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TYLER – The city announced Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) plans to change how customers are charged, no longer subsidizing the first 2,000 gallons in favor of charging for total water use. If approved, TWU customers will see an increase of about $20 to their monthly bill. City Manager Edward Broussard said. “These rates are needed to maintain the quality of these services and sustain the system in the long term.” The new billing structure is set to be phased in over the next five years as a part of the fiscal year 2023 budget process. Customers will be charged the same rate regardless of utilization. The city said it plans to spend $24.4 million in cash and bond funds on water and sewer improvement projects in the coming year. Residential solid waste fees will also increase by $1.28 for twice-weekly collection. The budget’s final adoption is scheduled for 9 a.m. at the Sept. 14 meeting at Tyler City Hall, and the public is available to give their input on the budget at the Aug. 24 and Sept. 14 meetings.

TYLER — With a new school year comes a renewed effort to crack down on the issue of vaping in Tyler ISD. “Vaping is a serious issue with our youth,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “You can’t buy bourbon in Tyler, Texas, but our youth can get their hands on vapes on almost every corner around town. We are educators, not health monitors. Any help you can give us, city, county, and legislators, we would really appreciate it!” The district has installed more than seventy vape detectors at all four high schools and the Career & Technology Center with the message to students, “you will get caught.” Continue reading Tyler ISD cracks down on vaping

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioner’s Court voted unanimously to propose lowering the tax rate by half a cent. The proposed rate for the fiscal year 2023 would go down from 33.5 cents to 33 cents per $100 valuation. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran said the commissioners court will hold a public hearing on the proposed rate at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 23. The court will also plan a public hearing on the proposed FY23 budget at 5:30 p.m. on August 23. The court will vote on adopting the proposed tax rate and budget in September, according to Moran. The city says they will not go into effect until Oct. 1. Continue reading Smith County commissioners vote to propose lowering tax rate

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD officials said their “hearts are broken” after an incoming high school student died on Tuesday. “Longview Independent School District is shocked and saddened to learn about the tragic death of incoming Longview High School freshman Rahsaan ‘Bobo’ Jefferson,” said the school district. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police said Jefferson died folowing a shooting at the Preserve Apartments on West Avalon Avenue on Monday night. The school district extended their condolences to Rahsaan’s loved ones. “To lose any member of our Lobo family hurts, but especially one so young,” said James Brewer, the Longview High School Principal. “Crisis counselors and campus administrators will be on hand for any students and staff who need assistance.” Continue reading Longview ISD officials: ‘Our hearts are broken’ after incoming high school student fatally shot

LONGVIEW – A Longview teenager died after a shooting at an apartment complex on Monday according to the Longview Police Department. Longview police made it to the Preserve Apartments at 600 West Avalon Avenue around 9:25 p.m. A teenage male was shot and taken to a local hospital in a private vehicle before the officers arrived. The teen later died due to his injuries, said officials. Detectives are still investigating the shooting. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1110, or send a tip anonymously to Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

TYLER – The Smith County Commissioners court voted Tuesday to approve putting the county courthouse bond proposal on the Nov. 8 ballot. Smith County voters will now be tasked with voting on the proposal which, if voted into effect, would begin construction on a new county courthouse and parking structure. Members of the community spoke on the proposal before the vote, largely in favor of building a new courthouse. While no one said they were in favor of a rise in taxes, one woman said it was a necessary evil. Commissioner 3 Terry Lee Phillips who has the only opposing vote on the commission, said that in his opinion, now was not the time for the bond proposal due to growing inflation across the country. The proposed courthouse focuses on adding safety precautions the current structure cannot support, and the addition of a 300-car parking garage. The plan comes to the ballot after over 20 years of continuous assessment and planning.

