KTBB News, Weather, Talk

GLADEWATER — Gladewater ISD is moving to virtual learning for the rest of the week. The school district made the announcement Monday afternoon due to a lack of water following last week’s winter storm. The district said in a Facebook post, they would have 100 laptops ready to check out to students on a first come, first served basis, Tuesday morning. The sign-outs will take place at the GISD central office on Broadway from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The school has been without water for days since the storm began moving out of the East Texas area. The district says they hope to resume normal classes March 1.

ATHENS — Henderson County Officials say a deputy responded to a burglary in progress Sunday night. Upon getting a vehicle description, Athens police arrested 34 year old Christie Diane Johnson, of Athens, inside a convenience store. The HCSO made contact with Johnson, who say, she confessed to having contraband on her. A search of the vehicle revealed three firearms, one reported stolen out of Arkansas, and what deputies believe to be methamphetamines. Johnson faces charges of burglary, theft of a firearm, tampering with evidence, possession and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

TYLER — A Lindale man has been indicted on capital murder charges following a violent crash last December. The brutal wreck killed David Joshua Reed’s former girlfriend, who was pregnant, as well as her new boyfriend. According to our news partner KETK, Shelby Duarte, 26, and 43-year-old Timothy Nelson Jr. died after they were hit by a truck driven by Reed. Police also believe Reed was attempting to blow himself up by loading his vehicle with propane tanks. Investigators at the scene discovered that Reed drove into a camper trailer, which completely destroyed it. Continue reading East Texan indicted for brutal wreck that killed pregnant ex-girlfriend and new boyfriend

NACOGDOCHES — Investigators in Nacogdoches County released the identifies of the three people killed by carbon monoxide poisoning on Saturday after losing power during the winter storm. According to our news partner KETK, the victims were 63-year-old Deborah Wright, 60-year-old James Harkness Jr., and 42-year-old Richard Woodard. Wright and Harkness Jr. were from Nacogdoches and Woodward was from Mt. Enterprise. Authorities said that they were operating a portable gas generator on the front porch and that the exhaust pipe was very close to the residence. Continue reading Three people died from carbon monoxide poisoning near Nacogdoches

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Van Zandt County authorities are investigating a case involving cows left in a snow covered pen in prolonged frigid temperatures. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Steve Hendrix and deputies assisted SPCA investigators in executing a warrant, just outside of Myrtyle Springs, for animal seizure on VZ County Road 3219. “One of the livestock animals had already perished.” said information from the VZ County Sheriff’s Office. “This investigation is ongoing and may result in criminal charges against the owner.”

MARSHALL — The city of Marshall was advised, on Saturday, of additional residents who lack water pressure, or no water at all. Public Works crews continued working Saturday and will continue Sunday, with the task of diagnosing and repairing service line breaks. Read the complete news release here.

TYLER — As Texas suffers from historic freezing temperatures and massive property damage with freezing pipes, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas reminds the public that fraudsters soon follow disaster. “Fraudsters often appear from nowhere to take advantage of natural disasters, which is what occurred in the early days of the pandemic. Now, we are concerned that weary homeowners will fall prey to unsolicited calls regarding insurance claims, home warranties, or bogus government grants” says Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. “If you did not solicit the call, hang up.” Millions of people fall victim to scams every year. If you think you have become a victim, contact your local law enforcement authority. You can also submit a report by clicking here. to . For more tips, click here.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court held an emergency meeting, virtually Friday afternoon. In the brief meeting, commissioners moved forward an extended the Disaster Declaration issued for Smith County, for an additional 14 days. Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran issued the Disaster Declaration due to the winter storm, last Sunday. Under state law, an emergency disaster declaration signed by the County Judge is only effective for a period of seven days, unless extended by the Commissioners Court. Because of the ongoing nature of the winter weather event and expected countywide response efforts that will continue beyond Saturday. This action will continue to allow Smith County to have access to all possible resources to respond to the winter weather event.

TYLER — Now that the historic snow storm has gone, residents need to be aware of new potential problems for East Texans. According to our news parnter KETK, problems not only exist with roads, the power grid, water systems, but now, also with roofs. Local businesses and homes now face the setback of ice damming. This is a large build-up of snow on the roof of a heated building. The warmth can cause leaks. In some cases, water can seep into your home causing damages that cost thousands of dollars. Local roofers say the lion’s share of service calls are dealing with ice dam issues. They’re recommending insured homeowners to make sure their policies cover roof damages because this could take a toll on your roof and your wallet.

TYLER — When Melissa Maeker, director of pharmacy for UT Health North Campus Tyler, saw the weather forecast late last week, she went into planning mode. As with previous ice storms, she planned to stay at the pharmacy for a few nights so she could still work and wouldn’t have to risk being on icy roadways. However, this time there was a new element in her preparations, making sure power remained on to protect COVID-19 vaccines, that are kept in an ultracold freezer at the pharmacy. Once the vaccine vial is removed from ultracold storage, it can remain in a regular refrigerator for five days. U.T. says, Maeker has slept on a cot in her office, since last Sunday, to protect the vaccines. She wanted to ensure she would hear the alarm on the freezer go off if the temperature were to rise. Fortunately, power was maintained in the pharmacy, but Maeker had various other scenarios ready to go if need be.

