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BEAUMONT – A Stratford, Missouri, man has been sentenced in Beaumont to life in federal prison for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations violations stemming from his membership in the white supremacy prison gang the Aryan Circle. According to federal authorities, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office was one of numerous organizations investigating the case. Jesse Paul Blankenship, 39, was convicted last November of racketeering conspiracy, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering. Evidence presented at trial showed, among other thihgs, that Blankenship “put in work” by committing violence on behalf of the gang, including shooting at two victims inside their home and participating in a kidnapping and removal of another member’s gang tattoo by burning it from the victim’s skin.

TYLER – The Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans’ Assistance Thursday presented $655,000 in grants to six organizations for providing services to approximately 740 East Texas veterans and their families. Sabine Valley Regional MHMR Center received a check for $50,000 to provide people in 12 counties with supportive services. The East Texas Council Of Governments accepted a check for $100,000 to provide transportation programs and services in 14 counties. Habitat for Humanity of Smith County’s check for $200,000 comes in the form of a Housing For Texas Heroes Grant to provide home modification services. Continue reading $655,000 in grants presented to six East Texas veteran service organizations

TYLER – The Tyler ISD Foundation has earned a 100/100 rating from Charity Navigator’s Encompass Rating System. A Tyler ISD news release cites the foundation’s “strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency.” The score designates Tyler ISD Foundation as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that the organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. Charity Navigator is termed America’s largest and most-utilized independent charity evaluator. Since its creation in 1990, the Tyler ISD Foundation has gifted more than $3.5 million to Tyler ISD through innovative teaching grants, student and parent programs, academic and teaching recognition events, and scholarships, according to the release.

TYLER – Last week, Visit Tyler was presented with a Texas Destination Excellence Award at the 2022 Texas Association of Convention & Visitors Bureau (TACVB) Annual Conference. According to a news release, Visit Tyler won second place for a local public relations campaign. To win the award, the staff competed against destination marketing organizations from across Texas to position Tyler as a premier visitor destination by implementing new marketing and promotions to bring more publicity and tourism to the community, according to the release. The PR campaign that won the prize was a series of videos released to area partners, detailing the media coverage Visit Tyler was able to secure for local businesses throughout the year.

MARSHALL — A huge car collection will hit the auction block in two weeks. Sotheby’s will be in East Texas later this month when they auction the Gene Ponder Collection. Housed in a custom-built museum and state-of-the-art garages in Marshall, the collection boasts more than 120 cars, motorcycles, and boats, along with an expansive selection of automobilia. Worth an estimated $20 million, the collection has automobile models spanning 92 years. The highlight is a 1960 Mercedes Benz 300 SL roadster worth an estimated $1.9 million. Those wanting to place bids can attend the onsite auction in Marshall from September 22-24.

AUSTIN — Tyler and Longview continue to look strong in sales tax allocations as reported for this month by the state comptroller’s office. Longview brought in roughly $3.38 million, up from some $3.23 million last September. Longview’s year-to-date total is around $32.8 million, an increase from the approximately $28.5 million posted at this time in 2021. Tyler’s September figure is about $4.72 million, compared to the roughly $4.49 million announced last September. For the year to date, Tyler has brought in around $43.1 million, a jump from the approximately $39.5 million total reported a year ago.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Independent School District had a special board meeting Wednesday evening to discuss the former six employees indicted for abuse and accused of being violent toward special needs students.According to our news partner KETK, former district employees allegedly committed various offenses towards students at J.L. Everhart Elementary last school year. According to the agenda for Wednesday’s meeting, board members deliberated what actions to take during a closed session. Longview ISD officials were in closed session for more than an hour, and they ended their meeting shortly after the session without making a public comment about the gathering. Continue reading Longview ISD held special meeting to discuss abuse allegations

TYLER – A jury trial date has been set for a Smith County woman who was accused of abusing her children. According to our news partner KETK, Cheryl Layne, 45, was indicted on four counts of injury to a child, which is a third-degree felony. Mark Randy Layne, 51, Cheryl’s husband and a longtime Tyler police officer, was also arrested and charged with injury to a child. Cheryl is scheduled to be in court on Oct. 24. The Laynes’ two twin boys under the age of 14 told a school official on Sept. 13, 2019, that they had experienced abuse, according to court documents. Cheryl allegedly held onto one of the boys by his hair, and an arrest affidavit said she slammed his head against the wall two times. Officials said she also used an archery arrow to strike the other boy on his back. Mark has been placed on administrative leave from the Tyler Police Department.

GREGG COUNTY- TxDOT and contractor crews have planned a lane closure for I-20 in Gregg County Thursday, Sept. 8, through Tuesday, Sept. 20. It’s set for the westbound, outside lane as crews perform bridge deck repairs on the Sabine River bridge, approximately 2.4 miles west of Estes Parkway in Longview. The lane will remain closed for the duration of the project. Motorists are reminded to slow down and follow the posted work zone speed limit and adjust your driving to match conditions. Also, you’re asked to pay attention and watch out for road crews.

