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TYLER — If you’ve recently taken a trip down Tyler’s Old Jacksonville Highway, you may have noticed there’s nothing “old” about all the new developments popping up in that area. But with growth comes more traffic. According to KETK, that’s why the city of Tyler is conducting a study to address the issue. Officials say with all the new growth, the outcome of the study will help tremendously. The study will cost about $60,000 and take about one year to complete.

TYLER — The City of Tyler Traffic Department will re-stripe the streets in the downtown area beginning Saturday, August 16. Officials say work will begin at 7 a.m. and end in the early afternoon. The re-striping is expected to be complete by Saturday afternoon. Drivers can expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes. Traffic crews will be utilizing mobile road blocks to allow painting and curing of street markings.

TYLER — Gang violence is at the center of the murder trial of Dennis Bendy, which started Tuesday in Tyler and continued Wednesday with more testimony. The 20-year-old Bendy and two other men are charged with the murder of Briana Young last summer. KETK reports evidence in the case shows Young was caught in the middle of a shootout between rival gangs at P.T. Cole Park. The district attorney’s office says Bendy was the driver and fired 8 shots that night with a 9-millimeter pistol. Young was shot twice. The fatal shot came from a Ruger bullet. Authorities are still trying to find the origin of that second bullet. More than 20 witnesses are expected to take the stand during Bendy’s trial.

GLADEWATER — More information comes out on a suspected animal hoarder who’s under arrest — and is reportedly still trying to collect cats and dogs. Linda Luker of Gladewater had to turn over her 64 dogs, six cats, and horse to the SPCA in May. She said she was running a rescue operation, but the animals were sick. Even after that, Upshur County Constable Jean Dolly says Luker tried to restock — and had taken in three dogs and a cat and asked residents for more. Dolly says he considers the whole situation very sad and feels sorry for Luker. He says she faces an animal cruelty charge. She’s also been ordered to pay $20,000 in fines — money that will be used to pay the SPCA for veterinary care.

TYLER — Renovation and construction at the Tyler Public Library will commence Aug. 11. Construction is expected to be completed by mid-October, according to a city news release. The Library will remain open during the renovation and will observe normal hours. The Library is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For further questions regarding the construction, call the Library at (903) 593-7323. Continue reading Tyler Public Library Renovation Begins Next Week

PALESTINE (AP) – Police responding to reports of gunfire have arrested a suspect after finding two wounded men on an East Texas street. Palestine police are trying to determine what prompted the shootings early Wednesday. The victims told officers that they were shot while at a nearby residence. Lt. James Muniz says police went to the home and all of the residents emerged without incident. A man was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His name wasn’t immediately released. Police say the two victims were transported to Palestine Regional Hospital and then moved to a hospital in Tyler. Their names and details on their conditions weren’t immediately available.

KILGORE — The former husband of a Kilgore woman is named a person of interest in her disappearance, police said Tuesday. Craig Davison is being investigated in the case of his ex-wife, Christina Rea Davison, who disappeared in May from her home in the 500 block of Elder Road in Kilgore, according to the Longview News-Journal. The 43-year-old woman was last seen by friends May 16th. Marshall police found a purse they said belongs to Davison near Loop 390 in Marshall May 17 and searched Craig Davison’s property on Roy Green Road that day. During the search, the man told deputies he didn’t know his ex-wife was missing. Deputies arrested Davison on July 29 on a warrant for a previous charge of assault/family violence involving his ex-wife.

TYLER — The Salvation Army in Tyler recently accepted $150,000 in grant monies through the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance Series XIV-B to provide emergency financial assistance to prevent and end homelessness for veterans and their families. The effort is known as the Emergency Veterans’ Assistance Program (EVAP). The Salvation Army also says there’s been an adjustment in the previously announced qualifying criteria, listed towards the end of this story. Continue reading Salvation Army Offers Emergency Veterans’ Assistance Program

HENDERSON — In a special meeting, Rusk County commissioners have voted to pass a resolution against housing illegal immigrants. County Judge Joel Hale says the resolution is not a law, but shows the county’s stance on the illegal immigrant situation. According to Hale, commissioners are simply requesting that if any illegal immigrants are housed in the county, officials have an agreement with the county ahead of time and the county gets reimbursed for the housing. Judge Hale says county officials have not been contacted about housing illegal immigrants. Tuesday’s decision made Rusk County the first county in East Texas to pass an immigration resolution.

