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TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating an armed robbery at a local restaurant. It happened around 10:50 Sunday night at Posado’s Mexican Cafe, 2500 East Fifth Street. Officers were told that two to three black males wearing all black clothing forced three employees into a walk-in freezer at gun point and then stole an undisclosed amount of cash. No one was injured during the commission of the crime. The scene was processed and the area searched for the suspects without finding them. Detectives from the Tyler Police Department Major Crimes Unit are continuing the investigation.

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – A 4-year-old girl has died after a dead pine tree fell on her in an accident during some burning in rural East Texas. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office on Monday didn’t immediately release the victim’s name. Deputies on Sunday afternoon responded to a call about a tree falling on a child. Authorities arrived to find the girl’s father attempting to revive her. Continue reading Four Year Old Killed by Falling Tree in Nacogdoches Co.

TYLER — Friends, family, supporters, and colleagues turned out by the dozens Sunday to honor Ernest Deckard, who recently stepped down after 24 years as president of the Tyler NAACP. A service and luncheon for Deckard were held at New Generation Baptist Church. Proclaiming January 18 “Ernest Deckard Day,” Mayor Martin Heines called the 85-year-old Deckard “a man of honor and directness.” Keynote speaker and City Councilman Darryl Bowdre said Deckard “set a standard for leadership of the NAACP,” giving it “stability, tenacity, and purpose” that allowed the group to navigate “turbulent times.” Bowdre added, “One reason we didn’t have a Ferguson (Missouri) was because we had Ernest Deckard.” Other dignitaries on hand included City Councilman Ed Moore, County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, and Police Chief Gary Swindle. Continue reading Deckard Honored after 24 Years of Tyler NAACP Leadership

TYLER — Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler, focused on an authentic collective impact, announce the strengthening of their collaboration and partnership through a program currently being developed as the Patriot Pathway, according to a TJC news release. Together, officials say, the TJC and UT Tyler academic leadership teams will create a plan leading to the seamless transfer of students between the institutions. Continue reading TJC, UT Tyler Developing Patriot Pathway

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – Lindale’s Miranda Lambert is among the country stars performing at this year’s Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. She’ll be joined by husband Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, and Brad Paisley. Tickets went on sale Saturday for rodeo and concert performances running March 3-22. John Legend performs March 6. Pitbull takes the stage March 13. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo wraps up with a performance by Luke Bryan.

TYLER — A Saturday night armed robbery has Tyler police on the hunt for suspects. Police got a 911 call around 8:05 p.m. about an armed robbery of a business at 917 S. Vine. Upon arrival officers found that the restaurant/convenience store at that location had been robbed by two black males wearing all black clothing. The suspects herded two employees into a back room at gunpoint and then stole an undisclosed amount of cash and merchandise, according to a police news release. No one was physically injured during the commission of the crime. The scene was processed and the area searched for the suspects, but they were not immediately found. Detectives from the Tyler Police Department Major Crimes Unit will continue the investigation, according to the release. Continue reading Police Hunt Armed Robbery Suspects

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — One person is dead and two others are hurt as the result of a federal investigation in Van Zandt County. DPS says the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department, Texas Rangers, and ATF were conducting an investigation near Mabank Friday morning when they came across a blue pickup truck with three men inside. A deputy tried to stop the truck, but the driver took off. At one point during the chase, the truck broke down. State troopers say the men got out of the truck and started shooting at officers. They returned fire, killing one man and wounding another. The third man suffered non-life-threatening injuries. That shooting is now under investigation. Mabank straddles the Kaufman-Henderson County line and is close to the Van Zandt County line.

LONGVIEW — Longview police continue investigating a shooting incident and have identified a body inside a home at the scene. KETK reports the man was Omar Hernandez, 22. On Friday at 9:45 a.m., police were dispatched to an Assist EMS call in the 500 Block of Jones Street. When officers arrived they were told one person was inside the home and may have been shot. Longview police obtained a search warrant and began processing the scene. At this time police say they have little information about the victim or who might be responsible for this crime. Anyone with information is asked to contact Longview Police at 903-237-1199. If the tipster wishes to remain anonymous he or she can contact Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-7867.

