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VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Kevin Bridger was sworn in as the newly elected sheriff of Van Zandt County on New Year’s Day.

At the Van Zandt County Courthouse Wednesday morning, Sheriff Bridger was sworn in continuing on a tradition of dedicated service to the citizens of Van Zandt County.

“I am proud to represent the law enforcement professionals of Van Zandt County and to be your sheriff,” Bridger said. “Van Zandt County is my home, and I pledge to protect that which we all hold dearest, our homes, businesses and families.”

Bridger has served the citizens of Van Zandt County throughout his 20 years in law enforcement and is also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. Continue reading New Van Zandt County sheriff sworn in New Years Day

HENDERSON COUNTY — Henderson County Sheriff’s arrested a man wanted in South Central Oklahoma on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, Clovis Reeves was wanted by the Hughes County Oklahoma Sheriff’ Office was for possession of a controlled substance and attempting to elude a peace officer with a dangerous weapon.

Officials said Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Patrick Johnson received information that Reeves was hiding in the Wagon Tree subdivision in Athens. Johnson found Reeves white Ford F350 flatbed pickup in a ditch near a house on Buggy Hub Trail. Reeves was at this house and was arrested for an outstanding Oklahoma arrest warrant. He was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine. Reeves is currently awaiting arraignment at the Henderson County Jail.

ETOILE – The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office said that a homemade bomb was found during a traffic stop near the former Etoile Independent School District campus on Monday night.

According to our news partner, deputies conducted a traffic stop near County Road 560 and FM 226 at around 10:15 p.m. on Monday because of an alleged motor vehicle violation. When the deputies approached the vehicle they allegedly smelled the odor of marijuana and saw multiple firearms in plain view, a sheriff’s office press release said. The deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety state troopers searched the vehicle and reportedly found the following items: Two rifles, one of which was reported stolen, two handguns, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, suspected MDMA and a homemade explosive device.

Deputies found the explosive device under the driver’s seat and took it to a nearby home that they advised the residents to leave as a precaution, the press release revealed. Continue reading Three arrested after bomb, guns, drugs found near school

TYLER – The city of Tyler says in a release that in preparation for the Downtown Improvement Plan’s construction, paid parking meters in Downtown Tyler are being removed. Until construction begins in areas that affect these parking spots, patrons may park for free for up to two hours. Downtown Ambassadors will be on a routine patrol to enforce the two-hour parking limit. The Main Street department encourages businesses to communicate this change to their employees. Ideally, employees of businesses should utilize off-square parking?and parking garages to allow customers and visitors to park in spots closest to retail and business. Continue reading Downtown Tyler paid meters transition to free two-hour parking

TYLER — The passing of former President Jimmy Carter has stirred up some memories for the TJC Apache Belles according to our news partner KETK.

In the spring of 1980, they marched in the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington D.C. and were invited to tour the White House. Alumnae of the drill team remember standing in the Rose Garden and Carter appeared with a big smile on his face, ready to greet them.

“It was so exciting. Who gets a chance to meet a president? It’s not very often and once in a lifetime experience,” Dyann Kemp, 32nd line of the Apache Belles, said.

The sixty Apache Belles didn’t think that they were going to have the opportunity to meet Carter.

“He came out and he was larger than life, you know, is everything that you would ever read about him. He was all smiles and happy and joking with us and just being very genuine and personable with us,” Janis Johns, 33rd line of the Apache Belles, said. Continue reading TJC Apache Belles remember Jimmy Carter

TYLER – As 2025 approaches, our news partner KETK has compiled a list of festivities in East Texas to ring in the new year. Please see below for New Years Eve activities in our area.

Tyler

True Vine Brewing Company: From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., True Vine will have live music all night, a complimentary champagne toast at midnight and a breakfast food truck from Juicy J Wings.
Texas Music City Grill & Smokehouse: The NYE party starting at 8 p.m. until 12 a.m. will have a $10 cover fee and live performance with Rick Dudley.
Javis: Join them at 8 p.m. for great food, drinks, mariachi band and a fireworks show over the pond.
Tyler Bingo: Say goodbye to 2024 with some bingo. The doors open at 5 p.m. with only one session. There will be a $700 game payouts and a $1,000 grand payout for one lucky winner. Continue reading What’s happening in East Texas this New Years Eve?

