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TYLER — A man has been arrested on drug charges after Tyler police executed a search warrant Thursday at his Valentine Street home. Tyler SWAT and Patrol Officers assisted in the operation, which began at 6:30 a.m. Aubrey Ray Wilbanks, 60, was charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), a 2nd degree felony, and possession of dangerous drugs, a class A misdemeanor. Investigators also located firearms and stolen property inside the residence while conducting the search, according to a news release.

HENDERSON — Law enforcement officials have taken into custody a man they say may be responsible for sexual abuse going back as far as 45 years. Dock Lee Minter, 68, of Garrison, turned himself in to deputies at the Rusk County Jail, according to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. KETK reports he was arrested on two warrants for continuous sexual abuse of children. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is asking any potential victims of the suspect to come forward and talk with officials. You can call 903-657-3581 ext. 209 or 903-657-3581 ext. 220.

TYLER — Tyler Police investigators continue to investigate fraud cases involving identity theft and credit card fraud. A group of suspects who are believed to be from out of town are placing hidden electronic devices inside gas pumps and obtaining your credit card information. Police say they will use that information to duplicate a credit card and obtain cash funds and merchandise. Continue reading Fraud Investigators Continue to Investigate Gas Skimmers

TYLER — Two East Texas men have been indicted in connection with an alleged home invasion in early August. According to KETK, the Smith County District Attorney’s Office names the suspects as 19-year-olds Mario Villegas (left) and Alexis Juarez (right), both of Tyler. They’re accused of breaking into a house on August 5 on West Bow Street and threatening to kill the residents. Officials say a man was assaulted inside the house and that the suspects tried to drag him outside. Continue reading Two Indicted in Alleged Home Invasion

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has approved its budget for the new fiscal year. Mayor Martin Heines tells KETK the new budget will save more money than in years past. Also approved was a one-cent property tax increase. That money will help pay for the improvement of city roads. Heines says the decisions made were all in the best interest of the people living in Tyler. He comments, “We have a staff that is committed to the community, and we are proud of the work that they do, and the ability they had to make this budget work with less money.”

TYLER — Three people have been indicted for multiple counts of aggravated robbery in Tyler. According to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, per KETK, the suspects were indicted on Thursday, September 8, for their alleged involvement in a robbery that took place Friday, August 5, in the 3800 block of Lexington Drive. Lavina May Winston (pictured) 21, Darrell Lynn Taylor, 20 and Michael Laderick Fitts, 18, all from Tyler, have been charged with two counts of aggravated robbery, each. Their bonds were set at $400,000. The three were allegedly involved in a standoff at the Varsity Place apartments prior to their arrest. Continue reading Three Suspects Indicted Following Stand-Off with Police

PITTSBURG — The Pittsburg Police Department is warning the public about fake movie money being passed around the area. According to KETK, the counterfeit cash, or “Hollywood money” has shown up in Pittsburg. The currency is typically used in television shows and looks similar to the real thing. However, authorities stated the feel of the cash is a dead giveaway for the fake money. Hollywood money has also been reported throughout East Texas, including the cities of Longview, Kilgore, Lufkin and Texarkana. Police advise citizens to not accept questionable money and to contact authorities.

DALLAS — Tyler native Johnny Manziel will be in a Dallas courtroom Thursday, in his domestic violence case. The former Cleveland Browns quarterback is accused of kidnapping, beating, and threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, during a fight over another woman. Manziel is charged with a misdemeanor, not a felony, because Crowley didn’t suffer serious injury. The former Aggie standout is back at Texas A&M now, after being cut from his NFL job.

TYLER – Tyler Junior College Campus Police are conducting an investigation regarding shots fired on campus Monday evening at 11:42 p.m. In a news release issued to our news partner KETK, officials say the incident involved unidentified males coming to campus to confront a TJC student outside of a residence hall. According to the released, campus police responded immediately to the scene, secured the scene and also called Tyler Police to respond. The unidentified males fled the scene, and campus police made a determination that this was an incident isolated to a dispute initially involving a few individuals. Authorities say they determined that the incident did not pose an immediate threat to students throughout the campus. There were no injuries. Continue reading TJC Releases Statement on Monday Shooting

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Tyler and Champ Hospitality to continue work to bring a conference center to Tyler. The conference center will be attached to a private hotel. According to a news release, the proposed brand, per the MOU, is Aloft Hotels by Starwood Suites, a global high-end hotel company with 1,300 locations worldwide. Mayor Martin Heines (pictured) said this will be Aloft’s first presence in Tyler, adding that a new hotel wanting to establish itself in the market is a good sign. Continue reading Council Takes Next Step toward Conference Center

