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CANTON — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing teenager. KETK reports Cheyenne Cantrell is a white 15-year-old female who stands 5′ 4″-5’7″ tall, weighing approximately 115 pounds. She has strawberry-blonde hair with blue eyes and has a a scar above her right knee and on her left arm from surgical pins. She was last seen Saturday at approximately 3:00 a.m., wearing a white tank top with a black overshirt, faded denim shorts, and brown square-toe cowboy boots. She has ties to Terrell, Van, Ben Wheeler, Tyler and Henderson. Cantrell was last seen with three males from the Ben Wheeler area whose names will not be released at this time, according to officials. Any information on her whereabouts should be forwarded to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office 903-567-4133.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating a drive-by shooting. Police received a 9-1-1 call on Patton Drive just before 4:00 Wednesday afternoon. A car drove by and shots were fired at a house. The homeowner is said to have stepped outside and fired shots at the driver. No one was injured. When police arrived, both shooters had left the scene.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is holding an open house today to update the public on the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The event is set for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Tyler Development Center, 423 W. Ferguson St. in Tyler. The Tyler Area MPO is responsible for transportation planning within the Tyler Metropolitan Area, which includes Tyler, Hideaway, Lindale, New Chapel Hill, Noonday, Whitehouse and Bullard. The purpose of the TIP is to list the transportation improvements that are scheduled to be implemented during the 2015 through the 2018 fiscal years, according to a news release. Continue reading Open House Today on Transportation Improvement Program Update

LONGVIEW — Longview police say they’re investigating several reports of two white males presenting themselves to elderly people as city of Longview employees — including one case that led to a theft. Police say in two cases the citizens did not believe them and denied them access to their homes. However, in the third case the victim allowed the men to come in and “inspect” her home. According to police, one of the suspects distracted the victim, allowing the second suspect to take valuables from the victim. The suspects are said to be driving a gray or tan Chevrolet truck. If you have any information on the possible identity of either suspect call Longview Police at 903-237-1199. Continue reading Items Taken from Home by Men Posing as City Employees

WHITEHOUSE — With the close of a third-party investigation into a May incident involving several Whitehouse city employees, a timeline has developed for actions expected to be taken this week. According to KETK, City Attorney Keith Mayo says Interim City Manager Stefani Wright will make a decision by Friday on what action to take in regard to Police Chief Craig Shelton’s job. Mayo added he believes the city has enough evidence to take action prior to the outcome of a criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers. Continue reading Timeline Develops for Actions Regarding Whitehouse City Employees

ANGELINA COUNTY — Several suspected drug dealers are arrested on numerous charges. Officials said on July 14, a combined task force, including federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, began executing arrest warrants for numerous suspects indicted after a two year investigation into trafficking methamphetamine in East Texas. Five individuals were arrested as a result. Ruben Enriquez, 42, Agustin Enriquez, 48, and Alonso Enriquez, 33 all of Diboll, along with Jorge Enriquez, 33 and Douglas Wayne Williams, 40, both of Lufkin were indicted on federal drug and firearms violations. Continue reading Five East Texans Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges

MARSHALL — Government representatives are in another area of Texas this week offering help to those affected by storms. Both FEMA and the Small Business Administration will be in Marshall and Henderson this week, offering assistance to East Texans affected by recent tornadoes and floods. David Reetz of the Small Business Administration says homeowners, business owners, faith-based organizations, and renters may all be eligible for aid, and there are a variety of grants and loans available. According to Reetz, “It doesn’t cost anything to come in and check and see. It’s something that people should come in and ask.” Check with fema.gov for the deadline to apply for disaster aid in your county.

MT. ENTERPRISE — The woman and teenager at the center of an East Texas Amber Alert have been found. KETK reports multiple agencies were searching southern Rusk County and Northern Nacogdoches County for Tanner B. Jordan, 15, and Katie Miller, 34, the woman suspected of taking him. Rusk County Sergeant David Roberts said an oil worker came upon an oilfield site where he spotted the white Dodge truck described in the alert. The worker called the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office to report the vehicle. When officials arrived at the scene, they found Miller and Jordan in the truck. Jordan was taken to the NCSO, while Miller, who was placed in handcuffs, was complaining of a leg injury. Authorities called EMS to the scene to evaluate Miller before she was taken into custody. Continue reading East Texas Teen Found; Amber Alert Canceled

TYLER — Smith County Commissioners have set two public hearings to gather community input as the county considers implementing Election Day voting centers in November. According to a news release, the centers would allow residents to vote at any polling location on Election Day instead of being restricted to their precinct. On Tuesday, July 28, public hearings will be held at 9:30 a.m. during Commissioners Court and at 6:30 p.m. at the R. B. Hubbard Center (The Hub), 304 E. Ferguson — though only one public hearing is required. The elections department will then send in its application to participate in the state’s Countywide Polling Location Program. Continue reading Commissioners Court Sets Public Hearings on Voting Centers

