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TYLER — Wednesday, a Tyler man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to online solicitation of a minor under the age of 14. According to our news partner KETK, 69-year-old Newell Milton Vandergrift of Tyler was arrested Nov. 2022, after authorities were told of Vandergrift’s multiple solicitation attempts of minors around East Texas.

Law enforcement constructed a sting operation in October of the same year. On Oct. 13, a person posed undercover as a 13-year-old girl as part of a decoy “for the predator sting” where she spoke to a man named “Mike” via the application Meet24. A meet was set up at a Tyler gas station. When Mike showed up to meet the girl, other members of the sting operation approached, and he left. The Tyler group told officials they identified Mike as Vandergrift from another sting two months before in Big Sandy.

Law enforcement was able to view “Mike’s” Meet24 profile photo and make confirmation it was Vandergrift using his Pennsylvania driver’s license.

GREGG COUNTY – A Kilgore man is sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for trafficking drugs and supplying methamphetamines in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, 39-year-old Rodney Dewayne Fagans, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute meth. In a release from United States Attorney’s Office, Fagans reportedly admitted to selling large quantities of meth in Gregg County. The attorney’s office said 15 other people involved in the drug distribution network have been sentenced to federal prison.

TYLER – The board of Southside Bancshares Inc., the holding company for Southside Bank, unanimously voted to appoint a new president for the company and bank. According to our news partner KETK, Keith Donahoe was appointed as the president of Southside Bancshares Inc. and Southside Bank on May 16. In a release from Southside, Donahoe joined the bank in 2021 and has over 20 years experience in bank leadership.

Lee Gibson, Southside Bank CEO said, “Keith brings an extensive wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise to this position, having demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in his role as the Bank’s Regional President of Central Texas over the last three years. His deep understanding of our industry, our culture and his vision for Southside’s future make him the ideal candidate to serve as President.”

LINDALE – Lindale High School was named the 2024 Conference 4A UIL State Academic Champions. According to our news partner KETK, for Lindale ISD, this championship is their fourth UIL Academic State Championship in the past eight years, earning the title in 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2024.

Jeremy Chilek, Lindale High School principal, said, “I cannot begin to express how proud I am of our students and staff in LHS capturing the 4A UIL Academic State Championship. We have phenomenal students and relentless coaches who have worked tirelessly over the course of this entire school year toward this goal. This is something our entire campus can celebrate, as so many have had a hand in this tremendous accomplishment!”

The UIL Academics State Meet consisted of events including math, science, one-act play, spelling, current events, computer applications, accounting, journalism and speaking.

TYLER – The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the City luncheon on Thursday, at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. Mayor Don Warren shared achievements from the past year in a question-and-answer session. Warren also provided information on upcoming projects, opportunities, challenges and future goals for Tyler. Mayor Warren emphasized how the City is becoming “Future Ready” through initiatives that were in the early planning stages years before and are now complete or moving forward.  

He went over the timeline for improvements to Downtown Tyler, which will be transformed by 2027. Increasing connectivity, ease of walking, parking and public spaces are part of the improvement efforts to the downtown area. The Mayor also shared the progress that’s already taking place with new businesses opening. 
Continue reading Tyler Mayor talks “Future Ready”

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler received a $25,000 donation from the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation for the Richard and Madeline Lewis Scholarship, which supports UT Tyler student veterans. The foundation annually matches funds by and are partners with the Dew Boys organization at Eagle’s Bluff County Club in Bullard. The check presentation was held Wednesday, May 22, at the UT Tyler University Center.

Continue reading UT Tyler receives donation in support of student veterans

LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK, arrest warrants were issued after a “senior prank” went too far last Thursday. Lufkin ISD Police issued warrants for five high school seniors who they say vandalized the high school campus after hours. The students have also been barred from walking in graduation on Thursday night. A similar “senior prank” vandalism incident occurred this year in Longview, and students involved were not allowed to participate in graduation.

“Lufkin ISD will not tolerate this type of behavior that results in destruction of public property and disregard for staff, other students and the learning environment of our campuses,” Lufkin ISD said. “Parents need to have conversations with their children that these pranks can lead to school consequences, criminal charges and restitution for damages.”

TYLER – Tyler has been named a 2023 Tree City USA for their 15th consecutive year by the Arbor Day Foundation. According to our news partner KETK, the award was given to the city for its commitment to “urban forest management.” To qualify for the award, the city had to meet four requirements:

Have a tree board or department
Have a tree care ordinance
Maintain an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita
Hold an Arbor Day observance and proclamation
Continue reading Tyler named Tree City USA for 15th consecutive year

TYLER – All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Monday, May 27, for Memorial Day. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, May 28, and Commissioners Court will be held at the normal time on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. .

