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SMITH COUNTY — A third person has been charged in connection to the March “cartel-related” kidnapping of a Tyler man. According to our news partner KETK, Brandon Markeith Jeffrey, owner of Mile High Eatery in the Tyler Pounds Airport, is accused of taking part in the kidnapping and was taken into custody on Thursday.

In March, Smith County officials said a man was found safe in the DFW area after being kidnapped from his Tyler driveway. According to an affidavit, his captors, identified as Julio Cesar Cordova and Walybert Eron Cordova-Rascon, demanded $10,000 from the family to return the victim. At the time, the Smith County Sheriff said the kidnapping was “cartel-related.” Continue reading Third suspect charged in “cartel-related” kidnapping

TYLER – Cumberland Academy announced layoffs to many staff members in an email sent to Cumberland parents and the Tyler community this week according to our news partner KETK. In the message, superintendent Charles Pulliam explained the private school is facing a shortfall of $2 million.

“Due to the state’s five-year funding freeze, the end of federal COVID relief, inflationary pressures, and rising operational costs,” said Pulliam in the letter.

Because of these factors, the school district said its necessary to consolidate, reduce and realign staff.

“We were blindsided,” said Jennifer Blake, one concerned mother. Jennifer Blake is just one of many parents with students at Cumberland Academy who received the following email on Wednesday afternoon. She said that the teachers were given little to no notice and little severance pay.

Continue reading Cumberland Academy lays off more than 50 staff members

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County remains under a burn ban after receiving much-needed rainfall on Thursday, October 31. Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue plans on giving an update to the Smith County Commissioners Court at its weekly meeting Tuesday morning. The Commissioners Court would have to vote to approve lifting the 90-day burn ban early if fire conditions improved. The burn ban was enacted on October 8, 2024. “There are chances for rain in the next few days, which could eliminate the need for the burn ban, but we must wait and see.” Hogue said. For more information on the burn ban from Smith County, click here. Our news partner KETK has running list of burn bans in East Texas. You can find it here.

UPDATE: According to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Peace has been located and is in good health. Officials thanked the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, Nacogdoches PD, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Panola County Sheriff’s Office and Marshall PD for their assistance.

RUSK COUNTY – The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in finding a 51-year-old man who is considered missing. According to our news partner KETK, Jason Peace is described as a white man, 5-feet-10-inches tall with a medium build. He was last seen on Oct. 29 a few miles south of Mount Enterprise.

According to the sheriff’s office, Peace is believed to have left his last known location in a white 2013 Dodge Ram 3500. The truck is described as having an auxiliary fuel tank near the front of the flatbed and brackets on the rear for a hay attachment.

The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office asks if anyone has information on the location of Jason Peace, to please call them at (903) 657-3581.

CORRIGAN – Gov. Greg Abbott visited East Texas on Wednesday for a $211 million expansion of a timber manufacturing company. According to our news partner KETK, RoyOMartin is expanding its wood manufacturing efforts in the Piney Woods. Their Corrigan plant, Corrigan OSB, LLC is now the largest facility of its type in the nation.

Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Product Sales Terry Secrest said the new development will create 300 new jobs for the area. “These are not low-level entry type jobs that people can create a career with, and they can continue with a lifetime employment here continuing to learn and grow and excel,” Secrest said.

While speaking to a crowed of more than 200 entrepreneurs and workers, Abbott assured the new plan will put out more products and help Texas build new homes. Continue reading New East Texas manufacturing facility will provide jobs

CAMP COUNTY — On Wednesday, East Texans voiced their frustrations in a packed meeting all against a proposed reservoir that would force them out of their homes. According to our news partner KETK, the Marvin Nichols Reservoir project would flood at least 66,000 acres of land in the Region “D” area. The project is spearheaded by Region “C” within the Texas Water Development Board. Region “C” is the DFW area and Region “D” encompasses Red River, Lamar, Delta and Titus counties. The reservoir has been in the works for decades to pump water from East Texas to the DFW area. Generations of East Texans say they are fed up fighting for their properties since the 1960s.

