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LONGVIEW — Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox announced Tuesday, that staff members will be able to get free COVID-19 vaccinations through the district. The statement was released following the LISD board meeting, “these would be offered to Longview staff members who wish to take the vaccine, free of charge, and totally voluntary.” The district is partnering with Texas-based company Aurora Concepts, who will bring a mobile unit to the administration building. The exact time and date are still being worked out, with other details, but we are on their list to offer the first Moderna Vaccine, at no out-of-pocket expense to employees. More information is available by clicking the link. http://w3.lisd.org/news/article/01192021-vaccine.html.

TYLER — NET Health continues vaccinations at Harvey Hall in Tyler. On Wednesday, NET Health CEO George Roberts told KTBB, “The Department of State Health Services is supplied by the federal government and then the state decides where those vaccinations need to be going…We have been given a good supply, but we have a ways to go in getting the community vaccinated like we should.” Going into this week, NET Health had administered over 4,000 inoculations. The city of Tyler has made Harvey Hall available to hold appointments in a safe, socially distanced setting. Continue reading Appointment vaccinations continue at Harvey Hall

EAST TEXAS — The latest to be arrested in the Capitol Hill riot is Daniel Adams, of Tyler. He is accused of confronting and fighting with Capitol Police on the steps of the building. He joins a growing list that includes two other East Texans. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Nichols, 30, of Longview and Alex Harkrider, 32, of Carthage, were arrested and charged with several federal crimes. Nichols is being held in the Smith County Jail and Harkrider in the Gregg County Jail. Continue reading More East Texans arrested for Capitol Hill riot

TYLER — Various Tyler ISD campuses celebrated Tuesday. The TISD Foundation awarded 29 grants, on 14 different campuses, totaling almost $90,000. According to our news partner KETK, the annual Grants for Great Ideas program will impact 9,400 students positively. Since its inception in 1990, the Tyler ISD Foundation has gifted more than $3.3 million dollars through teach grants, student and parent programs, academic and teaching recognition events and scholarships.

TROUP — The city of Troup is offering their condolences and sympathies to Lt. Frank Blake. Lt. Blake died on Monday, after a career in law enforcement, that spanned over 5 decades. According to our news partner KETK, Lt. Blake, spent 11 of those years serving the community of Troup. The department honored Blake in a post on the Departments page saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Blake family… Lt. Blake was a great man and will most definitely be missed by all. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 Funeral services are pending at this time.

TYLER — A Tyler man is facing a charge of murder and assault with a deadly weapon after an altercation early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Demarkus Bircher, 21, of Tyler is accused of shooting two and killing one just after midnight, in Smith County. Smith County Sheriff’s deputies took the call at Jackson Avenue in the Chapel Hill area and found two people shot. They were later identified as Argusta Stansell, 48, of Winona, and Kendrick Gill, 41, of Tyler. Authorities say Stansell was shot in the chest and died at the hospital. Gill was shot in the leg taken into surgery and is listed in critical condition. Continue reading Tyler man arrested for murder

ATHENS — A man was arrested Monday for unlawfully carrying a loaded hand gun as well as drugs and paraphernalia and transported to the Henderson County Jail. According to Sheriffi Botie Hillhouse, Jeremy Wayne Phy, 36, was pulled over for a traffic stop about 10:30 p.m. Deputies say, Phy had a loaded gun and attempted to hide a bag of meth inside an altoids container. They also discovered a zippered case, containing baggies, pipes, and scales with additional meth. Psy was charged with possession and unlawfully carrying a weapon.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is asking for help in identifying the man pictured. Kilgore Police say the person is wanted in connection with a theft on Higginbotham Rd. Authorities say the crime took place around noon on January 13th. If you can help establish who the suspect is, contact Detective Joshua Sims at 903-218-6907 or [email protected]. You may also contact the Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-STOP or you can text your anonymous tip to 847411+KILGORE+your tip. Refer to KPD Incidents # 2012-1096.

SABINE COUNTY — The Pendelton Harbor Volunteer Fire Department had three members killed in a car crash Saturday night. A three-car accident near the Louisianna border claimed the lives of Ralph Cheyenne Hill, along with Jason and Vanessa Davis. According to our news partner KETK, Jason and Vanessa left behind three children. A GoFundMe account was made for their funeral expenses, organized by Samantha Hill who lost her husband Ralph in the wreck as well. Continue reading Community rallies around 3 volunteer firefighters killed in wreck

NEW CANEY — A former Marshall ISD superintendent was arrested outside of Houston. According to our news partner KETK, Kenn Franklin is accused of falsifying expense sheets at least 22 times in 2020. Court records show over $2,500 in fraudulent claims. The arrest warrant alleges Franklin returned travel vouchers for work trips he did not take. Employees became suspicious when they did not see him at events he said he was at. An investigator say Franklin was home the day, he would later submit an expense report for mileage to San Antonio. Phone and toll records were also viewed. Franklin resigned from the District in November. Franklin was the Marshall ISD superintendent from 2006-2009 before leaving for New Caney.

