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TYLER — Another bat has tested positive for rabies in Tyler. A city news release reports that Tyler Animal Services submitted the animal for testing Monday to the Texas Department of State Health Services. DSHS reported the positive test Wednesday. The bat was found near the intersection of Dinah Lane and De Charles Street. Officials say the known individuals and animals with possible exposure have been identified and addressed. According to the release, it is critical for people to not handle bats, skunks, raccoons, or other wild animals. Officials say it is also important for children to tell their parents of any contact with wild animals or any sick animals. If a person is bitten by an animal, the bite incident must be reported to the Local Rabies Control Authority, the Tyler Animal Services Director, for proper investigation. Continue reading Rabies advisory: bat tests positive near Dinah Lane

TYLER — Visit Tyler and the City of Tyler are encouraging everyone this summer to be a tourist in their own backyard. Mayor Don Warren Wednesday addressed City Council on the item as part of National Travel and Tourism Week, set for May 1-7. Officials say more than 2,900 local jobs are directly supported by travel and tourism in Tyler. They ask that you do your part by visiting an attraction, restaurant, or other related business in the area. A full list of area activities and events can be found at this link.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday authorized the city manager to execute a contract to rehabilitate 978 deteriorated sanitary sewer manholes. According to a news release, the scope of work includes cleaning, repairing, sealing, and coating manholes to stop inflow and infiltration of the sewer system. The project will require repairing pipe seals, seal coating manholes, installing chimney seals, and incidental tasks such as bypass pumping, traffic control, pavement and sidewalk repair, and restoration work. As quoted in the release, TWU Project Engineer Tiffany Currie says the project “will protect and reinforce the manholes from corrosion and extend their service life.” Click here to learn more.

TYLER — Derrick Choice was sworn in Tuesday as interim Smith County Precinct 1 justice of the peace. Choice won the Democratic primary election for the post in March and does not have a Republican opponent in November. The commissioners court voted to appoint Choice to the position Tuesday after longtime Judge Quincy Beavers Jr. resigned from the post last week. Beavers submitted a letter citing health reasons and listing his last day with the county as Friday, April 22. Beavers worked for the county for 40 years, with 28 of those as justice of the peace. Choice is a former Tyler city councilman and has served on numerous boards and organizations.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler recently announced a $100,000 gift from EMA Engineering and Consulting to establish the EMA Engineering and Consulting Dean’s Legacy Projects Endowment to support special projects of the College of Engineering. The Tyler-based company currently employs 27 UT Tyler graduates and approximately eight student interns, according to a news release. Officials say the endowment will fund College of Engineering infrastructure and facility needs. The college works with students to design useful projects such as a remotely-accessible, table-top wind tunnel system for the thermal-fluids lab and a golf cart bay, according to the release.

TYLER – Tyler ISD ranks 45th overall on the Forbes List of America’s Best-in-State Employers and ranks ahead of Tesla and Boeing in the top 50, according to a news release from the school district. The elite list includes NASA in the number one position and Google in second. As quoted in the release, Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said, “This designation solidifies not only how fulfilling and special it is to be working in Tyler ISD, but more of a reflection of how the community supports the people who work inside the namesake school system of the Tyler area.” Continue reading Tyler ISD on Forbes Top 50 List of America’s Best-in-State Employers

OVERTON — Overton ISD trustees have unanimously named Larry Calhoun as their new superintendent. Calhoun had been previously named the lone finalist, and the board confirmed his selection after the required 21-day waiting period was completed. Calhoun will first serve as the interim superintendent beginning June 1, according to a news release. Upon the official retirement of current OISD superintendent Stephen DuBose at the end of June, Calhoun will take on the title of superintendent.

TYLER — As COVID cases remain at low levels in his jurisdiction, NET Health’s George Roberts draws special attention to the hospital patient number in Tyler — just 13 on the latest dashboard. Roberts says that figure is the lowest in months, which he calls “great news.” Roberts says BA.2 continues to dominate the national COVID landscape, with a subvariant also remaining in the picture — and he continues urging everyone to get vaccinated. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

TYLER (AP) – Tyler-based Southside Bancshares Inc. on Tuesday reported net income of $25 million in its first quarter. The bank said it had earnings of 77 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for amortization costs, came to 79 cents per share. The holding company for Southside Bank posted revenue of $64.6 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $59.6 million, which fell short of Street forecasts.

ATHENS – A group of East Texans is pushing to make Athens a sanctuary city for the unborn. According to our news partner KETK, more than 40 cities throughout the state have already done this, including some in East Texas. People in support of the ordinance gathered ahead of the City Council meeting Monday. In a statement, the city said it has “no legal authority regarding abortions.” But the group is pressing forward. In the event that Athens City Council does not take up the ordinance, they say they will take the issue to the voters, as was done in Lubbock.

