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TYLER — For its work on major renovations to the county jail, Smith County wins Heart of Tyler’s annual Brick Award. The honor is handed out each year by the downtown organization for contributions to revitalization of the city’s downtown area. The announcement came at Heart of Tyler’s annual meeting at the Martin-Walker Law Firm. That venue was among those recognized at the meeting, for its renovations and its use as a community gathering place. Continue reading Heart of Tyler Annual Meeting Held; Smith County Wins Brick Award

WACO — The “Loan Ranger Bandit” pleaded guilty to 13 counts of bank robbery in a Waco federal courtroom on Friday. KETK reports Richard Wayne Swicegood of Waxahachie entered a guilty plea in the West District Court of Texas Waco Division. He was arrested July 1, 2014, by Arkansas State Troopers after robbing a bank in Benton, Arkansas. The guilty plea covered robberies in two states with the majority in Texas and two in Tyler. Continue reading “Loan Ranger Bandit” Pleads Guilty to 13 Counts of Bank Robbery

LONGVIEW — A Longview woman remained in jail on Tuesday on $200,000 bond after police say she kidnapped a man they found her with at a gas station. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. Heather Rebecca Beck, 47, is charged with aggravated kidnapping after she was arrested just before 1 a.m. on Tuesday at the Zippy J’s in the 4000 block of Estes Parkway, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Continue reading Woman Accused of Kidnapping Man, Holding Him at Gunpoint

LONGVIEW — Jury selection has started in the trial of an East Texas man accused of murdering his ex-wife and her daughter. According to KETK, judicial records indicate jury selection began Tuesday in the case of Joshua O’Steven Reese. He allegedly killed La Toya Nicole Reese, 28, and 11-year-old Mya Rosetta Nichol Sebron in 2012. A court order filed July 13, 2013, revealed Reese’s alibi for the night his ex-wife and stepdaughter were shot and killed inside their Pine Tree duplex. Reese reportedly told investigators on October 10, 2012, he was being followed by two men who he believed killed the woman and girl. Continue reading Jury Selection Begins in 2012 Murders

HENDERSON — A capital murder investigation is underway after a person was found dead Friday following a fire in a Rusk County home. According to KETK, the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office says emergency crews found the body after being sent to the home on CR 291 in the northern portion of the county. The victim has been identified as 56-year-old John Cecil Clements of Kilgore. Officials say evidence collected at the scene and during the forensic examination of Clements supports their homicide ruling. They say investigators have been conducting interviews with persons of interest in the case. The victim was taken to Southeastern Institute of Forensic Science in Tyler for examination. If you have any information concerning this crime, you are asked to call the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office at 903-657-2271 or Rusk County Crime Stoppers at 903-655-8477.

LONGVIEW — For the first time in four years Longview does not appear in the top 10 of an annual national ranking of U.S. cities’ economic growth. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, the Milken Institute ranking of the nation’s best-performing small cities shows Longview fell from no. 7 to no. 22 among 179 small metro areas in the latest ranking. It was seventh among Texas metro areas that made the list. Tyler moved up slightly, from no. 48 to no. 46 nationally. “It is not a bad measurement in terms of the ranking, simply because we have enjoyed, over the recent years, job growth, population growth, investment,” said Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt. “It has not stopped, but it has just slowed down to the pace it once was.” Continue reading Longview Falls Out of Top 10 in Milken Rankings

CARTHAGE — A Longview man has been arrested in last week’s death of a Carthage man whose body was found in a closet. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report Timothy James Daniels, 23, was arrested Monday and charged with the murder of Lamarcus Scott. Scott was found dead in a closet inside his residence on County Road 302 on January 12 after officers were called to check his welfare due to family members unable to make contact with him. Upon entering the residence, officers discovered a crime scene leading to the discovery of Scott’s body. Preliminary autopsy results indicated Scott died of strangulation.

CHAPEL HILL — The Smith County Department of Public Safety is following up on a school bus crash Tuesday morning. According to KETK, the wreck involved a Chapel Hill school bus and a sports car at Highway 31 East and County Road 24. The car reportedly slammed into the back of the bus. The students were transferred to another bus after they were checked out. The driver of the car was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening-injuries.

JACKSONVILLE — An East Texas hospital will face a Medicare penalty for a high rate of potentially avoidable mistakes that can harm patients, according to Kaiser Health News. Penalized hospitals will have their Medicare payments reduced by one percent over the fiscal year that runs through September 2015. According to KETK, East Texas Medical Jacksonville is on the list of hospitals to receive cuts. Continue reading Jacksonville Hospital Penalized for Patient Safety

TYLER — Heart of Tyler, Inc. will celebrate downtown revitalization achievements tonight at its annual meeting held at the Martin Walker law firm, 121 N. Spring. A social hour will begin at 6 p.m., with a business meeting set for 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, said Beverly Abell, leader of the City of Tyler Main Street Department. Heart of Tyler serves as an advisory board to the City on downtown revitalization matters. Continue reading Heart of Tyler Annual Meeting Set for Tonight

LONGVIEW — Deputies arrested a Longview man for allegedly shooting his wife in the face. According to KETK, Lt. Kirk Haddix said Gregg County deputies were dispatched to a home in the 500 block of Peatown Church Road at around 9:30 Sunday night on a domestic violence call. When authorities arrived at the scene, they found the wife of Sigmund Turner, Sr. with a gunshot wound to her left cheek. Haddix stated the bullet had exited out the back of her neck. The victim was rushed to a Longview hopsital and underwent surgery. She is expected to survive. Turner was arrested for allegedly shooting his wife once with a revolver and was charged with aggravated assault family violence with a deadly weapon. He remains in jail on $25,000 bond.

