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TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a fatal hit and run accident involving a pedestrian. It happened just before 10:00 Monday night at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Haynie Avenue. Arriving officers said the victim was severely injured and transported to a local hospital where he later died. His identity is being withheld pending notification of family. The vehicle that struck the victim left the scene. It’s described as a maroon or burgundy Yukon or Tahoe that will likely have front end damage. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Chamberlain at 903-531-1058.

LONGVIEW — A woman was arrested in Longview Friday night in connection to a pedestrian crash left one person dead. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police are investigating the crash that happened on Pine Tree Road around 11:45 p.m. Officials said Candice Gearhart, 50, of Longview, was driving north in the outer lane and struck someone on a motorized scooter. The victim was taken to a local hospital and later died from injuries. Police said Gearhart was arrested for intoxication manslaughter. She was booked into the Gregg County Jail where she was later released after posting a $25,000 bond. Anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash is asked to contact the Longview Police Department Traffic Division at 903-237-1188.

TYLER — After Pope Francis’ decision to remove Joseph Strickland as Bishop of Tyler, people in the Catholic community continue to react to the news. According to our news partner KETK, this comes just two days after Strickland refused a request from the pope to resign and a months-long investigation by Vatican investigators, including a visit to Tyler. The Catholic community in East Texans continue to react to the news with no precise consensus, some advocating for the now relieved bishop and others agreeing with the pope’s decision. Fred Simon, who is connected with the Catholic organization across the country, said the move was anticipated but was still alarming. “I think everyone is pretty much devastated and pretty much fed up with the things that are happening with the Vatican,” said Simon. Continue reading Community reacts to removal of East Texas Bishop

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Tax Office is mailing out 213,369 property tax statements. According to a news release, payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement — it will take you directly to the payment page on your account. “It has been a game changer in how people pay their property taxes,” Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said of adding the QR code. Most Smith County residents should have received their property tax statements last week, and Barber said residents living in the Lindale and Whitehouse areas should receive them this week. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, is the deadline for paying property taxes. Taxpayers can make their payments online, in person, through the Tax Office’s drop-box outside of the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail. Continue reading Smith County property tax statements mailed

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office said that one person was injured after a driver shot into another vehicle on I-20 around 9 p.m. on Friday. The sheriff’s office said law enforcement was called out to mile marker 529 after a shooting was reported on I-20. According to a press release, two vehicles were heading west when one driver shot at the other vehicle and hit a passenger. The passenger was reportedly taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released. Juan M. Wilkins was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was taken to the Van Zandt County Jail but he reportedly posted his $30,000 bond and was released.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A woman is dead and a man is injured after a Sunday morning crash on U.S. Highway 175 near Cuney. According to our news partners at KETK, a 2016 Dodge Dart was traveling northwest on the highway around 5:26 a.m. “in the wrong lane.” A 2012 Ford F-150 towing a trailer was traveling southeast and DPS said they struck the Dart head-on, “ejecting the driver,” who DPS reported was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver of the Dart, identified as Sabrina Gray, 41 of Cuney, was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the truck was taken to a hospital in Tyler for treatment. The investigation is ongoing, and DPS said no additional information is available at this time.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Policy Committee will meet on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center. According to our news partner KETK, the committee is tasked with coordinating transportation plans for the Smith County area. Members of the Committee include people from Smith County, Tyler, nearby cities, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Continue reading Tyler Transportation Policy Committee to meet on Thursday

UPSHUR COUNTY — The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that a woman was arrested on Saturday for allegedly hindering the apprehension of a suspect in a recent double homicide case. According to our news partner KETK, Laquesha Monique McKnight, 38 of Longview, is reportedly the sister of 41-year-old Alvin “Pookie” McKnight Jr, a suspect wanted in connection to the murder of Mandy Ray, 35 of Gilmer, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37, of Gilmer. Officials said Laquesha helped Alvin to escape from the Upshur County area on the night of the murders. According to a the sheriff’s office, Laquesha was confronted with the evidence of her having helped Alvin but she did not cooperate. Laquesha was booked into the Upshur County Jail for hindering of apprehension and her bond has been set at $500,000, according to jail records.

