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SMITH COUNTY – Smith County fire investigators said fireworks may have contributed to a house fire reported Thursday night. Firefighters were called to a house FM 756, near Beam Road at 11:45 p.m. Several people were at home at the time of the fire, but were uninjured. Fire crews from other jurisdictions responded to the fire, but the home was a total loss.

Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue said preliminary investigation of the fire shows that the fire started in the garage, “and fireworks may have been a contributing factor to the cause of the fire. The investigation is ongoing and no foul play is suspected at this time.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said that a 19-year-old has died after being shot in the head on July fourth. According to our news partner KETK, 19-year-old Rawly Sanchez, was reportedly shot to death behind a Smith County business. Sheriff’s reports say deputies responded to a call of a shots fired around 10:45 p.m. on Thursday, at Highway 271 north near Tyler. Smith County dispatch reported the gunshot victim was taken to local hospital.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office learned this at the hospital. Three friends were riding in a truck on Old Gladewater Highway, but turned around to go back to Highway 271. The trio reportedly passed behind Bautista Auto Sales and that’s when gunshots were reportedly fired. While sitting in the back of the truck, Rawley Sanchez reportedly was shot in back of the head. He was immediately taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Continue reading Suspect arrested in Smith County fatal shooting

TYLER – A Friday morning shots fired call in Tyler has led to a 22-year-old being charged with six counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to our news partner KETK, Chandler Haught of Tyler was arrested after authorities arrived to the scene at a First Street residence. Multiple adults and children were escorted from the home. The case is being forwarded to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office and no injuries were reported.

HENDERSON COUNTY – A 40-year-old drowned on Independence Day near Mabank. According to our news partner KETK, authorities said that at 8:34 p.m. they were alerted to a drowning incident in Hidden Hills Harbor where callers said a man went under and never resurfaced. Payne Springs Fire Rescue and the Texas Game Wardens arrived on scene and were assisted by Gun Barrel City Fire and Long Cove Fire for their boats. The side scan sonars on the boats helped locate and recover the victim.

DAINGERFIELD – A motion passed by the City of Daingerfield will cease all response by the Daingerfield Volunteer Fire Department outside of city limits, according to our partners at KETK. In a memo, the city said a motion was passed for the VFD to no longer respond to life-threatening calls outside of city limits on May 13. That motion went into effect on Monday, but on June 10, the city council made an additional motion to cease all VFD responses outside of city limits. The decision to cease all VFD responses will go into effect on Sept. 1. On Thursday, the VFD posted to social media a list of facts related to the response changes. One of the statements listed is that so far this year, 54% of all their responses were outside the city limits, and that the county’s contribution represents about 7% of the VFD’s total budget.

DAINGERFIELD — Our news colleagues at KETK say one person is injured following an early Thursday morning shooting in Daingerfield, now officials are looking for the suspect.The police department said at around 1:13 a.m. officers responded to a report of a robbery and shooting at a business parking lot where they discovered a victim who had a gunshot wound. According to a preliminary investigation, the suspect is a short, light-skinned Black man wearing a Nike Ski-type mask and armed with a handgun. The suspect reportedly ran from the scene before officials arrived. “It is believed that a vehicle may have been involved in facilitating the suspect’s escape, possibility picking him up after he fled the parking lot,” the police department said. Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact the Daingerfield Police Department at 903-645-2114.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler placed first and third in the collegiate track of the 2024 U.S. Department of Energy American-Made Community Energy Innovation Competition. The contest concluded last month with the third and final impact phase in which the top three collegiate teams competed for a share of the $100,000 grand prize. Two UT Tyler teams was among the top three finalists in the contest this year. Continue reading UT Tyler team shine in DOE Community Energy Innovation Prize

VAN ZANDT COUNTY –  TxDOT has scheduled a closure on I-20 in Van Zandt County for Monday that will affect the FM 859 bridge north of Canton from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. TxDOT announced that during the time of road work, the main lanes of I-20 will be closed in both directions while crews work on the bridge. The FM 859 bridge will also be closed while crews are working.

TxDOT said that I-20 traffic will be diverted onto the frontage roads during these closures. This closure is part of a larger project to replace the FM 859 bridge.

During the construction of the new bridge, I-20 traffic will be reduced to one lane during the nighttime, according to TxDOT. The timeframe of the next phase will be provided after further progress of the project.

TYLER – As crowds celebrating Independence Day at Lake Tyler start arriving, residents in the area ask that people practice safety and do their part to keep the lake clean. Residents want visitors to know that they are welcome to celebrate but want to remind them that it is their home, and they want to keep it beautiful. According to our news partner KETK, a nonprofit in the area is also helping keep the area clean.

