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HOPKINS COUNTY – A man has been arrested for several felony child sex related charges after an investigation by Hopkins and Franklin County officials. On Tuesday, according to our news partners at KETK, the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office said they received reports of children at risk of “serious harm, adult actor(s) actively involved in child exploitation including online activities.” An investigation was opened immediately and with the information received, authorities said they were able to determine a possible location of the suspect in Franklin County. Hopkins County investigators went to the location and officials said they were able to identify the suspect outside the residence. The suspect was identified as 33-year-old Billy Joe Truss and authorities said Truss was detained without any further risk to the victims or the community. Continue reading Man arrested for felony child sex crimes

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, in collaboration with eight local colleges and universities, gathered for the Early Assurance Program Signing Day on August 16. “This is a significant milestone for UT Tyler School of Medicine and our partnering colleges,” said President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP. “The Pathways program reflects our commitment to recruiting local talent and promoting excellence in medical education. Through this program, we are creating a pathway for East Texas students to pursue a career in medicine.” Continue reading UT Tyler School of Medicine launches Early Assurance Program

LONGVIEW – CHRISTUS Good Shepherd has earned the Platinum Performance Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology. According to our news partner KETK, its the first time the hospital has achieved this honor and one of only 262 hospitals to be recognized in the United States. The Chief of Cardiology, Dr. Chris McClish said, “This is a tremendous honor and achievement for the community and patients of the Longview region. To be recognized by the American College of Cardiology highlights the tremendous effort by our associates and demonstrates our commitment to the highest quality, comprehensive cardiac care.”
Continue reading CHRISTUS Good Shepherd earns nationwide award

KILGORE – During a traffic stop, a man with several warrants was arrested after allegedly attempting to run from police while being in possession of methamphetamines. According to our news partner KETK, on Aug. 12, an officer with the Kilgore Police Department said he saw Tucker Thedford as a passenger in a vehicle and recognized him as a suspect that had several warrants for his arrest including a parole warrant. After Thedford resisted, an officer was able to place him in handcuffs but police said he attempted to run away from the officer before shortly being caught. Thedford was reportedly found to be in possession of approximately 8.1 grams of meth and was taken to the Gregg County Jail on the warrant charges along with resisting arrest, search or transport and possession of a controlled substance.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Two people were arrested in connection to a drug trafficking organization in Cherokee County. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Police Department conducted a three-month investigation into a suspected drug trafficking organization at a residence on County Road 4303 in Jacksonville. As a result of that investigation, authorities issued arrest warrants for Drew Clark Sr. and Latona Durrett for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. Continue reading 2 arrested for Cherokee County drug trafficking

LONGVIEW – A driver was hospitalized after a two-vehicle wreck rollover wreck in Longview according to our news partners at KETK. On Tuesday around 3 p.m., the West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department (WHVFD) responded to reports of a two-vehicle wreck at the intersection of FM 449 and Will Smith Road. The wreck involved a truck that rolled over off the side of the road. The driver of the truck was taken to a local hospital by Christus EMS. A WHVFD rescue vehicle, one CAFS truck, two DPS units and five personnel responded to the scene to assist.

TYLER — Smith County residents summoned to appear for Smith County Jury Duty are being asked to change where they park during construction of the County’s parking garage. For many years, jurors have parked in the large lot on East Ferguson Street but now, those reporting for duty are being asked to park in the Fair Plaza Parking Garage, located at 208. S. College Avenue. The walking distance from the parking garage to the Smith County Courthouse, located at 100 N. Broadway Avenue, is 733 feet, while the parking lot on Ferguson Street is 852 feet from the Courthouse. It is free to park in the Fair Plaza Garage on all four floors, except for the reserved spaces. Jurors are asked to park on the third and fourth floors. Continue reading Smith County jury parking to move during construction

KILGORE — Henderson Boulevard will be closed Thursday for the construction of the Kilgore College bridge. According to our news partner KETK, the road will be closed from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. There will be a detour route using Houston Street, S. Commerce Street and Harris Street. On Saturday, there will be a closure from 4 a.m. until noon, and drivers can use that same detour. After that, Henderson Boulevard will be a two-lane two-way roadway for several weeks while construction is completed.

TYLER — Tyler ISD bus drivers will soon have cases of water on hand for their routes. According to our news partner KETK, Churches Serving Schools and the Brookshire Grocery Company partnered to supply more than 60,000 bottles of water to Tyler ISD bus drivers. “We are beyond grateful for this donation for our Tyler ISD bus drivers,” Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Hines said. “They are the first person thousands of our students see every school day and the last person they see when the school day ends. Our drivers travel more than 7,500 miles daily, covering Tyler ISD’s 193-square-mile school district. This incredible gesture means so much to each and every one of them.” Continue reading 60,000 bottles of water donated to Tyler ISD bus drivers

PALESTINE — The Palestine Police Department lost a K9 officer this week. The department announced that K9 Hera died on Aug. 14 from a recent illness, according to our news partner KETK. The department said she will be remembered as a hard-working member of the Palestine Police Department and a public servant to the community. “Our condolences go to her family during this difficult time,” Palestine PD said. “Rest easy, Hera. We have the watch from here.”

TYLER — Work is underway to renovate Tyler’s former Greyhound bus station into a new boutique inn that will serve downtown Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the Greyhound Inn will feature nine rooms, five original upstairs apartments, two first floor units and two new rooms that will divide the building’s Art Moderne addition. Originally the building’s rooms were used for overnight Greyhound bus drivers, so many of them were fully equipped with bathrooms and kitchenettes and will be again once the renovation is complete. “I believe these will be the most unique hospitality rooms in all of East Texas, when finished. It’s hard to explain how cool these rooms are until you see them for yourself,” said Andy Bergfeld with Bergfeld Realty Company. Continue reading Former Tyler bus station being renovated into Greyhound Inn

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A federal grand jury July 19 returned indictments on three persons on several drug charges. According to our news partner KETK, indicted were Joshua Lindsey, Amanda Lindsey and Jacob Lacey. They were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting.
Continue reading Feds indict 3 for having 3 pounds of meth

LONGVIEW – Longview ISD is proposing a tax rate cut for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and a bond election for Nov. 7. According to our news partners at KETK, the Longview ISD Board of Trustees approved a proposed property tax rate decrease from $1.3276 per $100 valuation to $1.1422 per $100 valuation. This proposed rate includes $0.6692 for Maintenance and Operations and $0.4730 for Interest and Sinking. They also are projecting a budget of $100,715,705 for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, up from last year’s budget total of $94,214,401. Continue reading Longview ISD proposing $359 million bond

MOUNT PLEASANT – The Mount Pleasant Police Department said a man was sentenced to life in prison for continuous sexual assault of child on Monday. Cornelio Macedo-Medrano, 58, was arrested in 2021 after he was accused of sexually assaulting a child between 3 and 5-years-old. “It took enormous courage on behalf of the victim to come forward and speak with the MPPD. Thanks to the Titus County District Attorney’s Office, Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, investigators from the MPPD, and the brave victim, today Macedo-Medrano was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.” –  Mount Pleasant Texas Police Department

LONGVIEW – Occupants of two vehicles were hospitalized after a wreck involving an 18-wheeler on Monday morning according to our news partners at KETK. Around 8:40 a.m., the West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department responded to a multi-vehicle wreck with a possible entrapment. When crews arrived, they reportedly found a car, truck and 18-wheeler were involved in the accident. The fire department said that occupants from both vehicles were taken to a local hospital. “The department responded with 1 rescue truck, 1 tanker for traffic control and 7 personnel,” said the West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department. No further information is available at this time.