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TYLER – Smith County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a man accused of making a terroristic threat. Booked into the Smith County Jail was Juan Garza. His bond was set at $20,000. He was arrested late yesterday morning, without incident, at a south Tyler apartment complex. Continue reading Tyler Man Arrested for Terroristic Threat

TYLER – Smith County Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a man accused of making a terroristic threat. Booked into the Smith County Jail was Juan Garza. His bond was set at $20,000. He was arrested late Wednesday morning, without incident, at a south Tyler apartment complex. Continue reading Man Arrested for Making a Terroristic Threat

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler graduate nursing programs once again have been ranked among the best in U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Nursing Programs, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. In the 2015 edition, the UT Tyler master’s and doctoral degree programs are ranked in the top 15 nationwide out of all online graduate nursing programs surveyed. UT Tyler is the highest Texas public academic institution ranked, besting the University of Pittsburgh, Michigan State University, the University of Arizona, UT Arlington, and UT El Paso, among others. This is the fourth consecutive year UT Tyler has been recognized in the listing. Continue reading UTT Graduate Nursing Again Ranked High by U.S. News and World Report

WINONA — A power outage forced early dismissal of classes Wednesday in the Winona ISD. A spokesperson said classes dismissed at 3:15, with no afterschool activities. There was no immediate word on plans for school Thursday.

TYLER – Texas Monthly magazine recognized James D. Saar, MD, Director of the Center for Cosmetic Surgery at Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, as one of its 2014 Texas Super Doctors. The magazine selected honorees after polling physicians statewide, asking them to share the name of a physician they would recommend to a friend or family member. “I am humbled to be named by my peers among the best physicians in Texas,” said Dr. Saar. “While I am certainly honored to be on the Super Doctors list, it is really a testament to the excellent physicians, coworkers and staff here at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery. We work as a team to improve the lives of East Texans.’” Continue reading Dr. James D. Saar Named Texas Monthly Super Doctor 2014

TYLER — Nationally known physician Dr. David Lakey is joining UT Health Northeast in Tyler and The University of Texas System. In a first-ever joint appointment, Dr. Kirk Calhoun, President of UT Health Northeast, announced Wednesday, that Dr. Lakey will serve as Senior Vice President for Population Health at UT Health Northeast and as Associate Vice Chancellor for the UT System. Both appointments will focus on population health with the goal of improving health outcomes statewide. Dr. Lakey is an expert on disease prevention and family and community health services, environmental and consumer safety, as well as infectious disease outbreaks and bioterrorism preparedness. Dr. Lakey will be leaving his post as Texas Health Commissioner, where he helped lead the state’s response to the first U.S. case of Ebola. Continue reading Nationally Known Physician to Lead Northeast Texas Population Health Initiative

RUSK — Four Jacksonville teenagers have been arrested for attempting to break into a home last month. KETK reports three are named as Austin Work, Joshua Hughes, and Billy Myles. The fourth teenager is still a minor, so his name will not be released. The attempted burglary happened in the 3900 block of Cherokee County Road 3908. Deputies say the teenagers were identified through the homeowner’s surveillance video.

ANGELINA COUNTY — An East Texas man has been killed in a Tuesday night wreck in Angelina County. Around 6:50, troopers responded to the scene of a one-vehicle rollover crash on US 59, about three miles north of Lufkin. According to KETK, the preliminary crash investigation indicated that the vehicle was traveling at an unsafe speed when it left the roadway, struck a culvert and overturned. The driver was identified as Marty Jay Allen, 55, Lufkin. Continue reading East Texan Killed in Tuesday Night Wreck

TYLER — A Tyler man has been identified as the victim of a weekend accident in Smith County. Jeffrey Paul Ewald, 50, died in the crash around 10:30 Sunday night at the intersection of U.S. Highway 271 and Farm Road 2908. DPS Trooper Jean Dark said the preliminary crash report revealed a truck tractor hauling another unit was headed west on 2908 and did not stop at the intersection of 271. The vehicle drove off the left side of 271. The crash remains under investigation

TYLER – Two persons, including a Tyler firefighter, have been injured in a Tyler fire. The home in the 2200 block of Boswell Street was said to have been a total loss in the fire, which was reported just before 2:15 yesterday afternoon. A firefighter suffered a second degree burns on his ear. A resident of the house was taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. The cause of the fire, which started in one of the bedrooms of the house, remains under investigation.

SMITH COUNTY – A suspect has been arrested in a Smith County shooting that is said to have resulted from an argument between a man and his girlfriend. The Christmas day shooting injured Larry Rhodes. He was said to have been shot once in the hip and then taken by private vehicle to the University of Texas Health Center. The shooting occurred at a home on U.S. Highway 271 North. Sheriff Larry Smith announced yesterday Susan Horn Agbugba, 63, of Tyler was arrested by Patrol Deputies of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. She was arrested off Highway 271 North after they received a tip. She has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and released from jail on a $50,000 surety bond.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department has received numerous inquiries recently concerning whether the city of Tyler has adopted a new cell phone ordinance under which cell phones are not to be used in a vehicle. This information has been observed on several individuals’ Facebook posts, according to a police department news release. Police say the answer is no. The city of Tyler is still only enforcing Texas State Law that only prohibits cell phone usage in a school zone unless hands free, according to the release.

