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SHREVEPORT, La. — A Tyler man is among those arrested in a Louisiana sting operation to combat human trafficking. KETK reports 23-year-old Devonta Hill of Tyler was arrested for pandering and trafficking children for sexual purposes. Investigators with the Louisiana State Police and the Shreveport Police Department conducted an investigation into human trafficking as well as online child predator activity in and around the Shreveport/Bossier area. Other suspects are from elsewhere in Texas as well as Louisiana and Arkansas. Officials say during the investigation, a 17-year-old runaway juvenile from Texas was recovered who was trafficked for sexual purposes.

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying a woman who is believed to have stolen many items from a local business. According to KETK, police said on October 24 around 3 a.m., the woman pictured took merchandise from a Mt. Pleasant Walmart. Authorities believe the woman left the scene in a white vehicle. If you know who this person is, call the Mount Pleasant Police Department Investigations Division at 903-575-4191 or go to http://www.mpcity.net/police/tip to submit a tip online.

TYLER — A Smith County district court has granted an injunction to East Texas Medical Center Tyler, immediately designating the hospital as a preferred provider in the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Texas (BCBS) preferred provider organization (PPO). In a news release, Elmer G. Ellis, president/CEO of the ETMC Regional Healthcare System, calls the move a victory and says ETMC has been “fighting hard” for the designation. Earlier this year, ETMC Tyler filed suit against Blue Cross & Blue Shield, saying the hospital’s exclusion from the organization’s preferred provider networks has created serious and negative impacts on a large group of consumers. Although ETMC administrators expect Blue Cross & Blue Shield to appeal the decision, they say they’re confident the ruling will be upheld. Blue Cross Blue Shield did not immediately respond to a phone message left by KTBB.

TYLER — Tyler Pounds Regional Airport will soon begin accepting bids and/or proposals for the lease and operations of food concessions and a gift shop in the west side passenger terminal. In a news release, Airport Manager Davis Dickson says the goal is to increase the airport’s appeal by expanding services. A pre-bid conference is set for Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. in the Airport Conference Room, on the second floor of the main terminal. Bids will be accepted through Dec. 8. All plans, specifications, and/or proposal forms must be submitted to the City of Tyler Purchasing office (Attention: Sherry Pettit), 511 W. Locust, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. For further information, you can contact airport administration at (903) 531-9825.

TYLER — Downtown Tyler won three 2015 Texas Downtown Association President’s Awards at a luncheon last week at the Texas Downtown Revitalization Conference in Waxahachie. According to a news release, the Martin Walker Law Firm won Best Commercial Interior, and Heart of Tyler’s Black Tie Bingo was named Best Promotional Event. Longtime Heart of Tyler volunteer Ingrid Young garnered one of the program’s top three awards, Texas Downtowner of the Year. Over the years. Tyler has received 22 awards for its revitalization projects, with 16 of those awarded since 2007.

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday the seizure of more than $1 million in suspected drug money. KETK reports deputies stopped an SUV October 10 for speeding on Loop 224 at Old Tyler Road South. Officials say the driver and lone occupant was nervous and gave conflicting statements about his trip. During the stop, deputies became suspicious of criminal activity. Deputies searched the SUV and discovered about $1.1 million tucked away in three duffel bags in the cargo area. The sheriff’s office says the suspect denied the money belonged to him but confirmed the money was from drug cartel activity. Continue reading Authorities Seize $1.15 Million in Suspected Drug Money

TYLER — “Orion – Journey to Mars,” the newest exhibit at Discovery Science Place, is now open to the public. Officials say the interactive exhibit will allow visitors of all ages to learn more about manned space travel through hands-on displays and a life-size model of NASA’s Orion space capsule. According to a news release, Orion is NASA’s newest crew module that will carry four astronauts into deep space, back to the moon, and eventually to Mars one day. The museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 – 5 p.m. Sunday. Visit http://www.discoveryscienceplace.org for more information.

TYLER — The Tyler Salvation Army’s 2015 Angel Tree Kick Off will take place this morning at 10:00 at Broadway Square Mall in the lobby by JC Penney’s and Chick-Fil-A. Spokespeople say the program helps over 1,000 families and seniors throughout Smith County, providing food, clothing, and toys for children and elderly who would otherwise not experience a merry Christmas. The Tyler Junior College Brass Ensemble, as well as city officials and community leaders, will be joining in the program.

GLADEWATER — A two vehicle accident south of Gladewater, just inside the Smith County line, has left one person dead. Killed in the crash around 9:00 Wednesday morning was James Scott Schumann, 52. The accident on U.S. Highway 271 occurred when an 18-wheeler and a car collided.

