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WASHINGTON – The University of Texas at Tyler was awarded a federal grant totaling $262,537 to support partnerships between local schools and institutions of higher education that are training counselors, social workers, psychologists, and other mental health professionals to provide school-based services. That announcement came Friday from U.S. Senator John Cornyn. According to a news release, the funding comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s Mental Health Service Professionals Demonstration program. The program was recently authorized by Sen. Cornyn’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, signed into law on June 25. This targeted legislation addresses specific concerns that have led to recent mass shootings, including the need for additional mental health services and school safety resources, according to the release. Continue reading Cornyn: UT Tyler to receive $262K for additional mental health resources

LONGVIEW — Longview Transit, in partnership with R&K Distributors, is preparing to provide a “Safe-Ride-Home” on New Year’s Eve. For the 16th consecutive year, Longview Transit will give free rides to anyone within the Longview city limits on New Year’s Eve between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. Rides can be scheduled by calling Longview Transit at 903-753-2287 ext. 10. The curb to curb service will be available to any destination within the city limits of Longview. The service is offered to the general public, including individuals that have had a couple of drinks or those that simply do not want to drive that evening. Longview Transit encourages riders to schedule trips in advance, if possible. Advanced reservations are now being taken. Click here for further details.

JACKSONVILLE – A Jacksonville man by the name of Ryan Donald Hoskins has been missing since Nov. 25. According to our news partner KETK, officials say Hoskins was last seen leaving 153 Fulton St. in Jacksonville on the morning of Nov. 25 after getting into a fight with his girlfriend. He reportedly left the residence in a white Chevy Suburban with a “profile sticker” on the right bumper. The vehicle was found abandoned on County Road 4405. Hoskins was wearing jeans, a white shirt, a hoodie, a hat, and tennis shoes. He also has several tattoos. On his chest is a heart organ, on his arm/shoulder area is a devil and an angel, his forearm has the quote “Never Give Up,” and on his right upper arm is a Bible verse from the book of Psalms. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Jacksonville Police Department via phone at 903-586-2546 or dial 911.

WINONA – Two people who were arrested in Winona for animal cruelty at their property, which was initially a rescue, have been sentenced to probation. According to our news partner KETK, Tina Loper and Eric Morris were initially arrested on Jan. 21 after 38 dogs were seized from the property. Loper pleaded guilty to multiple charges of animal cruelty in October and received a probated sentence of one year in state jail. The court has set a term of probation at 15 months with 200 hours of community service. Morris also pleaded guilty to similar misdemeanor charges and was sentenced to 12 months deferred adjudication with 100 hours of community service. Continue reading Winona dog rescue owners sentenced to probation on animal cruelty charges

WOOD COUNTY — 30-year-old Justin K. Fitzgerald of Mineola is dead after being hit and killed by a vehicle while fleeing from Wood County deputies on Wednesday around 6:30 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to a call about shots fired east of Mineola off Highway 80. As deputies arrived, Fitzgerald ran into the woods. A perimeter was established and a short time later, the sheriff’s office said they were notified of several houses that were broken into near the area of FM 1801. Additional units arrived and began “pushing into the tree line” in an attempt to locate Fitzgerald. He then ran out of the tree line near Highway 80 and ran into the highway, where he was struck by a vehicle. He was flown to a Tyler hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Texas DPS is investigating the crash.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments is seeking input from residents on a major broadband project. According to a news release, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released a new map showing what it believes is the type and speed of internet service that is now available to every household in East Texas. The map was built with information from internet providers, including those in the ETCOG region. Rural leaders from throughout Texas have voiced concerns that the map exaggerates the actual service that is available to Texans, especially those in rural communities. There is a process for individual households and communities to challenge the map data, and ETCOG is urging residents to look at the map and report inaccuracies. Continue reading East Texans asked to help verify new FCC broadband map

TYLER — Tyler Parks and Recreation is preparing to get 2023 off and running with a variety of offerings. It’s almost time for the 2023 Corporate Challenge, with registration opening Jan. 2. Officials say that event is designed to bring local businesses together for networking opportunities with other professionals while competing in a friendly competition. Also, Glass Recreation Center is holding a membership sale and putting out the word on its January programs, including aerobics, basketball, and table tennis. Along with that, Parks and Rec is hosting a Madden NFL Tournament for ages 13 to 15 Feb. 4 at Glass Recreation Center in a mobile video game bus. Officials say they’re targeting a demographic that enjoys sports but not physically playing them. Click here and scroll down to “Tyler News” to learn more.

