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TYLER – Two parents were arrested Monday after four children were left alone in a vehicle for at least an hour at a Tyler Walmart parking lot, according to our news partner KETK. The parents have been identified as Emily Bearden, 27, and David Bearden, 28, both of Arp.  Tyler Police responded to the Walmart on south Broadway, where four young children, ages ten, five, two and five weeks were left in a vehicle for at least an hour while the parents shopped. Officials said the five-year-old accidentally turned off the vehicle and the interior quickly became “dangerously hot.” That’s when the 10-year-old eventually got out of the car to find help. The 10-year-old’s phone call came in at around 5 p.m.

The parents then got back in the car and left the parking lot. Police began to follow the parents on Broadway Avenue, where they pulled them over for a traffic stop. Continue reading Parents accused of leaving four kids in overheated car identified

MARSHALL – According to a press release from the Marshall Police Department, Marshall Police arrested a Linden man following a serious traffic accident that sent two people to the hospital and spilled diesel fuel across the road.

The crash occurred just after 9:30 p.m. on July 25, 2025, at the intersection of Highway 59 and Loop 390. Witnesses report that a tractor trailer ran a red light and struck a pickup truck that was pulling an empty horse trailer. The collision caused a diesel fuel spill on the roadway and into a nearby drainage ditch, requiring a hazardous materials cleanup by Lone Star Hazmat.

Two individuals in the pickup were transported to a local hospital. Their conditions have not been released.

Upon investigation, the driver of the tractor-trailer, identified as 59-year-old Kenneth Janowski of Linden, was arrested and charged with two counts of Intoxication Assault with Vehicle, a third-degree felony, and booked into the Harrison County Jail.

The investigation is ongoing.

LONGVIEW — Eastman Chemical in Longview was one of 49 chemical manufacturing facilities in the United States granted a two-year exemption from environmental regulations by President Donald Trump’s proclamation, according to our news partner KETK.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enacted what is known as the ‘HON Rule’ on May 16, 2024. The HON Rule consists of four rules that chemical manufacturing plants must follow during the process of making synthetic organic chemicals.

The Federal Register stated that the EPA was seeking to finalize standards for the production of ethylene oxide (EtO) and chloroprene emissions through the HON Rule. Continue reading Eastman Chemical in Longview is exempt from new EPA rules for two years

TATUM — Our news partner KETK reports that the Tatum Police Department has identified three individuals connected to a string of burglaries that occurred in East Texas over the past month.

Near the end of June, the Tatum Police Department became aware of seven burglary cases, with six incidents occurring at the Tatum baseball park and another one within city limits. The cases were identified as organized criminal activity.

On July 2, members of the Tatum Police Department were notified of a woman who had driven through a Vera Bank in Lufkin and had allegedly withdrawn several thousand dollars from a victim’s bank account. Although officials obtained video from the bank, they were unable to identify the suspect. They requested assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, but were also unable to identify the suspect because her face was not fully visible in the camera footage from the bank. Continue reading Three suspects arrested for linked burglaries

CROCKETT – A woman in Crockett who was accused of causing a man’s death after giving him counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl has been placed under custody, according to our news partner KETK.

On May 21, the Crockett Police Department said that they received reports of an unresponsive man and went to the person’s apartment on Sallas Street at around 11 p.m. Once on the scene, officers, along with Houston County EMS, discovered the individual had died, which was believed to be caused by a drug overdose.

Following the victim’s death, authorities discovered that he had bought the pills from Kimberlee Ann Sherman of Crockett. On May 22, Sherman was arrested and charged with delivery of a controlled substance. She posted a $25,000 bond and was released the following day. Continue reading Crockett woman arrested after fentanyl-related death

PALESTINE – An Anderson County man was arrested early Monday morning after three women were allegedly shot at in Palestine, according to our news partner KETK.

Around 2:38 a.m., officers responded to a home in the 200 block of Lowe Street, where three women had been shot at by Floyd Conley Jr., 50, of Palestine, after one of the victims was shoved out of the home.

“Officers established a perimeter and took up positions outside the residence,” the Palestine Police Department said. “After several attempts to get the suspect to surrender, officers were able to safely call him out of the home and take him into custody without incident.” Continue reading Palestine man arrested after shooting at three women

TATUM — The Tatum Police Department has identified three individuals connected to a string of burglaries that occurred in East Texas over the past month according to our news partner KETK.