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in finding Jerry Wayne Potter, 61. Officials say he stands about 5 feet 4 inches and weighs about 120 pounds. Relatives last heard from him in April. If you have any information regarding Potter’s whereabouts, please contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

TYLER – The Texas Department of Transportation Tuesday announced the discovery of archeological sites along the U.S. 175 expansion project in Anderson and Henderson counties that officials say contain artifacts dating to the 1400s. The findings suggest that the locations could have been a temporary Native American settlement, according to a TxDOT news release. Continue reading Archeologists Uncover Ancient Artifacts on Project Route

KILGORE — Kilgore College has eliminated close to 40 positions in several departments. According to KETK, it comes after the state cut more that $1 million from their budget. College employees say on top of receiving less money from the state, the school has also seen a decline in student enrollment. Due to the shortage in students, departments have had to cut back on the amount of classes offered.

MARSHALL — City commissioners in Marshall passed a resolution naming Marshall a “no colors, no labels” city. Marshall’s Police Chief has the support of the city commission in his new initiative dubbed “no colors, no labels.” Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa plans to continue the social media campaign already in place, but also add a grassroots effort of educating the community about the different cultures in the community. Campa said this is a pivotal movement for Marshall, a community that has a rich history in the racial turmoil of the 1950s and 60s.

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse city officials are scheduled to receive today a report on the investigation of some city employees, including the police chief and city manager. The investigation was conducted by Smith County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Mark Simmons. The report will then be viewed by city council members. KETK reports Whitehouse Police Chief Craig Shelton (pictured) expects to give his an answer to an ultimatum made by Interim City Manager Stefani Wright on Tuesday, according to his attorney, David Dobbs. An extra day was requested by Shelton’s attorney to look over the resignation terms. Continue reading Report Due Today on Whitehouse City Employees

LONGVIEW — Bond has been increased for a Longview woman in connection with the wreck that killed her son. Dekeshia Charity Thomas, 24, of Longview, had been free on a $50,000 bond on an intoxication assault charge. She was arrested in February after her SUV hit another vehicle and a tree and rolled over. A few weeks later, her 8 week old son, Terrence Demarcus Crayton, died in a Dallas hospital from injuries received the wreck. Investigators say the child was not in child safety restraints. Thomas was brought back to 124th District Judge Alfonso Charles’ courtroom, accused of failing to live up to a condition of her bond. The judge set a new bond of $200,000, and she is back in the Gregg County Jail.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A shooting in Henderson County has left one person injured and one in custody. Charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon is Rickey Murry, 55, of Mabank. He remains in the Henderson County Jail on a $25,000 bond. The victim was flown to a Tyler hospital treatment. The victim’s name has not been released. Henderson County Authorities tell KETK the shooting took place on the 200 block of Longhorn Road in the Cherokee Shores subdivision. Deputies drove to the home, but could not locate the suspect. They eventually were able to reach Murry by phone and he returned to the location.

LONGVIEW — Longview’s litter index has gone up slightly. A team of community, business and government representatives conducted a visual analysis of the city. This year’s scorers were: Rhodora Bivens, David Simmons, Billy Lee, Jan Simmons, Dionne Lott, Mike Wigington and Kim Droege. They used a scoring system ranging from 1-4, with “1” being the best to “4” being the worst. The Litter Index for Longview rated 1.75. This number is slightly higher than last year when the number was 1.68. Continue reading Longview’s Litter Index Moves Up

TYLER — A Smith County man has been sentenced to die next month for strangling his mother over 11 years ago. During a court hearing on Monday, Tracy Beatty, 54, of Whitehouse, was sentenced to die on August 13th for capital murder. All of his appeals have been exhausted. Beatty went to the high court after the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last summer rejected arguments he had deficient legal help at his 2004 trial in Tyler for the slaying of Carolyn Click, 62. The Supreme Court refused his appeal without comment. Beatty had been paroled to his mother’s home in Tyler from a 15-year prison term for theft from Dallas County. He is said to have strangled her, leaving her body in the bathtub at her home for two days, and then burying her in her backyard. When arrested for her slaying, he already was in jail for auto theft and weapons possession.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department says the social media has played a important role in the arrest of two theft suspects. Surrendering to authorities today were Raul Cardenas Olivarria, 19, and Pedro Silva, 18. The two Marshall men have been charged with organized retail theft. Continue reading Social Media Helps in the Arrest of Theft Suspects

HENDERSON (AP) — Rusk County Commissioners have accepted the resignation of County Clerk Joyce Lewis-Kugle. She submitted her resignation last Thursday because she said that she could not in good conscience issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. When the commissioner’s court met this morning, they accepted the resignation. The commissioners later filled the position by appointing Rusk County employee Judy McGill to the post. District Attorney Michael Jimerson said last week that Lewis-Kugle asked about her options and he told her “the Supreme Court is the law of the land.” He said she had a choice of issuing the license or resigning in protest.

