KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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.

TYLER — The Harvey Convention Center remains a COVID-19 vaccine hub with the Northeast Texas Health District continuing to host clinics. On Wednesday, NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB News, “Now is the time. So, there are Pfizer vaccines available for first doses, at Harvey Convention Center. We are there from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All you need to do is show up. If you want to set-up an appointment time you are welcome to do that online. But please if you haven’t received your first vaccine yet, please come and get it.” Roberts went on to give an update on the different demographics of who has been vaccinated. “If you look at race or ethnicity, 14% are African American, 9% are Hispanic, 49% are White, and others is around 10%. Then, there is an unknown category. They were not capturing the race ethnicity category in the first month or so. But, we are very diligent about that now.”

TYLER — The Tyler City Council passed a major milestone Wednesday, awarding WRL General Contractors, LLC a $28,000,000 contract for the construction of the Tyler Rose Complex. In a prepared statement the city said, “The Rose Complex has been a legacy project that started with former Mayor Kevin Eltife and has gone through many different mayors and city councils.” The design has been in the works since 2017. In October of 2019, former Mayor Martin Heines as well as former Mayors Joey Seeber, Barbara Bass, and Eltife unveiled plans for the new campus. The Rose Complex includes Harvey Convention Center, the Rose Garden Center, East Texas State Fairgrounds, the old Mayfair building, and the surrounding areas designed by Fitzpatrick Architects. In total the facility will house over 60,000 square feet of meeting space. Read more here. For a virtual tour click here.

TYLER — The city of Tyler will again pay $1.25 million to a private company to work with the water department on wastewater improvements. The council made the move Wednesday, reestablishing a contract with Pipeline Analysis, a Garland engineering firm that specializes in the testing and analysis of wastewater collection systems. The city has contracted with Pipeline Analysis to help Tyler Water Utilities comply with wastewater system requirements, since 2017. According to the city, the company helps the water department staff develop and implement programs; inspect equipment, review data collection and record keeping and develop hydraulic. To date the firm has inspected 11,000 manholes and more than 367 miles of the 690 miles of gravity main throughout the city. Officials hope to have the inspection of the entire system completed by 2023. Read more here.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are trying to identify a man wanted in connection with an armed robbery. Longview officials say the incident happened April 19, when a man pulled out a gun and demanded money from a store clerk at the Dollar General Store on Eastman Road. It is not clear how much money the suspect got away with. In Texas, aggravated robberies are first-degree felonies which can include up to 99 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. If you have information regarding this case, contact Longview police at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) or click here.

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University announced Miss ETBU for 2021 Monday. Kathryn Pedroza, of Mansfield, was selected to wear the crown for the next year. She is the 65th overall selection in the history of the prestigious award. In a prepared statement, ETBUS said, “Pedroza embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Christian servant leader on campus and in the community.” Pedroza was selected during the annual pageant sponsored by ETBU’s Student Government Association. Leah Akridge was selected as first runner-up, and Anissa Mott was selected as second runner-up. Pedroza, a junior, was commended for her involvement with the university and in the city during her time at ETBU. Read more here.

ATHENS — The 13th annual TVCC National Intercollegiate Rodeo will take place May 7-8 at the Henderson County Fair Park Complex. A winter blast forced the rescheduling of the original February event. The event is being presented by TVCC and Living for the Brand Cowboy Church. Performances begin each night at 7:30 p.m. with slack beginning at noon on Friday and 11 a.m. on Saturday. General admission tickets are $5 each and may be purchased at the gate. Free admission is available to children 12 and under and individuals with current TVCC IDs. Proceeds from the rodeo are given back to students to further their education. The TVCC rodeo will feature approximately 400 contestants representing 20 colleges and universities.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation Tyler District launched an interactive mapping exercise Wednesday, involving the 6-Lane Widening Project of FM 2493. Organizers say the purpose of the tool is to get feedback and experiences from motorists. The instrument will allow users to provide first-hand input onto an interactive map that shows the proposed study area for FM 2493, commonly known as Old Jacksonville Highway, from Loop 323 to FM 2813. Leaders say the planned project will improve mobility and safety along the corridor with additional travel lanes, upgraded intersections and raised medians. Learn more here.