AUSTIN — An area lawmaker has re-filed a bill that would affect the sale of a common product that’s produced on farms throughout Texas. State Representative Dan Flynn from Van Zandt County says he filed a bill last session that would regulate the sale of raw milk. He says currently the only place it can be purchased is on the farm; his bill would change that. Flynn says the law should let farmers take the milk to farmers’ markets so people in cities like Austin, Houston, and Dallas, can buy it conveniently. Flynn says when he first filed the bill, he had 250 people testify in favor of it and the majority of them were from Travis County. He says naysayers contend raw milk is not healthy, but Flynn says Central Texas doctors and others have testified that it is a healthy product.

AUSTIN — The Tyler Junior College Apache Belles will appear in today’s Texas Inaugural Parade for Governor-elect Greg Abbott. The Apache Belles join groups from around the state as they perform for the new governor and celebrate his first day of holding the state’s highest office. The parade will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. today, and the parade route will extend up Congress Avenue to the Capitol. No information was immediately released on whether the parade will be televised or streamed live. Continue reading TJC Apache Belles to Perform in Texas Inaugural Parade

EAST TEXAS — Tyler and Longview both recognized the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday, set aside as the annual holiday in Dr. King’s honor. Activities in Longview began early this month, while Tyler held a big celebration Monday morning. Continue reading Tyler, Longview Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating an armed robbery at a local restaurant. It happened around 10:50 Sunday night at Posado’s Mexican Cafe, 2500 East Fifth Street. Officers were told that two to three black males wearing all black clothing forced three employees into a walk-in freezer at gun point and then stole an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured during the commission of the crime. The scene was processed and the area searched for the suspects without finding them. Detectives from the Tyler Police Department Major Crimes Unit are continuing the investigation.

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – A 4-year-old girl has died after a dead pine tree fell on her in an accident during some burning in rural East Texas. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office on Monday didn’t immediately release the victim’s name. Deputies on Sunday afternoon responded to a call about a tree falling on a child. Authorities arrived to find the girl’s father attempting to revive her. Continue reading Four Year Old Killed by Falling Tree in Nacogdoches Co.

TYLER — Friends, family, supporters, and colleagues turned out by the dozens Sunday to honor Ernest Deckard, who recently stepped down after 24 years as president of the Tyler NAACP. A service and luncheon for Deckard were held at New Generation Baptist Church. Proclaiming January 18 “Ernest Deckard Day,” Mayor Martin Heines called the 85-year-old Deckard “a man of honor and directness.” Keynote speaker and City Councilman Darryl Bowdre said Deckard “set a standard for leadership of the NAACP,” giving it “stability, tenacity, and purpose” that allowed the group to navigate “turbulent times.” Bowdre added, “One reason we didn’t have a Ferguson (Missouri) was because we had Ernest Deckard.” Other dignitaries on hand included City Councilman Ed Moore, County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, and Police Chief Gary Swindle. Continue reading Deckard Honored after 24 Years of Tyler NAACP Leadership

TYLER — Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler, focused on an authentic collective impact, announce the strengthening of their collaboration and partnership through a program currently being developed as the Patriot Pathway, according to a TJC news release. Together, officials say, the TJC and UT Tyler academic leadership teams will create a plan leading to the seamless transfer of students between the institutions. Continue reading TJC, UT Tyler Developing Patriot Pathway

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – Lindale’s Miranda Lambert is among the country stars performing at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She’ll be joined by husband Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, and Brad Paisley. Tickets went on sale Saturday for rodeo and concert performances running March 3-22. John Legend performs March 6. Pitbull takes the stage March 13. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wraps up with a performance by Luke Bryan.

TYLER — A Saturday night armed robbery has Tyler police on the hunt for suspects. Police got a 911 call around 8:05 p.m. about an armed robbery of a business at 917 S. Vine. Upon arrival officers found that the restaurant/convenience store at that location had been robbed by two black males wearing all black clothing. The suspects herded two employees into a back room at gunpoint and then stole an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise, according to a police news release. No one was physically injured during the commission of the crime. The scene was processed and the area searched for the suspects, but they were not immediately found. Detectives from the Tyler Police Department Major Crimes Unit will continue the investigation, according to the release. Continue reading Police Hunt Armed Robbery Suspects

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — One person is dead and two others are hurt as the result of a federal investigation in Van Zandt County. DPS says the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Rangers, and ATF were conducting an investigation near Mabank Friday morning when they came across a blue pickup truck with three men inside. A deputy tried to stop the truck, but the driver took off. At one point during the chase, the truck broke down. State troopers say the men got out of the truck and started shooting at officers. They returned fire, killing one man and wounding another. The third man suffered non-life-threatening injuries. That shooting is now under investigation. Mabank straddles the Kaufman-Henderson County line and is close to the Van Zandt County line.