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler’s (UTT) Master of Business Administration program has been ranked among the top 30 in the nation by Fortune Magazine. According to a release from UTT, their program is ranked 29th nationwide for Fortune Magazine’s “Best Online MBA Programs in 2024.” UT Tyler said that they are one of only two UT system schools in the top 30, having been ranked 46th last year. “This recognition by Fortune Magazine is a testimony to the quality of our programs and our dedicated Soules College of Business faculty, who prepare the next generation of business leaders and professionals in the East Texas region and beyond,” Dr. Amir Mirmiran, UT Tyler provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said. UT Tyler said that their online MBA program is affordable and flexible, offering a number of different concentrations and being able to be completed in as little as one year.

TYLER – On Wednesday, the City of Tyler Mayor and City Council members were sworn into office after running unopposed. Those taking their oath of office included the re-elected Mayor Don Warren, Disrict Four Council Member James Wynne and District Six Council Member Brad Curtis. Following the swearing-in, the council held a meeting, where they elected Council Member Stuart Hene as Mayor Pro Tem.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) announced that nominations are being accepted for the 2024 W. T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. According to our news partner KETK, the 25th annual award will honor an individual or organization “exemplifying the concept of public health distinguished by protecting and promoting the health of the community.” NET Health added that all nominations must be received or postmarked by 5 p.m. May 31, and that the nominee does not need to be a public health professional and that their services may be civic, cultural, health, welfare or philanthropic. Continue reading NET Health opens nominations for ‘Doc’ Ballard award

EAST TEXAS — Memorial Day weekend will bring increased traffic on Texas roads. Motorists are reminded that state law requires drivers to slow down or move over for emergency vehicles – including tow trucks, police cars and fire trucks – stopped on the side of the road with their emergency lights activated. Texas law requires drivers to slow down at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit or, if able, to change lanes when they’re passing a first responder stopped on the road with their emergency lights activated, according to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR).

Large numbers of travelers are expected on Texas roads, which means that more breakdowns and traffic stops are likely as well. Drivers should pay attention to what’s happening around them and prepare to react quickly. Continue reading Move over for Memorial Day

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department will be adding additional officers on the street utilizing STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program) starting on Friday, May 24th through Monday, May 27th. According to a police department news release, with increased traffic in the city and at Lake Tyler for the Memorial Day weekend, the additional officers will be specifically watching for impaired or intoxicated drivers. Please be responsible and don’t drink and drive.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD announced their lone finalist for superintendent as Dr. Marla Sheppard, a 29-year veteran educator. According to our news partner KETK, Sheppard has served as a math and science teacher, assistant principal and middle and high school principal in Houston ISD. She was also an assistant superintendent at Fort Bend ISD where she was responsible for 16 schools.

“I am honored to be chosen to serve the Longview community,” Sheppard said. “I am grateful to the board for their trust in me and I look forward to creating long-lasting relationships with the students, staff, and greater community.”

Sheppard said she looks forward to the journey forward in the community and she is excited for the opportunity to lead Longview ISD. She will begin her tenure at the district after the state-required 21-day waiting period. Continue reading Longview ISD announces lone finalist for superintendent

LONGVIEW — A Gladewater man pleaded guilty to murder on Monday after being accused of killing Victor Hugo Herrera in 2022 with a claw hammer. According to our news partner KETK, Preston Wade Graham pleaded guilty on Monday in the 188th District Court in Gregg County and was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

According to an arrest warrant, on Oct. 10, 2022 Longview officials received an emergency call from the roommate of Herrera. Officials said when police responded to the residence in the 1000 block of Baxley Lane in Longview, the roommate said Herrera was injured and appeared to be struck in the head sometime between Oct. 9 and Oct. 10. Continue reading Man charged in brutal 2022 murder sentenced to prison

TYLER – Lawsuits and claims from the Phillips family related to their criminal cases could cost Smith County an estimated $300,000. County officials said this in a commissioner’s court meeting on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Assistant District Attorney Thomas Wilson provided the briefing on pending or contemplated litigation against the county involving Karen, Derek and Lance Phillips, as well as family friend Cody Voss.

Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips originally filed her lawsuit against Smith County in June 2023. She is seeking $10 million in damages in connection to her March 2023 arrest. The lawsuit was paused by the court pending the outcome of her criminal case, and Wilson said that “as a result of the guilty finding by the jury I would anticipate that this claim will no longer go forward.”
Continue reading Phillips criminal case lawsuits could cost Smith County $300K

TYLER – With Memorial Day weekend here, Texas launched it’s annual “Click It or Ticket” seatbelt safety campaign on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety held press conference in front of a “Click it or Ticket” monster truck and was attended attended by many in the East Texas law enforcement community.