KILGORE – The City of Kilgore hosted their annual ‘A Very Derrick Christmas’ oil derrick lighting ceremony on Saturday evening. According to our news partner KETK, the event featured vendors, food, music and their traditional live performance from the Kilgore Rangerettes. “It’s really fun, I’m from a really big town so anytime I get to come to Kilgore and see the tightknit community, It’s just the sweetest thing, we love to see the community,” said Rangerette Lauren Nix. The family friendly event is held every holiday season in downtown Kilgore.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said they are investigating a shooting at a shopping center that left one person with non-life-threating injuries on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened around 1:30 p.m. at a shopping center located at 1217 East Marshall Avenue. Longview PD said one person had left the scene in a private vehicle to be treated for non-life-threating injuries at a local hospital. The shooting reportedly started after a confrontation between two people who knew each other. The Longview Police Department said they have one person in custody and that they are actively investigating the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact Longview PD at 903-237-1110.

UPSHUR COUNTY – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that a woman was arrested on Saturday for allegedly hindering the apprehension of a suspect in a recent double homicide case. According to our news partner KETK, Laquesha Monique McKnight, 38 of Longview, is reportedly the sister of 41-year-old Alvin “Pookie” McKnight Jr. McKnight Jr is a suspect wanted in connection to the murder of Mandy Ray, 35 and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37 both from Gilmer. Officials said Laquesha helped Alvin to escape from the Upshur County area on the night of the murders. According to the sheriff’s office, Laquesha was confronted with the evidence of her having helped Alvin but she did not cooperate. Laquesha was booked into the Upshur County Jail and her bond has been set at $500,000, according to jail records.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday forcibly removed the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis had “relieved” Bishop Joseph Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator. Continue reading Pope fires Tyler Bishop

MARSHALL – Our news colleagues at KETK report that a Marshall mother filed a lawsuit against a local daycare last week, claiming her 11-month-old suffered second-degree burns due to the daycare’s negligence. According to the lawsuit, Ashley McMullen put her daughter under the care of Ms. Anita’s Academic Center on Aug. 3 where she was taken outside without shoes or socks on and was allowed to walk barefoot in 104-degree heat. Continue reading Lawsuit claims child suffered due to daycare’s negligence

BULLARD – The Bullard community is mourning after the loss of a former high school softball player according to our news colleagues at KETK. Bullard Softball posted to social media Thursday night and said Emma Lambert will be missed and asked the community to join them in prayer. “Your legacy is one of bravery, courage, resiliency and true beauty,” Bullard Softball said. “We are thankful for all of the laughter and joy you blessed us with.” In November 2021, Bullard Softball announced Lambert had gotten the call that a donor heart had been made available and she planned to undergo a transplant. “Words cannot express the love we have for this girl,” Bullard Softball said. “Please join us in praying for her family and friends in this time of heartache. Forever our girl.”

GILMER — A bank account was set up to support the families of two sisters that were murdered in Upshur County. According to our news partner KETK, Mandy Ray, 35 of Gilmer, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37 of Gilmer, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds on Saturday in Upshur County. Credit Union of East Texas set up an account to assist the Waters family, which people can donate to online. Gilmer ISD Superintendent Rickey Albritton took to Facebook to share the link, saying they have received a lot of requests for information about helping the families during this tragedy. Continue reading Donations set up for families of sisters killed in Upshur County

TYLER — The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns have officially started. According to our news partner KETK, the start of the iconic bell-ringing fundraiser kicked off Thursday. The organization said donations to the red kettles stay local and will help East Texans. This year’s fundraising goal is $400,000, with money going to their nonprofits programs like housing assistance, their shelter addiction recovery program and soup kitchen. Captain Jeremy Walker said he has no doubts they’ll meet that goal. “I think we live in one of the best communities in the world,” Walker said. “We love East Texas, we love Smith County, and every time that there’s a need, fine media partners like you help us put that word out there. This community always seems to rally behind us.” You can also adopt an angel from their Angel Tree. Angels on the tree represent local children who need clothing and toys for Christmas.

