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LONGVIEW – The Texas Supreme Court will be in session in East Texas next year. The justices will be hearing oral arguments on two cases in the Belcher Center on the campus of Longview’s LeTourneau University. The public is invited to attend the oral arguments on February 16th, from 9:00 to 11:30 that morning. The two cases the court will hear will be set in the next few weeks. Following the oral arguments there will be time for a question and answer session with the justices. That afternoon the justices will hold breakout sessions on campus for students and at the Gregg County Courthouse for attorneys and other legal professionals. The Texas Supreme Court’s visit is designed to educate students and the public about Texas government and how the highest court in the state, for civil appeals, operates.

TYLER — Planning for the future, Tyler ISD has selected architects for a possible bond for local high schools. KETK reports that the school district selected architectural firms to renovate John Tyler and Robert E. Lee. According to one of the firms, completely renovating John Tyler will cost $87 million and Robert E. Lee $122 million if a bond is passed. The firms will be now contracted into what is called the building phase.

JACKSONVILLE – A suspected drug dealer, who lives close to a day care facility, has been arrested in Jacksonville. Arrested was Kevin Durell Cox. His arrest came as narcotics investigators and officers with the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, executed a search warrant on North Ragsdale. They seized 15.1 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and about 13 ounces of marijuana. Both drugs were packaged for resale. The officers also seized a digital scale, plastic baggies commonly used to weigh and package narcotics, and $951.00 in cash. Cox, who lives within 1,000 feet of a day care facility, has been charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana in a drug free zone.

EAST TEXAS – Plans are underway to close six Workforce Solutions East Texas offices in the area. They will shut down December 30th. This reduction in centers was passed unanimously over a week ago by the group’s board. It was also approved by the Chief Elected Officials board which is comprised of 14 county judges in East Texas and the mayors of Tyler and Longview. The closings come because the $31 Million budget fell almost $730,000 this year. The centers that are closing had the lowest foot traffic, in the region. They averaged 68 visits last year. The centers that are closing are located in Carthage, Emory, Gilmer, Jefferson, Pittsburg and Quitman. The other centers, including those in Tyler and Longview, will remain open.

BULLARD – When you hear reviews of high schools, they normally deal with the quality of education that’s inside. There’s one list of top schools that’s all about the exteriors. One of the schools on the list is in Smith County. These schools are honored in Architectural Digest, and they are called the “most beautiful schools in Texas. The website Aceable took a look at the designs of the schools around the state, and selected the top 25 in Texas. Number 4 on the list is Brook Hill School, which sits on 280 acres in Bullard. It is an independent, Christian day and boarding school for students in grades PreK-12. It opened in 1997 with 31 students. Today, there are over 600 students.The most prominent structure on its campus is the dome-shaped Founder’s Hall, which houses The American Freedom Museum and upper school classrooms.

TYLER – Investigators have not been able to determine what caused a weekend Tyler fire. It happened around 10:15 Sunday morning in a two story structure near the intersection of Border Avenue and Selman Street. The house suffered heavy fire damage. Due to the instability of the structure, investigators were unable to conduct a full investigation. The cause of the fire is undetermined pending further information. The investigation is closed at this time. But they say they have no reason to believe the fire was intentionally set. A Tyler firefighter was transported to to a hospital following a medical issue that occurred outside of the structure. He has been released from the hospital and should make a full recovery.

LONGVIEW – One person is in custody following a hit and run accident in Longview. It occurred shortly before 9:30 Tuesday night. on West Loop 281. Police public information officer Kristie Brian said a witness followed the suspect’s vehicle and told officers where it went. Arrested was 39 year old Angela Delois Bridges of Longview. Jail records show she has been in custody over a dozen time since 1999. Besides being charged with an accident involving damage over $200, she also has five outstanding warrants against her. The other driver was hospitalized. No word on the extent of her injuries.

UPSHUR COUNTY — The trial of a man accused of killing two young Harmony women in a head-on crash on graduation night this year has been moved to Longview. Robert William Frazier was indicted in September on two counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. His trial in Longview will be scheduled next year. Frazier remained Tuesday in the Upshur County Jail on a $500,000 bond set by 115th District Judge Lauren Parish. According to the Longview News-Journal and KETK, both sides agreed in an order signed Tuesday by Parish that “great prejudice” in the community against defendant Frazier prevents a fair trial in Gilmer. Continue reading Trial Moved for Driver Accused of Two Upshur County Deaths

LONGVIEW – The death of a woman in a car on Duncan Street remains under investigation by Longview police. She has been identified as Victorria Jasmine Sam, 28, of Longview. A report of a shooting resulted in officers going to the scene shortly after 5:30 Monday afternoon. They have not ruled out foul play as the cause of death and they have not released the cause of death. The body was sent to a Tyler lab for autopsy.

