KTBB News, Weather, Talk

ANDERSON COUNTY — A Palestine woman has died after being struck by a vehicle in Anderson County. According to our news partner KETK, DPS Troopers were called to a crash involving a pedestrian just after 11:30 Sunday night. The incident happened on US 175, just west of Frankston. Tara Lydy, 26, was walking or standing in the inside west bound lane of US175 when she was struck by an unidentified vehicle that left the scene of the crash, according to DPS. Lydy was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.

LONGVIEW — Longview Cable Television revealed that they will receive a $5.5 million investment to provide Longview community homes and businesses a better internet experience. According to our news partner KETK, the city of Longview said that they wanted to make their city become more like a Gig City like that of a Tennessee town called Chattanooga. Becoming a Gig City means Longview could provide 20 to 200 times the maximum speed available than in other communities. Continue reading Longview Cable recipient of $5.5 million investment

TYLER — Tyler City Hall was the backdrop where various East Texas health officials provided an update on the coronavirus pandemic Monday afternoon. In unison health care officials felt like “COVID fatigue” was a major reason in the “dramatic increase” in COVID-19 cases across the region. George Roberts, NET Health CEO said, “The trend line on hospitalizations shows East Texas patients in Smith County hospitals the peak was 214 on Nov. 17, Today we are at 221, so we are at a peak level on Monday Nov. 23, 2020.” Continue reading Local authorities urge residents to flatten the curve by avoiding ‘super spreader events’

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Rec Department will be bringing a 20-foot Leyland Cypress tree to the Downtown Square on Tuesday. The tree will be decorated and displayed for Christmas at T.B. Butler Plaza in downtown Tyler. This year’s tree will be from Merkert Tree Farm in Beckville, Texas. The tree and other holiday decorations on the square will remain up until the new year for residents and visitors to enjoy.

TYLER — DPS Troopers responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on US 79 , Monday morning. The wreck took place at 7:43 a.m., approximately 14 miles southwest of the city of Rusk, in Henderson County. Benjamin Cole Montrose, 20, of Larue, and Dakota Chase Pardue, 25, of Henderson, were pronounced dead-at-the-scene. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Several East Texas health officials will be providing an update Monday afternoon on what is being called a “dramatic increase” in COVID-19 cases across the region, according to the city, the update will begin at 1 p.m. “COVID-19 infections have dramatically increased in our area. We need everyone to help control the spread, especially with the upcoming holiday seasons,” George Roberts, NET Health CEO. Roberts also wanted to remind East Texans that the flu season is upon the area and that the same measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 are similar. Continue reading East Texas health leaders to give update on ‘dramatic increase’ in COVID-19 infections

TROUP — The City of Troup announced Saturday that John Phillips, the Troup Public Works Director, has died. According to our news partner KETK, Phillips had been fighting COVID-19 for more than a month. He was an employee for the city for almost 13 years and the Public Works Director for the past 10 years. Phillips had also been named the City of Troup employee of the year for 2020, but the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet was cancelled due to COVID-19. City officials said they are thankful for Phillips’ years of service to the community. “His laugh and smile and calming presence will be sorely missed each day by all of us in his City of Troup family. Continue reading Troup Public Works Director dies after battling COVID-19

KILGORE — Registration is underway for Kilgore College Fire Academy. The deadline to apply for the Basic Structural Firefighter program is Jan 5, with classes starting Jan. 19. Classes will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays with a possibility of evening and/or weekend classes. The 12 week academy is a total of 474 hours and runs through April 20. The program is physically demanding as well as academically challenging. To apply for the academy, download and fill out the Basic Fire Academy application located at http://www.kilgore.edu/fire-academy. Send the completed application to [email protected].

PALESTINE — Palestine Police Department’s Blue Santa initiative is continuing to collect toys in partnership with the Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee County this Christmas season. Unlike previous years where multiple fund raisers were held, the department says due to COVID restrictions, money’s have not been generated through-out the year. As a result, Blue Santa will be counting on more help from the public than in past years. Various blue wrapped boxes with the Santa logo are set up in businesses around Palestine. Continue reading Blue Santa toy drive in full swing in Palestine

LONGVIEW — Heading into the weekend before Thanksgiving, Longview city officials are reminding residents their offices will be closed Nov. 26, and Nov. 27, in observance of the Holiday. All city offices will resume regular business hours Monday, Dec. 2. Officials said, while sanitation services will not run Thanksgiving Day, Thursday customers will be collected next Friday. The Compost Facility will reopen Saturday, Nov. 28. Continue reading Holiday schedule announced for Longview

LONGVIEW — Longview Police are investigating a shooting that left one dead Thursday night. Authorities say the homicide took place in the area of 15th and Young streets about 6:45 p.m. A man was shot to death Thursday night in Longview. The police department is investigating the death as a homicide after the victim died at the scene. The victims identity has not been released. Anyone who has information about what happened can contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199 or Detective Powell at 903-237-1157. Citizens can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by contacting Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP or online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the gunman involved in an early morning shooting that left one man injured. It happened just after 1:00 Friday morning at the Country River Club off Hwy 271 in Tyler. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, a male victim had been shot in the leg and the male suspect fled the area in a black four-door vehicle. The unidentified victim was transported to UT Health in Tyler for treatment and is currently in serious condition. Additional details were not available.

