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TYLER — In a release, UT Health East Texas announced on Wednesday that all non-emergent surgeries have resumed. UT Health East Texas said that their teams are working directly with patients who were affected by the ransomware attack to reschedule appointments and receive care. “We continue to make progress following last week’s restoration of our Epic electronic medical records and other clinical systems, with new systems coming back online daily. We sincerely regret the frustration this incident has caused many patients. Our teams continue working around the clock to restore access to all systems as quickly and safely as possible. While this process will take time, we look forward to sharing more progress soon.” – UT Health East Texas. They advise people to visit the Ardent Health website for updates on the ransomware attack.

TYLER — On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the City Council approved changes to the Unified Development Code. Some of the updates to the UDC affect new tobacco, vape and smoke stores as well as bail bonds, auto repair, tire shops and self-storage businesses in the Downtown Business, Arts and Culture District). “We’re committed to reviewing City ordinances regularly to ensure that they align with development practices and the changing needs of our community,” said Planning Director Kyle Kingma. Now, as part of the UDC, new tobacco, vape and smoke stores opening in the City will have to be located 300 feet from sensitive land uses such as schools, child care centers, hospitals, churches and City parks. The proposal will also establish a 1,000-foot spacing requirement from other vape and smoke shops. These types of stores will also now be able to operate in areas of Tyler in industrial zoning. Continue reading Tyler City Council adopts zoning changes

LONGVIEW – The City of Longview announced on Thursday morning that the Compost Site will be closed until further notice after a fire, according to our news colleagues at KETK. The Longview Fire Department responded, and officials said the fire is contained as of 7:30 a.m. The Compost Site is located at 202 Swinging Bridge Road.

MURCHISON – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has reportedly arrested two women in connection to the theft of 500 pounds of turquoise worth more than $2 million dollars. Originally, Jennifer Kinabrew, Coy Boles, William Trussell were arrested after two different Henderson County homes were searched for the stolen turquoise. According to Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and our colleagues at KETK, Catherine Louise Hollis, 50 of Brownsboro, and Jamye Lynn Hawthorne, 44 of Athens, have also been arrested in connection to the theft. Continue reading Two women arrested for turquoise theft

TYLER – Tyler Transit is no longer planning to increase rates and will keep providing Saturday services after the city council accepted a $150,000 grant from the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) on Wednesday. Our news partners at KETK report that the Tyler budget for 2023-2024 revealed a plan to double fares, leading to multiple public hearings held on the issue with revisions proposed. “We’re thankful for ETCOG and for all the residents that voiced their concerns and suggestions,” Transit Manager Russ Jackson said. “We heard our customers and found the best solutions for everyone.” Continue reading Tyler Transit won’t raise fares after all

TYLER — Smith County Animal control has transformed its shelter to host “A Who-Ville Grinchmas” event on Saturday, December 16. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the holiday event will offer free dog adoptions and a visit with the Grinch! As Cindy Lou Who says, ‘No one should be alone on Christmas.’ Let’s give these loving dogs new families for the holiday season and to ring in the new year,” Smith County Animal Control and Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene said. As of Wednesday, December 13, there were 59 dogs and 25 puppies in the shelter who need homes. Throughout December, dog adoptions have been reduced to $12 for the “$12 Strays of Grinchmas,” to continue the Grinch theme at the shelter. But during Saturday’s event, adoptions will be free. Each dog adopted also comes with a voucher to pay for spay or neuter costs. The shelter is located at 322 E. Ferguson St. in downtown Tyler and can be reached at 903-266-4303. To view what dogs are available for adoption, click here.

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities will soon begin a water meter replacement project for customers. The Tyler City Council approved the $3.45 million project with Core & Main on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Water meters are used to measure the amount of water delivered to a customer’s tap. The current water metering system was installed in 2005. Over the last several years, 27 percent of the existing meters have faced issues in accurately reading water usage at the meter, not registering consumption and not communicating the information to the Water Business Office. “Technology has advanced, and we know there’s a better solution for our customers with meters that aren’t working properly,” said Utilities Director Kate Dietz. “Replacing those meters will allow our customers to rest easy and know that their water bill is accurate.” Continue reading Tyler Water Utilities to begin meter replacement program

BIG SANDY — A pickup truck allegedly failed to stop for a school bus, resulting in the death of a woman at approximately 6:30 a.m. on US State Highway 155 near South Mulberry Road. DPS along with our news partner KETK reported that the woman was outside with a flashlight, assisting children in boarding the school bus. However, the driver of a pickup truck supposedly did not stop for the bus, which had its lights on and stop sign out, and ended up hitting her. The driver is reportedly facing charges and is currently being held in Upshur County Jail. The victim was declared dead at the scene.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Former chief of the now-defunct Coffee City Police Department was arrested on several charges on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, JohnJay Portillo, 51 of Houston, was charged with six counts of tampering with government records. According to online arrest records., each charge had a $150,000 bond totaling to $900,000. Records show Portillo bonded out of jail. The arresting agency was the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and the warrants were issued by the 3rd District Court. The charges all share an offense date of April 12, 2021. Coffee City Council meeting minutes show that Portillo was sworn in on that date. Minutes show councilmembers asking Portillo about gaps in his resume and his businesses in Houston before administering his oath of office.

