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PALESTINE – A Palestine man pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to a capital murder charge in the death of his infant son. According to our news partner KETK, 36-year-old Jerry Torrez was arrested in November 2019 after his 4-month-old son Nathaniel was brought to an ER with numerous rib fractures, a fractured right arm, and a skull fracture that led to a brain bleed. Nathaniel was flown to a Houston facility for further treatment but died one month later. Torrez was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice has not released as of this writing where he will be sent to serve his sentence.

AUSTIN — Actor and producer Heath Freeman, known for his roles in “NCIS” and “Bones,” has died at the age of 41, his manager announced Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Freeman was from Longview and graduated from Pine Tree High School. According to NBC News, manager Joe S. Montifiore confirmed his death Tuesday morning, although the circumstances surrounding Freeman’s death are not yet known. Freeman’s IMDb page says he played killer Howard Epps on “Bones” from 2005 to 2007 and Benjamin Frank on “NCIS.” Freeman’s body was transported from Austin, where he resided, to Rader Funeral Home in his hometown of Longview.

TYLER — A Tyler man pleaded guilty on Monday to causing injury to his disabled daughter during the winter storm earlier this year. According to our news partner KETK, Glenn Caldwell, Jr., 45, was originally arrested in April after a police investigation led to the discovery that he had neglected to get medical care for his 17-year-old, mentally disabled daughter, whose feet were severely frostbitten and had to be amputated following the brutal winter storm in February . He was charged with injury to a child/disabled individual by omission and has been held in the Smith County Jail on a $250,000 bond. A sentencing date has not been set. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — Another theft charge has been filed against a well-known East Texas pastor. According to our news partner KETK, jail records show that the latest charge against Jerome Milton is for theft of property worth between $30,000 and $150,000 from an elderly individual. There were no immediate details on that charge. It was earlier reported that Milton was accused of taking money from an elderly couple and stealing from his previous church. Milton has been out of jail since Oct. 22, according to records.

WINONA – Smith County Animal Control and the Smith County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office Tuesday rescued about 30 dogs they say were suffering from animal cruelty at a property in Winona. According to our news partner KETK, the constable’s office says about 40 dogs have been rescued from the same place in the last year. The SPCA said they have used thousands of dollars and resources to help the residents take care of their dogs but that the owners still did not provide proper care for the animals. After many visits, the organization asked authorities to step in. The animals will now receive treatment from county veterinarians. The owners of the dogs will have to appear in court in ten days to try to get their animals back. Currently, they are not facing any charges.

GILMER — Authorities in Upshur County say 56-year-old Craig Harwart has been sentenced to life in prison for an attack on law officers. According to a news release, in November 2020, Harwart demanded at gunpoint that a gas station clerk in Gilmer turn on the gas pumps, shot 16 rounds into the ceiling, and then shot at a customer’s car, striking it multiple times. Law officers responded, and the incident developed into a pursuit — and ultimately a barricade — with Harwart firing on two officers and later exchanging gunfire with law enforcement. Harwart was eventually captured after suffering gunshot wounds. One law officer was also hit by gunfire. Officials say no serious injuries were involved.

TYLER — There’s more encouraging news on COVID-19 in East Texas. Minimal spread is now reported throughout his agency’s seven-county area — and NET Health’s George Roberts says that’s great news, particularly with the Thanksgiving holiday approaching. Roberts adds that Tyler’s hospital number is now in the 60s, the lowest it’s been since July. But he still wants things to get better — and he continues to recommend vaccinations, which remain widely available throughout the area.

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has located the body of a woman reported missing last Monday. According to our news partner KETK, Jennifer Reppond, 42, was living in Etoile before she disappeared and was last seen Sunday, Nov. 7 in the Morgan’s Cove Subdivision in Etoile at a friend’s residence. Sunday afternoon, the sheriff’s office received a phone call after three teenagers who were duck hunting came across an SUV that was in Moss Creek off FM 226. When law enforcement arrived, a female, later identified as Reppond, was found deceased inside the vehicle. Continue reading Authorities find body of missing woman inside vehicle in creek

TYLER — Due to a power outage, there are several traffic lights out in the area around downtown Tyler. Specifically, North Broadway and Erwin, North Broadway and Ferguson, North Broadway and Locust, North College and West Erwin and North College and West Ferguson. Tyler Police said several intersections have stop signs in place. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and drive with care.

TYLER — Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran says he is considering a run for U.S. House District 1 if current Congressman Louie Gohmert decides to run for state attorney general. Gohmert recently announced that he was looking into that possibility. In a statement released Monday, Moran says though he loves serving the community as county judge, “(wife) Kyna and I are continually in prayer about when, where, and how best to serve our friends and neighbors here in East Texas.” Moran added, “We are beyond grateful for the strong, conservative leaders in Congressional District 1 who have encouraged us so far, and who will help guide our final decision moving forward.” Continue reading Moran contemplates possible run for Congress

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. Tyler maintenance crews planned to dig base failures on at various locations on US 271 from FM 2015 to FM 2908. A second crew will be performing bridge work on FM 2813 about a half mile from US 69. Longview maintenance planned to begin ditching operations on US 259 North, southbound from Tryon Rd. to US 80. Crews will also perform ditching on South Loop 281 westbound from US 259 North to Fourth St. Click here for the complete rundown.

