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TYLER — Elizabeth Gomez, assistant principal of Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School, has been named the new principal at Bonner Elementary School. “It means so much to me to continue to grow here at home in Tyler ISD,” Gomez said. “I have had the pleasure to meet many wonderful mentors on my journey from student to educator and administrator, and those experiences will guide me to create a positive impact at Bonner Elementary.” Gomez joined Tyler ISD in 2015 as a classroom teacher at Bell Elementary School. In 2019, she moved into an administrative role at the district, serving as a Bilingual/ESL Instructional Specialist. Gomez became assistant principal at Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School in 2020. Continue reading Tyler ISD names new elementary school principal

BULLARD — A new principal for Bullard High School has been named. Chad Bentley was approved by the Bullard ISD Board of Trustees during the April regular monthly board meeting Monday evening, April 17. According to a news release from the district, Mr. Bentley comes to Bullard from Canyon Lake High School in Comal ISD, where he has served as assistant principal and interim academic dean since 2020. Before his administrative role in Comal ISD, he served in Malakoff ISD as fine arts coordinator from 2013 to 2020 and head band director from 2012 to 2016. He has also served as head band director at Cayuga High School and assistant band director at Eustace High School. Continue reading Bullard ISD announces new high school principal

TYLER – A Grand Prairie man charged in the death of Smith County deputy Lorenzo Bustos has requested a change of venue to Cherokee County. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Nyabuto, 21 of Grand Prairie, asked for the change of venue after being indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and intoxicated manslaughter causing death of a peace officer on Oct. 13, 2022. Nyabuto’s request for change of venue to a Cherokee County court has not been granted and the earliest the decision could come is at the next hearing on Wednesday at 9 a.m. The state prosecutors are currently waiting on more info from DPS and they’ve made no offers to Nyabuto yet.

CHANDLER – After several reports of parked cars getting their windows bashed in, Chandler Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the culprits. According to our news partner KETK, on the north side of Highway 31, police said that during the night or early morning hours several neighbors had their windows broken on cars parked “at several locations.” In addition to those incidents, CPD report isolated issues involving juveniles committing offenses during the night across the city. Police ask that anyone with video cameras check their footage to see if they can catch anyone walking through the area. “Chandler officers will be diligently working neighborhoods and speaking to anyone out walking after dark,” police said.

TYLER – Keep Tyler Beautiful is inviting artists to submit artwork for their 100th Beauty and the Box. The Beauty and the Box program began in 2016 to transform utilitarian traffic boxes into works of art by local artists. According to our news partner KETK, the programs pilot began with only 10 boxes located in the Downtown Business Arts and Culture District but has now grown to 95 vinyl-wrapped traffic cabinets across the City of Tyler. Keep Tyler Beautiful is asking artists to submit artwork for the 100th box with the theme centered around “all things Keep Tyler Beautiful.” The winning artist of this century-mark box will earn a $250 stipend from Keep Tyler Beautiful.

TYLER — The City of Tyler reopened Noble E. Young park on Saturday after making some upgrades. The grand opening was held on Saturday; visitors and the city celebrated the improvements. Changes include new restrooms, art murals, a new walking trail, outdoor gym, bike park, new picnic tables, benches and pavilions, according to our news partner KETK. “This is one of the things I wanted to do and I promised my constituents that when I got elected that this was one of the parks that I wanted to see renovated and I’m glad to see it finally come to fruition,” said Broderick McGee, City of Tyler councilman. The community development block grant program provided funding for the new park upgrades.

TYLER – Tyler Police and Fire departments met at Tyler Park for their fifth annual Battle of the Badges softball game on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler PD’s crimes against children unit detective Ryan Caldwell created the program five years ago following his 4-year-old nephew’s type one diabetes diagnosis. “So the winner has bragging rights for the year and everything we make through raffle sales or anything, all the proceeds go to Tyler Type One Diabetes Foundation,” Caldwell said. Caldwell said the game is always a good time.