LONGVIEW — Longview State Representative David Simpson has sent a letter to state officials asking for a special session of the state legislature. It was sent to Governor Greg Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Speaker Joe Straus. In the letter, sent shortly before 7:00 Monday morning, Simpson expresses concerns about decisions of state agencies to pay benefits for same-sex partners. According to Simpson, the Texas constitution prohibits new spending without legislative approval. Continue reading Representative David Simpson Asking for a Special Session

TYLER — A Tyler man has been arrested after he was reportedly caught burglarizing vehicles at a local store. Police said surveillance video led to the arrest of Eric Benton, 22. According to KETK, Benton had been walking around the parking lot of the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market near Troup and the Loop trying to find an unlocked car. Benton reportedly took a wallet full of cash from one car. Benton ran when he saw police but was found behind a dumpster a short time later. He confessed to the crime and was booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $5,000.

TYLER — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of July 13, 2015. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

Crews will close the Interstate Highway 20 eastbound Toll 49 Exit Ramp Monday morning for repairs. The work is expected to be completed by noon. Motorists should plan to take an alternate route to reach their destination.

District wide Seal Coat Operations will return on July 20. Meanwhile, striping operations continue in Anderson and Van Zandt counties on those roadways that have been sealed. Expect lane closures. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

LONGVIEW — Longview Police have had around 15 reports of criminal mischief including several tires slashed, windows broken, and other types of vandalism over the past week. No specific neighborhoods were targeted. The property damage is said to be in the thousands. Longview police encourage citizens to report suspicious activity and criminal mischief. Citizen involvement is the link to solving crimes and keeping a watchful eye out for their neighborhoods. If you see cars or people who may be in your neighborhood that you don’t recognize, you are encouraged to give Longview police a call. According to the department’s Facebook page, if you’re victim of a crime, including theft, criminal mischief, or other crimes call and report it.

EL PASO (AP) — An El Paso hospital has cancelled all elective and nonemergency surgeries for three weeks after being notified its accreditation has been denied. The El Paso Times cites University Medical Center of El Paso CEO Jim Valenti as saying inspectors found employees not following policy, incomplete documentation and preventative maintenance by technicians that didn’t meet industry standards. El Paso County Commissioner Vince Perez says no one told him or his colleagues about the denial before the county-run hospital announced the cancellations Saturday. He says the lack of communication shows the need for new leadership once Valenti’s contract expires next year.

EAST TEXAS — A head-on collision killed two drivers and sent two passengers to the hospital. According to the Department of Public Safety, the accident at happened around 10:45 Thursday morning on Texas 294 just east of U.S. Highway 79 in Elkhart. Officials said a 2012 GMC pickup and a white 2014 Ford 150 – had collided head-on in the eastbound lane. The driver of the GMC, 24-year-old Thomas Walker Lee, and the driver of the Ford, 52-year-old Betty Louann Baugh, died on impact. Lee and Baugh were pronounced dead at the scene. Continue reading Wreck leaves Two Dead, Two Injured

TYLER – A Tyler house was damaged by fire early Saturday afternoon. According to KETK, neighbors reported the fire in the 2800 block of Stanley Drive after they noticed smoke. Officials said the blaze started from an electric stove in the kitchen area. The flames were contained to the kitchen area but smoke damage was reported throughout the house. The family of seven were not at home during the fire and there were no injuries reported.

HENDERSON (AP) — An East Texas county clerk has resigned rather than comply with the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that upheld the right of same-sex couples to marry. Rusk County Clerk Joyce Lewis-Kugle submitted her resignation letter Thursday. County Judge Joel Hale, Rusk County’s top administrator, said Lewis-Kugle wrote that she could not in good conscience issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. County commissioners are scheduled to vote on her resignation Monday. Hale said he expected it would be accepted. Continue reading Rusk County Clerk Resigns Over Gay Marriage Ruling

AUSTIN (AP) — Add six counties to the federal disaster declaration for Texans damaged by deadly severe weather that began in early May. The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Thursday announced that Angelina, Erath, Frio, Jim Wells, Montgomery and Trinity counties have been added to the 36 Texas counties previously placed under the disaster declaration. The 42 counties were the ones hardest hit by severe storms, tornadoes, damaging winds and flooding between May 4 and June 19. FEMA also extended the deadline to apply for individual assistance to August 27. The disaster assistance for homeowners and renters include assistance with rent, temporary housing, home and business repairs and other disaster-related needs.