KTBB News, Weather, Talk

LONGVIEW — Longview Police Department has arrested a woman in the shooting death of a man found inside a car in a parking lot. According to our news partner KETK, Tolla Michelle McNeely, 40, of Longview, was booked into Gregg County Jail on Saturday and charged with murder in connection with the death of Jose Manuel Delarosa, 40, of Henderson, the department announced. Delarosa died at a Longview hospital. Police now believe that while arguing in a car parked in a lot at 110 Triple Creek in Longview, McNeely opened fire, said a department statement. The investigation continues. Those with information about the shooting can call Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199.

TYLER — Tyler Police urge motorist to use caution when out on the roadways. Due to the winter weather conditions, ice is starting to form on the road surface. Please use caution when traveling over bridges, overpasses, and on steep hills. Officials said the Streets Department and TxDOT have been notified and are currently treating the streets. Please avoid any unnecessary travel.

TYLER — Smith County Officials announced Friday, they will continue to be weather aware, over concerns of inclement weather in the area. Ice and snow are projected as possible throughout the weekend and next week. Fire Marshal Jay Brooks is asking residents to stay home if possible and to avoid driving on icy or snow-covered roads. Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran says he and other County Officials remain in touch with the Texas Division of Emergency Management in reference to statewide and local conditions. They are also correlating efforts with the City of Tyler to ensure an appropriate response to any severe weather event. To read more click here.

TYLER — The Texas Art Education Association has selected two Tyler ISD students’ art to appear in the Youth Art Month Capitol Celebration in Austin. TISD said, Tyler Legacy High School senior Ian Black and Caldwell Arts Academy eighth-grader, Lucy Hager will have their art appear in the Texas Capitol. “This is a huge honor! TAEA selected only 125 pieces to represent visual art education in Texas Schools,” Tyler ISD Director of Visual and Performing Arts Sandra Newton said. “Many Texas school districts did not have any artwork selected, but Tyler ISD had two!” To read more click here.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments announced Friday, $70,000 in grants, from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. ETCOG says the awards will support regional waste minimization efforts in the 14-county region. This funding from the TCEQ benefits jurisdictions in establishing or expanding projects that will offer a direct and measurable effect on reducing the amount of waste going into Texas landfills. To see the specific amount of each awards and thedifferent entities receiving the grants, click here.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview announced a shift in their collection schedule for next week. Because of anticipated winter storms making their way across the state into East Texas, collection schedule days are adjusted by one day. Monday pick-ups will happen on Tuesday, and so forth. The city said they plan on updating this plan throughout the weekend, as warranted. You can get more information by clicking here.

TYLER — Tyler District 3 City Council has had a new candidate to file for the upcoming May election. Dalila Reynoso, 38, announced her candidacy Friday. Reynoso, a first-generation Mexican-American and mother of two, says she is resolute in serving her community in North Tyler. Reynoso describes herself as hard-working, energetic, and passionate about the most vulnerable in her community– survivors of violence, those struggling with addiction and mental health, and people discriminated against such as immigrant neighbors. This is Reynoso’s second attempt at capturing the District 3 seat, she came up 40 votes short of a run-off in 2019.

TYLER — The state of Texas estimated 1.9 million people were eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in tier 1A. Currently people in tier 1A and 1B are entitled to get the shot. NET Health’s George Roberts addressed getting to another tier with KTBB, “How long will it take to get us to move from tier 1B to other people in the community? I don’t have the answer to that right now. But, as more vaccine gets into our community, it’s just going to make things better and better.” The President and CEO went on to say, “You know, we are very encouraged by the pharmacies. CVS and Walmart are going to be receiving vaccines. We will be receiving more vaccines, UT Health will be receiving more at their hub site. CHRISTUS is doing a good job helping the folks in Longview at their hub site.”

LONGVIEW — Starting Monday, Hawkins Parkway, at the intersection of Good Shepherd Way, will be temporarily closed to eastbound, right-lane traffic daily between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The city of Longview announced Friday, the start of the project is weather dependent, but the temporary lane closures will allow for the widening of Hawkins Parkway and is expected to take at least 6 weeks once started. Drivers are encouraged to use an alternate route. This project will also bring about the installation of a new four-way traffic signal and a center turn lane at the intersection of Hawkins Parkway and Good Shepherd Way. For more information click here.

EAST TEXAS — Walmart, Sam’s Club, and CVS have begun offering COVID-19 vaccines to end the work week. CVS still had appointments available in East Texas just before noon on Friday. The plans are going forward through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program. Many other retailers will be joining other national retail chains that will give shots to people who want a coronavirus vaccine and qualify to receive the doses. More than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states will receive federal vaccine allocations. Walmart said in a statement, “Ninety percent of the country lives within 10 miles of a Walmart. We’re at the heart of many rural and under served communities, and we are committed to providing access to vaccines as groups become eligible.” For more information on CVS stores offering the vaccine click here.