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches woman was booked in to Nacogdoches County Jail on Friday on the charge of capital murder of a person under 10 years old. According to our news partner KETK, Hanna Ruth Moses, 33 of Nacogdoches, was arrested and booked on Friday, March 15. Moses is awaiting trial and has not had a bond amount set yet. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

TRINITY COUNTY – Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace shared on Facebook that he was bit by an alligator on Friday night. Wallace said the alligator grabbed into his flesh and went into a death roll while he was attempting to capture it. Wallace was apparently able to subdue the creature but not before he and another Trinity County resident suffered several cuts. According to our news partner KETK, Wallace says the alligator was relocated safely into a pond after its capture. Continue reading Trinity County Sheriff attacked by alligator

SMITH COUNTY — Congressman Nathaniel Moran gave an East Texas welcome to the group of 60 Christians from the Mayflower Church out of China Friday. According to our news partner KETK, the welcome event was held at the South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler. Pastor Chris Legg opened the event with a prayer before welcoming Moran to the stage. “It is a blessing to be here today and this is the most important thing I think we’re going to see happen in East Texas today, this week, possibly this month and year,” Moran said. After sharing scripture from the Bible, Moran wanted to leave the attendees of the event with three thoughts. Continue reading Welcome event for Chinese Christian asylum seekers in Smith County

TYLER – East Texas native Miranda Lambert has been nominated for five Academy of Country Music Awards, including a record-breaking 17th Female Artist of the Year nomination. This year, Lambert has been nominated for Entertainer Of The Year, Female Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year twice and Artist-Songwriter Of The Year. Lambert’s 17th Female Artist of the Year nomination breaks Reba McEntire’s record of 16 nominations for the award. “Palomino”, Lambert’s ninth studio album, has earned her two nominations for Album of the Year this year for being the artist and being one of the albums producers. Continue reading Miranda Lambert breaks Reba McEntire’s ACM nomination record

TYLER – A new date has been set in a jury trial for a Jacksonville man charged in the 2021 deadly shooting at the New Orleans Flavors Daiquiri in Tyler. A pre-trial hearing was held on Friday for Jaderick Willis, 23 of Jacksonville, and his jury trial has been set for April 24. He was indicted for murder on Sept. 9, 2021. According to an arrest affidavit, a fight in the parking lot prompted the shooting which resulted in the death of Tylsha Brown who was at the daiquiri shop to celebrate her 46th birthday. Willis was also injured in the shooting, and originally listed as a victim by police before he was later arrested and charged with murder. A second man arrested in the shooting, Dycorrian Lofton, 24 of Jacksonville, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The jury trial for Willis had previously been scheduled for Aug. 29, 2022 before it was delayed.

TYLER — Contractors will replace a traffic signal pole at South Broadway Avenue and West Southwest Loop 323 on Sunday, April 16. The signal will be without power from 7:30 to 11 a.m. while crews work to replace the pole hit by a tractor-trailer on Tuesday morning. The Tyler Police Department will be on the scene to direct traffic. Southbound traffic on South Broadway Avenue will not be able to turn right onto West Southwest Loop 323. The westbound turn lane will be closed along with two westbound lanes of West Southwest Loop 323. Drivers can expect lane closures and traffic delays in the area. The City of Tyler urges drivers to use caution and obey the direction of the Tyler Police Department officers directing traffic. Motorists are encouraged to plan extra time into their drive and take an alternate route to avoid the area.