LONGVIEW — Longview police continue investigating a shooting incident and have identified a body inside a home at the scene. KETK reports the man was Omar Hernandez, 22. On Friday at 9:45 a.m., police were dispatched to an Assist EMS call in the 500 Block of Jones Street. When officers arrived they were told one person was inside the home and may have been shot. Longview police obtained a search warrant and began processing the scene. At this time police say they have little information about the victim or who might be responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact Longview Police at 903-237-1199. If the tipster wishes to remain anonymous he or she can contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-7867.

JACKSONVILLE — According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Klein Animal Shelter’s rabies quarantine certification was revoked Friday. The state issues certifications to ensure animals will be treated humanely. Jacksonville police arrested the executive director of the shelter Friday morning for alleged animal torture, and they say she won’t be the only person accused. According to KETK, police said 35-year-old Angela Wallace was arrested at around 10 a.m. and more arrests are expected next week. Wallace will be charged with assault, animal cruelty, and euthanasia. Additional charges are pending. Chief Reece Daniel said Wallace’s alleged crimes could be upgraded to felonies. A sign at the shelter says it is closed for maintenance. Continue reading State Revokes Jacksonville Animal Shelter’s Quarantine Certification

HENDERSON — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body was found following a house fire on County Road 291 in the northern portion of the county. KETK reports that Rusk County emergency crews were dispatched to the blaze early Friday. The cause of death was not immediately known, and a name was not immediately released by officials. The deceased has been taken to Southeastern Institute of Forensic Science in Tyler for examination.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating after a decomposed body was found Friday near a walking trail. Police say they were dispatched at 11:02 a.m. to a suspicious activity call on the walking trail at the Cargill Long Park, near the 3000 Block of Fourth Street. When officers arrived they were told the caller had seen a tent in the woods. The witness looked inside the tent and saw what the witness believed to be a dead body. Police arrived, looked inside the tent, and found what is believed to be a human skeleton. At this time police have very little information about the identity of the person found, according to a news release. The body has been sent for an autopsy.

LINDALE — The Lindale Library will remain open, at least for the time being, thanks to support from the community. KETK reports the library held a town hall meeting Thursday night to update the community on its current budget problems. The library runs on a budget of more than $100,000. The city of Lindale gives the library about $40,000 a year; the rest comes from private donations and grants. In December, Darcey Harris with the Board of Directors said, “We also have lost our biggest donor that we’ve had in the past and so because of that we don’t have the funds coming in that we had before.” The library has been offering its services since the early 1900s. If you would like to help the Lindale Library, call 903-882-1900.

BROWNSBORO – Brownsboro officials have identified a woman killed in a head-on collision Thursday afternoon. According to KETK, Police Chief Thomas Robertson says Julie Patrick, 47, of Tyler, died in the wreck on the 14000 block of Highway 31 E. At around 12:30 p.m., witnesses reported seeing the woman’s car veer left, but at that point it was too late and she hit an 18-wheeler. The driver of the semi said he tried to avoid the crash but traffic on the outside lane made it difficult to dodge her car. Police are not sure at this time why the woman drifted into oncoming traffic. The wreckage and oil spilled on the road were cleared at around 3:30 p.m. No other injuries were reported. DPS assisted with the crash.

LONGVIEW – The East Texas Anti-Trafficking Team and Partners in Prevention invite the East Texas community for a screening of the documentary “In Plain Sight.” Executive Produced and Narrated by Natalie Grant, “In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom” features six modern-day abolitionists as they fight sex trafficking across America, according to a city of Longview news release. With over 100 premieres in early 2015, the film is educating America to a problem plaguing our nation, according to the release. Continue reading Sex Trafficking Documentary “In Plain Sight” Screening in Longview

TYLER — Dr. Neil Gray has been elected vice president of the Texas Academy of Science, Dr. Martin Slann, College of Arts and Sciences dean at The University of Texas at Tyler, announced. A UT Tyler alumnus, Gray serves as professor and chair of UTT’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Texas Academy of Science promotes scientific research in Texas colleges and universities, encourages research as a part of student learning, and enhances the professional development of its professional and student members, according to a UTT news release. Continue reading UTT Chemistry Professor Elected to State Scientific Academy

KILGORE — Kilgore College has been announced as a finalist in Stanley Security’s “Together for Safer Schools” grant program and could receive up to $100,000 if it wins an online voting contest. The money would be used to purchase Stanley Security installed products and services to help secure students and facilities on KC’s campuses, according to a KC news release. From Jan. 19 through Feb. 13 students, faculty, administrators, parents, alumni and community members are encouraged to vote for KC daily via the website, SMS text messaging or Twitter. Continue reading KC Finalist for $100,000 Security Grant