ATHENS — Records reveal an Athens man has been arrested after authorities said they found numerous photos and videos of child pornography on his laptop.
Kevin Eugene Jones, 61 of Athens, was arrested following a search warrant conducted at his residence on Parsons Parkway in Athens on Dec. 19. According to an affidavit, authorities found 35 images and graphic videos of child pornography of children under the age of 10. Jones admitted he lived in the residence alone and has looked at child pornography for several years, the affidavit said. He has since been arrested on three counts of possession of child pornography and is being held at the Henderson County Jail on a $450,000 bond.

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department (MPD) has identified the person involved in the officer-involved shooting on Thursday, December 19, 2024, as Evelyn Luna, 22, of Marshall. Luna has been charged with Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant.

The incident began around 1:20 p.m. when officers responded to a disturbance call in the 100 block of Interstate 20. Upon arrival, officers learned that Luna was armed with a handgun. Additional resources, including the MPD Special Response Team (SRT), Crisis Negotiation Team, and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) SRT and deputies, were called to assist. Despite efforts to de-escalate the situation through negotiations, Luna fired a handgun at officers, putting the public at risk. An MPD officer returned fire, striking her. Emergency medical personnel from the Marshall Fire Department, who were already on the scene, provided immediate aid. Luna was then taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.

After being medically cleared, MPD Detectives arrested Luna and took her to the Harrison County Jail.

JACKSONVILLE — Our news partner KETK is reporting that former Jacksonville ISD Police Chief Marvin Acker died unexpectedly on Sunday morning. According to his obituary, Acker began his career with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as a jailer in 1981 and continued his law enforcement career at the Jacksonville Police Department for 20 years.

Acker then went on to serve Jacksonville ISD in 2002 as a resource officer and from 2006-2016 he served as the chief of police for the school district. At the time of his death he was working with the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office. Continue reading Former Jacksonville ISD Police Chief dies

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Animal Control & Shelter announced on Friday they have ran out of space in their shelter and have since waved fees for adoption. According to our news partner KETK, most of the dogs have been spayed/neutered and are vaccinated. All the dogs are reportedly friendly and do great with other dogs.

“We want nothing more than for them to find a home for the New Year. The following dogs are all at risk for euthanasia unless we can create the space needed for new intakes,” Smith County Animal Control said.

The shelter is located at 322 E. Ferguson St in Tyler and their hours are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. To see a full list of dogs in the shelter, people can visit the Smith County Animal Control & Shelter’s Facebook.

TYLER — In a study from the Hibbs Institute Family Index at UT Tyler, Tyler and Wichita Falls are ranked as the top two metropolitan areas in Texas for raising a family. According to our news partner KETK, factors impacting the study are access to health care, education, recreation, social environment and job stability.

The top 25 cities in Texas are as follows:
1. Tyler
2. Wichita Falls
3. Abilene
4. Amarillo
5. Midland
6. Sherman-Denison
7. San Angelo
8. Texarkana
9. Lubbock
10. Victoria
Continue reading Study ranks Tyler as top Texas city for raising a family

UPDATE: The Gilmer Police Department confirmed that the individuals have been identified, though they did not disclose whether any arrested have been made.

GILMER — The Gilmer Police Department is seeking the public’s help identifying a man involved in break-ins at fast food restaurants. According to our news partner KETK, investigators want a man on two counts of mischief. In a release, police said, “he broke the doors of Whataburger and the drive through window of Jack in the Box.”

In the picture shown, you’ll the suspect on the right, he vehicle, with the license plate showing on the left.

Anyone with information on the person’s identity or whereabouts is asked to contact the Gilmer Police Department at 903-843-5545.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police have released footage of a burglary at Kilgore’s H&L Liquor Mart that occurred on Friday afternoon Dec. 20 about 1:30 p.m. Investigators need your help in identifying suspects. Our news partner KETK, has posted the video, you can see it here.

