KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — Annual property taxes are due by the close of January in Smith County. However, on Monday, Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber, told KTBB, “Since the 31st falls on a Sunday this year, those mailing their property tax payments must have them postmarked on or before February 1.” Last October, Barber’s office mailed out 186,000 property tax statements county-wide. Residents can make payments online, in person or through the Tax Office’s new drop-box in Tyler until February 1, 2021. Barber continued, “This drop box will allow customers to drop off their property tax payments without mailing it or coming in the building.” Citizens are encouraged to write their phone numbers on the envelope in case communication is needed. More information is available by clicking the link. https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/tax-assessor/property-taxes.

SMITH COUNTY — Kelsey Paige Frazier, 26, of Tyler, was indicted by Smith County grand jury, after she left an infant abandoned and strapped in a baby bouncer for about three hours in October 2020. According to our news partner KETK, Frazier was charged with abandonment/endangering a child and causing imminent danger with bodily injury. Her bond was set at $150,000. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, 11-month-old Addison was left in a garage apartment at the 11000 block of County Road 2249 on Oct 3. A friend of Frazier arrived at the residence and heard the dog barking inside of the apartment. When she went inside, she heard the infant crying. The woman found the baby in the baby bouncer and she messaged the parents on Facebook. The child was later reunited with her parents.

TYLER — One person died after single-vehicle crash in Tyler Saturday morning. According to our news partner KETK, just before 1:00, police were called to the scene on West Queen after a car had veered off the street and crashed into a fence in the backyard of a residence. According to the person who called dispatchers, they saw two people run away from the vehicle. One person inside the car was pronounced dead at the scene. Additional information was not available. Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to call Tyler police, 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER–Tyler police officers were called to 50 Grand Club on North Grand following a report of multiple shots fired. Witnesses reportedly said one person was shot in the leg and was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and continued on to the hospital where the victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police department at 903-531-1000 or Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER — Smith County has cancelled jury duty for Monday. Officials said Friday afternoon, Smith County residents scheduled to report for jury duty with their yellow cards, do not have to make the trip to the courthouse. However, if you have been summoned for duty on Tuesday or Wednesday, you must still report to the Smith County Courthouse. You can find out more information by clicking the link. https://www.smith-county.com/government/elected-officials/district-clerk/jury-duty-430.

TYLER — A groundbreaking ceremony was held late Friday afternoon for the new neonatal intensive care unit at UT Health Tyler. Due to COVID-19 safety precautions, a private ceremony was held to initiate the construction of the new medical unit, that will be located on the 4th floor of the hospital. Developers say the new NICU, will include 9 state-of-the-art neonatal beds with UT Health investing $2.7 million for construction and equipment. With the addition, UT Health will be able to accept transfers of high-risk mothers and infants from regional hospitals previously sent to Dallas for a higher level of care. The NICU is expected to open in the fall of this year.

TYLER — With his status in doubt most of the week, after his removal against the Cleveland Browns, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes announced he is clear to play this weekend. According to our news partner KETK, the East Texas native said Friday afternoon, he has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Sunday’s AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Mahomes did not return to the game and backup quarterback Chad Henne, finished the game for KC.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Health State Services website is reminding residents that vaccinations are still in the “limited supply phase.” While it is unclear when “additional supply” and “broad supply” stages will happen, George Roberts tells KTBB, progress continues. “With the second round, we have to reschedule. So, going back to our NETHealthCOVID19.org waiting list, we ask people when they get their first vaccination, we are now signing people up to get on a waiting list for their second dose. The NET Health CEO continued, “We are depending on the supply to do this, so we should be vaccinating people for their second round starting next week.” To be added to a waiting list for a vaccination, click the link. https://www.nethealthcovid19.org/vaccine-updates.

TYLER — An endangered chicken native to parts of Texas and Louisiana has found refuge at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the zoo is doing their part to help the Attwater Prairie Chickens “strut their stuff.” Brandon Melton, a wildlife biologist says,“We supplemental feed them with corn, green beans, and peas. That’s usually the mixture we use. That’s just a way to put a little weight on them; to get them acclimated to the wild prairie.” They can only be found in two places within our state: the national refuge and the Goliad private reserve. You can watch the complete segment by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/CaldwellZoo.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is asking the public to be alert with many multiple vehicles stolen over the last several weeks. LPD says that often autos are being left running while unattended. For instance, individuals will start up the car to warm it up and then return inside. Or, someone will get the truck going, only to realize they have forgotten something and return to their home. The department is urging residents to take steps to prevent vehicle theft. Police say the number one thing to do is stay your vehicle when it is running.