JACKSONVILLE — According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the Klein Animal Shelter’s rabies quarantine certification was revoked Friday. The state issues certifications to ensure animals will be treated humanely. Jacksonville police arrested the executive director of the shelter Friday morning for alleged animal torture, and they say she won’t be the only person accused. According to KETK, police said 35-year-old Angela Wallace was arrested at around 10 a.m. and more arrests are expected next week. Wallace will be charged with assault, animal cruelty, and euthanasia. Additional charges are pending. Chief Reece Daniel said Wallace’s alleged crimes could be upgraded to felonies. A sign at the shelter says it is closed for maintenance. Continue reading State Revokes Jacksonville Animal Shelter’s Quarantine Certification

HENDERSON — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a body was found following a house fire on County Road 291 in the northern portion of the county. KETK reports that Rusk County emergency crews were dispatched to the blaze early Friday. The cause of death was not immediately known, and a name was not immediately released by officials. The deceased has been taken to Southeastern Institute of Forensic Science in Tyler for examination.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating after a decomposed body was found Friday near a walking trail. Police say they were dispatched at 11:02 a.m. to a suspicious activity call on the walking trail at the Cargill Long Park, near the 3000 Block of Fourth Street. When officers arrived they were told the caller had seen a tent in the woods. The witness looked inside the tent and saw what the witness believed to be a dead body. Police arrived, looked inside the tent, and found what is believed to be a human skeleton. At this time police have very little information about the identity of the person found, according to a news release. The body has been sent for an autopsy.

LINDALE — The Lindale Library will remain open, at least for the time being, thanks to support from the community. KETK reports the library held a town hall meeting Thursday night to update the community on its current budget problems. The library runs on a budget of more than $100,000. The city of Lindale gives the library about $40,000 a year; the rest comes from private donations and grants. In December, Darcey Harris with the Board of Directors said, “We also have lost our biggest donor that we’ve had in the past and so because of that we don’t have the funds coming in that we had before.” The library has been offering its services since the early 1900s. If you would like to help the Lindale Library, call 903-882-1900.

BROWNSBORO – Brownsboro officials have identified a woman killed in a head-on collision Thursday afternoon. According to KETK, Police Chief Thomas Robertson says Julie Patrick, 47, of Tyler, died in the wreck on the 14000 block of Highway 31 E. At around 12:30 p.m., witnesses reported seeing the woman’s car veer left, but at that point it was too late and she hit an 18-wheeler. The driver of the semi said he tried to avoid the crash but traffic on the outside lane made it difficult to dodge her car. Police are not sure at this time why the woman drifted into oncoming traffic. The wreckage and oil spilled on the road were cleared at around 3:30 p.m. No other injuries were reported. DPS assisted with the crash.

LONGVIEW – The East Texas Anti-Trafficking Team and Partners in Prevention invite the East Texas community for a screening of the documentary “In Plain Sight.” Executive Produced and Narrated by Natalie Grant, “In Plain Sight: Stories of Hope and Freedom” features six modern-day abolitionists as they fight sex trafficking across America, according to a city of Longview news release. With over 100 premieres in early 2015, the film is educating America to a problem plaguing our nation, according to the release. Continue reading Sex Trafficking Documentary “In Plain Sight” Screening in Longview

TYLER — Dr. Neil Gray has been elected vice president of the Texas Academy of Science, Dr. Martin Slann, College of Arts and Sciences dean at The University of Texas at Tyler, announced. A UT Tyler alumnus, Gray serves as professor and chair of UTT’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The Texas Academy of Science promotes scientific research in Texas colleges and universities, encourages research as a part of student learning, and enhances the professional development of its professional and student members, according to a UTT news release. Continue reading UTT Chemistry Professor Elected to State Scientific Academy