A release from KDP stated, “The suspects fled the scene on foot to the back of Kilgore Bowling Center where a dark colored passenger car was waiting in the area. Kilgore PD said. “There appeared to be possibly two other subjects in the waiting get away car. The vehicle left the scene south on US 259 BUS.”

Police ask if you have information on the identities of the persons involved, contact Detective Justin Murphy at 903-218-6904 or email him at [email protected].

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for suspects in an armed robbery late Friday morning near Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, a sheriff’s office release said they received a call about 10:30 a.m, from a business on State Highway 31 East near Dauphin Plumbing, outside Loop 323 in Tyler. Deputies were told by the caller at this business location, they were robbed at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of cash from their register.

Officers said the robbery suspect, “fled out of the front door of the business. The suspect allegedly entered a black car being driven by another black male and fled eastbound on State Highway 31 East.” Initial investigation shows the suspect was, a man armed with a handgun, dressed in all black clothing, a black ski mask, gloves and shoe coverings.

Authorities are investigating the case with further details released as it becomes available. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

JASPER COUNTY — The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office said 24-year-old Deputy Lesley Wade of Zavalla, died from injuries received in a two-vehicle crash in Angelina County on Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, a release from the sheriff’s said Wade leaves behind her husband, Jasper County Deputy Chris Wade(in picture) and their two children.

Wade joined JCSO with her husband, at first providing courthouse security as a bailiff, before joining the sheriff’s office patrol division.

Jasper County Judge Mark Allen said this about Lesley Wade, “She led by example and made her mark in the history books of Jasper County as one of our best sheriff’s deputies. Please pray for Chris and their family, as well as their fellow law enforcement officers, during this time. Go with God, Lesley. We will miss you, but are thankful you were part of our Jasper County family. You’ll always be our Hero. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God.”

EAST TEXAS – Are you going to be celebrating New Years Eve? Our news partner KETK, has list of business’s open on Dec. 31, that will keep you entertained. You can see it be clicking here.

TRINITY COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, an East Texas man has been charged with animal cruelty after deputies reportedly found several dogs severely malnourished at his property.

The Trinity County Sheriff’s office said deputies were dispatched to 204 Elephant Walk St. for multiple dogs at large. When deputies arrived, they reportedly found two dogs in the roadway in front of the house and observed several dogs on chains that were severely malnourished. Another dog could be seen in a small kennel without any shelter, officials said.

“Call history showed that the owner who later identified as, Christopher James Rode, was warned previously about having the animals improperly on chains, how to provide proper shelter and care for the dogs,” the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office said. Continue reading Man arrested after deputies find malnourished dogs

PALESTINE — Our news partner KETK is reporting that four people have been arrested in connection to an armed robbery that occurred on Monday in Palestine. Officers were dispatched to the Scorpion Smoke Shop at 4222 W. Oak at around 9 p.m. in reference to a robbery. A man and woman entered the store and the man reportedly displayed a handgun demanding money from the employee. Officials said the woman then sprayed mace/pepper spray into the business as they fled in a red Nissan SUV.

Following an investigation, authorities identified the man as Charles Blake DeFore, of Elkhart,and obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 400 block of Highway 287. Officials then located the red SUV located outside of the residence.

Officers made contact with Tammy DeFore, who confirmed that Charles was inside. Tammy refused to exit the residence and did not say anything else to officials. Officials also confirmed that a second person of interest in the robbery, Abril Espinosa, was inside the residence. Continue reading Four arrested in Palestine armed robbery

CENTER – Center police arrested a man and woman on Tuesday in connection to the death of the woman’s boyfriend, 36-year-old Cordero Wyatt, after police found his body in a field. According to our news partner KETK, the Center Police Department received a call regarding a welfare check on Wyatt. The caller stated that her son had been at his girlfriend’s home in Center and was no longer answering his phone or had returned back home. Officers then contacted the girlfriend, 40-year-old Alicia Petite.

“Petite informed officers that Wyatt had been at her residence earlier and friends had picked him up, but he was no longer at her house. Officers responded to Petites’ residence, and she allowed them to look in the home for Wyatt,” Center PD said.