MARSHALL — Back to back record breaking attendance was announced by East Texas Baptist University on Friday. After a record-breaking fall enrollment, ETBU’s Spring 2021 enrollment has set yet another record. With 1,479 new and returning Tigers enrolled in January 2021, this marks the highest spring enrollment in University history. This year’s spring enrollment shows a 5.3% increase over last year’s record spring enrollment of 1,405 Tigers. The spring undergraduate enrollment exhibits a 2.2% increase over a year ago. Graduate enrollment is also at a record high with 157 students enrolled in post-graduate programs, an increase of over 40% from last spring.

TYLER — A Tyler man has been indicted on a murder charge after being accused in a shooting death, last October. According to our news partener KETK, Tommy Pettigrew, 22, is believed to have shot and killed 39-year-old Christopher Bolden. The arrest warrant states Bolden had left a party he was attending at Pettigrew’s home, because he “had a bad vibe.” Pettigrew and Bolden spoke, said everything “was cool”, and took a shot of liquor together before Bolden left. Bolden later returned to the party. Continue reading Tyler man indicted for murder after fight at party

TYLER — During their January meeting, the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees held a first reading of the submited 2021-2022 school calendar. Residents can view and propose changes to the projected calendar online by clicking the link. http://www.tylerisd.org. The submissions are time sensitive and must be completed by February 10. The 180-instructional day calendar put forward, is consistent with all TEA requirements and satisfies instructional minutes required by House Bill 2610. The current first day of school for students would be August 16, and the last day, May 27, of next year.

HAWKINS — A new global headquarters for innovation has another East Texas college joining the partnership. According to our news partner KETK, Jarvis Christian College, in Hawkins, is the second Historically Black College partnering with the Propel Center, which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The move allows JCC to collaborate with the entire HBCU community. The center was imagined and designed by Ed Farm. It’s a nonprofit, dedicated to advancing education through technology — with Apple and Southern Company supporting the project as founding partners. Last week, Texas College in Tyler, announced their partnership.

TYLER — Tyler Police have arrested a Balch Springs man following an investigation of a shooting that took place over the weekend. Tyler police say Da’Jaylon Scott, 17, turned himself into Detectives, Wednesday. Scott is charged with manslaughter, a second degree felony. Scott claims he accidentally shot his friend, Amire Harrell, 17, of Tyler. Amire was killed by a gunshot wound to the face, when Scott was handling the handgun. Scott was placed into the Smith County jail.

QUITMAN — Two East Texans were arrested for failure to register as a sex offender on Wednesday. According to the Wood County Sheriff’s Department, Lonnie Drury, of Alba, and Adam Pate, of Mineola were both placed in the Wood County Jail for failure to register. Drury and Pate are both jailed, with each being held on a $75,000 bond. More information is available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/mywcsotx.

TYLER — The chairman of the Smith County Democratic Party is fighting back against efforts to have him step down from office. According to our news partner KETK, Michael Tolbert said accusations against him are “libelous,” calling the strategies by some in the party “mob rule tactics” to try and remove him. Earlier this week, members presented a resolution that called for Tolbert’s immediate resignation. The approved resolution cited 21 scenarios of actions and behaviors by the chairman that “are antithetical of Democratic Party values of honesty, inclusion, transparency, respect and unity to advance the party and its candidates.” Tolbert released a statement Thursday, that read in part, “Unfortunately, there are people who claim to subscribe to all sorts of political persuasions who are not content to see the divisiveness and destruction impact the Republican party exclusively.” Continue reading Democratic Chairman Tolbert calls accusations ‘libelous’

MARSHALL — An East Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally selling anabolic steroids. According to the Eastern District of Texas, Tony Goss, of Longview, was sentenced to 19 months of prison time, Wednesday. Goss pleaded guilty in September for distribution of thousands of pills containing illeagal steroids. In addition to the capsules, the steroids were also in liquid and powder form. At the time of his plea last fall, Goss forfeited an F-350 pickup that he purchased with the profits, as well as nearly $460,000 in cash that he made through the ploy. Goss also had to surrender his seven firearms, according to federal law.

DALLAS — With hundreds of mobile blood drives canceled due to the pandemic, Carter BloodCare partnered with Thompson Auto Group to give away a car. All donors in December were automatically registered for the give-a-way. On Thursday, Megan Hunt, a senior at Rusk High School picked up her new Chevy Trax. KTBB spoke with the winners grandmother, Virginia Hunt, as Megan was on a test drive in the Carter BloodCare parking lot. “It’s such a blessing for her. Hunt continued, “Megan advocates for people to give blood. As we were coming here, she said, oh look there’s a blood drive Feb. 4th. She’s a good kid.” Continue reading East Texas senior’s name drawn from thousands of blood donors

TYLER — East Texans came out in large numbers Wednesday for day-two this week in a series of COVID-19 vaccinations taking place at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler. George Roberts told KTBB, “Right now we are focusing on that Tier 1A, which is health-care workers, first responders…the demand level for the 65 and older crowd, as well as people that are 18 and older with chronic health conditions has been extremely high.” Hundreds of people with appointments were given the Moderna coronavirus inoculation. The NET Health CEO continued, “We have not vaccinated that group as well as we should quite yet. So in answer to your question, I’m not sure when the next tier will be available.” In 8 hours, 500 people were immunized for round 1, a follow-up shot will be given in just under a month. There is a link to enroll on a waiting list for first and second vaccinations and more information at https://www.NETHealthCOVID19.org.

