KTBB News, Weather, Talk

DALLAS — East Texas first responders joined the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb on Saturday to remember brothers and sisters that risked their lives during the terrorist attack on the Twin Towers in 2001. According to our news partner KETK, the climb is a full 110 flights of stairs in full gear to honor the 343 firefighters, 70 law enforcement, and 9 EMS workers who lost their lives. Officers from Henderson, West Harrison County and Arp attended the climb of 110 stories of the Renaissance Tower in Downtown Dallas. The Dallas Memorial Stair Climb started in 2011 with more than 360 firefighters.

TYLER — The City of Tyler has unveiled their “Movies in the Park” lineup for 2019. The series is a free, family-friendly make up of 4 movies that will run in September and October at Bergfeld Amphitheater on the Centene Stage. The slate for this year includes two 2019 features, and 2 classic reels. Attendees can bring blankets, chairs and picnics to enjoy the show. Concessions will be available for a fee. For more info, contact Debbie Isham, special events/recreation manager, at (903) 531-1214. To see the film line-up for the fall season click the link. Continue reading Tyler Movies in the Park Announces Fall Line-Up

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work throughout the district during the Week of Sept. 9, 2019. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones. In Tyler, the contractor is preparing for a traffic shift for major construction to get underway soon on the FM 2493/Old Jacksonville Highway project between Gresham and Flint. Traffic will be moved to the east side of the roadway where detours have been installed on both ends of the project. Motorists can expect minimal impacts to traffic as trucks deliver construction materials. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/ for the complete rundown.

LONGVIEW — A woman known in East Texas as an unidentified person formerly called “Lavender Doe” officially has her name back after more than a decade. According to our news partner KETK, Dana Lynn Dodd was identified by DNA. This weekend, her family flew from Florida to visit her grave site and give it a new update. She now has a new headstone. The family wanted to thank East Texas, the DNA Doe Project and local law enforcement for helping them get closure. September 6th would have been Dodd’s 34th birthday. Continue reading Family of ‘Lavender Doe’ Visits East Texas for Memorial Service

RUSK COUNTY — A Rusk County Sheriff’s deputy is facing a DWI charge after being arrested in Henderson on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Deputy Jimmie Candie was off-duty when he was arrested for DWI Thursday. Candie was arraigned Friday and bonded out of jail a short time later. Deputy Candie was suspended pending the outcome of an internal investigation through Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. Candie resigned from the Sheriff’s Office hours later.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is hosting the National Night Out Kick Off Party on Saturday at Bergfeld Park. The free event is scheduled from 11am to 2pm. According to the Tyler PD Facebook page, there will be live music, food vendors, bounce houses and fun for the whole family! Carter Bloodcare will also be there for blood donations!

TYLER — Tyler police been able to identify the approximately 2 year-old black male and investigators are talking with the family. The toddler was dropped off on N. Gaston Street around 1:00 p.m. today. Police received a call from a Hispanic female who lives on N. Gaston who stated that a black male driver pulled up in a tanish / brown Nissan car and asked if the little boy was hers? She said no, the driver told her that he found the child up on Martin Luther King, placed the child in the street and drove away. The child was only wearing socks when he abandoned the child. The female immediately called police and reported the incident.

TYLER – In 2014 Timmy Lynn Vaughn was sworn in as the chairman of the Gregg County Republican Party, on Thursday the 59-year-old Longview man was sentenced to a year and one day in federal prison. Vaughn plead guilty in May to making false statements to a bank. Vaughn was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $145,100. According to court proceedings, in March of 2016, Vaughn applied for a personal loan at a bank and forged his wife’s name. The loan was approved and the proceeds remitted by a cashier’s check, which was deposited on the same day into an account controlled by Vaughn.

SMITH COUNTY — Former Smith County Commissioner and former Smith County Republican Club President, David Stein, has circulated his intentions to run for the Smith County Republican Party Chairman in the March 2020 Primary. Gary Penkilo will serve as his Treasurer. Stein is currently serving the community as Campaign Chair for United Way of Smith County where he has served as an Executive Board Member for 10 years and as a Board Member of Tyler Proud. David Stein and his wife, Stella, are members of Rose Heights Church and they are parents of 3 adult daughters.