PALESTINE — Palestine police arrested one person after she was allegedly found with methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop. KETK reports that shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday, officers stopped a minivan with a male driver and two female passengers in the 4200 block of Highway 287. When authorities approached the vehicle, they reportedly noticed a secretive movement, believed to be concealing contraband by the back seat female passenger. The driver and passengers then gave consent to search the vehicle. The two front seat passengers were not found in possession of any drugs and were later released. Continue reading Woman Arrested in Palestine on Drug Allegations

TYLER — The Women in Tyler Planning Committee hosted a reception to introduce the 2015 honorees on Monday at the McClendon House. Women in Tyler was founded in 1999 as a way to celebrate Women’s History Month and to honor women who have contributed to the quality of life in the community, according to a news release. Each year, a planning committee has gathered to select women who are then honored at a celebratory luncheon held each March. “The committee asked for nominations from the public in August that fit our 2015 theme, ‘Women With a Heart’” said Sandra Nauls-Mast, event co-chair. “We received numerous nominations and the committee selected six deserving women.” Continue reading Women in Tyler Committee Announces Honorees for Upcoming Luncheon

RUSK COUNTY — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information after a gas station was burglarized early Tuesday morning at the Clayton Shell Station at the intersection of State Highway 322 and Farm Road 2011. According to KETK, one of the burglars drove a vehicle through the front of the business. The suspects reportedly took an ATM containing an undisclosed amount of money. The vehicle used in the break-in was allegedly stolen out of Harrison County. The vehicle has been recovered by the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. They are currently processing the vehicle in an attempt to locate additional evidence.

GILMER – A Big Sandy man remains in the Upshur County Jail, charged with murder. Being held on a $1 million bond is Jonathan Lynn Sullivan, 26. He’s charged with the weekend shooting death of Joseph Nilsson, 41. The shooting followed a confrontation the men had in the front yard of Nilsson’s mother’s home on Farm Road 852. No word on what the argument was about. The investigation is on-going.

LONGVIEW – Two Longview structures have suffered fire damage. Children playing with a heat source is said to have started a fire in a mattress at the Rayanne Place Apartments in the 1200 block of South High Street. Damage was minimal and no injuries were reported. On the other hand, heavy fire damage was reported to the second story and attic of a home in the 100block of Sydney Street. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Both fires were reported Monday afternoon.

TYLER — Construction on the improvements to Bergfeld Park playground is underway as of Tuesday. The current playground will be replaced with all new play features for children of all ages. The playground, located on the northwest corner of Bergfeld Park, will be fenced off during construction. Construction is expected to be completed this spring. When the park reopens, visitors will see a unique play area that will include two playgrounds for different ages, a crushed granite trail, landscaping, mulch and seating areas. Continue reading Bergfeld Park Improvements Begin

HENDERSON — The crime rate is up in Rusk County, but KETK reports this time it’s not thieves stealing from local businesses. There have been three church burglaries reported in the county since last October. The latest happened at a church right outside Henderson just after the New Year. Holy Prayer Church, Concord Methodist Church, and now New Life Church were the locations victimized. It’s not clear if the three incidents are linked, but TVs seem to be at the top of the list of items stolen. More than $1,000 in electronics was stolen in the latest burglary.

BIG SANDY — An East Texas man has been arrested for allegedly making a terroristic threat prompting two schools to go on lockdown Monday morning. According to KETK, Wood County Sheriff Jim Brown stated at approximately 7:35 a.m., his office received a call from the Dallas FBI office. The FBI agent said he had received a call from Hawkins resident Courtney Taylor. The suspect reportedly claimed he was at Hawkins ISD, armed, and was going to “take care of business,” then take care of himself. Deputies along with Hawkins Police responded to the school and attempted to locate Taylor. The school was placed on lockdown. Taylor was eventually located in Big Sandy, where school was also locked down for a time, and was taken into custody. Taylor was charged with terroristic threat and taken to the Wood County Jail.

TITUS COUNTY — If you’ve ever wondered if those TxDOT highway signs actually work, one of the signs made a difference Sunday morning in North and East Texas. All it took was an attentive citizen who spotted a vehicle connected to a missing woman from Plano. Just moments after a Silver Alert was declared, a driver spotted 77-year-old Blanca Piccolo’s red Nissan Stanza ahead of them. Piccolo was spotted in Titus County, two hours after being listed as missing by Plano police. Blanca Piccolo is now safe and was being returned to her family.

ATHENS — Henderson County Crime Stoppers is seeking the identity of a man in a recent burglary at a local propane business. KETK reports that on December 30 at around 10:28 p.m., an unidentified man broke into the Nelson Propane company located on Highway 175 East in Athens. Officials said he cut into the sheet metal, siding, insulation and plywood. The man was also wearing a full face mask. If you have any information about this crime or any other felony crimes, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-545-8477 (TIPS). Callers will remain anonymous. If your information leads to an arrest you could earn a cash reward up to $1,000.

CARTHAGE (AP) – The district attorney who agreed to release a convicted East Texas killer whose story inspired the dark comedy “Bernie” said he’s not ruling out a future prosecution of the man. Panola County prosecutor Danny Buck Davidson said Friday that he met Friday with the family of Marjorie Nugent, the wealthy widow killed in 1996 by Bernie Tiede, an East Texas mortician’s assistant. The incident inspired the 2011 movie “Bernie,” which led to successful efforts to have Tiede released early from a life sentence. Out on bond, Tiede was in court Friday and due back in March. Davidson eventually agreed that Tiede was wrongly sentenced for first-degree murder when he deserved a lesser sentence. But Davidson said Friday that he wouldn’t rule out prosecuting Tiede for spending Nugent’s money after her death.

GILMER — The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in finding a missing teenager. KETK reports Samantha Lyn Bailey Strader, 16, has been missing since December 27-28. The teenager is described as a white female with brown hair and brown/hazel eyes. She is 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs about 120 pounds. She is possibly wearing a red/white Kilgore letter jacket with “Strader” in large white letters on the back. She is also believed to be wearing jeans, boots and a yellow Pikachu toboggan. If you have any information on her whereabouts, contact the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office.

TYLER — Tyler police continue their investigation into the shooting death of Michael Caldwell, (pictured) of Tyler. He was shot outside the Walgreens at Highway 64 West and Loop 323. The suspect, Fredy Neal, 65, told officers he shot in self-defense. Officials say Neal has cooperated with police and has been released pending further investigation.

The shooting occurred Saturday morning around 9:15. Investigators were told that Caldwell and his girlfriend were asked to leave IHOP at 64 West and Loop 323 due to their reportedly causing a disturbance in the restaurant. Tyler police were then called by a driver who said that a man and woman were out in traffic and looked as if they were going to get hit because the man was chasing cars on foot at 64W and Loop 323. Tyler police headed to the area to investigate.

Police say Caldwell, and his girlfriend entered the Walgreens and witnesses say the two were being disruptive inside the drug store. According to officials, Caldwell approached Neal in the Walgreens parking lot. Police say Caldwell got into a verbal altercation with Neal as Neal was attempting to use the Red Box.

According to a police report, Caldwell became more agitated with Neal as Neal was attempting to keep Caldwell away from him. Neal stated that he was in fear for his life so he pulled out a handgun and after several attempts to keep Caldwell from assaulting him, he shot him once in the chest, according to officials. Investigators have confirmed that Neal has a license to carry a concealed handgun. Upon completion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office for presentation to a grand jury.

TYLER — Representative Louie Gohmert, of Tyler, announced Sunday that he will challenge House Speaker John Boehner for his position next week when congress returns to Washington. Gohmert spoke with Fox & Friends about the need for someone to step up and run against Speaker Boehner in this new Congress. He echoed what many House Members are saying that there needs to be new leadership. Continue reading Representative Gohmert Running for House Speaker

TYLER (AP) — Veteran Texas journalist Allison Pollan has been named the new editor of the Tyler Morning Telegraph. The newspaper announced the appointment Sunday. The 39-year-old Pollan had spent the previous 10 years at the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, including the last four as managing editor. Pollan replaces Dave Berry, who retired last week after 46 years in newspapers. Pollan has also worked for the Kerrville Daily Times and the Brazosport Facts. She arrives in Tyler a month after the newspaper also named a new managing editor, Carlina Villalpando, who also previously worked in Kerrville. Tyler Morning Telegraph publisher Nelson Clyde said Pollan and Villalpando represent “a new era in our newsroom leadership.” He said in a story announcing the changes that both bring strong track records of news judgment and innovation.

TYLER — A Tyler man has been arrested after reportedly wrecking a stolen truck into an RV. It happened just before 8:00 Saturday night at the 64 West RV Park, 13000 Hwy 64. Brad Lewis, 29, was eventually taken into custody after officers tased him for refusal to surrender. Authorities said one person inside the RV was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. The RV was said to be a total loss. Lewis was booked into the Smith County Jail, charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, resisting search/arrest and driving while intoxicated. His bonds total $100,000. set.

RUSK COUNTY — A Rusk County man is behind bars after sheriff’s deputies say he opened fire on them. The shooting happened Thursday night around 9:45. According to KETK, Robert Scott Hurst, 28, reportedly opened fire on an officer who was making a welfare check at his residence on County Road 472. Back-up was called in and officials were able to eventually talk Hurst out of the house. He was arrested without further incident. No injuries were reported. A motive is still not clear. One patrol car was hit by two bullets. Hurst was charged with a first degree felony, punishable by up to 99 years. His bond was set at $2,000,000.

LONGVIEW – A Longview woman has been accused of cutting her husband with a knife and hitting with a broom handle and a can of hair product. Charged with aggravated assault is Danielle Sarae Branson, 20. During the incident, she is also said to have punched her mother-in-law in the face and pulled her hair. The Longview News-Journal reports she is currently free on a $6,000 bond.