TYLER — There were lots of activities around East Texas Wednesday honoring those who have served in the military. Just one: the second annual Veterans Day parade at the Watkins-Logan Veterans Home in Tyler. KETK reports the parade started off with the singing of the National Anthem and a flag presentation by the ALERT Academy. Following the opening ceremony, the parade lineup included the Bishop Thomas K. Gorman band, Bell Elementary, St. Gregory Cathedral School, Grace Community School, and the Winona Volunteer Fire Department. Veterans of all ages attended alongside their families, and a total of 25 organizations participated.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department is investigating a fatal five-vehicle crash on East End Boulevard shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday. KETK reports two people died in the wreck and four more were injured. The deceased victims have been identified as Ronny Toland, 58, of Morris County and Carlie Pruitt Barnard, 47, of Hughes Springs. Further details were pending.

DALLAS (AP) – About 87 percent of schools in Texas met state academic standards this year, according to ratings from the Texas Education Agency. The Dallas Morning News reports that schools and districts with poor assessments had an opportunity to contest after preliminary ratings came out in August. Thirteen districts and 59 schools in the state filed appeals, including nine schools in Dallas, seven in Fort Worth, and three in Richardson. Two Dallas charter schools, Focus Learning Academy and Nova Academy Southeast, also tried to convince the agency that they deserved a better rating. Two districts and 13 schools won appeals statewide, including Nova Academy Southeast. The agency has released a list of schools and districts that won but hasn’t explained Education Commissioner Michael Williams’ decisions.

AUSTIN — Harrison County is not required to release criminal history information involving recently resigned Hallsville ISD coach Dean McDaniel, according to an opinion from State Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report that McDaniel, who remains on paid administrative leave until his resignation takes effect at the end of December, entered a “voluntary” separation agreement with the district Sept. 25. Superintendent Jim Dunlap said in September that McDaniel resigned for “personal reasons.” Continue reading AG: Harrison County Can Withhold History on Coach

TYLER — The families of the victims are breaking their silence for the first time since proceedings ended in the case of Carl Crabtree. Crabtree, 31, of Bullard, received a 40-year prison sentence this week after pleading guilty in a double-fatality crash in southern Smith County. The DPS says Crabtree was driving down Old Jacksonville Highway March 4 when his vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with an SUV. Dana Regester, 41, of Flint, and Pasha Zapolsky, 18, of Bullard, died in the wreck. Crabtree pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault Continue reading Families of Victims in Fatal Alcohol Induced Crash Release Statement

TYLER — The chancellor of the University of Texas system, William McRaven, discussed his Texas Prospect Initiative during a Distinguished Lecture at UT Tyler Tuesday night. According to KETK, McRaven said he hopes the initiative will foster engagement between independent school districts and UT Tyler. “Look at the Pre-K through 12,” says McRaven. “A lot of people would say what does that have to do with Tyler, well it has everything to do with Tyler. It has to do with the students that are part of the pipeline that will come to Tyler next year and over the next eons.” Continue reading Chancellor Shares His Vision for the U-T System

TYLER — A rabid skunk has turned up in Tyler. The Texas Department of State Health Services advised Tyler Animal Services yesterday the test was positive for rabies. The animal was found near the intersection of Kingsmill Circle and Sawgrass, in south Tyler. The persons who were exposed to the skunk have been identified. Continue reading City of Tyler Issues Rabies Advisory

MARSHALL — An East Texas radio news director has been placed on three years deferred probation following an incident in July. According to KETK, Ashli Marie Acker Dansby pleaded guilty Tuesday on a charge of failure to stop and render aid after an accident involving bodily injury. Dansby is news director for KMHT Radio in Marshall. Continue reading Marshall News Director Pleads Guilty in Hit and Run

TYLER — Smith County Commissioners will hold two public hearings on Tuesday, November 17, to gather input on the Voting Centers implemented in the November 3 election. A news release reports the hearings will be held at 9:30 a.m. in Commissioners Court, 200 E. Ferguson, and at 5:30 p.m. at the R.B. Hubbard “Hub” Center at 304 E. Ferguson St. Voting Centers are an early-voting concept on Election Day, allowing residents to vote at any polling place without being restricted to their precinct. Continue reading Public Hearings Set for Input on Voting Centers