Although keeping the lake clean is one priority, another is safety to prevent anyone from getting hurt while on the water. People in the area said law enforcement will be patrolling Lake Tyler so it’s a great place to bring the family. Continue reading Lake Tyler ask Fourth visitors to prioritize safety, clean up

CANTON – TxDOT has scheduled a closure on I-20 in Van Zandt County for Monday that will affect the FM 859 bridge north of Canton from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. According to our news partner KETK, during this time of construction, the main lanes of the interstate will be closed in both directions while crews work on the bridge. The FM 859 bridge will also be closed while crews are working. TxDOT said that I-20 traffic will be diverted onto the frontage roads during these closures. This closure is part of a larger project to replace the FM 859 bridge.

TIMPSON – One person was arrested after a robbery at Austin Bank in Timpson on Tuesday morning, according to our colleagues at KETK. DPS said that troopers arrived at the scene within two minutes and encountered the suspect. Authorities said the subject was threatening citizens inside and outside of the bank with a pellet revolver. The person was taken into custody at the scene. The investigation is being handed to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and the identity of the arrested individual is not yet available.

PAYNE SPRINGS — A 3-year-old was airlifted to a Dallas hospital Tuesday morning after nearly drowning in Enchanted Oaks, Payne Springs Fire Rescue (PSFR) said. According to our news partners at KETK, PSFR was alerted at around 10:13 a.m. of a possible drowning and responded immediately with EMS to treat the toddler. UT Health Air 1 West transported the 3-year-old to a children’s hospital in Dallas. “This is our third call on the lake involving pediatric patients this summer. Please use the utmost caution on and around the lake with children,” PSFR said.

BULLARD – Bullard residents will soon be under water usage restrictions due to weather conditions and mechanical issues with a city water well, according to our colleagues at KETK. The city announced that they will be under a Stage 1 Water Conservation Notice starting Friday, meaning all Bullard utilities customers will need to abide by the following restrictions:
Residents with even numbered addresses can water outside on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
Residents with odd numbered addresses can water Saturday, Monday and Wednesday
All outdoor watering is prohibited on Friday
Those who violate the guidelines will be subject to a written warning, and may be issued a citation.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine held a White Coat Ceremony for their second class. According to a release and our news partner KETK, in the ceremony the new students received their white coats, and the Humanism in Medicine pin. There was also a speech by former UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun and a recitation of the Physician’s Oath. The university said that this class’ tuition is being funded by a “generous anonymous donor.” The school also said that 85% of the school of medicine’s inaugural class has ties to East Texas.

“This White Coat Ceremony is a rite of passage that marks a profound milestone for our students,” Dr. Julie Philley, UT Tyler president, said. “It signifies the beginning of their journey into the medical profession and all of the responsibility that comes with it.” Continue reading UT Tyler medical school welcomes second class

EAST TEXAS – Looking for somewhere to celebrate the 4th of July? Our news partners at KETK have put together a list of events and firework shows being held across the area. You can find that list here.

ATHENS — An old Athens motel will be converted into a new affordable housing complex. According to our news parter KETK, a Dallas construction company has partnered with the City of Athens. Wallace Ventures’ is converting the old Quality Inn motel off Highway 31 that was vacant for more than 10 years, into “Athens Reserve”, a 122 unit studio apartment complex. Each apartment will just under 300 square feet.

Athens City Manager Elizabeth Borstad said, “The Athens Reserve project is a significant transformation for this property, turning an abandoned hotel into efficient and affordable housing. This initiative provides a practical housing solution while enhancing the local area.”
Continue reading Affordable housing complex coming to Athens

TYLER – Starting Monday July 1, the Tyler Police Department have added more officers on the street to shore up STEP. According to Andy Erbaugh, Tyler PD Public Information Officer, STEP is, the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program. The program is based on accident data in the Tyler city limits and it lets officers target problem areas. Through Sunday, July 7, officers will be watching for speeding, seat belt violations, intersection problems and impaired driving.

The Tyler Police Department asks that you don’t drink and drive. And, they wish you a safe and happy holiday!

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Marshal’s office is reminding all residents that, in accordance with the Tyler Fire Code, the discharging of fireworks without a permit within city limits is strictly prohibited. This regulation is enforced to ensure the safety and peace of all community members.

As the City and community continue to recover from recent storms, it is especially critical to adhere to this ordinance. The presence of storm debris across Tyler poses significant hazards. Fireworks can easily ignite this debris, potentially leading to dangerous fires that could threaten homes and lives.

“We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in keeping our city safe, particularly during this critical time of recovery and rebuilding,” said Fire Marshal Joey Hooton. “Let’s work together to ensure a safe and peaceful Fourth of July holiday for everyone.” Continue reading City of Tyler urges residents to refrain from fireworks

PALESTINE — Two people were arrested on Friday in Palestine after reportedly holding a woman against her will at a Palestine motel. According to our news partner KETK, the Palestine police officers were dispatched to a motel in Palestine after receiving text messages from their 911 system from a woman claiming she was being held by a man and asked for help. Officers knocked at the door of the motel room and got no answer. Hotel staff told officers that the room was rented by a woman identified as Cesilia Salinas. Salinas was wanted on felony warrants from Smith County and had a bond totaling $500,000.