Near the end of June, the Tatum Police Department became aware of seven burglary cases, with six incidents occurring at the Tatum baseball park and another one within city limits. The cases were identified as organized criminal activity. On July 2, members of the Tatum Police Department were notified of a woman who had driven through a Vera Bank in Lufkin and had allegedly withdrawn several thousand dollars from a victim’s bank account. Although officials obtained video from the bank, they were unable to identify the suspect. They requested assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, but were also unable to identify the suspect because her face was not fully visible in the camera footage from the bank.

Later in July, two suspects were detained in DeSoto during a traffic stop. During the stop, one of the suspects allegedly provided officers with a fake name and date of birth. Multiple stolen identifications, checkbooks and banking information were discovered, which belonged to the victims of the Taum baseball park burglaries. Continue reading Three suspects to face charges linked to series of burglaries

TYLER – Earlier in the summer, the Texas House and Senate passed a bill that banned cell phones, smart watches, and tablets at public schools starting this school year. Now, Texas schools are having to implement their policies and guidelines. Our news partner KETK has compiled a list of schools with information on how your student will be impacted. View that list here.

ANDERSON COUNTY — As the water rights controversy continues to grow, several chicken farms in East Texas, including Sanderson Farms, have filed a lawsuit against the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District.

According to our news partner KETK, the lawsuit follows the district’s transfer of the permits for Redwater Ranch and Pine Bliss LLC to drill into East Texas aquifers and extract billions of gallons of water, intended for use in the Dallas metroplex. The permit has caused many farmers across East Texas to grow worried about the future of their livelihoods, prompting nine farms to come together and take legal action to prevent the permit from being implemented.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are requesting that the court invalidate the district’s drilling permit application and issue a temporary injunction preventing the district from engaging in any further activities related to drilling permit applications. Continue reading Sanderson Farms enters lawsuit over water dispute

SMITH COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report that a Smith County father was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday after he was arrested for abusing a three-month-old baby in January. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, around 6 p.m. on Jan. 8, a deputy responded to a Tyler hospital, where they were informed by hospital personnel that a three-month-old baby had received significant injuries that looked like child abuse. While the infant was undergoing CT scans and X-rays, the attending nurse informed the deputy that the baby was lethargic, weak and had bruises on their face and neck. An investigator then spoke with the baby’s mother, who told officials that her baby had just returned home after spending several days with his father, Zachray McGinn, at a home located near Whitehouse.

According to officials, the mother explained that she had been in contact with McGinn and his mother, Brittany Mackey, on Facebook Messenger while her child was away. “The mother further explained that on Jan. 8, both McGinn and Mackey dropped off the infant at her residence,” the sheriff’s office said. “It was at this time that the mother observed the lethargic manner of her child and the bruising to his face. Shortly thereafter, the mother took the infant to the emergency room in Tyler.” Continue reading Father sentenced to 10 years for child abuse

HENDERSON COUNTY — The former LaPoynor ISD coach, who was arrested in 2023 after a phone was found recording in the girls’ locker room, was convicted on Friday of tampering with/fabricating physical evidence, according to our news partner KETK.

An arrest warrant reveals that cheerleaders found a cell phone in the girls’ locker room on Sept. 26, 2023. The phone was underneath the bench inside a shoe with the camera pointed upward, recording at the time it was found.

The cheerleaders took the device to another coach at LaPoynor ISD, where Jammie Allen Maze, 46, of Brownsboro, was also there. Maze took the phone and began to press buttons. When the LaPoynor ISD Police Chief received the phone, it had been locked with no way of accessing the contents. Continue reading Former coach convicted of recording girl’s locker room

TYLER — A man attempted to escape from police after he allegedly cashed more than $1,000 in stolen lottery tickets in Tyler on Friday, according to our news partner KETK.

The Tyler Police Department responded to the Texas Lottery Office at 4801 Troup Highway, where two men were seen inside trying to cash stolen lottery tickets. A Smith County arrest affidavit reports that officers then attempted to detain the suspect, Ke’eric Armon Franklin, while he was walking out of the lottery office, but Franklin ran from the scene.

