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TYLER — The “Healing Through Horsemanship” Luncheon announced on Monday that Taya Kyle, New York Times bestselling author and wife of “American Sniper” Chris Kyle, is coming to Tyler. Kyle will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural event benefiting the Windridge – Tyler Therapeutic Equestrian Center. The luncheon is scheduled for November 21 at 11:30 am at the Crosswalk at Green Acres Baptist Church. Founded in 1988, Windridge has a therapeutic riding center in Diana near Longview and a small facility in Tyler. With many on the waiting list, plans are underway to build a larger facility in Tyler, with land recently purchased near Lake Tyler.

SMITH COUNTY — On Monday, a settlement was announced for two Ohio counties set to go to trial this week. Ongoing dialogue continues relating to other pending cases. Smith County Commissioner Jeff Warr was on hand last Friday, at a settlement conference in Cleveland. Commissioner Warr had the opportunity to represent small and mid-sized Texas counties. Smith County is actively involved in helping reach a settlement. Continue reading Smith County Commissioner Represented Texas Counties in Opioid Lawsuit Hearing

ANDERSON COUNTY — We now know the identity of a man accused of shooting an Anderson County Deputy following 2 different gun battles over the weekend. On Monday the Texas Rangers released the identity of Terry Lee Countryman. Countryman was fatally shot in connection with the shooting of Anderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Bradley Colman. Coleman, is recovering in the hospital following a surgery to save his life. Our news partner KETK, says Countryman’s past is littered with arrests in multiple states. Continue reading Identity Released of Suspect in Anderson County Deputy Shooting

WILLS POINT — The National Weather Service confirmed on Monday that an EF-0 tornado touched down near Wills Point Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, the NWS estimated the Wills Point Tornado had wind speeds of 80 miles per hour. Van Zandt was one of five East Texas counties that were involved in a disaster declaration issued by Gov. Abbott. Members of the Shreveport office will be surveying Rusk and Panola counties for additional damage.

TYLER — A Tyler man was sentenced to 5 years in prison on Monday for selling child porn over Facebook. According to our news partner KETK, Andrew Armstrong, 27, was charged in May following a year-long investigation by Tyler police. The look into Armstrong started after a facebook tip showed that he sent a user child porn that he requested through his account. One of the victims in the images he sent was as young as eight years old. Armstrong, could have received up to 20 years.

TYLER — The City of Tyler started its disinfection process to free chlorine on Monday. The run time goes through Nov. 18. Officials do not expect any noticeable changes in water quality as a result of the temporary conversion. However, some individuals may notice taste and odor changes and a slight discoloration to the water. The city will convert from chloramines back to free chlorine. This is a very routine practice industry wide. Tyler began using this process for annual, routine maintenance in October 2014.

DALLAS (AP) – Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 16 Texas counties following severe overnight storms including a tornado that battered parts of Dallas. Some of those counties are in East Texas. Abbott’s declaration Monday makes state resources available to local officials, plus waives certain regulations to allow utilities to bring in out-of-state resources. The counties covered are: Cass; Cameron; Collin; Dallas; Ellis; Erath; Hunt; Kaufman; Lamar; Panola; Rains; Rockwall; Rusk; Tarrant; Van Zandt; and Wood.

LONGVIEW — One man is dead after being shot by a minor just before 4 p.m. on Sunday in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police were dispatched to a home on South Green St. Investigators learned that several people were looking at a gun. An adolescent picked up the gun and hit 19-year-old Johntavius Dantarveus Jenkins, in the chest. Jenkins died at CHRISTUS Good Shepard Medical Center. It is unclear if the shooting was intentional, detectives continue to investigate, it is unclear if charges will be filed.

TYLER — The Mentoring Alliance will host their annual luncheon in Tyler on Tuesday. “Celebrate the One” is this years theme and is scheduled from 11:30-1:00 at Green Acres Crosswalk Center, on Troup Hwy. The Mentoring Alliance serves over 2,900 kids and families throughout the year through three programs; Boys & Girls Clubs of East Texas, Rose City Summer Camps, and Gospel Village.

TYLER — TJC Homecoming Week officially began on Monday morning, with the traditional drum beat ceremony on the steps of Rogers Student Center. College President Dr. Juan E. Mejia, lead the countdown to the drum beat. The rhythm will continue 24 hours a day, all week long, leading up to the kick off of Saturday’s homecoming football game. As they have since 1948, students, employees and alumni volunteer their time to keep the drum beating. The Apache Punch Drumline and TJC cheerleaders were part of the kick-off and the homecoming court was introduced.

