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SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin confirmed that Lance Phillips, the son of two Smith County officials, turned himself in to law enforcement on Saturday, according to our news partner KETK. Constable Joplin said that Phillips contacted him personally around 2 p.m. on Saturday to have him come pick him up to take him to jail. Phillips is the son of Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips and County Clerk Karen Phillips. He was wanted after allegedly running from officials after being held in contempt of court on Thursday. Phillips was booked into the Smith County Jail and charged with making a false report inducing an emergency response, evading arrest and contempt of court, jail records show. He’s being held on a total of $105,000 bond, according to jail records.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A deputy has been placed on administrative leave while Texas Rangers investigate an incident that took place on July 23 between him and an inmate at the Cherokee County Jail. Sheriff Brent Dickson contacted the Texas Rangers to investigate the incident after reviewing it himself. Pending the Texas Rangers investigation, Dickson said the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave and no further information can be released at this time, updates will posted as they become available.

GROVETON – According to our news partner KETK a wanted man is in custody and a deputy was hospitalized with a head injury following a tense five-hour standoff in Trinity County overnight. Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace identified the suspect as Keith “KD” Williams. Authorities received a crime stoppers tip that Williams, a convicted sex offender last registered in Polk County, was living in an RV in Groveton. When they went out to serve a felony warrant, he reportedly locked himself inside the RV, shouting at officers from inside. While Williams was barricaded, Wallace said he threw items like spears, arrows, wooden blocks, chemicals, water and propane tanks at law enforcement. The suspect hit one of our deputies in the head with a hammer,” Wallace said. Continue reading Sex offender arrested, deputy hospitalized after standoff

LONGVIEW – As part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, Community Eligibility Provision allows qualifying schools that serve populations with high poverty rates to provide free breakfast and lunch. Ms. Phyllis Dozier, LISD Director of Child Nutrition, said the program has been in place at Longview ISD since 2019, and “will continue to benefit our students, our families, and the district.” Continue reading Longview ISD offers free breakfast, lunch for all students

GLADEWATER – A 73-year-old man is dead after his tractor fell on top of him on Wednesday afternoon according to our news partners at KETK. On Wednesday, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 900 block of Lake Deverina in reference to a man who had been crushed by a tractor. According to Justice of the Peace Tim Bryan, David Cates was on his tractor working in his yard when the tractor tipped over falling off of a four-foot retaining wall. Bryan said the tractor landed on Cates, causing blunt force trauma. At 3:15 p.m., Cates was pronounced dead on the scene by Bryan and the investigation led officials to believe Cates was killed instantly by the impact of the tractor landing on top of him.

HARRISON COUNTY — A suspect has been arrested in connection to a murder that took place on July 4 in Ore City. According to our news partner KETK, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the homicide case after responding to a shooting in the Ore City/Lazy Lakes area. Authorities said Jeremy Vick, 35, had died at a local hospital from a gunshot wound. Investigators issued a warrant for Kristopher Dylan Ratcliff, 36, for the charges of murder, aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Ratcliff was nabbed by the U.S. Marshal Services in Bangor, Maine and will be arraigned upon waiver of extradition, then transferred to the Harrison County Jail.

WINONA — Lance Phillips, the son of Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips and County Clerk Karen Phillips, is wanted after he allegedly ran from officials after being told he was in contempt of court on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, a pretrial hearing was held Thursday in Winona for Cody Voss, who was charged with failure to identify and arrested along with Derek Phillips following a traffic stop in March where Karen Phillips, Smith County Clerk, was also arrested for allegedly interfering with the traffic stop. According to Smith County Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin, Lance Phillips said he was going to speak on Voss’ behalf at the hearing, but he was told that he was not allowed to speak in the court because he is not an attorney. Continue reading Son of SC commissioner flees contempt charge

HAWKINS — Law enforcement in Hawkins is trying to gather information about a sexual assault that happened this week at a convenience store location. According to our news partner KETK, authorities say a women was getting gas early Wednesday morning July 26 when she was sexually assaulted at a closed convenience store. Anyone with information relating to this are asked to contact the Hawkins Police Department or the Wood County Sheriff’s Department.

COFFEE CITY – Police are looking for a person they say was carrying more than 900 grams of suspected meth in a backpack while fleeing from police.

At around 10:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Sgt. Welch with the Coffee City Police Department attempted to stop a blue 2005 Kawasaki 1300 motorcycle on State Highway 155. Police said the motorcycle fled north and crashed near the 22900 block of Lakeway Harbor Drive.