TYLER — More than 5,800 donors gave to nonprofits during East Texas Giving Day Tuesday. The online 18 hour fundraising effort brought in a new record of $2,790,533 in total. Donors picked from among 258 participating charities, with donations starting at just $10. Throughout the day, donations to select nonprofits were eligible to be matched thanks to the generosity of individuals and nonprofit business partners that had already pledged funds to the charities they support. Over $1 Million in match was available through the East Texas Giving Day website.

LONGVIEW — After vaccination rates slowed down in Texas, East Texas organizations and leaders across the state have gotten creative in getting people to become vaccinated. The Texas Department of State Health Services is getting the word out by using large video boards. According to our news partner KETK, DSHS is planning to host pop-up events in cities across Texas. On Monday the pop-up event was in Longview, Tour coordinator Robert Santiago said, “We’re going to be visiting 23 cities in 25 days with this unique message.” A 16 foot screen will push videos released by officials that address common concerns people may have about getting vaccinated. It also answers questions people may have.

LONGVIEW — A Gregg county man has pleaded guilty to two counts of arson. According to our news partner KETK, Javonte Williams, 27, of Longview admitted to arson Tuesday, in two different incidents from April of 2020. Longview Police responded to a commercial structure fire just before midnight on April 12. Damages mainly consisted of smoke and water. A week later, crews responded to a vacant structure fire on East Marshall Avenue. That fire was also quickly under control and damage was moderate. Williams was arrested in July 6 of last year. It is not clear at this time when Williams will be sentenced.

TYLER — Judge Nathaniel Moran and the Smith County commissioners received an update on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic Tuesday. Smith County Public Health Authority Dr. Paul McGaha told the court vaccines are very much readily available. “Before now vaccine demand was greater than supply, but we are reaching that point now where supply is greater than demand. We really need to reach out to our citizens, it is not over yet. Still a lot of people have not been vaccinated and we need to reach them.” McGaha went on to say, ” Some calls I’m on with DSHS [Department of State Health Services] some people are not ordering. You know, there were upwards of 80 hubs in the state of Texas, now we are about half that, and many are not placing orders and many have excess inventory in place now.”

TYLER — Tyler residents will soon be able to participate in activities at Tyler Senior Center on Garden Valley Rd. On Tuesday, the city announced the organization will offer limited hours beginning May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Organizers says seniors can participate in Texercise classes at 11:00 a.m, and Meals on Wheels lunch services will be available at noon. The venue will observe COVID-19 precautions including temperature checks before entry, social distancing during all activities, while also encouraging the use of face coverings. Center staff will be required to wear masks at all times. The Tyler Senior Center is open to all over the age of 55 and becoming a member is free. Learn more by calling (903) 597-0781 or click here.

PALESTINE — In rural areas making sure Texans get vaccinated has been a challenge for health care workers. Dr. Carolyn Salter is a provider at Sycamore Medical Clinic in Palestine, along with her husband Dr. Michael Gorby. Knowing how difficult it can be for those without internet or transportation in the region to access the shot, the pair tells the Texas Tribune they have made it their mission to make it easy. Carolyn says she often uses her blunt straight talking east Texas bedside manner to persuade people who are hesitant to get the shot just how important it can be for their health.”

BULLARD — Wearing masks and face coverings on Bullard ISD property or in school is now optional for students and staff. According to the district, Bullard ISD board members voted unanimously Monday night on a motion making masks voluntary. The district cited extreme declines in COVID-19 cases in the community, as well as the county. Additionally, the board recognized staff members have been given multiple opportunities to get a COVID-19 vaccine. While mandatory masks are now optional, the district will continue to notify parents and guardians when there is a confirmed COVID-19 case on campus. The district said they would consider reinstating masks if there is a dramatic increase of cases. Read more here.