TYLER — Tuesday morning the Tyler Fire Department unveiled a brand new mobile communications command center. KETK reports the command center is filled with state-of-the-art equipment, all so the fire department can handle disaster response situations and coordinate large local events. Homeland Security granted the funds for the center, which cost $301,925. Inside it comes equipped with a full conference command center, six computer work stations, more than 5 security cameras, and even a mobile weather station. Fire crews will be given special training to operate the platforms. Continue reading Tyler Fire Department Displays New Mobile Command Center

LONGVIEW — A Longview man accused of killing his girlfriend’s daughter in a domestic dispute has been indicted for murder and aggravated assault. KETK reports a grand jury indicted him last week. Jaime Lopez Composano, 36, was charged with murdering his girlfriend’s daughter on the night of May 3, 2014. The alleged crime took place on the 100 block of Gamel Road in Gregg County. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office stated the suspect shot Jacklyn Flores, 17, in the head and her 33-year-old mother in the back multiple times. Both were taken to a local hospital, where Flores died. The mother was treated and released. Continue reading Longview Man Indicted for Murder of 17-Year-Old

TYLER — An Overton man has been arrested following accusations of sexual indecency with a 15-year-old relative. Smith County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputies and detectives responded Monday evening to a call regarding the alleged incident. The 15-year-old stated she had been with a 25-year-old male relative near a boat ramp on Lake Tyler when he began making sexual advances towards her. That same evening, State District Judge Christi Kennedy signed the warrant for Brandon Stahl for indecency with a child, sexual contact, and set a $75,000 bond. Continue reading Man Accused of Indecency with Teen Relative

TYLER — Longtime judge and lawmaker Charles Galloway Calhoun Jr. of Tyler died Sunday at age 83. According to his obituary on the Stewart Family Funeral Home website, Calhoun, who was known by his middle name, “fought ill health with great determination for several years.” Calhoun graduated from Tyler High School at age fifteen. He later served as district attorney for Smith and Wood counties, was an assistant attorney general for the state of Texas, and was elected to three terms as a state senator. He also served as legal counsel to the governor before returning to Tyler, where he was a district judge for almost 20 years. He then served another 20 years as state senior judge. Calhoun is survived by his four children and their families. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Marvin United Methodist Church. Donations may be made to PATH.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a commercial burglary alarm early Tuesday morning and arrested two juveniles. It happened around 1:50 at the Boost Mobile store, 115 North Beckham. Officers said upon arrival, they noticed two suspects running from the store into a wooded area. One of the suspects was apprehended immediately and property believed to be stolen was recovered. Additional officers arrived and began searching the woods for the second suspect. During the search, they located two security cameras from the store and were able to identify the wanted subject. He was contacted at his residence a short time later and taken into custody. The suspects, ages 14 and 15, are both Hispanic. They were charged with burglary of a building.

HENDERSON — The Rusk County Jail may face staffing issues before too long. A ratio of one correctional officer for every fifty inmates is required by Texas law. In order to comply, the jail will only be able to hold a maximum of 140 inmates at all times — about half the jail’s full capacity. Finding new employees is proving difficult. Officials tell KETK too few qualified applicants are applying for these positions — and they may have to start housing inmates outside the county.

