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TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, a man has been sentenced to life in prison for sexually assaulting a child under 14-years-old in Tyler, Overton and Bossier City, La., according to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office.

Overton Police Department Chief Bryan Pool led a multi-agency investigation that started on Feb. 12 after a child under the age of 14 reported that Cory Grant, 37, of Overton, had sexually assaulted her. The victim reported that Grant had sexually assaulted her four times over three weeks in January 2024, once in Bossier City, once in Tyler and twice in Overton. Through the cooperation of Overton Police Department, the FBI, Child Protective Services and the Tyler Police Department, investigators learned that Grant had been dating the victim’s mother since November of 2023.

A Smith County jury found Grant guilty of Aggravated Assault of a Child in the 114th District Court on Thursday. The jury then sentenced Grant to life in prison on Friday.

Update: An anonymous donor has added $10,000 reward for information on the whereabouts of Bobby Michael Dennis, wanted for the shooting of a Jacksonville police officer. Cherokee County Crime Stoppers will increase that by at least $1,000, bringing the total offered for his apprehension to over $21,000, including Governor Abbott’s $10,000 reward. Call Crime Stoppers at 903-586-STOP (7867) or Jacksonville Police at 903-339-3356. Your identity can remain anonymous.

JACKSONVILLE — Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Monday that his office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of 64-year-old Bobby Michael Dennis, who allegedly shot a Jacksonville Police Department officer on Sunday and stabbed a K9.

Jacksonville ISD remains closed Tuesday due to the ongoing manhunt.

According to our news partner KETK, the encounter happened Sunday afternoon around 4:41 p.m on Benson Street, near Jerusalem Baptist Church. DPS issued a BLUE alert for Dennis, whose described as a Black man approximately 5 feet, 7 inches tall, weighing about 152 pounds and was last seen wearing all-black clothing. He was also added to the 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Continue reading 21K now offered for reward on officer shooting suspect

Update: Boil water notice rescinded Wednesday afternoon by the Rusk Rural Water Supply Company. Per their website.

RUSK — Rusk Rural Water Supply Company (RRWSC) has issued a boil water notice for parts of Rusk because of a leak in its main water line. According to our news partner KETK, the boil water notice means that all customers affected to boil their water before consuming by bringing water to a rolling boil for at least two minutes. Individuals may also purchase bottled water in lieu of boiling

The notice affects customers on the following roads: US HWY 84 E, CR 1201, CR 1202, CR 1204, CR 1214, CR 1215, CR 1301, CR 1302, CR 1303, CR 1316 and CR 1322. Rusk Rural Water Supply Company will issue a notice once the notice is no longer in effect. For more information on the boil water notice you may visit the RRWSC online.

TYLER – Officials are investigating a truck crash under the County Road 178 overpass on Toll 49 in Tyler on Monday evening. According to our news partner KETK, firefighters and first responders are at the scene where the truck is currently sitting rolled over against the overpass. Law enforcement is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

SULPHUR SPRINGS — A Sulphur Springs man was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to an assault that occurred in Wood County. According to our news partner KETK, 64-year-old James Curtis Sims was arrested in September that year of domestic violence. Wood County Sheriffs responded to the call made by the victim in Yantis. When investigators arrived, they found her with blood on her face and shirt, a bruised face and head and swelling under her eye. She said that Sims accused her of taking money from him and struck her “4 or 5 times” and threatening to kill her. The victim had left Sims residence and went to her parents home, for fear of being assaulted by him again.

On Oct. 31, James Sims pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily injury, family violence, with a previous conviction. Sims was sentenced to 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and was also ordered to pay court costs. According to court records, Sims had four prior misdemeanor convictions for assaulting women in Hopkins County and had previously served time in prison.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County will have 29 polling locations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day Tuesday, November 4.

During two weeks of early voting, 10,596 in-person and mail-in ballots were received. That is only 6 percent of the registered voters in Smith County.

There are 17 Texas Constitutional Amendment Propositions on the ballot, as well as several city and school elections throughout Smith County. Smith County Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon is urging voters to do their research on the propositions before coming to the polls. Click here for that information.

The City of Whitehouse and the East Texas Municipal Utility District, as well as the Arp, Troup and Whitehouse Independent School Districts will all be holding special elections on November 4.

To find exactly what will be on your ballot where you live, you can use Smith County’s interactive map, click here.

Polling locations in Smith County on November 4 include: Continue reading Election Day information

JACKSONVILLE – The Jacksonville Police Department is searching for a man who allegedly shot one of their officers while they were on duty Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, a Jacksonville PD officer was shot during an encounter with 64-year-old Bobby Michael Dennis at around 4:41 p.m. on Sunday. Dennis is described as a Black man who was last seen wearing all black clothing.

The officer has been flown for treatment at a local hospital and is currently in stable condition, according to a press release. The Kilgore Police Department said that a Jacksonville PD K9 was also injured on Sunday and is currently in stable condition while being treated at a local emergency vet.

