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GARDEN VALLEY — An international charity, based Northwest of Tyler, in Garden Valley, has announced a new chairman of the board. According to our news partner KETK, Ruben S. Martin III will fill the seat for Mercy Ship’s board of directors, starting in January. In 2021, Mercy Ships will launch their newest ship, the Global Mercy. Martin was a key player in the launch of the world’s largest civilian hospital ship, the Africa Mercy. Mercy Ships aims to bring health care to those in need offering surgical procedures, medical training, and infrastructure development.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A man faces multiple charges following a standoff with deputies when he barricaded himself inside a camper with his gun. According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department, Jason Morris was arrested and placed in the county jail on charges of evading arrest, aggravated assault on a public servant, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, terroristic threat on public servant and resisting arrest. The altercation took place at the camper on Highway 175, following a report that a woman was being beaten in the face with an arrow by the man. Authorities arrived and the suspect presented a weapon. After a two-hour standoff and the large use of pepper spray, Morris left the trailer and was taken into custody.

LINDALE — Four individuals have been arrested in connection to a report filed by a Lindale man, who said he was kidnapped and beaten by the group. According to our news partner KETK, the suspects- McKaylah Fruge, Vernon Morris, Anthony Waymire and Zoey Stevens — have been charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and aggravated kidnapping. On Dec. 7, a man says he was taken against his will to a different city, after at least one of them had a weapon. Upon arrival at the new location, with the weapon again displayed, all four individuals proceeded to assault him. During questioning, one of the suspects confirmed the allegations.

TYLER — Congressman Louie Gohmert filed action earlier this week, that could lead to overturning President-Elect Joe Biden’s election victory. The East Texas Congressman told KTBB Tuesday, his reasoning for filing the lawsuit in Tyler, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. “If you don’t have a hearing where evidence is brought in, people testify, and experts come in and explain what has happened, then you haven’t had a hearing on fraud.” Gohmert went on to say, “There is not a single court in America, that has so-called ‘debunked’ the fraud in the election. Nobody has allowed an evidentiary hearing and taken witnesses and evidence, and that needs to be done!” Continue reading Gohmert highlights action steps of case filed this week

TYLER — NET Health released the weekly Regional Advisory Council G numbers from the Trauma Service Area, over the last 7 days on Tuesday. Data of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 continue to rise. On Monday, COVID patients hit 19.12% of the hospital capacities in RAC-G, which makes up Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Franklin, Freestone, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt and Wood counties. Once the metric climbs above 15% and lasts above the threshold for 7 consecutive days, businesses must operate at 50%, instead of 75% capacity. Bars remain closed. Continue reading Coronavirus hospitalization numbers continue to surge

ATHENS — An East Texas man was arrested Monday, in connection to an ATM robbery from two weeks ago. According to our news partner KETK, Rudy R. Jimenez, 28, Athens, has a previous history of violence and theft, and has been arrested 5 other times in Henderson County. Jimenez, later turned himself in, after a probable cause affidavit was issued. Detectives with the city say, during an interview with Jimenez, he admitted to committing the crime. He was arrested for aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm. Jimenez was transported and placed into the Henderson County Jail.

MINEOLA – Law officers are continuing an investigation that drugs were being shipped across the nation from a home in Mineola. According to our news partner KETK, the case began when a Mata, the K9 dog of constable Kelly Smith, detected drugs “during a random open air sniff” on Monday. One suspect was detained and methamphetamine, scales and drug distributing materials were taken from the suspect’s home on North Pacific street. Additional suspects have been identified in other states and warrants are pending for their arrests for delivery of methamphetamine. Continue reading Mineola law officers investigating possible drug distribution ring

JEFFERSON — Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur says he will be working from home for the next ten days after his wife tested positive for COVID-19. LeFleur said his wife, Brooke, is doing well with minimal symptoms. Marion County has the fewest confirmed cases of COVID-19, in Northeast Texas, 199 as of Sunday. The County has also reported 17 deaths due to the coronavirus. LaFleur went on to say that he is not aware of anyone else that is quarantining in local or county government, as a result of potential exposure. Marion was one of nearly 80 Texas counties, that opted out of Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order requiring face masks.