TYLER – Several chimney fires have been reported in the area recently. Keeping chimneys clean is important to prevent house fires. Robert Graham with Tyler’s Top Hat Chimney Sweeps says its is important to have your chimney inspected every year. It should be cleaned every year or for every two cords of wood that you burn. The problem is creosote. Graham says the black dust, builds up in a chimney over time, and that can cause a fire that can damage the mortar and masonry in the chimney. This damage can leave pathways for fire travel into the wood frame structure of the home.

LONGVIEW – Because of a public private partnership between the City of Longview and the nonprofit, Veterans Recognition Foundation, Longview’s Teague Park is now home to a Veterans Plaza. It honors the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families. Located on about 2 acres surrounding the Teague Park pond, the plaza features unique individual monuments honoring all veterans. It also has a scale replica of the Vietnam Wall. Other monuments include memorials for 9/11, MIA/POWs, and conflicts in places such as Iwo Jima, Korea, Grenada, Iraq, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Bosnia. Continue reading Veteran’s Plaza Now Has a Home at Longview’s Teague Park

CHAPEL HILL – Authorities are investigating the robbery of a driver on a Smith County Road. It happened shortly before 6:45 Tuesday morning on County Road 289. The driver tells authorities he had to stop when a man stepped in front of his car. The man then walked to the driver’s door and put a gun to the side of the driver’s head. After taking an undisclosed amount of cash from the driver, the suspect, described as a black male, disappeared into some nearby woods. No injuries were reported.

SMITH COUNTY — The father of a Smith County constable, who was found last week guilty of murder, was sentenced today to prison. John Douglas Smith, 72, was was sentenced to 50 years in prison. He had been charged with the shooting death of 47 year old Francisco Douglas. It occurred at the Sunset Valley Mobile Home Park off of Highway 64 west. Smith was the caretaker of the park where Douglas lived. The two had began arguing over rent when Smith shot and killed Douglas. Smith’s son, John G. Smith, is the Smith County precinct 4 constable.

RUSK COUNTY – A Longview man has died in a weekend shooting in Rusk County. Rusk County authorities confirm the death of 20 year old Samuel Andrew Brown. Brown’s family tells the Longview News Journal he walked into the wrong house and was shot by the homeowner. He had been drinking and was returning to a friends home when he walked into the wrong home. They say that drinking most likely clouded his judgment, but they don’t believe Brown had any criminal intent. In a news release Tuesday afternoon, the Rusk County Sheriff’s office says the case remains under investigation at this time and will be presented to the Rusk County Grand Jury.

LONGVIEW – Just days before Christmas a Longview family of four is homeless because of a fire. It was reported shortly before 8:00 Monday night on East Melton Street. The fire started in the wall of the laundry room traveling into the attic and the adjacent rooms on both sides of the wall. Earlier, there was a leak in the water line in the laundry room wall. One of the residents tried to dry out the electrical panel “old style” fuse box and the wiring in that area. The home did not have working smoke alarms because the batteries were dead. Fortunately the occupants were able to get out of the home without injuries. The Red Cross is assisting the family. Continue reading Fire Displaces Longview Family

LONGVIEW – The death of a woman found in a car on Duncan Street is being investigated by Longview police. A report of a shooting resulted in officers going to the scene shortly after 5:30 Monday afternoon. They have not ruled out foul play as the cause of death. The body has been sent to Tyler for autopsy. The identity has not been released.

PALESTINE – Two persons are in custody and four being sought in connection with an aggravated assault in Anderson County. It happened over the weekend on South Highway 287. A man tells sheriff’s deputies the suspects forced their way into his apartment, demanding a pistol. When he said he did not have one, he was assaulted and so was a man from a neighboring apartment. Investigators were able to identify four suspects. Two has been arrested. Two others who have been identified are still at large. They are still trying to identify a 5th man and a blonde haired woman who drove the getaway vehicle. Continue reading Four Sought in Anderson County Aggravated Assault