NECHES — An online petition calling for the removal of an East Texas principal is gaining momentum. According to our news partner KETK, more than 450 people have signed an online petition calling for Kimberlyn Snider to immediately resign from her position as Neches Elementary School Principal. Neches ISD is located in Anderson County. Snider was indicted for interfering with an investigation involving the sexual assault of a minor. Last week, Snider turned herself in to sheriff’s deputies and placed in Anderson County Jail. Continue reading Growing demand for principals resignation

TYLER — The city of Tyler is taking preparation steps with the National Weather Service forecasting winter weather including freezing rain, sleet, snow and frigid temperatures through the end of next week. Action steps include, the City Streets team having three sanding trucks, and placing a snow blade on the motor grader. Staff are on standby to sand the roads in case of severe ice. Crews are also on reserve in regard to clearing fallen trees from roadways. City officials are asking residents to let their faucets drip and cover exterior faucets and leave heat on. Tyler Animal Control and Shelter reminds pet owners to bring their pets indoors. Continue reading City officials continue to monitor potential winter weather

TYLER — A pedestrian that was hit Wednesday night was transported to UT Health Tyler in critical condition. According to our news partner KETK, officials say the person was struck by a vehicle the accident took place at the intersection of N. Beckham Avenue and E. Oakwood St.

TYLER — The East Texas Crisis Center had to make the difficult decision to cancel their annual auto and cycle show this year. On Thursday however, Executive Director Lana Peacock told KTBB, “This would have been our 31st show, but we still have a raffle car. We were able to extend our drawing by 30 days, so our drawing will be for March 20th.” The Executive Director went on to say, “These raffle ticket sales have always been a real good avenue of revenue for the Crisis Center. So, we are selling all of the raffle tickets online and there is now, no such thing as sitting outside at a table and having people to fill out the card. They can do it all electronically, so it’s safer that way.” To purchase your tickets, click here.

EAST TEXAS — Tyler Police are asking residents to avoid all non-essential driving. They’re also advising drivers to avoid several areas, including the Gentry Parkway overpass at the intersection of Gentry Parkway and North Beckham Avenue and the Beckham Avenue overpass leading to UT Health East Texas and Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals. According to our news partner KETK, the City Streets Team is also adding aggregate and de-icer material on the roadway, according to the city of Tyler. Continue reading Officials urge drivers use caution

TYLER — North East Texas Health has administered more than 10,000 COVID-19 vaccinations in Tyler. George Roberts tells KTBB what effects people will often experience. “Typically on the first dose, we’ve seen sight soreness, peoples arms being sore, soreness of sight.” The NET Health CEO continued, “The second doses we have seen that a lot of cases of people have a greater immune response. Maybe people have not felt well the next day, perhaps running a little fever, sight soreness, and kind of feeling a little malaise and then typically after 24 hours they begin feeling better. The effectiveness, of both the Phizer and Moderna vaccine, after you receive the second dose, several weeks after you receive those doses they are 94 to 95% effective.”

TYLER — A Tyler man has been charged with assault, after allegedly choking his son during a disagreement. According to our news partner KETK, the argument started over whether or not outside help was needed on a garage door repair. William Owen, 57, of Tyler was attempting to fix the garage door by hiring outside help. Owen’s son did not think that was necessary. The warrant states that the two then got into a verbal argument for about 10 minutes. Both men then went inside. Video footage, by all accounts, captured Owen “forcefully pushing [the son] in… his upper chest or neck area.” Another family member witnessed the incident and said Owen was “obviously overreacting and that [the son] did nothing to instigate or continue the argument.”

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview warned the community Thursday to make preparations for frigid weather in the upcoming days. The extended forecast for the East Texas area calls for snow, wintry precipitation, and sub-freezing temperatures reaching the single digits next week. City of Longview personnel are surveilling potential problems and preparing plans for emergency response. Residents should take steps to prepare for the cold weather and the possible accumulation of snow and ice. For now, city offices are scheduled to remain open the week of Feb. 15. Changes will be announced accordingly. For more information click here.

QUITMAN — A last call ceremony was held for Juma at the Wood County Courthouse Thursday morning. The beloved Officer is the K-9 partner of Wood County Constable Kelly Smith, who reported that his colleague was battling Addison’s disease. Juma had quit eating and could not keep anything down. Smith said in a social media post “the low blood pressure, low blood sugar and high levels of potassium have become life-threatening.” In spite of several days and round of medication and vitamins, administered by IV, Juma continues to decline. “We are doing all we can to keep her comfortable.”

CANTON — The Department of Public Safety warned motorists Thursday to be aware of sections of Interstate 20 between Tyler and Dallas that had ice accumulation. Travelers were told to expect delays on I-20 just west of Canton. Traffic was detoured off the interstate, because of ice related accidents and vehicles were shifted to access roads. Hazardous conditions on I-20 started in the Van area, moving west into the Metroplex. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office reported an over-turned 18-wheeler as a result of hitting ice. Other problem areas included I-20 at Highway 110 and I-20 at Toll 49. Drivers also reported ice on overpasses of Toll 49. To visit the drive safe Texas map, click here.

