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SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Offices in Troup were closed Monday morning due to a power outage. The Smith County Justice of the Peace/Constable’s Office for Precinct 3, as well as the Auto Registration Substation, were down until electricity could be restored. The city was out clearing debris on the streets before 5 a.m. that made roads difficult to navigate following overnight storms across the area.

COLLEGE STATION — A historic Union Pacific train engine is spending the next two weeks in Texas — hitting East Texas along the way. Big Boy Steam Locomotive Number 4014 is touring the U.P. system to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad. Number 4014 is in El Paso for public viewing Sunday afternoon through Tuesday afternoon. It will head east to San Antonio, where it will make a stop on Election Day. Then the engine will go to Houston before turning northwest to Bryan/College Station, then head northeast with stops in Palestine and Marshall before leaving the state in Texarkana. The entire schedule is on U.P.’s website or Facebook page.

ANDERSON COUNTY — An Anderson County sheriff’s deputy was shot, the suspect was killed in two gun battles Saturday. The deputy has been identified to our news partner KETK by family members as Deputy Bradley Colman. Colman was shot at the Hickory Ridge Mobile Home Park on FM 320 while reportedly investigating a stolen vehicle. The suspect fled the scene in the deputy’s vehicle. DPS troopers arrived on the scene and provided first aid. Other troopers assisted in the search for and pursuit of the suspect. Deputy Colman was airlifted to a Tyler hospital, where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening injuries. He is expected to make a full recovery. Multiple law enforcement agencies joined in the search for the suspect, who was found a short distance from the scene of the shooting. Continue reading Texas Rangers Investigate Deputy Involved Shooting

TYLER — Colorful floats, precision marching bands and glittering dresses made the 86th annual Texas Rose Festival Parade a feast for the eyes and ears. According to our news partner KETK, the “star” of the parade was the Rose Queen herself, Hanna Claire Waits. The festival had the theme “Portraits of Inspiration.” Hanna Claire Waits was crowned Queen of the 2019 Texas Rose Festival in a coronation ceremony Friday evening. The official coronation was held at the R. Don Cowan Fine & Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Texas at Tyler. The event served to introduce Queen Hanna and her to the public as part of the 2019 Texas Rose Festival. Continue reading Texas Rose Festival Parade Celebrates 86 Years of Splendor

TYLER — Jason’s Deli and Nothing Bundt Cakes located inside the Broadway Market Center are officially back open for business after being closed for nearly two weeks due to plumbing issues. Our news partner KETK was first to report that the shopping center had been closed down after the restaurant, Jason’s Deli contacted the city with plumbing and sewer issues. When city water came to investigate they found kitchen utensils and roots inside the old, damaged pipes. The discovery led the city to suggest any of the businesses that require water to operate, should close down. In a Facebook post issued on Friday afternoon, Jason’s Deli announced that the restaurant is open for business again. Nothing Bundt Cakes, Starbucks and Marble Slab Creamery have also reopened.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is requesting competitive bids for the lease and operation of the food and beverage concession, vending and/or news and retail services concession in the North Side Terminal Building at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. The initial concession lease is a term of four years. The city would have the option of one two-year extension. The objective is to develop a concession/vending program that is unique, creative, with local flavor, while bringing value to passengers and users on par with the best programs of similar size airports. Bid opening is Oct. 22. Continue reading Tyler Pounds Accepting Bids for North Side Restaurant

TYLER — Dogtoberfest is Saturday in downtown Tyler. The day features local animal rescues and shelters, craft breweries,live music, vendors and food trucks. Organizers say their will be plenty of fun, but the ultimate goal of the day is finding forever homes for as many homeless pets as possible, while giving the community an amazing experience. Doctoberfest happens from 11am to 7pm. Each “Beer Tasting Card” purchase includes a souvenir tasting mug. For more information: https://spcaeasttx.com/dogtoberfest-2019/

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau is accepting nominations for the 2020 BBB Awards for Excellence. All BBB Accredited Businesses and Accredited Charities who have a physical location within the 19 counties served by BBB Central East Texas are eligible to be nominated. The deadline to nominate is the last day of November. Nominations can be completed by clicking the link. https://www.bbb.org/east-texas/for-businesses/2020-bbb-award-for-excellence-nomination/

LONGVIEW — The Veterans Affairs (VA) center in Longview was filled to capacity for Thursday’s Veterans town hall meeting. According to our news partner KETK, many vets came to listen and others came with a list of concerns to address. A recurring theme of the meeting were wait times for action. Shannon Arledge, Public Affairs Officer for the Overton Brooks Medical Center in Shreveport pointed to the Mission Act of 2018 as a big stride in the right direction of improvements. The V.A. town hall meetings are held quarterly, with a goal of advancing past obstacles.