TYLER — The City of Tyler website will remain down as the City of Tyler IT Department and the third-party provider address the compromise. However, a list of links including job opportunities, bill pay, online permits and other resources are now available at http://www.CityOfTyler.org. A directory for all City departments with phone numbers and addresses are also available. Continue reading Update on City of Tyler Website

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Fair sets in motion Friday night. Since its inception, the fair has brought in vendors, families, and anyone interested in fun from all over Gregg County and surrounding areas. The fair is home to rides, shopping, local artisans’ wares, petting zoos and more. The Gregg County Fair began in 1949 and runs thru Sept. 14th! Get more details by clicking the link. https://greggcountyfair.com/

UPSHUR COUNTY — Former East Mountain Fire chief, James Wilson Burks, has been indicted on theft charges valued at over $30,000.00. According to our news partner KETK, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office got a tip back in May of reports of an internal theft of property. Following the the Upshur County DA’s Office presented the case to a grand jury. Burks was indicted for the offense of Misapplication of Fiduciary Property – Over $30,000.00, a 3rd Degree Felony. Burks was arrested on Thursday with bond set at $50,000.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Two people were injured in a fire at a petroleum site Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, said the fire was reported just after 8:00 off of FM 317, south of Chandler. A medical helicopter flew two people to Parkland hospital in Dallas. Identities and extent of the injuries are unknown. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

SMITH COUNTY — A Rusk County man was arrested following a wreck in Smith County on Wednesday afternoon. Investigators say Ryan Curbo, 23, of Henderson, passed in a no passing zone on HWY 64 near C.R. 294 when he hit a car driven by Lonesha McCovey, 26, of Nacogdoches. Curbo reportedly then spun and struck a second vehicle, driven by Callie Birdsong, 25, of Arp. McCovy and Birdsong were both transported to Christus Trinity Mother Francis Hospital –Tyler in serious condition. After the crash reports state Curbo shed his clothing and disappeared into a wooded area. Curbo was found and exhibited what authorities called “erratic and aggressive actions toward first responders.” Continue reading Henderson Man Charged following Wreck

QUITMAN — A five month investigation has resulted in the arrest of a Louisiana man facing three felony cattle theft charges out of Texas. Justin Glenn Thompson, 40, of Hineston, Louisiana was arrested for theft of 84 head of cattle, an additional count of theft of 16 head of cattle, and theft of property of more than $18,000 in cattle payment shortages. The investigation included a group effort with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Special Rangers and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Brand Inspectors. TSCRA Special Rangers Larry Hand and Bo Fox were in Louisiana on Tuesday as LDAF brand inspectors arrested Thompson. According to a news release more charges could still be to come.

TYLER — An East Texas businessman has announced a challenge against long-time representative Louie Gohmert for his congressional seat in 2020. According to our news partner KETK, Hank Gilbert announced his plans to be the Democratic challenger against Gohmert, who will be running for his ninth term in the House of Representatives. Gilbert is a rancher, former high school agriculture teacher, and small-business owner. He announced his campaign Thursday from Union Hall in Tyler.

TYLER — Plans to expand FM 2964/Rhones Quarter Road in Smith County are progressing with a second public meeting on Tuesday the 17th. TxDOT encourages interested citizens to attend and provide input on the recommended alternative. The “come and go” meeting will be held from 5-7 p.m., on the Brown Elementary School campus in Whitehouse. The meeting will happen in the cafeteria and will allow adjacent property owners and other interested citizens an opportunity to review the latest updates on the proposed improvements, gather information, voice concerns and provide feedback. Continue reading TxDOT Expansion Input Meeting

LONGVIEW — The Arts!Longview Cultural District has been Named a Texas Cultural District by the Texas Commission on the Arts. According to the Commission, the establishment of a cultural district requires a focus on the arts with carefully laid out plans and collaboration among arts organizations, city and county government entities, businesses and citizens. Arts!Longview will host a celebration on Oct. 10, 2019 in downtown Longview in conjunction with ArtWalk Longview to celebrate the recognition of the district. Continue reading Longview Cultural District Recognized by Texas Commision

