KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday accepted an Award of Excellence in the field of New Parking Structures for the Fair Plaza Parking Garage from the Texas Parking and Transportation Association (TPTA). The TPTA is a statewide association for individuals involved in parking-related businesses for municipalities and other government bodies, according to a city news release. Each year, the organization accepts submissions for various parking structures and programs statewide. Continue reading City of Tyler Honored for Fair Plaza Parking Garage

AUSTIN — A former East Texas prison guard had his sentence affirmed by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals Tuesday in a child sex case. According to KETK, the Uphsur County District Attorney’s Office reports Cory Martin Colvin, 35, of Naples, had his conviction upheld for the 2013 sexual assault of a then-11-year-old girl. He was fired by the Telford Unit in New Boston in August 2013. In 2014, an Upshur County jury found Colvin guilty of assaulting the child at a home outside of Gilmer in July 2013, and sentenced him to 99 years in prison.

AUSTIN (AP) – To keep state buildings from falling into disrepair — as some have, including the Texas School for the Deaf — lawmakers have voted to establish a deferred maintenance fund and oversight committee. Sponsored by Tyler Republican Sen. Kevin Eltife, the bill authorizing the fund cleared the House on Wednesday via a voice vote. It needs only a final lower chamber vote before heading to Gov. Greg Abbott for signature into law. Under the bill, the lieutenant governor and House speaker would each appoint three members to the committee. The measure’s House sponsor, Rep. Charlie Geren, said the committee would ensure sufficient funding – including $20.6 million already earmarked for deferred maintenance and emergency repairs needed starting this year – is spent “the way they’re supposed to be spending it.”

EAST TEXAS — Due to the Sunday night storms, some area roads remain closed, or soon will be. TxDOT Monday announced plans to close FM 3204 east of SH 31 in Brownsboro on Friday, May 15, for emergency repairs. The emergency contract to replace the box culvert has been awarded to East Texas Bridge. According to TxDOT, the contractor will set barricades, close the roadway on both ends to through traffic, and start work Friday morning, weather permitting. It is expected to take about three months (late July) to remove and replace the existing structure. Motorists must use alternate routes to reach their destinations. The cost to replace the culvert is $474,700. Continue reading Some Area Roads Still Closed Following Storms

MANSFIELD, La. (AP) – A 24-year-old man wanted in a homicide in DeSoto Parish has been taken into custody in Texas. According to Tyler police, Jacorroyn Lavell Wilson was arrested by U.S. Marshals Service late Tuesday night. They say Wilson was found hiding in an attic space shared by four town homes. Wilson is accused of being involved in a homicide and a vehicle theft following a confrontation with a DeSoto Parish deputy who Wilson allegedly assaulted. The victim of the homicide has been identified as 58-year-old Charles Worthington, of Logansport. Police say Wilson surrendered without incident. He is being held in the Smith County Jail.

TYLER — From a list of 27 teachers in TISD who were campus teachers of the year, two have been named as the district’s teachers of the year. Honored Tuesday night at the annual banquet at the Harvey Convention Center were Karen Antique as the Elementary Teacher of the Year and Sharmecia Jackson as the Secondary Teacher of the Year. The District winners will compete at the regional level this summer. Continue reading Tyler Teachers of the Year Named

MARSHALL — Citing personal reasons, the mayor of Marshall has resigned. Ed Smith announced his resignation Tuesday afternoon. In a statement to the City Commission, Smith said he wanted to devote more time to other business and personal interests. Smith, a native of Marshall, first served on the Commission as both commissioner and mayor from 2000 to 2008. He did not seek re-election in 2008. In May, 2012, Smith was re-elected to the commission and has served as mayor since then. Continue reading Marshall’s Mayor Is Resigning