TYLER — Tyler welcomed a delegation from their sister city, Yachiyo, Japan on Thursday. The delegation on hand includes the president of the organization, Yachiyo’s Mayor and additional community leaders. A Tyler welcome team was on hand and gifts were presented in the city council chambers. During their visit, the group will meet with city leaders, tour the University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College, as well as participate in several Rose Festival events. Thursday night’s events concluded with a welcome party at Eagles Bluff County Club.

TYLER — A Tyler man accused of running over a 14-year-old boy on Lake Palestine received a continuance for his case. According to our news partner KETK, Jeffrey Hampton, 33, is charged with manslaughter and accidental boating death. He is accused of running his boat into a dock where Roberto Carlos Bermejo Hernandez was standing. In a hearing that lasted less than two minutes Friday, a defense attorney said that they needed more time to comb through the evidence and was not ready for a pre-trial hearing. Judge Christi Kennedy pushed back Hampton’s pre-trial hearing until January. His trial will be set in February. Continue reading Continuance Granted in Lake Palestine Death Trial

WHITEHOUSE — Whithouse ISD looks to take steps to improve safety on their campuses with the “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System.” According to our news partner KETK, the program teaches students, teachers, and administrators how to recognize warning signs of individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others. It encourages people to “Say Something” to a trusted adult OR use its anonymous reporting system. Click the link for details. https://4.files.edl.io/918a/10/17/19/162834-01040539-1c66-47d6-9561-500b78b1087d.pdf. How does the program works? Continue reading Whitehouse ISD Enacts “Say Something Anonymous Reporting System”

TYLER — Chief Jimmy Toler welcomed 11 new police officers on Thursday afternoon to the Tyler Police Department. The 30th Basic Peace Officers Class of the Tyler Junior College Law Enforcement Academy graduated at Liberty Theater. Recruits were sworn in and received their badge as part of the ceremony. The Chief administered the Oath of Office to the new officers who joined the ranks of the Tyler Police Department. Continue reading Tyler Police Hold Badge Ceremony

TYLER — Local substance abuse prevention coalitions and law enforcement officials have partnered with the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of National Drug Take Back Day. October 26th is a national effort to help safely dispose of unused prescription drugs. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various locations with participating East Texas law enforcement. During that time, community members can discard potentially dangerous expired, unused or unwanted prescription drugs. The service is free and anonymous. Continue reading Local Events Scheduled for National Take Back Day

TYLER — A 39-year-old Ore City man has been indicted for child exploitation charges in the Eastern District of Texas. The court announced Thursday that Jeremy OKieth Kyle, and various aliases, was named in a superseding indictment charging him with coercion and enticement; sexual exploitation of children; travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct; and penalties for registered sex offenders. According to the indictment, at numerous times between 2013 and 2018, Kyle, a convicted sex offender, is alleged to have committed multiple offenses against 18 different minor female victims. If convicted on all counts, Kyle is facing life in federal prison.

LONGVIEW — In 2010, the City of Longview developed a master plan for a multimodal transportation facility, anchored by the now-renovated Historic Longview Depot and including Longview Transit, Greyhound, and Go Bus. The countdown is on for the launch of the new Longview Transit Transfer Center. After more than three years of preparation, Longview Transit will open with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Official Grand Opening on Nov. 4. Continue reading Grand Opening Scheduled for Transfer Center

KILGORE — Former students and faculty are finding their way to Kilgore College this week for homecoming festivities. On Saturday, there will be a special performance by the Rangerette Forevers, with 291 former Rangerettes participating. The Ranger Band, KC Twirlers and the Rangerettes have an action packed show. The Kilgore Rangers football team is leading Region 14 and hosts Blinn at 3 p.m. The homecoming court will be introduced at 2:30 p.m. with the naming of the king and queen. More Details available: visit http://www.kilgore.edu/homecoming.