BROWNSBORO — The Brownsboro Police Department is investigating an incident in which a woman jumped from a car Monday. According to Chief Thomas Robertson, the 38-year-old was released from the Behavioral Health Center in Tyler earlier in the day. While she was riding home with a family member, the woman jumped from the moving car on Highway 31 West for unknown reasons, a relative told police. Brownsboro police say they’ll release more information when it becomes available.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy arrested a Longview man after he was found to be in possession of 12 grams of methamphetamine and a stolen motorcycle. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Stephen Dwayne Cannada, 40, was arrested on multiple charges of evading arrest/detention with a previous conviction, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, and theft of property. The Longview News-Journal reports it all happened following a traffic stop on Texas 31 shortly after 3:30 Sunday morning. Cannada reportedly attempted to flee from law enforcement before he was Tasered and arrested by Patrol Sergeant Scott Morrison. Continue reading Longview Man Tasered, Arrested Following Weekend Foot Chase

TYLER — The trial for one of three people accused of killing a mother at a public park in Tyler is set to begin today. KETK reports more than 20 witnesses are expected to take the stand during the trial of Dennis Bendy, 20. Jury selection is scheduled to begin at 1:30 this afternoon. The defense has also requested that the sentencing be delivered by Judge Jack Skeen. The suspect is facing no less than five years in jail and no more than 99 years to life. Bendy allegedly shot dead Briana Young, 20, at P.T. Cole Park on July 20, 2013. According to police, Young had brought her 3-year-old son to the park when she was later caught in cross-fire and shot. Rakheem Goldstein and Elisha Williams are also charged with murder in the case. A fourth suspect, Ke’Avier Jarrod Wilson-Hurd, was no-billed.

CANTON — In an effort to make sure people all over the county are aware of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers and the rewards it gives out for anonymous tips, the group has started putting up large signs along various local roads, according to a news release from the group. So far, Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers has put up three four-by-eight-foot signs that highlight the rewards it gives out for tips that lead to the arrests of wanted criminals and give the organization’s anonymous phone number. “We want to raise awareness among people who might have information about crimes but are reluctant to call the authorities,” explained Kathy Smith, president of Van Zandt County Crime Stoppers. “We are putting these signs in areas either where there is high visibility and they will be seen by a lot of people, or in areas where there is high crime and we want to let criminals know they should be worried.” Continue reading Crime Stoppers Putting Signs along Van Zandt County Roads

LONGVIEW — A Winona man awaiting trial on a murder charge was given a new lawyer last week. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, 22-year-old Alejandro Garcia asked to replace his prior representation with Gilmer attorney Tim Cone. Garcia was arrested in December in the death of 19-year-old Andres Chavez. Chavez’s body was found near Whistle-Stop Mobile Home Park in Longview. An autopsy revealed Chavez died from blunt trauma to the head and sharp force injuries to the neck.

PAYNE SPRINGS (Staff/AP) — An East Texas man has been charged with murder after it was determined the victim, his girlfriend, did not die from suicide. According to KETK, Henderson County Sheriff Ray Nutt says authorities were called to the 7000 block of Porthville Drive near Payne Springs around 4:30 Saturday morning. Clyde Jason Tennison, a resident there, reportedly said he found Deborah Denise Allen, 47, dead in the home. It was also learned Tennison was in a relationship with Allen and they lived together, according to authorities. Chief Deputy Botie Hillhouse said Tennison suggested the case was a suicide. Continue reading Henderson Co. Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend, Charged with Murder

TYLER — Smith County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect responsible for striking Kenneth Jones and leaving the scene of the accident. The Tyler Police Department is continuing to investigate the fatal pedestrian accident which happened July 13th near the intersection of Van Highway and Loop 323. Investigators are seeking information on the vehicle and driver who struck and killed the 23-year-old. Investigators recovered debris at the accident scene from the suspect vehicle, and believe it to be an unknown model Chevrolet. Officials say you must call 903-597-CUFF or 903-597-2833 to be eligible for the reward.

LONGVIEW – For the third year in a row the U.S. National Hot Air Balloon Championship has been held in Longview. Sunday, it was announced the national champion was John Petrehn, of Kansas City, Kansas. His youngest brother, Paul, was last year’s winner. According to the Longview News Journal, other winners announced yesterday: Bruce Bussey, of Longview was the overall Great Texas Balloon Race winner. Joe Heartsill, of San Angelo was the Texas State Champion. Rookie of the year honors went to Steve Mitchell, of Streetsboro, Ohio.