LONGVIEW – A 23-year-old Longview man was arrested on Wednesday for murder and aggravated assault in connection to a shooting at the Longview Waffle House. According to our news partner KETK, Rayshon Weston LaGarde was taken to the Gregg County Jail and his bond has been set at $1.5 million. The pre-dawn shooting on Dec. 23 left one dead and another injured, according to officials. They identified Kendall Marshall, 27, of Longview, as the man who was pronounced dead at the hospital, and a female victim was reported to be in stable condition. Longview police said they would like to thank DPS troopers for assisting in LaGarde’s arrest.

GREGG COUNTY –The Longview Municipal Court’s Warrant Amnesty Program will be available from Jan. 1 through April 30, 2023, offering those with outstanding warrants an opportunity to resolve cases and save on their court fines. During the amnesty program, all warrant fees will be removed when someone voluntarily contacts the court to pay at least half the total amount due and start a payment plan for the remaining balance. An additional 20% will be removed from the fine amount for those who pay their balance in full. The discount only applies to the fine amount and does not include court costs. Continue reading Municipal Court offers warrant amnesty program in January

UPSHUR COUNTY – The person is dead after a house fire in Upshur County, the sheriff’s office said on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, officials said they received a call of a house fire on Hawk Road around 7 a.m. after a neighbor observed the fire and called 911. “The home was destroyed,” officials said. “Responders located a deceased person in the debris of the home.” An autopsy has been ordered and will be performed at Forensic Medical Management Services in Tyler. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. The victim’s identity was not immediately released.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court appointed Sara Maynard to serve as the County Court-at-Law 2 Judge after Judge Taylor Heaton was selected to become the 475th District Judge. According to a news release, the Commissioners Court selected Maynard after hearing from seven candidates who wanted the job at last week’s meeting. After two executive sessions of discussing the applicants, they decided on her in a 3-2 vote. The other candidates included attorneys James Carter, Jeremy Coe, Sam Griffith, Trevor Rose, Laura Severt, and Cheryl Wulf. Judge Heaton was appointed by Governor Greg Abbott to take over the newly created District Court in Smith County on January 1, 2023, for a term set to expire on December 31, 2024, or until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Continue reading Maynard appointed County Court-at-Law 2 judge

LONGVIEW – Friends and family are breathing a lot easier after their Christmas was unexpectedly disrupted by a missing person case. According to the Longview Police Department’s Facebook page, 60-year-old John Calvin King disappeared after a family friend spoke to King around 2 p.m. on Sunday at his home on the south side of Longview. Police reported around 1 p.m. Monday that King had been located and was home safe.

TYLER – This year’s Christmas was a little bit different for Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the sanctuary flooded after one of their water heaters burst, leaving them to host their Christmas service in the church’s gymnasium. Pastor Steve Alberts said a staff member went to the church around 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve and found water everywhere. Alberts said about 70 people showed up to help clean up the space. The sanctuary was flooded with four inches of water, damaging several areas of the building. Alberts believes it will take months to repair the water damage, but he said he’s grateful for how the church family came together to assist in the flood recovery.

TYLER — When BreAnn Benson was seven years old, she decided to start giving out bears at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, she is now 13 years old with the same mission. “My mother got a surgery in the hospital and was there for over a month and got absolutely nothing and I got really sad and stuff,” said Benson. At that moment, Benson knew she had to do something and spread joy to adult patients in the same hospital her mom was in. “You don’t think about kids worrying about adults, they just wanna go out and play and everything else, but her heart is so big she was more worried about consoling those in the hospital,” said BreAnn’s mother, Jeri Ann Summerville. Six years ago they had 99 bears to donate and this year is the largest to date, 400 bears. “This year we actually get to fund the entire hospital,” said Benson. Continue reading 13-year-old gifts 400 bears to hospital patients for holidays