TYLER — Tuesday is East Texas Giving Day, hosted by the East Texas Communities Foundation. It’s an 18-hour event in which you can go to one single website — and give to your choice of 295 nonprofits. This is East Texas Giving Day’s seventh year. Early giving actually began April 4. Click here for more information — and to make a donation of your own.

SMITH COUNTY – A wreck between a firetruck and a car on I-20 in Smith County Monday morning left one person in the hospital. According to our news partner KETK, a release from Smith County Emergency Services District 2 says their crews and the Winona Fire Department were dispatched to the collision. Both vehicles sustained “significant damage” and the driver of the passenger vehicle was taken to a local hospital. No firefighters were injured. DPS is investigating the wreck. “At the time of the accident, there were several accidents on major highways in Smith County,” Smith County ESD 2 said in a release. “Smith County ESD 2 is encouraging drivers to slow down and be vigilant while driving during inclement weather.”

TYLER — The NET Health Immunizations Clinic has organized the return of Children’s Fest. Set for Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m., it’s an opportunity for parents of babies, infants, and toddlers to ensure their children are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations. Officials say the parking lot on North Broadway Avenue in Tyler will include family-friendly activities and health services provided by local health organizations. Annually, the last full week of April 2022 is recognized as National Infant Immunization Week. According to a news release, that’s a national observance to promote the benefits of immunizations and to improve the health of children two years old or younger. Click here to learn more.

TYLER — A Tyler man was charged with intoxicated manslaughter for a wreck early Sunday morning that killed an 18-year-old girl. According to our news partner KETK, the report says Justin Pierce,29, was traveling west on Highway 64, roughly two miles west of Tyler, just after 1:30 a.m. Marissa July-McCuin, of Tyler, was attempting to cross the road in the outside lane when she was allegedly hit by Pierce’s SUV. July-McCuin was taken to a Tyler hospital where she died a few hours later from her injuries. The DPS report alleges that Pierce left the scene of the crash, but was found not long after. Pierce was treated and released from the hospital, then booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $500,000. According to online records, Pierce has a pending charge of assaulting a peace officer in Smith County from April 19, 2021.

LONGVIEW – A Spring Hill ISD senior helped raise more than $1,500 for a student with autism. According to our news partner KETK, Alexis Grubb met autistic freshman Louis Wolfe at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. When Grubb noticed Wolfe sitting alone in the cafeteria, she decided to befriend him. Due to his disability, it took Wolfe some time to get comfortable with his new friend. Wolfe comes from a one-parent, low-income household, and his mom works day and night to keep the lights on. Upon learning this, Grubb knew that there was something she could do to help Wolfe. Grubb made a Facebook post and received an overwhelming number of responses that left both her and school staff speechless. Grubb raised more than $1,500 for the student. She took the money to the store and bought Wolfe an abundance of art supplies. Continue reading Spring Hill ISD senior helps raise money for autistic student

NEW LONDON — The Rusk County Sheriff’s office is currently seeking the public’s assistance in locating a 15-year-old boy that has been missing since Friday evening. According to our news partner KETK, Brandy Calhoun was last seen at approximately 6 p.m. on Friday walking from the West Rusk Softball Fields in New London. He is described as a white male with blonde hair and blue eyes and was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, blue jeans, combat boots, a blue baseball hat and had his arm in a sling. If you have any information on Calhoun’s whereabouts, contact the Rusk County Sheriff’s office at (903) 657-3581.

TYLER — Tyler’s New Copeland Road will be closed at Dolores Street (between East Rieck Road and East Grande Boulevard) for about two weeks beginning Monday, April 25, while utilities are installed across the roadway. Motorists will need to find alternative north and south routes on Paluxy Drive or South Broadway Avenue during the construction.

