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MARSHALL — Harrison County Investigators have notified the known family of the alleged homicide victim who was found on Interstate Highway 20 and Farm Road 450 on October 7. KETK reports the victim is Lillian Desiree Descoteau, 51. The Texas driver’s license that was issued to her listed an address in Irving as her residence. Investigators are asking for anyone who may have had any contact with the victim, or may have seen her at any location, to contact the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. All information will be considered confidential or information may be given anonymously to Crimestoppers at 903-935-9969.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP/Staff) – A federal appeals court has upheld a lower-court ruling to deny a preliminary injunction to stop construction of an oil pipeline running from Oklahoma to refineries along the Gulf Coast. The Keystone XL pipeline would pass through eastern Smith County and other portions of East Texas along the way. The Sierra Club, Clean Energy Future of Oklahoma and the East Texas Sub Regional Planning Commission sued the Army Corps of Engineers for approving construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. They asked for a preliminary injunction to stop TransCanada from constructing the pipeline while the lawsuit went through the court system, but a district court denied the injunction. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld the district court’s ruling.

TYLER — A blaze at a Tyler home points up a warning not to leave even the smallest fires unattended. The Tyler Fire Department was dispatched to the single alarm structure fire just before 11:15 Wednesday morning at 2616 North Border. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and contained it to the room of origin, minimizing the level of damage to the structure. The fire was brought under control about 15 minutes. Investigators with the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office have determined that the fire started in one of the bedrooms from the unattended candles. Moderate smoke damage was reported throughout the structure, with minimal fire damage contained in the bedroom. There were no injuries reported.

SULPHUR SPRINGS — An East Texas city is hoping to be number one in an unusual category. The contest is all about naming the best public restroom in the country, and Sulphur Springs has one of the 10 finalists. It’s the public restroom on the town square, constructed using one-way mirrors. In other words, as City Manager Marc Maxwell says, it’s “just like… you would expect to see in a police interrogation room, you can see out, but nobody else can see in.” The restrooms were built last year as part of the downtown revitalization plan and are open 7 days a week. Online voting for best public restroom continues at http://www.bestrestroom.com through October 31.

JACKSONVILLE — A solution is in sight for an eyesore in downtown Jacksonville. Debris from the former Yum Yum Eatery fills the lot where the restaurant stood before it burned. It’s been a battle trying to get someone to clean it all up. But just last week, an anonymous group offered to pick up the tab, in the neighborhood of $70,000. City Manager Mo Raissi tells KETK he thanks the group on behalf of the city council and the taxpayers, who will now have no responsibility for the cleanup.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is facing a lawsuit from the mother of a man shot and killed by officers. The Longview News-Journal reports that the lawsuit claims “officers used unnecessary force, lacked proper training and violated proper procedure.” Jamel Freeman, 19, was shot and killed after attacking and stabbing two officers. They were responding to reports of a possible kidnapping. Freeman was known to have mental health issues. The officers were cleared in October 2011 of any wrongdoing.

TACOMA, WASH. (AP) – A Tyler man and two others have pleaded not guilty in the fatal stabbing of a fellow serviceman near a large Army base in Washington State. A $2 million bail has been set for the soldier accused of wielding the murder weapon. Prosecutors charged Jeremiah Hill, 23, with first-degree murder, saying he approached Spc. Tevin Geike, 20, and attacked him just as a verbal confrontation between two groups was calming down. The bail was set at a Tuesday afternoon court hearing. Authorities also charged Cedarium Johnson, 21, of Tyler, and Ajoni Runnion-Bareford, 21, with rendering criminal assistance, saying they helped dispose of the murder weapon. Bail for Runnion-Bareford was set at $250,000. Johnson was released and ordered to be contained at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

QUITMAN — The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in capturing a man wanted for burglary of a building. Bobby Joe “BJ” Lindley is described as 5’11,” weighing 160 pounds. Authorities tracked Lindley to a motel in Winnsboro, where he was reportedly staying with a girlfriend, but they say he escaped out the back window before he could be arrested. If you have any information regarding Lindley’s location, call Wood County CrimeStoppers 903-763-2274 (CASH).