Dozens of residents are opposed to the project that would flood land where their homes, businesses and schools currently exist. “We just don’t want the lake. We want it to go away and never be heard of again,” Red River County resident David Stewart said.
Continue reading East Texans push back against reservoir that threatens homes

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department was notified early Wednesday evening of a broken gas line in the 800 block of South Broadway Ave, near the Children’s Park and West Rust St.  The northbound lanes of South Broadway will be blocked for an unknown amount of time while Centerpointe Energy works on the issue.  Northbound traffic is currently being diverted down East Dobbs St.  Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes and drive with care in that area. 

LINDALE — Drivers in Lindale can expect traffic delays following a temporary closure on CR 474 beginning on Monday Nov. 4. According to our news partner KETK, officials from Smith County notified Lindale Police that CR 474, which is also know as Brick Yard Road will be closed for several days because of construction.

A spokesperson for the Lindale Police said “You will be able to drive up to that point from either direction, but you will not be able to drive through 474 until completion of the project.”

GLADEWATER – Police in Gladewater are asking for help finding a 22-year-old that has been reported missing. According to our news partner KETK, missing is Wesley Don Heist. Wesley is described as 5-feet-9-inches tall, weighs 130 pounds with brown hair, brown eyes and several tattoos.

He was last heard from on Oct. 18 and is known to frequent Longview, Pine Tree and the Ore City areas. GPD asks that anyone with information on Wesley is asked to contact local law enforcement or Gladewater Police Department at 903-845-2166.

TYLER – The Junior League of Tyler, Inc. is holding the 46th annual Mistletoe & Magic November 6-9 at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. Mistletoe & Magic is a community holiday celebration designed to raises funds and awareness for agencies supports by the Junior League.

The holiday shopping event will feature more than 75 specialty boutiques and merchants from around the nation as well as special events and other exciting entertainment. The Mistletoe & Magic online auction is running through November 10. You will have the opportunity to bid on the best jewelry, gifts, and experiences from the comfort of your home.
 
For more information and to purchase tickets for Mistletoe & Magic, click here.

KILGORE– Post Oak Road in Kilgore is closed after a large sinkhole was discovered, that according to our news partner KETK. The sinkhole was found at a creek crossing near Highway 42 and it was revealed that a storm sewer pipe under the road has collapsed. City officials ask that drivers use caution in the area. The road will be closed until next April while repairs are made.

GREGG COUNTY – Traffic on I-20 was backing up as officials deal with a stalled cattle hauler on the interstate. According to our news partner KETK, the 18-wheeler hauling cattle has reportedly stalled out on I-20 westbound late Wednesday morning, near Highways 31 and 42. DPS Sgt. Adam Albritton asks the drivers use caution in that area, as traffic is being impacted as they offload cattle from the vehicle. Officials said this could take several hours.

LONGVIEW – Our news partners at KETK report that a 29-year-old is behind bars in connection to the Monday Longview apartment complex shooting that injured one man. The Longview Police Department said 29-year-old Andre Avant, of Longview, was booked into the Gregg County Jail and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Avant is being held on a $150,000 bond.

PANOLA COUNTY – An East Texas man found guilty of possessing child pornography has received what is believed to be the longest prison sentence in Panola County history, according to our news partners at KETK. According to the Panola County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, a judge sentenced Christopher James Williamson, 38 of Carthage, to a cumulative prison term of 750 years on Monday. The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division originally arrested Williamson on Feb. 6 for possession of child porn, then indicted by a Panola County Grand Jury for ten charges of possession. The DA’s office said a DPS agent testified “that out of the dozens and dozens of cases that he has investigated, that this was by far the worst case he has ever seen.” Continue reading East Texas man sentenced 750 years for child porn

TYLER — In response to a troubling increase in threats made against schools across the country and in East Texas, Tyler ISD is reaching out to parents and guardians for their support in fostering a safe school environment. “Making a threat against a school, whether real or fake, is a crime with very serious legal consequences,” stated Acting Tyler ISD Police Chief Destry Walsworth. “These threats not only cause fear among students, staff, and families, but they also divert vital resources away from education and safety efforts.”

