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SMITH COUNTY — Wesley Hicks was sworn in to office Thursday to serve as Interim Smith County Precinct 5 Constable. “I am honored to serve in this position as Precinct 5 Constable and look forward to serving the citizens of Smith County in this new role,” Hicks said. Family, friends and co-workers attended the swearing-in ceremony, conducted by Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran in the Commissioners Courtroom. Hicks has 13 years of experience in law enforcement and 16 years as an emergency medical technician, emergency medical dispatcher and supervisor. Hicks has worked as Deputy Constable for Precinct 5 for three years. Before that, he worked from 2013-2019, for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, as a Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sergeant and then Lieutenant. Continue reading Interim Precinct 5 Constable sworn in

TYLER — Gov. Greg Abbott met with local business leaders in Tyler on Wednesday as a part of his reelection campaign and discussed how his efforts as governor have impacted the Texas economy. According to our news partner KETK, as a part of the roundtable discussion, Abbott addressed how local businesses are tackling supply chain challenges and providing jobs. Abbott also said Texas leads America in oil and gas production and that its production is being threatened by his opponent in the gubernatorial race, Beto O’Rourke, with his support of the Green New Deal. “Beto’s solution would decrease oil and gas production,” Abbott said. Continue reading Gov. Abbott says he’s running for reelection to keep hard working jobs ‘alive and well’

TYLER — Officials say an assault on a Smith County sheriff’s deputy has led to a 95-year prison sentence for a 41-year-old repeat felon. According to a news release from the Smith County DA’s Office, on August 24, 2021, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of a man wandering in the middle of State Hwy. 14 near County Road 310 pointing a gun at passing cars. Deputies arrived on scene and detained Christian Dewayne Smith while they investigated. Smith then assaulted one of the deputies by biting him on the wrist. A jury first found Smith guilty of assault on a public servant, then passed sentence after hearing evidence of Smith’s extensive criminal history — which includes 13 prior criminal convictions and multiple prison sentences. Smith was on parole for a 2016 felony drug conviction when he assaulted the deputy.

AUSTIN – The University of Texas System Board of Regents named 14 educators at UT institutions, including one from UT Tyler, among its 2022 Outstanding Teachers. Ashley Dalby, M.S., a lecturer in health and kinesiology at UT Tyler, is among the honorees. Recipients will each receive a medallion and a check for $25,000 in recognition of their contributions to student success and learning, according to a news release. They will be formally recognized by the Board of Regents at the upcoming board meeting in November.

TYLER – DPS reports a 19-year-old Tyler man was arrested Tuesday for intoxicated manslaughter and other charges in connection to a fatal wreck on Highway 110. According to our news partner KETK, a DPS report from the Sunday crash says Nicholas Agustin was driving south when he lost control of his Ford Crown Victoria, entered the northbound lanes, and collided with a Honda Civic. The passenger of the Civic, David Lewandowski, 51, of Hewitt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Agustin, who DPS said was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to a local hospital with non-incapacitating injuries. The driver of the Civic was transported to a separate hospital with incapacitating injuries. Continue reading Teen arrested on multiple charges in fatal weekend wreck

GILMER – Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman (pictured) is now in charge of prosecution and charging decisions relating to the case of an East Texas judge. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Judge Dean Fowler, who presides over the 115th District Court in Upshur County, was charged with driving while intoxicated following an arrest in early September. Four days after his arrest, Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd filed a motion asking to be recused from prosecution and charging decisions in the case. Judge Alfonso Charles agreed and assigned Putman the case. Continue reading Upshur County DA recuses himself from prosecuting district judge, tags Putman

TYLER – The East Texas State Fair is celebrating another successful year, including some record-breaking activity, after wrapping up Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, fair President John Sykes said despite families being impacted by inflation, the attractions still saw a bigger turnout than ever. “Our entries this year in all of our contests– in some areas, they even quadrupled the number of people participating in our Floral Cup, our horticulture, arts and crafts and even our livestock show,” explained Sykes. The Fair saw more than 250,000 visitors this year, which was about the same as last year. Continue reading East Texas State Fair celebrates another big year

LONGVIEW — Longview police say a Pine Tree High School student was apprehended Monday for allegedly making threats of violence toward the campus. According to our news partner KETK, a Longview police school resource officer responded to the threat around 1:25 Monday afternoon. Detectives got a “directive to apprehend” signed by a judge on the charge of exhibition, use, or threat of exhibition or use of firearms, regarding the threat towards students on campus, according to police. Officials said the student was apprehended off school grounds and taken to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center. This is at least the fourth threat of violence reportedly made by a student to a Longview campus since the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Continue reading Pine Tree student apprehended for alleged threats