TYLER — Tyler ISD announced its 2023 District Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year Thursday evening at the Tyler ISD Teacher of the Year Banquet. The Rookie of the Year award recognizes a teacher who demonstrates outstanding performance and superior instruction skills during their first year. The 2023 Rookie of the Year is Mallory Sims (pictured) at Andy Woods Elementary School. The 2023 Principal of the Year is Dr. NaTasha Crain, Principal at Jones Elementary School. “We are proud to honor our District Teachers of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Rookie of the Year,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. Continue reading Tyler ISD names 2023 teachers of the year

TYLER — The W.T. Brookshire Conference Center Grand Opening took place Thursday. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fireworks, celebrating the building’s grand opening that is 30 years in the making. Mayor Don Warren and four former Tyler mayors came together to celebrate the momentous occasion, our news partner KETK reports. “The WT Brookshire Conference Center is the centerpiece and offers this community a conference experience like no other,” said Warren. From start to finish, Warren explained that the project wasn’t easy, but worth it for the City of Tyler. “Getting a project of this magnitude off the ground is challenging at anytime but doing it during a pandemic is a whole new ball game,” said Warren. Continue reading Tyler celebrates grand opening of W.T. Brookshire Conference Center

TYLER — Tyler Junior College was given the all-clear by law enforcement after issuing a shelter in place due to a “potential active shooter warning.” According to our news partner KETK, officials with the Tyler Police Department said the call came in around 10:30 a.m., and the caller reported multiple people had been shot at the technology building. Officials arrived at the scene within minutes, and no threats were found. Officials said similar active shooter calls had been made to other Texas colleges. “Anytime we get a call like that, you’re gonna see us come out in full force,” Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said. TJC was given the all-clear by 11:15 a.m., and the junior college’s West campus and Pirtle Technology Building were evacuated. Continue reading TJC cleared by law enforcement after ‘possible active shooter warning’

TYLER – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler blessed the Patrick R. Thomas, M.D., Therapy Garden on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the garden is intended to help patients get better by growing and caring for plants. This therapy is already being used to help patients recovering from strokes. “This garden provides patients the opportunity to get out of their rooms and participate in activities that promote healing, functional strength, restoration, and a return to independence,” said Sara Martin, occupational therapist. “Since functional activities are a vital part of therapy, what better way to highlight that than through gardening in our therapy garden.” The garden’s blessing started at 10 a.m. on Thursday and “Planting Day” was held all day. According to CHRISTUS, Micro Family Farms provided flowers to be planted in the garden.

TYLER-Officials at Tyler Junior College gave the all clear late Thursday morning after after issuing a shelter in place due to an active shooter threat. According to our news partner KETK, TJC officials say at 10:30am Thursday a caller reported multiple people were shot at the Pirtle Technology Building on the West Campus. When law enforcement arrived, they searched the campus and no threats were found. TJC gave the all clear by 11:15 that morning. College operation returned to normal.

AUSTIN — The Texas Senate passes a bill targeting the use of critical race theory in college classrooms.Senate Bill 16 would ban college professors from compelling students to adopt certain beliefs on racial or political issues. Republican State Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, thinks some college professors are excluding debate in their classrooms and suppressing conservative ideas. The bill does not specifically mention “critical race theory” but Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued a statement saying it would ban the teaching of critical race theory at Texas universities. He thanked Senator Hughes and other Republicans in the Texas Senate for passing it. The legislature banned critical race theory from public elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in 2021.

JACKSONVILLE — UT Health Jacksonville received a threat against the facility and issued a lockdown on Wednesday, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, the lockdown was issued as a precautionary measure.  “Our security team and local law enforcement are aware of the threat and are working to resolve the matter,” UT Health East Texas said in a statement. The hospital system said, “The safety of the patients, team members and visitors is their priority.” Additional details were not available.

TYLER — The City of Tyler plans to retime 18 intersections this year in an effort to improve traffic flow, approving a $121,085 contract at the council meeting on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the contract is with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Master Plan. It’s year three of their intelligent transportation system master plan. Every year since 2020, the city of Tyler has retimed several lights. So far, they have completed 53 out of the 149 signal intersections. The city says they’ve received positive feedback from drivers since the project began. Continue reading Tyler to retime traffic signals at 18 intersections

