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TYLER – A Tyler man draws a 35-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to murder on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, 22-year-old Demarkus Bircher entered guilty pleas to one charge each of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was arrested in January 2021 after Smith County deputies found two men shot in the Chapel Hill area: 48-year-old Argusta Stansell, a Winona native, and 41-year-old Kendrick Gill of Tyler. Both were taken to Tyler hospitals, but Stansell later died from his injuries. Bircher was sentenced to 35 years for his death. As part of his plea deal, he also received a 20-year sentence for the aggravated assault charge, but it will run concurrently with the murder charge.

TYLER – The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) has launched its new, user-friendly online map to keep drivers updated on lane closures and maintenance along Toll 49, according to a news release. Officials say just in time for summer, this new map tool comes with features to help East Texas residents plan their trips. NET RMA says that includes easily-recognizable icons, indicating construction, lane closures and/or accidents, the specific area of the road highlighted where work is being conducted, information on current and upcoming road updates, and a summary of completed roadwork. “We’re always looking to improve the customer experience on Toll 49,” said NET RMA Executive Director Glenn Green as quoted in the release. Drivers can stay updated on closures and road conditions on Toll 49 by visiting this link.

EAST TEXAS — Tuesday is runoff day in the March Texas primaries. Early voting wrapped up this past Friday. A number of races are on ballots around the area. For more information on the elections in Smith County, click here. Gregg County information can be found at this link.

SMITH COUNTY — A 22-year-old Tyler man has been arrested after an aggravated assault Monday night. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a residence on Garden Lake Road around 10:00 in reference to a shooting. The caller advised the suspect had fled the scene. Officials found the victim, Courtland Jamal Lyons, 25 of Athens, with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. A deputy administered first aid prior to arrival of UT Health EMS. Deputies began searching the area for the suspect, Zion Michias Jenkins, 22, of Tyler. Jenkins was located and arrested a short time later. He was booked into the Smith County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Bond has not been set. The condition of the victim is unknown.

SMITH COUNTY — An East Texas man who is facing a rape case in Gregg County is now accused of rape in a separate attack in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Morgan Cates, 27, of Henderson, was charged with the latest rape on Friday. He remains in the Smith County Jail on a $750,000 bond. Cates had been arrested in Gregg County on Dec. 9, 2021, and charged with sexual assault for an incident on Dec. 27, 2020. He was released the same day after posting a $15,000 bond. KETK News obtained an arrest warrant for the Smith County incident, which stated the victim went to the police in January one day after the alleged attack. Continue reading Henderson man awaiting rape trial accused of separate rape in Smith County

WILMER – A Palestine ISD teacher was killed late Sunday night while returning home from Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Michael Coyne, a teacher and coach at Palestine Junior High, was driving back from the game with a pair of students when their car was hit by a wrong way driver, according to the district. According to a report by Wilmer Police, the wreck happened on I-45 just south of Mars Road. A wrong-way driver was headed northbound in the southbound lanes and struck two vehicles at the 265 mile-marker before ultimately hitting Coyne’s car. The students were taken to a Dallas hospital for treatment.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Nearly 100 roosters were seized from a Cherokee County cockfighting ring on Saturday night. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to reports of suspicious activity on CR 2638, and upon arrival, officials reportedly located evidence indicating that a cockfighting derby had taken place. Approximately 50 people were identified. According to officials, two trucks, nine trailers, and 97 roosters were seized. The case remains under investigation, with arrest warrants pending for landowners and individuals who were allegedly involved.

HENDERSON – Officials say no one was in danger Monday after a child reportedly brought a toy gun to Henderson Middle School. According to our news partner KETK, a statement from Henderson ISD says administrators discovered the toy on campus Monday morning. An investigation reportedly revealed that a student brought the fake weapon to campus and showed it to other students. Once the toy was discovered, employees “followed strict protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff,” according to the statement. Officials say there was not a disruption to class or campus activities, a full investigation is ongoing, and all appropriate disciplinary actions will be enforced.

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 15. Flaggers will be controlling traffic. There will also be a herbicide unit in various locations throughout the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be widening pavement on FM 449 westbound from the Harrison County line to FM 2751. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Click this link for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — In Van Zandt county, a public swearing in ceremony was held at the courthouse for Sheriff Joe Carter. According to our news partner KETK, Carter has been in law enforcement for more than three decades and says he is excited to continue serving Van Zandt county in this new and now permanent role. “I’ve been in law enforcement for 38 years, just trying to catch up on what’s going on over there, what direction we need to go, what needs to be worked on and trying to make sure everything gets covered,” said Sheriff Joe Carter. Carter stepped into this position following former Sheriff Steve Hendrix’s resignation after being indicted on charges of providing false statements to police. Those charges were dismissed Friday morning.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department will be participating in the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt safety campaign. Police say officers will be watching to make sure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained with a seat belt over the Memorial Day holiday. Statistics show wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying in a crash by 45%. The program will start Monday, May 23, and will run thru Sunday, June 5. Click here to learn more.

KILGORE – A child was hospitalized after they were hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, the Kilgore Police Department said. According to our news partner KETK, the driver failed to stop and render aid. Luckily, others stopped to assist. According to Kilgore PD, a friend of the bike rider gave police officers details of what happened and they were able to find a vehicle that matched the description at a nearby apartment complex. “No matter who’s fault it may or may not be, you are required to stop and render aid,” Kilgore PD said in a Facebook post. “Always call 911 to report it and summons assistance. Even if you aren’t at fault, but don’t summons aid you may be charged with a crime.”

TYLER — The Tyler man who was charged with intoxicated manslaughter in a wreck that killed a Tyler Legacy high school senior has been indicted. According to our news partner KETK, Jason Charles, 24, was indicted by a Smith County grand jury on March 24 on the charge of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle. Charles was originally charged on Jan. 14 in the death of Lily Thornburgh after she succumbed to her injuries in a late-night wreck on Broadway Ave. She was just shy of 18.

PALESTINE — East Texas nonprofits are struggling to stay afloat in today’s sluggish economy. According to our news partner KETK, the Tri-County Meals on Wheels in Palestine previously received $2,000-$3,000 per month in donations and now they only get about $1,000 per month. The organization serves Anderson, Cherokee and Rusk counties. The community fears the program is going to close because of the significant decrease in funding. They are having to pull money from other places within the ministry and reach out to city officials for help. “We have the gas that’s increasing, the food prices increasing, everything is increasing except the funding sources,” said Executive Director Ruby Taylor. “I decided to compose a letter and send it to each county judge, letting them know of our need.” Tri-County Meals on Wheels has lost nearly $85,000 in local funding due to the effects of the pandemic. Some of the people they serve, solely depend on Meals on Wheels to eat everyday. The program does get government funding but that only accounts for 43%, the rest is on them so they are asking for help from the community.