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SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, a man was arrested in Smith County on Tuesday for sexually assaulting a minor and having pornographic images of children on his phone. Police were dispatched to a Walmart in Tyler on Oct. 29 after a woman called claiming her 15-year-old sister had been assaulted. The victim had reportedly left her parents’ house to meet with a man she knew from Instagram as “Mike.”

Mike, later revealed to be Michael Rodas, had been messaging the victim on social media, where he told her that he was 17. Officers observed threads where the two discussed meeting up and Rodas asked for nude photographs and sexual favors if he picked her up. On the day of the incident, Rodas took the minor to a residence in Tyler, where he allegedly forced her to commit sexual acts on him. The victim managed to leave and contacted her sister for help and to be picked up. Continue reading Tyler man arrested for Instagram meetup with minor

CASS COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report a Hughes Springs police officer was suspended after being arrested in November on a charge of misuse of official information. According to Cass County jail records, Hollie Cates, 42, was arrested Nov. 17 on the charge and released the following day after posting bail. Hughes Springs Police Department said they were contacted by Texas Rangers and made aware of an incident that occurred in September, which alleges that Cates accessed and released confidential information to an individual. Continue reading Hughes Springs officer suspended following arrest

KILGORE — Kilgore College announced the death of its Executive Vice President of Internal Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Mike Jenkins, on Sunday following a battle with lymphoma.According to our news partner KETK, Jenkins had spent 35 years of service to Kilgore College.

“Mike truly had a servant’s heart and will be greatly missed,” Interim President Dr. Staci Martin said. “Please keep Mike’s family and those of us who worked closely with him in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.”

According to the college, a Wake of Remembrance will be held in his honor on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Longview, featuring refreshments, music, laughter and shared stories. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m., also at Trinity Baptist Church.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bipartisan tax reform bill on Monday, that was co-authored by East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran. According to our news partner KETK, The Tax Court Improvement Act proposed four major reforms aimed at benefiting American taxpayers. Those reforms are modernizing subpoena rules, reducing case backlogs, strengthening judicial ethics and restoring fairness through equitable tolling. Continue reading House passes Moran’s tax reform bill

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Hawk’s Eye publication reports that a Van Zandt County commissioner has been arrested following allegations that he impersonated a public servant during a dispute involving a man firing guns on his private property. Mitchell James Curtis, 57, was taken into custody Wednesday morning by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.

He is charged with impersonating a public servant and official oppression. His total bond was set at $15,000. Van Zandt County Jail records show Curtis was released after posting bond at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the allegations. Curtis was booked into the Van Zandt County Jail in accordance with state law and established SO procedures. Continue reading Van Zandt County Commissioner arrested

TRINITY COUNTY — A former Trinity County animal control officer pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child on Tuesday morning.

According to our news partner KETK, Brandon Daniel Furman was an employee at the time he committed the offense. Furman was arrested on July 1, the same day allegations against him came to light and was placed on administrative leave. Wallace says his conduct is a betrayal of the trust his office placed in him, citizens, his family and most importantly, the young victim.

“This office is deeply sickened by his actions. We are grateful that this painful matter has reached its conclusion,” Wallace said. “The plea agreement was made in consultation with the victim’s family so the child would not be required to endure the emotional and embarrassing burden of testifying in open court.”

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is currently working a major traffic accident on Highway 69 North, near Harris Nursery. At this time all Southbound lanes of travel are shut down and only one Northbound lane is open. Official ask that you consider other routes.

TYLER – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Foundation proudly announces Lilli Halifax as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) Miracle Child, representing CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. During the announcement, Tyler Mayor Don Warren presented Lilli with a key to the city, symbolizing the start of her year-long role as an advocate for pediatric health care and a beacon of hope for children across the community.