Heather Singleton, a DPS traffic safety specialist said at the launch event, “A lot of people don’t really understand the severity of not wearing a seatbelt. And that’s why we have these campaigns that include education, along with the enforcement officers who are out doing this enforcement beginning today. They’re going to be educating drivers that they speak with as well.”
Continue reading ‘Click It or Ticket’ seatbelt safety campaign begins

HAWKINS – Some residents in the City of Hawkins said they’ve grown frustrated with their local police department after an officer shot and killed a neighborhood dog in early May. According to our new partner KETK, their concerns have intensified because the officer involved has not been disciplined. City hall was packed Monday night with citizens willing to give their opinion.

One person said, “It’s either fix [the police department] or get rid of it because our community deserves better.”

“I shot two of them stray dogs that were going to kill me and my dogs, so I just want to speak up for the people here to let you know, me and my family and us we all need the police department here,” Robert Burke, a Hawkins resident, said.
Continue reading Hawkins residents raise concerns about their police department

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County officials and others involved in the construction project held a Topping Out Ceremony for the County’s Parking Garage on Monday, May 20, 2024. The ceremony signifies the last of the 504 precast pieces being placed on top of the garage. Smith County Officials, representatives from Hoar Construction, SCI Construction and Fitzpatrick Architects, as well as employees, signed the 44,000-pound piece of concrete before it was hoisted by a 212-foot crane and secured on the top of the garage. The project is about halfway completed and is expected to open in October.

WHITE OAK — Brandon Gilliam, 42, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to the 2021 murder of Steve McDowell. According to our news partner KETK, Gilliam’s sentence comes only weeks after Regina Massie, 40, also pleaded guilty in connection to McDowell’s murder. Case records revealed that Gilliam and Massie were hired by McDowell to fix his truck but then he discovered money was missing from the truck. Massie reportedly told investigators that Gilliam hit McDowell in the head with a foot-long pipe after he was confronted about the money missing from McDowell’s truck. Gilliam then reportedly tried to suffocate McDowell by covering his mouth and nose. Massie also quoted Gilliam as saying “McDowell should not have died over $35.” Gilliam’s sentence started on Monday.

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Police Department is warning the public of a scam after they recently arrested a person for allegedly stealing between $30,000 and $150,000. Muhammad Muzammil, 23 of Bolingbrook, Illinois, allegedly used scam tactics to scam a local victim out of a “significant amount of money,” according to Longview PD.

“Unfortunately, these types of crimes are becoming more common and often target the elderly and young adults. Protect yourself and your loved ones by staying informed and vigilant,” Longview PD said. Visit the Federal Trade Commission online for more information on scams and how to protect yourself from them. Continue reading Illinois man arrested for theft of more than $30,000

TYLER — The U.S. Postal Service is asking all homeowners to check their mailboxes as part of their Mailbox Improvement Week. According to our news partner KETK, the postal service designates the third full week of May as Mailbox Improvement Week to encourage customers to examine and potentially improve their mailboxes. The USPS said in a release,, “neat, attractive, mailboxes make a significant contribution to the appearance of the countryside and streets in suburban areas.”

Some changes homeowners could do include: Replacing loose hinges on a mailbox door, repaint a mailbox that may have rusted or started to peel, remounting a loosened mailbox post and replace or add house numbers.
Continue reading USPS reminds homeowners about mailbox maintenance

SMITH COUNTY – Romanian national Alin Nistor was given 12 years in prison on three separate charges of fraudulent use of debit card information, food stamp fraud, and theft of property. He was sentenced by Judge Reeve Jackson in the 114th District Court on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Nistor and his wife were identified by the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center to be connected to a large organized crime ring of other Romanian nationals committing fraud across the country. According to a release and an investigation headed by the Tyler Police Department, a traffic stop resulted in officials finding “345 large cans of baby formula in their car” with the intent to resell and several Lone Star welfare cards and gift cards that had modified information from California residents. Evidence was also presented of Nistor’s wife stealing over $5,000 worth of printer ink cartridges from a Walmart weeks prior.

MALAKOFF – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said that they arrested a woman on Saturday after suspected cocaine and a ‘large sum’ of cash was found during a traffic stop. According to our news partner KETK, Courtney Dawson, 29 of Malakoff, was arrested after Henderson County narcotics investigators Brad Beddingfield and Jonathan Daille found “a substance believed to be cocaine along with a large sum of U.S. Currency,” during a traffic stop, according to the sheriff’s office.

Dawson reportedly had an outstanding warrant for manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance and has been charged with manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. She’s being held in the Henderson County Jail on a total bond of $1,550,000.