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TYLER – Lance Phillips, son of Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips and former Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips, was sentenced to seven years probation on Wednesday for assaulting a peace officer, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

In May, Lance was found guilty of assaulting a police officer during an incident at a 2023 Smith County commissioner’s court meeting. After he was found guilty, Lance told KETK that he planned to appeal the verdict in this case.

“If I lose, then I will immediately file my appeal to the higher court, and go as high as necessary to get the rule of law to be enforced,” Lance told KETK in May. “There will be tons of case law that has Lance Phillips vs. Neal Franklin of Smith County. The result will help 35 million Texans who may want to speak in a public meeting.” Continue reading Lance Phillips gets seven years probation for assault

SMITH COUNTY – A 17-year-old died on Sunday when they were ejected from their vehicle during a high-speed chase on Highway 31, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said that deputies started pursuing a vehicle seen driving at 124 miles per hour on Highway 31 West at around 1:36 a.m. on Sunday. The deputies eventually caught up with the vehicle on Pleasant Hollow Road, where it had crashed.

The 17-year-old driver, Joel Munoz, was ejected from the vehicle along with a passenger. Officials said that Munoz was pronounced dead at the scene while the passenger was taken to a local hospital to be treated.

AUSTIN – Just 8 days after he execution hearing for death row inmate Robert Roberson of Palestine, his attorneys are asking the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA) to stay his execution set for this fall in his case involving the death of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis.

Our news partner KETK had the opportunity to speak with Roberson’s Attorney, Gretchen Sween, Thursday morning about her reaction to the execution date being set and the two motions filed in the CCA.

On July 16, Roberson’s hearing led the Smith County District Court Judge Austin Reeve Jackson to order his execution to be set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 16, 2025. “The ruling was very disappointing, and that’s why we are now turning around to stop the execution date that we thought shouldn’t have been set in the first place,” Sween said.
“But we were grateful to be able to have a hearing, and that the judge made an effort to get Roberson there. I think it was evident there’s a lot of interest in what’s going on in this case.” Continue reading Robert Roberson’s attorney asks Court of Appeals for stay of execution

SMITH COUNTY – A hearing-impaired woman from outside of Texas adopted two puppies from the Smith County Animal Shelter that she and her family share a special connection with. according to our news partner KETK.

In June, the animal shelter rescued two three-month-old puppies, Anjali and Amiya, who were found abandoned on County Road 1142. After rescuing the puppies, it became apparent that both dogs were deaf.

Within days of saving the dogs, the shelter posted pictures of them on Deaf Dogs Rock, a website that showcases deaf dogs available for adoption. Nozomi Tomita, who lives in Massachusetts, viewed the dogs online and felt an instant connection, as she and her family are deaf. Continue reading Hearing-impaired family adopts deaf puppies in Texas

TATUM – The Tatum Police Department is searching for a woman part of the ‘felony lane gang’ who has entered three Texas banks using stolen identities from vehicle burglaries in Tatum, according to our news partner KETK.

Tatum PD said that this woman has gone to three Vera Bank locations from Mt. Pleasant south to Lufkin, presenting stolen identifications and banking information from a string of vehicle burglaries.

The suspect is not believed to be from the area; the gang she is associated with operates in Texas but is based out of Ft Lauderdale, Florida.

Two of the co-conspirators have been identified, but police are asking for the public’s assistance in finding the suspect who is wanted for many criminal charges. If anyone has information about this case, they are encouraged to contact Sergeant B. Jones at 903-803-3583.

TYLER — More Tyler homes will soon benefit from drainage improvements as the City adds Kidd Drive and Downing Street to the 2025 Structure Flooding Project. Recurring flooding has impacted three homes and several nearby properties. According to a city news release, on Wednesday, July 23, the City Council approved a Master Services Agreement for $42,300 with The C.T. Brannon Corporation for the design and construction phase services to Kidd Drive and Downing Street as part of the 2025 Structure Flooding Projects.

The City learned about stormwater issues in the area, and in 2018, a drainage study identified solutions to the problem. However, repairs were delayed due to challenges involving private property. The City continued monitoring the area until flooding began affecting homes, not just yards. Continue reading City expands 2025 structure flooding project

PALESTINE — Eighty-one jobs are at risk at Peraton’s Palestine balloon operation center due to the impending expiration of its contract with NASA according to our news partner KETK.

Peraton’s contract with NASA for balloon operations at the NASA Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine is set to expire on Sept. 30. If the company does not receive a contract extension or a re-award by that date, or within 14 days thereafter, it may be forced to lay off a significant portion of its workforce. The potential layoffs and their timing are based on current information, which is subject to change. Any developments, such as a contract extension or adjustments in government or operational needs, could alter the timeline or scale of the layoffs.

