Bob Hallmark
Longview Bureau Chief
East Texas
:no_upscale()/s3.amazonaws.com/arc-authors/raycom/79ecb4c8-2d5a-4d05-916f-da606db39625.png)
Bob Hallmark is a longtime reporter for KLTV 7. He grew up in Aldine, a south Texas town. At age 18, he joined the U.S. Navy. He later attended Chapman University in Orange, California.
Before moving to the Tyler-Longview area, Bob worked for Major League Baseball as network director of the Houston Astros Baseball Team. He was also network producer for Houston's International Hockey League, the Houston Aeros Hockey Team. Bob has also worked for radio/television stations in Boise, Idaho.
Since 2000, Bob has been a reporter and bureau chief in Longview. Bob is married to Norma Hallmark and has two sons: Jacob and Luke. Bob loves the outdoors. He owns a small farm in Hawkins where he raises livestock, including horses. He also does a little farming.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/7TMVWGIFSJED3KX3F53PEL46P4.jpg)
Texas law enforcement almost across the board is putting out the word that jobs and careers are available, and they need applicants.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/3FEA3P6RB5ELJAA43K36BQ4FEE.jpg)
Game Warden Todd Long urges people enjoying water activities at the lake, pool, or fishing by the river to wear a life jacket or have one accessible, because “things can happen so quickly and quietly”.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/XOGMJPL5JJGF5D367QS5HUUMMM.JPG)
There may be some light at the end of the tunnel for East Texans who are feeling the effects of inflated lumber prices. Indicators show lumber prices are falling.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/GPLYSQJVLNBSLFWCMV47EMVS5E.jpg)
Some East Texas businesses continue to have problems finding employees, especially restaurants. But one Longview business has overcome those obstacles, and the odds of opening during a pandemic. While most restaurants still have employee shortages, Judds Downtown Cafe in Longview is fully staffed.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/IAHEGRJZORDQLJ4IT2QMEBBGPY.png)
Four men, including Athens Mayor James Monte Montgomery, have been arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/OD6NSYDD7VD5DG6IX3W4COMWTQ.jpg)
East Texas' local produce crops have suffered due to so many weeks of overcast skies and rain.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/JL2TNEO6CVDQBEO5XF2NEHIIFA.jpg)
It started around a week ago when Hawkins police came to the aid of a resident who had medical issues, and the officers and citizens did much more than she expected.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/WW3IV33JFBBRDDRJGXMHQUMCKI.jpg)
Texas game wardens are investigating a boating accident that left two people hospitalized.Game wardens were called to a single watercraft collision on the Sabine river just south of White Oak near the highway 42 bridge around 7:30 last night.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/E6LMGI6365GRTGUB36D76KR35E.jpg)
An East Texas man comes away with top honors in a national drag racing event in Georgia, and the last trophy of it's kind. Longview native Tony Jones runs his own air conditioning-heating business, but in his spare time he's into 'high octane speed.'
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/XOFTBK4FBBA4PFVNRGVCHSTPJE.jpg)
The long road to recovery for one East Texas deputy, once in a coma with 'Covid-19', is not over yet. Gregg county sheriff's 'corporal James Hagler', was released from the hospital last month, but his struggle to recover continues.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RVKK6Q32YVBITAUYJIJVA27HZQ.jpg)
The pandemic had numerous after-effects, among them, the rising cost of lumber and building materials, creating problems for East Texas home builders and re-modelers. Though new home construction has increased since February, lumber and other variables are making doing business a challenge.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/7TTPI7ASARCFDG6HQAMOL4W34Q.jpg)
Some East Texas amateur boxers are getting their final weeks of training in, preparing for a 'Golden Gloves' competition, and for many it's the first competition they've had in nearly 2 years. Amateurs at 'Sniper-Wolf boxing in Longview', are feverishly stepping up their training.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/NN6VLN5OHVD5ZP6RYZN4FSHH74.jpg)
A successful opening weekend for an East Texas renaissance festival. 'Avalon Faire' in Kilgore off of FM 1252, had good crowds on it's opening weekend. The festival features music, acrobats , and of course the crowd favorite, jousting tournament.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/GK74A4AAHFGPXNOFOPX4ZODO2E.jpg)
The 20-20 lockdown and the pandemic hurt countless East Texas businesses, and cancelled regular events that took revenue away from workers. With sporting events like baseball and martial arts tournaments cancelled the 'trophy business' lost a staggering amount of revenue.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/2A3ASIVZGRDGNCXXOGMRJ7BC3U.jpg)