QUITMAN — Stitchin’ Heaven opened their Texas themed doors on Monday, welcoming customers to the largest quilt shop in Texas. The brand new 17,500 sq. ft. facility features thousands of quality fabrics and quilting kits, and a wide variety of unique programs including Block of the Month, cruises, retreats, classes and more. The Greater Quitman Area Chamber of Commerce, held a ribbon cutting ceremony with local dignitaries, community leaders, and well wishers.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler partnered with JCPenney on Sunday night to help students and alumni put their best foot forward in the workplace. JCPenney provided professional clothing at a discounted price during a private event, which was designed to help students and alumni build their professional wardrobe.

KILGORE — The Kilgore College Foundation announced over the weekend, a $3.5 million estate gift from a former Kilgore College Rangerette and her husband. The donor wishes to remain anonymous, but she was a member of the Rangerettes under the direction of Gussie Nell Davis. The endowment will be used to fund scholarships for the Rangerette organization.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Offices in Troup were closed Monday morning due to a power outage. The Smith County Justice of the Peace/Constable’s Office for Precinct 3, as well as the Auto Registration Substation, were down until electricity could be restored. The city was out clearing debris on the streets before 5 a.m. that made roads difficult to navigate following overnight storms across the area.

COLLEGE STATION — A historic Union Pacific train engine is spending the next two weeks in Texas — hitting East Texas along the way. Big Boy Steam Locomotive Number 4014 is touring the U.P. system to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad. Number 4014 is in El Paso for public viewing Sunday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. It will head east to San Antonio, where it will make a stop on Election Day. Then the engine will go to Houston before turning northwest to Bryan/College Station, then head northeast with stops in Palestine and Marshall before leaving the state in Texarkana. The entire schedule is on U.P.’s website or Facebook page.

ANDERSON COUNTY — An Anderson County sheriff’s deputy was shot, the suspect was killed in two gun battles Saturday. The deputy has been identified to our news partner KETK by family members as Deputy Bradley Colman. Colman was shot at the Hickory Ridge Mobile Home Park on FM 320 while reportedly investigating a stolen vehicle. The suspect fled the scene in the deputy’s vehicle. DPS troopers arrived on the scene and provided first aid. Other troopers assisted in the search for and pursuit of the suspect. Deputy Colman was airlifted to a Tyler hospital, where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery. Multiple law enforcement agencies joined in the search for the suspect, who was found a short distance from the scene of the shooting. Continue reading Texas Rangers Investigate Deputy Involved Shooting

TYLER — Colorful floats, precision marching bands and glittering dresses made the 86th annual Texas Rose Festival Parade a feast for the eyes and ears. According to our news partner KETK, the “star” of the parade was the Rose Queen herself, Hanna Claire Waits. The festival had the theme “Portraits of Inspiration.” Hanna Claire Waits was crowned Queen of the 2019 Texas Rose Festival in a coronation ceremony Friday evening. The official coronation was held at the R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Texas at Tyler. The event served to introduce Queen Hanna and her to the public as part of the 2019 Texas Rose Festival. Continue reading Texas Rose Festival Parade Celebrates 86 Years of Splendor

TYLER — Jason’s Deli and Nothing Bundt Cakes located inside the Broadway Market Center are officially back open for business after being closed for nearly two weeks due to plumbing issues. Our news partner KETK was first to report that the shopping center had been closed down after the restaurant, Jason’s Deli contacted the city with plumbing and sewer issues. When city water came to investigate they found kitchen utensils and roots inside the old, damaged pipes. The discovery led the city to suggest any of the businesses that require water to operate, should close down. In a Facebook post issued on Friday afternoon, Jason’s Deli announced that the restaurant is open for business again. Nothing Bundt Cakes, Starbucks and Marble Slab Creamery have also reopened.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is requesting competitive bids for the lease and operation of the food and beverage concession, vending and/or news and retail services concession in the North Side Terminal Building at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The initial concession lease is a term of four years. The city would have the option of one two-year extension. The objective is to develop a concession/vending program that is unique, creative, with local flavor, while bringing value to passengers and users on par with the best programs of similar size airports. Bid opening is Oct. 22. Continue reading Tyler Pounds Accepting Bids for North Side Restaurant

