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TYLER – A Tyler man pleaded guilty Thursday to murder in the 2019 death of another man, who was stabbed 22 times. According to our news partner KETK, Humberto Lauro Leal, 42, is expected to be sentenced May 16. A Smith County detective found Luis Rene Maruffo-Castaneda in the driver seat of a car. He was dead and covered in blood. Officials interviewed Leal, who said he stabbed Castaneda in self-defense. Leal was shot in his lower abdomen and was taken to UT Health East Texas. When he was first interviewed, Leal said he stabbed Castaneda four times and that Castaneda was standing when he fired the gun, but this did not match what officials discovered. Leal later told officials the men were arguing earlier that day at a different place. They had also had a fight six months before the murder.

TYLER – Smith County Precinct 1 Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris was placed back into the Smith County Jail for allegedly violating his bond, records show. According to our news partner KETK, online judicial records indicate Traylor-Harris was arrested by the Smith County Adult Probation Office, and was booked on Friday on a $500,000 bond. According to a bond violation report, Traylor-Harris was seen on a YouTube livestream on May 10 for the 2022 Police Academy Graduation for Navarro College. A supervisor with Smith County watched the video, which officials say shows Traylor-Harris receiving his diploma in full uniform and in possession of his weapon. Continue reading Graduation video leads to arrest of constable for alleged bond violation

TYLER — A well-known East Texas pastor accused of taking a significant amount of property from an elderly couple now has a trial date of August 15. According to our news partner KETK, Rev. Dr. Jerome Milton is charged with theft of property worth more than $30,000 and less than $150,000. A probable cause affidavit states that Milton was caring for and had power of attorney for the couple. Milton has been out of jail since Oct. 22, according to records. Among other things, Milton took the lead in originating Tyler’s annual downtown Martin Luther King, Jr., celebration and had a highly successful career as a coach and dean at Bishop Gorman High School.

TYLER — East Texas and the rest of the country will take part as the National Association of Letter Carriers conducts its annual national food drive Saturday, May 14. Officials say the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, the country’s largest one-day food drive, provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need. Customers simply leave their donation of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox on Saturday. Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food banks, pantries, shelters and churches. Donations collected locally go to the East Texas Food Bank. You can click this link for more details.

NEW ORLEANS — Texans now have a way of getting back on social media giants, like Facebook and Twitter, after being banned for voicing unpopular viewpoints. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans has re-instated the new law, that was blocked by a lower court back in December. State Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola sponsored the new social media law. He says, “If a site does block or restrict a user based on viewpoint, the user can file suit against the site to get back online — and the site has to pay the user’s attorney’s fees.” Industry trade groups call the law an assault on the first amendment, and constitutionally rotten from top to bottom.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man has been indicted on a murder charge in a case in which the victim ended up recording his own death during a fight. According to our news partner KETK, 49-year-old Michael Ralston (pictured) was arrested March 19 for the killing of housemate Eric Wynns, 44. Two neighbors told investigators that Ralston and Wynns were having an ongoing “noise feud,” where they were both being “intentionally being loud to annoy each other.” A housemate told police that both were also hearing impaired, with Ralston being called the “Deaf Dragon.” After the shooting, police found Wynns’ cell phone next to his body, which was still recording. Several clips from earlier that night were also saved on the device. Ralston is being held in the Gregg County Jail and is still awaiting his next court appearance.

CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill ISD Student Services has partnered with Goodside Health to bring on-demand telehealth services to the high school and junior high. According to a news release, the pilot program is currently being offered only at those campuses with hopes of offering it to Kissam Intermediate, Jackson Elementary, and Wise Elementary students in the future. Through the partnership and with parent consent, students can be tested and treated for strep, flu, and COVID-19, as well as sore throat, headache, skin rash, pink eye, upset stomach, and the common cold. Goodside Health even allows children to receive age-appropriate mental health screenings with parental consent. Continue reading CHISD launches telehealth pilot program with Goodside Health

GILMER — The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the opening of five Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Texas, including one in Gilmer, to meet the needs of those affected by severe storms and tornadoes March 21. Officials say SBA customer service representatives will be on hand to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help each individual complete their electronic loan application. No appointment is necessary. The Gilmer center will be located on the third floor of the Upshur County Courthouse, on West Tyler Street, in the Old Commissioners Meeting Room. It will be open as of 8:30 a.m. Friday, May 13. It will be available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 26. Click here for more information.