“Depending on government and operational requirements, layoffs in connection with the ending of the contract may come in stages, depending upon the need for workers as Peraton moves toward conclusion of operations under the contract,” the company stated. Continue reading 81 jobs in Palestine at risk pending NASA decision

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, a 30-page federal lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of Texas against Eastman Chemical Company in Longview.

People who live near the facility are claiming health issues, including several cancer diagnoses, due to exposure to the company’s emissions. Four of the six people suing Eastman claim their cancer fights happened as a result of the companies’ high level of dangerous emissions. Eastman’s Longview facility opened in the 1950’s and processes raw chemicals like ethane and propane, that are ultimately used to create plastics. This process reportedly results into the release of thousands of pounds of ‘ethylene oxide’ into the air in Longview every year.

The colorless and odorless gas, also known as EtO, is a component in anti freeze, plastics and adhesives.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) puts EtO gas in their highest risk category, saying it can cause breast cancer in women and lymphoid cancer in men. From 1987 to 2022, Eastman self-reported that it released more than 565,000 pounds of EtO out of their Longview facility. Continue reading Longview chemical plant sued by residents with cancer

SMITH COUNTY – A major traffic accident has occurred on Interstate 20 just west of State Highway 155, according to a press release from the Smith County Sheriff’s office.

All westbound traffic on I-20 is shut down due to an 18-wheeler blocking all lanes. Traffic is being diverted onto Hwy 155, which has caused westbound traffic to back up all the way to US Hwy 271. Drivers are urged to avoid the area, if possible. First responders are on scene, along with DPS, handling the collision.

TYLER – Following the passing of House Bill 2, which provides public schools in Texas with additional funds and resources, our news partner KETK reports that several school districts across East Texas have permitted raises for their teachers.

During a meeting on Monday, the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees approved the 2025-2026 Budget and Compensation Structure, which will increase the salary for all Tyler ISD teachers and provide them with a substantial raise.

“We’re incredibly appreciative that the Legislature was able to get House Bill 2 across the finish line,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “This means a $2,500 or even $5,000 raise for many of our teachers in Tyler ISD, which is a major step forward in valuing their work and commitment.” Continue reading East Texas schools boost teacher pay after House Bill 2

SMITH COUNTY – A homicide investigation is underway following a stabbing in Tyler. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, around 2:00 Wednesday morning, deputies responded to a house on Lucky Avenue, where a man was found dead inside. The victim has been identified as Seth Ford Stone, 42, of Tyler. His body was transported to Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for autopsy.

The suspect in the case was identified as Kenneth Maison Homan, 38, of Tyler. Smith County Investigators presented an arrest affidavit to the Honorable 475th State Judicial District Judge Taylor Heaton who issued a murder warrant for Homan. He was booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $1,000,000.

TYLER – Planned Parenthood in Tyler is now closed as all in-clinic services ended at the center on July 17.

All Tyler area patients will still have access to services by making a tele-med appointment. Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas talked about transitioning Tyler area services to telehealth options after serving nearly 75,000 patients last year.

“For 90 years, Texans have relied on Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas for essential sexual and reproductive healthcare and education,” Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas said. “This year, we made the strategic decision to transition healthcare services in the Tyler area to tele-health via the Greater Texas Virtual Health Center and close our health center on Turtle Creek Drive for in-person appointments.” Continue reading Planned Parenthood in Tyler closes

WOOD COUNTY — Perryville Volunteer Fire Chief Daniel Charles Alexander was arrested earlier this month for theft of service after failing to work on a construction project that was already paid for, an affidavit said.

According to our news partner KETK, Alexander signed a contract to construct a 40×40 shop building for the victim in exchange for $38,796 on March 19. The victim said Alexander wrote the size of the building as 30×40 in the contract, an affidavit said. The victim contacted Alexander to explain that the size of the building was incorrect and Alexander responded by adding $10,443 to the quoted price of the job due to the change in size, according to the affidavit.

The contact was not formally changed and both parties settled during a verbal agreement. Continue reading East Texas fire chief accused of stealing from client

GLADEWATER – Several minors are accused of breaking into a vacant lake house in Gladewater over the weekend. Now, local law enforcement is searching for those involved.

According to a report from our news partner KETK, the Gladewater Police Department said the party was held on Saturday at a lake house located in East Lake Drive. Since opening the investigation, authorities have interviewed multiple individuals who reported being invited to the party through social media.

Authorities also spoke with the owner of the home, who stated that he did not grant permission for the gathering, and that the house was not authorized for use. Police are also reviewing reports of any other potential criminal activity. Continue reading Minors accused of breaking into vacant lake house

LONGVIEW – The City of Longview is asking drivers to use caution as new seal coats will be applied to road surfaces across the city starting on Tuesday, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

The city said brief lane closures are expected throughout this process, but the closures should last about five minutes. Flyers will be given to residents who are directly affected to explain the estimated timeframe of operations.