SMITH COUNTY — Since news broke that the FBI searched former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday, a growing number of Republicans have spoken out against the raid. Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran spoke with KTBB Tuesday morning. Judge Moran said “It’s clear the Democrats are on a political witch hunt against former President Donald Trump. This an unfortunate.” Judge Moran continued, “The raid clearly on Mar-A-Lago is an abuse of power and should not be tolerated in our Nation. November elections can’t come soon enough and switch from what we are seeing now to a government that’s leaning toward Liberty and dedicated to Liberty.” A senior official briefed on Monday’s events said that the Secret Service was notified by the FBI a short time before agents arrived that they would be coming. Continue reading Judge Moran speaks out against FBI raid of Trump’s estate

COFFEE CITY — One month ago, three Coffee City Council members and the city secretary resigned from their positions, putting city business on hold. According to our news partner KETK, some city officials including the police chief said the council members hadn’t been showing up due to dissatisfaction with operations, the use of city property without proper approval and even alleged racial remarks between employees. “Relieved! I’m very relieved for the citizens, myself and the council members,” said Coffee City Mayor Frank Serrato. Serrato announced he would be turning in his resignation at the next city meeting. Citing family and a new job as his priority. For months, members said the no-shows of council members have left the city unable to conduct regular business. Continue reading Coffee City mayor to resign following city council meeting

TYLER — Tyler Police Officers responded to a shooting on W. Morris around 3:00 Monday afternoon. One victim, identified as Horatio Williams, 57, of Tyler, was found in the street with a gunshot wound. He was transported to UT Health on Beckham where he died from his injuries. Another victim, Laray High, 50, Tyler, transported himself to UT Health on Beckham and was treated and released.  Multiple shell casings were found on scene along with one weapon. The suspect has been identified as Frederick Leon Harvey, 59, Tyler. He was also shot and was treated at UT Health. An arrest warrant was issued for Harvey. After he was released from the hospital he was arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail on charges of Murder with a $500,000 bond and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, both with a $25,000 bond.

TYLER – Two people are now confirmed dead in an 18-wheeler roll over Monday off Toll 49 and Highway 110. According to DPS a truck traveling northbound on Highway 110 exit ramp left the roadway to the left and overcorrected to the right. Truck rolled one and a half times coming to a rest on its top. The off ramp of Texas Toll 49 at Highway 110 was closed for a couple of hours due to overturned 18-wheeler and cleanup. The investigation continues and the names of the victims have not been released.

TYLER – For the third year in a row, our news partner KETK News is hosting a pet supply drive for local animal shelters. The event has already started and is running through Aug. 19. Residents can drop off their donations at the KETK station located on 4300 Richmond Road in Tyler. They are accepting donations Monday- Friday from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Shelters need items like food, bedding, cleaning supplies and toys.

SMITH COUNTY — An Alba man was arrested for allegedly stabbing a man around 5 a.m. on Sunday in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Chance Hull, 22, of Alba, was charged with first-degree murder with bond set at $500,000. Police were called to Sneed Avenue regarding a stabbing Sunday morning. Upon arrival, officers saw one person with stab wounds and Hull, who was attempting to provide first aid, although he was later arrested. Andy Erbaugh, with the Tyler Police Department, said that a physical altercation led up to the stabbing. EMS took the victim to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.

TYLER – Kaegan Wright, the Smith County teen who went missing Saturday afternoon, was located later in the evening and appeared to have drowned in a nearby pool. According to our news partner KETK, at approximately 7 p.m. on Saturday Smith County deputies responded to a drowning call in the 15500 block of CR 314. Upon their arrival, they were informed that Kaegan Wright had drowned at a swimming pool at this location. The pool was reportedly in the backyard of a residence near Kaegan’s home on the same street. Kaegan was then taken to Forensic Medical in Tyler for an autopsy, ordered by Justice of the Peace Jon Johnson.

TEXAS – The Lone Star State Incident Management Team says wherever there are wildfires in Texas, that area becomes a drone no fly zone. According to our news partner KETK, flying hobby drones in areas with wildfires, could get in the way of firefighters doing their job. Making the wildfire larger, more destructive, possibly leading to property loss or death. They also point out, that aircraft used for wildfires, lead planes, airtankers and helicopters, can fly as low as 150 feet. Which is about the same altitude that most hobby drones are flown. The Lone Star State Incident Management Team steps in and helps local authorities when a disaster exceeds its resources and are attached to the Texas A&M Forest Service.

TYLER – On Friday, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith and hundreds of first responders and citizens from our region gathered to mourn the death of deputy Lorenzo Bustos. According to our news partner KETK, the funeral procession advanced carefully from Green Acres Baptist Church to Deputy Bustos’ final resting place, Tyler Memorial Cemetery. Every vehicle that proceeded down the procession route, did so with lights on, serving as a reminder to the dangers to those who protect us. Bustos died early Friday July 29th during a traffic stop when he was struck by an alleged drunk driver. He was 29 and is survived by his wife Gloria and three young children.

