KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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

TYLER — Tyler residents without electricity may want to consider utilizing “City Warming Centers” across the city. Dayspring UMC and Grace Community have been removed from the list of warming centers, after experiencing loss of water. The city is urging residents to exercise extreme caution if they elect to get out in these conditions. Organizations that would like to open their doors as a “City Warming Center” should call Fire Chief David Coble at (903) 521-8200. To see the list offering their services click here.

TYLER — The Department of Public Safety announced the closure of all DPS offices in Region 1 on Thursday. Due to the impact of severe winter weather on roadways and concern for the safety of both the public and our employees, the Texas Department of Public Safety will be closing ALL DPS Offices. The 42 North Texas Region (Region 1) counties affected by this closure may be found by clicking here. Driver License customers with appointments will be contacted to reschedule. Emergency operations will not be affected by this closure.

TYLER — All UT Health East Texas Physician clinics will be closed for the remainder of the week, due to continued inclement weather. The announcement on Tuesday, includes the COVID-19 vaccine clinic at UT Health North Campus Tyler. The media release did say that providers would be available for tele-health appointments. Patients that already had arrangements scheduled this week will be contacted to set up another time to come in. Clinics anticipate reopening on their regular schedules next Monday. The COVID-19 vaccine clinic also will resume on Monday. Patients scheduled to receive a second dose this week are asked come on the same day and time next week and at the same time they were previously scheduled. Learn more on COVID-19 vaccine availability at UT Health East Texas, by clicking here.

TYLER — Record breaking temperatures are causing a higher than usual number of water main breaks. The city of Tyler announced Tuesday that crews continue working continuously around the clock to maintain and repair the City’s water system. Residents are being asked to avoid putting undue stress on the water system; by avoiding the use of dishwashers, washing machines, filling up bathtubs or doing anything that requires a large volume of water. To read more click here.

TYLER — Historic low temperatures for Tyler and Longview were reported on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, both cities set all-time records for the lowest temperatures ever recorded. Tyler dropped to six degrees below zero at 6:27 a.m., five minutes later, Longview was a bone-chilling minus five degrees. The previous records for both communities stood since January 18, 1930. That is the day that Tyler hit a previous all-time low of three degrees below zero, while Longview was minus four.

TYLER — The City of Tyler said Monday that emergency services are available to local residents, including personnel in the Fire, Police, Streets, Water/Sewer and Traffic departments. Emergency service capabilities are at full strength and City departments remain in constant communication ensuring all necessary preparations are in place. Residents are urged to stay home and not travel, as roadways are hazardous. Tyler Streets Department is operating three sanding trucks and has staff working 24/7 to sand the roads to keep them open for first responders and emergency crews. Priorities for sanding are overpasses, bridges and hospital emergency room entrances. See the complete release here.

TYLER – TxDOT continues to remind drivers to stay home as crews remain busy clearing roads of snow and ice. Winter conditions are impacting all roadways in the eight-county Tyler District, which includes Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. All resources are deployed with crews working around the clock focusing on clearing higher volume corridors, such as I-20, and trouble spots as they arise. The department said while roads are not technically closed, but all roads have been impacted. With record-breaking low temperatures expected, residents are urged to stay at home and off the roadways. Continue reading DPS urges motorists to stay off icy roads

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview announced Monday, because of extended inclement weather; city offices, library, recreation centers, and Longview Transit will be closed, until further notice. The city says those entities would remain closed until driving conditions dramatically improve. Staff will continue to keep weather top of mind, and an announcement will be made when services are able to resume. To learn more, click here.

ATHENS — At a recent meeting of the County Executive Committee of the Henderson County Republican Party, members discussed having the headquarters open again on a regular basis, and how to accomplish that with volunteers working there. Other discussion included a banquet for this Fall, and getting Young Republican Clubs started at TVCC and local high schools. A success strategy for the 2022 Elections was also discussed. There will also be a Precinct Chair Training for February 22. According to the release, there are currently 9 vacant Precinct Chair positions in the county, which is 80% Republican. If you are interested in getting involved, you can contact the Henderson County Republican Chairman, Daniel Hunt at 817-913-5044, or [email protected].

