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TYLER – A Smith County man has been charged with arson after being accused of setting his hospital bed on fire. Arrested early Monday morning at UT Health – Tyler was Mason Reid Wyatt, 20, of Lindale. Emergency room personnel quickly put out the fire with only minor damage and no injuries. Wyatt is now in the Smith County Jail.

HALLSVILLE – Louisiana residents have been involved in a Harrison County crash that killed one person and left 3, including two children, injured. The crash occurred just before 1:00 Sunday morning on Interstate Highway 20 near Hallsville. Dead at the scene was Thomas James Emerson, 58, of Homer Louisiana. The Department of Public Safety says his car was heading west in the east bound lanes when it collided an SUV driven by Kristin Holly Hogue, 33, of Bossier City. She was taken to Christus Mother Francis Hospital-Tyler in critical condition. Two children in her vehicle, ages seven and two, were transported to Good Shepherd Medical Center-Longview in stable condition. The accident remains under investigation.

TYLER — Parts of Amherst Drive in Tyler will be closed for utility work every day this week. According to our news partner KETK, it will begin at New Copeland Road and head east about 600 feet. Contractors will be installing a new water line extension on Amherst and tying it into the main on New Copeland. Then they’ll repave the street. Traffic will be detoured in the area, so you can expect delays.

TYLER — UT Tyler has begun working on its master plan for the future, which lets university officials look 20 years ahead. Our news partner KETK reports it was introduced at Friday’s convocation. As part of the plan, the university has already started the Soules College of Business — and has requested state funds for a new college of nursing. UT Tyler President Dr. Michael Tidwell adds that the center of campus will become a “campus green plaza” and parking will be moved to the outer areas of the campus. Tidwell says it’s first and foremost about the students, their parents, and those relying on the university to train the next generation of entrepreneurs, physicians, lawyers, and teachers.

TYLER — The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County celebrates Women’s Equality Day with an event at Tyler Public Library. The League kicked off a two-year run-up to the hundredth anniversary of the day American women won the right to vote — August 26, 1920. Keynote speaker Barbara Bass, Tyler’s first woman mayor, saluted the people who worked hard to achieve that right — noting that she was elected because of them. She also voiced concern about continued low voter turnout in Texas. Bass commented that “it’s time to invigorate and reinvigorate our voter base” — and that it’s “important to reclaim our freedom.” The ex-mayor was helped by several people portraying key figures in the women’s voting rights movement. The event also featured an update from state League President Grace Chimene.

TYLER – Here’s a look at road work planned in the Tyler district of TxDOT during the weeks of August 27th and September 3rd. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.

Among the projects:
Spur 248 Widening Project in Smith County
·Limits: From 1.75 miles west of FM 848/Old Omen Road going east to SH 64 southeast of Tyler
·Contractor: Lonestar Equipment Company, Inc.
·Cost: $8.6 million
·Anticipated Completion Date: Summer 2018
Daytime lane closures are anticipated as the contractor places striping and seeding. The speed limit is 55 mph during construction to widen Spur 248 from two lanes to a four-lane divided roadway with a flush median. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects Update

TYLER – The 31st Annual Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala was a huge success. It has been announced that the June gala raised $495,045.75 for the American Cancer Society. The money will be used for cancer research, education, and to assist patients and families who are struggling with cancer. According to a news release, the 2019 Gala is scheduled for June 29th and will again be held at the Texas Rose Horse Park. Next year’s theme will be “Triple Crown – On Track for a Cure!.”

LONGVIEW – Funeral services are scheduled Thursday in Longview for Dr. Peggy Coghlan, 89. She, and her late husband, gave generously to the community. According to a posting on The Longview Public Library’s Facebook page, in the late 80’s, she helped raise $1,107,000 for the Library to provide furnishings, equipment, and books for what was then a brand new Library. Earlier this month, she and her family gave a generous gift of $50,000 to the Library in order to help fund future Summer Reading Clubs. The posting adds, that “her legacy is vast, and she will continue to impact the lives of countless citizens of Longview for many, many years.” According to Rader Funeral Home in Longview, her funeral services will be held on Thursday, at 1:00pm, at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 11:30am to 12:45pm at church before the service. Burial will be in Rosewood Park.

LONGVIEW – There will be no jury duty in Longview on Monday. Gregg County has canceled jury duty for Monday. The Gregg County District Clerk made the announcement Friday.

WHITE OAK – One person is dead and one injured in White Oak in what is being described as an attempted murder and suicide. Police, late Friday morning, found a 73 year old woman, who had been shot in the face, in a residence on North White Oak Road. She was still conscious and told officers she had been shot by her husband who then shot himself. The 76 year old man, identified as Clem Brewer, was found dead in an adjoining room. The woman was taken to the hospital for treatment.

