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CHEROKEE COUNTY – Two men accused of robbing a fireworks stand in Cherokee County Tuesday night were arrested after allegedly leading authorities on a car chase from Rusk to Houston County. According to our news partner KETK, Leon Zion Washington, 22, of Ruskin, Florida, and Kevin Bert Anderson, 27, of Tampa, Florida drove to a fireworks stand north of Rusk. They ordered the owner to “give them all of their fireworks,” said Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson. Officials say the men then fled from the scene in a U-Haul vehicle and a car chase began. Deputies chased the men through Alto and Houston County, with the U-Haul reaching speeds of 100 mph, according to authorities. Continue reading Two arrested after alleged robbery, U-Haul chase

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is hosting a public meeting to inform the public about proposed changes to a planned extension of Waljim Street. The changes to the proposed amendment to the Master Street Plan would remove a section of the proposed Waljim Street extension between South Town Drive and Thigpen Drive. The public meeting will be held on Thursday, July 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Tyler Development Center, on W. Ferguson St. According to a news release, staff from the MPO will be in attendance to answer questions and provide information about the Master Street Plan and the proposed amendment. Click here for more details.

KILGORE — 36 young women have become the newest members of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes dance and drill team. The announcement, made in a closed ceremony in Dodson Auditorium on the Kilgore campus, culminated “tryout week.” 84 hopefuls applied this year for a coveted position on the 83rd Rangerette line. The new Rangerettes will join 32 sophomores to make a team of 68. According to a news release, the Rangerettes were the first of their kind when they began in 1940 as a vision of the late Gussie Nell Davis.

GILMER — The 12th Court of Appeals has affirmed the life sentence of Joshua David Verhoef. According to a news release from the Upshur County District Attorney’s Office, Verhoef was convicted and sentenced in April 2021 for striking and choking his girlfriend at her home in the Union Grove community. He was said to be high on methamphetamines at the time. The victim was able to escape and ask a neighbor to call 911. The jury heard evidence that Verhoef had over 20 criminal convictions.

JACKSONVILLE – Officials say a five-year-old child has been found after being reported missing out of Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Mooreland Jr. has autism spectrum disorder. A command post was set up to coordinate the search. Ryan is said to be safe and sound.

EAST TEXAS — North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is putting construction on hold on Toll 49 from July 1st to July 4th in observation of the Independence Day holiday. Evening construction will resume on July 5th at 9:00 pm and will continue through 7:00 am until the overlay is complete.

TYLER — Friday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 5, the Tyler Police Department will be deploying additional officers on the street utilizing STEP (the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). Police say this program is based on crash data in the city limits of Tyler that allows officers to pinpoint target areas that are a problem. With increased traffic in Tyler for the 4th of July holiday, officers will be specifically watching for hazardous violations such as speeding, intersection enforcement, seat belt violations — and, most importantly, impaired drivers. Police specifically ask you not to drink and drive.

TYLER — Police are issuing traffic information for Friday’s Rose City Airfest. As you approach the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum on Hwy 64, there will be lanes closed. If you are traveling west, the inside (left) lane will be closed to thru traffic. The inside westbound lane will also be used by public transportation buses to transport passengers to the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum from the general parking area located on Hwy 64 W. If you are traveling east, the outside (right) lane will be closed to thru traffic. Members of the public traveling eastbound planning to attend the Rose City Airfest will be permitted to turn left into the general public parking location. Continue reading Rose City Airfest driver caution

TYLER — Contractors began laying beams early Thursday morning for the new bridge on Smith County Road 285, also known as Old Omen Road. Officials say work began earlier this month to replace the old, narrow bridge with a longer, wider concrete bridge. Smith County Engineer Frank Davis said the project is on schedule for the bridge being completed in August, before the start of school. During construction, the portion of CR 285, near its intersection with CR 2215 (Lake Meadows Road), to Farm-to-Market Road 848, is closed to thru traffic. This bridge services the east side of Lake Tyler and a portion of Lake Tyler East. The detour around Lake Tyler is about 16 miles. Continue reading Contractors install beams for CR 285 bridge

WINONA – Josh Joplin, constable for Precinct 4 in Smith County, spoke on reports of a possible plane crash in Big Sandy and confirmed it to be a false alarm. According to our news partner KETK, officials reported that a call came in at 9:53 Thursday morning about a low flying plane that went below a tree line and did not appear to come back up. The caller also reported seeing smoke. The ranch owner of the field confirmed that the apparent low-flying plane was a crop duster spraying weeds. Winona Fire responded to the scene along with EMS and police from Smith and Upshur counties, and officials were able to confirm that the pilot of the plane matching the caller’s description was fine.