Jacksonville PD warned residents of Benson Memorial and the 1100 block of Churchill Street to stay inside with their doors locked because Dennis is armed with a rifle and considered dangerous. Continue reading Jacksonville police officer shot, suspect wanted

GILMER – The Gilmer Police Department has arrested eight people as a part of a Halloween weekend initiative they called “Operation BOO-ty Call”, according to our news partner KETK.

Gilmer PD said the operation was a proactive effort that resulted in the arrest of eight people for drug and prostitution-related offenses, along with the seizure of illegal drugs. The operation’s targets were partly selected based on community crime reports and Gilmer PD’s own investigations. “The department emphasizes that proactive initiatives like Operation BOO-ty Call are part of its ongoing commitment to reducing crime, fostering public trust and maintaining transparency with the community,” Gilmer PD said.

The following arrests were made as a part of “Operation BOO-ty Call”: Corey Liley, Justin White, Eric Smith, Corey Rhymes, Waymon Freeney and Juan Flores Soto were arrested for solicitation of prostitution. Mary Melugin was arrested for prostitution and Christopher Hilley was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of a dangerous drug. Continue reading Eight arrested in Halloween prostitution, drug operation

LINDALE – 1 person is in critical condition after they were injured in a rollover crash that happened on Interstate 20 near Lindale on Saturday night. The Lindale Fire Department said firefighters were sent to the scene of a one-vehicle rollover crash at around 11: 01 p.m. on Saturday near mile marker 555 on I-20 westbound.

When crews arrived at the scene they found one person who was critically injured and pinned inside a heavily damaged vehicle. Firefighters were able to remove the person and they were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Lindale Fire Department said the cause of the crash is currently under investigation.

HARRISON COUNTY, Texas – Christopher Hunter Rosenthal, 31 of Tatum, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography. The Harrison County Sheriffs Office and our news partner KETK reports that Rosenthal was first arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child and 11 counts of possession of child pornography on Feb. 5 of 2024. A reported video showed Rosenthal sexually assaulting children ages three, five and seven. Rosenthal was sentenced after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography.

GREGG COUNTY, Texas – Flags are being lowered to half-staff across Gregg County to honor Precinct 4 Commissioner Danny Craig Sr. who passed away on Wednesday. Our news partners at KETK report that Craig Sr. served for decades both at his church as a pastor and in the community. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on all Gregg County buildings and facilities until Nov. 16 to honor the life of Craig Sr.

HARRISON COUNTY, Texas – Harrison County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Pato found marijuana concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags during a traffic stop on Interstate 20 Wednesday. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office made the request for the K-9, and about six pounds of marijuana concealed inside vacuum-sealed bags were later found after a search. The driver of the vehicle was later arrested.

SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY, Texas – Jasper County Game Warden Justin Charles Eddins was arrested on Tuesday for the charge of making a false statement to obtain credit in the provision of certain services. Our news partners at KETK report that Eddins allegedly made an intentionally false statement to Southside Bank using another person’s name and credit to try to obtain loans. The value of the amount of credit he was trying to gain “was $150,000 or more but less than $300,000.” Eddins was released after posting a $50,000 bond. He’s mostly known for appearing on the TV show Lone Star Law.

GREGG COUNTY — A man arrested for attempted kidnapping that happened on Paul Boorman Trail in Longview was sentenced to 5 years of probation on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Jelan DeAaron Armond Williams, 28 of Kilgore, was arrested for attempted commit kidnapping after an Aug. 2024 incident in which a woman reported that she was attacked on the Paul Boorman Trail in Longview.

The victim’s report was similar to another report that had come in earlier that day and Longview Police Department officers were able to locate a man matching the woman’s description. That man was later identified as Williams by law enforcement.

Williams was given deferred adjudication by 124th District Court Charles Alfonso on Thursday.

RUSK COUNTY — An East Texas Man has been sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a member of his family every week for 10 years. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Alton Flanagan, 51 of Mount Enterprise, was first arrested by the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 2 after one of his family members revealed that he was sexually assaulting her once a week from when she was 13 to 22 years old, according to his arrest affidavit.

After his arrest, Flanagan was interviewed at the sheriff’s office and admitted to sexually assaulting the victim. Flanagan was then charged with two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14, prohibited sexual conduct, and sexual performance by a child under 14 years old.

Assistant Rusk County and District Attorney Tiffany T. Conner said a jury found Flanagan guilty in this case on Oct. 23. According to Conner, Flanagan has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or probation. Continue reading Man gets life in prison for sexually abusing family member

SMITH COUNTY – Here is a story with a happy ending. On September 19, Smith County Animal seized 22 Italian Greyhounds, 19 Whippets and three Poodles from a residence in rural Troup. Officers believed these dogs were part of a puppy mill operation. Smith County Animal Control kept the dogs and treated and cared for them until the dogs had healed from their abuse. On October 22, the Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation, based in Austin, drove to Tyler, and picked up all 44 dogs. The foundation said they had a waiting list of people ready to adopt the dogs. For more information about Smith County Animal Control, go here.

MOUNT PLEASANT – Our news partners at KETK report a New Boston man was taken into custody early Thursday morning following a series of armed robberies at local convenience stores, according to the Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD).