TYLER — Election day for the Tyler City Council is Saturday. Current District 1 council member Linda Sellers has served three terms and is not eligible to run again. Stuart Hene and Greg Grubb are vying for the open seat to replace Selers. According to our news partner KETK, Greg Grubb will rely on his decades-long experience in business and nonprofits. Stuart Hene is using his expertise practicing law for 11 years. He is co-founder and partner of the law firm Tarry & Hene. District 1 is comprised mainly of residents living between Old Jacksonville Highway and Broadway Avenue. To learn more about the upcoming elections click here.

TYLER — East Texas Giving Day is an 18 hour fundraiser event that brings the region together as one community, raising money and awareness for local nonprofits. Organizers got off to a quick start Tuesday at 6:00 a.m. with over $400,000 donated in ‘pre-launch giving’ that started April 5th. On Monday, Kyle Penney shared the importance of the event with KTBB News, “What we’ve seen around the country is that giving days continue to grow. We have been looking to see are these things going to peek and go away? But, they continue to grow.” Continue reading ETGD ends just before midnight tonight

AUSTIN – Texas work zone fatalities increased 9% in 2020 compared to 2019, and that was with less motorists on the streets due to the pandemic. On Monday the Texas Department of Transportation called Texas drivers to make safety the highest priority at all times, especially when passing through active construction and maintenance work zones. TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” campaign is marking National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 26–30, with safety tips to reduce work zone fatalities. Last year, there were more than 22,000 traffic crashes in work zones in the state with 186 people killed, including four road workers. Read more here.

TYLER — William George Davis was arrested in the murder of six patients nearly three years ago. On Monday, our news partner KETK said defense attorneys for the former CHRISTUS nurse have filed a motion to suppress interviews that Davis had with police. Legal counsel for Davis says the detectives disregarded Davis’ invocation of counsel and took a “lengthy statement.” Davis 37, is facing the death penalty after being charged with the deaths of three patients at CHRISTUS Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital. Davis trial is expected to be held later this year. Several factors have caused the case to be delayed including; DNA testing, a change in a lawyer, and COVID-19, which have slowed the case since Davis was arrested in April of 2018.

LONGVIEW — The city of Longview reminded residents in Districts 1 and 2 Monday that they will elect council members during the next City of Longview Election this Saturday. Early voting will end Tuesday. Election officials say three city council candidates will appear on the ballot for District 1: John A. Sims, Temple Carpenter III, and Jeremiah Hunter. There are two city council candidates that will appear on the ballot for District 2: Nona Snoddy and Marisa R. Ward. For information about city elections, contact the city secretary’s office at 903-237-1080 or click here.

TYLER — A Tyler man confessed to stealing almost $40,000 from a local supplements store. David Moore, 35, admitted to police he stole over $39,000 from a GNC, where he worked over a nine month period. Moore came under suspicion after the business hired a new accountant. A warrant obtained by our news partner KETK, GNC found discrepancies with night deposits. An internal investigation led the store to believe Moore, “would change the deposit slip to show a lower amount of cash, and take cash from the bag and keep it.” He confessed to his boss when confronted and then repeated it to police detectives when they questioned him. The thefts took place between July 1, 2020, and March 14, 2021, and totaled $39,559.67. Moore is facing ten years in prison.

TYLER — Three local leaders are inviting people to get first dose vaccines through Tuesday. Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, Tyler Hispanic Business Alliance President-CEO Nancy Rangel and Tyler Metro Chamber Board Chairman Derrick Choice are encouraging people to get immunized. Opportunities remain available for Monday at St. Peter Claver Catholic Church in Tyler, until 7 p.m. On Tuesday doses will be available at St. Louis Baptist Church in Tyler from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Continue reading Walk-ins invited to local churches for COVID-19 vaccines Monday & Tuesday

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — After a five month investigation, two Van Zandt county residents have been arrested in connection to a structure fire on Thanksgiving day 2020. According to our news partner KETK, Brand Lee Harrison, 28 and Carl Klump, 30, both of Grand Saline, are facing numerous charges. Harrison is accused of arson with intent to damage a habitation of worship, theft of property, burglary of a building, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana. Klump is also charged with arson with intent to damage a habitation of worship, possession of a controlled substance and theft of property.