TYLER – A 23-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to 20 years, 8 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Jose Maldonado Barragan was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 10 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while illegally in the United States, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Continue reading Tyler Man Sentenced for Drug Violations

EAST TEXAS — Several law enforcement agencies have discovered a marijuana field in Van Zandt County, according to a county official. It’s the latest in a series of such fields that have been found around East Texas in recent days. KETK reports the “pretty large” field is near the intersection of State Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 80 near Canton. The law enforcement official stated the find is the result of an ongoing investigation for the past several days. Continue reading Marijuana Fields Continue to Turn Up in East Texas

TYLER — Longtime philanthropists Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas were presented the UT Health Northeast Galaxy Award during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Center. According to a news release, the Galaxy Award honors the “stars” of philanthropy while raising scholarship funds for students in healthcare and research. UT Health President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun cited the couple’s “numerous heartfelt gifts…to so many institutions, including UT Health Northeast.” Continue reading Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas Honored Tuesday Night With Galaxy Award

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Deputies are investigating an armed robbery Tuesday night. According to KETK, it happened at the Dollar General on Northeast Loop 323 near FM 14 around 9:45. The clerk told police an armed man entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money. The suspect reportedly took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene. No injuries were reported. Police said this is the same Dollar Store that was robbed on September 5th. The Smith County Sheriff’s office is investigating.

EAST TEXAS — For the fifth consecutive year, The University of Texas at Tyler is reporting a record enrollment increase. The 2016 preliminary fall headcount is 9,889, a 12 percent increase over the 2015 preliminary enrollment. UTT President Dr. Rodney Mabry calls the increase “another amazing milestone in UT Tyler’s history.” Mabry, who plans to retire in December, has been a driving force behind the growth of the university, according to a UTT news release. Meanwhile, preliminary fall enrollment for The UT Tyler Longview University Center increased by 33 percent from last fall to 208 students, Dr. Van Patterson, LUC director, announced. Officials say the LUC, which also saw an increase in spring 2016, continues to grow and expand its academic offerings.

LONGVIEW — City of Longview Municipal Court Judge Larry Merriman has granted an extension for repairs to be made to the former Eden Specialty Care nursing home facility. The extension provides the owners until December 31 to address any and all building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical repairs necessary to eliminate code of ordinance violations or initiate demolition. According to a city news release, the facility was damaged by a tornado in April 2015 and a fire in February 2016. The purpose of the extension is to allow the owners of the property additional time to initiate repair or demolition process while they seek resolution through an appraisal process with their insurance provider. In agreeing to the extension, the property owner agreed to forgo a potential appeal process through the municipal court.

WHITEHOUSE — An East Texas man is behind bars after allegedly stabbing an another person. According to KETK, the Whitehouse Police Department says officers were dispatched to a home on Landon Drive on reports that someone at the residence was being threatened. Police say the caller had been threatened over the phone by her estranged husband, Joseph Lee Bryant, 52, of Whitehouse. Bryant allegedly stated he was “going to come over to the house and kill everyone there.” While en route, officers were told Bryant was at the residence and had stabbed one person, identified as Bobby Ray Culpepper, 45, also of Whitehouse. Continue reading Whitehouse Man Held in Stabbing

MARSHALL — A former Henderson police officer recently cleared of sexual assault of a child charges is eligible to reapply at the department, but he will have to go through a background check, police Chief James Pierson said. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal “Our city policy has a clause, which is, if you’re indicted for a felony, it releases him automatically,” Pierson said of Jeronimo “Jay Jay” Holguin. “When he was indicted, we notified the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement. He was released from employment at that time,” he said, noting Holguin’s position has been filled. Pierson said Holguin can reapply for a position, “but it’s not a reinstatement whatsoever.” Continue reading HPD: Ex-Officer Eligible to Reapply for Job

OVERTON – Greg Grant has been named Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Smith County, effective October 1. That’s according to a joint announcement by the Smith County Commissioners Court and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s headquarters in Overton. Larry Pierce, AgriLife Regional Program Leader, told the Commissioners Court Tuesday that Grant has had a long and distinguished career in horticulture. Continue reading Smith County Extension Agent Named

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has ranked again in the top tier of the national 2017 U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of “America’s Best Colleges.” LETU is ranked 27th in 2017, up from 32 in 2016, among all the universities in its category of “Best Regional Universities in the Western Region.” This year marks the 23rd year the university has ranked in the top tier of its classification. Continue reading U.S. News Ranks LETU in Top Tier of 2017 College Rankings