MOBILE, Alabama — The immediate past president of UT Tyler won’t be heading up the University of South Alabama. Dr. Michael Tidwell (pictured) had been named among three finalists for the presidency of the Mobile, Alabama, institution. But according to its website, USA has named Jo Bonner, chief of staff to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and a former congressman, as its next leader. That’s “pending successful completion of a final employment agreement.” The USA Board is set to formally introduce Bonner at its next regular meeting, scheduled for Dec. 2.

HARRISON COUNTY – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in connection to suspected dogfighting in the county. According to our news partner KETK, deputies and a game warden responded to a call to Strickland Springs Road. The arriving officers noticed a crowd of nearly 100 people and soon discovered malnourished dogs and dozens of kennels with blood, among other things. Officials said the scene became chaotic when the crowd began fleeing from the location. A search warrant was secured from the sheriff’s office. One dog was rescued but had to be euthanized. 31-year-old Jesus Stephens from Waskom was arrested and charged with dog fighting and animal cruelty on Sunday. His bonds totaled $15,000 and he bonded out the same day. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests are likely, the sheriff’s office said.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is scheduled for a virtual on-site assessment for re-accreditation, to be administered by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA). According to a notice on the department’s Facebook page, the assessment is one part of the voluntary national accreditation program that requires law enforcement agencies to comply with professional standards in four basic areas. As part of the virtual on-site assessment, agency employees and members of the community are invited to offer comments at a public information session to be held Tuesday, November 16, at 5:30 p.m. The public and agency employees are also invited to offer comments by calling 903-595-7207 on Monday, November 15, between the 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Click here for more information. The notice was posted at approximately 1:18 p.m. November 2.

LONGVIEW — Longview police arrested a woman reportedly  involved in a stabbing that left one person hospitalized. On Friday, Nov. 12, around 10:37 a.m., Longview police officers were called for service at CHRISTUS Good Shepard Medical Center at 700 E. Marshall Ave. According to our news partner KETK, when officers arrived, they found a victim with apparent stab wounds being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. During the investigation, officers were told the stabbing took place on Dunbar Dr. Longview officers later arrested Shanika L. Dunn, 39, of Longview, in connection with the case. Dunn was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was taken and booked into the Gregg County Jail.

MINEOLA — Two people were arrested by Mineola ISD police Friday afternoon for their suspected role in a bomb threat that was made to Mineola High School on Thursday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the two were charged with a 3rd Degree Felony and Terroristic Threat and were booked into the Wood County Jail. Mineola ISD thanked several local law enforcement agencies for their involvement with the capture of the suspected perpetrators.

EAST TEXAS — All city of Eustace residents have been asked to shelter-in-place after they were told to evacuate, according to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, the gas leak is in the Purtis Creek area of Van Zandt County, and it is affecting the Eustace Area of Henderson County. Van Zandt County Sheriff Steve Hendrix said people need to stay indoors. They should keep their doors and windows closed and their heating and air conditioner off. The gas leak has been completely shut off, according to Van Zandt County Sheriff Hendrix. People in Van Zandt County are still being asked to shelter-in-place or remain at a shelter until 9 a.m. Continue reading Gas leak shut off after affecting Henderson, Van Zandt County residents

HARRISON COUNTY — The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornadoes in Harrison County Thursday morning. According to our news partner KETK, these occurred as a squall line pushed through the area. An EF-0 tornado developed near FM 31 at 12:40 a.m., about 9 miles south of Scottsville. The tornado was on the ground for only half a mile and did some minor tree damage. Maximum winds were estimated at 70 mph. The other twister was a bit stronger and on the ground longer. It was rated an EF-1 tornado with maximum winds estimated at 95 mph. That tornado also only caused damage to trees.

LONGVIEW — Longview City Manager Keith Bonds announced during the Nov. 11 City Council meeting that he plans to retire at the end of January 2022. Bonds has worked for the city since 1999 and has served as city manager since 2018. Mayor Dr. Andy Mack congratulated Bonds on his retirement, saying, “Keith has been asset to this city for so many years.” The City Council will begin discussing the process for filling the city manager position at future meetings, according to a news release. Click here for more information.

MINEOLA – State Sen. Bryan Hughes of Mineola announced he will run for re-election to the Texas State Senate, clearing up rumors about him running for Congress. That’s according to our news partner KETK. In a tweet Friday, Hughes said he will file for re-election Saturday because “the Texas Senate is leading the country on so many issues that matter.” This comes after Congressman Louie Gohmert announced that he is considering running for Texas Attorney General if he gets enough funds. Hughes has authored several high-profile bills in the previous legislative sessions. His bills on abortion and elections laws have garnered a lot of public attention.