LONGVIEW — Longview Public Works crews are addressing water leaks across the city. Officials said Friday that residents could undergo temporary, isolated disturbances with their water. Currently the water system has adequate supply and pressure, but localized disruptions may occur in areas where crews are working to fix leaks. Officials applauded the Public Works teams that have and continue to work day and night in freezing temperatures to fix problems as they arise. Road crews continue to monitor streets and apply a sanding material in trouble spots, but is not equipped to clear snow from roads; a warming trend is expected to help with that. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to avoid traveling.

TYLER — A semi truck in Tyler found itself helpless on Friday morning, prompting the partial closure of Paluxy Drive. Tyler police said, the southbound lanes of Paluxy Drive were shut down between Jess Davis Drive and Cumberland Road. The dangerous road conditions caused the semi-truck to be stranded in the road. Officers directed traffic, and the department asked motorists to seek alternate routes.

TYLER — Donation centers far and wide have been closed for days on end because ice and snow have made roads to hazardous to drive. According to our news partner KETK, Carter BloodCare is making urgent pleas for donors to give, as soon as possible to boost its dwindling supply. Carter BloodCare provides blood and blood products to dozens of hospitals and clinics in the region. More donation information is available here.

TYLER — The original Bruno’s Pizza and Pasta location on Vine Avenue in Tyler experienced a partial ceiling collapse. The family owned pizza, sandwich and pasta favorite opened in 1976. According to our news partner KETK, The restaurant has been closed all week due to weather and no one was inside when the ceiling was damaged. Last September, Jay Rumbelow, the owner of Bruno’s Pizza and Pasta, died. He took over running the family business after his father’s death in 1991. They have 2 locations, with a second eatery on Old Jacksonville Road.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation is imploring people to avoid travel on I-20 due to dangerous icy conditions. Traffic was closed early Friday at I-20 near Highway 271, due to icy conditions. TxDPS said it continues working multiple crashes, and slide offs along the I-20 corridor. “Use alternate routes to avoid getting stranded!” Get the latest road condition updates by clicking here. A direct quote from DPS says, “We cannot stress enough the unsafe driving conditions.”

TYLER — The city of Tyler is urgently requesting residents to stop dripping pipes, in an effort to restore water pressure. On Friday, the city said the request is urgent, as Tyler’s hospitals and dialysis patients depend on adequate water pressure for life-saving measures. This is a community-wide appeal to conserve water in every way possible. The request goes on to stress for motorists to stay home and not travel, with roads still slick and many hills are impassible. See the complete update by clicking here.

CLARKSVILLE CITY — Clarksville City citizens are being asked to reduce the amount of water they are using. According to the city’s Facebook page, officials are getting close to having to stop service because the water plant is working 24/7. The page says, “Please reduce the amount of water being dripped and if you have a break please let us know so we can turn off the water. Answering Service number is 903-757-1996. City Hall is still closed.”

TYLER — TxDOT and DPS continue to advise motorists to stay off icy roads as driving remains hazardous leaving some stranded by the road. Non-essential travel is discouraged until conditions improve. The Tyler District has utilized 140 pieces of equipment and 150 maintenance employees, during this weather event. Assistance is also being provided by contractors and counties. The Department of Public Safety urges motorists to avoid travel if possible, as Troopers work to respond to multiple crashes and slide offs across East Texas,” said Sgt. Jean Dark, DPS Public Information Officer. Continue reading DPS & TxDOT provide latest update

TYLER — With sustained sub-freezing temperatures blanketing the city of Tyler, a group of residents came together to help 120 homeless people ride out the winter storm. An anonymous group of people pulled their resources to provide the less fortunate with overnight stays, and hot showers, at the Super 8 on Loop 323 and Highway 69. The inn met the generosity of the givers, and in-turn offered a benevolent rate to accommodate the displaced. In addition to the lodging, hearty soups and chili were brought, among other items, to feed the displaced.

TYLER — The city of Tyler got above freezing on Thursday. Meteorologist Dr. Bob Peters told KTBB, “The temperature went above freezing at 2pm today (Thursday) this marks the end of the 179 consecutive hours stretch of sub-freezing temperatures which began at 3 a.m. on February 11.” Peters went on to say, “This is not a record, that dates back to 1983 of December when we had 258 consecutive hours of sub-freezing temperatures. Temperatures will probably go above freezing Friday. They will be well above freezing Saturday, Sunday and Monday. And the snow will be pretty well melted possibly by Saturday, and certainly by Sunday.”

TYLER — On Thursday, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran announced a move to continue the closure of all non-emergency county offices through the end of the week, including all precinct offices. Officials believe county offices will open Monday. The delayed Commissioner Court Meeting that was pushed to Friday from earlier this week has also been canceled. However, an emergency agenda item will be addressed virtually, to extend the emergency disaster declaration signed by Judge Moran on Sunday. The online meeting is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. The public may watch the single-item meeting by clicking here.