EAST TEXAS — Early voting for the May 7 City/School and Constitutional Amendment Election begins Monday, April 25. Early voting in Smith County will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, April 25-30; and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 2-3. There will be eight early voting locations throughout Smith County. Continue reading Early voting begins Monday

TYLER — The city of Tyler is nearing completion of cleanup and recovery operations following the aftermath of the April 12 severe storms and straight line winds that left hundreds of fallen tree limbs as well as downed and uprooted trees on City streets and right-of-way. According to a news release, the Street Department received more than 300 calls reporting downed trees and limbs after the storm. The trees and limbs have been cut and removed from the streets and the department anticipated having it all picked up by the weekend. Continue reading Storm recovery, cleanup operations near completion

TYLER — The Three Lakes Parkway extension from Hillcross Cove to Old Noonday Road in Tyler is complete and open to traffic. According to a news release, the project constructed approximately 1600 linear feet of two lane roadway, box culverts, and sidewalk. The project closed the gap between portions of previously constructed Three Lakes Parkway west of Old Jacksonville Highway and east of Old Noonday Road, providing additional roadway network connectivity. The city’s contractual responsibility, part of a pact with a land development firm, was funded through the Half-Cent Sales Tax Program. Ultimately, as future development occurs, the city plans for Three Lakes Parkway to become a four-lane divided roadway from Old Jacksonville Highway to Old Noonday Road.

TYLER — COVID numbers remain low in the area, but NET Health’s George Roberts says officials continue to keep their eye on BA.2 as well as the subvariant BA.2.12.1. Both have been in the spotlight — and that’s not all. Roberts says the CDC and the World Health Organization have been monitoring other variants as well — and officials don’t know when any of them could cause a significant increase in cases. That’s why Roberts continues to urge vaccinations. He says early response has been good since his agency moved its vaccinations back to its main office on North Broadway. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.

EAST TEXAS — Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) announces new dates for its Rural, Set, Go: Boost! workforce strategy public forums. WSET, in partnership with the East Texas Council of Governments and local elected officials, has been traveling the region hosting its the rural economic development forum series for the past several weeks. According to a news release, approximately 200 attendees have joined the forums. The final dates are scheduled to cover six counties and are open to local community and business leaders, employers, school districts, secondary schools, economic development corporations, and chambers. Click here to learn more.

TYLER — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Grapeland man and woman with federal solicitation of murder violations. Reynaldo Campos, Jr., 44, and Robin Pittman, aka Robin Hill, 42, were named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Tyler charging them with murder for hire and conspiracy to commit murder for hire; solicitation to commit murder for hire and conspiracy to solicit murder for hire; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm. Continue reading Couple indicted for allegedly attempting to hire hit man

TYLER — A Smith County jury has sentenced Jeffrey Hampton to life in prison for the death of Roberto Carlos Hernandez in a 2019 boating accident on Lake Palestine. Hampton was found to have used the boat as a deadly weapon, so he must serve 30 years of his sentence before possible parole. He has already spent nearly three years awaiting trial, so he will be first eligible for parole in 2049. The sentencing trial for the 34-year-old Hampton, of Tyler, began just days after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the teenage boy’s death. According to our news partner KETK, Hampton admitted guilt but elected to have a jury decide his fate. While manslaughter is normally a second-degree felony in Texas, the punishment range was enhanced to a first-degree felony due to Hampton’s prior criminal history.

TYLER — Tyler police say 20-year-old Darius Reggie has been arrested by DPS in Harris County and booked into the Harris County Jail in a Tyler catalytic converter theft case dating to January. Police said he would be transported back to Smith County to face the charges, and there are no further suspects wanted in this case. The case involved three suspects, all from Houston, and they face a range of charges. Continue reading Final suspect caught in catalytic converter theft case

TYLER — Tyler Animal Services and the Tyler Police Department are hosting the annual rabies and microchip clinic for the first time since the pandemic. It’s set for tonight from 6 till 9 at Fun Forest Park on N. Forest Ave. A local veterinarian will be administering the discounted rabies shots for $10. Microchips will be half-off for $5. Anyone is welcome to bring their pet to this clinic, even if they don’t live in Tyler.

KILGORE — Texas Mutual Insurance Company awarded a $100,000 grant for the 15th straight year to Kilgore College to continue funding the college’s Risk Management Institute that provides free workplace safety courses for community employers, workers, and the general public. KC is one of 11 colleges statewide receiving education safety grants from Texas Mutual, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance. Over a 23-year period, Texas Mutual has awarded $11 million in safety education grants and more than 35,000 students have attended free or discounted safety training offered at various colleges.

AUSTIN — The two biggest markets in East Texas show up strong in the latest Texas Quarterly Housing Report from Texas Realtors. For the first quarter of 2022, the Tyler MSA’s median home price was $290,000, up 16.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Home sales in the Tyler area increased 6.5% from the same period in 2021. The median home price in the Longview MSA was $220,000, a 15.8% increase from last year’s first quarter. Longview-area home sales for the first three months of 2022 were up 8.9% from the same period last year. Click here for more detailed information.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department says all lanes are now clear following a Thursday traffic accident. The three-vehicle crash with injuries was reported on Hwy 69 N., just north of CR 490. Full and partial closures ensued, but police say traffic is now flowing as normal.