TYLER — The 86th Texas Rose Festival is underway and continues through Sunday. If you’re visiting, Rose Queen Hanna Claire Waits suggests you “take your time, take it all in…get the full experience, see the whole city of Tyler. It’s not just all about the Rose Festival; it’s about the community of Tyler.” Queen Hanna says the festival remains an important event for the city. She told KTBB, “It really brings attention to the city of Tyler…has a great economic impact, and really has been a positive thing for the city of Tyler because we do still produce so many of the nation’s roses.” Continue reading Texas Rose Festival Underway

LINDALE — Smith County Road 463 was closed for awhile following an accident Thursday morning but is now open to traffic. Our news partnerreopens KETK reports two people were injured after an 18-wheeler was cut off and forced off Interstate 20, onto the county road.

TYLER — “Celebrate the One,” is this years theme for the annual Mentoring Alliance Luncheon next Tuesday. The luncheon will happen at the Green Acres Crosswalk Center from 11:30-1:00. Organizer’s will be sharing stories of change, growth, and mentorship. For info on how to purchase tickets, you can click the link. https://www.thementoringalliance.com/luncheon. The Mentoring Alliance serves over 2,900 kids and families throughout the year through three programs. Continue reading The Mentoring Alliance to Host Annual Luncheon

TYLER — East Texas veterans and their families will be have access to free dental care on Nov. 9. The free dental outreach is a courtesy of Tyler Junior College and will take place at the Rogers Nursing & Health Sciences Center on the Tyler Junior College main campus. The dental services include fillings, extractions and preventive care. The nearest Veterans Administration dental clinic is in Dallas,and organizers will offer this care for Veterans who may not have the means or the time to travel to the metroplex. Appointment times must be scheduled in advance. You can schedule an appointment by emailing [email protected] or by leaving a message at 903-533-5560.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Rec Department and Tyler Area Ambucs have scheduled the grand opening of a new inclusive playground at Southside Park for October 26th. The ribbon cutting of the playground will be at 10 a.m. The all-embracing playground will feature ramps, swings and slides that accommodate kids with mobility disabilities and wheelchairs. These accommodations will allow children to enjoy the same playground regardless of their abilities. The inclusive playground, located on Shiloh Rd., will be the first one of its kind in Tyler. The celebration will have sponsored booths, as well as refreshments provided. Continue reading First All Inclusive Playground in Tyler Ribbon Cutting

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Van Zandt County church was destroyed in an early morning fire on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK. The fire was reported at the Wallace Methodist Church on Highway 243, west of Canton. The South Van Zandt Volunteer Fire Department remained at the scene until just after 4:30. It’s unclear what started the fire. No injuries were reported.

SMITH COUNTY — A new courthouse could be in the near future, but not without voter input. According to our news partner KETK, before a plan is presented, Smith County officials want to hear from the public. They want to know if a new courthouse is needed, where it should go, what factors are most important, and what questions need to be answered. Information will be gathered through summer 2020 and then a vote for the proposed plan will be called upon in November of 2020. For more information regarding the plans, visit the county website: https://www.smith-county.com/online-services/online-county-services/court-house-planning

LONGVIEW — A public survey is now available to gather opinions on two options for the welcome monument that will be positioned at the intersection of High Street, Mobberly Avenue, and Estes Parkway in Longview. In an earlier public meeting the city presented various ideas and gathered input for the development of the landmark. The marker is being added as a part of a planned reconfiguration of the intersection approved by the 2018 bond package. Continue reading Entryway Monument Survey Now Available

LONGVIEW — Partners in Prevention’s Unity and Diversity Committee, in conection with the city of Longview, is accepting nominations for the 2020 Unity Honors Award. The Unity Honors is a life time achievement award that pays homage to individuals in the community who have demonstrated leadership in the promotion of harmony, understanding, and social justice. Nominees must be individuals who work and/or live (past or present) in the Greater Longview Area. For more details, contact Partners in Prevention at 903-237-1019.

ATHENS — Henderson County Commissioners Court let the current burn ban expire on Tuesday. The county has been under the burn ban since August 20th. The county announced the decision this morning on their facebook page. After nearly 2 months of outdoor burn prohibitions, county officials are quick to remind residents to be careful when burning and not to leave fires unattended.

TYLER — People Attempting to Help (PATH), a non-profit in Tyler, is holding their annual Coats for Kids program to help keep children warm. PATH has partnered with local dry cleaners where you can drop off gently used coats off and they will clean them, free of charge. If your family is in need of a coat, you can stop by the PATH office to fill out a form. Families are required to bring a valid ID to receive a voucher, and then stop by the PATH event the Saturday before Thanksgiving to collect the coat. Continue reading PATH Annual Coat Drive