WINNSBORO — Dozens of people in Winnsboro are frustrated. They say a chicken fertilizer plant regularly lets out plumes of smoke causing people to feel unsafe outside. According to our news partner KETK, the Wood County courthouse was packed with Winnsboro residents focused on one thing, fighting for the health of their community. One resident said their COPD has become worse and that they are having a hard time breathing. “It makes me so sick, so I can’t even enjoy outside because the smell is so strong,” said a resident. According to attorneys, the toxic fumes have been coming from the Texas Sigma Partners plant for almost a year, leading to a lawsuit. Continue reading Fertilizer plant temporarily shut down after residents voice concerns

AUSTIN — Continuing to reflect a statewide and local trend, Tyler and Longview both show increases in sales tax allocations for May as announced Wednesday by the state comptroller’s office. Tyler’s monthly figure is $5,433,751.90, up from $5,332,564.37 a year ago. For the year to date, Tyler has amassed $24,790,993.92, up from $20,984,141.10 at this time last year. In Longview, the figure for May is $4,253,590.70, rising from $3,938,681.05 at this time in 2021. Longview’s year-to-date number is $18,194,154.92, compared to $15,234,616.57 at this point last year. Click here for a more comprehensive look.

TYLER — It was another busy Wednesday for Tyler’s City Council, with two key projects topping the list of action items. The Council authorized the city manager to execute two contracts associated with a consent decree the city entered in 2017 with the Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose is to address what’s termed the city’s aging wastewater collection system and resulting discharges. Work done under the contracts will rehabilitate 387 deteriorated sanitary sewer manholes and make 373 needed repairs to sewer main lines, according to a news release. The council also approved a contract for the 2022 asphalt enhancement project. Officials say the work will improve 25 lane miles of roadways, curbs, and gutters and restripe and place reflective markings. Continue reading Several items addressed by Tyler’s City Council

TYLER – A Tyler man has been indicted for manslaughter for a wreck last October that killed his passenger. According to our news partner KETK, 24-year-old Jose Esparza was arrested after a high-speed, three-car wreck near Mercado’s Restaurant on Loop 323 in Tyler. While Esparza had minor injuries, Pablo Avila was taken to UT Health in critical condition. He died two days later. The computer in the car Esparza was driving showed that he was traveling at 113 MPH when he slammed on his brakes. Esparza was arrested November 5, and he posted a $10,000 bond. His first court date has not yet been set. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

TYLER — A Chandler man has been indicted for intoxication manslaughter in a fiery December crash near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. 39-year-old Daniel Juarez had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, according to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. Juarez was arrested in January. A DPS report says 54-year-old Dennis Criner, a Tyler native, was heading east as Juarez approached in the opposite direction. Troopers said Juarez lost control of his car on the wet road, crossed over the center line, and hit Criner. Both men went to the hospital, where Criner was pronounced dead and Juarez was initially listed in serious condition. If convicted, Juarez faces up to 20 years in prison.

TYLER – The U.S. Marshals and the FBI are alerting the public of several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. They are urging people to report the calls to their local FBI office and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Officials say during the latest series of calls, scammers identifying themselves as “Deputy John Garrison” (the name of the actual U.S. Marshal in the Eastern District of Texas) attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest due to a claim of identity theft, failing to report for jury duty, or other offenses. Continue reading Officials issue fraud advisory

BULLARD – A Bullard woman was arrested last week and accused of misrepresenting funds between $2,500 and $30,000 linked to a youth nonprofit. According to our news partner KETK, local judicial records indicate 46-year-old Misty Adair was arrested by Bullard police May 6 and charged with theft of property and misapplication of fiduciary property. The investigation began after a tipster said there “were improprieties” with financial accounts for the local nonprofit Youth for Agriculture. An investigation revealed Adair was the account manager for the organization. Bullard police released a statement about Adair’s arrest but did not list details on what evidence was discovered to prompt her to be charged. Both charges are state jail felonies, which each carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison. Adair was released after posting a $60,000 bond.

TYLER — The City of Tyler’s Fun Forest Pool on N. Glenwood Blvd. is set to open for the 2022 season the weekend of May 28 and 29, and then regularly starting Saturday, June 4. Admission fees are $1 for residents and $2 for non-residents. Each patron must present proof of age and residency. Kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No outside food is allowed. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tyler Transit will be offering free rides to the pool all summer. Riders will need to notify the driver that they are going to the pool to receive the free ride. All bus riders 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Click here for more information.

EAST TEXAS — Just one day after setting a record for its highest gas prices ever, the Tyler metro area passed another dubious mark on Tuesday: the average cost for a gallon of unleaded fuel is more than $4 for the first time. According to our news partner KETK, AAA reported Tuesday morning that the average price for unleaded gasoline in the Tyler area was $4.04, a five-cent increase from the $3.99 mark on Monday. Diesel fuel is also at its highest point ever, averaging $5.19 per gallon. Fuel costs have spiked over the last 30 days. In Tyler, the average price just 30 days ago was $3.65. That marks a jump of nearly 40 cents. One year ago, gasoline in the Rose Capital was around $2.70 a gallon. Continue reading Tyler gas prices pass $4 for first time ever