According to officials, some of Wyatt’s belongings were located in the home including his cell phone. Responding officers contacted the Criminal Investigation Division, and detectives began investigating a possible missing person. Continue reading Four arrested after police find boyfriend’s body in field

RUSK — The Rusk Police Department is offering a reward for information leading to the identification of a person accused of robbing a pharmacy on Dec. 11. According to our news partner KETK, a person broke into Chapman Pharmacy’s drive-thru that Wednesday morning around 4 a.m. to reportedly steal narcotics. Officials said the store video shows a person appearingto used a black handled ax with white cloth wrapped around the handle and red tape.

Rusk Police ask if you know of anyone in connection to this incident, to call them at 903-683-2677. They said any information provided will be kept confidential.

LONGVIEW – A pedestrian was killed in a Thursday morning crash while attempting to cross the road, according to our news partners at KETK. Longview police officers responded to the 2000 block of North Eastman Road for a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian. According to officials, the pickup truck was traveling southbound and hit the woman while she was attempting to cross Eastman Road. Longview PD said the woman reportedly failed to yield the right of way to the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Longview Police Department said the investigation is ongoing with no further information being released at this time.

TYLER – Recycle your real, unflocked and undecorated Christmas tree with Keep Tyler Beautiful and Tyler Solid Waste from Thursday, Dec. 26 through Wednesday, Jan. 15. Natural Christmas trees can be dropped off in designated areas at Golden Road Park, 2300 McDonald Rd, and Fun Forest Park, 2000 N. Forest Ave. There will be “Christmas Tree Recycling” signs at each location.

This eco-friendly initiative provides an opportunity to recycle live trees and support local wildlife. Local fishermen are encouraged to repurpose the trees and use them to create new fish habitats in nearby lakes and ponds, contributing to the preservation of local aquatic life. Keep Tyler Beautiful is also collecting unwanted or broken string lights regardless of the condition. The copper wire will be recycled, and the proceeds will go toward the conservation organization Lion Guardians. The collected lights can be dropped off at the Christmas Tree Recycling locations or the upper parking lot at Caldwell Zoo, 2203 Martin Luther King Blvd.

For more information, visit KeepTylerBeautiful.com or contact Casey Williams, Keep Tyler Beautiful Coordinator, at (903) 531-1335 or [email protected].

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a home on Van Zandt County Road 1203 near Wentworth was burned in a Christmas morning fire, according to officials. Grand Saline Fire Department public information officer Caden Mosher said that several 911 calls came into the South Van Zandt Volunteer Fire Department at around 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

Mosher said that Canton Fire Department was automatically sent out to the scene and that Grand Saline Fire Department was called in at around 9:20 a.m. for mutual aid.

According to Mosher, no one was at home or injured during the fire. Mosher added that the Van Zandt County Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the fire’s cause.

TROUP – The East Texas Agriculture Foundation presented Cooper Reid of Troup a check for $75,000 this week to assist in his recovery from a head injury. According to our news partner KETK, the foundation raised the money through their “Birdies for Coop” golfing event in November.

Cooper suffered his head injury while playing in the Troup homecoming football game in 2022. The nonprofit raised the money through their “Birdies for Coop” golf outing in November. This event was to support Cooper who experienced a life-altering injury while playing in the Troup homecoming football game in 2022.

“Throughout the last few weeks it has been extremely hard to come up with the words to express our sincere thoughts to any and everyone that had a hand in this. This event was a heartfelt gathering that showcased the power of community and generosity,” The East Texas Agriculture Foundation said.

“Birdies for Coop”, featured live music, auctions, food trucks, a cornhole tournament and a 4-man golf scramble.

LONGVIEW – Just in time for the Christmas break, Longview ISD had a very special gift for their teachers. Cash! According to our news partner KETK, LISD Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard handed out $3.5 million in LISD incentive bonuses for Teachers (LIFT) to all 13 campuses. The district said in press a release, the bonuses are based on several performance criteria by the Texas Education Agency’s accountability standard and campus-specific performance distinctions.

“The eligible campuses received bonuses on the number of distinctions in various academic areas, with additional recognition for campuses contributing to the district’s overall postsecondary readiness rating, awarded by TEA,” Longview ISD said.