TYLER — In light of recent attacks against law enforcement officers throughout the country, State Senator and former Mayor Kevin Eltife joined Mayor Martin Heines in announcing a public/private partnership to fund the purchase of special body armor vests for each officer in the Tyler Police Department. According to a city news release, Eltife said he heard from many citizens about their desire to show visible support for law enforcement and that he wanted to help. Eltife added that he spoke to the mayor and Police Chief Jimmy Toler, and that Toler said officer safety is the highest priority. The senator says the rifle–resistant vests will enhance officer confidence during active shooting scenes and high-risk events. Eltife points out that the vests are not part of an officer’s daily uniform but can be used when necessary as a layer of protection over existing soft body armor. He says the vests will offer the highest level of protection. Continue reading Senator Eltife Spearheads Upgrading Safety of Tyler Police

LONGVIEW — State transportation commissioners have awarded the city of Longview and its public bus system a $1.4 million grant to build a multimodal transfer station on Pacific Avenue. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The latest step in a long-term project to convert the area of the historical downtown train depot into the Longview Multimodal Transportation Center, the project eventually will move the city bus system’s transfer station from Magrill Plaza. The grant will cover most of the cost of constructing the station on the east side of the Sidney Bell Willis bus station on Pacific Avenue across from the train depot. Continue reading $1.4M Given to Build Longview Multimodal Transfer Station

TYLER — Tyler Junior College’s TRIO program has received an Educational Opportunity Center grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help thousands of adults get a degree or return to college for additional training. According to a news release, TJC is one of only 35 first-time recipients nationwide to receive this federally funded grant. The selection process for the EOC grant was very competitive as only 143 of 376 eligible proposals were funded, said Brad Gifford, TJC TRIO project director. The grant is a five-year award to TJC, in the amount of $235,999 per year for a total of $1,179,995 over the entire grant cycle. The grant will serve a four-county area including Smith, Cherokee, Van Zandt and Wood counties. Continue reading TJC TRIO Program Receives $1.18 Million Federal Grant

MARSHALL — Marshall Police Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa has been named as one of four candidates vying for the chief of police position at the Port Arthur Police Department, according to Port Arthur City Secretary Aide Lindsay Harris. According to KETK, city officials in Port Arthur are hosting a meet and greet with community members for the four candidates from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at The Department Club in Port Arthur. The three other candidates listed for the chief position are Arthur Barclay, Jeff Fant and Patrick Melvin.

SMITH COUNTY — One man has been arrested, several others are sought following the bust of a major marijuana growing operation. According to Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, Erick Cruz-Olemedo, 31, Guerrero, Mexico, was taken into custody Monday and is being held on a Federal Immigration Customs Enforcement detainer with additional state and federal charges expected. Authorities said, an anonymous tip led them to three fields of marijuana, including three to four thousand plants, some reaching up to nine feet tall. About 6 to 8 pounds were ready for sale. Continue reading Marijuana Field Discovered in Smith County

SMITH COUNTY — County Road 2138, south of Whitehouse, has closed for the reconstruction of the bridge at Blackhawk Creek. Work on the bridge, located 1.2 miles north of Highway 110, is being done by the Texas Department of Transportation and is expected to take about six months. Electronic signs have been placed on the road to alert drivers that it is closed to traffic. Motorists will need to find alternate routes during this time.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is seeking the help of the public in identifying a man who is allegedly using counterfeit money. According to KETK, police say the man paid with fake money at Grandy’s on South Eastman Road near the Lilly Street intersection on September 1. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Gina Villarreal at 903-237-1164 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-7867 or http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org and reference case 16-14918.

LONGVIEW — Longview police have arrested two local men in connection with a Sunday morning shooting. According to KETK, police say Thadman Lewis, Jr., 23 (left), and Kelan Blanton, 18 (right), are responsible for a shooting on Alpine Road near the Tryon Road intersection around 3:10 a.m. Sunday. Officials say Lewis and Blanton fired multiple rounds into an apartment complex. The victim was taken to a local hospital with what are deemed life-threatening injuries. Police believe the shooting may have stemmed from an argument involving several people. Both men were charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and jailed without incident, according to police. Lewis was also jailed on an unrelated bond forfeiture warrant for unlawfully carrying a weapon.

TYLER — The Tyler Sunrise Rotary Club held its grand opening Saturday for a new dog park in Tyler. KETK reports Sunrise Paw Park was greeted with a warm welcoming from the community. Dogs of all sizes have a place to run and play — without needing a leash. The park is located on several acres of land with plenty of shaded areas. Members of the community came out with their dogs for a fun morning to support the park.