VAN ZANDNT COUNTY — A woman pleaded guilty on Thursday after stealing money from a Canton church. According to our news partner KETK, in March, Donna Cory Drake was indicted on a second-degree felony charge of theft from Lakeside Baptist Church where she was accused of taking between $30,000 to $150,000 between October 2018 and September 2022. Drake pleaded guilty to the second degree felony on Thursday. 294th District Court Judge Chris Martin sentenced her to five years community supervision and she was ordered to pay a restitution of $137,386.35. Martin said as part of her plea agreement, Drake cannot apply for non-disclosure of her criminal records. According to Van Zandt County District Attorney Tonda Curry, if Drake violates the terms of her plea agreement, she can face up to 20 years in prison.

LUFKIN – The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lukfin announced that Paddy, a female white rhinoceros died Wednesday night at the zoo. According to our news partner KETK, she died after contracting a bacterial disease. Paddy became part of the zoo in 2014 as a mate for Bwana. Texas A&M University is performing a necropsy to determine the precise cause of death. Paddy was 28 years old when she died.

ATHENS – Dozens of community members were inside the Athens ISD Administration Building for nearly five hours regarding the school board’s decision whether to terminate educator Jennifer Risinger at a special meeting on Wednesday. The district found Risinger broke several school policies in answering a plea from a student that she claimed needed help. Before the board went into executive session, people shared their feelings. “I can honestly say I’m embarrassed to be a Hornet,” said one student. Continue reading Athens school board terminates educator

TYLER — On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the City Council accepted a donation of $67,000.00 to erect a new memorial heart bell pavilion with a bench and plaque on the south end of the Rose Rudman/South Tyler Trail System. The Lella family donated the funds to erect a memorial pavilion in honor of a beloved family member who passed away from heart disease. The structure will be similar to the existing Tyler Cancer Bell pavilion located at the north end of the Rose Rudman Trail System. “Part of planning for our future is honoring our past,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Leanne Robinette. “We’re honored that the Lella family wants to remember not only their family member but other patients, families, and caregivers on our trails.” Continue reading Tyler receives donation for park memorial

TYLER — Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips and her son Derek were indicted last week for interfering with public duties. According to our news partner KETK, the charges stem from an incident in March where officials said Karen and Derek tried to interfere with the traffic stop of Derek’s friend. Bodycam footage captured the incident, showing a long dispute before their arrests. Derek was additionally indicted for resisting arrest or transport and evading arrest/detention. The indictments were handed down by a grand jury on Nov. 2. Interfering with public duties is a Class B Misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.

SMITH COUNTY — A Waco man was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Tuesday for charges related to the 2020 shooting death of a man in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, Joshua Tibbits, 32, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity in connection to the 2020 shooting death of a motorcyclist. Smith County officials at the time said 33-year-old Brandon Edwards was riding his motorcycle when he was shot and three men, including Tibbits, were arrested and identified as gang members. According to an arrest warrant, Edwards was wearing a jacket that depicted him as a member of the Cossacks Motorcycle Club and security footage showed a truck chasing Edwards near where he was killed. Tibbit’s trial began on Oct. 30, and he was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity on Tuesday. Later that same day, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying people who have repeatedly littered at the Lindale City Cemetery according to our news partners at KETK. Police said the first time they found “general trash” at the end of the driveway. The second time, police reportedly found two high backed bar chairs halfway down the driveway. Tuesday, police found a cabinet with two parts on top of a grave. “Illegal dumping is a big problem, but doing on graves is very disrespectful,” Lindale PD said in a statement. Lindale PD asks anyone who recognizes the items or who might have dumped it, to call them at 903-882-3313.

SMITH COUNTY — Non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed Friday, November 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day. County offices will reopen on Monday, November 13, for normal business hours. The Commissioners Court on Tuesday adopted a resolution proclaiming Saturday, November 11, 2023, as Veterans Day in Smith County, thanking all County employees who are veterans, as well as all veterans in the community, who have selflessly and courageously served our country to protect our freedoms. Smith County has at least 80 employees who are veterans, serving the community through their positions in county. Thank you all for your service to our country and our county!

LONGVIEW — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced that a Longview man pleaded guilty to two felony charges brought after he attended the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Taylor Nichols, 32, of Longview, plead guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, according to a press release. U.S. District Judge Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth has reportedly accepted the plea and Nichols has been remanded into custody of law enforcement. The plea agreement hearing took place Nov. 7. Nichols had rejected previous plea deal offers from government prosecutors. Continue reading Longview man pleads guilty to Capitol riot charges