RUSK COUNTY — Officials identified the pilot who died in the single-engine plane crash in Rusk County. The man was identified by officials as William James Weatherspoon, 74, of Longview, who crashed his plane between Tatum and Easton on County Road 2194 last week. A call came into first responders regarding the incident around 2:20 p.m. April 19. The Rusk County Office of Emergency Management said Weatherspoon had taken the plane up for a maintenance flight. Multiple Volunteer Fire Departments, D.P.S. Troopers and Sheriff’s Deputies arrived extinguishing the fire and maintained the scene of the wreckage until the Federal Aviation Administration arrived.

TYLER — The city of Tyler Library announced a series of programs and events Monday that are scheduled over the next several weeks. Organizers say “Sticky Wall Art” and “Kite Kit’s” will happen May 3, while “Library Under the Trees” will continue May 7 and 21. The library in the Rose City is also offering “Beginner Computer Classes” to begin May 8. You can register by calling the Library at (903) 593-7323. Club Read will meet virtually May 25 at 10 a.m. Get more information on these programs and more by clicking here.

PALESTINE — The Texas Attorney Generals Office announced results from a recent law enforcement round up across the state on Monday. In Anderson County, Luis Gilberto Castillo was arrested in Palestine April 19 on an outstanding warrant for “harboring a runaway.” The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office issued the warrant for Castillo after receiving an NCMEC Intake Report as a lead from the United States Marshals Service in Hidalgo County regarding a missing/endangered 13-year-old female child from Edinburg possibly in the Palestine area. Investigators believed the teen was with Castillo. The child was not located with Castillo, at the time of his arrest, and the investigation into her disappearance continues. 

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District announced first dose COVID vaccines will be available starting Monday in Wood and Anderson Counties. On Sunday, the health organization said they will continue to offer the vaccination hub in Tyler as well. In a prepared statement, President and CEO George Roberts said, “NET Health is expanding access to COVID vaccines for residents of rural counties by opening our vaccine clinics in Anderson County and in Wood County.” Roberts continued, “It is important to increase the percentage of vaccinated East Texas residents so that all populations are protected from COVID-19.” Ge more information here.

WILLS POINT — A routine traffic stop has led to the arrest of two Van Zandt County residents. According to our news partner KETK, David Porter, 40, and Candie Rai, 49, both of Wills Point, were pulled over Saturday for not using a traffic signal. Once the vehicle stopped, deputies discovered arrest warrants on both individuals. Porter was arrested for parole violation and Rai was arrested for evading arrest detention with a vehicle. They were transported to the Van Zandt County Jail.

NEW SUMMERFIELD — A fatal wreck killed four people in New Summerfield on Saturday. The Texas Department of Public Safety said one of the four dead included a baby girl. One person was critically injured in the accident that took place on U.S. 79 near CR 4301 just after 3 p.m when the driver of a Chevrolet passed over into oncoming traffic. The driver of the Impala was identified as Ronald Lewis Williams, 52, of Jacksonville. Williams was driving with 21-year-old Ariana Lashell Richardson of Jacksonville. The couple also had a baby girl in the passenger in the vehicle. The driver of the Saturn was identified as 83-year-old Bobby G. Johnson who was driving with 80-year-old Katherine June Johnson, 80, both of Sage, Arkansas. Katherine, Williams, Richardson and the baby all died at the scene and were taken to Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville.

AUSTIN — Reports that constitutional carry handgun legislation has stalled in the Texas Senate may have been a bit premature. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick seems to have found a way to keep the bill moving through the state capitol. After first saying permit-less carry handgun legislation didn’t have the votes in the Senate, Patrick has now created a new Senate committee to ensure it keeps moving. Rice University political scientist Mark Jones says, “I’ve never seen a committee created literally overnight for the sole purpose of providing a venue for a single bill.” Continue reading Constitutional carry still alive in the Senate