While many of these incidents turn out to be hoaxes, the repercussions can be significant. Law enforcement is often required to allocate substantial time and resources to investigate these threats, which detracts from their essential mission of keeping our community safe. Continue reading Local school district calls for community support

AUSTIN – The Texas District and County Attorney Association recently named Smith County Assistant District Attorneys Chris Gatewood and Richard Vance as the Lone Star Prosecutor Of The Year. According to a release from the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, Gatewood and Vance, successfully prosecuted an intoxicated defendant who struck and killed Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Lorenzo Bustos while he was conducting a traffic stop.

The TDCAA is the statewide organization that provides training, collaboration, and support to all of the County and District Attorney offices across the state. The Lone Star Prosecutor of the Year award is given by the TDCAA annually to a prosecutor or prosecutors who have demonstrated outstanding legal knowledge, dedication to justice, and a profound impact on their community.
Continue reading 2024 Lone Star Prosecutors of the Year named

CHANDLER – Our news partners at KETK report that authorities said one person was pronounced dead at the scene of a two-vehicle crash Monday night on State Highway 31 in Chandler. According to the Chandler Volunteer Fire Department, first responders were dispatched to a major crash where one person was trapped on SH 31 shortly after 8 p.m. Firefighters immediately began trying to extricate the person trapped once they arrived to the scene, the fire department said. However, due to the extent of the patients injuries, Chandler VFD said the person did not survive and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Justice of the Peace. The occupants of the other vehicle involved were hospitalized and the fire department said their conditions are unknown.

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue gave an update about the burn ban and current fire conditions during Commissioners Court on Tuesday, October 29. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County is at an average of 747. The KBDI ranges from 0 to 800, and is used to determine forest fire potential. Although rain is forecast this week, Hogue said “we need a significant amount of rain to make a difference.” Fire danger is especially high today because of high winds. Continue reading Burn Ban update

TYLER – Former President Donald J. Trump has a five-point lead over Vice President Kamala Harris among likely voters in Texas, 51% to 46%, according to a pre-election poll conducted by The University of Texas at Tyler Center for Opinion Research. This finding is similar to results of a June poll that showed Trump with a five-point lead over President Joe Biden among likely Texas voters, 48% to 43%, with fewer undecided voters closer to the November 5, 2024, election, according to Dr. Kenneth A. Wink, UT Tyler professor and poll director.

The 5% lead for Trump is slightly smaller than his 5.6% win over Biden in Texas in 2020, and significantly smaller than his 9% win over Hillary Clinton in Texas in 2016. Fifty percent of all respondents thought the election would be “close,” with 63% of Democrats and 40% of Republicans expecting a close election. Continue reading Final UT Tyler poll of this election cycle

TYLER — Doses of Narcan, the lifesaving nasal spray used to reverse overdoses and effects of fentanyl poisoning, are now available for students and staff of the University of Texas at Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, University officials said they are launching the initiative to make Narcan available on a regular basis in observance of the first Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.

“Fentanyl is the No. 1 killer of Americans ages 18-45. Fentanyl-related deaths in Texas increased over 600% from 2019 to 2023, taking the lives of more than 7,000 innocent Texans in just 4 years,” the Office of Texas Governor Gregg Abbott said. “This crisis affects the lives of everyone, tearing away friends and family members from their loved ones.” Continue reading Free Narcan initiative launches at UT Tyler campuses

SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, Smith County election officials are reminding voters to leave their campaign gear at home when they head to the voting booth. The Texas election code is clear, stating a person can not wear political gear when heading to vote. The law prohibits political shirts, hats, signs or other campaign gear in a 100-foot area around polling stations. It’s a crime called electioneering. The any clothing worn can’t express preference for any candidate, measure or political party.