The old saying is a hard freeze kills the bad insects. Aside from breaking water-pipes and knocking out power, the week long February freeze may affect the insect population.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/BW4P7HCPFNCF7NJ2SWEPBF5LJU.jpg)
A reminder of the meaning of 'Good Friday' and the Easter weekend was seen by drivers along a busy road in Longview. Three groups were carrying crosses along highway 80, depicting the walk of Christ to his crucifixion.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/AENOGXSPTJFH7ANTYLPDPPUNUE.jpg)
Feral hogs continue to be a costly problem in East Texas, and everything from helicopter hunting to pesticide sprays have been used to reduce the population. From year round open season, to trapping, to helicopter and hot air balloon hunting, hunters are trying every method to bag feral hogs.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/T3VMQ34EGZCQZKL5RN4F2BKFFI.jpg)
Texas hunters will have a few less restrictions during the upcoming hunting seasons, and several East Texas counties are affected by changes. 'Texas Parks and Wildlife' has released a list of changes for 2021-22, that will have impact on numerous East Texas counties.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/FMMDFFQW2NGNLEK6NL4OMFYZFE.jpg)
Wood County judge Lucy Hebron talks about two Texas legislature bills that would make using taxpayer money illegal for lobbying and restrict small towns from using associations to lobby for them.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/6TLCGFSBKZB65LGDFEKDEK2BLY.jpg)
An East Texan fought on a Japanese held island 76 years ago, where an iconic image of history was captured.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/LZTCNNUS35DJZEOXXYSZ6Y3JLQ.jpg)
The 'weight' of snow' can't be underestimated, and in one case it collapsed an East Texas marina covering. This happened Wednesday at the 'Bullfrog Marina' at 'Lake O the Pines' in Marion county. The weight of accumulated snow collapsed a structure right on top of boats and other watercraft.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/AZA3QX2TZNGHZEXMD4V7WTUFZQ.jpg)
Jonathan Hamilton, 33, of Linden, was arrested Friday night by Hughes Springs police under suspicion for his alleged involvement with a string of a half-dozen recent church vandalism incidents in the Hughes Springs-Avinger area.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/Q5FLUA7GYFD33MUMFIJM44FMX4.jpg)
An East Texas woman desperate to reach her dying father in a hospital, got some surprise help by a law enforcement officer.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HZARUMJRG5FIVKROVOGGR2LYQI.jpg)
An East Texas man took his turn getting a Covid-19 vaccine shot today, at the age of 97. Arriving at 'Christus Health' in Mineola, 97 year old Paul Harrington, at the request of his family, came to get his Covid-19 vaccine.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/6N4VRIVI2JDATEC2WERAC2YLPQ.jpg)
It's the final week of deer season here in East Texas, as hunters make their last attempt to 'bag the limit'. Gauging how successful the season has been is usually connected to processors and taxidermists, and this year has been a good one.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/KUJM2IZ3OZC6HGPG7W2DTHCMPU.jpg)
The guilty plea of Joseph Burnette closed two murder investigations cases in Gregg County.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/HWAKU4WYHVGMPATLYL25MNKEKU.jpg)
Supporters of President Trump gathered in Longview on Sunday for a moving vehicle parade rally.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/V5OXRW6WK5CQRLJL6AH4TOQCAA.jpg)
It's the last weekend you can vote early in Texas and across the state, turnout has been high with many choosing not to chance waiting in long lines on election day. But depending on where you voted, turnout was a bit of a surprise today. No lines at the Gregg county courthouse in Longview.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/4GFXGGKQCNDOXPY4M4P4GQVNO4.jpg)
Americans are not the only ones interested in our November elections, as a European news agency is in East Texas on that subject. A news crew from German news magazine 'Der Spiegel' is in Texas to gauge the presidential election in November.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RX3DF5IC5BCNTGEDVULMYSHR4I.jpg)
Members of the Texas Republican Party met at an East Texas location today to make a choice of who will be their nominee for a congressional seat on the November ballot. The district 4 seat was left vacant when congressman John Ratcliffe was appointed to director of national intelligence.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/TBSJYIHXBVFB5J4EH75NAUWNCA.jpg)
An East Texas family is not happy about the 'brand changing' of a popular pancake syrup: Aunt Jemima. The iconic Aunt Jemima has long standing ties with the city of Hawkins, and a goodwill ambassador named 'Lillian Richard.'