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful are providing two locations for Christmas tree recycling in Tyler. Residents can drop off their undecorated, non-flocked natural Christmas trees Monday, Dec. 26, through Sunday, Jan. 15, in designated areas at Golden Road Park and Fun Forest Park in Tyler. Golden Road Park is located at the intersection of McDonald Road and Golden Road. Fun Forest Park is located at North Glenwood Boulevard and Garden Valley Road. All lights, ornaments, garland, and tinsel should be removed from the Christmas tree before dropping it off near the sign that says “Christmas Tree Drop Off,” according to a news release. Continue reading Christmas tree recycling starts Dec. 26 in Tyler

LONGVIEW — City of Longview offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, for Christmas. All city offices will resume regular business hours Tuesday, Dec. 27. Trash and recycling collection will shift one day the week of Christmas. The Compost Facility will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 26 and 27, but reopen on Wednesday, Dec. 28. Bulky item collection will continue on regular schedule, but yard waste collection will be suspended from Monday, Dec. 26, through Friday, Jan. 6. Find more details at this link.

TYLER — All non-essential Tyler city offices will observe an adjusted schedule for the holidays. City Hall offices will be closed Monday, Dec. 26, and Monday, Jan. 2. The Tyler Solid Waste office and Recycle Center will be closed on those days as well, with residential garbage and curbside recycling also affected. You may additionally want to make note of adjusted schedules for Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, Tyler Public Library, Tyler Transit, and more. Click here and scroll down to “Updates” for the complete summary.

LONGVIEW — One person is dead and another is injured after a shooting at Waffle House on East Loop 281 in Longview early Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police say officers responded at approximately 2:08 a.m. and found a man and woman with apparent gunshot wounds. The victims were taken to a local hospital, where Kendall Marshall, 27, of Longview was pronounced dead. Officials say the woman was then flown to an out-of-town hospital. Detectives are continuing their investigation. If you have any information on this matter, you are encouraged to contact Longview Police at 903-237-1110 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or online at this link.

TYLER – The SPCA of East Texas has rescued three puppies that they found while responding to a cruelty call on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the SPCA says the puppies were not safe because they were seen near the road. They said the pups are “eaten up with parasites” and are now being provided with shelter through the arctic blast. They added that the SNIPPET clinic is going to do a free spay on the mother of the puppies. The SPCA provided the owners with two dog houses and some dog food for their remaining dogs. In a prepared statement, the SPCA said, “This is why it is so important for us to have these supplies on hand to give out to the community. Especially with the weather changing to dangerous freezing temperatures. We are still very much in need of more dog houses, blankets and supplies.” Click here for more information.

TYLER — TxDOT crews Thursday began pre-treating Tier 1 roadways, overpasses, and bridges in the Tyler area. Spokesman Jeff Williford said the work was being done out of an abundance of caution with TxDOT’s focus on making sure the department does what it can to keep motorists safe. If you’re out driving, you’re asked to allow crews room to work when you see them on the road. Tier 1 roadways include I-20, US 271, US 69, and SH 110. Crews have also been treating the bridges over Lake Palestine on SH 155.

LONGVIEW — An arctic airmass moved into the region Thursday, and the city of Longview is continuing to address the situation. The very cold temperatures are expected to linger into the Christmas holiday weekend and will put animals, plants, and pipes at risk. Residents are encouraged to take steps to mitigate effects of the freeze by protecting their home and animals. The City’s Freeze Contingency Plan is available at this link and provides a series of steps to protect pipes. Due to the City observed holiday Monday, Dec. 26, Water Utilities will not be open. During the holiday, residents may report a water or sewer emergency by calling 903-236-3030. The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center urges residents to provide indoor accommodations for their animals during the severe cold. Click here for related links.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is responding as an arctic blast of frigid temperatures and wind chills is projected for Tyler and the surrounding areas until Sunday. Officials note that this prolonged period of cold, sometimes freezing, temperatures can pose a hazard to property, people, and pets.  City officials are monitoring the situation and strongly advise residents to watch the weather forecast, winterize their homes, and safely use space heaters and generators. According to a news release, emergency service capabilities are at full strength, and City departments are in frequent communication with each other to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place. Continue reading City of Tyler monitoring Arctic blast; residents urged to protect property, people, and pets