“The texts indicated that the victim was in the room with the male and a female who were drunk and using methamphetamine. The victim claimed she was being thrown to the bed when she tried to get up to leave and she stated she was scared,” Palestine PD said. The victim reportedly said Salinas was flushing methamphetamine while officers were attempting to breach the door. When officers entered the room, they found Salinas hiding in the bathroom. Continue reading Two arrested for unlawful restraint in Palestine

AUSTIN (AP) – A Texas court on Monday set an execution date for Robert Roberson, who was sentenced to death in 2003 for killing his 2-year-old daughter but has consistently challenged the conviction on the claim that it was based on questionable science.

Roberson has maintained his innocence while being held on death row for more than 20 years. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals previously halted his execution in 2016. But in 2023, the state’s highest criminal court decided that doubt over the cause of his daughter’s death was not enough to overturn his death sentence.

His new execution date is set for Oct. 17. Continue reading Texas sets execution date for East Texas man

SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a Collin County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) investigation has led to a Smith County minor being arrested in connection to multiple bomb threats made to East Texas Brookshire’s stores and other locations nationwide. The suspect was also reportedly linked to bomb threats at schools in the Tyler area, Cy-Fairbanks ISD near Houston and Mission ISD. The suspect’s activities also reportedly spanned across Arkansas, Louisiana, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The CCSO said investigators identified over 100 locations targeted by the hoaxes. The investigation was assisted by the Tyler Police Department, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

KILGORE – A former Kilgore ISD choir teacher has been sentenced to 10 years in jail in connection to an improper relationship with a student in 2022. According to our news partner KETK, 38-year-old Phillip Nix of Seymour was arrested in July of 2022, after the Kilgore Police began an investigation of him based on information given to them by the district.

Kilgore ISD told police about an improper relationship between Nix and a teenage student in March of 2021. Nix reportedly worked at Kilgore High School as their choir director from the fall of 2019 till the end of the 2021 school year when he resigned.

Gregg County court records reveal that Nix pleaded guilty to one count of an improper relationship between educator/student on Monday. His 10-year sentence began Monday at the Gregg County Jail.

SMITH COUNTY – Our partners at KETK report the Smith County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is currently investigating a murder that took place on Sunday evening. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday deputies of the sheriff’s office responded to a shooting in the 8900 block of CR 4136. Smith County Communications had reportedly received information that a man had been shot multiple times and was not breathing. Officials said that when the deputies arrived, they found the man in a bedroom of the residence and he confirmed that he had been shot. Deputies began lifesaving measures until EMS arrived, however the man, identified as 21-year-old Kelly Torrez, was pronounced dead shortly after. The sheriff’s office identified Melvin Guevara, 21 of Tyler, as the suspect. Continue reading Man charged with murder after Sunday night shooting

TYLER – Tyler Animal Services is partnering with Special Olympics of Texas to raise funds for the nonprofit. During the month of July, adoption fees for dogs and cats will be waived with proof of a donation to the Special Olympics of Texas. Donations can be made in person at the Tyler Animal Shelter located at 4218 Chandler Hwy Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Continue reading Tyler Animal Services offering free adoptions with donations

ATHENS — The Athens Animal Services said on Monday that their shelter had been broken into and vandalized. According to our news partner KETK, the shelter said all three buildings were broken into, causing several thousands of dollars in damages. Officials from the shelter provided a link for those wanting to help. Those who wish to make a monetary donation can do so at Athens City Hall. For donation items such as newspapers, towels, blankets, toys and food, people can drop them off at animal services.

EAST TEXAS — The deadline for applying for FEMA assistance has been extended to Aug. 15. This means disaster survivors in Texas now have a little more time to apply for FEMA assistance. However, disaster survivors are encouraged to not wait. The sooner they apply, the sooner they may be eligible for assistance to help with their recovery from the recent storms.

Homeowners and renters in Austin, Bell, Calhoun, Collin, Cooke, Coryell, Dallas, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Falls, Guadalupe, Hardin, Harris, Henderson, Hockley, Jasper, Jones, Kaufman, Lamar, Leon, Liberty, Montague, Montgomery, Navarro, Newton, Polk, San Jacinto, Smith, Terrell, Trinity, Tyler, Van Zandt, Walker and Waller counties with uninsured losses from the storms and flooding that occurred April 26-June 5 may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For locations and hours, click here.

Texans do not have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters can go online here.

CUSHING – Our news partner KETK is reporting that one driver was injured after being ejected in a rollover crash on FM 225 near Cushing on Sunday. The crash happened on Sunday afternoon at around 2:19 p.m. in the 7900 block of FM 225. The Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department said that the rollover happened when the truck’s front left tire blew out and the driver lost control before being ejected from the vehicle. The driver was then taken by Nacogdoches County EMS to be treated at a local hospital. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS also responded to the scene.