The City of Longview is executing what they are calling ‘Chip Seal Operations,’ which are expected to last around four to five days. Chip seal refers to an inexpensive seal coat that is spread along roads to protect against the forces of traffic. Continue reading Citywide road surface treatment begins in Longview

LONGVIEW – A ceremony was held to honor a member of the Longview Fire Department who has decided to enlist in the United States Navy, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

The ceremony was held on July 14 to recognize Jack McGaughey, who previously served in the Marine Corps and will now be joining the Navy. McGaughey will apply the skills he has learned during his time as a paramedic for the Longview Fire Department.

Longview firefighter and Navy Commander Blaine Cardinale administered McGaughey’s Oath of Enlistment during the ceremony.

“One of the best parts of being an officer in the Navy is getting to be a part of this incredible day for sailors,” Cardinale said. “With Jack and I being friends and colleagues at LFD, this was one of the most memorable enlistments I’ve ever had the honor of administering.”

NEW CHAPEL HILL – A motorcyclist is dead after a three-vehicle accident near New Chapel Hill on Tuesday, according to our news partner KETK.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call that came in at 10:52 a.m. after the wreck occurred on Highway 64 East and County Road 289. Authorities said the motorcyclist was pronounced dead.

UPSHUR COUNTY — The Union Grove ISD Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting this week to discuss the potential resignation of the district’s superintendent, who has been under investigation since June for failing to report a crime that occurred on campus. According to our news partner KETK, the special meeting will be held on Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Lion Center Auditorium. One of the items on the agenda will be to consider a resignation agreement between the district and current superintendent Kelly Moore.

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating Moore for failure to report a student who allegedly engaged in invasive visual recording of another student, which is considered a felony in Texas. The investigation remains active, and Moore could potentially face charges for failure to report, which is a misdemeanor. Continue reading Union Grove ISD to discuss superintendent’s resignation

ARP – An Arp native, and current Dallas Cowboy, will be giving back to East Texas students weeks before the new school year begins, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

DeMarvion Overshown, who attended Arp High School before attending the University of Texas, and went on to be drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, will return to his hometown this August to provide free backpacks and school supplies to incoming Arp students.

The giveaway will be held on Aug 9, beginning at 11 a.m. and will take place at Arp Park. Each student will be permitted to receive one backpack containing a variety of school supplies, but must be present to claim it.

LUFKIN — According to our news partner KETK, a man suffered a gunshot wound in the arm Monday morning during a domestic disturbance in Lufkin, according to police.

The Lufkin Police Department said officers arrived at the scene of a domestic disturbance call in the 300 block of Daniel McCall Drive to find a man with a gunshot wound in his arm. The victim was taken to a local hospital, and officers detained the suspected shooter. The suspect is currently at the Lufkin Police Department where he is claiming self defense and being interviewed by detectives, the department said.

RUSK– Due to a water line leak, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is requiring the Rusk Rural Water Supply Company to issue a boil water notice to all of their customers. Residents are asked to boil their water prior to consumption, including washing hands or face, brushing teeth and drinking. Children, seniors and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria and are asked to follow these directions.

Our news partner KETK is reporting that in lieu of boiling, individuals can purchase bottled water. When the boil water notice is no longer in effect, Rusk Rural Water Supply will notify its customers. Those with any questions can call 903-683-6178.

Areas in Rusk that are affected include: FM 786, Piney Grove Road, County Road 1310, County Road 1313, County Road1314, County Road1328, County Road 1503, County Road1504, County Road 1506, County Road 1508 and County Road 1528.

TYLER – According to a press release from the Tyler Police Department, on July 13th Tyler Police responded to a residence in the 1700 block of N. Fannin Ave in Tyler on report of a homicide.

The victim has been identified as Juan Ramon Meza, a 39-year-old male. Tyler Police Detectives investigating this case were able to identify a suspect identified as Rodrigo Jaimes Vega, (pictured), a 49-year-old male. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Murder, a 1st degree felony on Vega with a $1,000,000 bond.

“This was not a random act of violence,” police said. “If you have any information on the location of Vega, please contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.”

If you have any information on the location of Rodrigo Jaimes Vega, please contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.

TYLER – According to a press release from the Tyler Police Department, on July 13th Tyler Police responded to a residence in the 1700 block of N. Fannin Ave in Tyler on report of a homicide.

The victim has been identified as Juan Ramon Meza, a 39-year-old male. Tyler Police Detectives investigating this case were able to identify a suspect identified as Rodrigo Jaimes Vega, (pictured), a 49-year-old male. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Murder, a 1st degree felony on Vega with a $1,000,000 bond.

“This was not a random act of violence,” police said. “If you have any information on the location of Vega, please contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.”