Officers reported finding roughly 952 grams of suspected methamphetamine in a backpack next to the wrecked motorcycle. Police describe the driver as having a medium build, possibly white or Hispanic, wearing a white shirt, blue jeans and a black helmet and possibly armed with a handgun. Continue reading More than 900 grams of suspected meth found

RUSK COUNTY – The Texas Rangers are investigating an in-custody death that happened at the Rusk County Jail on Sunday afternoon. According to our news partners at KETK and the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Johnny Bradley, 61, was found unresponsive in his bed by jail staff on Sunday afternoon. Officials said that staff immediately began CPR before Bradley was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Bradley’s family was notified and according to the sheriff’s office, his body is being taken to Tyler for an autopsy. The Texas Rangers are conducting an investigation into Bradley’s death as per standard procedure.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council recognized first responders for their combined, 175 years of service to the Rose City, at Wednesday morning’s city council meeting, our news partner KETK reports. “It’s amazing how quick 25 years has gone,” said Cordell Parker, Fire Battalion Chief. The City of Tyler recognized seven firemen who have served the city for 25 years. “We’re just here to serve them and what they need, you know they need something done, an emergency we’re here to take care of them,” said Parker. Mayor Don Warren presented honorary certificates to each first responder for their commitment over several years. Continue reading Several Tyler firefighters honored for 25 years of service

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies are searching for a 14-year-old runaway. According to the sheriff’s office, Lincoln Legg ran away from his residence on July 10. He was subsequently located on July 24, although he ran away again after returning home. Lincoln is considered to be a chronic runaway and his welfare is of  high concern. Officials believe Lincoln to be in circumstances and situations that would be considered dangerous for a child. Lincoln is described as a white male, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5’06, 130 lbs. Lincoln is reported to have recently shaved his head. He has been located in the past, within the city limits of Tyler and is known to frequent the East Loop 323 corridor area. Continue reading Smith County Sheriff’s Office searching for runaway

GREGG COUNTY – The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is trying to locate two unidentified males in regards to several crimes in Gregg County. According to our news partner KETK, officers believe the men pictured are a African American Male and Hispanic Male between the ages of 18 to 23. They are wanted for burglary of a vehicle, possession of marijuana, evading arrest and unlawful carrying of a weapon. Authorities ask if you have information to contact the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office or click greggcountycrimestoppers.com here.

MARSHALL – Marshall Police Department have made arrests in the a shooting of a 13 year-old boy. According to our news partner KETK, MPD was called late in the evening July 5 to the scene of a shooting on West Emory Street. Officers found the unnamed victim shot with a non-life-threatening injury, he was transported to a local hospital. In the course of their investigation, Marshall Police identified 18 year-old Eric Lavigne of Marshall and 19 year-old Christiana Whitt of Henderson as the assailants of the unnamed victim. Lavigne remains in the Harrison County Jail on a $200,000 bond. Whitt was arrested on July 19 and has since been released on a $75,000 bond.

TYLER – The 2023 fall semester is rapidly approaching. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler ISD and Longview ISD begin August 9. With Jacksonville starting their fall session a week later August 16. To find your schools opening day, click here.

TYLER – The Tyler City Council approved on Wednesday a $873,961 contract to rehabilitate roughly 21,355 square feet of brick streets. Our news partners at KETK report that the contract is with Crown Civil Construction Corporation, and work is scheduled to begin this fall. As part of the project, Bois D’Arc Avenue from South Oakwood Street to the railroad tracks will be reconstructed.
Continue reading Tyler’s historic brick streets to get $870,000 in improvements

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith was sworn in as President of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas at an event in Fort Worth on Tuesday night, according to our news partner KETK. As president, Smith will represent sheriffs from all of Texas’ 254 counties and oversee day-to-day affairs at the association, which is said to be one of the oldest law enforcement associations in the nation and the host of the largest composite gatherings of officers in the Lone Star State. One of Smith’s top priorities is addressing mental health in Texas jails, stating “the largest mental health facility in most cities is the county jail.” Another of his priorities is addressing the border crisis and getting help to sheriff’s offices in those regions. Continue reading Larry Smith sworn in as president of Sheriffs’ Association of Texas

LONGVIEW — A Community Meeting to discuss improvements to Rollins Park funded by the 2018 bond election has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Spring Hill, McWhorter, and Rollins parks are the second set of parks identified for improvements as part of the bond initiative. Lois Jackson, McWhorter, Patterson, Spring Creek, and Stamper parks were renovated as part of the first set of park improvements.