TYLER — The East Texas Symphony Orchestra and music director Richard Lee – kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with ¡Celebración!. The night of music takes place on Sept 14th at 7:30 at the UT Cowan Center, in partnership with the Hispanic Professionals Association of Tyler, highlighting music from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Spain and the USA! The night features Texas A&M University faculty and guitarist Isaac Bustos and the Tyler Junior College Alumni Guitar Ensemble. Complete information on the 2019/2020 season is available by clicking the link. https://etso.org/.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Fire Department will commemorate a new fire engine celebration at Station 10 Friday morning. A “push in” party will welcome the new fire combatant. A “push-in” is a customary tradition in the fire service industry that reflects back to the horse-drawn carriage era when firefighters would actually “push their trucks” into the station to wash them. The fun takes place at Station 10 on Old Omen Road at 9 am.

MARSHALL — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will conduct water distribution sampling on Monday. The city of Marshall says the testing is done to ensure that the city’s water is in agreement with required TCEQ standards. After the sampling, the city will convert chloramines back to free chlorine as a measure of improving and maintaining water quality for two weeks starting on Tuesday. The City of Marshall currently disinfect its drinking water supply prior to distributing it to customers. Some individuals may notice taste and odor changes and a slight discoloration to the water. Continue reading TCEQ to Conduct 3rd Qtr Water System Sampling

TYLER — Tyler state Representative Matt Schaefer responds after drawing nationwide attention for comments he made on social media about gun laws. Over the weekend, Schaefer said on Facebook, in part, “I say NO to ‘red flag’ pre-crime laws. NO to universal background checks… NO to mandatory gun buybacks. What can we do? YES to praying for victims. YES to praying for protection.” His comments have drawn plenty of support and opposition. Actress Alyssa Milano is among those taking Schaefer to task, while Senator Ted Cruz is voicing his support for the Tyler lawmaker. Continue reading Schaefer Responds to Social Media Activity over Gun Law Comments

GUN BARREL CITY — Three East Texans are glad to be alive after escaping their boat that was overcome by high winds and waves. According to our news partner KETK, the boat recently sank on Cedar Creek Lake. The three involved, who have not been identified, did make it to shore before the boat capsized. They were uninjured. UT Health EMS and Texas Parks and Wildlife assisted the Gun Barrel City Police and Fire Departments in the incident. GBC first responders took the opportunity to remind boaters to always wear your life jackets and stay aware of weather conditions.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County joined a growing list of East Texas counties to issue a burn ban. According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday Gregg county became the ninth East Texas county to prohibit outdoor burning. In an order signed by Greg County Judge Bill Stoudt, anyone caught burning outside is subject to a fine up to $500. Over the last several weeks several counties have declared bans as a result of high temperatures and very little measurable rain in the last month. The order does not mention an end date for the ban.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College students Amaya Blanton and Anahi Hernandez are two of 207 Phi Theta Kappa members named 2019 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars. Both will receive a $1,000 scholarship. Blanton is a sophomore general studies major from Tyler. Hernandez is a sophomore general studies major from Longview. Blanton and Hernandez are members of TJC’s Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa.

JEFFERSON — An East Texas teacher has been removed from duties following his arrest for aggravated sexual assault. According to our news partner KETK, Lance Reese with the Jefferson Independent School District , was taken into custody in connection with an incident that happened last month outside of Dallas. JISD said in a statement on Wednesday that Reese was arrested at his Longview home, by Garland police. Reese was a Social Studies teacher at Jefferson Junior High School.

KILGORE — The East Texas Oil Museum at Kilgore College is planning an informational meeting to find part-time volunteers to work at the museum. Volunteers are needed to help with archiving, record digitization and exhibit preservation. Tour guides are also needed to escort groups at the museum. The meeting is set for 1 p.m. this coming Saturday. Available days to volunteer are Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Continue reading Oil Museum Seeking Potential Volunteers

TYLER — Union Pacific Railroad will be closing down the following roads to perform track maintenance in the evenings and overnight. The road closures will begin at 8 p.m. Union Pacific is expected to open the roads by 5 a.m. the following morning. Travelers will need to find an alternative route and to pay attention to all traffic and signs. Continue reading Multiple Road Closures This Week Due to Union Pacific Railroad Track Maintenance