TYLER — The Tyler Together Race Relations Forum Monday welcomed participants and guests to an online celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. County Judge Nathaniel Moran offered his thoughts as he greeted viewers. Moran said, “Though we are not together physically this year…we are together in unity of spirit, vision, and resolve.” During a panel discussion, Mayor Don Warren reflected on a TV show in which several young people honored Dr. King — but also voiced despair. Warren commented, “It’s up to us as older people to give these young people this hope. It’s up to us to show young people strength that tomorrow is gonna be a better day.” During an earlier greeting, Warren said, “Let’s march forward together to make Tyler a unified community.” Continue reading Tyler Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A structure fire Monday afternoon on HWY 69 found first responders battling a building fire, near the old Thunder Mountain Speedway. According to our news partner KETK, the fire was north of Rusk at HWY 69 and CR 1605. Although the fire spread to a portable building and the woods, both the Rusk Fire Department and Gallatin firefighters worked to contain the fire.

TYLER — The Texas Democratic Party released a comprehensive list Monday calling on Lone Star State Republicans to resign from office after the Capitol Hill riots earlier this month. Accorded to our news partner KETK, Senator Ted Cruz and East Texas Representative Louie Gohmert are included on the list. Cruz led the effort by many Senate Republicans to object to the results from several states that went for President-elect Joe Biden. Continue reading Texas Democratic Party calling for exhaustive list of Republicans to step down

TYLER — DPS released the identities of two East Texans, Monday, that were killed in a wreck over the weekend, in Henderson. A preliminary report shows, Benjamin Slaughter Jr., 33, of Longview, veered into oncoming traffic, over corrected and eventually began to skid. Slaughter was struck by Kristen Charnell Herron, 26, of Pittsburg. Both Herron and Slaughter died at the scene. At this time, the crash remains under investigation.

CANTON — Sanctity of Human Life Sunday will be recognized this weekend at Hope Pregnancy Center in Canton. In honor of life, Hope is hosting a community open house from 1-3 pm this Sunday. The event will be at Hope’s facility from 1 to 3 pm on E. State Highway 243 in Canton. The community is invited to take part, with all attendees getting a tour of the center, as well as an opportunity to learn about the numerous services available for women and families in Van Zandt County and surrounding areas. Organizers say refreshments will be served. For more information click the link. https://www.hopecanton.com/.

TYLER — Meals on Wheels East Texas provides meals, and daily contact among other support services for seniors that are confined to home, as well as disabled citizens. The distribution of those meals is now a little easier, thanks to a gift from The Junior League of Tyler. A grant for $15,000 was used to purchase a van that will help deliver meals. Meals on Wheels East Texas serves six counties in the East Texas region, including Smith, Gregg, Wood, Henderson, Van Zandt and Upshur. More information is available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/mowheels.

TYLER — The Cambridge Road improvement project will start Tuesday. The city of Tyler said the work will include the expansion width of the pavement, the addition of curb and gutter, sidewalks, a new underground storm drain system and the installation of a 12-inch water line. Other miscellaneous water and sewer system improvements will also happen on Cambridge Road from Broadway Avenue to Jeff Davis Drive. Additionally, drainage issues adjacent to the project on Oxford Drive will also be addressed. Continue reading Improvements coming to Cambridge Road

TYLER — A Tyler woman was killed in a wreck just after 6:00 Sunday evening. According to the preliminary DPS report, Troopers responded to a crash on CR 384, approximately 5.5 miles northeast of the city of Tyler, in Smith County. The  report indicates that the driver of a 2003 Ford Expedition was traveling east on CR 384, when for an unknown reason, the vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver was identified as Lucia Sanders, 25, of Tyler. Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Hiland Dairy recalled a batch of half-pint 1% Low Fat Chocolate Milk on Sunday that was sent to Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Hiland Dairy said that the recall is specifically for a batch that was produced at its Norman, Oklahoma facility. The company says that some of the products may contain “food-grade sanitizers,” which could cause illness if consumed. “To ensure 100% containment, Hiland Dairy is recalling all of the product with 1/27 code, although there were only eight cases affected,” Hiland Dairy said on Sunday. Continue reading Hiland Dairy recalls chocolate milk cartons that were shipped to Tyler