KILGORE – With the help of a Theft Detection Surveillance system, Kilgore police have arrested a copper theft suspect. They say Alan Bobby Glenn II was caught in the act of stealing thusands of dollars worth of copper from a Kilgore business. Glenn was caught around daybreak Friday. As he encountered a police detective, he turned to run, only to run into a officer that goes by the nickname of “tiny.” He quickly gave up.

ATHENS – There is still no trace of an Athens woman who has been missing since August 8th. A Silver Alert was issued for Diana Lynn Musella. She was last seen leaving her apartment that morning. When she never arrived at her destination that day, she was reported missing. She is said to be driving a silver or beige Toyota Corolla with the Texas license plates DNZ2279. If you see her, you are asked to contact the nearest law enforcement agency.

HALLSVILLE – A man who ran from a traffic stop in Harrison County is now in custody, thanks to a county resident. A state trooper tried to stop Derek Hunt, 44, of Hallsville, on Loop 281 on Thursday afternoon. He ran from the scene. During the two hour search for Hunt, he is said to have stolen a vehicle, which he abandoned, and even swam across a lake to escape authorities. He was later arrested on Roy Green Road after a man, who saw him trying to hide, held him at gunpoint until sheriff’s deputies arrived. He is now facing several felony and misdemeanor offenses as well as an outstanding warrant from Marion County.

AUSTIN – East Texas has a new millionaire. A Kilgore resident claimed a Powerball prize worth $1,000,004 for the drawing on August 15. The ticket was purchased at Food & Fuel Stop on Stone Road in Kilgore. The the winner elected to remain anonymous. The second-tier winning ticket matched all five of the white ball numbers drawn (12-15-28-47-48), but not the red Powerball number (16). The winner had an additional win of $4 on the same ticket.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department lost one of its own in a one- vehicle crash Thursday night on FM 2906 in Gregg County. Police say Stedmond Coleman was off-duty at the time. He was flown to UT Health-Tyler, and a child was taken to a local hospital, where she was treated and released. Coleman later died at the hospital. According to the police deparrment’s Facebook page,the department is mourning the loss and praying for Coleman’s wife and family. Coleman had worked in the police department for just under five years.

TYLER – Tyler police have arrested two suspects in a gas skimming case. Officers found a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ vehicle, and stopped it. The driver, identified as David Perez, was already under investigation for previous skimmer cases in Tyler. The second suspect, identified as Julius Nunez Mila, was arrested for similar activity and other unrelated charges. Both were booked into the Smith County Jail.

ATHENS – A Henderson County mother, accused of killing her two children, has been found competent to stand trial. The competency hearing for Sarah Nicole Henderson, 29, was held Thursday in state district court. Her trial is now scheduled for next January. She is charged with killing her two daughters, 7-year-old KayLee Danielle and 5-year-old Kenlie, last November. Henderson County deputies received a call for assistance regarding a possible suicidal female at a residence outside of Payne Springs. Although EMS cancelled the call for assistance, deputies arrived at the residence seven minutes later. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says a man and woman told deputies they were fine and no one was in danger. Early the next morning, the husband called 911 to report his wife had shot the children.

HALLSVILLE – A Marshall woman has been arrested after stolen items were found in her car. The Longview News Journal reports Amanda McNeal, 37, was arrested in Hallsville following a traffic stop. Her bonds total $10,500. Besides charges of theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500-enhanced and possession of a dangerous drug, jail records show she also has two warrants for speeding and a warrant for disregarding a red light. In her car they found items that had been stolen in stores in Longview and Marshall.

LONGVIEW – A burn ban is up in Gregg County. County Judge Bill Stoudt issued the out door burn ban on Thursday because of worsening drought conditions. The order is aimed at preventing wildfires in the unincorporated areas of Gregg County. A violation of the order could result in a fine of up to $500. Other burn bans can be found in Smith, Harrison, Upshur, Wood, Rusk, Cherokee and Anderson Counties.

PALESTINE – City utility crews in Palestine are scheduled to repair a section of the raw water line leading from the Neches River to the city’s water treatment plant on Thursday. Starting at 8:00pm, and continuing through the night, residents and businesses are asked to limit water use. Please regulate any water for only necessary uses until otherwise notified. Crews are expected to be finished with the repairs by Friday morning.

TYLER – Two persons arrested in a Tyler shooting incident have been indicted by the Smith County grand jury. The panel returned indictments last week against Davonta Hill, 24, and Datreon Jackson, 23, both of Tyler. The men were indicted on three felony counts of engaging in organized criminal activity. They are said to have been responsible for the May 30th shooting at Fun Forest Park that left three persons injured. Both men remain in the Smith County Jail. Hill’s bonds total $1.5 million and Hill’s bonds come to $900,000.

