KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — A new method of scamming citizens has been reported to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. In this scam, the caller identifies himself as a representative of a named financial institution. He then attempts to convince the individual that their home is in danger of being foreclosed. He will actually have the homeowner’s correct address to make the call seem more legitimate. He then gives the individual a separate phone number to call so that payment arrangements can be made. Continue reading New scam in Smith County

TYLER — Smith County residents doing business with the Smith County Tax Office can now drop their property tax or auto registration information in a new drop box outside the Cotton Belt Building. County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber called the move “another convenient, safe way to do business with our office.” Barber asked that when dropping information off, people write their phone numbers on the envelope so the Tax Office can call them if any issues come up or questions need to be answered. He also said they will not accept cash left in the drop box. He said there is a sign pointing to the drop box, which is on the Glenwood Boulevard side of the Cotton Belt Building. He said they will be installing lights at the drop box and an overhead awning to make it more convenient to use in the rain and at night. Continue reading Smith County Tax Office adds drop box for safety, convenience

TYLER — With the current high number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in Smith County and across Texas, UT Tyler will start the Spring Semester online. The announcement was made on the university’s Facebook page. Here’s the rundown:

– First week of classes (January 11-16): All classes will be taught online.
– Second week of classes (January 18-23): All classes, except for laboratories, clinical, and studios, will be taught online. Continue reading UT Tyler to start Spring Semester online

TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is inviting players of all skill levels to fling a disc for the East Texas Food Bank during the 16th Annual Ice Bowl Disc Golf Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 16. The event will be held at Lindsey Park on Spur 364 W. Due to COVID-19 precautions, all attendees must wear masks and all players must pre-register online prior to the event, using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/16th-annual-ice-bowl-disc-golf-tournament-tickets-133119922271. Officials say rain, shine, or snow, the tournament will continue regardless of the weather (pending road conditions). Continue reading Fling a disc to help end hunger

HENDERSON COUNTY — The Texas Department of Transportation is preparing to make a traffic switch on the SH 334 Bridge Project between Seven Points and Gun Barrel City. Traffic is scheduled to be moved on Thurs., Jan. 7. The switch, tentatively set to begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, will place traffic in its new lane configuration onto the new bridges adjacent to the existing bridges across Cedar Creek Lake. Officials say traffic flow will be impacted during the process, and drivers should expect delays as the changes are implemented. The roadway should return to normal traffic flow on Friday morning, according to a news release. Continue reading Traffic switch scheduled for SH 334

KILGORE — The distribution of over $2 million dollars was announced Tuesday, by the East Texas Council of Governments. ETCOG said, area agencies that help crime victims, and those who improve public safety will receive $2.1 million dollars in grant money, from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually, and applications to be submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, which is comprised of local subject matter experts from across the region. Continue reading ETCOG announces $2.1 million dollars dispersed

TYLER — The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County, the American Association of University Women of Tyler and the Tyler Public Library partner annually to sponsor the Great Decisions Lectureship series. The group announced Tuesday the topics set for January, with more information coming soon for February. Dr. Jeffrey Crean, is the coordinator of the 2021 series. Crean is a History Professor at Tyler Junior College. The speakers will provide information via Zoom on the following topics in January: Continue reading Great Decisions 2021 Lecture Series

TYLER — Carter BloodCare is hoping the incentive to win a new vehicle will encourage more people to give blood. According to our news partner KETK, The Thompson Group Classic Chevrolet Fleet and Commercial is sponsoring the Spirit of Giving SUV Giveaway. Registered donors are automatically entered into the drawing to win. Donors who register to give blood with Carter BloodCare through Jan. 10 are eligible win a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Pollard United Methodist Church, on Copeland Road, is hosting a drive Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, contact Duffie Monroe at 903-579-9213.

JACKSONVILLE — The Mayor of Jacksonville has received the COVID-19 vaccine. According to a post on the city’s facebook page, Mayor Randy Gorham took the shot Tuesday, saying “with COVID rates at an all-time high around our nation, it’s time we all do our part to stop the spread.” The post went on to say, all of the City of Jacksonville’s Fire and Police staff have gotten their vaccinations or will be doing so, in order to stay safe and be here for all of the citizens.

DALLAS (AP) – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking $43 million in taxpayer money to pay outside lawyers to lead a 10-state antitrust lawsuit against Google. Records obtained by The Associated Press show Paxton signed contracts with the firms after eight of the Republican’s senior aides accused him of crimes. All eight have resigned or been fired, including the lawyer who was leading the Google investigation. Former officials say the plan before the departures was to handle the case in-house. It remains to be seen what taxpayers will ultimately pay under the contracts’ complex compensation structure.

TYLER — Tyler ISD, annual “Pathfinder” event will be held this weekend. TISD’s Jennifer Hines told KTBB Tuesday, “Obviously given the current situation, we have had to adjust. We are learning to adapt and deliver right now. We have created a virtual pathfinder experience and people will be able to see all of the different types of choice and innovation schools and programs that we have in the district.” The district is inviting the community and families to explore the Choice and Innovation schools & programs at its virtual Pathfinder online event Saturday. Continue reading Countdown is on for TISD ‘Pathfinder’ event

TYLER — COVID-19 hospitalization rates are at the highest levels they have been in the last three weeks. NET Health identified Trauma Service Area G’s rate as a 20.58% rate on Monday. The 15% threshold was crossed 21 days back, and local businesses were required to drop capacity numbers to 50%. Volume of patrons must remain at half-full until COVID-19 hospitalization numbers fall below 15% and remain there for 7 consecutive days. The TSA-G area includes Smith and Gregg County as well as 17 other East Texas Counties.