TYLER — Motorists should expect delays during their commutes this week as work on the Interstate Highway 20 construction projects continues. The contractor will be overlaying the roadway and repairing bridge joints which will impact multiple ramps within the project limits. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), several ramps will be closed during the day on this project which runs from just west of U.S. Highway 69 to Farm Road 14 in the EB lanes only. Continue reading Some Delays Expected Around I-20 Construction in Smith County

CONROE (AP/Staff) – Four boating-related deaths so far this year have made Lake Conroe the deadliest lake in Texas since 2000, while Lake Palestine is high on the list. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department records show 22 people since then have been killed on the 21,000-acre lake north of Houston. That’s two more than Lake Livingston, about 70 miles northeast of Houston, in the same period. Officials tell the Houston Chronicle the numbers are up despite increased law enforcement and better boater education. Alcohol is blamed for many of the deaths. Records show Lake Travis northwest of Austin and Lake Lewisville in the Dallas area are next with 17 boating-related fatalities since 2000, followed by Lake Palestine at number five with 16. In 2000, Texas recorded 53 boating fatalities. Last year, 21 people were killed.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – The recent arrests of two Texas football players for sexual assault, including an East Texan, are a rare example of police detaining suspects in alleged campus rape cases. The Austin American-Statesman and KVUE-TV have found that police have responded to reports of 19 sexual assaults in the last 5 years at the University of Texas and five other Central Texas colleges. Those six schools total more than 100,000 students. Of those cases, police have arrested six people in four cases. Two of those people are Kendall Sanders (pictured) of Athens and Montrel Meander, arrested after a UT student accused them of raping her in a dorm room. Attorneys for both men have denied the allegations. Police and university officials say victims are often reluctant to come forward and pursue a prosecution.

TYLER — The festivities and revelries of Paris will come to downtown Tyler on Saturday, August 9 as Heart of Tyler hosts its seventh annual Black Tie Bingo Gala. The fundraiser has the theme of “Moulin Rouge” this year, according to a city of Tyler news release. French-style cuisine, songs from Moulin Rouge, and even the Can Can will be part of the surrounding entertainment, but the featured activity of the evening is four “high stakes” games of bingo. Game winners will receive prizes such as cooking classes, a downtown luxury pampering package, and Texas Rangers tickets. The final prize will be a pair of Liberty Hall fall season passes. Continue reading Heart of Tyler Hosts Annual Black Tie Bingo Gala

TYLER – The latest major exhibition in the Tyler Museum of Art’s busy summer and fall season highlights the museum’s milestones in building its Permanent Collection – while celebrating its achievements in cultivating the talents and reputations of some of the state’s most noteworthy artists of the modern era. That’s according to a TMA news release about Contemporary Texas: Selections from the Permanent Collection, which opened to the public Sunday and continues through Nov. 30 in the TMA’s North Gallery. Admission is free. Continue reading Contemporary Texas Shines Spotlight on TMA’s Permanent Collection

LUFKIN (AP) – A 38-year-old Lufkin man is jailed under $75,000 bond for what police say is his second assault with an ax in eight months. Authorities say James Carl Garrett Jr. is held on an aggravated robbery charge for the July 13 attack. An arrest affidavit examined by The Lufkin Daily News says Garrett was found hiding in a bathroom closet after the victim called police. Documents say Garrett contended he was acting in self-defense. The victim told police he picked up a woman at a club and was confronted by Garrett when he returned her home the next morning. The police report says the victim received hospital treatment for a neck wound. Records show Garrett was arrested in December for aggravated assault for threatening his girlfriend with an ax.

KILGORE — An East Texas man has been killed in a one-vehicle crash near Kilgore. According to the Kilgore Police Department, shortly before 2:30 Thursday morning, officers responded to a crash on Farm Road 2087 near Farm Road 349. According to KETK, authorities determined the accident was outside city limits and turned the investigation over to DPS. Troopers discovered a truck driven by Juan Rene Marcott, 41, of Henderson, wrecked after his pickup slid on the slick road and hit a culvert, then rolled several times. Marcott was thrown from the vehicle during the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene. No other passengers were inside the vehicle. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the crash.