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LINDALE – An undetermined amount of money has been taken in the robbery of a Lindale restaurant. Wendy’s, near Interstate Highway 20, was robbed shortly before 8:45 Wednesday night. The man acted as if he had a weapon, but one was not seen. He was last seen fleeing east on the interstate in a black or dark blue late model Toyota Tacoma pickup with a camper shell. He was described as a black male about six feet tall with a thin build. He was wearing a red hat and a black leather jacket, black pants with a white stripe. No in juries were reported.

JACKSONVILLE – A lone finalist has been named for the Jacksonville school superintendent’s post. Named at last night’s meeting was Dr. Chad Kelly. By state law, school trustees must wait 21 days before voting to hire Kelly. That vote will take place at a special meeting called for March 5th. Dr. Kelly is currently School Superintendent of the Taft ISD. He will be succeeding Superintendent Dr. Joe Wardell.

CANTON — A man who was fatally shot by a woman believed to be defending her home was also the suspect in a recent arson case, officials said Wednesday afternoon. According to KETK, the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal says Christopher Ray Foster, 37, of Edgewood, was the suspect in a Monday night structure fire on State Highway 19 and County Road 1106. The county fire marshal, along with deputies and a justice of the peace, were able to link Foster to the fire by physical evidence found on him at the time of his death. Continue reading Officials: Man Killed in Home Invasion Was Suspect in Arson Case

MINEOLA — A Mineola man has been arrested after police say the investigation into a four-year-old cold case revealed he killed his son. George Wayne Saunders was arrested Wednesday for the murder of his then 16-year-old son, Loren Saunders, on January 18, 2011. Police tell KETK Loren was shot in the chest at a home in an RV park on Wood County Road 1590. Continue reading Man Arrested in 2011 Murder of Son

ATHENS — A Malakoff woman died at an Athens hospital Tuesday after the vehicle she was riding in rolled during a crash. According to KETK, Department of Public Safety officials name the woman as Michelle Nicole Shellenberger, 24. They say Shellenberger was a passenger in a truck driven by Joe Elam, 56, of Athens. Elam was driving on Highway 31 when he lost control switching lanes and crashed shortly before 10:30 a.m., according to authorities. Both passengers were thrown from the pickup. The crash occurred about five miles east of Malakoff. Elam was taken to a Tyler hospital in serious condition.

MARSHALL — A man wanted in a Marshall armed robbery has been captured in Longview. According to KETK, law enforcement officials said a Chevron in the 1000 block of East End Boulevard North, or Highway 59, was held up shortly before 10:00 p.m. Monday. The suspected gunman was later identified as Jade Alfred Washington, 23, of Marshall. Authorities said he left the scene on foot before officers made it there. Washington faces a charge of aggravated robbery.

DALLAS — A young child who was found in a swimming pool in Henderson County Sunday afternoon has died in a Dallas hospital. Family members say Beau House, 3, passed away shortly before 10:00 Wednesday morning, according to a Facebook page supporting Beau. A GoFundMe page — http://www.gofundme.com/Love4BabyBeau — has been set up to support the family. . Continue reading Young Child Dies after Being Found in Pool

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating a scene where two bodies were found inside a home in the 1900 block of Blue Ridge Parkway. According to the Longview News-Journal, officers found the bodies after they were dispatched to the home shortly after 10:15 Wednesday morning for a welfare check. Two maintenance workers said the residents who lived in the duplex were seen arguing in the street on Tuesday. Public Information Officer Kristie Brian said both deceased persons have injuries, but the nature of the injuries was not immediately released. The deaths are being investigated as homicide per normal protocol when the cause is unknown, according to officials. The bodies have been sent for autopsy.

LONGVIEW — The intersection of Hawkins Parkway at McCann Road in Longview undergoing signal work today. The purpose of the work is the change the signals for the new intersections improvements, according to a city news release. Drivers wishing to travel through this intersection may consider using alternate routes. A traffic policeman will direct traffic during the signal outage. The work is expected to last all day. This project was approved by voters as part of the Capital Improvements Bond Election in May 2011. The project is being constructed by East Texas Bridge of Longview. If you have any questions related to construction, call the city’s project manager, Alton Bradley, at 903-237-1067.

LONGVIEW — Longview police Tuesday night were investigating whether a shots-fired call was related to a person being taken to a medical center with a minor gunshot injury. Police responded about 7 p.m. to a call about gunshots being fired in the 600 block of Butler Drive, police spokeswoman Kristie Brian said. According to the Longview News-Journal and KETK, around the same time, a person with a minor gunshot wound was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center in a private vehicle. The two incidents may be related.