TYLER — Tyler ISD launches CrisisGo’s Safe2SpeakUP app. According to a news release, it’s the only mobile emergency response system to provide a student-safe app for students to quickly and comfortably communicate with safety teams, counselors, or others based on the report type. Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling Lauri Anderson says the app allows students an anonymous way to report feelings of self-harm, bullying, or any incident that makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe. Using Safe2SpeakUP, students can report bully-related activity for themselves or their friends, submit safety tips about school incidents, and access safety resources during an emergency. The district can also allow student messaging within groups or with their school’s safety team in charge of bullying. Click here for more information.

TYLER — A Smith County grand jury did not see that there was enough evidence to prosecute a former UT Health Science Center certified nursing assistant who was accused of hitting a schizophrenia patient, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Our news partner KETK reports Lavinya Warren was arrested on Feb. 5, 2021 and charged with injury to the elderly with intent to cause bodily injury for an incident that officials said happened on Feb. 1, 2021. A representative from the district attorney’s office said that after being presented with information, the grand jury determined in October 2021 that there was no probable cause for a crime. The DA’s office said that prior to this ruling by a grand jury, surveillance video appeared to be missing, but was then recovered. Continue reading Grand jury: Not enough evidence to indict CNA accused of slapping patient

TYLER — Police say a train struck a car in Tyler at the intersection of Duncan Street and Angeline Avenue on Tuesday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened around 5:50 p.m. according to online records. Police on the scene said that the driver tried to bypass the railroad crossing arms. A Union Pacific employee on the scene said that the crossing arm shattered the windshield of the car and stopped it, and the end of the car was hit by the train. Police say no one was seriously injured, but one person was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

ANDERSON COUNTY – TxDOT Tuesday afternoon reported the reopening of a section of U.S. Highway 79 near Neches. The stretch had been shut down for several hours. Our news partner KETK reported the road closed Tuesday morning after a major crash. Northbound and southbound traffic were rerouted onto FM 2574.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted to approve the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and tax rate Tuesday after it held its final public hearing on the items. The approved tax rate of 33 cents per $100 valuation is a half penny less than the current tax rate of 33.5 cents. The package will go into effect October 1, which starts the county’s new fiscal year. “I am proud that during just the past three fiscal cycles, the County has reduced the property tax rate from 34.5 cents to 33 cents, and proud that I will be able to end my term as County Judge at the same property tax rate as when I started as County Judge in 2016, all the while significantly increasing needed funding for roads and bridges, law enforcement, and our judicial system along the way,” Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran said as quoted in a news release.

ANDERSON COUNTY – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reports a 24-year-old man from Whitehouse possibly drowned on Lake Palestine on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, Anderson County game wardens said they were called around 7:10 p.m. about the incident near the Deep End boat ramp. The man was swimming near the shore when officials said people nearby couldn’t see him in the water anymore. A fisherman was able find the man with a side-scan sonar on his boat. A firefighter with the Frankston Volunteer Fire Department helped remove the victim from the lake, according to officials. The man was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead on Tuesday. Officials said the man possibly died from drowning, but they have ordered an autopsy to determine the cause.

GREGG COUNTY – A lane closure is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 7, on I-20 westbound in Gregg County, as crews begin sweeping operations, weather permitting. It’s due to start near mile marker 595 (near Estes Parkway), and it’s planned for one lane only from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Traffic will still be able to pass, but delays should be expected. Motorists are reminded to slow down and follow the posted work zone speed limit and adjust your driving to match conditions. Also, pay attention and watch out for road crews.

TYLER — Next Step Community Solutions recently received a $253,991 grant from the ETMC Foundation to support the expansion of Sources of Strength on school campuses across East Texas. According to a news release, Sources of Strength is an evidence-based, peer-led suicide prevention program. Next Step initially brought Sources of Strength to what is now Legacy High School in Tyler in January 2020. The program served 16 campuses during the 2021-22 school year. “Suicide is the second leading cause of death in adolescents in the state of Texas,” pointed out Next Step’s Erica Guzman as quoted in the release. Next Step is a Tyler-based organization focusing on mental health and substance abuse prevention among area youth.

TYLER – A 22-year-old Tyler man has been indicted for aggravated sexual assault of a child and is accused of assaulting a 5-year-old girl. According to our news partner KETK, Jovany Gaspar has remained in jail since his May 8 arrest. He is accused of assaulting the girl after she and her four-year-old sister were dropped off at her grandmother’s apartment. Gasper, the grandmother, and her fiancé all lived at the apartment, according to an affidavit.

GILMER – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday they are investigating the death of a 16-month-old child from Gilmer. According to our news partner KETK, officials said an investigation at the scene found that during a family gathering on Monday afternoon, a family member who intended to run an errand “began moving her car forward and struck the child that had moved into the car’s path.” Upshur County deputies and EMS responded to the scene on Mule Deer Road, and the child was transported to UT Health Pittsburg. Officials said she was pronounced dead upon arrival. “All indications are that this was an accident,” officials said.