TROUP — The city of Troup laid Mayor Bill Lacy to rest Tuesday morning. KETK reports his funeral took place at First Baptist Church in Troup. Lacy is survived by his wife, Aida; daughters, Kathryn and Tiffany; his parents, Jerry and Dorothy; and his Uncle David and David’s wife. Lacy is described by townspeople as an enthusiastic Christian servant in his faith, to his family, to his work and to the Troup community. They say his friendly smile and his love for Troup and its people will be greatly missed. Continue reading Funeral Held for Troup Mayor Bill Lacy

VAN — A bit of good news arrived Tuesday. Meals on Wheels Ministry has resumed home delivered meal service in tornado-ravaged Van as of Tuesday through a partnership with the American Red Cross. Tuesday morning, MOWM staff members Myka Scott and Autumn Nusko attempted delivery of meals to homebound senior and disabled clients living in Van, but many of the residents live in areas that have been blocked off by emergency personnel. In order to circumvent road blockades and reach some of the area’s most vulnerable citizens, Meals on Wheels will deliver hot meals to representatives of the American Red Cross, which is equipped to travel through such conditions in order to reach individuals who are in need of assistance.

QUITMAN — The Quitman Police Department is investigating damage caused to a historic house. According to KETK, officials say the Stinson House at Governor Jim Hogg City Park had several windows on both levels shattered by rocks thrown at them. The house was built in 1869 of virgin pine and oak and became a site of interest to a group of Wood County Master Gardener students in the spring of 2007 as a trainee project. Research was done to determine what kind of plants and gardens were likely to be found around homes in the mid 1800s. The yard was cleared of all inappropriate plants, raised beds were built, and heirloom plants were obtained. The Wood County Master Gardener Association received a first place award in the educational project competition at the Texas Master Gardener State Convention in April 2008 for the project. Continue reading Police Probe Damage to Historic Home

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Police Detective Greg Compton has made the first two arrests in the fight case from Sunday, May 11, at a Jacksonville Taco Bell. KETK reports several more arrests are expected in the near future and at this point the department has identified most of the alleged participants in the assault. The first two suspects were charged with assault (class A), which means that bodily injury occurred during the assault. At least one other suspect will be charged with the same offense and others will be charged with disorderly conduct. Continue reading Two Arrested in Jacksonville Taco Bell fight

ATHENS — According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, a body has been found after what officials believe may have been a drowning. Around 10:30 a.m. Monday, law enforcement recovered the body of a biker on Farm to Market Road 59, according to Sheriff Ray Nutt. The Longview News-Journal has identified the victim as James Huston Hurst, a 61-year-old sergeant with the state prison system. The Department of Public Safety reports Hurst drove his motorcycle into the rushing water which washed in motorcycle into a ditch. Hurst’s body was recovered some 600 yards down stream. His body has been sent for autopsy.

TYLER — Tyler police are seeking the public’s help in locating a bank burglar. According to the department’s Facebook page, the burglary occurred at the MidSouth Bank at 1330 Old Omen Road on April 27th. It occurred just before 11:15 that night. The Facebook page contains several shots of the suspect. If you have any information please contact Detective James Holt at 903-531-1028 or call Tyler Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833

VAN (AP/Staff) – Two persons have been killed in the tornado that hit Van, also injuring more than two dozen people. The victims have been identified as David and Brenda Tapley. Officials in Van say they have now accounted for everyone reported missing following the deadly tornado. Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jean Dark said late Monday night that everyone on the missing list has now been accounted for. However, she says that just to be safe, cadaver dogs are checking the area. Continue reading Two Killed, Numerous Injured after Tornado Hits Van

EAST TEXAS — Crews around the eight-county Tyler District continue to monitor and respond to flooded and debris-filled roadways following a night of storms. Motorists should use caution during travels. Henderson County is reporting flooding and washed out roadways. FM 315 is washed out and closed about 3 miles from SH 31. FM 1616 has two washouts – about a mile from Loop 7 and a second location about a mile from FM 773. Flooded roadways include: FM 2636, FM 773, FM 1803, and FM 3441.