TYLER — Governor Abbott will host a roundtable and press conference with local business leaders in Tyler Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the conference will start at 2:00 and will have a Q&A at the conclusion of the discussion. The gathering will be held at Preferred On-Site Fleet Services of Texas, 9965 State Hwy 31 E, Tyler. Abbott’s challenger, Beto O’ Rourke was at Stephen F. Austin State University Tuesday to speak to students about his future plans if he wins the race. As the election date approaches, many voters say they are worried about record migration on the Texas-Mexico border and are looking for solutions from both candidates. The latest poll shows Gov. Abbott with a seven-point lead over O’Rourke with 53%. O’Rourke currently sits at 46%. Election day is Nov. 8 and the last day to register to vote is Oct. 11.

LONGVIEW — Police arrested a suspect Tuesday wanted in connection to a Nacogdoches homicide investigation, according to our news partner KETK. James Edward Harris, 60, was arrested in Longview and will be taken to the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Center. Officials said the suspect was the victim’s boyfriend. Police were called to a residence on Elizabeth Street Oct. 3 “in reference to callers advising a family member was found deceased in the residence.” Officers said they arrived at the scene to find Rose Catherine Garner, 60, from Nacogdoches, dead from injuries believed to have been caused by a stab wound. The Justice of the Peace ordered an autopsy.

LONGVIEW – Donald Bandy has returned home safe, according to Longview Police. Our news partner KETK initially reported Donald Wayne Bandy was seen for the last time on Monday around 6:19 p.m. near North Eastman Road and George Richey in a black Cadillac SUV.

TYLER – A Tyler man who the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said was wanted last week turned himself in to Longview Police on Monday, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, Cedric Taylor, 38, was wanted for online solicitation of “inappropriate pictures” of an 11-year-old girl, and was believed to have possibly moved to Longview with his girlfriend. Officials with the sheriff’s office said Taylor turned himself in to Longview police after watching the news and seeing that authorities were looking for him. He was later transported to Smith County Jail.

GUN BARREL CITY – A man was arrested in Gun Barrel City Saturday afternoon and is accused of assaulting two police officers and two fire fighters causing moderate injury. According to our news partner KETK, Gun Barrel City police said they responded to America’s Best Inn and Suites after reports of a man trying to break into hotel rooms. Officers made contact with a man identified as Jacob Williams, 37, who officials said failed to follow command and assaulted the officers. “Williams was under the influence of multiple drugs,” Chief of Police Andy Williams said. Members of the Seven Points Police Department also responded and assisted in the arrest, according to officials. The injured first responders were treated at a hospital and released.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce names its yearly award winners at its annual meeting. The winner of the T.B. Butler Award for Tyler’s outstanding citizen is John Soules Sr., founder and owner of John Soules Foods. Chamber members cited his “strong innovative instincts and a special focus on evolving needs of consumers.” They also term Soules “an avid supporter of the community, giving generously of his time and resources to many organizations.” Kaitlyn Shultz captures the W.C. Windsor Award for top citizen aged 21-40. According to materials submitted to the Chamber, Shultz “has been a very active professional in the Tyler community” who “has served on multiple boards to support community and civic efforts.” She currently works as director of marketing and development at Habitat for Humanity of Smith County. Continue reading Award winners named at Tyler Area Chamber’s Annual Meeting

EAST TEXAS – More burn bans have been issued across East Texas as drought-like conditions remain in the area. We reported last week that Cherokee County is under a burn ban. According to our news partner KETK, Anderson, Angelina, Nacogdoches, Rusk, and Panola counties are among others now on the list. For now, Panola County’s burn ban is due to remain in effect until Oct. 10, but it could be extended. Fire officials said people should avoid outdoor burning and activities that can create sparks or flames. Residents should also alert firefighters of any wildfires. A violation of a burn ban is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

LONGVIEW – Longview police report a person in a motorized wheelchair has died following a crash early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, officials said they responded to the scene on E. Cotton Street around 4:45 a.m. where the victim was struck by a passenger car. Police said the crash is still under investigation.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) — Former University of Texas standout Tiffany Jackson, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA draft, has died of cancer at age 37. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, Jackson was drafted by the New York Liberty in 2007 and played nine seasons in the WNBA. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and managed to return to the court for a final season with Los Angeles before retiring in 2018. She was hired as head coach at Marshall’s Wiley College in April. Jackson still ranks in the top five in career points, rebounds and steals at Texas.