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities announced a changing of the water disinfectant process on Monday. The city said it is due to severe winter weather, noting, “Some residents may notice a slight discoloration and slight changes to taste and odor (to water).” TWU says the water is safe for drinking, bathing and to give to pets. However, as a precaution, dialysis patients should consult with their physicians to decide whether pre-treatment adjustments are needed for dialysis equipment. Most dialysis equipment has already been outfitted with charcoal filters. To read the complete release click here.

SHREVEPORT, LA — A Kilgore woman was arrested over the weekend and charged with second degree aggravated battery. According to our news partner KETK, Jessica Griffith, 34, was arrested in connection with a Friday night shooting that left the victim hospitalized with serious injuries. Griffith is accused of shooting James Giles following an altercation in downtown Shreveport. The crime In Louisiana is a second degree aggravated battery conviction. If convicted Griffith could serve up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

TECULA – The Texas Department of Public Safety is reporting a train derailment in Cherokee County. According to our news partner KETK, the derailment is on on Hwy 135 near CR 2064 in northeastern Cherokee County in the community of Tecula. Officials say there are no reported injuries and Union Pacific has crews heading to the scene to get the train back on the tracks.The roadway is blocked.

TYLER — Multiple traffic signals in Tyler were without power Monday morning, according to our news partner KETK and the city’s Facebook page. The city is asking drivers to “use extreme caution when traveling and treat a “dark” traffic signal like a four-way stop.” However, all residents should avoid non-essential driving. City officials are applying aggregate and de-icer material to roadways. All drivers should slow down and remember that speed limits are based on normal weather, not the extreme winter conditions the area is currently facing. Also, use extra caution on bridges, ramps, and overpasses. Stay back from sanding trucks and EMS vehicles.

TYLER – I-20 is closed both directions from US 69 to FM 14 in Smith County with multiple vehicles stranded, including several 18 wheelers, due to icy conditions. Motorists are urged to stay home. TxDOT crews continue to treat and retreat roadways but conditions are hazardous for travel. Remember bridges and elevated structures are the first to freeze over but patches of ice also develop along other areas of roadways.  DPS said trucks are not able to make the hilly areas of I-20 between Smith and Van Zandt counties and wants motorists to avoid the area. Continue reading Portion of I-20 Closed, multiple vehicles stranded

MARSHALL– With temperatures expected to drop on Sunday, February 14, 2021, City of Marshall officials and the Emergency Management Team expect a significant chance of snow, sleet, and ice accumulation. The City of Marshall has approved the use of the Community Room at Fire Station #1 as a temporary cold weather shelter for the unfortunate due to the incoming winter weather. The Fire Station located at 601 S. Grove Street will open on Sunday, February 14, 2021, beginning at 8:00 p.m. COVID-19 precautions will be followed. Masks will be provided to those who need one and should always be worn. Social distancing will be enforced. We urge community members to share this opportunity with individuals who may need this service. Continue reading Marshall Shelter Opening

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation on Saturday placed several major highways in the Tyler area on its list of problem spots. According to our news partner KETK, TxDOT said the highways had ice on overpasses and bridges and patches of black ice and that motorists should use extreme caution. Among the problem spots are: Continue reading Tyler Area Highways on DOT Caution List

AUSTIN — Gov. Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration on Friday for all 254 counties due to the severe winter weather in Texas. The governor is also deploying state resources to help local officials. He ordered the Texas State Operations Center (SOC) to alter their operations to 24 hours a day until the end of next week. “Texas should heed the guidance of their local leaders and stay alert to changing weather conditions in their area,” said Governor Abbott. “These resources will help us respond to this severe winter weather and keep our communities safe. The State of Texas remains in close contact with officials on the ground and will provide any additional resources and support that are needed.” Continue reading Gov. Abbott issues disaster declaration for state due to severe winter weather