TYLER — Coronavirus case numbers have been on the rise in East Texas the last few weeks. On Thursday, NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB, “If you are planning on traveling for Thanksgiving be careful about that. Check travel restrictions before you go for various places. But, don’t leave home if you’re sick. If you are sick, or maybe you think you have COVID-19, please don’t travel. Number 2, if you haven’t had a flu shot yet, now is a great time to do that, please get a flu shot. Remember to social distance…wear a mask when you’re out in public in potentially with people that you don’t always live around.” Continue reading Travelers should use caution before traveling this holiday season

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler announced a big change to this year’s Mistletoe and Magic event. On Thursday, Susanne Mackintosh told KTBB, “We had been really hopeful that we would be able to move forward with the in-person market. However, the past week or so, as you know, the [coronavirus] numbers have just sky-rocketed. We felt that it was the right move to pivot and move everything online. We really wanted to create a way to continue this fund-raiser because it is so vital to our community, but to do it in a safe way.” Those online items will go live in the next few days. Continue reading No in-person shopping for Mistletoe and Magic due to coronavirus

TYLER — A former Christus EMS worker was sentenced Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Matthew Clearman, 43, of Lindale, was sentenced to 60 years in prison in regards to numerous charges for child porn. Clearman pleaded guilty to three of the crimes he was charged with, waving his right to appeal. Clearman received 20 years for each charge. Reports indicate investigators received 88 files on an Instagram account and hundreds more at his home, with victims ranging in ages of 7 to 16.

TYLER — The UT System Board of Regents unanimously voted to name Rodney H. Mabry, Ph.D., President Emeritus of UT Tyler in recognition of his leadership and vision that elevated the university through growth in enrollment, academic programs, and facilities. “Dr. Mabry led UT Tyler through an evolution from a primarily commuter college to a comprehensive university that plays a significant role in the education and economic growth of the East Texas region,” said Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents. When Mabry became UT Tyler’s president in 1998, there were approximately 3,000 students enrolled. Upon retiring from the presidency, enrollment had almost tripled.

TYLER — Tyler is preparing to celebrate the season with a series of events during “Rose City Christmas.” Sights and sounds of the season will take place throughout November and December in Tyler. Historically, families come together to participate in annual holiday favorites including…

Azalea Trail District Trail of Lights Continue reading 2020 Rose City Christmas Festivities Feature Azalea District Trail of Lights

KILGORE — Brookshire Grocery Co. has announced a $25,000 gift to the Kilgore College Foundation to create an endowed student scholarship fund. This is part of the “Focus on the Future” scholarship program, in which the Tyler company has committed $1 million to create student scholarships for more than 40 colleges and universities in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. This program is designed to reward students in BGC’s market areas for their dedication, hard work and outstanding academic achievements. Continue reading BGC awards $25,000 to KC as part of $1 million scholarship endowment

LONGVIEW — Bridge work has been completed on the east side of Judson Road (SH 502). Beginning Monday, traffic will switch to the east side for work on the second half of the bridge. Judson Road will be closed to through traffic between midnight and 6:00am in order to accommodate the new traffic pattern. Through traffic will be redirected to McCann Road during the switch. Traffic will resume one lane in each direction through the construction area once the switch is complete. This street work is part of the Transportation Alternative Grant Funded by LEDCO and TXDOT.

TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful’s beautification program has added 5 new wrapped boxes to the growing list of upgraded traffic cabinets. The Beauty and the Box program began in 2016 with the objective of taking utilitarian traffic boxes and transforming them into works of art by local artists. What started as a pilot program of ten boxes in the Downtown Business Arts and Culture District has grown to 72 traffic cabinets across the City of Tyler. Continue reading 5 new wrapped signal boxes across Tyler

TYLER (AP) – Authorities say a police officer at an East Texas junior college shot a man fatally Wednesday who was threatening a staff member with a weapon. Tyler Junior College Police Chief Michael Seale said at a news conference that the officer came upon the scene as it was unfolding. Seale said he did not know why the person was threatening the staffer in the road. He declined to say what kind of weapon the person had. A school statement says the man, identified as 66-year-old Pedro Martinez Jr. of Tyler, died later Wednesday at the hospital.

MARSHALL — The City of Marshall reminded residents, organizations and staff Wednesday, to look forward to the holiday seasons, while remembering the active Executive Orders by Governor Abbott relating to COVID-19 to protect health and safety of senior family members. The city continues to encourage residents to follow best health practices; stay home if you are sick, sanitize your hands, social distance, and wear a face mask to protect yourself and your family. See the complete order by clicking the link, https://www.facebook.com/marshalltexas.net. If you have additional questions, contact the city at(903) 935-4421.

TALLULAH, Louisiana — A Longview man has been arrested in Louisiana for allegedly setting a car fire. According to our news partner KETK, the State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested James Oden, 21, in Madison Parish on one count of arson and for possession of stolen property. The Tallulah Fire Department responded to the car fire last Saturday, and determined it was set intentionally. The car was discovered to have been stolen in Longview. Authorities say they were led to Oden through a tip, and that he allegedly admitted to setting the fire after getting frustrated with not being able to refuel it.