TYLER — The East Texas Crisis Center had to make the difficult decision to cancel their annual auto and cycle show this year. On Thursday however, Executive Director Lana Peacock told KTBB, “This would have been our 31st show, but we still have a raffle car. We were able to extend our drawing by 30 days, so our drawing will be for March 20th.” You can purchase tickets for $10 each by clicking click here. Continue reading East Texas Auto and Cycle Show canceled, but raffle car continues

TYLER — Residents,and drivers who work in the area of College Avenue can expect some hindrances in the near future. Wednesday, work crews started on the College Avenue storm drain project. The city of Tyler says, drivers should be prepared to follow traffic signs and detours and to exercise caution. Contractors are renovating the storm drain system on College Avenue between East Locust Street and the railroad tracks to the north. Some driveways at the Moore Grocery Lofts may be closed during the project, which should last about 6 months. Parking will be available in designated lots and free parking will be available at the Fair Plaza Parking Garage. For more information click here.

BULLARD — The Bullard City Council voted in opposition to the construction of a new low-income housing development Tuesday night. According to our news partner KETK, Westwind Bullard is a proposed project that would build 80 apartments, with 72 classified as low income housing. Bullard Mayor Pam Frederick said she had heard from the community, receiving about 170 emails in opposition and two emails in favor. In addition to that, the council was presented with a petition with 189 signatures against. No one spoke in acceptance of the project during the city council session.

TYLER — A Public Improvement District alongside Bellwood Lake was created Wednesday by the city of Tyler. According to the city, the initiative will help advance the development of the 500 plus acres. The designer, Bellwood 232 2019 LP, anticipates a cost of $150 million to materialize and build streets, drainage, lighting, landscaping and irrigation on the property. The city says, when a PID is created, those who later purchase property in the district have to reimburse the developer for a portion of public infrastructure and improvement costs. The city said in the brief, they will not occur any costs associated with the PID improvements.

SMITH COUNTY — An East Texas couple recently driving down Highway 155, got an unwanted paint job. According to our news partner KETK, Andy Neederhofer and his wife are now looking for answers. “When I was going on the road, I didn’t notice it. But, my wife called me and said ‘hey, there’s something getting splattered all over your jeep and all over my windshield.” Neederhofer said there were no construction signs out, and no work crews were around. TxDOT said in a statement, they are aware of the issue and are looking into it. Continue reading Tyler couple gets unexpected paint job

TYLER — Harvey Hall Convention Center continues to be a busy place for COVID-19 vaccinations. Going into Wednesday, NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB, “We have given a combined, first and second doses, 9,500 vaccines at Harvey Hall Convention Center.” Roberts said they will finish out the week with first round immunizations. “Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we will be doing first doses as well. We will be inviting people who are on our waiting list for the first dose to sign up for a time, so we hope to vaccinate a number of East Texans over the next few days.” Continue reading NET Health vaccinated 9,500 and counting

AUSTIN –Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said Wednesday, he will send a total of over $1 billion in local sales tax allocations for February. That number is an increase of 0.7 percent more than in February 2020. These distributions are based on sales made in December by businesses that report tax monthly; October, November and December sales by quarterly filers; and 2020 sales by businesses that report tax annually. Tyler will receive $5.1 million, while Longview will accept $ 3.9 million. You can learn more by clicking here.

TYLER — The Presidential Fellow Scholarship was announced for four Tyler ISD students on Tuesday. The gift will enable the three Legacy seniors and one Tyler high senior to attend UT Tyler, at no cost to them. The Presidential Fellow Scholarship covers full tuition, fees, books, room and board for the recipients. Legacy High School seniors Henry Jones, Maria Kellermann-Jimenez, Christopher Whitmore and Adriana Higuera from Tyler High School were surprised with the scholarship in front of their immediate family members and Tyler Legacy High School administrators.

KILGORE — Kilgore College named Dr. Mark Clark, Tuesday, as Dean of Business & Information Technology. This comes following affirmation from the Kilgore College Board of Trustees in December. Clark comes to KC after serving as assistant professor of Entrepreneurship; the director of the McNair Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise; and was program coordinator for the Master of Science in Management and Entrepreneurship.

LONGVIEW — A status hearing for a current Gregg County commissioner charged with election fraud, along with three others, has been delayed until May 7. According to our news partner KETK, Shannon Brown, the Precinct 4 commissioner and three other individuals are charged in relation to a coordinated vote harvesting scheme from the 2018 Democratic primary election. Brown as well as, Marlena Jackson, Charlie Burns, and DeWayne Ward, are all charged in the case. Each of them are facing multiple counts of Engaging in Organized Election Fraud, Fraudulent Use of Mail Ballot Application, Unlawful Possession of Ballot/Ballot Envelope, Election Fraud, and Tampering With a Governmental Record.