TYLER — Several members of the Smith County Democratic Party are asking for Chairman Michael Tolbert to resign. According to our news partner KETK, failures in the November election, and financial transparency, are some of the reasons for the push. Dave Hansen, the Smith County Democratic Party Precinct 19 chair cited a resolution that was formally submitted to Tolbert demanding he step down. “One of the most concerning highlights is his sworn court testimony falsely representing CEC approval of a primary runoff following the clear win by Sgt. Willie Mims for Constable Precinct 1 in March 2020” Continue reading Smith County Democrats seeking resignation of Chairman Tolbert

TYLER — Motorists experienced travel delays and searched for alternate routes after a pedestrian was hit by a car Wednesday afternoon near the Hollytree neighborhood. According to Tyler Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, the mishap happened around 1:30 and the person hit was examined by EMS, but was not transported to the hospital. The roadway was eventually opened up following the investigation of the scene.

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Rangerettes performed Wednesday, in the virtual Inaugural Parade for the Presidential Inauguration. According to the high-kicking dance corp, earlier this week, they received a letter from the Inaugural Parade team stating they are “thrilled to confirm” the group will be in the virtual parade. “We want to thank you for being a part of what will be a truly unique Presidential Inauguration and for helping us start this new era with such a celebration!” The Rangerettes have now performed at the last 5 Presidential Inaugurations.

TYLER — The U. S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Stephen J. Cox, resigned from his position Tuesday. According to the news release, the decision became official at 11:59 p.m. Cox said, “The opportunity to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas has been a distinct honor and privilege…” During Cox’s time on the bench, the district focused on fraud and white-collar enforcement, as well as healthcare, financial and antitrust crimes. Nicholas Ganjei, a career federal prosecutor and EDTX’s First Assistant U.S. Attorney, now serves as Acting U.S. Attorney, becoming the first Persian-American in the 174-year long history of the District to serve as EDTX’s U.S. Attorney. Cox returns to the private sector as of now, but plans for the future will be announced soon. For now, he plans to spend time with his family and travel.

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System said Wednesday they will be part of a test for a treatment for COVID-19. The health system will be taking part in the National Institutes of Health trial that will determine how effective a blend of the antiviral drug remdesivir and a concentrated solution of antibodies are in treating COVID-19 patients. CHRISTUS says, the antibody solution contains several times more neutralizing antibodies than in the plasma of people who have recovered from COVID-19. CHRISTUS is one of 50 health systems worldwide taking part in the testing. More information about the clinical trial can be found by clicking the link. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04546581.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox announced Tuesday, that staff members will be able to get free COVID-19 vaccinations through the district. The statement was released following the LISD board meeting, “these would be offered to Longview staff members who wish to take the vaccine, free of charge, and totally voluntary.” The district is partnering with Texas-based company Aurora Concepts, who will bring a mobile unit to the administration building. The exact time and date are still being worked out, with other details, but we are on their list to offer the first Moderna Vaccine, at no out-of-pocket expense to employees. More information is available by clicking the link. http://w3.lisd.org/news/article/01192021-vaccine.html.

TYLER — NET Health continues vaccinations at Harvey Hall in Tyler. On Wednesday, NET Health CEO George Roberts told KTBB, “The Department of State Health Services is supplied by the federal government and then the state decides where those vaccinations need to be going…We have been given a good supply, but we have a ways to go in getting the community vaccinated like we should.” Going into this week, NET Health had administered over 4,000 inoculations. The city of Tyler has made Harvey Hall available to hold appointments in a safe, socially distanced setting. Continue reading Appointment vaccinations continue at Harvey Hall

EAST TEXAS — The latest to be arrested in the Capitol Hill riot is Daniel Adams, of Tyler. He is accused of confronting and fighting with Capitol Police on the steps of the building. He joins a growing list that includes two other East Texans. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Nichols, 30, of Longview and Alex Harkrider, 32, of Carthage, were arrested and charged with several federal crimes. Nichols is being held in the Smith County Jail and Harkrider in the Gregg County Jail. Continue reading More East Texans arrested for Capitol Hill riot

TYLER — Various Tyler ISD campuses celebrated Tuesday. The TISD Foundation awarded 29 grants, on 14 different campuses, totaling almost $90,000. According to our news partner KETK, the annual Grants for Great Ideas program will impact 9,400 students positively. Since its inception in 1990, the Tyler ISD Foundation has gifted more than $3.3 million dollars through teach grants, student and parent programs, academic and teaching recognition events and scholarships.