TYLER — It was another successful Texans Against Crime observance in Tyler Tuesday, with 113 residential block and apartment complex parties on the slate, up from 95 last year. One party, hosted by southwest Tyler’s St. Louis Community Improvement Association, has been held for about 25 years. Residents met at St. Louis Baptist Church for fellowship, barbecue, and door prizes, with police and firefighters dropping by to visit. One resident says the emphasis of the St. Louis event is fellowship, with more serious anti-crime issues addressed at the association’s monthly meetings. Continue reading Tyler Holds Texans Against Crime Events

TYLER – The attempted robbery of an individual is being investigated by Tyler police. It happened around 8:30 Tuesday night. A woman tells officers it happened as she was walking to her car at Wal-Mart at 3820 Highway 64 West. She said she placed her groceries in her car and then walked her buggy to a cart return location. As she was walking back to her car she was approached by a suspect who grabbed her purse. She refused to let go of it and the suspect threw her to the ground, still attempting to take the purse. A nearby customer heard the victim screaming and ran to assist. The suspect then fled on foot. The woman received minor injuries but refused medical treatment. Continue reading Woman Injured In Tyler Robbery Attempt

LINDALE — Lindale ISD voters approved the October 8 Tax Ratification Election that called for a decrease in the total tax rate by two cents, including a four cent tax decrease on the interest and sinking tax rate and a two cent tax rate increase on the maintenance and operation tax rate. The election was passed by a vote of 465 in favor to 80 against. The maintenance and operation rate (M&O) will change to $1.08 per $100 property valuation. The two cent M&O increase will generate funds primarily for the purchase of technology for classrooms and additional security at the elementary campuses. Continue reading Lindale Voters Approve Tax Decrease

LONGVIEW — There will be temporary lane closures for two streets in Longview. KETK reports the northbound right lane of Gilmer Road will be closed between Winding Way and Gregg-Tex Road today from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The closure is for tree removal along Gilmer Road for the Ronnie Jones Property. The work is being performed by David Dorgan. Continue reading Longview Street Closures

TYLER — The man charged with killing a 23-year-old man outside the Tyler Broadway Square Mall earlier this year has had his trial reset for December 2. Rickey Neal, Jr., 26, appeared in court this week before learning of the latest delay. KETK reports proceedings were originally slated to begin August 5, but the trial was pushed back to October 7 after the district attorney’s office announced it would not accept a plea deal. Continue reading Alleged Tyler Mall Shooter’s Trial Reset for December

TYLER — The closure of our national parks means a boom for state parks. According to KETK, staffers at Tyler State Park say they’ve seen a five to ten percent increase in visitors since the government shutdown began. They believe the number will continue to rise because of limited camping places and boat ramps in East Texas.

TYLER — More details have been released on a plea agreement recently accepted by a Smith County patrol deputy who was arrested in July for drug trafficking. KETK reports Kimbrick Bernard Jones, 38, was on duty when he committed the alleged crimes, which included selling drugs from his patrol unit. The documents for the new plea deal were filed September 30. The factual resume signed by Jones states he willingly conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute meth and crack. He acknowledged he had over 50 grams of a substance containing a detectable amount of meth, less than 28 grams of crack and small amounts of marijuana. He also stated he distributed the drugs while on duty as a deputy sheriff for Smith County and was in uniform operating a patrol car. Jones additionally agreed to forfeit $520. Full details concerning the plea agreement where not immediately available.

LONGVIEW — Go West Longview advocate and Proposition One leader Kimberly Fish announced Tuesday she’s running for Gregg County Commissioner Precinct 2. The seat has been held by Darryl Primo since 1994. According to the Longview News-Journal, Go West Longview is a local revitalization movement; Proposition One, an offshoot of that effort, opened retail beer and wine sales in formerly dry West and North Longview. Fish says she’ll “promote economic development, revitalize infrastructure, and help restore community pride.” Fish calls Primo “an entrenched incumbent who avoids public accountability.” Primo earlier said that he plans to run again, commenting, “I continue to want to be the conservative voice on the commissioners’ court.” He added, “My overall goal…is creating opportunity for the people in my district so they can continue to prosper.”

