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TYLER — Smith County Commissioners Court took action steps Tuesday to lower the property tax rate. The new rate is down from 34.5 cents per $100 valuation to 33.5 cents for the 2021 fiscal year. However, in spite of the tax cut, the county will still take in more money from property taxes next year due to new property being developed that will bring in new revenue. The new budget will be $14.5 million dollars smaller than the current fiscal year. The county made several cuts, including delaying the previously planned bond election for a new Courthouse, originally planned for November of this year. Continue reading Smith County cuts property tax by penny, passes new fiscal budget

LONGVIEW — Jimmy Yancey celebrated his 90th birthday in style on Sunday. The legendary former band director was surprised by carloads of family and friends that honored him with a birthday parade at Longview High School. Chris Yancey told our news partner KETK original plans changed, “We had the idea that when he turned 90 we were going to have a banquet for him and have ex-students come in and tell stories about him. But, when the virus and current health care climate came along, we had to change all this.” Continue reading Former Longview band director celebrates birthday in style

AUSTIN — The latest poll from UT Tyler and the Dallas Morning News shows a continued tight presidential race in Texas. According to our news partner KETK, the poll was taken Aug. 28 – September 2. The most recent numbers shows Biden with 44% of the vote, and Trump at 43% (Independent candidate Jo Jorgenson had 2%, Green Party Candidate Howie Hawkins had 1% and 11% were undecided). However, when the poll accounted for those most likely to cast a ballot, Trump had 48% of that vote to 46% for Biden and 1% each for Jorgenson and Hawkins with 5% undecided. The margin of error for this poll is +/- 2.85 percentage. This poll is from a random sample of 1,182 voters surveyed over the phone and online. Continue reading Trump/Biden remains close in Texas, Cornyn leads Hegar

PALESTINE — A Trump boat parade was held Sunday at the Bella Vistas event center at Lake Palestine. Signs, banners and flags could be seen for miles. With the coronavirus making tradition political rallies hard to organize,Terry Kenny told our news partner KETK, these events were created to allow people to gather while maintaining social distance. “Well we can’t go to an indoor rally, so this is the next best thing. We need this, we need to show our support for President Trump.” This is the second Trump Rally held on the water in East Texas. Lake Tyler was the site of hundreds of boaters and more than a thousand participants on August 23.

TYLER — Senator John Cornyn wants voters to know how much “CARES Act” money their locality has received. Senator Cornyn has been on a tour of Texas cities discussing the “CARES Act” funding each city has received and how it’s been used to fight the coronavirus pandemic. He posted 18 videos from his tour on YouTube. In Tyler, Cornyn said, “If you told me 6 months ago I would’ve voted for a 3 trillion dollar spending bill, I would’ve told you you were crazy. But I truly felt like it was absolutely necessary for us to do it.” Texas has received 11.2 billion dollars in “CARES Act” funding, second only to California with 15.3 billion dollars. Cornyn is running for re-election in November against Democrat M.J. Hegar.

RUSK COUNTY — A small plane crash Saturday afternoon near the airport in  Rusk County remains under investigation. According to our news partner KETK, the DPS report indicates that the single engine aircraft lost power just after take-off from the airport and crashed into the tree line. The pilot and the passenger were taken to UT Health with minor injuries. The FAA was notified and responded to the scene.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles have signed Jacksonville native Josh McCown to their practice squad. McCown, 41, will be the edest players to ever be on an NFL practice squad. For McCown and the Eagles, the move would center around the veteran signal-caller playing the role of the team’s “quarantined” quarterback perse, with McCown training at home, taking part in zoom meetings, and getting paid $12,000 a week to be on the Eagles practice squad as an emergency quarterback in case Carson Wentz, Nate Sudfeld or Jalen Hurts have a positive coronavirus test or worse. McCown still plans on living in Texas but will stay in shape, and if Philadelphia needs him for an emergency situation, he’ll be ready.

AUSTIN — The Department of Public Safety continues to be out in greater numbers through Monday night. In an effort to keep motorist safe, Texas DPS is urging motorists to practice safe driving habits and exercise caution. Troopers will be looking for drivers who violate the law, including not wearing seat belts, speeding, driving while intoxicated and failing to comply with the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, as well as other traffic violations. During the 2019 Labor Day holiday, DPS Troopers issued 102,274 citations and warnings, including 10,506 citations for speeding, 1,461 seat belt and child safety restraint citations; and 938 warnings and citations for Move Over, Slow Down violations.

TYLER — If you haven’t registered for the upcoming General Election, you have less than a month left to do so. The Presidential Election will be on November 3rd. If you are voting in person, you have 30 days before election day to register. If voting by mail, you must have it postmarked 30 days before the election day. The deadline is extended to the next business day it this falls on a Sunday. To register to vote click the link. https://www.vote.org/.

RUSK — A single engine aircraft crashed just after leaving the Rusk County Airport. According to a press brief from DPS, Troopers responded to a report of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate the airplane lost power just after take-off from the airport and wednt down into the tree line. The pilot and his passenger were transported to UT Health – Tyler with minor injuries. Airport officials and FAA have been notified. More information will be released as it becomes available.