Around 1:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the CEFCO convenience store at 100 Alexander Road after receiving reports of an armed robbery in progress. The suspect, described as a Black male dressed entirely in black and wearing a black face mask, allegedly entered the store armed with a knife and demanded money. Police said the man fled the scene in a white four-door passenger car.

While investigators were still processing the CEFCO scene, a second call came in reporting an attempted robbery at the Tiger Mart located at 2511 W. Ferguson Road. The suspect description and getaway vehicle matched those from the earlier incident, according to Mount Pleasant PD. Continue reading Suspect nabbed for triple robbery in Mount Pleasant

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is warning citizens about scam phone calls using fear tactics to steal money. Scammers often pose as law enforcement officers or bank representatives, claiming victims have warrants or suspicious activity on their accounts.

According to a news release from the Tyler Police Department, in recent reports, suspects impersonated members of Homeland Security, Tyler PD, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, even using names of real employees and spoofed phone numbers. Victims were threatened with arrest unless they sent money for bonds, fines, or fees—often through gift cards, Green Dot cards, or cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) ATMs.

Other scams involve callers pretending to be from banks or credit card companies, asking for personal or account information and directing victims to transfer money to “secure accounts.” Continue reading Ongoing scam threats prompt warning from police

TYLER — As the federal government shutdown continues, food banks across East Texas are ramping up emergency response efforts to support families who have missed paychecks and are impacted by a potential disruption in SNAP benefits. According to our news partner KETK and Feeding Texas, more than 3.5 million Texans participate in the SNAP program to help put food on their tables. Due to the ongoing government shutdown, those who rely on SNAP benefits may not receive their November benefits on schedule.

Feeding Texas estimates that at least 126,000 Texans could be affected each day that SNAP payments are delayed.

“When you consider that the vast majority of SNAP recipients are children, seniors, and people with disabilities, the stakes become painfully clear,” Celia Cole, CEO of Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, said. “These are our neighbors, our grandparents, our kids. A delay in benefits isn’t just inconvenient—it’s devastating. It means empty pantries, skipped meals, and added stress for families already living on the edge.” Continue reading Texas food banks boost aid as shutdown affects SNAP

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, a new educational program called ‘TexasWorks’ was launched Wednesday at Premier High School in Tyler, East Texas, offering tuition-free high school diplomas and career certifications for adults aged 18 to 50. The program aims to equip adults with the skills needed for high-demand jobs.

“They’re also going to earn an industry-based certification. So that could be in drone and in aviation.” Dr. Elizabeth Camarena, Superintendent of TexasWorks said. “We also have a certification in cybersecurity that we’re launching and plenty of others, including business and entrepreneurship, business and finance and also security.”

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and spoke about the importance of programs like ‘Texas-Works’ in building a skilled workforce to support the booming industries in East Texas. With the launch of ‘Texas-Works’, adults in East Texas have new opportunities to advance their education and career prospects, contributing to the region’s economic growth.

TYLER – U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran met with members of the Tyler Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on Wednesday, showing support for federal workers affected by the government shutdown. According to our news partner KETK, Moran announced earlier this week he would waive his congressional salary due to the shutdown that has left hundreds without a paycheck for the last month.

The Congressman said during this visit, “The men and women of TSA are still showing up every day to keep our skies safe, even as they go without pay. That kind of commitment reflects the very best of our public servants and deserves our very best efforts to fully re-open. After returning from DC this week, I sat down with them and brought some breakfast tacos to thank them for their hard work, to remind them that as long as they aren’t getting paid, I won’t take a paycheck, and to reaffirm that their families and concerns are critically important to me.”

On Wednesday, the Senate voted to keep the government closed for the 13th time. Sixty votes are needed to advance a measure to reopen the government, but Democrats have held firm on their healthcare demands.

TROUP – Our news partners at KETK report that a structure fire in Troup left a home completely engulfed in flames, but the quick thinking and heroic actions of 20-year-old Takavion Lydia prevented any fatalities. Takavion Lydia was playing basketball down the street when he saw smoke coming from a home that belonged to one of his relatives. Once Lydia arrived at the house, he found it entirely engulfed in flames, but after he saw a man pressing his hand against the window, he jumped into action. Lydia punched a hole in the window, helping his relative escape from the home, and believes he did sprain his hand after hitting the glass. The woman in the house was able to get out on their own. Continue reading Man saves relative from house fire in Troup

HENDERSON COUNTY – 35-year-old Chaz Taelor White was found guilty of murder for the the killing of Alexis Garoutte that took place on April 21, 2023. Henderson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a possible shooting on Sailfish Drive in Mabank. Garroutte was then found dead in the home slumped in the passenger seat of a black Dodge Ram. While with investigators, White reportedly gave six different stories. He eventually confessed to firing an AK-47 towards the Dodge Ram that was located at a nearby house. It was also revealed that White gave the weapon to his wife to get rid of it. White continued to confess, stating to authorities he used and dealt drugs, including methamphetamine. Henderson County 392nd District Court Judge Scott McKee handed down the life sentence. The judge also heard that White had “SS” lightning bolt tattoos, which are commonly linked to white supremacist prison gangs. After the murder, White tattooed a gun on the side of his head, as well as a bullet alongside his wife’s name.