FORT CARSON, COLO. (AP) — The Army has identified a Fort Carson soldier killed in a rollover accident at a Fort Carson training area on Friday night. Base officials say Staff Sgt. Justin Holt, 31, of Bogata, Texas, was killed and six others were injured when a Stryker fighting vehicle turned over. Four of the six injured soldiers were treated and released from local hospitals. Two soldiers remain hospitalized at Penrose Main Saint Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs. The names and hometowns of the injured soldiers have not been released.

LONGVIEW — It has been a rollercoaster ride for the city of Longview’s website, but officials say it should be up and going before long. The city pulled its website after cyberattacks early this month. A YouTube video claimed hackers targeted the website following the police department shooting of 17-year-old Kristiana Coignard, who allegedly threatened officers with a knife. Officials tell KETK you’ll first see a somewhat scaled-back version of the site, with more content to be added later. They say the focus will be on priority areas, especially dealing with online services. Officials add that there’s no reason to believe any data was breached during the attacks — and that they’re very thankful residents have been patient while the site has been down.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Authorities say a Van Zandt County woman shot and killed a man in the act of defending her home. Around 4:30 yesterday morning, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a homeowner on Texas State Highway 19 north of Canton, in rural Van Zandt County. According to officials, the caller advised that she had just shot a man who was attempting to force entry into her home. Continue reading Authorities: Woman Kills Man while Defending Home

TYLER — Today from 8:30am to 2:00pm, the Tyler Street Department will close Old Troup Highway from Loop 323 south to Plume Drive for street repairs. Northbound traffic on Old Troup Highway will be diverted eastbound on Callaway Road or westbound on Plume Drive. Southbound traffic can drive east on Loop 323 to University Boulevard.

TYLER – A 25-year-old Palestine man has been sentenced to federal prison for child pornography charges. Joshua Quick pleaded guilty on October 14, 2014 to receiving child pornography. He was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison yesterday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis. Quick was also ordered to register as a sex offender upon release from prison. Continue reading Palestine Man Sentenced for Child Pornography Violations

TYLER – A 44-year-old Wills Point man has been sentenced to federal prison for federal firearms violations. Terry Dewayne Monk pleaded guilty on September 16, 2014, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison yesterday in Tyler by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis. Continue reading Convicted Felon Sentenced for Firearms Violation

TYLER – Allergy sufferers may have had a particularly tough day Tuesday if they are allergic to elm or juniper trees. According to pollen count records at UT Health Northeast, Tuesday marked the highest level since 2008 for the two with a very high mark of 2,117. By comparison, the day before, February 9, the pollen count for elm and juniper was 910, which is considered high. It is not unusual for elm and juniper to range from 91 – 1,500, but Tuesday’s level is considered extremely high, according to officials.

LAKE O’ THE PINES — Authorities have identified a man who drowned Saturday after his boat capsized at Lake O’ the Pines. According to KETK, Game Warden Robb Furlow said Michael Mitchell, 51, of Longview, was pulled from the lake on Sunday by a Texas Game Warden dive team. Furlow said Mitchell and a woman were fishing on the lake when the boat began to take on water and overturned. Officials were dispatched to the scene around 11 a.m. A passerby was able to save the woman as she clung to the boat before emergency responders arrived. Mitchell had already disappeared underwater. The victim’s body has been sent for autopsy. Continue reading Longview Man Drowns in Lake O’ The Pines

LONGVIEW — There’s a new candidate in the May 9 city elections in Longview. Officials announced that Longview ISD teacher Nona Snoddy filed to run for City Council District 2. So far, Snoddy is unopposed. Elections will also be held for mayor as well as City Council Districts 1 and 5.

NOONDAY – A two story home in southwest Smith County has been destroyed by fire. It was reported around 4:00 Monday afternoon in the 1500 block of North Shore Drive near Noonday. The fire is said to have started from an unattended pile of leaves that had been burning. The fire spread to the house. No injuries were reported.

SMITH COUNTY – A one vehicle accident in Smith County has left one person dead. Killed in the crash, shortly after midnight Monday morning, was Jacquelyn Manley, 43, of Ben Wheeler. The Department of Public Safety report says her car was east bound on Farm Road 2767 when she left the road on a curve and hit a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — The parents of a mentally ill teen killed by police in East Texas say officers had several opportunities to subdue the girl before shots were fired. Erik Coignard said Monday that he wants more information about the events that led up to his 17-year-old daughter, Kristiana, being shot to death last month in the lobby of a Longview police station. The shooting has garnered attention amid increased scrutiny surrounding law enforcement’s use of deadly force. Continue reading Dad of Texas Teen Shot in Longview Police Station Wants More Details

