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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.”

BROWNSBORO – Multiple students who requested medical attention or were transported to the hospital after Friday night’s football halftime show have been released, according to Brownsboro ISD Superintendent Keri Hampton. According to our news partner KETK, Brownsboro Fire said the cause of the incident was determined to be the result of the students suffering from dehydration. After the halftime show, officials said they were alerted three students needed medical attention “for heat exposure type symptoms.” Brownsboro Fire said minutes later they received additional calls for service, and that multiple other students were requesting medical attention for similar symptoms. Continue reading Officials: Multiple students treated for dehydration after Brownsboro halftime show

TYLER – One person is held after a traffic stop led to a chase in Tyler Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler police say an officer was doing a routine traffic stop on a truck at 11:20 a.m. Dispatch ran the plates as usual when the vehicle came up as stolen, and a chase ensued. The chase went from Highway 31 West onto Patton Lane, then west onto Highway 64. DPS, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, and constables came out to assist. The occupant pulled over at the airport and was arrested, police said. He was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest or detention with a vehicle.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are seeking leads following a fatal crash involving a Longview Fire Department fire engine. Police say around 6:35 p.m. Thursday, officers responded to Alpine Rd. near E. Ann Drive. The initial investigation revealed that the fire engine was traveling west on Alpine and failed to yield right of way turning onto E. Ann in front of a motorcycle which was traveling east on Alpine. Officials say the motorcyclist unsuccessfully laid his motorcycle on the ground to avoid collision with the fire engine. They say fire personnel on scene immediately began providing first aid to the motorcyclist, who was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The motorcyclist has been identified as James Ray Neuville, 60, of Hallsville. Continue reading Longview police investigate fatal crash involving fire engine

WOOD COUNTY — A man was arrested on Thursday on a capital murder charge in connection to the 2007 murder of Brittany McGlone, according to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Our news partner KETK reports that on Wednesday, a warrant for the arrest of Chad Earl Carr was obtained by the sheriff’s office. On Thursday, Captain Mike Chilson and Ranger John Vance traveled to the DFW area and located Carr on Stemmons Freeway in Dallas. In 2007, 19-year-old Brittany McGlone was beaten, sexually assaulted, and murdered in the light of day. Her case remained without a suspect being publicly named for more than a decade. Carr was taken to the Wood County Jail and booked on a capital murder charge. Carr is being held on a $1 million bond.

SAN ANTONIO – A federal judge denied a motion Wednesday that asked the court to reconsider bond for a Palestine man indicted in the San Antonio smuggling incident that resulted in the deaths of 53 migrants. Christian Martinez, 28, was indicted in July on four counts relating to the incident — and after a detention hearing it was ordered that Martinez would be detained pending trial. According to our news partner KETK, the court ruled that “no condition or combination of conditions of release will reasonably assure the safety of any other person and the the community.” That decision was upheld Wednesday after Martinez’s attorney asked the court to reconsider. But the judge says the decision is “subject to reconsideration” should additional information be presented on the issue that would reasonably assure his appearance in court and the safety of the community.

GILMER – A temporary order signed by a judge suspended Upshur County District Clerk Karen Bunn on Thursday, effectively removing her from office. According to our news partner KETK, Nicole Hernandez, who won a March primary election for the position, is now acting as district clerk. Bunn has been placed on suspension pending litigation, according to officials. The decision comes after a petition was submitted by a group of attorneys to remove Bunn from office claiming she had “neglected her duties as district clerk.” After taking office on Jan. 1, 2019, Bunn tripped in the office two months later after she said her heel got caught on the carpet. Bunn said her doctors had not released her to go back to work. Continue reading Upshur County district clerk suspended after petition for removal

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful are sponsoring a free bulky item collection for City of Tyler residential customers (excluding multi-family home communities and businesses) from Monday, Oct. 17, through Friday, Oct. 21. Those participating in the campaign should place bulky items on the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 17, and no sooner than 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14. After crews have collected on your street, officials ask that you not place more bulky items on the curb. These items will be charged a special pickup fee. Click this link and scroll the budget and tax rate items for more information.