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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

TYLER — The 4th Annual Give Back Day was a great opportunity for East Texans to take joy in their favorite dishes at Jalapeno Tree, while helping their neighbors in need. Restaurants in 12 locations across East Texas have partnered together to donate a portion of all total proceeds from the business day of August 27th to present a check of $8390.27, to local United Way organizations across East Texas. For a list of all Jalapeno Tree Restaurant locations and the complete Jalapeno Tree menu, visit http://www.jalapenotree.com.

GREGG COUNTY — Gregg County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of UP TO $2000 for information leading investigators to the location of Rosemary Rodriguez. Gregg County Sheriff’s Office Investigators believe criminal activity may be involved in her disappearance. Rodriguez disappeared leaving a home in the Mt. Pisgah Road area of Kilgore on October 7. Rodriguez was last seen wearing a blue Walmart smock and blue pants. She drives a green 2014 Chevrolet Sonic with an OU sticker on the back window and Texas license plates #GCM3117. Continue reading Crimestoppers Offer Reward for Missing Woman

BULLARD — The Brook Hill School in Bullard celebrated Founder’s Day on Monday night and part of the festivities recognized 2019 honorees. According to our news partner, the late Mrs. Ruth-Ann Young and her husband Tommy were high school sweethearts and married 61 years. They have both supported Brook Hill through financial contributions, saying the school offered more than education, it teaches students about life. Two of the Young’s grandchildren attended Brook Hill and two of their great-grandchildren are currently enrolled.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Two men have been arrested on possession charges following a building check at a game room Monday night. John Edward Bernard (pictured), 58, the manager of the Silver Mine game room on State Highway 198, reportedly attempted to hide a used narcotic pipe behind the business counter. Officials said a small bag containing meth was also found. Kevin Jay Todd, Jr., 34, was a customer in the business. Deputies said Todd attempted to hide suspected narcotics behind a gaming machine. A small black case containing meth was recovered. Both were taken to the Henderson County Jail and charged with felony possession of methamphetamine.

TYLER — The Tyler Municipal Rose Garden will observe a distinguished honor on Thursday. After a two-year application process, the Rose Garden will celebrate having having been listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. Attendants will be able to observe the blooming garden, enjoy speakers and live music, a plaque presentation and refreshments. All attendees will receive hand-cut single roses. Continue reading National Register of Historic Places for Rose Garden

TYLER — A new concept business has opened in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Brick Masters is a large Lego store where children can go, play, and learn to build new things. They are located on E. Amherst Street. The business opened their doors for the first time on Saturday with the goal of bringing families together for learning and fun. 20% of Saturday’s proceeds went to the Tyler Patrolman’s Association that will help the Blue Santa Program for the upcoming holidays. For more information click the link. https://www.facebook.com/BrickMastersTyler/?eid=ARAmlfqvIirgS55L8R73cWj7_2kkd0U8sTSDYpd2A0C1ihaCIMoreF_5eEzhTfhWm2UC9ToobnDTrwjV.

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University recently honored Marshall community members Hal and Joyce Cornish with a Founders Society Award during chapel recently in recognition of their generous donations for additional enhancements to the Cornish Soccer Field. Originally built in 2000, the field was initially elevated in 2007 with funds also provided by the Cornishs, and the current soccer facilities were named in their honor. Continue reading ETBU Upgrades Soccer Facilities

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Government’s rural transportation system, GoBus, has seen a big uptick in regional ridership. GoBus provided over 105 thousand trips for the fiscal year 2019. A fare reduction in 2018 is credited with the increase in ridership. This is the agency’s highest total since 2014. GoBus is a rural transportation service to a 14-county region in East Texas.

TYLER — Monday morning near the UT Health East Texas hospital a Tyler woman was carjacked at gunpoint. Police say the suspect is described as a B/M in his 20’s, tall and skinny, wearing a white long sleeve shirt. The suspect approached the female TJC student in a parking lot on Lake Street where she was parking her 2016, Maroon Chrysler 200, Texas License Plate MLJ-4674. The suspect pointed a handgun at the victim telling her to hand the keys over to her vehicle. The victim complied and the suspect jumped in her vehicle and left North on Fleishel Street. The victim reported no injuries during the incident. In a statement, UT Health East Texas says the victim was preparing to attend class nearby. In light of Monday’s incident, UT Health East Texas has increased security at its East Lake Medical Plaza and around its hospital campus, according to the statement.

LONGVIEW — U.T. Tyler has announced the Inaugural UT Tyler Longview University Center Golf Tournament for this Veteran’s Day. The tournament is in partnership with the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation, all proceeds from the event will benefit a new scholarship fund at the Longview University Center dedicated to supporting veterans and military families. Registration is now open and sponsorship opportunities can also be found on the website. If you have any questions contact Matt Brinton at [email protected] or 903.566.7106.

JACKSONVILLE – The city of Jacksonville is looking for community members interested in having their voices heard on a proposed mountain bike trail. In a Facebook post, the city said in part that it’s “seeking to gather feedback and contact information from interested community members in order to organize and coordinate community support.” According to our news partner KETK, the city stressed that any information given will be private and used only to coordinate support for the trails. The city recently announced the development of a mountain bike trail on city-owned property at Love’s Lookout Park. Anyone interested in offering support can fill out an online form provided by the city.

EDOM — Thousands filled the streets of downtown Edom over the weekend to celebrate the 47th annual Edom Art Festival. According to our news partner KETK, what began in 1972 with a few hundred people has grown to thousands after the first artist, Dough Brown, moved into town and started the artists’ mecca. He began by inviting fellow artists to participate, which grew into a large festival. The festival features hand made crafts, live music, food, and a unique culture.

TYLER — Sheriff’s authorities are continuing to probe a predawn Saturday shooting incident on Brookstone (CR 1356) in southern Smith County. A homeowner said as he arrived home from work, he saw several males get out of a vehicle and walk around his vehicle, and that he believed they were trying to break into it. The homeowner then came outside and fired several gunshots shots into the air. The suspects fled, and the homeowner called 911 before returning outside and explaining the incident to his neighbor. Officials were told the suspect vehicle then returned and approached the homeowner and neighbor at a high speed and with its lights off. The homeowner fired several rounds toward the vehicle, and the neighbor fired at least once. The vehicle was struck with the gunfire and eventually drove into a wooded area, with all suspects fleeing on foot. Continue reading Shooting Incident under Investigation

TYLER — Three East Texas counties are no long under burn bans thanks to the recent rain. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County has lifted the burn ban that was issued about a month ago. Anderson & Cherokee counties also abandoned their bans, according to their websites. Continue reading Rain Helps Lift Ban for 3 East Texas Counties

TYLER — The closing numbers for CityFest are in and according to a press release from the Luis Paulau Association more than 37,000 people turned out for the week long campaign. Evangelist Andrew Palau joined 405 Churches from across the region to produce the event that culminated in a free 2-day evangelistic festival in downtown Tyler. In an effort to expand the reach of CityFest East Texas and this message of hope, Andrew Palau led multiple outreaches, Continue reading Strong Final Numbers from CityFest East Texas

ATHENS –Henderson County was one of the first last summer to go into a “Burn Ban” in East Texas. According to a post on social media Friday afternoon, the county remains under the ban. The fire Marshall’s office said, “the updated index for the county was 707, that includes the recent rains.” The county anticipates high winds this weekend. The Fire Marshall will discuss the ban on Tuesday and Commissioner’s will make a decision at that time. As for now, outdoor burning is prohibited.

TYLER — The Census Bureau in Tyler opened on Thursday as a resource for the community. The official count is in April of 2020. According our news partner KETK, Census workers are inviting residents to stop by Monday through Friday. If you are interested in helping collect data for the count, the group is looking to hire over 1,000 East Texans that will help with surveying and instruction.

TYLER — Fifteen men and women from Yachiyo City, Japan will be in Tyler starting next Wednesday as part of the Tyler Sister Cities program. During their stay, the representatives will encounter several unique-to- Texas and Tyler opportunities, including the “true cowboy” experience at Cavender’s. The group will also attend the Texas Rose Festival and tour the garden. Yachiyo City is celebrated for its rose garden, Keisei Rose Garden, much like Tyler. The cities were “twinned” together in 1992. In 2017, Tylerite’s visited Yachiyo City, celebrating 25 years of friendship and exchange.

TYLER — Dr. Juan Mejia formally became the 7th president of Tyler Junior College on Friday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, Mejia is ready to build on the schools 93- year history. “We look forward to hearing from our friends and colleagues that live in our area telling us how we can continue to improve and continue to be better everyday,” Mejia said. He was acknowledged by the TJC Board of Trustees in May to succeed retiring President Dr. Mike Metke. Metke became the president 12 years ago, in 2007. Mejia joined TJC in 2013 as vice president for student affairs and not long after accepted the role of provost and vice president for academic and student affairs. Most recently, Mejia served as president for branch locations and district provost.

KILGORE — Neighbors of the victims say a family member is responsible for the murder of two sisters Wednesday in Kilgore. According to our news partner KETK, published reports identify the suspect as Jermaine Wheat, the son of one of the victims. Neighbors say when they saw the police cars and crime scene units outside, their worst nightmare came true after they say Karen Wheat and Daisy Wheat were found stabbed to death. The Kilgore Police Department says multiple apartment units are being looked at as part of the crime scene.

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man indicted for a July murder initially claimed self-defense for the crime, according to an arrest warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. Humberto Lauro Leal, 39, is accused of stabbing Luis Rene Maruffo-Castaneda back on June 30 at his home north of the Tyler city limits. When a Smith County detective arrived on the scene, he found Castaneda dead in the driver seat of his car. Leal told the detective he lived there and claimed Castaneda was trying to kill him. Leal claimed he stabbed Castaneda in self-defense. Leal had a gunshot wound in his lower abdomen. Continue reading Tyler Man Remains Jailed on Murder Charge

TYLER — Crews begin road maintenance Friday on Cumberland Road between Wilder Way and Paluxy Drive. The construction is scheduled to be completed next Wednesday. Motorists should expect traffic delays, as lane closures and a pilot car will be in the area. Crews will be on the roadway from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Drivers should use alternate routes to alleviate traffic congestion. Crews will also be working to repair a manhole ring and cover at the intersection of West Northwest Loop 323 and U.S. Highway 69 North on Saturday, Oct. 12. Work is scheduled to begin at about 7 a.m. and be completed by about 10 a.m. Travelers can expect lane closures near the work area from 7 a.m. until about 10 a.m.

TYLER — A Smith County Grand Jury indicted a Tyler man involved in a double fatality motorcycle accident from earlier this year. According to a Wednesday press release from Smith County, Tommy Joe Allen, was indicted on two charges of intoxication manslaughter for the wreck at S. Broadway and Amherst. Toxicology results show Allen to have had cocaine in his system at the time of the accident. The wreck claimed the life of 26-year-old motorcyclist Michael Anthony Gonzalez, of Tyler. Allen’s wife, Susan Pennock Allen, 57, died days later from injuries sustained in the crash.

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse residents were notified on Wednesday about concerns of the quality of their water. According to our news partner KETK, the notification raises concerns about the danger that the drinking water exceeded the maximum contaimanant level for Trihalomethanes. Which are explosive organic compounds. Some who drink water containing that substance have had issues with their liver and kidneys. If you have concerns, you are urged to contact your local physician.

TYLER — In August the Tyler City Council adopted a resolution to become the 4th Bee City USA in Texas. The heart of the program is an initiative of the Xerces Society. They are committed to creating sustainable habitats for pollinators, which are vital to feeding the planet. The City of Tyler has agreed to work towards those commitments and improve the habitats of pollinators. The Keep Tyler Beautiful Board will be the sponsor for the program and is inviting the general public to attend a meeting on Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m.The goal is to bring awareness and involvement. The meeting will be at the Tyler Public Library on S. College Ave.

TYLER — The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler has been awarded $37 million as a recipient of the Clinical and Translational Science Award. Officials say it’s the largest offering from the National Institutes of Health for research and education. The Tyler facility will partner with UT Health Houston, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, UT Rio Grande Valley, and Rice University. According to a news release, the five-year grant will enhance existing infrastructure to cultivate collaborative studies in various disciplines, including medical and healthcare delivery research among the institutions. In addition, the grant will fund the expansion of clinical research to recruit patients for the clinical trials performed to find better ways to treat a range of diseases. Continue reading Major Grant Includes UT Health Science Center at Tyler