reaches the age of seventy-five years.” Judge Skeen turned 75 in March. As a District Attorney, Skeen served six terms, before being appointed to fill Judge Diane DeVasto’s unexpired term as Judge of the 241st District Court in 2003.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is looking to hire their summer recreation team. On Friday Angela Bennis told KTBB News, “We have 12 positions with our summer playground program and 12 positions at our Fun Forest Pool that we are looking to hire for. For the summer playground program it’s really like running a mini-summer camp and so it is a lot of fun. If you like kids and you like organizing activities and playing games with them, that would be great for you there. “We see a lot of teachers who are not working during the summer, so it is a great way to bring in extra cash.”The Fun Forest Pool and Splashpad was completely renovated in 2020 and this year we are ready to open for our community. It is free for anyone to come swim at the pool during open swim hours. Continue reading City hiring for parks program and pool

TYLER — Construction for the Rose complex should begin in June for a new convention center that will take the place of Harvey Hall. On Friday Tyler Mayor Don Warren told KTBB News, “You know Tyler is known for its roses and I’m just going to be simplistic. People travel here to see our rose garden. Having this new Rose Complex adjacent to the Rose Center with kind of a rose theme, it is something that is going to bring in a lot of folks. It is going to bring in people that will stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, and I just think it is going to be great for our city. I am fired up about it.” The $28 million facility is expected to be opened in time for The Rose Festival season in October of 2022. Continue reading Mayor Warren pumped about possibilities of Rose Complex

TYLER — After President Joe Bidden addressed a joint-session of congress, Representative Louie Gohmert told KTBB News, “No I was not one of the 200 that Biden felt close enough to that he would invite me. I was one of the 335 that he rejected of being allowed of even being in the Capitol. This is the first time that I have been in Congress that I have been told that I am not even allowed to come into the Capitol as a member of Congress”. Gohmert went on to talk about the challenge of President Biden’s plan to enlarge government involvement in public education. “A third of the kids drop-out of high school, or something close to that. You see so many that don’t graduate. And when you see so many that graduate, can’t even read. It sure seems like the more federal control, it has not been an improvement.” Continue reading Gohmert ‘couldn’t even enter the building of the Capitol’

TYLER — Spring brings about new life to our landscape, along with warm, sunny days. Often we find ourselves able to spend more time outside and near the water. On Thursday, UT Health’s Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Lara Rowe talked water safety with KTBB News, “The absolutely most important thing that we can do is teach our children how to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin swimming lessons around the age of four. Enrolling your child in formal swim lessons, can reduce their chances of drowning by 88%.”The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin swimming lessons at the age of four. Continue reading Health safety for kids this spring

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has announced this years graduation celebration will take place outdoors in Patriot Plaza. The pandemic caused last year’s ceremonies to be canceled. In a prepared statement, UT Tyler said, “Graduates will cross the stage during ceremonies Friday and Saturday. Students who completed degrees in spring 2020, summer 2020 and fall 2020 can also participate.” Masks will be required for everyone participating in and attending the outdoor ceremonies. Social distancing will be practiced in the standing and seated areas. Read more here.

TYLER — This week, the Centers for Disease Control said vaccinated people can safely ditch the mask outdoors, except in crowds like a concert or parade. Three million Americans are being vaccinated daily and over half the country has received at least one shot. Cases of the deadly virus are well below peak levels. So why are masks still recommended? KTBB News posed the question to NET Health’s George Roberts, “We have been asked that question a lot. If I am fully vaccinated, when can I stop wearing the mask? We are kind of waiting for some additional guidance on that ourselves.” Roberts continued, “I think basically they are trying to make sure that everything works. I think everyone is exercising a modicum of caution to make sure everything is working properly.” If you received your first Pfizer vaccine at Harvey Hall April 13 – April 15, or anytime before April 16, second dose clinics continue Friday and Saturday at Harvey Hall. Register here.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Public Safety released the details of a two-car accident on Wednesday afternoon that killed a Bullard woman. According to our news partner KETK, D.P.S. Troopers arrived at the scene of the wreck just after 5:30 p.m. The Bureau said that a car driven by Violet Louise Wright, 59, was attempting to enter HWY 110 from Meador Cemetary Road. However, reports indicate she failed to yield the right of way to an oncoming car driven by Jessica King, 20, of Lindale. Wright was transported to U.T. Health in Tyler where she later died. King was also taken to UT Health in Tyler in stable condition. The crash remains under investigation.