Born with Goltz Syndrome, Lilli has faced numerous tests and surgeries with courage and support from the CHRISTUS CARES pediatric team. Affectionately known as “Silly Lilli,” she embraces life with curiosity and resilience. Passionate about content creation, she is building her YouTube channel, Lilli’s World, to inspire others with positivity and strength. Continue reading CHRISTUS announces Miracle Network Child

TYLER — The Oil Palace in Tyler is up for sale with a listing price of $6.9 million, according to our news partners at KETK. Listed on Staples Commercial Group, the East Texas venue is described as one of the region’s most iconic entertainment venues with 44 acres, seating for 7,000 to 9,000 and comes with all original operating equipment, including audio equipment, lighting and kitchen equipment. Continue reading The Oil Palace hits the market for $6.9M

TYLER – The SPCA of East Texas is asking the community to help them stay open after a recent downturn in donations. The nonprofit animal shelter told KETK News that they’ve received about $100,000 less in donations than they expected to this year, and that they might have to close down if they can’t make up for this financial shortfall.

“Unfortunately, when we’re talking about a shortfall like that, it’s the animals that really suffer because we have to look at cutting back on services,” SPCA of East Texas executive director Emily Heglund said. “Tomorrow’s Giving Tuesday, Dec. 2 and we’re asking for the community to step up and help us out with donations if they can.”

To donate, visit the SPCA of East Texas online. The SPCA is also taking physical donations of supplies like pet food and cat litter in person at 3245 W. Grande Blvd in Tyler.

TYLER – Judge Derrick Choice announced on Monday that he is running to be reelected as Smith County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace in 2026. Choice was first elected to the position in 2022 after the resignation of former judge Quincy Beavers Jr. Choice is running for reelection as a part of the 2026 Democratic Primary, ahead of the local elections in November.

“Serving the people of Smith County has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. Over the past term, I have worked diligently to ensure that justice is served with fairness, integrity, and compassion. I remain committed to being a voice for the people upholding the law while also understanding the needs of the community I proudly call home,” Choice said on Monday. “With your continued support, I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made and continuing to serve with dedication, transparency, and respect for all.”

SABINE COUNTY– According to our news partner KETK, four more people were arrested by the Sabine County Sheriff’s Office over the weekend in connection with “Operation Crystal Ball.” The sheriff’s office first initiated the operation in March in order to combat meth activity in the county. Since its start, the operation has resulted in more than a dozen charges involving nearly 20 individuals, as well as the seizure of approximately 495 grams of methamphetamine.

As the operation is in its completion phase, members of the sheriff’s office are arresting individuals who were found dealing meth or in possession of large amounts of drugs. Those arrested over the weekend include: Lori Nicole Williams: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, Kade Harley: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, Cody Rhodes: charged with the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and Justin Tood Short: charged with possession of a controlled substance.

All four people arrested over the weekend remain in custody.

NEW BOSTON – East Texas State Rep. Gary VanDeaver of New Boston said on Monday that he won’t be running for reelection in Texas House District 1 in 2026. This announcement comes less than two months after the Republican Party of Texas officially penalized him for making votes and taking actions against party platform policies.

Our news partner KETK News spoke with VanDeaver on Monday. He said he’s been working up to this announcement for the past couple of months and those penalties had nothing to do with it.

“This is a decision I’ve been working on trying to make for at least two months. Really a little longer than that. I just believe the time is right,” VanDeaver said. “I believe that these representative positions were never intended to make careers and never intended to be full time jobs. Our forefathers they set up a system where we serve temporarily and then we go home and we live under the laws we make and so at the end of this term, I will have served for 12 years, and I just believe that’s really long enough.”
Photo courtesy of Gary VanDeaver.

VanDeaver’s last term will end in Jan. 2027 and several candidates have already announced campaigns to replace him as State Representative for House District 1. Sean Huffman is running unopposed so far in the Democratic Primary, while Josh Bray and Chris Spencer have both announced their running in the Republican Primary. Continue reading State Rep. Gary VanDeaver not seeking reelection