FORT WORTH – Radio Shack stores in Tyler and Palestine are among eight in East Texas that will be closed in the next six weeks. As Radio Shack moves toward a major restructuring, they have started closing 1,700 stores around the country. Last Thursday, the 95 year old chain filed for chapter 11 protection. Close out deals started a day later. Sprint will take over up to 1,750 stores acquired by General Wireless. The wireless carrier’s outlets will be co-branded with RadioShack. Continue reading Some East Texas Radio Shack Stores to Close

LONGVIEW – Of the thee three officers involved in the shooting death of a Longview teenager, one has returned to duty. Longview Police Department Public Information Officer Kristie Brian tells KETK Officer Gene Duffie is back on duty. January 22nd, Kristiana Coignard entered the police station, picked up the after-hours phone, called public safety communications, and asked for help. When asked what she needed, she refused to tell the operator what the problem was. Police officers were dispatched to the lobby a short time later. When Officer Glenn Derr arrived, Coignard indicated to him she had a gun. According to police, the words “I have a gun,” were written on her hand. This resulted in a physical confrontation when Officer Derr attempted to secure the girl. She was shot when officers say she pulled a knife. Continue reading One of the Longview Officers Involved in Fatal Shooting Back at Work

TYLER – A suspect is in custody in connection with a Tyler homicide that occurred January 26th. Named in the in the death of Tyrone Lee Underwood, 24, is Carlton Ray Champion Jr., 21, of Longview. The suspect is attending Texas College. Underwood was found dead in his car which had struck a telephone pole. Investigators say Underwood was shot before the accident. A caller told police her children told her they heard what they believed to be several gunshots. The car crash occurred in the 400 block of West 24th Street. Continue reading Tyler Murder Suspect Served with Arrest Warrant

TYLER — Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of February 9, 2015. Weather conditions forecast for the area could cause changes to this week’s work schedules.

SMITH COUNTY – The Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT’s) Tyler maintenance crews are conducting work this week at various locations on SH 110. Motorists should use caution when traveling through these work zones.*Pavement repairs are being performed at the junction of Acker Tap in Whitehouse. The crew will be using heavy equipment to remove and replace the existing pavement. Traffic reduced to one lane with flaggers providing traffic control. There will be no access to Acker Tap from State Highway 110. Acker Tap traffic will be allowed access to SH 110. Work will begin after 9:00am. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes.

*A second crew will be doing base repairs on State Highway 110 N just south of Interstate Highway20. The job will be conducted with traffic reduced to one lane and controlled by flaggers. Once completed, the crew will conduct base repairs on Farm Road 1253 between Farm Road 16 and Farm Road 857 with traffic down to one lane with flaggers providing traffic control. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

TYLER — A number of Tyler and Smith County community leaders greeted dozens of attendees Sunday afternoon at an open forum on law enforcement concerns that have emerged in different parts of the country. Attendees and participants at the “All Lives Matter” forum at Liberty Baptist Church sought to ensure that Tyler won’t be hit by incidents such as the ones in Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island, New York. Questions were posed to a panel that included Mayor Martin Heines, Sheriff Larry Smith, Police Chief Gary Swindle, District Attorney Matt Bingham, NAACP President Cedrick Granberry, and pastor Gilberto Avila. Continue reading Dozens Attend “All Lives Matter” Forum on Law Enforcement Concerns

TYLER – A bicyclist has been killed just outside the Tyler city limits after being hit by a car. David Durbin III, 21, of Whitehouse, was pronounced dead the scene. The accident happened around 1:00 Sunday morning on Old Jacksonville Highway. The Department of Public Safety reports Durbin was attempting to cross the highway and failed to yield to oncoming traffic. The car was driven by a Flint man, who was not injured.

LUFKIN — A couple of Lufkin hospice workers have been fired after allegedly going to a client’s home drunk to pronounce a family member dead. Officials say the nurse who was on call had been out drinking with the office manager. When they got the call, they showed up and were asked to leave. both were arrested that night. Justo Mendez, head of human resources with the hospice company, Harbor House, says, “There was no other option than immediate termination. They made decisions that are contrary to what we are, what Harbor is — particularly the nurse. She made decisions that are contrary to the license that she holds. You cannot be on call and have a drink.” Mendez says Harbor House immediately sent a spiritual counselor to the family’s home and is paying for the funeral expenses.

AUSTIN — State Representative Chris Paddie of Marshall has filed a bill to increase punishments for felony convictions for the possession or promotion of child pornography. House Bill 1123 would elevate penalties for the possession of child porn. Paddie says, “It’s about strengthening protections for our children. We need to empower law enforcement to fight these heinous crimes, and we need to enhance judicial tools for prosecuting these predators.” Higher-degree felony convictions often result in longer sentences.