TYLER — The Fair Plaza Parking Garage at 208 S. College Ave. will be closed for maintenance on Sunday, Dec. 17. All vehicles must be removed from the parking garage by 5 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17. Vehicles not removed will be subject to towing. The Main Street Department is working with drivers who reserve spaces and need overnight parking. The parking garage will be power washed to prepare for the restriping of the parking spaces and directional arrows. It will reopen to the public on Monday, Dec. 18. Once the garage is dry, the restriping process will begin and individual levels will be closed one at a time to allow drivers to park on other levels during the project. “We are excited about this project as it will allow markings to be easily identifiable and create a safe environment for those parking in the garage,” said Main Street Director Amber Varona. The project is anticipated to take about a week.

LONGVIEW — Tuesday morning, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital employees and patients gathered out front for a Christmas event that had been paused for the last few years. According to our news partner KETK, Longview SWAT, including a Blue Santa, rappelled down the side of the hospital for all to see. “[It] brings the city together, shows the police department and fire can all work together and all make the city better,” said Lyle Potter, a Longview Police Department Patrol Officer. Fittingly named Operation Christmas Cheer, it’s a way to bring the holiday spirit to those who spend a lot of time in the hospital. Once they land, the SWAT team hands out gifts and candy canes. “This is the first time they’ve done it since 2019, so I think it’s especially important today,” said Todd Hancock, CEO of CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Continue reading SWAT brings Christmas cheer by rappelling down side of hospital

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Tax Office has closed early after an employee noticed water outside the building. On Tuesday afternoon, Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber reportedly noticed water coming up through the pavement in front of the tax office building on Front Street and notified the City of Tyler Water Utilities Department. The City said they shut off water to the Cotton Belt Building and Barber shut down the office. The Lindale, Noonday and Troup substation tax offices remain open. The Cotton Belt Building is expected to reopen Wednesday morning, officials said.

GREGG COUNTY — Gregg County authorities say there is no evidence of foul play in connection to the death of an inmate at their North Jail facility on Tuesday. According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, jail staff were conducting observation floor walks when they saw a 64-year-old inmate unresponsive in his cell. “Jail staff along with jail medical staff began immediate lifesaving procedures,” the statement read. “The inmate was transported to a local hospital by EMS personnel where he was later pronounced dead.” The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office notified the Texas Commission on Jail Standards about the death. Per policy, the Texas Rangers were notified and are investigating. The inmate’s identity will be released after his next-of-kin has been informed.

PALESTINE — The City of Palestine announced a water outage in some parts of the city for Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the water outage will occur on East Park Ave from Lakeview Ave to East Neches Street on Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., or until repairs can be completed. Officials said if the public has any questions or concerns to contact public works at 903-731-8423.

TYLER — A post office has been damaged after a man allegedly crashed into the building before 3 p.m. on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK and Andy Erbaugh, the Public Information Officer for Tyler PD, it is suspected that the man was parked at front of the Azalea Post Office on 2627 S. Broadway Ave. when he put the car in drive instead of in reverse. The driver damaged the front of the building, going through the glass walls. No one inside was injured, but the driver sustained injuries due to the airbag opening, Erbaugh said. The post office reportedly remains open.

LONGVIEW – According to a release from Public Information Officer Richard Yeakley, the Longview Police Department dedicated its new building Tuesday afternoon. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at 3:00 p.m. And the public open house is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The festivities will take place at the new facility on South St. The new building is 3 stories tall, and over 68,000 square feet. To learn more about the building’s construction and view initial renderings, click here.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Two people are dead and six people were injured after a pickup veered into oncoming traffic on US Highway 175, north of Jacksonville. According to our news partners KETK, in a release from DPS, a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado veered into oncoming traffic and hit a 2022 Honda Accord and then a 2022 Toyota Corolla. The driver of the Silverado, 69-year-old David Blakeney of Jacksonville, as well as the driver of the Accord, 23-year-old Antonio Santana III of Little Elm, were pronounced dead at the scene. The two passengers in the Accord and the driver plus three passengers in the Corolla were taken to a hospital.

