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TYLER — The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County, the American Association of University Women of Tyler and the Tyler Public Library partner annually to sponsor the Great Decisions Lectureship series. The group announced Tuesday the topics set for January, with more information coming soon for February. Dr. Jeffrey Crean, is the coordinator of the 2021 series. Crean is a History Professor at Tyler Junior College. The speakers will provide information via Zoom on the following topics in January: Continue reading Great Decisions 2021 Lecture Series

TYLER — Carter BloodCare is hoping the incentive to win a new vehicle will encourage more people to give blood. According to our news partner KETK, The Thompson Group Classic Chevrolet Fleet and Commercial is sponsoring the Spirit of Giving SUV Giveaway. Registered donors are automatically entered into the drawing to win. Donors who register to give blood with Carter BloodCare through Jan. 10 are eligible win a 2020 Chevrolet Trax. Pollard United Methodist Church, on Copeland Road, is hosting a drive Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, contact Duffie Monroe at 903-579-9213.

JACKSONVILLE — The Mayor of Jacksonville has received the COVID-19 vaccine. According to a post on the city’s facebook page, Mayor Randy Gorham took the shot Tuesday, saying “with COVID rates at an all-time high around our nation, it’s time we all do our part to stop the spread.” The post went on to say, all of the City of Jacksonville’s Fire and Police staff have gotten their vaccinations or will be doing so, in order to stay safe and be here for all of the citizens.

DALLAS (AP) – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking $43 million in taxpayer money to pay outside lawyers to lead a 10-state antitrust lawsuit against Google. Records obtained by The Associated Press show Paxton signed contracts with the firms after eight of the Republican’s senior aides accused him of crimes. All eight have resigned or been fired, including the lawyer who was leading the Google investigation. Former officials say the plan before the departures was to handle the case in-house. It remains to be seen what taxpayers will ultimately pay under the contracts’ complex compensation structure.

TYLER — Tyler ISD, annual “Pathfinder” event will be held this weekend. TISD’s Jennifer Hines told KTBB Tuesday, “Obviously given the current situation, we have had to adjust. We are learning to adapt and deliver right now. We have created a virtual pathfinder experience and people will be able to see all of the different types of choice and innovation schools and programs that we have in the district.” The district is inviting the community and families to explore the Choice and Innovation schools & programs at its virtual Pathfinder online event Saturday. Continue reading Countdown is on for TISD ‘Pathfinder’ event

TYLER — COVID-19 hospitalization rates are at the highest levels they have been in the last three weeks. NET Health identified Trauma Service Area G’s rate as a 20.58% rate on Monday. The 15% threshold was crossed 21 days back, and local businesses were required to drop capacity numbers to 50%. Volume of patrons must remain at half-full until COVID-19 hospitalization numbers fall below 15% and remain there for 7 consecutive days. The TSA-G area includes Smith and Gregg County as well as 17 other East Texas Counties.

TYLER — Newly elected Judge of the 114th District Court in Smith County, Austin Reeve Jackson, made a formal notification Tuesday, to the Smith County Commissioner’s Court. Jackson said he will not be accepting the $10,000 salary supplement. “As someone who has spent over a decade practicing law in the local juvenile justice system, I can tell you from first-hand experience that we have incredible detention staff, probation officers, and many others working hard to serve the children in our community.” Judge Jackson continued, “If there is any money that will be associated with the work they do, it should be allocated to enriching their efforts.” Jackson went on to say, he hopes to lead others to do the same.

BIG SANDY — The Big Sandy Civic Center was vandalized on Sunday, according to our news partner KETK. “Vandalism is ugly, expensive, and it’s the last thing we need to start 2021,” wrote the Big Sandy Police Department. The center is located at 612 North Tyler Street. Police do not know who damaged the building. They said someone or multiple people forced their way inside by throwing a concrete brick through a window. Nine fire extinguishers were also discharged, glass was broken as well as light fixtures and other “miscellaneous items.” Continue reading Big Sandy Civic Center vandalized

SMITH COUNTY — New information regarding the man accused of murdering 62-year-old Pastor Mark McWilliams at Starrville Methodist Church Sunday. According to Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, 21-year-old Mytrez Woolen was charged with capital murder in the shooting death of the minister. According to our news partner KETK, Woolen had broken into the church and was hiding in the building. Shortly before services began Sunday, McWilliams came across Woolen who was trying to hide in the back area of the church. Sheriff Smith said McWilliams drew a pistol on Woolen, but Woolen was allegedly able to get his pistol and shoot the pastor. Woolen was arrested later the same day after stealing a car from the church. Continue reading Church shooting suspect remains behind bars