SMITH COUNTY — Two East Texans were arrested in connection to a child abuse case, said the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, Brandy Jaco, 31, and Gary Phillips, 30, were taken into custody on Sept. 27 and charged with endangering a child. The child also tested positive for amphetamine and marijuana, said the sheriff’s office. Continue reading East Texas couple arrested after child allegedly tests positive for drugs

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — An East Texas teen was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter on Monday for the December 2021 crash that killed 18-year-old Taylor Raper in Van Zandt County. According to our news partner KETK, Alfonso Medina, of Canton, was sentenced to 8 years in prison in the 294th District Court of Van Zandt County. Initial reports said that Medina, who was 17 at the time, was going west on FM 1651 and recognized Raper, an acquaintance who was driving in the opposite direction. DPS said Medina hit Raper’s car after swerving over the center stripe “in an attempt to scare her.” According to information presented in court, Medina did not have a driver’s license at the time of the crash.

TYLER — Tyler is all set for Tuesday evening’s return of National Night Out after holding off a couple of years due to the COVID pandemic. According to police, the National Night Out program promotes neighborhood alliances to strengthen communities and preserve the quality of life in East Texas. Through the program, police say they can strengthen communities by helping to educate families, friends, and neighbors on crime prevention. National Night Out celebrations are scheduled throughout East Texas. Continue reading National Night Out is back in East Texas

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court Monday discussed and approved several projects to be paid for with its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Smith County was allocated more than $45 million in ARPA funds by the federal government, intended as relief funding from the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. The court heard a presentation about a sewer/water project that would help the City of Winona, through a partnership with East Texas Municipal Utility District (ETMUD). The city has struggled with TCEQ compliance for wastewater discharge for more than 10 years. The proposed ARPA funding from Smith County would pay to construct a lift station and a force main, close down the city’s old wastewater plant, and instead send its wastewater to be treated at ETMUD’s plant. Click here for more details.

TYLER – Smith County authorities said a high speed chase that started in Canton ended near the entrance of the East Texas State Fair on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, the five occupants of the vehicle were then arrested by Canton police. Officials said Canton officers pursued the suspects down Highway 31 before catching them. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety all assisted, according to Smith County authorities. Further details weren’t immediately available.

HARRISON COUNTY – A man has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest after he allegedly made threats with a machete toward a family member and deputies. According to our news partner KETK, officials say Harrison County deputies were dispatched to P.R. 1329 after being told Bryon Nelson was upset and angry and that he had assaulted a family member. The complainant reportedly told deputies that Nelson grabbed a machete and made threats, including holding the machete against them. According to officials, deputies tried to contact Nelson but he retreated into a building still armed with the machete. Continue reading Man arrested, charged after alleged machete threats

TYLER – It will be more challenging to see pedestrians as days get shorter during the fall and winter months. That’s why TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” pedestrian safety campaign kicked off National Pedestrian Safety Month Monday, reminding drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and watch out for each other. Pedestrian traffic fatalities increased by 15% in Texas in 2021. The state saw 5,366 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 841 fatalities and 1,470 serious injuries. “The fall season means not only a shift to cooler temperatures but also fewer hours of daylight, and visibility becomes an issue,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. Continue reading National Pedestrian Safety Month starts

TYLER — During the month of October, Tyler Animal Services is waiving adoption costs with a donation. The shelter is asking for a donation of 12 toys for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. The standard dog adoption fee is $120 and $80 for cats. All animals adopted from Tyler Animal Services are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities. For a list of recommended items, click here. If you would like to adopt, see all pets available for adoption and submit an application on the Tyler Animal Services webpage here. The Tyler Animal Shelter is located at 4218 Chandler Hwy. For more information, call (903) 535-0045.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is alerting the public of a text message scam occurring in the community. According to the LPD Facebook page, concerned residents have contacted the department about a text message they have received from a number claiming to be a local bank. The message says there is unusual activity on a debit card and asks residents to call a number in the message. Police say you should not respond, and remember to never give out bank or personal information on the phone. They point out that scammers try to evoke emotion to get money from victims.

HAWKINS – 1,500 tires burned and created a large fire in East Texas on Thursday, said officials. According to our news partner KETK, Wood County Precinct 3 Constable John McQueen said the Wood the Hawkins Fire Department got called to the blaze around 9 p.m. on FM 2659. First responders called for more assistance because of the nature of the fire. Officials said it’s not easy to put out tires that are on fire, and they can burn for hours or days. Firefighters were able to contain the fire after some time. The Mineola Fire Department used their dozer to plow a line around the fire. Officials said the fire could smolder for days, and they are investigating the situation.