TYLER — Mary Ruth “Ruthie” Graham earned her Bachelor’s degree from UT Tyler School of Nursing on her 72nd birthday. According to the university, Graham walked across the stage to receive her diploma on Dec. 8. Graham said in a release that after bonding with the nurses that helped her with the births of her four children she had decided that she wanted to help women in the same way they helped her, our news partner KETK reports. “I’d wanted to complete college all of these years, and this was my opportunity,” Graham said. “I knew it was my time.” She had earned her RN license in 1994 and worked in labor and delivery for 13 years. While working she helped her children through their own academic endeavors including four bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees and one pursing their Ph.D. Continue reading UT Tyler names 72-year-old graduate

SMITH COUNTY — A former ranch manager was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to cattle theft. According to our news partner KETK, Jesus Sergio Perez-Sanchez, 67, was first investigated back in Dec. 2021, where he was accused of putting three yearlings up for auction and placed one of them in his name without the landowner’s consent. He was then accused of taking a bull and a cow to an auction where he placed the cow under his own name, again, without the landowner’s consent. Perez-Sanchez was arrested for two counts of theft in March 2022 after officials said the landowner “noticed discrepancies in cattle sales and called Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Rangers.” According to Smith County judicial records Perez-Sanchez pleaded guilty to theft of cattle/horse/exotic livestock less than $150,000 on Dec. 8. He was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank has a new resource center opening later this month that they say will allow them to serve more people than ever. According to our news partner KETK, they plan to serve 500 families per week and provide 756,000 meals each year with the new Tyler Resource Center at Robertson Road. The Tyler Resource Center will include a “Healthy Food Pantry” as well as access to other services to help families reach self-sufficiency. Other services include health screenings, rental assistance and help with SNAP benefits. “It’s just really all of the type of services that are available in the community,” East Texas Food Bank CEO David Emerson said. “We’re able to bring them here because we’re going to have 500 families every week showing up to get services and so they’re going to be able to learn about these other services. And we can then cooperate with those other partner agencies to get them everything, hopefully, that they need.” Continue reading New ETFB Resource Center to help Smith County residents in need

TYLER – Tyler Police closed a portion of Loop 323 Monday following a report of a suspicious package. According to officials, Tyler police and fire responded to a call of a suspicious property condition around 11:30 a.m. in the Whataburger parking lot located at 345 SSW Loop 323. The bomb squad was called to the scene. Around 2:20, the “suspicious property condition investigation” has been determined by Tyler PD to pose no real danger, and Loop 323 has been reopened. Tyler PD Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said the item was an empty safe that was open with wires exposed that were likely connected to the keypad before the safe was pried open.

PALESTINE — A Palestine woman has been arrested and booked into the Anderson County Jail after leading police on a chase that ended on a dead-end road. According to our news partner KETK, Shelby Lynn Beckham, 32, had an active warrant for alleged possession of a controlled substance in Navarro County. After running a stop sign, an on-patrol officer attempted to stop Beckham. She then attempted to evade the officer down a dead-end road before being arrested for her warrant. Palestine Police in a statement said the found Beckham was in possession of a methamphetamine pipe and a trace amount of methamphetamine in a small plastic container.

ANGELINA COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety said that one man is dead and another is injured after a 2015 Ford pickup truck crashed on FM 819 on Sunday accordeing to our news colleagues at KETK. Officials said the crash happened around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning when the Ford was traveling southeast on FM 819 near FM 2108. According to DPS, the Ford went off the left side of the road and hit a concrete culvert before hitting another concrete culvert and turning over. Bradley Napier, 42 of Lufkin, was ejected from the truck and pronounced dead at the scene by an Angelina County Justice of the Peace. Winston Conway, 38 of Lufkin, was taken to be treated by a local hospital after being ejected from the truck.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety has announced two upcoming lane closures on I-20 in Van Zandt County this week. On Monday and Tuesday, the eastbound and westbound outside lanes at I-20 and FM 859 will be shut down as a part of a bridge replacement project at FM 859. According to DPS, this is east of Splash Kingdom in Canton. According to our news partner KETK, the eastbound and westbound outside lanes at I-20 and FM 47 will be shut down Wednesday and Thursday as a part of a bridge replacement project at FM 859.

SMITH COUNTY — An East Texas county rules that a Jewish menorah cannot be displayed on a public square. Commissioners in Smith County decided not to permit the display of the Jewish symbol during the observance of Hanukkah. County Judge Neal Franklin said in recent years the county has allowed only secular holiday decorations on the downtown Tyler Square to avoid lawsuits and demands from fringe religious groups demanding to display symbols. Tyler Rabbi Neal Katz says the menorah has been displayed in the past without controversy, but the display broke a few years ago and was only replaced this year. Katz says the decision is “antagonistic” to the Tyler Jewish community.

HEMPHILL – The Six Mile Volunteer Fire Department said that Friendship Missionary Baptist Church on Highway 87 in Hemphill is a total loss after a fire burned the church on Saturday night. Six Mile VFD Chief Lonnie Johnston said that firefighters arrived on the scene around 10 p.m. on Saturday and were able to put out the fire by 12:30 a.m. Six Mile VFD and the State Fire Marshall’s Office are at the scene today trying to determine why the fire started.