TYLER — Former Smith County Pct. 1 Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris has pleaded not guilty, and a trial date has been set for Sept. 19 on his theft of property by a public servant and official oppression cases. According to our news partner KETK, Traylor-Harris’s attorney, Andrew Dammann, said usually his clients are given some leniency by the courts, but this time he says they aren’t cutting Traylor-Harris any slack. “That’s what the bond system does to people. It puts them in jail, it separates them from their family and it breaks them to the point where they’re willing to accept a deal that might not be the best for them,” said Dammann. Continue reading Suspended Smith County Constable’s lawyer discusses $1 million bond

TYLER – The city of Tyler will be closing several streets on Friday for the funeral procession of Smith County Deputy Lorenzo Bustos, who was killed in the line of duty on July 29. The funeral will start at 10:00 at Green Acres Baptist Church. The procession will leave Green Acres Baptist Church at 1607 Troup Highway then turn left onto Troup Highway at S. Beckham Ave and then right onto S. Broadway Avenue. The procession will go to Front Street then turn left to move outside of the city. Later, it will turn right onto Patton Lane until it arrives at Memorial Park Cemetery on Hwy 64 W. Continue reading Smith County Deputy’s funeral today

LINDALE — The Lindale Independent School District announced Thursday that it will be increasing its police staff for the 2022-2023 school year. The district will reportedly have a full time, armed and trained police officer at every campus during the school year. The Lindale ISD Police Department was initially established in 2015 with three officers and with the new staff increase, there will be a total of six officers. The district says that all Lindale ISD Police Officers have completed the Active Shooter Response for School-Based Law Enforcement class, including training beyond the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Center (ALERRT) program as a part of our current safety and security standards. Continue reading Lindale ISD Police increase staff for upcoming school year

SMITH COUNTY — Officials are saying if we get some rain in East Texas, it could take up to a year to recover from this extreme drought. “We are in severe conditions with the temperatures getting into triple digits and all the gusts of wind we’re getting along with it have made conditions way worse than what they should be,” said Travis Johnson, Smith County EDS 2 firefighter. Extreme drought means East Texas has received substantially less rainfall. We’ve seen more burn bans and mandatory water rations taking effect. This all makes a huge impact on vegetation, livestock and even air quality according to our news partner KETK. It can affect agricultural production like hay and pasture production and forage growth for livestock. Continue reading Officials say severe drought could take up to a year to recover from

SMITH COUNTY — Crews are battling a grass fire in the 15800 block of Shady Creek Road, according to Sgt. Larry Christian with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, Christian said that Jackson Volunteer Fire Department requested law enforcement assistance around 4 p.m. to help block the road. The corner of Shady Creek Road and CR 398 is blocked as of this writing. The grass fire is about two acres. Continue reading Fires in East Texas

TYLER – A Tyler man has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of felony assault family violence according to our news partner KETK. Richard Wilson, 48, was arrested after the Smith County Sheriff’s Department responded to a domestic disturbance call on August 25, 2020, and prosecutors called witnesses who detailed facts surrounding the assault to the jury, according to the district attorney. “Evidence also proved Wilson’s extensive and violent criminal history, which included previous convictions for both attempted murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon,” the district attorney said. Wilson’s prior convictions increased his punishment range to 25 years to life in prison, and after deliberations the jury sentenced him to life in prison.

ARP – Arp ISD has struggled to fill bus driver seats these past few years according to our news partner KETK. The type of training is expensive and to help out, the coaches and the principal of Arp High School volunteered. “It’s kind of unique, get to interact with kids and see them in a different way and I can see them in a different light. And you can meet kids from other campuses, but it all comes down to helping whenever I can,” said Principal Mike Miller. Arp ISD hired more drivers but are still having volunteers as a backup. Henderson ISD struggled with hiring bus drivers a few years ago and when they looked at other districts, they raised their wages and now have more than enough drivers. Arp ISD said they are looking to become a training facility and pay for future bus drivers. They also hope to raise the rates.