BULLARD — According to our news partner KETK Bullard ISD has added two more officers as a response to Governor Greg Abbott’s new law, House Bill 3. This new law requires each school district in Texas to have one security officer on each school campus. “That brings us to five and that’s just an added security measure for students staff and our entire community,” said Bullard ISD Superintendent Jack Lee. New police chief Pat Hendrix says policies and procedures will continue to be followed and stressing the importance to keep an up-to-date secure building. “We have films, camera systems, we have different types of door locks, and we have a lot of safety procedures on these campuses,” said Hendrix. Continue reading Bullard to start school year with new security measures

TYLER — Leadership from Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler announced Monday the creation of the TJC and UT Tyler Promise Transfer Scholarship. According to our news partner KETK, starting this fall, the scholarship will enable TJC grads who have been in the college’s promise program to take the next step up to UT Tyler to continue their education. The James I. Perkins Family Foundation, who funded the first 25 scholarships at $8,000 each, announced Monday they would fund an additional 25 more for a total gift to the program of $400,000.
Continue reading TJC and UT Tyler create a unique scholarship program

TYLER – A man is dead after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on U.S. Highway 69, four miles north of Jacksonville, according to our news partners at KETK. On Saturday, DPS said that a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling north on U.S. 69 when it struck 49-year-old Derrick Wayne Steele as he was also traveling north riding on a bicycle. Steele was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Brenda Dominey. According to DPS, the posted speed limit in the area was 70 mph and the driver of the Tahoe was not injured. No further information is available as DPS said this is an ongoing investigation.

TYLER — Leaders from Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler signed an agreement Monday to create the TJC and UT Tyler Promise Transfer Scholarship, according to our news partner KETK. Beginning this fall, the new scholarship will enable TJC graduates who have been successful in one of the college’s Promise programs to further pursue their higher education at UT Tyler, according to TJC. In support of this partnership, the James I. Perkins Family Foundation announced a gift to fund an initial 25 scholarships at $8,000 each. During Monday’s event, the Perkins family made a surprise announcement of an additional 25 scholarships, for a total gift of $400,000. Continue reading TJC/UT Tyler agree to create Promise Transfer Scholarship

HARRISON COUNTY — A man was arrested after a traffic stop led to the seizure of several drugs, drug paraphernalia and a firearm. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday, a deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Pinecrest and Highway 59. The driver was identified as Eduordo Garcia. While speaking with the Garcia, officials said the deputy received consent to search the vehicle. The search reportedly led to the discovery of 127 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 9.5 grams of cocaine, a firearm, a scale and a package containing small empty plastic bags. Garcia was booked into the Harrison County Jail on the charges of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A man is dead after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on U.S. Highway 69, four miles north of Jacksonville, according to DPS. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday, DPS said that a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling north on U.S. 69 when it struck 49-year-old Derrick Wayne Steele as he was also traveling north riding on a bicycle. Steele was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Brenda Dominey. According to DPS, the posted speed limit in the area was 70 mph and the driver of the Tahoe was not injured. No further information is available as DPS said this is an ongoing investigation.

CLARKSVILLE – An AMBER Alert issued Monday afternoon reached a safe conclusion. According to our news partner KETK, Red River County Sheriff’s report that 15-year-old Erika Anderson was found safe early Monday evening and is being reunited with her family. At this time, that is all the details that are available.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said a driver has been arrested after allegedly running over a pedestrian around 12:15 a.m. on Monday near State Highway 64 West and County Road 1125 in Tyler, according to our news partners at KETK.

Jesus Mora, 38, called 911 and told dispatchers that he had ran over a man with his vehicle and fled the scene, according to authorities. The sheriff’s office said another witness had called 911 and reported that Mora had run over the pedestrian on purpose before leaving the scene. Continue reading Driver arrested for running over pedestrian near Tyler

ANGELINA COUNTY – Several East Texas counties have enacted burn bans due to dry conditions and fire risk. When a county issues a burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited in that county. Courtesy of our news partners at KETK, here is a list of burn bans across East Texas: Continue reading LIST: East Texas counties under burn bans

BROOKSTON – An Amber Alert has been issued for a 15 years old girl who was suspected of being abducted in the town of Brookston, TX which is near Paris.The victim is a white female named Erika Anderson, though she may use the name Erika McCarver. She was last seen wearing a gray hoodie. The suspect is 22-year-old Jonathan Ramirez. He is driving a green and beige 2009 Toyota Camry. The license number is RWW6625.
If you have any information please call your local 9-1-1.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Public Library will be changing it’s hours of operation starting on Monday, July 31, according to the City of Longview. According to our news partner KETK, the library is making these changes in order to better accommodate rising daily patron attendance. The press release added that some minor adjustments might be made to weekly youth and adult programs. In total, the library won’t be losing any hours, officials said. The library’s curbside pickup will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each week from Monday through Friday, according to a City of Longview press release. The library’s new hours of operation will be: Monday – Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m. Computers will shut down 30 minutes before the end of each day.

PAYNE SPRINGS – Payne Springs Fire Rescue said they responded to a grass fire that started because of alleged illegal outdoor burning around 2:35 p.m. on Saturday. Our news partners at KETK report the grass fire started in the Allen Ranch area of Payne Springs and spread to several outbuildings, one of which was completely destroyed, according to PSFR. Officials reminded the public to always have a water source nearby and to always watch any burning.