TYLER — The COVID-19 numbers continue to look good for East Texas, and NET Health’s George remains encouraged by the trend. He says, “We’re kind of in a holding pattern right now, particularly in Smith County.” But he still strongly encourages vaccinations — and he suggests contacting your medical provider with any questions about the vaccine. Roberts reminds you that kids age 5 to 11 are now eligible to get their shots. Check the “Coronavirus update” item on this page for more detailed information.

AUSTIN — UT System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin P. Eltife has received the highest honor from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business, one of the most prestigious business schools in the nation, according to a news release. Eltife, a longtime businessman who has served Tyler and Texas as an elected and appointed leader, was recently inducted into the McCombs School of Business Hall of Fame. Eltife (pictured at left with his wife, Kelly) earned his business degree from UT Austin in 1981 and attributes his success to his alma mater. Eltife told KTBB he considers the recognition “a huge honor.” But he adds, “It’s really about our community and all the people over the years that have helped me in business, in politics, and in community service — it’s a team effort.”

TYLER — The Tyler Salvation Army held its Christmas kickoff Friday at Broadway Square mall, launching the agency’s Kettle and Angel Tree season. This holiday season, 43 locations will be hosting the red kettle as volunteers ring a bell to raise money for the Salvation Army, with the goal set at $370,000. This year, each kettle stand will have a QR Code and an NFC tag, which will allow donors to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, and PayPal rather than dropping cash or coins in the kettle. With over 12,000 hours to be filled, Salvation Army staffers say volunteers are greatly needed from November 29 thru December 24. Continue reading Salvation Army kicks off Christmas season

TYLER — UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun has announced that Brigham C. Willis, M.D., has been appointed the founding dean of the the university’s new school of medicine. Willis, a longtime educator, scholar, and leader in academic medicine, has been widely lauded for his commitment and service to medical education, according to a news release. Willis currently serves as senior associate dean of medical education at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine. He was previously associate fellowship director for pediatric critical care medicine at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, and chief medical education officer and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-designated institutional official at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Continue reading UT Tyler Announces dean for the school of medicine

TYLER – A Smith County Constable and two high-ranking deputies were arrested after allegedly stealing from a Tyler residence while on duty, according to DPS. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Constable for Precinct 1 Curtis Harris, Chief Deputy LaQuenda Banks and Sergeant Derrick Holman were arrested for theft, official oppression and abuse of official capacity. The highest charged offense of theft is a state jail felony and is punishable by no more than two years or less than 180 days confinement in a state jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000, according to DPS. Continue reading DPS: Constable, high-ranking deputies arrested after stealing ‘personal property’ from residence

TATUM — 160 East Texas Luminant employees are soon to be laid off, according to a notice from the Texas Workforce Commission. According to our news partner KETK, a notice from the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) system, which requires notice 60 days in advance of plant closures or mass layoffs, listed Luminant Mining Co. in Tatum. The layoff date for these employees, according to the document, is Dec. 26. Continue reading Luminant to lay off 160 employees at Tatum location by day after Christmas

TYLER — Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford says, “It’s been a heck of a last 18 months to two years, and certainly we’ve done the best we possibly could.” Crawford Thursday delivered his annual State of the District address at at a Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon and spoke to KTBB by phone. He says a highlight is getting students back in brick-and mortar schools, adding that “enrollment is kissing our pre-pandemic number, and I don’t think there’s a lot of school systems that can say that.” Crawford added, “I do think that our community is valuing our school system to trust us with their students (during) very changing times in our world right now.” Continue reading Crawford delivers State of the District address

LONGVIEW – An American Airlines flight bound for DFW International Airport made an unexpected landing Thursday at East Texas Regional Airport in Longview due to a “possible mechanical issue,” according to a statement from the airline. According to our news partner KETK, Flight 4210 was scheduled to fly from Alexandria, Louisiana, and was supposed to land in Dallas around noon. At some point during the flight, the plane squawked “7700”, the standard code for declaring an emergency. It’s unclear when the code was sent out, but the plane continued to fly toward Dallas before turning around west of Henderson. The plane then made a landing at East Texas Regional just before 11:30 a.m., according to the plane tracking site FlightAware. Continue reading Plane makes unexpected landing in Longview

TYLER — The City of Tyler is scheduled to begin construction on the Cloverdale Drainage Improvement Project on Nov. 12. The project will repair a failing storm drain system by improving undersized and dilapidated culverts to alleviate flooding of streets and homes caused by an undersized channel, according to a news release. The Cloverdale project runs along Cloverdale Drive and Silverwood Drive from Caperton Boulevard to just north of Woodlark Drive. Contractors are scheduled to work in the area from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The project is scheduled to be completed on Oct. 27, 2022, depending on the weather. Motorists are asked to obey detours and road closures and to use caution in the area. Click here for background on this project.

TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts has some new statistics to back up his continued call for COVID-19 vaccinations: a study released this week by the Department of State Health Services. According to Roberts, the study showed that Texans not vaccinated against COVID-19 were about 20 times more likely to suffer a COVID-associated death — and 13 more times more likely to test positive — than fully vaccinated people. Roberts says the study also showed that vaccination had a strong protective effect across all age groups.