TYLER — Members of the Tyler Fire Department recently competed in the Brookshire’s Regional Combat Challenge competition held in Tyler this past weekend. Both Tyler teams posted impressive results and are now qualified to compete in the World Firefighter Combat Challenge competition in Las Vegas, according to a news release. Tyler’s Open Challenge Team placed third overall, competing against 26 other teams from across the country. Members of this team include Brian Boyd, Jeremy Driver, Jeff Hudgens, Patrick Mayo, and Jay McClung. Continue reading Tyler Combat Challenge Teams Qualify for World Competition

GILMER — One of three defendants awaiting trial for the December kidnapping and killing of a Longview man will likely learn next month if prosecutors will seek the death penalty. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd said Monday’s deadline to announce whether he would seek the death penalty for Daniel Paul Jones has been extended to November 1. Byrd and Jones’ defense attorneys Kevin Settle and Jason Cassel agreed to the extension, according to documents field in Upshur County 115th District Court. Continue reading Death Penalty Deadline Extended in Upshur County Murder Trial

TYLER — Heavy damage is reported after the Tyler Fire Department responded to a two-alarm structure fire Monday night in the 2400 block of Rodge Dr. The initial call was received at 10:00 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters reported heavy smoke and flames throughout the structure. Initial reports indicated that the structure had been vacant for a lengthy period of time. Officials say firefighters gained control of the fire in less than one hour but remained on scene throughout the night, working to fully extinguish the blaze. The roof of the structure collapsed, and concerns regarding structural stability have slowed the investigation, according to a fire department news release. Fire investigators continue trying to determine the origin and cause of the fire. No injuries were reported.

LINDALE – Sheriff Larry Smith will hold a town hall meeting tonight from 6:00 until 7:30, at the Lindale High School Cafeteria, located at 920 East Hubbard Street. The town hall meeting is his third since taking office in January. The first two were in Whitehouse and Tyler, respectively. “When I ran for Sheriff of Smith County, I promised transparency and to be open to hear what residents have to say. That is the purpose of having the town hall meetings and I hope to have a large number of attendees in Lindale,” said Sheriff Smith. Smith said additional town halls are scheduled for October 15 in the Winona area and October 22 at First Baptist Church in Bullard. You can visit visit http://www.smith-county.com/so for more information on the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office also has a Facebook page and can be followed on Twitter at @SmithCSO.

HALLSVILLE — Officials say a woman’s body has been found near Interstate 20 in Harrison County. According to Harrison County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Jay Webb, a couple of truck drivers made the discovery about 1:00 Monday afternoon near where Farm Road 450 meets Interstate Highway 20 south of Hallsville. Two 18-wheeler drivers had pulled off the highway to check their tires and found the body on the entrance ramp to eastbound I-20. Authorities say on arrival, deputies found a white female, 30 to 40 years old with short blond hair. She was wearing only a light blue pullover top and a white bra. She was found eight feet from the roadway and appeared to have been there for 6 to 10 hours. Her body was sent to Tyler and a full autopsy has been ordered. Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 903-923-4000.

LINDALE — The City of Lindale has released a new website as of October 7. The new website design and reformat bid proposed by Group M7 of Tyler for http://www.LindaleTX.gov was approved in August by the Lindale City Council. The City of Lindale is currently contracting with business outsource Project Progress, the company responsible for working with Group M7 to achieve the City’s communication and marketing goals online. Continue reading New City of Lindale Website

TYLER — Journalist Bob Woodruff is set to fill in for Katie Couric in Tuesday’s lecture at The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. Susan Thomae-Morphew, UT Tyler Cowan Center executive director, made the announcement over the weekend. According to a news release, a family emergency caused Couric to cancel her scheduled lecture, which is co-sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center, CBS 19/London Broadcasting and UT Tyler. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at the UT Tyler Cowan Center box office by going to http://www.cowancenter.org or calling 903.566.7424. Box office hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday. Continue reading Bob Woodruff Poised to Fill In for Couric at UTT