TYLER — Cary Nix announced over the weekend that he would not be seeking a fourth term in 2022. On Monday, John Moore, declared his candidacy for the Smith County Commissioner’s seat in Pct. 2. Moore told KTBB, “My family ingrained in us that when we became adults, we were supposed to give back to the community. My grandfather served on the city council in our small town for many, many years. We were taught to join community organizations, such a Rotary, and the Jaycees and things like that. So, when Commissioner Cary Nix, who has done a fine job for Precinct 2 for many years, announced that he was not going to run, after prayer and thoughtfulness, I thought, why not.” Continue reading Moore to run for Pct. 2 Commissioner

TYLER — A DPS crash scene remains under investigation after a fatal wreck claimed two lives over the holiday weekend. On Monday, the Texas Highway Patrol said in a media release, the accident happened on U.S. 80, two-and-a-half miles east of Fruitvale. Both drivers, Marc Italia, 61 of Dallas, and Wanda Jane Lewis, 58 of Dallas, were killed at the scene, when Italia’s car crossed the center stripe and struck the Freightliner driven by Lewis. Both drivers were taken to Bartley’s Funeral Home in Grand Saline.

TYLER — Volunteers are being invited to take part in a tree planting event at Woldert Park. The Tyler Trees Committee and the Tyler Parks and Recreation Department, announced Monday, they will celebrate Arbor Day, with the event, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. Organizers are asking people to wear masks in order to reduce the exposure to COVID-19, a limited number of volunteer spots will be open to the public. Participants must pre-register online. Registration will include a t-shirt. To sign-up and find more information, visit KeepTylerBeautiful.com or contact Keep Tyler Beautiful Community Coordinator Belen Casillas at (903) 531-1335.

TYLER — The UT Tyler Cowan Center, which presents a variety of professional touring performing arts events in East Texas, announced Monday, the cancellation of all but two shows. The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center said however, “Menopause the Musical” and “Georgia on My Mind: Celebrating the Music of Ray Charles” will continue as scheduled. For more information, contact Beverley Golden, 903.330.0495, or click the link. https://cowancenter.org/full-schedule/.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank announced scheduled drive thru produce distributions in the month of January, on Monday. According to the pantry center, produce drops will happen in Longview, and Tyler as well as other location over the next several weeks. No ID or paperwork is needed to receive food items while supplies last during these distributions. The drive thru distribution in Longview is this Friday morning from 8 to 10, at the Gregg County Fairgrounds. Then, on the 15th, allocations will be passed out from 10 to noon at the East Texas State Fairgrounds.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A man was hospitalized in critical condition after getting into an argument over the weekend. According to our news partner KETK, one man shot another over a girlfriend, in the Tanglewood community. The altercation happened at a home near CR 2475, close to Lake Tawakoni. Authorities say, Bobby Truett III, shot the victim. Truett fled the scene before later turning himself into officers. Truett is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, with a $250,000 bond. If the victim dies, Truett’s charges will be upgraded to murder.

TYLER — A gas station was ruined after an overnight fire across the street from Chapel High School. According to our news partner KETK, it was not clear early on, as to how the fire began at the CEFCO convenience store. Traffic was diverted early Monday, from the area as firefighters contained the blaze and Oncor workers took care of a downed power line. At this point, it is also unknown if anyone was hurt by the fire.

TYLER — Troopers responded to a fatal crash over the weekend on SH 43, three miles north of Marshall, D.P.S. said Monday. The preliminary report of the investigation determined that Adrian Santee Davis, 40, of Karnack, left the roadway, when on a curve. The truck then traveled down an embankment and struck several trees before catching fire. Davis died at the scen of the crash, and was taken to Meadowbrook Funeral Home in Marshall. The investigation into the crash continues at this time.

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Commissioner Pct. 2 Cary Nix announced he will not be seeking a fourth term as county commissioner, after being elected three times. According to our news partner KETK, Nix said he hasn’t closed the door for running for another public office. “I’m making this announcement at this time so that qualified individuals could consider this position,” Nix said in a Facebook post. “I’ve enjoyed my time being your commissioner but feel it’s time to let another serve. I also believe in term limits so I’m term limiting myself,” he said. “I want to thank the citizens of my precinct for electing my three times to this position, for that I’m eternally grateful.”

WINONA (AP) — Authorities say a pastor has been killed and two other people were injured during a shooting at an East Texas church. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith says the man was on the run from authorities late Saturday and had hidden in the Starrville Methodist Church near Winona. Smith says the pastor confronted the man in a church bathroom on Sunday morning. The man shot and killed the pastor, wounded another person and a third was injured in a fall. The shooting suspect fled in the pastor’s vehicle but was later arrested. Smith says he will likely face a capital murder charge. Continue reading Sheriff: Pastor dead, 2 hurt in shooting at Texas church

TYLER — The first East Texas baby of the year was born on Friday morning. Lala and Laban Lewis received the best New Year’s present: a new baby girl. According to our news partner KETK, Leanna was born on Jan. 1 at 7:20 a.m. at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital. She weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and measured 19 inches. The couple said 2020 has been a difficult year, but they are are very grateful to God for this new addition to their family. “It was intense but we pushed through and stayed healthy the whole way, by the grace of God and had a healthy pregnancy, a lovely journey. I would do it all over again if I have to, no time soon,” said Lala. UT Health Tyler also welcomed their first baby of the new year. A little boy was born at 11:42 a.m. on Friday.