In the first week of early voting, Smith County poll workers said they saw a lot of people wearing political shirts and caps when they showed up to vote. Smith County voter, Craig Pearson believes people should wear what they want to the polls. “I don’t feel that’s right. I don’t think it is. What are they afraid of, that they’re going to actually see an opposing opinion? Not everybody’s the same, the world’s different,” said Craig Pearson, Smith County voter.

In San Antonio, things turned violent over the weekend. Continue reading Officials warn voters to not wear political gear to polls

LONGVIEW — A grand jury found a Louisiana man guilty of murdering an East Texas deputy on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the prosecutors are now seeking the death penalty.

Gregory Newson, was accused of shooting and killing William Chris Dickerson, a Panola County deputy during a traffic stop on New Year’s Eve in 2019. Newson was accused of fleeing the scene, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash. The prosecutors asked the jury to look at the evidence in this case when making their decision. During closing statements, the state reviewed evidence, replayed body and dash camera video body which depicted the deputy being shot and Newson driving away.

“Your verdict today is not going to bring Chris Dickerson back,” Wes May, a state lawyer said. “It’s not going to fill the hole left in the shield that these men and women who testified in this case and who Chris himself represented, but it will be one step toward taking justice.”

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department (MPD) released a statement on their Facebook page regarding the arrest of Benjamin Dale Hawkins, Jr., 45 of Marshall. He was booked into the Harrison County Jail on the charges of Possessing Dangerous Drugs, Credit/Debit Card Abuse, Burglary of Vehicles, and Theft of Materials (Aluminum/Bronze/Copper/Brass valued under $20,000). Authorities were led to Hawkins after a business reported a man “acting suspiciously”. MPD arrived at Hawkins’ residence to question him. During the encounter, Hawkins was found in possession of prescription medication bottles that were not in his name, as well as multiple credit cards belonging to other individuals.

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that a father and son are dead due to an apparent murder-suicide. The Tyler Police Department arrived at the scene around 1:25 p.m. and identified both victims. The son is Anthony Gyallai, 45, and the father is Otto Gyallai, 88. Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh announced that a preliminary investigation helped conclude that Anthony shot Otto before shooting himself. Otto’s wife was asleep in the bedroom and did not hear anything. She is physically unharmed, according to Erbaugh. The investigation is still ongoing and any updates will be posted.

LONGVIEW– Our KETK News partner reports that A jury found Gregory Newson guilty for the murder of Panola County deputy William Chris Dickerson on Monday afternoon. Trial started on Monday.

Gregory Newson’s trial started in Gregg County on Wednesday morning.

It was moved out of Panola County, where the accused crime took place, after a judge determined that an impartial and fair trial could not happen there. The state is seeking the death penalty and Newson has pleaded not guilty.

Newson was charged and is accused of shooting and killing Panola County Sheriff’s deputy William Chris Dickerson. He is also accused of fleeing the scene, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash in Louisiana back in 2019.
Continue reading Man Found Guilty of Murdering Panola County Deputy

ATHENS – Our news partners at KETK report a Palestine man is behind bars for a Thursday hotel stabbing where one was hospitalized and a bloodied room with signs of a struggle was left behind, a warrant said. According to the Athens Police Department, officers responded to a stabbing at around 2:15 a.m. at the Victorian Inn hotel on 1803 SH 31 East in Athens. The warrant said police found the 37-year-old victim on the sidewalk outside of room 118 with stab wounds to the face, chest and abdomen. The victim told officers he had gotten into an argument inside the room with his acquaintance identified as 50-year-old Kerry Barnett, of Palestine. The documents state the victim told police Barnett had stabbed him with a knife and was still inside room 118. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment, a probable cause affidavit said. Continue reading Athens hotel stabbing leads to arrest