LONGVIEW — Close friends and family celebrated 13 cadets Friday, who became the first ever graduates of the Longview Police Academy. The academy provided basic peace officer training for eight cadets of the Longview Police Department and five cadets of the Jacksonville Police Department. To host an academy was a new venture for L.P.D. In April, the department was informed of the postponement of local academy opportunities due to restrictions from the pandemic. Continue reading First class graduates from Longview Police Academy

TYLER — While many believe writing checks are a safe and secure way of conducting transactions, often they are easily stolen, faked or forged. According to the United States Postal Inspection Service, check-washing continues to be a fairly common way for thieves to get your money. “When you write a check, you are essentially giving someone a piece of paper with a lot of personally identifiable information,” Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas said. “Many people are under the impression that this is safer, but that’s not necessarily so.” Continue reading Stop check-washing scam from cleaning out your account

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police have made four arrests in the case of a missing teenager. Tyress Gipson, 18, was last seen late in the evening of August 22. Family members said Gipson could not be reached on his phone. According to our news partner KETK, Police Chief Joe Williams said detectives investigating Gipson’s disappearance obtained arrest warrants for the offense of Aggravated Kidnapping, a second-degree felony. Continue reading 4 arrested in disappearance of Jacksonville teen

TYLER — Tyler ISD is nearing the end of its 1st grading period. Beginning September 7, District students and families may choose to change between Learn@Home or In-School Learning for the 2nd grading period by submitting a form through the Parent Self-Serve Portal. The Instructional Declaration form must be submitted by September 11, which is 10 school days prior to the new grading period start date. Families who wish to continue in their current learning model do not need to take any action. Continue reading TISD’s 2nd grading period instructional declaration window opens Monday

EAST TEXAS — NET Health is updating the list of COVID-19 testing locations in East Texas. Palestine Civic Center on West Spring Street in Palestine will host testing Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. It’s available for anyone, whether you have symptoms or not. No appointment needed: this is a walk-in testing location and you must wear a face covering upon entry. Continue reading Update: COVID-19 testing locations in East Texas

TYLER — Smith County officials have released the identity of the man that barricaded himself inside a house Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, officials say they attempted to detain 26-year-old Roberto Lugo following an attempted traffic stop. That’s when they say Lugo ran off, and into a house, near the intersection of Ardmore Avenue and Van STreet on the northwest side of Tyler. Officials sent a robot into the house first to figure out where he was, and then the SWAT team went in and brought him out.

LONGVIEW — On the first Tuesday of October each year, usually more than 100 neighborhoods across Longview gather for National Night Out, but this year’s local event has been canceled due to the risk associated with COVID-19. The City of Longview is asking neighborhoods to forego their regular parties and instead connect with neighbors in other ways this year. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safe, more caring places to live. Go to https://www.longviewtexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2822 to learn more.

CANTON — Following a year that included the opening of a new Emergency Care Center and an expansion of clinic facilities, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances HealthPark – was recognized by the Canton Chamber of Commerce. The AM Connection event was held at the HealthPark on Thursday. Due to COVID-19, Chamber members were unable to gather for the 2020 Community Awards Gala, however the Chamber is presenting this year’s awards to honorees in person. The new Emergency Care Center, which opened July 2, and serves as a full-scale emergency department onsite, with 6 exam rooms, one trauma room, a full-service imaging center including advanced imaging services and a laboratory for test results.

LONGVIEW — Rain continued to pour Thursday and as a result many streets and creeks throughout East Texas were flooded. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police and fire crews responded to multiple flooded roadways. An accident with injuries was reported at Spring Hill Road and N. Spur 63. Numerous vehicles were towed throughout the city due to stalls. The following streets did close due to flooding in the Longview area: High & Cotton, Mobberly & Methvin, Green & Mopac, West Marshall Avenue, Ward Street and the 1000 block of Sabine Street.

TYLER — Smith County announced a virtual Town Hall Meeting Thursday. The meeting will take place at 2 p.m. on September 10. Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, Elections Administrator Karen Nelson, Democratic Party Chairman Michael Tolbert and Republican Party Chairman David Stein will discuss the upcoming General Election on November 3rd. Continue reading Smith County officials to host upcoming Town Hall online

KILGORE — Kilgore Police shared video of a man who broke into the Burger King on HWY 259 after its closure on Wednesday night. The “Burger Bandit” was wearing a red shirt. He used a crow bar to smash through a window. If you have any information regarding this case, you are asked to contact Detective Stephen Goodson at 903-218-6903. To see a video click the link. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1216726362027581&extid=b6ZjFMcIlMUluEp3. Continue reading Overnight break-in at Burger King in Kilgore

GALESBURG, Illinois — A McAllen man is in jail in Galesburg, Illinois, accused of stabbing an East Texas man to death. According to our news partner KETK, Gregory Acosta, 28, of Lindale was killed in an early morning stabbing, that took place Wednesday in a parking lot. Police have indicated Acosta was stabbed numerous times in the torso before being dropped off at a local emergency room. He was then transferred to a hospital in Peoria, where he was pronounced dead.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler revealed a new look for “Swoop” the mascot. The new new look for “Swoop” was unveiled on Thursday in virtual presentation. President Dr. Michael Tidwell, said “Just over a year ago, we decided we wanted a new and fresh look for our beloved mascot ‘Swoop’. So we put together some of the brightest minds in our student body, made up of student athletes and student leaders. They wanted a mascot with great life and wonderful vitality.” Take a look at “Swoop’s” debut by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/uttyler/videos/686617485262706.