TYLER — Tyler residents have succeeded in surpassing last year’s total of registered block parties for the annual Texans Against Crime (T.A.C.) going on today. According to a news release, the Tyler Police Department has registered 113 residential block and apartment complex parties for the activity. Last year the City of Tyler had approximately 95 block parties throughout the City to promote the program. The Texans Against Crime (T.A.C.) program is an annual event designed to unite neighbors and communities to encourage neighborhood communication, community involvement and crime prevention to create safer neighborhoods. Police say the T.A.C. program encourages neighborhoods and businesses to host block parties as an opportunity to get to know your neighbors and fight crime.

MARSHALL — Harrison County officials are asking for assistance from the public in identifying a suspect in an oil equipment theft that happened last month. KETK reports the suspect was seen at a site on Blackburn Road and Edmonson Road at 1:00am on September 25. Surveillance video shows a white male, about 35 to 40 years old, heavy build, wearing a camo baseball cap backwards, and safety glasses. It is believed that the man may be responsible for the theft of a Kohler 20 HP motor with an 11 on it, a 5 gallon per minute General pressure pump, and 100 feet of high pressure hose. Anyone with information is asked to call the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 903-923-4000.

KILGORE (Staff/AP) – The family of a Kilgore murder suspect insists the shooting was accidental. KETK and the Longview News-Kilgore report authorities have arrested a man believed to have shot and killed a Hallsville girl Saturday in the 3000 block of Mustang Drive in Kilgore. Kilgore resident Coby Ray Hudgins, 22, was jailed on $101,000 bond in the death Kayla Elizabeth Williams, 17. Hudgins was seen leaving Hudgins’s mobile home, where police found Williams’s body. Judge Arthur Fort of Gregg County, who pronounced Williams dead at 4:00 Sunday morning, said Williams died instantly from an apparent gunshot wound to the head around 9:20 p.m. Saturday. Beyond saying the shooting was accidental, Hudgins’s family members declined to comment Sunday on his arrest. Continue reading Murder Suspect’s Family Insists Shooting Was Accidental

TYLER — The Tyler Senior Center at 1915 Garden Valley Road plans to close to the public October 21-26 for maintenance and will then reopen Monday, October 28. All center-sponsored activities will be suspended while the facility is closed, including the October 25 Friday Night Dance and Gentle Senior Yoga classes. Meals on Wheels participants who routinely eat lunch at the Senior Center can pick up their meals at the organization’s main office at 3001 Robertson Road, Tyler. For more details about meal availability and times, call the Meals on Wheels office at 903-593-7385. The Tyler Senior Center, 1915 Garden Valley Road, serves active seniors ages 55 and better. Normal operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. For more information about the center and its activities, call (903) 597-0781.

TYLER — Tylerites who have visited the local Jaycees’ Halloween haunted house over the years will notice some changes this year. According to Jaycees member Michelle Perry, “Recently we have decided to re-vamp and re-energize the chapter as a whole and we hope to expand our contribution the community by improving the activities we are already involved with and coming up with new exciting events as well. One of our first projects to show the changes we are making is re-focusing our theme and target audience for our huge October event. Continue reading Jaycees to Change October Event; Part of Revamping Effort

TYLER — It’s Fire Prevention Week, and from October 6-12 the Tyler Fire Department is joining forces with the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to remind local residents to “Prevent Kitchen Fires.” During this year’s fire safety campaign, fire departments will be spreading the word about the dangers of kitchen fires — most of which result from unattended cooking — and teaching local residents how to prevent kitchen fires from starting in the first place. Additionally, the Fire Department will be visiting area schools throughout the month as part of its fire prevention and public education program. Continue reading Tyler Fire Department Reminds Residents to “Prevent Kitchen Fires”

LUFKIN — Angelina County authorities are investigating the death of a woman whose body was found along side a road. The call was received around 4:30 yesterday afternoon. The body was found north of Lufkin along sided Royce Oliver Road. An autopsy has been ordered to help determine the cause of death and to help identify the body. Authorities say, they are currently treating the death as a homicide.