TYLER — Drivers who use Toll 49 should plan for minor delays during the evening and overnight hours on Monday and early Tuesday. According to the North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority, the location of maintenance activities will be approximately 4.9 miles south of Interstate Highway 20 and 2.5 miles north of State Highway 64. There will be lane closures while maintenance is performed, but one lane will remain open and flaggers will be present to keep traffic moving. Officials say the work will be performed tonight from 7:00pm to 7:00am, during non-peak hours.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Van emergency crews and numerous Smith County fire departments responded to reports of damage and injuries in the Van area, following Sunday night’s severe storms. According to KETK, a confirmed tornado touched down in the area Sunday night, destroying homes and injuring numerous people. The National Weather Service says the warning was issued at 8:55 and Van Police reported a touch down at 9:00. Continue reading Fire Official: Injuries, Damage in Van Zandt County Following Storms

MOUNT PLEASANT — A Titus County man is hospitalized in Tyler after the bike he was riding was hit by a car. The Saturday afternoon accident occurred in the 1200 block of West 10th Street in Mount Pleasant. KETK reports Robert Lee Goodlow Sr., 55, was taken to a Mount Pleasant hospital, where he was stabilized. He was then taken to a Tyler hospital. No other information is available about the accident and the investigation is continuing.

TYLER — Tyler ISD officially opened its new 147,000 square foot state-of-the-art Career and Technology Center Monday morning. The ribbon cutting ceremony was at 10:00am at the center located at 3013 Earl Campbell Parkway. The school district says the center is a product of the BOND2013 package approved by voters in May 2013. The facility will connect students with real-world experiences from a variety of career fields and interests. The goal of the CTC is to prepare students for college, technical school, or the workforce.

TYLER — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Weeks of May 11 and May 18, 2015. Schedules are subject to change due to weather, equipment or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention in these and all work zones.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance crews are conducting base repairs on State Highway 135 between Troup and Arp as well as on Farm Road 2015 between Farm Road 14 and Farm Road 16 over the next couple of week. Expect the roadway to be reduced to one lane with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

CANTON — A jury in Canton has convicted the uncle in the capital murder of a Greenville teenager, and it didn’t take long to reach the decision. Michael Moore will spend the rest of his life in prison with no chance of parole for murdering his niece Alicia Moore, 16, in November of 2012. Her body was stuffed in a wicker trunk and left along a rural Van Zandt County road. The case has torn at the family, with one member murdered and another on trial. But Jessica Byrd, Alicia’s aunt, says her opinion changed. According to Byrd, perhaps a year later, after Moore got arrested, the family was told some things that made her reflect on some other things she knew, and she “just put two and two together.” Moore had denied any involvement in a jailhouse interview.

EAST TEXAS — East Texans went to the polls Saturday in city council and school board races. Some voters even decided school bond issues. Elections on the ballot included those in Tyler, Chapel Hill, Bullard, Hideaway, Lindale, and Winona. Only one contested city council race was on the ballot in Tyler.

With 15 of 15 precincts reporting in complete but unofficial returns:
Tyler City Council
District 1
Linda Sellers 541
Waterson Calhoun 150
W.P. (Billy) Larson Jr. 62
Detrese Harkey 3

There was only one Tyler school board race and the incumbent lost.
Tyler School Board
District 5
Barbara Ann Smith 122
Aaron D. Martinez 159 Continue reading Voters Decide Local Elections

DRIPPING SPRINGS (AP/STAFF) — Renowned fiddler Johnny Gimble, whose career included a stint as a Texas Playboy with the legendary Western swing musician Bob Wills and then gained fame for his backup work with country stars from Merle Haggard to Carrie Underwood, has died. He was 89. His daughter, Cyndy, said Gimble died Saturday morning near his home in Dripping Springs, near Austin, “finally rid of the complications from several strokes over the past few years.” Gimble grew up on a farm near Tyler, spent two years with Wills’ group beginning in 1949, and later became a much-requested session musician in Nashville performing with country giants such as Haggard, Willie Nelson, George Strait, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn. He won six Country Music Association awards as best instrumentalist.