TYLER — While the wintry weather has slowed and stopped vaccine distributions, NET Health has plans to continue when conditions are safer. On Wednesday George Roberts told our news partner KETK, “Our plan next week is to get back after it and start vaccinating East Texans again,” Roberts said. “If everything works out, we’d like to start Monday and maybe Tuesday before we can get back to Harvey Hall.” The plan will include catching up people that have not had the second dose and may be lagging following cancellations due to the unprecedented weather event. Roberts continued, “If we’re several days delayed, that’s not going to harm you at all, so we just want you as close to the 28 days for the Moderna as you possibly can get that, but if you’re a few days later than that, everything will be just fine.”

TYLER — A warehouse with buckled and bent walls appears to be the result of snow at the Trane location in Tyler. The manufacturing plant located south of Tyler partially collapsed Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, there are no initial reports of injury at the Trane plant site that makes air conditioning and heating products. Trane is located on Highway 110 between Tyler and Whitehouse.

CANTON — A woman has been arrested and charged with arson resulting in death. According to our news partner KETK, Tessa Furrh, 38, of Edgewood was arrested Wednesday. The charges come in sequence with a fire at The Mountain on the grounds of First Monday Trade Days in Canton, Tuesday night. Furrh was placed in the Van Zandt County Jail on Wednesday. Investigators have not released the the names of the two victims. It is also unknown, as of this writing, if Furrh’s arrest is connected to that fire, but KETK News is unaware of any other deadly fires in the Van Zandt County area on Tuesday. The area has previously caught fire three times over the past five years.

TYLER — The city of Tyler said Thursday, this is a difficult time for the community, but progress is being made. Power remains on at the Lake Palestine pump station and treated water is pumping into the City’s main lines. We anticipate we will be able to meet current water demand levels by Friday if all benchmarks are met and if residents continue to conserve water. If power is lost again, or we see a sharp increase in utilization, these time frames will be adjusted. As far as those needing emergency response, call 911. Tyler Police continue responding to emergency calls, as well as welfare checks. Tyler Fire remains active in aiding warming centers in sourcing supplies and generators. Roadways continue to have full crews that worked Wednesday night into Thursday. All three sanding trucks are in operation, focusing on sanding and de-icing major bridges, overpasses and around hospitals, as well as sanding around facilities with essential operations in the Cumberland area. To read the full report click here.

SMITH COUNTY — Earlier this week, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran said non-emergency offices, and all precinct offices, will remain closed through Thursday. County Fire Marshall Jay Brooks encouraged people to continue to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or ill. Smith County emergency management officials are helping to supply personnel, food and supplies to meet critical needs throughout the county. The county has also been active in assisting in locating a limited number of generators for shelters and long-term care facilities; have worked to ensure that medical facilities continue to have fuel for their generators; and continue to assist people with emergency transport when requested. To read more click here.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Public Library opened at 2 p.m. as a Warming Shelter on Wednesday afternoon. The facility, located on W. Cotton St., will remain open until 9 p.m. Food and beverages will not be provided, and residents are urged to bring their own snacks, supplies, and device chargers. Hiway 80 Rescue Mission on W. Marshall Ave. and The Salvation Army of Longview on Cotton St. have also opened as warming shelters for those without power who need a place to stay warm.

TYLER — Wednesday marked the third day of mass power outages for many east Texans and the Lone Star State. With the winter storm disaster, thousands have struggled locally through long periods of darkness with no power. KTBB has reached out to ERCOT, inquiring why many neighborhoods are going on 72 plus hours without power, while other Tyler homes, have not lost power once. We have not yet heard back from ERCOT. Nearly 4.5 million in Texas were without electricity on Tuesday, as of early Wednesday afternoon, that number was just under 3 million still without heat or the lights on, according to poweroutage.us. To look at a graph click here. Many officials fear there could be more losses of power coming with the latest winter storm packed with more sleet, snow, and freezing rain.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Two East Texans arrested last month following their participation at the Capitol Hill now face numerous federal charges. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Nichols, a 30-year-old Longview native, and Alex Harkrider, a 32-year-old from Carthage have been indicted on more than one dozen federal charges, varying from civil disorder to assaulting federal officers. The men were initially detained in Smith and Gregg County in the days after the riot, before being transferred to prisons in the D.C. area to await trial. Their next court hearing has not been set.

TYLER — The Rush Limbaugh Show began Wednesday with his wife, Kathryn, announcing the death of her husband. KTBB Owner and General Manager Paul Gleiser described the radio talk show legend. “You know you are seeing a master at work when it looks easy, and Rush Limbaugh made doing talk radio look easy. And let me tell you, from experience and having done it, it is anything but easy. Rush made it look easy because he was so good at it and many many people have imitated Rush, no one will ever replace him.” Limbaugh is credited with transforming talk radio and politics in his decades behind the microphone. Limbaugh died at the age of 70 following a battle with lung cancer. Continue reading Rush Limbaugh dead at the age of 70