“In full Tyler Police uniform, I told Franklin to ‘halt’ and he asked, ‘Why?’ then sprinted out of his shoes northbound and out of sight,” the officer said. “Franklin ran barefoot to the intersection of Tanglewood and Old Omen, where police told him to stop, but he replied, ‘No, I’m not going to.’” Continue reading Suspect accused of cashing stolen lottery tickets

AUSTIN – The University of Texas System Board of Regents have unanimously named the sole finalists to be UT system chancellor and the president of UT Austin according to our news partner KETK.

On Monday, the board named John M. Zerwas, MD as sole finalist for the chancellorship of The UT System and James E. Davis as sole finalist for the presidency at UT Austin. Board chairman and former Tyler mayor Kevin Eltife praised both Zerwas and Davis for their leadership qualities.

Zerwas, a former physician and Texas State Representative for Fort Bend County, thanked the board of regents and Eltife for supporting him in his current role as interim system chancellor.

Davis, a former Navy cryptologist, Texas Deputy Attorney General and current UT Austin Interim president, was praised by Eltife for the progress that UT Austin has made during Davis’s time at the university. Continue reading UT names sole finalists for chancellor, president

LUFKIN – The Lufkin Police Department was able end a three hour standoff Sunday, triggered by a domestic disturbance. According to our news partner KETK, LPD and SWAT responded to a call at an apartment on Montrose Street. Officers found 20-year-old Francisco Farfan of Lufkin, threatening to shoot himself.

After initial conversation with police, and Farfan not coming out of the apartment, gas canisters were used. After another hour, SWAT used their truck to push in the front door of the apartment. However, Farfan pushed the door closed. At this time, the SWAT team opened the door and hit Farfan with 40-millimeter foam baton round, knocking him down and letting officers gain control of the situation. Francisco Farfan was booked into the Angelina County Jail for aggravated assault, with the possibility of more charges to be filed.

UPSHUR COUNTY – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety in a sting operation that led to the arrest of a man who was allegedly communicating with a minor online.

According to our news partner KETK, law enforcement believed David Palmer had online communications with a minor in order to meet them in person. However, Palmer was in reality talking to an undercover officer. That officer, directed him to at a meet location in Gilmer. After arriving at the location, Palmer was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor. He is in the Upshur County Jail, with his bond set at $75,000.

TYLER – On Monday, Blue Bell Creameries of Brenham announced that they’re joining a nationwide effort to eliminate certified artificial colors from their ice cream by 2027. According to our news partner KETK, Blue Bell is joining other dairy companies in the International Dairy Foods Association’s Ice Cream Commitment to end the use of Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2, Yellow 5 and Yellow 6 by Dec. 31, 2027.

The IDFA said in press release, “As national and state policies on artificial colors in food continue to change, ice cream makers are keeping pace by offering wholesome treats and snacks that families know and love. Many commercial ice cream makers have already phased out certified artificial colors and many others are working with suppliers to phase them out by 2028 in compliance with this effort and other business considerations.”

Blue Bell’s announcement noted the fact that many of their classic flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream, Homemade Vanilla and Rocky Road already do not use artificial coloring. To learn more about all of their flavors and products, visit Blue Bell Creameries online.

Kilgore — Kilgore College has terminated their assistant football coach after finding out about criminal charges in another state. According to our news partner KETK, 41-year-old Forrest Mazy, is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from an Oklahoma high school. Pittsburg County, Oklahoma authorities said that Mazey is accused of “fraudulently appropriating the sum” of more than $4,600 that belonged to McAlester Public Schools. He has pleaded not guilty earlier this month and was released on a $1,000 bond.

According to the Kilgore College website, Mazey, who was listed as the teams offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, was fired after college officials found out about the charges in Oklahoma. Mazey was the head coach at McAlester High School from 2019 to 2025, where he also served as the dean of students. He also spent four seasons as the head coach at Poteau High School, where he led the Pirates to two undefeated seasons.

TYLER – Southside Bancshares, Inc.,the parent company of Southside Bank, will ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, July 28th. This to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Southside Bank. Lee R. Gibson, Chief Executive Officer, along with members of the Company’s management team and board of directors, will participate in the ceremonial bell ringing.

Mr. Gibson said in a press release, “We are honored to ring the NYSE opening bell to commemorate Southside’s 65th anniversary. Since we first opened our doors in 1960, we have remained committed to helping people and businesses of our Texas communities thrive and prosper. This significant milestone is a testament to the hard work of our team members and our longstanding dedication to our customers, communities, and shareholders.”