TYLER — Austin Reeve Jackson officially began his term as judge of the 114th District Court in Smith County on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Jackson was sworn in and took the oath of office during a ceremony in the 114th District Courtroom. “Smith County is blessed to have Austin Reeve Jackson become the next judge of the 114th District Court,” Sam Griffith, retired justice of the 12th Court of Appeals, said in opening the ceremony. Continue reading Jackson begins terms as 114th District Judge at swearing-in ceremony

TYLER — A federal judge dismissed Texas Rep. Louie Gohmert’s lawsuit against Vice President Mike Pence Friday, according to our news partner KETK. Jeremy Kernodle, a Trump-appointed federal judge in Tyler, stated that “the Court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over this case and must dismiss the action.” On Jan. 6, the vice president will preside over the joint session to certify the election results. Continue reading Federal judge dismisses Gohmert’s lawsuit against VP Pence

TYLER — With the return to school approaching, two local sister schools announced a delay before coming back to class. Bishop Gorman and St. Gregory Cathedral circulated a decision, Friday, that will postpone the return to school until next Wednesday. According to the social media post, all extra curricular activities will remain as scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will remain as scheduled a White day and a Mass day for middle school students. Everyone will have the normal 2:30 p.m. dismissal.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department stepped up traffic enforcement for New Year’s Eve and said they would continue the heightened awareness throughout the holiday weekend. TPD says, they will continue to focus on specific high traffic crash areas. The initiative is a result of a Step Grant that provides funding to Tyler PD to enforce traffic laws and reduce the number of crashes in the City. The department says,the program has been an effective tool in reducing traffic crashes, historically. This targeted enforcement is intended to deter people from speeding, running red lights, texting and driving while intoxicated.

TYLER — Fire fighter recruits are being sought, in both, Tyler and Longview. According to our news partner KETK, both Fire departments are looking for candidates. This will mark the first time in 13 years, that the Tyler Department is offering its civil service exam to non-certified firefighters. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 15, with testing on Jan. 26. Longview Fire Department, is accepting applications as well, for firefighters and paramedics positions through Jan. 11. The written exam is set for Jan. 19 and 20.

HENDERSON — An East Texas restaurant brought the community together Thursday in an attempt to help a local family. According to our news partner KETK, one family had four people killed in an accident at the corner of FM 757 and FM 2767, 8 miles east of Tyler. Sara Vasquez, 53, Overton, died at the scene. Her daughter, Bianca Villanueva, 13, of Carlisle, and two boys, 15 and 17, were also killed. A fundraiser was held at 4 Kids restaurant, which donated 100% of the profits to the family that is now preparing for four funerals. On Thursday, many members of the community showed up to show their support. Continue reading Community of Henderson comes together for family that loses 4 in wreck

LONGVIEW — The Longview Municipal Court initiated a warrant amnesty program Friday, that continues through April 30, of this year. According to the city, anyone with an active outstanding warrant through the court will be given a fresh start, and anyone that goes to the clerk’s office to take care of their warrant will be given safe harbor. All warrant fees will be removed when a citizen voluntarily contacts the court to pay a minimum of one half the total amount due and start a payment plan for the balance owed. Read more by clicking the link. https://longviewtexas.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2962.

TYLER — Hopsitalization numbers for the COVID-19 virus remain above 15% for the Trauma Service Area G, which includes Smith and Gregg County, as well as 17 other counties in East Texas. On Thursday, NET Health reported the previous days numbers as 18.99%. Of the 3,060 beds available throughout the region, 581 patients were there for the coronavirus. Currently businesses with-in the impacted area must operate at 50% capacity, and will continue to do so, until the numbers decrease to below 15% and maintain that number for 7 consecutive days. In comparison, Trauma Service Area-H has been above 20% for three days straight, reaching a high of 24.71% earlier this week. That number is the highest it has been in the last 7 days.

CORSICANA — The National Weather Service has certified an EF0 tornado, with winds reaching as high as 85 mph Wednesday in Corsicana. The storm blew through at around 11 a.m. causing damage in Circle Trailer Park. According to our news partner KETK, 13 homes sustained damage to roofs, siding and skirting. Several large tree branches were also snapped off. The storm dissipated shortly after exiting the trailer park. The track was one mile in length and 75 yards wide. The enhances fujita scale was 0. The storm dissipated shortly after exiting the trailer park.