If you have any information on the location of Rodrigo Jaimes Vega, please contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. He is to be considered armed and dangerous.

LONGVIEW – A man was arrested Monday morning after he allegedly shot a woman in a Longview motel the night before, according to our news partner KETK.

On Sunday around 10:27 p.m., officers from the Longview Police Department responded to the Palace Inn Motel on East Marshall Avenue, where a woman was found with a gunshot wound.

Officials said the victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries while the suspect, 59-year-old Michael Duane Jones, ran from the scene before officers arrived. Jones was found on Monday, and arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and evading arrest.

Anyone with any additional information is encouraged to contact the Longview Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 903-237-1199 or the Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) to remain anonymous.

TYLER — Three people were arrested in Tyler on Saturday after they allegedly stole from T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, according to our news partner KETK.

The Tyler Police Department responded to The Village Cumberland Park on S. Broadway Avenue, where two people were stealing from T.J. Maxx. Once an officer arrived at the store, he saw the first suspect, Latavia Hall, jumping into the back seat of a 2004 Dodge Durango, and the second suspect, Deaarion Walpool, beginning to run from the scene. However, the officer caught up with Walpool.

A T.J. Maxx employee told the officer that he saw Hall and Walpool inside the store going outside, stealing goods, placing the stolen merchandise into the vehicle and coming back inside to steal more. Continue reading Shoplifting suspects arrested

TYLER – After just one week, the nation’s average price of gasoline has reverted to a decline, falling 1.7 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.09 per gallon, according to GasBuddy® data compiled from more than 12 million individual price reports covering over 150,000 gas stations across the country. The national average is down 11.5 cents from a month ago and is 37.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 1.7 cents in the last week and stands at $3.693 per gallon. Continue reading Gas prices revert to small drop as supplies jump, oil falls

UPDATE: NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – The Nacogdoches man who was on the Texas Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List was arrested on Friday in Houston. According to Texas DPS, Jacob Aaron Kessler, a convicted sex offender, was arrested on Friday after a multi-agency operation in Houston. Kessler was wanted for three counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child. He is now being held in the Nacogdoches County Jail.

ORIGINAL STORY: Our news partner KETK reports that authorities are searching for a man wanted for sexual assault of a child in Nacogdoches County.

According to the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, Jacob Aaron Kessler, 40, is a white man who is 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighs around 215 pounds. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the non-emergency dispatch number at 936-559-2607 or their local law enforcement agency.

LONGVIEW – Several school districts are being negatively impacted by the recent funding freeze, including Longview ISD, which is being forced to withhold funds from several academic programs just before the start of the new school year.

The Trump administration withheld more than $6 billion in federal grants on July 1 for after-school and summer programs, adult literacy and English language instruction, as a part of a review to ensure spending aligned with White House priorities. Due to this withholding of federal grants, funding for multiple programs initiated to benefit Longview students and teachers will be significantly reduced.

“Nearly $1 million in federal funds are earmarked for real student needs,” Longview ISD said. “Needs like academic supports for struggling students, or resources for hard-working teachers, or countless other crucial provisions for our most vulnerable young people.”

The following Longview ISD programs will lose funds as part of the federal funding freeze: Continue reading Longview ISD faces funding cuts as federal grants are withheld

TYLER – CHRISTUS Health and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas are now 13 days away from a looming deadline.

If a new contract is not signed, Blue Cross customers would lose in-network access to CHRISTUS doctors and facilities. The two companies are currently negotiating a new agreement. The current contracts were set to expire on July 1 but days before the deadline an extension was given until Aug. 1.

As the first of August approaches Blue Cross users remain worried. Local nurse and former CHRISTUS patient, Stephanie Jones is worried that people won’t be able to afford their out of pocket medical costs.

“I just wonder how many people are not gonna be able to do that, they’re going to be forced to changed caregivers when they don’t want to,” Jones said.

Benefits that would be affected include Blue Cross Medicare, Medicaid, Blue HMO, PPO and FEP plans. Continue reading Nurse shares concerns about CHRISTUS, Blue Cross Blue Shield agreement

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler has been awarded a $1.5 million grant to help train local behavioral health interns who work throughout East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, the grant was awarded to the university’s program to train behavioral health interns. Currently, the program is lead by Dr. Stephanie Simmons, an associate professor at the School of Medicine.

Thanks to $1.5 million in funding from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the program will be able to expand from training six interns to 30. The 24 new interns will focus on training child and adolescent psychology while rotating throughout clinics across East Texas.

“This funding will enhance how we can serve the community, making behavioral health care more accessible—especially in rural regions,” UT Tyler School of Medicine dean Dr. Sue Cox said.
“Investments in behavioral health are needed everywhere—and nowhere is that more evident than right here in East Texas.” Continue reading UT Tyler gets grant for behavioral health training