KILGORE — A third person is facing capital murder charges in the death of a pregnant Kilgore woman in 2016 and setting her on fire, according to Kilgore Police and the Kilgore News Herald. Edward Brager, 22, was indicted by a Smith County grand jury in its June 9 session on charges of capital murder of multiple persons in the disappearance and death of Sheryia Grant, 20, who was eight months pregnant when she was reported missing in August 2016. Her body has never been found. He is the third person charged with capital murder in Grant’s death. Allen Lamont Sutton Jr., 33, of Kilgore, and Laneshia Lashae Young, 29, of Overton, were indicted in December 2021 on charges of capital murder of multiple persons. Continue reading Third suspect charged with capital murder in Kilgore woman’s death

SMITH COUNTY — All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Monday, July 4, 2022, for the Fourth of July holiday. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, July 5. Smith County Commissioners Court will be held at its regular time – 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Smith County Courthouse Annex, located at 200 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler.

TYLER — A man who was charged in connection with the deaths of 53 people in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio was arrested in Palestine on Tuesday and appeared in court in Tyler on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK. Christian Martinez, 28, was charged with one count of conspiracy to transport undocumented migrants resulting in death, according to a release from the United States Department of Justice. In San Antonio, officials also arrested 45-year-old Homer Zamorano Jr., and charged him for his alleged involvement in the same incident. If convicted, the men could face up to life in prison or the death penalty. Continue reading Man charged in San Antonio smuggling deaths arrested in Palestine

TYLER — “Stay the course” is the watchword from Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran as the Commissioners Court gets busy on its budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The judge and commissioners held their first workshop Tuesday on the new package, which takes effect October 1. The targeted tax rate for FY23 is 33.5 cents per $100 valuation, which is the same as the last two years. Moran’s budget overview includes four primary areas of focus: the new 475th District Court; law enforcement staffing; Road and Bridge funding; and Judicial Support Services/Clerk Pay Scale. Click here for a more comprehensive look at early work on the budget.

HARRISON COUNTY – Officials say an off-duty Harrison County investigator was attacked at his home Tuesday night, resulting in a physical altercation. According to our news partner KETK, dispatch was notified of the incident, and responders found Jerry Guilliams, 43, of Marshall, handcuffed by the investigator after their altercation. Officials said an investigation found that Guilliams allegedly walked onto the investigator’s property and demanded to speak to him by name. Guilliams began making verbal threats and became belligerent, according to police. The investigator said he told Guilliams to leave the property multiple times, and after he refused, the investigator tried to detain the man, who officials say then began assaulting the investigator. The investigator is said to have had multiple law enforcement interactions with the suspect, all of which were nonviolent. Authorities continue to investigate.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Business Education Council continues to seek donations and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations for their annual #SchoolisCool event. At last report, they had reached 44% of their $50,000 goal to provide 2,000 backpacks. Every $30 will purchase a backpack with school supplies for a kid in need. Donations can be made here or by check. #SchoolisCool is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 4, as a drive-thru event at Fun Forest Park. The event helps children and parents to prepare for the new school year. Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be given away to the first 2,000 school-aged children in line. For more information, contact LaToya Young at (903) 592-1661 ext. 252 or [email protected].

QUITMAN — Wood County has added its name to the list of East Texas localities now under burn bans. According to our news partner KETK, those already included Anderson, Cherokee, Harrison, Henderson, Panola, Upshur, and Van Zandt Counties. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, those who violate burn bans could be fined up to $500. Officials say that residents should not make campfires or burn trash, wood, or other items during a burn ban.

TYLER — Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks gave a fire risk and weather condition update to Commissioners Court on Tuesday. “Drought conditions are deteriorating,” he said, adding that he hoped rain forecast for this week ends up materializing. As of Tuesday, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County is averaging at 616, he said. Used to determine forest fire potential, the KBDI ranges from 0 to 800. In the past, Smith County has issued a burn ban when the drought index falls around 700. He said although they are starting to see an uptick in grass fires, he recommends waiting to enact a countywide burn ban. He asked that the issue be put on next week’s Commissioners Court agenda to continue the discussion. Continue reading Smith County Fire Marshal urges fire safety

HENDERSON — Authorities in Rusk County say a suspect has been captured following a chase involving an 18-wheeler stolen from Kilgore. According to our news partner KETK, the driver allegedly tried to run deputies off the road and reportedly endangered motorists during their Monday morning commute. Law officers disabled tires on the truck with gunfire and spikes before the truck stopped on Highway 259, north of FM 1798, and the suspect was captured.