TYLER — Tyler Junior College is looking to redo its performing arts center, Wise Auditorium. According to our news partner KETK, Fitzpatrick Architects of Tyler is tasked with re-designing the building. The firm has previously designed two other buildings for the school. The revamped auditorium would feature a larger stage for performances, a re-done backstage area, and rehearsal space. Wise Auditorium was built in 1956.

GILMER – Two suspects have now been formally charged with the death of a Longview woman in Upshur County. Carlton Lamar Grant, 37, from the Metroplex, appeared in a Gilmer courtroom on Monday; he’s charged with capital murder. Lindsey Jo McFadden, 29, of Longview, was formally charged on Tuesday. Both are accused in the April death of Rachel Rhoads, 24. The couple are said to have been trying to kidnap her when they strangled her and set her body on fire off Farm Road 726. The two suspects remain in the Upshur County Jail under bonds of $5 million each. McFadden and Rhoads were said to be friends of the victim, who attended drug rehab classes together.

TYLER – A Wood County woman has pleaded guilty to stealing money from her Tyler employer. In a state district court in Tyler Wednesday, Kelli Meechelle Hagan, 45, of Hawkins, pleaded guilty to second-degree theft. She accepted a 10-year deferred adjudication sentence. She was also ordered to pay restitution. The amount will be determined later. Hagan was arrested last October. She had been accused of taking over $200,000 from her employer, bankruptcy attorney William Lively. The thefts are said to have occurred over a 4 year period.

TYLER – A father gets probation in a retaliation case connected to his son’s murder case. On Tuesday, a jury found Martin Wesley Reynolds Sr., 45, of Meridian, Mississippi, guilty of retaliation against a witness in his son’s murder case. On Wednesday, the jury sentenced him to 10 years probation. Postings the man made on his Facebook page qualified as threats. The eyewitness said in court he is receiving counseling for both the killing he saw and the threats from the suspects father. The man’s son, Martin Wesley Reynolds Jr., 21, of Whitehouse, is charged with killing Andrew Carpenter, 19, of Tyler, last November. Continue reading Probation Given in a Tyler Retaliation Case

KILGORE – A major expansion has been announced in Kilgore. Orgill, Inc. on Elder Lake Road in Kilgore, will be the site of of the company’s next distribution center expansion. The decision represents new investment of $29 million and the creation of 83 jobs. This would increase employment to 224. The company has projected to invest at least $15 million in new construction and property improvements and $14 million in personal property. The Kilgore Economic Development Corporation is projecting incentives up to $1.1 million. The incentive package includes a generator and switching gear for uninterrupted power; a new driveway into the facility; land donation; tax abatements from the city of Kilgore, Kilgore College and Gregg County; and cash incentives of $557,000 to be paid over 10 years.

NACOGDOCHES — An East Texas couple heads to prison for forcing a woman to work for them to pay off a purported debt. Tyno Keo and Phearom lay from Nacodoches face six months in prison, and they have to pay back a lot of money. In court docments, Lay claimed her sister owed them $50,000 for shared family medical expenses. To pay off the debt, Lay arranged for a sister to leave Cambodia and come work for them. They are accused of taking her passport and visa — and forced the woman to work long hours for minimal pay in their home and business to repay the supposed debt.

LONGVIEW – Starting Wednesday, Graystone Road in Longview is now open to all traffic. Major construction activities at the intersection of Graystone Road and Grace Creek have been completed. The street work is part of the 2016 bridge and culvert Improvements project. This project consisted of replacing the two existing 80” steel culverts, with three 10’x 8’ concrete box culverts.

ARP — There’s now a community effort to help a local firefighter after more than 50 percent of his body was burned in a fire. According to our news partner KETK, Chris Vannoy noticed smoke coming from a neighborhood building in Arp. He called it in to local authorities, then went to check on what might be causing the haze. When he opened the door to the shed, he was severely burned by a flash fire. His injuries are from the waist down. A Gofundme page was set up to help him through the process of recovery. The fund drive has already raised at least $7,000 for the family. Go to https://www.gofundme.com/5rxj8q-chriss-medical-expenses to reach the Gofundme page.

TYLER — The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees approved the budget for the 2018/2019 school year during Monday night’s regularly scheduled meeting. Even though state funding decreased this year, Tyler teachers are getting raises. Each teacher will be making $1,500 more a year. Administrative staff members are getting 3% raises. The property tax rate for Tyler ISD will not be going up. That’s because of higher property tax valuations. Home values have gone up across the city, which means the average homeowner will see just a $51 increase on their property tax bill. The school district will also hire four more police officers for their schools.