The bell ringing ceremony begins at at about 8:25 a.m. Monday and can be streamed here.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is searching for a woman who was last seen over two weeks ago, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

52-year-old Brandy Whitaker has been missing since July 7. Whitaker is described as being 5 feet, 9 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. She also reportedly has epilepsy and is known to faint.

If anyone has any information about Whitaker’s whereabouts, they are encouraged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000

CHEROKEE COUNTY – An East Texas man was arrested on Thursday evening after he stabbed a man at an Alto gas station over money and truck keys, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

An Alto arrest affidavit revealed that police officers responded to a Texaco gas station at 539 Lovers Lane around 8 p.m., where a stabbing had occurred. Witnesses identified the suspect as 46-year-old Cory DeWayne Poole of Rusk, who was standing beside a car. While Poole was being handcuffed and put into the patrol car, police found a gray knife in the pocket of his pants. Officers then went inside to check on the stabbing victim, where they saw him holding his stomach in pain.

“I saw a puncture wound on his left side stomach area,” the officer said. “I applied gauze to the wound and applied pressure. Shortly after, EMS arrived to take over medical care.”

The victim explained to police that they were arguing about money when Poole stole his truck keys from the ignition. Continue reading Suspect arrested after gas station stabbing

PANOLA COUNTY – A man who was wanted in Panola County for burglary was arrested after he was found inside a vacant house, according to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office.

Officers found Kobe Holt on Wednesday night inside a vacant residence off County Road 104. Holt attempted to flee from authorities but was taken into custody after deputies used a Taser.

According to a report from our news partner KETK, investigators later discovered that Holt had broken into the residence and stole property that was stored inside the home. Holt was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary of habitation, resisting arrest and evading arrest.

Holt also received charges relating to his previous burglaries, including burglary of a building, burglary of a vehicle,burglary of a habitation, and theft of firearms

Following the arrest, Holt was transported to the detention center and the case will be presented to the Criminal District Attorney for further charges.

LONGVIEW– A Longview resident was recognized during a city council meeting on Thursday for his heroic act of bravery on a bus ride earlier this year, according to our news partner KETK.

While riding on a Longview transit bus in May, a fellow passenger began acting aggressively and became a threat to other passengers and the driver, forcing Corey Street to act quickly and remove the person from the vehicle.

In a video obtained by the City of Longview, it shows a man confronting the driver of the bus with a knife while trying to operate the bus. Street can be seen on film, appearing behind the man and forcefully removing him from the bus, preventing the driver or anyone else from being injured. Continue reading Longview man honored for stopping attacker on a bus

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, officials received reports of bricks falling off the building at around 1:20 p.m. on Thursday. The Tyler Police Department has blocked off Elm Street in downtown Tyler after bricks started falling from the garage at the Carlton Hotel on Thursday. Elm Street is currently closed from South Broadway Avenue to Spring Avenue to keep pedestrians and drivers away from the building as inspectors come in to survey the condition of the garage.

“It looks like just age,” Hooten said. “It looks like a normal age. Just got deteriorated and started falling.” “The main danger is where the crack is,” Hooten said. “It could lead to other cracks and it could lead to a ripple effect on down the side of the wall there. So we just want to make sure that no one’s underneath it. If that happened.”

“The Carlton Hotel is a historic icon in Downtown Tyler,” then deputy city manager of Tyler Stephanie Franklin said in 2023. “However, the current condition of the building has contributed to substantial blight in the Downtown district, and it poses a public health and safety risk.” Continue reading Elm Street closed due to falling debris from building

POLK COUNTY – The Livingston Police Department said they arrested a man at Matthews Park on Wednesday for online solicitation of a minor. According to our news partner KETK, Livingston PD was told that an investigation into online child exploitation discovered a man in the area who was trying to find an underage girl to meet for sex.

Detectives with Livingston PD were following up on the tip at Matthews Park on Wednesday afternoon when they found the man flagged by the investigation. Randy Newman, 31 of Goodrich, had driven to the park to meet a 14-year-old girl, according to Livingston PD. Newman was arrested for online solicitation of a minor and booked into the Polk County Jail.

“This is a sad reminder of the evil that is constantly reaching out to our children from behind a keyboard. Thankfully, this time, we were able to intervene before the worst could happen,” Livingston PD interim lieutenant Jack Mueller said.

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