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Commissioner’s Court approved the appointment of Joe Carter as Van Zandt County sheriff in an emergency special session. According to our news partner KETK, the motion to appoint Carter passed unanimously during Monday’s meeting. This comes after former Sheriff Steve Hendrix resigned following a grand jury indictment on the charge of providing false statements to a peace officer. Hendrix’s resignation is set to be effective on May 14.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is hosting an open house to engage with residents and update the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). According to a news release, the TIP is a short-range budgeting document that provides details on how federal transportation funding dollars will be spent on planning, design, and construction of highway and transit improvements over the next four fiscal years. The TIP is updated every two years. The open house will be held Tuesday, May 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center on W. Ferguson St. Click here for all the details.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man is accused of forcing a woman into his car at gunpoint last week, according to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. 47-year-old Juan Hernandez was charged with aggravated kidnapping and booked into the Gregg County North Jail on May 1. According to the warrant, he went to a home where the victim was located. Hernandez is accused of pulling a gun on a witness and saying “he would kill him,” per the documents. The victim exited a nearby truck, which is when Hernandez allegedly “grasped [the victim] by the arm, pointed the gun to the back of her head, and escorted her to his truck,” according to the warrant. The victim told police Hernandez spoke with her in the truck about their past relationship, which she had ended. Hernandez is also being held on an INS detainer.

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 bobcat crew on SH 64 in Chapel Hill, in Troup at the four-way stop, and on Spur 248 near the hospital. In Gregg County, the Spur 63/McCann Road Bridge Project continues, with traffic reduced to two lanes. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — Gas prices in the Tyler area hit their highest all-time mark Monday morning after averaging $3.99 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, according to AAA. According to our news partner KETK, prices have spiked over the last few days after slowly coming down over the previous two months. According to AAA data, the average price for unleaded gasoline in the Tyler area was $3.66, which was 33 cents cheaper. The previous record was $3.97, which was set back in July 2008 during the Great Recession. The $3.99 record does not factor in inflation for past prices. When adjusted for inflation, the most expensive year for gas nationally was 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continue reading Tyler sets all-time record for city’s highest gas prices

MARSHALL (AP) — Officials at Wiley College in East Texas say students graduating from the historically Black college were told at their commencement ceremony that an anonymous donor had paid their balances. Wiley College said in a news release that over 100 students were gathered for graduation Saturday when the school’s president made the announcement. The college said in the news release that the estimated total for the balances owed to the college by the graduating class of 2022 was about $300,000.

TYLER – Tyler voters went to the polls May 7th and voted for a 89 million dollar bond proposal for Tyler ISD. According to our news partner KETK, two projects will be handled: a rebuild of Hubbard Middle School and a creation of an college prep high school. The bond passed with 64 percent of the vote. However in Longview, it was a “no” vote on the Longview ISD school bond proposal. Money asked for was nearly 230 million dollars. That would have been used for LHS campus renovation, a new Early childhood campus, an Events Center and assorted updates and repairs. The bond was defeated by 67 percent of the vote. Continue reading Tyler, Bullard school bonds pass, others fail

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department is looking for information about a vehicle vs. pedestrian hit-and-run. That’s according to our news partner KETK. On Thursday, around 11:15 p.m., officers were called to McCann Road near the Tupelo Drive intersection and found a female victim lying in the roadway who had been hit by a vehicle driving south. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses told police that the possible vehicle was a white Ford F-150 pickup truck with a toolbox in the truck bed and has possible damage to the front of the vehicle. The victim’s name was not immediately released. Anyone with any information about the wreck should contact Longview police at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) or online at this link.

TYLER — Tyler ISD trustees have approved Dr. Lani Norman as the district’s new chief academic officer. Norman currently serves as executive director of learning at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. She will be joining the Tyler ISD team this summer, succeeding Dr. Christy Hanson. Norman earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Texas A&M University, her master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and her doctorate in educational leadership at the University of North Texas.

RUSK COUNTY – Two suspected tornadoes in Rusk County Thursday left homes without roofs and power, so residents had to look for shelter at the nearby convenience store. According to our news partner KETK, Whispering Pines RV Park, between Mount Enterprise and Minden, was especially hard hit. No life-threatening injuries have been reported. Authorities say one non-life-threatening injury was reported after a resident was hit by a tree. Rusk County officials are voicing concern for drivers who are out on the roadways. “Stay off the roads and stay home. This is not a time to go out and look or take videos,” cautioned Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez. Officials say they are continuing to assess damage and offer help as needed.

EAST TEXAS — Voters in East Texas went to the polls Saturday for a range of election activity. In Smith County, bond elections were on the ballot for Tyler, Bullard, and Chapel Hill Independent School Districts. Longview ISD is held a school bond election as well, and the city of Longview voted on a city council race along with a special bond election. Ballots around the area also included other races for cities and school districts, as well as proposed constitutional amendments. Continue reading East Texas election day voting results

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department says it needs your help locating a runaway by the name of Meryl Herring. Meryl is 16 years old, approximately 5’06”, and weighs approximately 122 lbs. She has blond hair and blue eyes. Meryl was last seen wearing a green tank top, black hoodie, denim shorts, and croc shoes. Anyone has information is asked to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199.