TYLER — Smith County officials are passing along some safety tips in the wake of a Wednesday mobile home fire on Lakeview Circle in Whitehouse — and as East Texans deal with freezing weather. After a preliminary investigation, Interim Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reports that the fire originated on the front porch of the home where a clamp-style heat lamp was being used for outdoor animals. The home was estimated to be 70 percent destroyed by the fire. “When using a clamp-style heating lamp, always make sure it is securely attached and maintain at least 3 feet of clearance from anything that could burn,” Hogue said as quoted in a news release. No one was home at the time of the fire but one dog perished. Continue reading Fire marshal offers safety tips following Whitehouse fire

MARSHALL – The City of Marshall has opened a warming center for those unable to escape the extreme cold affecting the area in the coming days. The warming center is located at the Marshall Fire Department Central Station on South Grove St. The center will be available through Saturday, Dec. 24, at 4:00 p.m.

QUITMAN — Texas DPS says one person is dead after an officer-involved shooting in Quitman. According to our news partner KETK, Sgt. Adam Albritton said the Mineola Police Department received a call about a theft which led to a pursuit. Officials said the driver fled going northbound on Highway 37 toward Quitman. According to authorities, the person allegedly fired shots at officers during the pursuit. Albritton says the chase came to an end with officers fatally shooting the person involved near Highway 154 and Highway 37. DPS says the Texas Rangers are investigating.

MARSHALL — According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, car thefts in the United States are on the rise. Marshall police say they are seeing this as well, with seven vehicles stolen just Wednesday night. Police say car theft is often a crime of opportunity. They say a thief may spot a key left in the vehicle and take advantage of that moment. But they point out that thieves can be organized and intent on looking for specific items. According to a Marshall Police Department news release, thieves want whatever sells, which includes the vehicle’s contents and parts from the car. So how do you help protect yourself from becoming a victim of car theft? Police say there are several things you can do to keep you and your car safe. Continue reading Marshall police: Car thefts on the rise

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says a man working for a tree service company died after falling out of a tree on Thursday. Authorities say the man was trimming a tree on FM 346 east. According to our news partner KETK, paramedics and deputies were called to the scene around 8:48 a.m. Further details weren’t immediately available.

WELLS — A man has been arrested in Wells following a standoff, and a variety of weapons were discovered, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office. Officials say officers responded to a home Tuesday in reference to a welfare check and that Emmanuel Muraira threatened to harm children inside if the officers did not leave. The sheriff’s office’s Regional Special Response Team was finally able to arrest Muraira after a long negotiation, according to a news release. Authorities say a search warrant led to seizure of several assault rifles, handguns, shotguns, high capacity magazines, and bulk ammo. Muraira faces charges of interference with public duties, assault on a public servant, and felon in possession of a firearm. Officials say the investigation continues.

TYLER – Last week, The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine received approval for their Doctor of Medicine program from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Earlier this year, the school received preliminary accreditation from the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME). These two achievements mean the school has accomplished all of the necessary accreditation milestones to begin instruction, according to a news release. “This is a critical milestone for the School of Medicine,” said Dr. Brigham Willis, Founding Dean of the new School of Medicine, as quoted in the release. “I’m thrilled by the progress we’ve made throughout this past year.” The first class is scheduled to enroll in July 2023.

JACKSONVILLE — Police say a suspect turned himself in Wednesday night in a Jacksonville homicide and was jailed without incident. An arrest warrant had been issued for Tarasian S. Baker (pictured), 26, for capital murder after police received multiple calls in reference to a shooting in the area of Wilkens and Border Streets in Jacksonville on Dec. 20. The bond has been set at one million dollars. The victim has been identified as Anthony L. Miner, 22, of Tyler. According to JPD and our news partner KETK, several calls about gunshots fired came in around 5:00 p.m. Tuesday. Upon arrival, officers found Miner deceased from an apparent gunshot wound. The Texas Rangers and the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Special Investigative Unit are assisting with the investigation.