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WHITEHOUSE — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a March burglary that happened in the Whitehouse area. According to KETK, officials say the homeowner determined that among the items taken was a bank card. That same day, the suspect used the stolen card to make purchases at Dollar General in Whitehouse and then at Walmart on Troup Highway in Tyler. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in identifying the suspect. If you have information on his identity, call 903-566-6600.

LONGVIEW — Harrison County investigators have found a teenager who had been missing since March 25. According to officials, Destiny Battensby, who was considered a runaway teen from the Longview area, was found around noon Wednesday in Cass County, and her mother made arrangements to pick her up. According to KETK, law enforcement says she left her house March 25 with an unknown male and was possibly in Texarkana or Hughes Springs. Law enforcement is issuing a word of thanks to all who helped get the word out about Battensby.

LONGVIEW — A mechanic has been seriously injured in Longview while repairing a dump truck. It happened in the 1600 block of Whitney Street near the intersection of Neal Street shortly after 12:15 Wednesday afternoon. According to the Longview Fire Department, a man was repairing a dump truck when the bed fell on him. KETK reports safety bars were not in use when the accident occurred. After 20 minutes, authorities were able to pull the man from beneath the bed. He was taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center. The man worked for the dump truck company, said fire officials. The employee’s identity has not been released.

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court was commended for keeping transparent financial records and for exceeding conventional reporting requirements in an annual independent financial audit report presented by Henry & Peters, P.C., during a regular meeting this week. CPA Tal Glenn thanked the Smith County Auditor’s staff for its cooperation and assistance during the 3-week investigation to produce the report. For the last four years the county has elected to participate in a “comprehensive” financial report, the highest level of reporting that can be performed for a governmental entity, going above and beyond what is required, according to a county news release. Continue reading County Commended For Transparent Financial Reporting

TYLER — Half of a south Tyler duplex has been damaged by fire. It was reported around 9:45 Tuesday night in the 7100 block of Richfield Drive. KETK reports half of the duplex received heavy smoke damage and the kitchen was destroyed, but the other half is still in good condition. No injuries were reported. It appears the blaze started in the kitchen but the exact cause remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — As authorities in Longview continue to try to put an end to the synthetic marijuana craze, a former mayor is in the process of evicting a renter for allegedly selling the drug. According to KETK, Murray Moore says the lease the renter signed was residential, and nothing was mentioned about a business being run out of the home. Moore says, “Just because it’s legal doesn’t make it right — this stuff is horrible, and it’s dangerous.” Customers were at the house Tuesday trying to buy synthetic marijuana, but the renter was nowhere to be found.

PITTSBURG — An Arizona man previously charged with two armed robberies and a school fire in East Texas has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. According to the Camp County District Attorney’s Office, Steven Marlin Schade, 45, pleaded guilty about two weeks ago on two counts of aggravated robbery. KETK reports a charge of arson connected to an alleged school fire was dropped due to lack of sufficient evidence. Schade was arrested the night of January 15 for holding up two gas stations at gunpoint. He must serve 10 years before he is eligible for parole. Schade still faces two warrants for his arrest in Utah.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking the public’s help in locating 19-year old Fidelmar Aguirre of Tyler. KETK reports Aguirre is wanted by the DPS on several outstanding warrants as a result of a traffic stop on December 30, 2013. According to the arrest affidavit, Aguirre was stopped for speeding on Smith County Road 35. The trooper reportedly smelled the odor of marijuana, and a probable cause search was conducted. According to officials, Aguirre fled on foot after marijuana and suspected methamphetamine were found in the vehicle. Continue reading DPS Searching for Tyler Man Wanted on Several Warrants

TYLER – Tyler ISD will host additional parent information meetings to discuss the new graduation requirements (House Bill 5) affecting all current eighth and ninth-grade students. These requirements are set to be effective beginning in the 2014-2015 school year. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to attend, according to a TISD news release. Continue reading Tyler ISD to Hold Additional Graduation Plan Parent Meetings

KILGORE — Kilgore law enforcement is asking for the public’s help in solving a case that remains open almost two months after the crime took place. According to the the Kilgore Police Department, at 9:30 a.m. on February 6, police responded to Xino Converters, a recycling center, on the 300 block of Harris St. following reports of an armed robbery. According to KETK, upon arrival, an employee at the recycling center told authorities two masked men entered the business and robbed him of a large amount of cash. One of the two men pointed a handgun while the other tied him up. The two robbers stole the employee’s vehicle and left the scene. Continue reading Kilgore PD Seeking Tips in February Armed Robbery

LONGVIEW – Gregg County Sheriff Maxey Cerliano and Longview Police Chief Don Dingler have arrested 10 Gregg County parents who allegedly violated court orders requiring them to pay child support. Tuesday’s sweep was conducted in conjunction with the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division. After holding a 4:30 a.m. briefing to kick off the initiative, teams of law enforcement officers worked through the early morning hours to locate and arrest the parents before they had a chance to leave their homes for the day. Child Support Division investigators aided the sheriff and police chief by providing logistical assistance to locate missing parents. Continue reading Ten Arrested in Gregg County Child Support Sweep

TYLER — A vehicle/pedestrian accident in Tyler has injured two persons. It happened around 8:00 Tuesday night in the 200 block of South Englewood. Sergeant Paul Robeson says Vanessa Zamora, 31, saw her three year old daughter running towards the street. The mother tried to keep her daughter from getting hit, and in the process, both were hit by the vehicle. They were taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries. This accident is still under investigation and no citations have been issued at this time.