TROUP — The beloved mayor of an East Texas town has died. City of Troup Mayor Bill Lacy suffered a massive heart attack Wednesday at his home. According to KETK, he was with family members when the medical issue occurred. According to A family friend, around 1:00 on Thursday, doctors informed the family Mayor Lacy’s CT scan revealed brain swelling. Doctors then prepared the family to take the 46-year-old off life support. Funeral services for Lacy will be Tuesday morning at 10:00 at the First Baptist Church in Troup. Visitation will also be at the church on Monday, from 4:00 till 8:00pm. Continue reading Troup Mayor Passes Away Following Heart Attack

MARSHALL (AP/STAFF) — Flooding has been reported in parts of East Texas after storms dumped nearly 6 inches of rain that swamped some streets and highways. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office says some roads flooded on Friday in Marshall. The sheriff’s office urged travelers to use caution when driving. Several vehicles were abandoned at a flooded underpass in Marshall, with water up to the windshields. Stormwater also flooded Lois Jack Park in Longview, leaving playground equipment and benches partly submerged. The National Weather Service says Marshall received more than 2.5 inches of rain as of Friday, while nearby Hallsville had 5.8 inches of rain. Road and bridge crews will be inspecting roadways for damage when the flooding subsides. Forecasters say showers are expected through the weekend in parts of East Texas.

AUSTIN (AP) — It was a big week for weed in Texas. Three bills in the Republican-controlled Legislature that would decriminalize pot or legalize a marijuana oil to treat seizures all advanced. Supporters of marijuana reforms called it “unprecedented” progress after years of proposals going nowhere. Most of the gains are only symbolic. One bill sent to the House floor makes it legal to buy and sell pot in Texas, but it has virtually no chance of going further, much less to Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s desk. But with a month to go in the Legislature, some see hope in a Republican-backed measure that would allow some people with seizures to access a marijuana extract. That bill is sponsored by Senator Kevin Eltife of Tyler. The proposal has cleared the Senate, and a vote in the House could come early as next week.

AUSTIN (AP) — A Texas House push to exclude the state from observing daylight saving time has collapsed amid concerns that doing so would make residents choose between going to church and watching the Dallas Cowboys. After a lengthy, often outlandish debate, lawmakers defeated the much-watched proposal Friday 56-79. Its sponsor, Van Republican Representative Dan Flynn, (pictured) called changing clocks twice annually “simply a hassle that we don’t need anymore.” Supporters said scrapping daylight saving time would keep children from heading to school in pre-dawn darkness. Continue reading Waste of Time: Texas House Votes to Keep Daylight Savings

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University School of Aviation and Aeronautical Science is launching a new degree program in the fall to train professional pilots to be leaders in the unmanned aircraft industry. The new program will enable pilots to fly, repair and program Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) – also commonly known as drones or Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAVs). The new degree program will provide a Bachelor of Science in Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, with operations, maintenance and electronics concentrations. Projected growth for this industry is estimated in the billions of dollars over the next five years. Over 100,000 new jobs are expected be created in agriculture, search and rescue, aerial videography, border security, wildlife conservation, oil and gas pipeline inspection, and package delivery. Continue reading LETU to Launch new Aviation Degree

PALESTINE — The Texas Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant at a residence in Anderson County that resulted in the seizure of drugs and one firearm. The investigation by DPS Criminal Investigations Division special agents resulted in the seizure of approximately 94 grams of suspected cocaine, approximately 74 grams of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 73 grams of suspected marihuana at the Oakcrest Drive residence. In addition, two first-degree felony drug charges were filed against Pablo Perales Deleon, 54. The suspect was transported to the Anderson County Jail. Other agencies involved in the investigation include the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Intuitional Division and the Anderson County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.