GREGG COUNTY — Claims by a former Gregg County Jail inmate that his Islamic faith was violated have been settled locally. According to the Longview News-Journal and KETK, a federal judge will have to sign off on any pending deal before it is official. Mohammad Moosa Yahya sued Gregg County, Sheriff Maxey Cerliano, six of his deputies and two federal law enforcement agencies in March. He claimed in the federal lawsuit that he was denied meal accommodations during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which that year coincided with his stint in the Gregg County Jail in the summer of 2014. Continue reading Former Inmate Settles Suit with Gregg County

SPRING (Staff/AP) — A Spring resident who called Nacogdoches home has lost his battle with a fatal form of cancer. Daniel Fleetwood’s wife, Ashley, said on her Facebook page that Daniel died in his sleep Monday night. Daniel’s dying wish was to see the new, unreleased “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” An online campaign, #forcefordaniel, went viral, resulting in his wish being granted thanks to the film’s producers, director and Disney. Star Wars star Mark Hamill also helped support the cause. The movie is scheduled for release to the public December 18th. Fleetwood had told People magazine if he got to see the movie, he might actually die from happiness. Continue reading East Texas Star Wars Fan Loses Battle with Cancer

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview man charged with aggravated assault in a Smith County shootout in August was released Monday from the Gregg County Jail, according to the Longview News-Journal. Tyson Dewaylon Dixon, 22, made arrangements with a Longview municipal judge to make payments on a $664 fine attached to the theft conviction. He was arrested Sunday on a misdemeanor theft warrant. Continue reading Suspect in Shootout Released from Jail

TYLER — University of Texas System Chancellor William H. McRaven will open the 2015-16 Distinguished Lecture Series at The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center. McRaven is scheduled to speak at 7:30 this evening. He became UT System chancellor this past January. Tickets are $37, $27 and $17, and can be purchased online at http://www.cowancenter.org or by calling the box office at 903-566-7424. The box office hours are 9:00am to 4:00pm Monday through Friday and one hour prior to each event.

LONGVIEW — The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help locating a fugitive. According to KETK, Crime Stoppers says Lucio Jose Perez-Rodriguez is wanted for violation of probation and driving while intoxicated 3rd or more. If you know Perez or his current location and he is arrested based on your tip, you could be eligable for a reward. Contact Crime Stoppers at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org or 903-236-7867.

HAWKINS — A Hawkins church is calling for the city to rescind its decision to remove a controversial “Jesus Welcomes You to Hawkins” sign. KETK reports Mark McDonald, an administrator trustee with Jesus Christ Open Altar Church, said the church closed on the property in question on Friday. The land was purchased from Crowley Funeral Home and Beatty Funeral Home. McDonald said the sign is now without question on private property, and that the church will do everything in its power to protect the sign — and have anyone prosecuted who takes or damages its property. The church says it reached out to the city through an attorney but has not received an official response. Continue reading Church Buys Land, Vows to Protect Controversial Sign

HOUSTON — A dying wish for a man from East Texas comes true. One of the first people to see “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the unfinished version, is Daniel Fleetwood. He now lives in Spring, but his Facebook page lists Nacogdoches as his hometown and says he attended Stephen F. Austin State University. Fleetwood lobbied for quite some time online for a chance to see the movie, and it’s because he’s running out of time. Doctors say he has a few months to live because of cancer, which has spread to 90 percent of his lungs. Continue reading Man Granted Dying Wish to See New “Star Wars” Movie

ABILENE — Funeral services are set for 10:00 Tuesday morning at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville for a Jacksonville teenager who was thrown from his pickup truck on I-20 in Abilene. According to KETK, police said Hunter Vess, 19, was westbound shortly before 6:30 a.m. Saturday and passed another vehicle in the inside lane, then merged back into the outside lane. Witnesses said Vess drove into the grass on the outside median, where he lost control. He then re-entered the roadway, where the vehicle began to roll. The truck traveled back onto the grass median, where Vess was ejected. Police said Vess was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Vess was not wearing his seatbelt. It was not immediately known if drugs or alcohol were factors in the crash, which remains under investigation.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of November 9. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

District wide Seal Coat Operations are wrapping up with final striping being applied to various roadways in Anderson, Cherokee, Rusk, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. Expect lane closures.

SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct work on various roadways. One crew will be maintaining ditches on State Highway 64 at the State Highway 135 intersection Monday; on State Highway 110S just north of Mud Creek on Tuesday; and on Farm Road 16 just west of Lindale on Thursday. A second crew will conduct shoulder work on FM 1253 using heavy equipment on Monday and Tuesday. This crew will start a new mill and inlay job on Thursday at the intersection of SH 110 and Grande. On Friday, the job moves to the northbound lanes of US 69N just south of the county line. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control at all locations. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects