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RUSK COUNTY– Two people were arrested for multiple charges on Wednesday after the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said they were wanted for abuse of a corpse, and a third person is now being sought in the case. According to our news partner KETK, officials say on March 30, a body had been found on CR 169D and the person was believed to have died somewhere else and taken to that location “in an attempt to conceal the cause and location of the death.” The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Cory Murphy. William Welch, 36 of Kilgore, and Stephanie Kravis, 36 of Carthage, were named as persons of interest by the sheriff’s office and on March 31, officials announced warrants had been issued for their arrests. Continue reading Suspects arrested in Rusk County abuse of corpse case

HARRISON COUNTY — A man in Harrison County was allegedly scammed out of $29,000 after he received a call from someone claiming to be an attorney out of Georgia, according to our news partner KETK. The scammer said that the man’s grandson was in jail and facing some serious charges. He was told to gather clothes, wrap the money in them and mail it off. The sheriff’s office said the man sent the money and later realized his mistake. To prevent situations like this, the FTC recommends contacting the family member who the scammer said is in trouble on a phone number that you recognize. If you’re unable to get in contact with that person, check with another friend or family member if you’re unable to reach them, and never send cash by mail, gift card or wire money to someone who is demanding it. Continue reading East Texas man scammed by bogus attorney

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — After fentanyl was reportedly being sold in at least one Van Zandt County school, District Attorney Tonda Curry held a press conference Wednesday to announce the formation of a new task force. According to our news partner KETK, the new Van Zandt County DA Fentanyl Response Task Force is made up of officers from county and state law enforcement agencies committed to making an immediate and aggressive response to the presence of fentanyl in the county. Continue reading East Texas county creates Fentanyl Response Task Force

WOOD COUNTY — A Winnsboro woman was arrested Tuesday after reportedly shooting her husband in the face. The Wood County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the shooting on FM 312 around 4:15 Tuesday, where they found the man awake and coherent. He was taken to a Tyler hospital for treatment. Michelle Denise Freudiger was booked into the Wood County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Her bond has been set at $100,000. The victim remains in a Tyler hospital, and is expected to survive.

EAST TEXAS — Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted offenders are back in custody following their arrests in Mabank and Tyler last month. Santos Ramirez, 47, was captured on March 16 in Mabank. Ramirez had been wanted since April 5, 2022, after the Midland County Sheriff’s Office issued warrant for his arrest for continuous sexual abuse of a child, continuous violence against the family, stalking, two counts of violation of bond/protective order, interference with emergency request for assistance, and failure to identify. His arrest was the result of tip information received through Texas Crime Stoppers and a reward was paid. Continue reading Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives Captured in East Texas

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for a $35 million expansion for their School of Nursing building. UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife was present, along with UT Tyler President Kirk Calhoun, UT Tyler Executive Vice President of Health Affairs Julie Philley and UT Tyler School of Nursing Dean Barbara Haas. Calling this expansion “critically important,” Calhoun said it will allow UT Tyler to expand the number of nurses and the various disciplines and expertise they bring to the table. According to our news partner KETK, the college of Nursing is the largest college on the UT Tyler campus with roughly 2,000 students, Calhoun explained. He expects the program to get even larger in the future. Continue reading UT Tyler hosts groundbreaking for $35 million nursing school expansion

TYLER — On Tuesday, a man pleaded guilty to evading arrest in a Smith County court and was sentenced to 13 years in prison. In November 2022, Rick Dixon, 61, was involved in a multi-county chase with officers that exceeded speeds of 100 mph, our news partner KETK reported. Dixon was reportedly driving a truck with a stolen U-Haul trailer attached when he failed to stop for officials attempting a traffic stop. Officials said he continued down I-20 into Gregg County, where the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office and DPS deployed spikes in front of the truck on Interstate 230 before the truck exited onto Highway 42. The truck had to be spiked a second time after authorities said Dixon blew through several red lights while sparks began to fly from the tireless rims of the truck and trailer. Continue reading Man pleads guilty to evading arrest after leading authorities on chase

SMITH COUNTY — In the Smith County State of the County address Tuesday, Judge Neal Franklin broke down the county’s plan for construction on the new courthouse and parking garage in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, The first phase will be on the parking structure and is expected to be completed in August of 2024. The second phase will be for the construction of the new courthouse to be completed by September 2026. The third and final phase will be the transition from the existing courthouse to the new one which is expected to be complete by 2027. Judge Franklin added that the 2027 projection is just an estimate, as there are often delays in projects like this.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Clerk, Karen Phillips, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly interfering with a Smith County deputy’s duties on March 28. According to our news partner KETK, around 9:45 p.m. on March 28, officials said a deputy initiated a traffic stop on Cody Voss, 28, who allegedly did not pull over until he reached the Phillips residence. Derek Phillips, 36, was traveling in front of Voss. Once they reached the residence, authorities said that Derek Phillips started interfering with the traffic stop. Soon after, his mother, County Clerk Karen Phillips, 65, allegedly came out of the residence and officials said she started interfering with the stop as well. Voss was arrested on charges of failure to identify and held on a $250 bond before being released on March 29. Derek Phillips was arrested on charges of evading arrest/detention, interfering with public duties and resisting arrest/search/transport and was held on a collective bond of $4,500. He was also released on March 29. Continue reading Smith County Clerk arrested for reportedly interfering with arrest

LONGVIEW – A shooting late Monday night killed one man in Southeast Longview. 44-year-old Derrick Spearman, was shot multiple times and died later at a local hospital. Longview police arrested Shannon Marshall, 22, of Longview in the shooting. He is in the Gregg County jail on a murder charge. Longview Police are still seeking information in this case.

GREGG COUNTY – Thrive Longview is one of more than 40 nonprofit organizations from Gregg County that are participating in East Texas Giving Day this year. According to our news partner KETK, the even it put on by the East Texas Communities Foundation and this year’s online donation event will be April 25. Thrive Longview works with middle schoolers to teach principles of community, stewardship and mentorship. They provide after-school programming from Monday through Thursday during the school year, an eight-week summer camp and leadership development programming on middle school campuses.

HARRISON COUNTY — A man has been arrested in Harrison County for allegedly smuggling five individuals. According to our news partner KETK, around 1:10 p.m. Sunday, a Harrison County deputy conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation on Interstate 20 eastbound at the 619 mile marker. When speaking with the driver of the vehicle, the deputy said the driver’s behavior indicated that criminal activity was taking place.  During the deputy’s investigation of the vehicle, the driver was identified as Benjamin Rios-Perez, 32, and officials said that he was participating in human smuggling by transferring five individuals for $700 per person which led to the vehicle and $3,701 being seized. Continue reading Man charged with human smuggling following traffic stop

TYLER — Tyler Junior College will hold a mock emergency exercise on Tuesday, in collaboration with the TJC fire and law enforcement academies, emergency medical services professions, communications and theatre departments. The event will be held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, in the parking lot between Mike Carter Field and Rose Stadium, located on Fair Park Drive in Tyler. According to a TJC news release, by simulating a multi-vehicle accident involving an intoxicated driver, this scenario will allow students to experience various challenges, such as extinguishing a fire, rescuing passengers, providing medical attention, securing the scene and addressing legal/media interaction best practices. Continue reading TJC to stage mock emergency drill near Rose Stadium on Tuesday

TYLER – In recognition of members of the community above and beyond for survivors of sexual violence, the East Texas Crisis Center handed Hope Award to those being recongized. Those from Smith County receiving the Hope Award were Angela Faulkner with the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. Sgt Joseph Durr with the Office of the Attorney General and Bethany Morgan with the Counseling Nook for Trauma and Disassociation. East Texas Crisis Center Volunteer. Tyler Mayor Don Warren noted that the Center provided services in 2022 to 327 survivors of sexual violence. April is sexual assault awareness month and East Texas Crisis Center will be hosting survivor support events during the month.

CARTHAGE –An employee in the Panola County Sheriff’s Department was arrested for theft and abuse of official capacity. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Cutter Clinton said that county employee Torey McLemore of Carthage resigned his position just prior to being booked. Clinton also said that his office became aware of possible violations in March and launched an internal investigation with the Texas Rangers assisting. The charges against McLemore are Class C misdemeanors.

SMITH COUNTY — The deadline to register to vote or make a change of address to be able to vote in the upcoming election is Thursday, April 6. If you are not sure if you are registered, you can find out here. You can also find an application at this website to fill out, print and return to the Smith County Elections Office. You can also visit the Smith County Elections Office, at 302 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler, to fill it out in person. Continue reading Thursday is the deadline to register to vote in May 6 election

MINEOLA — Police are investigating two separate threats allegedly made by students toward Mineola ISD on Thursday and Friday, the district said. One student was searched and no harmful objects were found, another student was detained, the district said. Our news partner KETK reports, on Thursday a report was made to the middle school administration office about a broad threat made on a church van the evening before concerning possible harm to the middle school campus. “As required by law, a Behavioral Threat Assessment was conducted to investigate the student and these comments,” the district said. Continue reading Mineola ISD reports two threats allegedly made by students

TYLER — A canine virus is making its way through Pets Fur People in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Gayle Helms with Pets Fur People says the rescue had 27 dogs dumped at the facility at the end of February and that’s where the sickness began.“We have had the worst outbreak of parvo that we have ever had in the history of pets fur people,” said Gayle Helms, executive director, Pets Fur People. “We’ve had 15 cases of parvo and we have lost 8 puppies,” said Helms. Continue reading Pets Fur People faced with parvo outbreak

TYLER –  Former Rose Heights Church pastor Doug Anderson passed away on Saturday afternoon, according to a post from the church. Anderson had recently retired from the church in January of 2023. Anderson spent 37 years of his life preaching and leading at Rose Heights Church. Congressman Nathaniel Moran honored Anderson at his retirement ceremony in January. “In recognition of their persevering efforts to follow the teachings and admonitions of Jesus Christ, I present to you this flag and certificate. Congratulations Doug and Gina,” Moran said. Continue reading Former Rose Heights Church pastor Doug Anderson dies

LONGVIEW — A Longview man was arrested on Wednesday, March 29 after a search conducted at his home found a variety of drugs, money and guns, according to officials. According to our news partner KETK, Devarious Ramone Craig, 39 of Longview, was arrested for 11 different possession charges, a money laundering charge and a theft of a firearm charge. The Joint Harrison County Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force searched his residence after starting an investigation into drugs allegedly being shipped there. Officials obtained a search warrant and HCSO Patrol, MPD Crime Scene and Texas DPS CID officers assisted in the search. Continue reading Longview man arrested after search finds guns, cocaine, meth and more at home

RUSK COUNTY — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is searching for two individuals that they believe were involved in the abuse of a corpse. According to our news partner KETK, on Thursday, Rusk County investigators responded to a death investigation on County Road 169D. During the investigation, officials said they were led to believe that the body in the case had died at an alternate location and had been transported to Rusk County Road 169D in an attempt to “conceal the cause and location of the death.” A follow up investigation resulted in a evidentiary search warrant on Layton Street in Kilgore. The during the search, officials said they seized suspected methamphetamine, suspected fentanyl and other items believed to be of evidentiary value in the death investigation. Continue reading Two people wanted in connection to abuse of corpse

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road 329 was washed out during severe weather Friday afternoon. Officials are urging drivers to use an alternate route. The road will remain closed until it can be repaired. CR 329 runs from Farm-to-Market Road 14 to CR 334 near Owentown.

TYLER — John Smiley, principal of Rice Elementary School, has been named the new principal at Hubbard Middle School. He replaces Todd Dreifort, who was recently named the Director of the Career and Technology Center. “Coming in with experiences at the elementary and high school level, along with having a middle school child of my own, I am extremely excited to join the Hubbard Huskies team as principal,” Smiley said. “With Rice feeding into Hubbard, I’m excited that I’ll see some familiar faces this fall with this year’s 5th-grade class moving with me and last year’s class already there.” Continue reading Tyler ISD Announces New Principal for Hubbard Middle School

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work in the district during the week of April 3, 2023. Work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. Please slow down and pay attention in work zones. Tyler Maintenance will have a crew on FM 2868 for base repairs. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. A second crew will be conducting bridge work on FM 14, north of Red Springs. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. To see the full schedule, click here.

TYLER — Veteran broadcaster and longtime on-air personality John Sims died early Friday morning after suffering a serious head injury. He was out for a walk near his home in Tyler Tuesday morning when he was struck by a car. UT Health East Texas medical staff performed surgery, but he died of his injuries.

Hailing from the Philadelphia area, where his father called play-by-play for the Phillies baseball team, John likewise took up a career in radio, one that spanned more than 45 years, many of them here in East Texas. Since 1998, John served as news anchor and editor at KTBB, where his distinctive calm and raspy voice was a staple of the airwaves. He was involved in many local community organizations and was respected and admired by those with whom he interacted. Continue reading KTBB says goodbye to one of our own

TYLER — Two people were fatally shot in a car on March 23 after they were sent to do a gun trade and transaction at the Royal Crest Apartments in Tyler, according to court documents. According to our news partner KETK, warrants for Aaron Johnson, 20 of Tyler, and Nicholas Hudson, 18 of Malakoff, state that the two were in contact with each other to discuss Johnson trading an AR-15 assault rifle to Hudson in exchange for a Springfield XD 9mm pistol and $400 cash. Hudson coordinated for the transaction to happen in the parking lot of Royal Crest Apartments, according to the warrants. Continue reading Warrant shows what led up to murders at Tyler apartment complex

TYLER — A Canton man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas. Ashton Norris, 30, pleaded guilty on August 22, 2022, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced Thursday to 97 months in federal prison. According to information presented in court, on Oct. 4, 2021, Norris was stopped on I-20 in Van Zandt County for a defective license plate lamp. During the stop, it was discovered that Norris had an active warrant for his arrest out of Wood County and was placed under arrest. A search of his vehicle revealed a backpack with approximately 103 grams of methamphetamine. Norris was indicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 5, 2021 on federal drug trafficking violations.

LONGVIEW — One person was injured in a shooting Wednesday morning near a Pine Tree ISD campus. According to the Longview Police Department and our news partner KETK , officers were called to the 1800 block of Pine Tree Road in response to a shooting. Officers spoke with the victim, who reportedly told them that the shooting happened near Pirate Avenue. “As an initial precaution, the Pine Tree campus close to the location went on lockdown,” Longview Police said. “This has already been lifted due to authorities finding no ties to this incident to the school campus.” The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Police are on the scene and continuing the investigation.

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches ISD cheerleaders, drumline and administrators marched the hallways to surprise teachers with grants on Wednesday. Our news partner KETK reports, the grants were awarded by the Nacogdoches Education Foundation. Teachers from around the district applied for the grants. Eight grants this spring totaled $14,000. On Wednesday, select teachers were surprised with the good news. “I tried to be positive about getting the grant,” said Justin Guillory, Environmental Science Teacher at Nacogdoches High School. Guillory was one of the educators awarded a $1,500 grant, and he was brought to tears. “I’m so happy, I’m so glad, I’m going to be able to use it in my classroom, it’s awesome,” Guillory said. Continue reading Nacogdoches teachers surprised with grants totaling $14,000