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SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Road and Bridge Department is replacing a well-traveled bridge on County Road 137 just north of Bullard. The wooden bridge, which crosses over Henshaw Creek, was only large enough to allow a single car to pass at a time. The replacement bridge is made of concrete, has two full lanes, and will improve a number of safety issues for that road, officials say. According to a news release, crews are moving the location of the bridge to straighten out a dangerous curve in CR 137, improving visibility for both directions of traffic. Weather allowing, the project is expected to be complete in approximately seven weeks. Improvements are also under way on two bridges on County Road 1141, also known as Dean Road. The bridges are being rebuilt where CR 1141 crosses Indian Creek and the railroad tracks between CR 1134 and CR 1140. Continue reading Smith County Bridges Receiving Updates

TYLER — Smith County and the city of Tyler are seeking public input and recommendations concerning one of the most frequently traveled corridors in the region, Interstate 20. Officials say I-20 from the Louisiana/Texas border to the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area provides an important east-west connection for travel and trade in Texas, directly impacting Tyler and Smith County. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is partnering with the city, the county, and 19 other entities to evaluate the I-20 roadway as it goes through the East Texas region. This project, called the I-20 East Texas Corridor Study, was specifically created to assess current safety and capacity needs, to plan for future growth, and to identify specific rural and rail transportation needs along the heavily traveled corridor. Continue reading Local Governments Seek Public Input on I-20 Corridor Study

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) has announced Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass as the recipient of the 2014 W. T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. Officials say the award is the District’s highest accolade for outstanding service contributing significantly to the enhancement of public health. According to a news release, Bass “has demonstrated a true commitment to protect and promote the health of the public.” Continue reading Bass Wins “Doc” Ballard Award

PALESTINE — The Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT’s governing body, has approved nearly $80,000 engineering and design work to improve the pavement infrastructure at Palestine Municipal Airport. Project costs will be funded through the city of Palestine and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system.

TYLER — The toll rates on Toll 49 will be going up April 1st. The base toll rates will increase, on average, to $.14 cents per mile on Toll 49 for passenger cars. All other classes of vehicle rates will increase as well. Continue reading Rate Increase Planned for Toll 49

KILGORE — A one vehicle accident in Gregg County has left one person dead. The accident occurred just after midnight Friday morning on Farm Road 2204, three miles east of Kilgore. Dead at the scene was Branden Bennett Harkey, 20, of Longview. According to the Department of Public Safety report, Bennett was east bound when his pickup ran off the road and hit a tree. He was wearing his seatbelt.

TYLER — A convicted sex offender from Tyler has been indicted on child exploitation charges. U. S. Attorney John Bales announced Friday the indictment of Anthony Nelson, 31. Nelson, also known as Flip, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March and charged with transportation of minors, transportation, and penalties for registered sex offenders. If convicted of all counts, Nelson will receive life in federal prison. According to the indictment, in November and December 2013, Nelson, a previously convicted sex offender, transported individuals, including two minors, across state lines with the intent that they engage in prostitution

LINDALE — A fire has destroyed the outdoor women’s restroom at Old Mill Pond Museum in Lindale An additional building was slightly damaged. The fire broke out around 10:00 Thursday night. It was quickly contained by Lindale Volunteer Fire Department. There were no injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Because of the lack of public restroom facilities, and pending insurance inspection, the museum will remain closed until further notice.

TYLER — The four missing Smith County children who were allegedly abducted by their non-custodial mother Monday reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine last year. KETK reports that according to Child Protective Services spokeswoman Shari Pulliam, the children were tested after being taken from their home during a drug raid on December 10, 2013. All of the kids allegedly had traces of meth in their system. Continue reading Officials: Missing Kids Tested Positive for Meth

TYLER (AP) – Alumni of Texas College have gathered to mark the 120th anniversary of the founding of the historically black college. William Parker Jr. was among alumni attending the celebration Wednesday. The 54-year-old retired deputy sheriff from Georgia makes the trip annually to his alma mater. He told the Tyler Morning Telegraph that his education at Texas College gave him the skills necessary to be successful in life. The college in Tyler was started by a group of Christian Methodist Episcopal Church members in 1894. In addition to celebrating the school’s founding, the college also celebrated 50 years of existence for the Top Ladies of Distinction Inc., a public service organization founded on the Texas College campus that now operates chapters nationwide.