TYLER — D.P.S worked the scene of a two vehicle fatal crash on Monday. Troopers described the scene as a two vehicle fatal crash at the intersection of FM 757 and FM 2767 in Smith County. DPS. Sgt. Jean Dark has confirmed that three people are dead at the site of the accident. The investigation into what caused the wreck, remains open at this time. More information will be released once it becomes available.

TYLER — Multiple criminal charges have been filed by Texas game wardens into possible illegal hunting in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, authorities seized, 16 sets of antlers, among other things. The investigation was put into motion in November, after Smith County game wardens received a tip. Some of the charges filed include, hunting without landowner consent, harvesting illegal white-tailed bucks, tagging violations, and hunting at night with aid of an artificial lights. Authorities have also seized two crossbows and a one compound bow with flashlights, several rifles, a night vision scope, and about 80 lbs. of deer meat.

TYLER — Tyler Police arrested a man on a charge of driving under the influence after he crashed his SUV into a pond at Cathedral in the Pines. According to our news partner KETK, the incident took place Sunday morning at the cemetery located on Broadway. The burial ground continued to remain open as a tow truck removed the vehicle from the shallow waters of the water feature.

MARSHALL — The City of Marshall notified residents and local businesses of road closures, as a result of the Downtown Redevelopment Project. The work started Monday, on the southern end at the intersection of Austin and N. Washington. It then plans to move to to N. Washington and Rusk’s northern end. Citizens are asked to use Austin Street, Rusk Street, and the parking lot alley behind Joe Pine Coffee Company to access the businesses in the 200 block of North Washington. The city is asking for patience from the public during the job that is expected to last 8 to 10 business days project.

TYLER — The SPCA of East Texas is working hard to keep raising money in spite of COVID-19. According to the organization’s website, “2020 may have slowed life down for some, but we have been busier than ever helping more animals than ever!” It’s all in preparation for the SPCA’s New Year’s Eve 9th annual No-Show Gala. The website continues, “100% of your donation will go toward helping homeless pets in our community! So put on your jammies, get comfy on the couch, and be a (socially distanced) rescue hero from home!” You can go to https://spcaeasttx.com/no-show-gala-2020/ to donate and get additional information.

WHITEHOUSE — A trailer full of camping gear — and with a special meaning for the Scoutmaster — has been stolen from Whitehouse United Methodist Church, the normal meeting place for Boy Scout Troop 359. In a Christmas Eve posting on the troop’s Facebook page, Scoutmaster Jason Beaton says the trailer “was dedicated to the Troop back in 2000 in memory of a Dad who had passed away the year before and was a cornerstone of our Troop. The night before he suffered a brain aneurysm, we had Troop Meeting. He worked with me the entire night on the plans and designs of my Eagle Project. I will never forget his dedication to Scouting. His son (also an Eagle) and wife dedicated this trailer to our Troop in his memory.” Beaton says Whitehouse police have been notified and should be contacted at 903-510-7550 with any leads.

EAST TEXAS — High winds and dry conditions have been making it unsafe to do outside burning or ignite fireworks in East Texas, fire officials say. “We are asking people to voluntarily refrain from doing any outdoor burning or shooting fireworks,” said a statement from the Smith County Fire Marshal’s office. “The relative humidity is dropping…Combined with the high winds, this is a recipe for disaster.” Winds were expected to die down late Sunday and Monday, but officials still urge residents to exercise caution. Continue reading Officials warn of fire danger

UPSHUR COUNTY — Cases are pending against two men after Texas game wardens reportedly discovered they had 173 crappie over the legal limit. That’s according to our news partner KETK. In late November, game wardens in Upshur County received an anonymous tip that a large number of fish had been cleaned and dumped at Lake O’ the Pines, said information from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. The investigation led the game wardens to the suspects. The game wardens seized 350 crappie fillets, which were donated to families in the area. The daily bag for crappie is 25, according to TPWD.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is investigating a Thursday night fatality accident involving a pedestrian and a car. Police say the pedestrian was stuck by a southbound vehicle while crossing Troup Hwy. near the Aberdeen Drive intersection. Further details weren’t immediately provided. The identity of the pedestrian has been withheld pending notification of family.