TYLER — Dogtoberfest is Saturday in downtown Tyler. The day features local animal rescues and shelters, craft breweries,live music, vendors and food trucks. Organizers say their will be plenty of fun, but the ultimate goal of the day is finding forever homes for as many homeless pets as possible, while giving the community an amazing experience. Doctoberfest happens from 11am to 7pm. Each “Beer Tasting Card” purchase includes a souvenir tasting mug. For more information: https://spcaeasttx.com/dogtoberfest-2019/

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau is accepting nominations for the 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence. All BBB Accredited Businesses and Accredited Charities who have a physical location within the 19 counties served by BBB Central East Texas are eligible to be nominated. The deadline to nominate is the last day of November. Nominations can be completed by clicking the link. https://www.bbb.org/east-texas/for-businesses/2020-bbb-award-for-excellence-nomination/

LONGVIEW — The Veterans Affairs (VA) center in Longview was filled to capacity for Thursday’s Veterans town hall meeting. According to our news partner KETK, many vets came to listen and others came with a list of concerns to address. A recurring theme of the meeting were wait times for action. Shannon Arledge, Public Affairs Officer for the Overton Brooks Medical Center in Shreveport pointed to the Mission Act of 2018 as a big stride in the right direction of improvements. The V.A. town hall meetings are held quarterly, with a goal of advancing past obstacles.

TYLER — Tyler welcomed a delegation from their sister city, Yachiyo, Japan on Thursday. The delegation on hand includes the president of the organization, Yachiyo’s Mayor and additional community leaders. A Tyler welcome team was on hand and gifts were presented in the city council chambers. During their visit, the group will meet with city leaders, tour the University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College, as well as participate in several Rose Festival events. Thursday night’s events concluded with a welcome party at Eagles Bluff County Club.

TYLER — A Tyler man accused of running over a 14-year-old boy on Lake Palestine received a continuance for his case. According to our news partner KETK, Jeffrey Hampton, 33, is charged with manslaughter and accidental boating death. He is accused of running his boat into a dock where Roberto Carlos Bermejo Hernandez was standing. In a hearing that lasted less than two minutes Friday, a defense attorney said that they needed more time to comb through the evidence and was not ready for a pre-trial hearing. Judge Christi Kennedy pushed back Hampton’s pre-trial hearing until January. His trial will be set in February. Continue reading Continuance Granted in Lake Palestine Death Trial

WHITEHOUSE — Whithouse ISD looks to take steps to improve safety on their campuses with the “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.” According to our news partner KETK, the program teaches students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signs of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others. It encourages people to “Say Something” to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system. Click the link for details. https://4.files.edl.io/918a/10/17/19/162834-01040539-1c66-47d6-9561-500b78b1087d.pdf. How does the program works? Continue reading Whitehouse ISD Enacts “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System”

TYLER — Chief Jimmy Toler welcomed 11 new police officers on Thursday afternoon to the Tyler Police Department. The 30th Basic Peace Officers Class of the Tyler Junior College Law Enforcement Academy graduated at Liberty Theater. Recruits were sworn in and received their badge as part of the ceremony. The Chief administered the Oath of Office to the new officers who joined the ranks of the Tyler Police Department. Continue reading Tyler Police Hold Badge Ceremony

TYLER — Local substance abuse prevention coalitions and law enforcement officials have partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of National Drug Take Back Day. October 26th is a national effort to help safely dispose of unused prescription drugs. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations with participating East Texas law enforcement. During that time, community members can discard potentially dangerous expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous. Continue reading Local Events Scheduled for National Take Back Day

TYLER — A 39-year-old Ore City man has been indicted for child exploitation charges in the Eastern District of Texas. The court announced Thursday that Jeremy OKieth Kyle, and various aliases, was named in a superseding indictment charging him with coercion and enticement; sexual exploitation of children; travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; and penalties for registered sex offenders. According to the indictment, at numerous times between 2013 and 2018, Kyle, a convicted sex offender, is alleged to have committed multiple offenses against 18 different minor female victims. If convicted on all counts, Kyle is facing life in federal prison.

LONGVIEW — In 2010, the City of Longview developed a master plan for a multimodal transportation facility, anchored by the now-renovated Historic Longview Depot and including Longview Transit, Greyhound, and Go Bus. The countdown is on for the launch of the new Longview Transit Transfer Center. After more than three years of preparation, Longview Transit will open with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Official Grand Opening on Nov. 4. Continue reading Grand Opening Scheduled for Transfer Center