TYLER — The cities of Tyler and Nacogdoches are among 23 other Texas cities filing a lawsuit accusing Disney DTC LLC, Hulu, LLC and Netflix Inc., of failing to pay millions of dollars in municipal franchise fees as far back as 2007. According to our news partner KETK, the lawsuit was filed in Dallas County on behalf of Abilene, Allen, Amarillo, Arlington, Austin, Beaumont, Carrollton, Dallas, Denton, Frisco, Fort Worth, Garland, Grand Prairie, Houston, Irving, Lewisville, McKinney, Mesquite, Nacogdoches, Pearland, Plano, Rowlett, Sugar Land, Tyler and Waco. Continue reading Two East Texas cities join million-dollar lawsuit against Disney, Hulu, Netflix

HENDERSON — The Henderson Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding Betty Rowland (Pemberton). According to our news partner KETK, Pemberton was last seen on Monday, August 1, driving a green 1998 Toyota Tacoma, the department said. According to police, Rowland may be suffering from an episode of dementia and may be in a confused state. If you have seen her or her vehicle, contact the Henderson Police Department at 903-657-3512.

WOOD COUNTY – Emergency fire evacuation has been issued for residents in the Horseshoe Bend area of Wood County. According to Texas A&M Forest service incident viewer the fire is 20 acres and 0% contained. FM 2088 east of FM 2869 is closed. Fire evacuation has commenced to anyone on the east side of Horseshoe Bend. If you know anyone in Horseshoe Bend or the area around it officials ask that you please let them know.

LONGVIEW – The Longview ISD Board of Trustees voted to install cameras in all special needs classrooms Monday, according to our news partner KETK. Previously, cameras were only in “most” classrooms, according to officials. Officials said they want the public to know the district is taking steps to add the cameras, and will have them running before the beginning of the school year. Six former district administrators, teachers and employees were indicted on abuse charges against special needs students at J.L. Everhart Elementary, however officials said the decision to add the cameras is not because of those cases. Former Principal Cassandra Renee James, former Assistant Principal Linda Kaye Brown Lister, former special education teacher Cecilia Gregg, former teacher’s aides Paula Hawkins Dixon and Cynthia Denise Talley and former teacher Priscilla Johnson were each indicted for various offenses against the students including striking, restraining and holding them down.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has purchased nearly 250 acres in Cherokee County, according to our news partner KETK. The 250 acres are bottomland hardwood forests, or “river swamps“, along with four miles of Neches River frontage at the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge. “Conserving bottomland hardwood forests along Texas’ rivers is a high priority for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,” said Amy Lueders, the Service’s Southwest Regional Director. The acquisition contains a mixed pine forest along the higher elevations and bottomland hardwood forest along the Neches River riparian wetlands. The goal is to benefit resident and migratory wildlife in the Neches River National Wildlife Refuge. Neches River National Wildlife Refuge was established in 2006 to protect wintering, nesting and migratory habitat for migratory birds of the Central Flyway and to ensure protection of the bottomland hardwoods for their diverse biological value. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service purchased the property using the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which was established by Congress in 1964 to safeguard natural areas.

TYLER – Camp Gladiator, a bootcamp workout program with outdoor workouts across Tyler, announced they will be hosting a workout Aug. 20 open to the community to raise money for the family of fallen deputy, Lorenzo Bustos. According to our news partner KETK, the community workout will be held from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at South Spring Baptist Church “honoring the life and service of Officer Lorenzo Bustos.” Gift cards and donations will be collected for Bustos’ wife, who is a member of Camp Gladiator, and his children with all proceeds to benefit the family. Bustos died in the line of duty after being struck by a drunk driver, according to Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith. Funeral arrangements are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. at Green Acres Baptist Church

CHEROKEE COUNTY — One man arrested, one law enforcement official injured, following a stand-off just outside of Jacksonville. Our news partner KETK reports, Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson said deputies were serving an arrest warrant for someone who missed a trial date and located the individual in a camper. Officials said he fled to a nearby residence on CR 1516 and barricaded himself in. When officers and a SWAT team got to the house, the subject was hiding in one of the rooms. Officers entered the house moments later and a fight began while officers attempted to restrain the suspect. Continue reading Man arrested, official injured after standoff near Jacksonville

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has announced the funeral arrangements for fallen Deputy Lorenzo Bustos. According to our news partner KETK, the funeral will be held at Green Acres Baptist Church on Friday, Aug. 5 at 10 a.m. in the sanctuary, located at 1607 Troup Hwy in Tyler. Bustos died early Friday morning during a traffic stop when he was struck by an alleged drunk driver. He was 29 and leaves behind a wife and three children. Continue reading Funeral arrangements for Smith County Deputy announced