TYLER — In 2021,The East Texas Auto & Cycle Show will be celebrating 31 years. The show benefits the East Texas Crisis Center. The show brings in vehicles of all makes, from every decade, some very rare, some from car enthusiasts who own vast collections and some from those who have the one dream car or motorcycle from their youth. The organization says the show will open at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler on February 19th through February 21st. This year the show will also raffle off a fully restored 1965 Mustang, with tickets available for $10 each.

TROUP — Law enforcement and fellow East Texans came together to donate their time and money to help the family of a fallen officer. Dakota Powell was killed in a motorcycle crash last week, when an SUV failed to yield the right of way. According to our news partner KETK, Powell, 30, was set to officiate a funeral of a three-week-old on Sunday. The sons of the former fallen Arp police officer, had a treehouse on their Christmas wish list. The East Texas Fraternal Order of Police reached out to others in uniform to help the Powell’s in their time of need. Continue reading Volunteers step up to help family of fallen officer

TYLER — CHRISTUS announced Wednesday, that Trinity Clinic is prepping facilities to receive, manage and distribute the COVID-19 vaccine to health care workers in the up-coming days. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine will be available to all health care workers, but is not mandatory. The inoculation will be given in two doses: an initial injection and then a booster shot, 21-28 days later. Shipments are expected this week. The vaccine is provided by the government, which requires following their process for distribution. That process includes a phased approach to who will be eligible to receive the vaccine.

TYLER — The hospitalization numbers of people admitted for COVID-19 continue to rise in East Texas. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Trauma Service Area G (TSA-G), includes Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Franklin, Freestone, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Houston, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Shelby, Smith, Trinity, Upshur, Van Zandt. and Wood counties. TSA-G remains above a 15% hospitalization rate and, per Gov. Abbott’s order, businesses must scale back capacity to 50%. Also under that order, all elective surgeries must be postponed and bars must close. Restrictions will last until rates fall below 15% for seven consecutive days. The latest Staffed Hospital Beds with a COVID-19 patient was 543, of the 3,093 that are available.

TYLER — Many recent graduates from Tyler Junior College’s respiratory care program are finding jobs quickly. According to our news partner KETK, Hospitals continue to see an upsize of patients with respiratory needs due to the pandemic. In early December, students applied for temporary practitioner licenses while waiting for their final grades to be posted, so they could enter the workforce as quickly as possible. Five of the 15 December graduates,were hired as assistants before graduation. The other 10 grads have also received job offers.

TYLER — East Texans partnered with Whataburger In their holiday ornament and food drive this year to help donate over $16 thousand to the East Texas Food Bank. According to our news partner KETK, customers bought an ornaments for a dollar each. On the last day of the campaign, customers that brought in canned goods, received a free burger. All of the proceeds went to the East Texas Food Bank. Initially, the goal was to raise $7 thousand dollars. However, generous donors helped more than double that. ETFB will be able to provide more than 128,000 meals from the drive.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview is inviting residents to repurpose their “live” Christmas trees, by turning them into compost or fish habitats. The Compost Site on Swinging Bridge Road will welcome the trees, or residents can leave them on the curbside. The city is reminding community members to remove all decorations. Trees with decoration and artificial trees will not be accepted. If residents prefer to leave the tree on the curb, organizers ask you to leave 4 feet of room between the tree and the trash and recycling carts. Call 903-237-1250 for more information or click the link. https://longviewtexas.gov/2264/Sanitation—Trash-Collection.

MARSHALL — A former East Texas teacher has been indicted by a Harrison County grand jury. Christopher Eppley, 36, is accused of an improper relationship between an educator and a student. Eppley, is scheduled to be in court on February 9th after being indicted. The alleged incident happened with a school child enrolled at Waskom ISD. The so-called occurrence took place when Eppley was a teacher at Elysian Fields Middle School. Eppley was arrested last March, with bond set at $75,000.