TYLER – Progress is visible on Tyler ISD’s new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center located at the corner of Bennett Avenue and Earl Campbell Parkway, according to a news release from the school district. The new facility is a result of a multi-million dollar bond package passed by voters last May. BOND 2013 projects also include two new middle school campuses at the existing Moore MST Magnet School and Boulter Middle School locations, one new middle school at the Three Lakes location in South Tyler and renovations and additions to Dixie and Rice elementary schools. Continue reading Tyler ISD BOND 2013 Construction Update

LEVERETT’S CHAPEL — A motorcyclist has been killed in a wreck with a Overton school bus. Killed in the accident around 5:15 Wednesday afternoon was Kaylon Lamar Crain, 35, of Gladewater. None of the children aboard the bus were injured. The accident happened on State Highway 42 near Leverett’s Chapel. The Department of Public Safety reports the motorcycle pulled out of a driveway and into the bus’ path.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday endorsed the Veteran and Military Growth Initiative to create sustainable opportunities for Veterans and their families to thrive in East Texas, according to a city press release. On March 17, 2011, the City of Tyler, under the leadership of Mayor Barbara Bass, chartered the Veterans & Community Roundtable. Three years later, the Roundtable engages more than 150 individuals and organizations that serve Veterans, Guard/Reserve, and military families in East Texas, according to the release. Members focus on five key Veteran and military transition issues: employment, education, housing, healthcare, and financial/legal services. Continue reading Veteran and Military Growth Initiative Endorsed

NACOGDOCHES — Two Nacogdoches County teenagers have been arrested for allegedly killing animals in a satanic-type ritual. According to the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were investigating the disappearance of a dog near County Road 769 in Nacogdoches when they made the discovery. KETK reports that during this time, officials received word the dog had been killed in a cult-style manner. Investigators determined the animal had been tied up and skinned on a tree. Authorities also learned a cat and three kittens were victims of the act. Continue reading Nacogdoches Teens Accused of Killing Animals in Satanic-Type Ritual

ATHENS — The Henderson County trial for a woman who starved her teenage daughter has been halted after she changed her plea. KETK reports that on Wednesday morning, a jury trial came to an abrupt ending when Irma Espinoza, 52, of Athens, stopped the trial in progress and changed her plea of not guilty to guilty after one day of graphic testimony. The testimony depicted the long-term chronic neglect of her 17-year-old severely disabled daughter, who weighed only 29 pounds when investigators from Adult Protective Services and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office became aware of her condition. Continue reading Woman Pleads Guilty in Daughter’s Starvation

TYLER — Bergfeld Park was named a Lone Star Legacy Park for its special prominence in the local community and the state of Texas, according to a city of Tyler news release. City officials say these parks have endured the test of time and have become iconic to those who have visited, played, and rested on their grounds. A designation as a Lone Star Legacy is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed on a park by the Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS). Continue reading Bergfeld Park Wins Lone Star Legacy Award

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating a robbery at the Capital One Bank, located in the 1700 Block of West Loop 281. KETK reports the crime occurred just after 11:30 Wednesday morning. The suspect is described as a black male dressed as a female, wearing a long black curly wig, dark jacket or sweater, dark shirt, and sunglasses. The criminal was also believed to be carrying a black bag. Anyone with information on this robbery is asked to call Longview Police immediately at 903-237-1199. The tipster can also remain anonymous by contacting Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-7867.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has appointed seven members to its new Animal Care Advisory Board. On Nov. 13, 2013, the City Council authorized the purchase of land for an animal care facility. Texas Health and Safety Code Section 823.005(a) generally provides that the governing body of a county or municipality in which an animal shelter is located shall appoint an advisory committee to assist in complying with the requirements of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 823. Members appointed are listed below, along with the board composition requirement for each. Continue reading Animal Care Advisory Board Members Named

WINNSBORO — One person is hospitalized after he was stabbed in a domestic disturbance in Wood County. According to the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, shortly before 2:00 Tuesday afternoon, 911 dispatchers received a report of a stabbing in the Winnsboro area on County Road 4200. KETK reports that when authorities arrived, they found emergency crews on scene preparing to fly a 50-year-old man to a Tyler hospital. Investigators learned the man had been stabbed several times. He was listed in stable condition Wednesday morning. The victim’s stepson, an adult, was taken to the Winnsboro hospital for minor wounds. He was treated and released. The preliminary investigation indicates the two men had been in a domestic quarrel with a knife and alcohol involved. No arrests have been made or warrants issued pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation. Names of the men involved have not been released.

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) and Smith County received some encouraging news about residents’ health in a national report Wednesday, though it also shows that much more needs to be done in some vital areas. That’s the word from NET Health Chief Executive Officer George Roberts. According to Roberts, the release of the fifth annual County Health Rankings, by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute (UWPHI), shows us where we live matters to our health. Continue reading Smith County Ranks 63rd, 40th in State in Two Health Categories

TYLER — A former Smith County Sheriff’s deputy has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Kimbrick Bernard Jones, 39, of Tyler, pleaded guilty on October 8, 2013, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and less than 28 grams of crack cocaine. He was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis of Tyler. Continue reading Former Deputy Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

KILGORE — A young girl reported missing in Kilgore has been found. Kilgore police announced Tuesday night they were looking for Jessica Madden, 12. The police department issued a Code Red Alert for the missing girl shortly after 8:45 Tuesday night. She had been last seen Tuesday evening. Kilgore Assistant Police Chief Roman Roberson later reported the girl was found shortly before midnight and was home safe. No details were released on where she was found.