TYLER — For the first time in its 76-year existence, the Tyler Junior College Apache Cheer team has earned the title of national champion.  TJC took first place in the Intermediate Large Coed Open Division in the National Cheerleaders Association’s College Nationals competition last weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida. “We work a whole year preparing for a routine that lasts 2 minutes and 15 seconds,” said Tammy Rose, TJC cheer head coach. “We started this journey last summer at NCA college camp at SMU in Dallas, where we earned a bronze bid to attend NCA College Nationals.” Continue reading TJC Apache Cheer earns first-ever national title

SMITH COUNTY — On Tuesday, Smith County Constable Josh Joplin of Precinct 4 expressed concerns during the commissioners court meeting. He feels the scope of his job is being limited, according to our news partner KETK. Precinct 4 is the largest precinct in Smith County covering 322 square miles. Joplin said recent comments made to him and his deputies by some county commissioners are degrading to his badge. “We’ve received veil threats from certain commissioners that state that they don’t want us to do law enforcement work. They want us to do the bare minimum of our taxpayers serving papers and bailiff in court,” said Joplin. Continue reading Smith County Constable raises concerns over limitations to job

WHITEHOUSE — TxDOT has announced that repairs to the sinkhole on FM 346, between Pecanwood and Crepe Myrtle Road in Whitehouse are scheduled to be completed by the morning of Thursday, April 13. Currently, the westbound lanes of FM 346 are being diverted through the center lane, which will continue until repairs are complete. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible. If travel is necessary in this area, please reduce your speed and pay attention in the work zone.

TYLER — The Planning and Zoning Committee met on Tuesday, where they unanimously voted down the proposal to bring in a 35-unit residential property to a Tyler neighborhood. According to our news partner KETK, dozens of forms were submitted, 77 total, that expressed opposition to the potential housing development near the corner of Richmond Road and Timberwilde Road. “As one of 77 homeowners who submitted forms in opposition to this zone change, I am thrilled the planning and zoning commission unanimously denied this request,” Mitzi Rusk said. “Many of us presented information that prove R1A, the current zoning, can succeed and is best for our situation.” Continue reading Tyler committee votes against 35-unit housing development proposal

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD announced that the district will be taking additional measures to ensure the safety of their campuses thanks to the unanimous approval of up to $250,000 for glass reinforcement film on all campuses. According to our news partner KETK, the purchase of the materials for the glass reinforcement film is in line with the school safety standards that were put in place in November 2022, according to Scott Fisher, LISD Director of Safety and Magnet Grants. Purchasing the materials had to be approved by the school board since it was more than $50,000, per their policy, according to a release. Continue reading Longview ISD to enhance campus protection

TYLER – A Henderson man was arrested for sexual assault of a child and is in jail with bonds totaling $1 million. According to our news partner KETK, Russell Lewis Evans, 21, was arrested for continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and sexual assault of a child. According to his arrest warrant, Evans’ continuous abuse started when the victim was under the age of 10. His arrest warrant states that after each instance, Evans would threaten his victim if the victim ever told anyone of the abuse, one time even saying he would shoot the child in the head if they told anyone. His warrants were signed on April 5 and he was booked into Smith County Jail the following day. Continuous sexual abuse of a young child is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years in prison or a life sentence. Sexual assault of a child is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison.

TYLER — Tyler Police are at the scene of a morning accident at Loop 323 and Broadway Avenue. Officers said an oversized load pulled down the intersection lights. All westbound traffic on the Loop at Broadway Ave is down to one lane only. Drivers should expect traffic delays as crews work to repair the lights, and are encouraged to take alternate routes and avoid the area while the repairs are made.

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man was arrested in March for aggravated sexual assault in connection to a serial rape investigation in Smith County that dates back to 2003. Our news partner KETK reports, Vincente Zavaleta, 44 of Tyler, was arrested on March 21 by the Texas Department of Public Safety. According to his arrest warrant, three victims reported to have been sexually assaulted in Smith County and Tyler in 2003, 2012 and 2016. Two of the victims reported they were abducted by their attacker. The warrant said the three victims had been linked to an unidentified DNA profile. Continue reading Tyler man arrested in connection to serial rape investigation