HARRISON COUNTY — Harrison County Sheriff BJ Fletcher says a man has been arrested for the alleged aggravated kidnapping of a Hallsville woman at gunpoint. That’s according to our news partner KETK, along with partner stations KTAL and KMSS. Officials say Raul Torrez had previously been deported for entering the country illegally and a five-hour manhunt led to his capture in the kidnapping. Torrez faces multiple charges. The sheriff thanked Union Pacific for helping by stopping trains from moving through the area during the search. Officials say the victim was shaken by the incident but will be OK.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — TxDOT is advising of an additional project along with the others listed in its weekly roadwork update for the Tyler District. Officials say it involves a SH 19 super two widening & overlay, running six miles north from US 80 to the Rains County line. Anticipated completion date is December 2023. Crews will be extending drainage structures and trimming trees. Traffic control will consist of daily shoulder closures northbound managed by signs and channelizing devices. The project consists of super two type work, including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, structures, signs, pavement markings, and more.

TYLER — Following an extensive renovation, the Tyler Fire Department has moved its administrative services to its new home at the corner of W. Front and S. Hill Streets. That’s a short distance west of the Glenwood intersection, near the Cotton Belt Building. Officials say the new headquarters is open and operating daily during business hours. An official open house will be announced soon, according to a brief news release.

FLINT — As the Fourth of July approaches, 13 counties have burn bans in place– some even going as far as to cancel firework shows. According to our news partner KETK, local firework stand owners say despite the burn bans being placed into effect, they continue to have a steady flow of business. “We’re hoping it doesn’t come into effect. We had some rain yesterday and we are supposed to get some rain more this week,” said the owner of Texas Triple Threat Fireworks, Steve Kipp. A family business of over 20 years says they donate some of their proceeds to The Flint Fire Department, The Community Center, and SPCA of East Texas. Continue reading Firework sales remain steady amid East Texas burn bans

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith gave new details Monday regarding the Sunday morning trail ride incident that sent five people to the hospital after a string of shootings. According to our news partner KETK, Smith said in a press conference that his office, the fire marshal’s office, and the district attorney’s office will be going after the organizers of the event with “any civil lawsuit, as well as any criminal enforcement.” Smith added, “We’ll be looking at failure to stop and render aid, just anything that we can file on the event holder, or anyone else, they’ve broken the law in Smith County and will be prosecuted.” Continue reading New details on trail ride shooting incident

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 15 in Troup. Flaggers will control traffic. A second crew will be performing ditch maintenance in various locations throughout the county. A herbicide unit and sweeper truck will also be in various spots around the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be overlaying on FM 449 east and westbound, from FM 2751 to the Harrison County line. Expect delays. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — NET Health is now offering COVID vaccines for young children. Anyone age 6 months and over can receive either the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine at the NET Health Immunizations Clinic, 815 North Broadway Avenue, directly next to the Tyler Municipal Court. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. “Vaccination remains the best strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” says George Roberts, NET Health CEO. “All COVID-19 vaccines may be co-administered with other vaccines during the same visit, such as the recommended back-to-school vaccines.” Continue reading COVID vaccines available for ages six months and above

MINEOLA — An East Texas woman who helped argue the original Roe vs. Wade case before the Supreme Court reflects on the court’s reversal of the 1973 decision. Linda Coffee is now 79 years old and lives in Mineola. She and Sarah Weddington represented Norma McCorvey, then known as “Jane Roe”, in the court case filed in Dallas. Coffee says “it’s going to make it, at a minimum, a lot more expensive for women who want to have an abortion.” Texas already bans abortions past six weeks or after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The state’s “trigger” law will ban abortions entirely except in rare cases when the mother’s life is in danger, 30 days after the Supreme Court releases its official judgement on Roe v. Wade. She also sees “almost never-ending lawsuits” resulting from Friday’s landmark decision.

TYLER — A man is dead and another is critically injured after a shooting that occurred in Tyler Saturday evening. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday, at around 9 p.m., Tyler Police officers responded to a shooting on North Moore Avenue. There, they found two victims with apparent gunshot wounds, who were identified as 25-year-old Cameron Price and 24-year-old Jabraylon Franklin, both of Tyler. The two were then taken to local hospitals, where Franklin succumbed to his injuries and where Price remains in critical condition. Tyler Police said that the alleged shooter later turned himself in to officers and was identified as 39-year-old Larry Taylor, of Tyler. Continue reading Suspect in fatal Tyler shooting turns himself in

SMITH COUNTY — A suspect is in custody after a high-speed pursuit through Smith and Wood counties on Friday evening. According to our news partner KETK, a Facebook post from Smith County Pct. 4 Constable Josh Joplin, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop at around 8:20 p.m. Friday evening for a “moving traffic violation” on a Maroon Ford Ranger on FM 14 in Red Springs. When the driver refused to stop, the deputy began to pursue the vehicle, leading the driver to flee at “excessive speeds” northbound on FM 14. As the truck continued driving north, the suspect eventually crossed onto Highway 80 in Wood County. Continue reading Constable chases suspect through Smith, Wood counties