TYLER — Dr. Ellen Fineout-Overholt has been named the Mary Coulter Dowdy distinguished professor of nursing at The University of Texas at Tyler. Fineout-Overholt will provide expertise to help The University of Texas at Tyler faculty develop evidence-based initiatives and teaching strategies. Her focus will be on inter-professional practices, which includes nursing, health and kinesiology and pharmacy. She also will be available to provide leadership and consultation in helping the area healthcare institutions develop evidence-based practice initiatives across disciplines. Continue reading An Honor for a U-T Tyler Professor

MARSHALL — Marshall authorities have requested the public’s help in catching the alleged gunman in a weekend murder. According to KETK, officers were dispatched Sunday around 2:45 a.m. to Rumors Arcade in the 100 block of West Pinecrest on reports of a shooting. When police arrived, they found a man, Jalen Juwan White, who would have turned 20 today, with a gunshot wound. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. After further investigation, the suspect was identified as Corey Lamar Johnson, 31, of Jefferson. A warrant was issued by Judge Nancy George, Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, for the charge of murder. Continue reading Public’s Help Sought in Search for Murder Suspect

SAN AUGUSTINE – A man added Monday to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender list has been taken into custody in San Augustine. KETK reports Eric Mosby, 39, was arrested Tuesday morning around 10:45 a.m. after he turned himself in at the San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office. This arrest was not the result of a tip, so no reward will be paid. Continue reading Most Wanted Fugitive Captured

LONGVIEW — The president and CEO of an East Texas business died in a plane crash that occurred Friday morning near a Lowe’s store in northeast Florida. KETK reports the pilot, Richard Carrera, 73, was trying to gain altitude after a touch-and-go landing near the airport, but the plane’s engine stalled. Carrera and his passenger, Malcolm Clevenstine, 71, were both taken to a local hospital. Clevenstine was president and CEO of Warfab in Longview. He died Friday night. Carrera is listed in good condition.

TYLER — A recreational vehicle being used as a permanent residence was destroyed by fire on the outskirts of Tyler Tuesday morning. The Tyler Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:00 a.m. Firefighters arrived to find the RV completely involved at the All American Mobile Home Park, 6236 Rhones Quarter Road, and called for a full alarm. Two more engines, a ladder truck, a district chief, and an investigator responded. The fire was extinguished shortly afterwards. The address was determined to be out of the city; the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office was notified, and control of the scene was turned over to that office. No injuries were reported, and there was no immediate word on how the fire broke out.

MARSHALL (ABC/Staff) — A murder in East Texas last December continues prompting calls for changes in technology and policies at hotels and motels across the country. Call for help from any phone and you expect to hear, “911, what’s your emergency?” But at tens and thousands of hotels and motels, you’ll actually get no dispatcher because 9 is the number to get out. It’s confusing and time-consuming and, for a woman in a Marshall motel room, deadly. Kari Hunt-Dunn’s 9-year-old daughter couldn’t call for help as her mother was being stabbed. Half a million people have now signed petitions demanding changes, and a member of the Federal Communications Commission is also asking the hospitality industry and phone-system makers to come up with a way that hotel guests can directly contact 911 in an emergency.

TYLER — Officials in Tyler are investigating the death of seven-month-old Alonzo Gonzalez. Tyler Police, Fire and EMS responded to 1218 North Ross this past Saturday evening shortly after 9:15 in reference to an infant who was not breathing. The mother told police that she placed her two-year-old son and Alonzo on a bed. She said she stepped out of the room and that the infant fell off the bed, striking the floor. EMS transported Alonzo to Mother Frances Hospital; the child was later transported to Children’s Hospital in Dallas. Children’s Hospital officials notified Tyler Police Investigators that Alonzo was taken off life support Monday afternoon. An autopsy will be conducted by Southwest Forensics in Dallas to determine cause of death. Tyler Police Investigators are investigating this case as a suspicious death at this time. Both parents were home just prior to the initial 911 call.

TYLER — Tyler ISD staff, teachers and students will use the District’s bad weather make up dates of Friday, April 18 and Friday, June 6, to make up for the days missed March 3 and March 4 due to inclement weather. The release issued by the district also said, teachers and staff will report for their staff/clerical day Monday, June 9 as planned.