TYLER – Nearly 100 East Texas schools have announced how they plan to show support to the Uvalde community on their first day back to campus. Tragedy struck Robb Elementary school in Uvalde on May 24 after a mass shooting claiming the lives of 19 children and two teachers. Tuesday is set to be the first day back to campus for Uvalde survivors. According to our news partner KETK, East Texas schools have taken to social media requesting their students wear maroon on Tuesday to show support for the Uvalde community. The Tyler, Whitehouse, Brownsboro, and Kilgore ISDs joined many others in posting updates to their social media pages reminding students to “Stand with Uvalde” on Tuesday.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – After a delay caused by migrating birds, the SH 135 bridge replacement project in Cherokee County will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 6. TxDOT and contractor crews have placed message boards on the roadway to alert the traveling public. SH 135 will be closed to through traffic from 2.44 miles south of SH 110 in Troup to 5.12 miles north of US 69 in Jacksonville. Crews will be performing bridge replacements on the Mud Creek and the Mud Creek Relief bridges. The closure is expected to last until Spring 2023. The project consists of the removal of the existing bridges, construction of new bridges, road widening, and roadway resurfacing. Through traffic on SH 135 will be detoured onto FM 2064 for the duration of the closure. The project was slated to begin earlier this Summer but was put under time suspension due to migrating birds nesting under the bridges that are currently in place.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College has recently named new leaders in its public affairs/media relations division and law enforcement academy. According to a news release, Whitney Mayfield has been named director of public affairs and media relations. Prior to joining TJC, she served as director of communications and public relations for the Marshall and Chapel Hill school districts. Continue reading TJC announces new leadership roles

TYLER – Thomas A. “Tab” Beall Jr. has been named a recipient of the 2022 Texas State Board of Education Heroes for Children Award. According to a news release, the award is given to only 15 individuals statewide for outstanding services and support provided to their school community, staff, and students of Texas. The 15 awardees represent 15 districts in Texas. Beall (at right in photo) represents District 9, which includes Smith County and 29 other Northeast Texas counties. Beall’s support of the Tyler ISD Foundation was singled out as a key part of his work — particularly through the Tab and Bonnie Beall Scholarship, which has impacted the lives of 21 Tyler ISD graduates. He’s the first Tyler ISD volunteer recognized with the award.

TYLER — Tyler Parks and Recreation Department will host its annual Movies in the Park program this fall. There will be three family-friendly movies showing at Bergfeld Park, 1510 S. College Ave. this September and October. All movies are free admission. Visitors can bring blankets, chairs and picnics to enjoy the evening. Continue reading Movies in the Park returns to Bergfeld Park this fall

HENDERSON – Officials are reporting James Edward Lancaster Jr. has been found and the search has been called off. Sheriff Valdez of Rusk County said Lancaster was being checked out by EMS before leaving the area. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Valdez says Lancaster’s wife reported him missing Sunday morning after he reportedly did not make it home the night before. Officials found Lancaster’s wrecked vehicle in a ditch off CR 1798 East but were unable to find Lancaster. A cell phone ping indicated he had wandered off into the woods on foot. Search and rescue found him several hours later at his boss’s residence.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will be starting mill and inlay work on FM 2868, near SH 155. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. The project will move east towards Flint throughout the week. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will be working on a drainage structure on FM 2207. A portion of the road will be partially closed from E. Wilkins Rd. to FM 1252. Expect delays and flaggers controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University celebrates the highest recorded student enrollment in the university’s 110-year history with 1,771 total students. According to a news release, for three consecutive fall terms, the university’s total enrollment has exceeded 1,688 — surpassing 1,700 students in two of the three years. ETBU has seen steady growth over the last decade, with this year’s enrollment marking a 36% increase since 2014. Part of the growth in the past year can be attributed to an increased focus on the retention of undergraduate students with enhanced academic success services, and the expansion of graduate degree program offerings, according to the release.

TYLER — Friday, September 2, through Monday, September 5, the Tyler Police Department will be putting additional officers on the street utilizing STEP (the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). Police say with increased traffic in the city and at Lake Tyler for the Labor Day weekend, these officers will be specifically watching for impaired or intoxicated drivers. Police say they want everyone to enjoy the holiday, so they encourage you to be responsible and not drink and drive.

RUSK – Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson released a statement Friday shutting down “a dumb rumor” that an officer had been arrested by the Texas Rangers. That’s according to our news partner KETK. “Someone started a rumor today that a member of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office was arrested by the Texas Rangers or is being investigated by the Texas Rangers,” Dickson said. “We have received numerous calls in reference to this matter and it’s not true. This rumor was started by a coward who has nothing better to do than stir trouble.” Dickson also said the department currently has multiple openings and encourages people to “stop being part of the problem and come work with us and be part of the solution.”