TYLER — Newly elected Judge of the 114th District Court in Smith County, Austin Reeve Jackson, made a formal notification Tuesday, to the Smith County Commissioner’s Court. Jackson said he will not be accepting the $10,000 salary supplement. “As someone who has spent over a decade practicing law in the local juvenile justice system, I can tell you from first-hand experience that we have incredible detention staff, probation officers, and many others working hard to serve the children in our community.” Judge Jackson continued, “If there is any money that will be associated with the work they do, it should be allocated to enriching their efforts.” Jackson went on to say, he hopes to lead others to do the same.

BIG SANDY — The Big Sandy Civic Center was vandalized on Sunday, according to our news partner KETK. “Vandalism is ugly, expensive, and it’s the last thing we need to start 2021,” wrote the Big Sandy Police Department. The center is located at 612 North Tyler Street. Police do not know who damaged the building. They said someone or multiple people forced their way inside by throwing a concrete brick through a window. Nine fire extinguishers were also discharged, glass was broken as well as light fixtures and other “miscellaneous items.” Continue reading Big Sandy Civic Center vandalized

SMITH COUNTY — New information regarding the man accused of murdering 62-year-old Pastor Mark McWilliams at Starrville Methodist Church Sunday. According to Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, 21-year-old Mytrez Woolen was charged with capital murder in the shooting death of the minister. According to our news partner KETK, Woolen had broken into the church and was hiding in the building. Shortly before services began Sunday, McWilliams came across Woolen who was trying to hide in the back area of the church. Sheriff Smith said McWilliams drew a pistol on Woolen, but Woolen was allegedly able to get his pistol and shoot the pastor. Woolen was arrested later the same day after stealing a car from the church. Continue reading Church shooting suspect remains behind bars

TYLER — Cary Nix announced over the weekend that he would not be seeking a fourth term in 2022. On Monday, John Moore, declared his candidacy for the Smith County Commissioner’s seat in Pct. 2. Moore told KTBB, “My family ingrained in us that when we became adults, we were supposed to give back to the community. My grandfather served on the city council in our small town for many, many years. We were taught to join community organizations, such a Rotary, and the Jaycees and things like that. So, when Commissioner Cary Nix, who has done a fine job for Precinct 2 for many years, announced that he was not going to run, after prayer and thoughtfulness, I thought, why not.” Continue reading Moore to run for Pct. 2 Commissioner

TYLER — A DPS crash scene remains under investigation after a fatal wreck claimed two lives over the holiday weekend. On Monday, the Texas Highway Patrol said in a media release, the accident happened on U.S. 80, two-and-a-half miles east of Fruitvale. Both drivers, Marc Italia, 61 of Dallas, and Wanda Jane Lewis, 58 of Dallas, were killed at the scene, when Italia’s car crossed the center stripe and struck the Freightliner driven by Lewis. Both drivers were taken to Bartley’s Funeral Home in Grand Saline.

TYLER — Volunteers are being invited to take part in a tree planting event at Woldert Park. The Tyler Trees Committee and the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department, announced Monday, they will celebrate Arbor Day, with the event, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. Organizers are asking people to wear masks in order to reduce the exposure to COVID-19, a limited number of volunteer spots will be open to the public. Participants must pre-register online. Registration will include a t-shirt. To sign-up and find more information, visit KeepTylerBeautiful.com or contact Keep Tyler Beautiful Community Coordinator Belen Casillas at (903) 531-1335.

TYLER — The UT Tyler Cowan Center, which presents a variety of professional touring performing arts events in East Texas, announced Monday, the cancellation of all but two shows. The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center said however, “Menopause the Musical” and “Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles” will continue as scheduled. For more information, contact Beverley Golden, 903.330.0495, or click the link. https://cowancenter.org/full-schedule/.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank announced scheduled drive thru produce distributions in the month of January, on Monday. According to the pantry center, produce drops will happen in Longview, and Tyler as well as other location over the next several weeks. No ID or paperwork is needed to receive food items while supplies last during these distributions. The drive thru distribution in Longview is this Friday morning from 8 to 10, at the Gregg County Fairgrounds. Then, on the 15th, allocations will be passed out from 10 to noon at the East Texas State Fairgrounds.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A man was hospitalized in critical condition after getting into an argument over the weekend. According to our news partner KETK, one man shot another over a girlfriend, in the Tanglewood community. The altercation happened at a home near CR 2475, close to Lake Tawakoni. Authorities say, Bobby Truett III, shot the victim. Truett fled the scene before later turning himself into officers. Truett is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, with a $250,000 bond. If the victim dies, Truett’s charges will be upgraded to murder.

TYLER — A gas station was ruined after an overnight fire across the street from Chapel High School. According to our news partner KETK, it was not clear early on, as to how the fire began at the CEFCO convenience store. Traffic was diverted early Monday, from the area as firefighters contained the blaze and Oncor workers took care of a downed power line. At this point, it is also unknown if anyone was hurt by the fire.

TYLER — Troopers responded to a fatal crash over the weekend on SH 43, three miles north of Marshall, D.P.S. said Monday. The preliminary report of the investigation determined that Adrian Santee Davis, 40, of Karnack, left the roadway, when on a curve. The truck then traveled down an embankment and struck several trees before catching fire. Davis died at the scen of the crash, and was taken to Meadowbrook Funeral Home in Marshall. The investigation into the crash continues at this time.