KILGORE — Kilgore College has been announced as a finalist in Stanley Security’s “Together for Safer Schools” grant program and could receive up to $100,000 if it wins an online voting contest. The money would be used to purchase Stanley Security installed products and services to help secure students and facilities on KC’s campuses, according to a KC news release. From Jan. 19 through Feb. 13 students, faculty, administrators, parents, alumni and community members are encouraged to vote for KC daily via the website, SMS text messaging or Twitter. Continue reading KC Finalist for $100,000 Security Grant

BEAUMONT – U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced Thursday that the current head of the Mexican drug trafficking organization, the Gulf Cartel, or Cartel del Golfo, has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas. The case covered various U.S. locations, including a wide swath of Texas, and involved two Nacogdoches-based law enforcement agencies. Juan Francisco Saenz-Tamez, 23, of Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Saenz-Tamez entered his guilty plea on Jan. 13, 2015, before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone. Continue reading Gulf Cartel Head Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Tyler was named Thursday as the Chairman of the Natural Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee. Calling the appointment “an honor, Gohmert says in a statement, “The First Congressional District of Texas is not only rich in natural resources; it is the number one natural gas producing district in Texas, and I am proud to represent east Texas in this capacity in the U.S. Congress.” Continue reading Gohmert to Lead Natural Resources Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee

SMITH COUNTY (Staff/AP) – Officials are investigating a suspected murder-suicide in Smith County. Shortly before 10:15 Thursday morning, a 911 call was received at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Operations Center regarding shooting victims lying in the roadway in the 23000 block of Smith County Road 244. Upon arrival of the responding sheriff’s deputies, two deceased victims were observed in the roadway next to a parked late model Buick sedan. The Buick sedan was later determined to be owned by the male victim.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office Detectives and the SCSO Crime Scene Unit responded to assist in the investigation. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the two deceased individuals were married and had recently separated. A passerby was driving by on County Road 244 and observed the male shoot the female with a shotgun, according to an SCSO news release. The couple are identified as Mechelle Evette Bell, 35, of Tyler and Delithro Rodriquez Bell, 41. Both had recently lived in the Jackson Heights area within several miles of the incident. Delithro Bell’s uncle is reported to live in the vicinity of the shooting. Delithro Bell played on Chapel Hill’s 1989 state championship football team and later played football for the University of Houston.

All evidence and investigation at this time indicates the deaths are the result of a murder-suicide, according to Sheriff Larry Smith. But Smith says the investigation is continuing until all available witnesses have been identified and interviewed. Sheriff’s detectives have received additional information related to these two individuals which supports their suspicion of murder-suicide, according to Smith.

Smith County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Mitch Shamburger responded to the scene for an inquest and ordered autopsies on both victims. The autopsies will be performed at the Southwest Forensic facility in Smith County. Should you have information related to this or any other crimes, you’re asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

LONGVIEW — Two Longview brothers were arrested on drug charges Tuesday and a third was charged with assault when he became agitated after the initial arrests and punched an officer in the face, police said. According to KETK and the Longview News-Journal, Johnathan Fielden Jones, 22, is charged with possession of marijuana between 4 ounces and 5 pounds. Police say that’s after they pulled him over for speeding at about 8:15 p.m. Tuesday. An officer smelled marijuana in the car, and a search of the vehicle revealed several packages of marijuana totaling about 1 pound and 3.5 ounces, a police report states. Continue reading Two Arrested on Drug Charges, One Charged with Assault

KILGORE – The East Texas Council of Governments has announced that it was named as an award winner at the 2014 National Rural Transportation Peer Learning Conference held in Cincinnati on December 3 – 5. According to an ETCOG news release, the honor comes for ETCOG’S marketing and communications videos produced for EasTexConnects that were released last year. The National Association of Development Organizations (NADO) Research Foundation and RPO America program recognizes noteworthy projects and practices in rural and small metropolitan areas that help meet regional needs through various program areas, according to the news release. Those program areas include bicycle and pedestrian planning, air quality, equity, project implementation, public involvement, safety, and transit. Continue reading ETCOG Wins National Excellence in Transportation Award

HENDERSON — A fifth suspect was arrested Wednesday in a multi-county crime spree. KETK reports he’s Jorge Santos, 21. Thanks to a tip to Rusk County Crime Stoppers, he was arrested around noon at his home in Henderson. Santos and four other men are accused of stealing 30 large trucks and using them in “smash and grab” burglaries around East Texas. Property damage collectively is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $1 million. The sheriff’s departments of Smith, Rusk, Gregg, and Harrison Counties worked together for months to find and arrest the suspects.

TYLER – A Smith County inmate, found dead in his cell late last year, died of natural causes. That’s the results of an autopsy performed by the Dallas County Institute of Forensic Science. Robert Rowan, 27, of Tyler, was found unresponsive in his cell November 14th. He had been booked into the jail October 24th on a 180-day commitment for nonpayment of child support. KETK reports the Dallas lab found Rowan had heart complications, more specifically an artery ostia formed abnormally leading to compromised blood flow. This led to long-term heart damage, such as an enlarged heart, heart attack and abnormal heart beat.

LONGVIEW — Longview City Councilman Richard Manley announced Wednesday he will be running for mayor in the upcoming election. KETK reports he’s represented District 5 on the council for almost five years. Manley also says if he’s elected, his main objectives include making Longview the most business-friendly city in the state and a more biker-friendly community.

TYLER — An armed robbery suspect has been taken into custody in Tyler. At approximately 12:00 noon Wednesday the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call of an armed robbery at the LaMexicana Convenience Store located in the 4800 block of County Road 376. A male entered the store, exhibited a knife to the store clerk, and demanded money, according to a news release. The robber left the store on foot after taking the money and cigarettes. Continue reading Armed Robbery Suspect Apprehended in Smith County

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is $1 million richer after buying a $10 scratch-off. KETK reports Gene W. Hulen claimed the first of six prizes in the 50X The Cash game. The ticket was sold at Tigermart, located in the 1900 block of E. Marshall Avenue, and is now eligible for a $10,000 retailer bonus. The overall odds of winning any prize are one in 3.53. The scratch-off provides players with a chance to win more than $110 million in prizes, according to the Texas Lottery Commission.

QUITMAN — A trial date has been set for a Mineola man accused of killing a teenager in June 2014. KETK reports Jason Russell Walters, 41, will appear in the 402nd District Court for a pre-trial hearing on June 11, and trial is slated to start on August 17 at 9 a.m. Walters was booked into jail on Septmember 17 for the murder of Christopher James Griffin, 19, of Mineola. He was released on $250,000 bond. The victim was killed by a gunshot wound to his neck at a local gas sation on June 15.

ALPINE — The case of a murdered 28-year-old Kilgore man is expected to be presented to a Brewster County grand jury within the next month. According to KETK, the Brewster County District Attorney’s Office is still awaiting a return on Trey Sands’s autopsy and toxicology report. Meanwhile, all three suspects remain jailed on $200,000 bond: Keith McWilliams, 49, of Alpine; Rhonda Bloom, 42, of Terlingua; and Charles Morrow, 30, of Benbrook. Continue reading Trey Sands Case Expected to Go before Grand Jury in Next Month

EAST TEXAS — Tyler and Longview are both honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with the annual holiday in Dr. King’s honor coming up Monday. Activities in Longview are already underway, while Tyler has a big celebration planned for Monday morning. Continue reading Tyler, Longview Honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

LONGVIEW — Longview Police have identified the body of a man found at the scene of a Tuesday evening shooting in the 1600 Block of Hawthorne Street. According to KETK, the victim was said to be Philander Carlton Peters, 48, Longview. An eyewitness at the scene said they heard four gunshots and saw a black male running from the home. The shooting remains under investigation and police are treating the case as a homicide. Anyone with any information is asked to contact authorities.