TYLER – Next February, the Better Business Bureau will be holding its annual luncheon and award banquet in Tyler. They will present Awards for Excellence to three companies and one nonprofit. The awards go to those who exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of their operations. Twenty-one businesses and organizations have been nominated for the awards. Nominated in the large business category are 2C Processor USA, East Texas Copy Systems, Jennings Scrap and Salvage Company and Progress Cleaners. Continue reading BBB Award Nominees Announced

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a reported shooting outside a local game room Sunday night. According to KETK, deputies responded to a robbery call at an Exxon gas station on Highway 155 South just before 10:00. A woman told authorities she was inside the store playing games when she noticed three other people inside were no longer there. The woman said she returned to her her vehicle and realized her cellphone had been stolen. The victim claims three people left the scene with her phone in a black Honda civic. They also allegedly fired four shots at her as they left. The woman’s cellphone cover was thrown from the robber’s vehicle. The victim described the driver as a white male in his 50s or 60s. A younger white male and female were in the back seat. The woman said they were both wearing glasses. No injuries were reported.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of December 19th. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

Smith County construction projects updates:
Loop 323 West Widening at UPRR Underpass
*Limits: Tyler’s West Loop and SH 31
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview
*Cost: $12 million
*Anticipated Completion Date: Winter 2016
General cleanup activities continue as this job nears completion. No additional work can be conducted until the railroad moves to the new permanent track and the temporary railroad bridge is removed. Meanwhile, the contractor continues to monitor the roadway throughout the project limits until the remaining work can be completed. The project includes widening Loop 323 from SH 31 to Shaw Street. The speed limit on Loop 323 in the work zone remains 45 mph from SH 64 to Shaw Street. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

LONGVIEW – Children hospitalized at Longview’s Good Shepherd Medical Center got some special visitors Monday. The Longview Police Department’s SWAT Team members, dressed as superheroes, rappelled down the hospital’s walls at 10:00am. Following that: a visit with the children in their unit and delivery of gifts. Longview Police Department public information officer Kristie Brian says Operation Christmas Cheer lets them demonstrate their abilities to the community and bring joy to children spending the holidays in the hospital. The hospital’s Clinical Director of Pediatrics and ICU, Metosha Brantley, says the children get very excited about the visit from the superheroes. This is the third straight year for Operation Christmas Cheer.

TYLER — The holiday season brings an increased risk of highway accidents — and Mothers Against Drunk Driving of East Texas is up and going with its annual “Tie One On for Safety” holiday campaign. Executive Director Leslie Watson says you may have noticed the red ribbons on cars, aimed at reminding you to drive safe, sober, and buckled up. You’re also advised to call a cab or ride-sharing service if necessary to ensure a safe ride home — and show support for increased law enforcement activity during the holidays. “Tie One On for Safety” is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, making it MADD’s oldest public safety awareness effort.

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for two armed robbery suspects. Officials said a resident was taking out the trash at 2605 Old Henderson around 12:15 Monday morning, when he was reportedly held up by two black men, one armed with a handgun. The suspects forced the victim back into his home and demanded money and jewelry from a woman. The suspects reportedly threatened to shoot both victims, then assaulted the man. He sustained minor bruises to his head and knee. The woman was forced to the ground and the two suspects fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of case and jewelry. Continue reading Tyler Police Search for Armed Robbery Suspects

TYLER — Tyler Firefighters responded to a 2-story structure fire near the intersection of Border Avenue and Selman Street around 10:15 Sunday morning. The eight residents were able to escape the home without injury. The house suffered heavy fire damage. No word on the cause of the fire. A Tyler firefighter was transported to a local hospital following a medical issue that occurred outside of the structure during the incident. The firefighter was undergoing additional testing and treatment. No word on his condition.

KILGORE — A Kilgore College student indicted this past month on conspiracy to commit sex trafficking is out on bond, under house arrest. According to the Longview News-Journal, Malik Antoine Brown, 18, of Brazoria, was arrested in November at a private dormitory in Kilgore. The judge set Brown’s bond at $50,000 before permitting his release under certain conditions. Brown — among other stipulations — must participate in a home confinement program that includes electronic monitoring, avoid contact with any victims, report on a regular basis to a pretrial service agent in Houston and stay away from places where minors are likely to visit. Continue reading Kilgore College Student Charged with Sex Trafficking

TYLER — Strong wind gusts caused issues as the cold front was coming in to East Texas. Power outages were reported in Tyler Saturday night. According to KETK, maintenance crews responded to the intersection of Charlotte and Tulsa around 5:30 regarding a tree that had fallen on a car. The tree fell on power lines causing power outages throughout that area. Oncor reported 113 people in that neighborhood were without power.