TYLER — TxDOT has issued its Tyler District roadwork update for the week of January 18. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to continue mill and inlay work on FM 15 near Troup. A second crew is scheduled to finish the erosion work under the bridge on FM 2710. Longview Maintenance crews plan to perform ditch cleaning on FM 1639 from Old SH 31 to the Rusk County line. Shoulder operations are planned on SH 31 from SH 42 to SH 135. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/04-2021.html for more detailed information.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Van Zandt County man was arrested Saturday after what officials term continuous sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 and indecent exposure with a child. According to our news partner KETK, James Ray Hix, 40, was arrested around 10 p.m. after Sheriff Steve Hendrix and his deputies executed a warrant near Grand Saline. In a Facebook post, Hendrix says he “will not tolerate this type of activity in Van Zandt County.” He’s also thanking Grand Saline police and the Precinct 1 constable deputies who assisted in the case.

EAST TEXAS — East Texans will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday — the holiday set aside to recognize the iconic civil rights leader. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum has switched its traditional downtown celebration to a virtual format. Activities centered around a panel discussion will be held Monday evening from 6:30 till 8:30. Mayor Don Warren will be joined on the panel by other community leaders. Go to https://tylertogether.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/letstalktyler/ for more information. Continue reading MLK holiday to be observed Monday

TYLER — Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods launched an online waitlist for those who are in 1A and 1B to sign up for vaccines. According to our news partner KETK, only people who are involved in those classifications can register on the Brookshire’s website under COVID-19 Vaccine Information for vaccine shots. Those who have already been added to the wait list at a Brookshire pharmacy will not need to sign up again. You will be contacted by your pharmacy when the vaccine is available for you. Continue reading Brookshire’s launches waitlist for COVID-19 vaccines

TYLER — 63-year-old Mike Sellars is out of the intensive care unit and has moved into the UT Health Rehabilitation Center after being seriously injured in a recent church shooting. The January 3 incident took the life of Starrville Methodist Church pastor Mark McWilliams. Sellars told our news partner KETK he is still in pain but glad to be off a breathing tube. Sellars said he’s thankful for his family, church members, and the Starrville community. The suspect in the incident remains jailed. Go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/mike-sellars-relief-fund?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer if you’d like to help the Sellars family with medical expenses.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – In a high-profile East Texas case, an appeals court has delayed what would have been the first execution scheduled in the state this year. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday granted the stay for 31-year-old Blaine Milam to review claims he is intellectually disabled. He had been set for lethal injection on Thursday for killing his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter during what the couple said was part of an “exorcism” in 2008 in Rusk County. Milam’s attorneys say three of four experts who examined him determined Milam is intellectually disabled. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2002 barred executing the intellectually disabled.

TYLER — The FRESH 15 is being pushed back from its original date of March 6 to May 15. According to our news partner KETK, the event, one of the largest runs in the region, is being pushed back over concerns of COVID-19. “Moving our race day to May was not a decision taken lightly but a heartfelt effort to be able to host an in-person race this spring,” said Trent Brookshire, COO of Brookshire Grocery Co. and executive sponsor for BGC Racing. “Our top priority is the health and safety of our FRESH 15 participants, volunteers and spectators.” Organizers say the run will be modified to follow COVID-19 guidelines. Complete information is available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/FRESH15k.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks identified the three children who died in a house fire with their mother earlier this week. On Friday, the children’s names were released. The kids are: 5 year-old boy Elyja Anthony Damé Newman; 2-year-old boy Travis Everrette Harris; and 1-year-old girl Saphira Khalessi Rose Harris. Earlier this week, Brooks identified the mother who died in the fire as Brittany Stewart, 24. A detailed scene investigation was held on January 14, Brooks said, “The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to getting answers for the family of Ms. Stewart and her children as to what happened in this tragic fire.” Brooks said.“At this time the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is awaiting results from forensic lab testing before releasing its origin and cause of this fatal fire.” Brooks urges everyone to check their smoke detectors to make sure they are working.

TYLER — A missing person’s report was brought to resolve quickly Friday morning. Tyler police responded S. Fannin Ave and learned that Aurelino Ramirez, 81, had walked away from the address. According to TPD, Mr. Ramirez suffers from dementia, however he did have an Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Project Lifesaver bracelet on. Officers were able to track Aurelino’s bracelet to a bakery at Line St. and Beckham Ave. TPD said the cooperation with Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Project Lifesaver not only assisted in locating Aurelino, but also brought his disappearance to a quick conclusion.

TYLER — Tyler Police are looking for the identity of a man accused of exposing himself. According to our news partner KETK, there are two different occasions the man is suspected of. At the time of the alleged incident he was seen wearing a black hoodie both times on security cameras. Both happenings took place at the Speedy Pantry gas station on Troup HWY. If you know this man identity you are urged to contact Det. Gardner at 903-535-0192 or call Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.