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/PQVR5322XFFKLNUN5Z4X6TMEAA.png)
An East Texas city held a 'bells of hope' event, to remind East Texans that we are all in this together. At 2 Wednesday afternoon, the old bell on the Mount Pleasant downtown square began to ring. It continued for 3 minutes in what was called the 'bells of hope'.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/KEDLR622QRH2ZD3R6E7JLOQ3M4.jpg)
"He died doing what he loved," Krista Dickerson said.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/SVKHCKYAVNDWBMGSCJ32SCATEE.jpg)
small Panola County community is joining the rest of East Texas in mourning the loss of Panola County Sheriff’s Dep. Chris Dickerson, who was gunned down by a suspect during a traffic stop on Tuesday morning.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RIG3RXXNHNCZFCPDXW6PMLE6TM.png)
There are many travel treasures here in Texas, and one popular destination is from West Texas.Big Bend. Spanning across Presidio and Brewster counties, there are over 1-million acres of park land between Big Bend state park to the north, and Big Bend national park to the south.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/FUZUVEM6JBECXAEYSJUYLFU3UA.jpg)
There's been an increased number of sightings of coyotes in one East Texas city, and increased concern among citizens over their presence.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/NC3S4TOZNVHHHIC3LZFPXBUAYY.jpg)
An East Texas family continues their search for a missing loved one, who disappeared over 3 weeks ago. No substantial leads have come in to investigators on the disappearance of 54 year old Rosemary Rodriguez of Kilgore.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/SJGF6XGAZVAAXHG7ASYU3KZKL4.jpg)
For a large group of outdoorsman in East Texas, it's the super bowl and world series wrapped into one. Deer season. Less than 2 weeks away, East Texans are busy in preparation for what they need for the opening of the season.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/QI34FTPBJRGH3MTGWP7HV7BBBQ.png)
Residents in one East Texas county have become alarmed and concerned about not only frequent sightings of coyotes, but also attacks by those animals on their pets. And some have lost pets to the predators. White Oak police say security video shows a coyote chasing and killing a house cat.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/AD2JIKXBXJBFJKNXOSF2EN424Y.jpg)
An East Texas veteran says he’s in a no-win situation in trying to repair his home after a contractor left him high and dry.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/RLOKHE34IVGQVBFTAGWIST267M.jpg)
As the sweltering heat of August sets in, working outside in East Texas can be draining, and any way to beat the heat is welcome. One East Texas business man is having one of his best summers yet by providing that relief, with a cold treat. Charlies Snoballs.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/DJKP5UXDBNAORAQPPAIYMY6ZP4.png)
Camp County deputies found what they called horrific conditions at the equine rescue facility off of County Road 3324, outside of Pittsburg.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/J3HBEWXTCJHSXLFELQUX3RL6X4.jpg)
An extremely wet East Texas spring means lots of standing water in ponds and pools, and that means a healthy population of mosquitoes. With the arrival of the bloodsuckers comes concern over mosquito born illnesses. Health departments are urging the public to do what they can to avoid the insects.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/BRQW6QQJ3VEZHGJYKOMKBHTGCY.jpg)
The job of trying to figure out exact details, wind speed, 'F' levels and damage assessment in destruction like what happened in Alto, falls upon investigators from the National Weather Service. Two teams from Shreveports' National Weather Service canvassed all sides of Alto after tornado damage.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/7SDP4DEGPZF6HOTHHVEAI237PU.jpg)
After his home was burglarized, an East Texas man is putting out the word that he wants something back that's very important to him. It happened last week at a Smith county home on Pollan street off of west highway 64. Not money or electronics, but something that has deep meaning to him.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/NHRD27IXDVGLRLDAYV6YTEVOVU.png)
The celebration of one East Texas team’s state football title is now a rush to collect memorabilia.
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/XA4DYR333NC6JPMWCZMWEXORHU.jpg)
Kilgore police are searching for clues into the armed robbery of an individual.