MARSHALL — A man accused of attacking several persons with a hatchet at a Marshall Wal-Mart, has been ordered to the Rusk State Hospital. The order, issued Monday, said Christopher Lynn Hamilton will spend no more that 120 days at the hospital. According to the Marshall News Messenger, the order was based on a psychologist’s recommendation that Hamilton wasn’t competent enough to stand trial. Depending on the outcome of his hospital stay, Hamilton could later stand trial in the attacks. Continue reading Accused Hatchet Attacker Ordered to the Rusk State Hospital

LONGVIEW — Populations across the nation grew 0.71% last year, making it the slowest growth since The Great Depression. But KETK reports that here in East Texas, the Smith and Gregg County populations increased by over 1,500. New population estimates released by the U.S Census Bureau show a rise of 283 Gregg County residents and over 1,400 in Smith County. Continue reading Two East Texas Counties See Increase in Population despite National Trend

GLADEWATER — A Gregg County Constable has taken leave following a DWI charge in Franklin County last week. Gregg County Precinct 3 Constable Michael Baggett released the following statement: “I am voluntarily taking leave from my position as Gregg County Precinct #3 Constable to take care of my personal health and medical needs following an incident that occurred recently in Franklin County, Texas. I believe it is in the best interests of myself, my family, and my constituents for me to take this time to regain my focus and my health. During my absence the duties of my office will be carried out by the Gregg County Precinct #3 Deputy Constables with the assistance of other Gregg County law enforcement officers.” Continue reading Constable Takes Leave Following Arrest

NACOGDOCHES (AP) – Stephen F. Austin State University is shelving its new logo after hearing complaints from students and commenters on social media. SFA announced late last week that it would not use a logo designed by a marketing firm for about $14,000. The new logo had the letters “SFA” placed over an outline in the shape of the state of Texas, with a star in the “A” where SFA is located, in Nacogdoches. It would have replaced the old design, shown at left. The change sparked an online petition and complaints, and eventually led to university president Baker Pattillo saying the university would be “suspending the new logo effective immediately.” The old logo will go on billboards and banner ads.

GLADEWATER — The Gladewater Police Department is warning citizens of a new scam spreading in the area. KETK reports unknown persons will call residences posing as electric company representatives threatening to cut a customer’s power off unless an outstanding balance is paid. Once a person agrees to pay the bill, credit or debit card information is handed over to the con artist. If you receive a call similar to this scenario, police advise you to verify the true identity of the caller before providing any personal information. Officials say you should call your local electricity provider to verify the status of your account before ever giving out personal or financial information. You can report the scam to the Gladewater Police Department at 903-845-2166 or the Better Business Bureau at 903-581-5704.

LONGVIEW — Harrison County investigators are seeking information on the whereabouts of a missing teenager. KETK reports Destiny Battensby is a runaway from the Longview area of Harrison County. Her mother said she was last seen wearing a red “hoodie” style jacket, blue jeans, and a red and white striped tank top. Battensby is described as a white 16-year-old girl, standing 5’7” and weighing 125 pounds. She has blond hair and blue eyes. She has numerous tattoos on both arms and legs and stars with the word “Destiny” on her hip. She was last seen on Tuesday, March 25, at 10:00 p.m., when she left her house with an unknown male. She may possibly be in Texarkana or Hughes Springs. Any information about her location may be reported to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office at 903-923-4000.

PALESTINE — An Anderson County woman remains hospitalized in Tyler following shooting that left her ex-husband dead. It occurred shortly before 11:30 Friday morning north of Palestine on County Road 362. Investigators say Octoavio Guerrero Garcia forced his way into his ex-wife’s mobile home and shot her a couple of times. She was able to wrestle the handgun from him and shoot him. Garcia later died in a Palestine hospital. Nicole Lynn Guerrero, 32, has undergone surgery at a Tyler hospital and is listed in stable condition.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at other work planned in Smith County by the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

SMITH COUNTY – Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue base and pavement repairs on State Highway 135 between Troup and Arp, then move to SH 135 near the Overton City Limits. A second crew is scheduled to resume base and pavement repairs on East Loop 323 in Tyler between the Loop 323 Extension and Commerce Street. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress. Motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone. Continue reading TxDOT Project Updates

WINONA — Fire crews were on scene of a grass fire that destroyed more than 10 acres near Winona in Smith County. KETK reports it happened Sunday afternoon in the 15000 block of County Road 354. The fire started as a controlled burn, but the wind picked up, and the fire quickly spread. Officials said there was minimal damage to a fence surrounding a home but no major damage reported to any of the structures nearby and no injuries reported. The Winona and Red Springs Volunteer Fire Departments put the fire out.

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department has handed its Firefighter of the Year Award to Matt Ford (pictured). That honor was just one of many presented as the department held its 23rd Annual Awards Banquet Saturday at the Tyler Rose Garden Center. During the ceremony, firefighters, along with retired firefighters and civilians, were honored for their actions and service to the City of Tyler. Continue reading Tyler Fire Department Holds 23rd Annual Awards Banquet

GILMER — An Upshur County woman whose body was discovered this past month in a house fire was killed by blunt impact to the head and stab wounds to the neck, according to an autopsy report. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the bludgeoning of Erica Cook’s head led to a skull fracture, bruises to the brain, and cuts of the mouth. She also was stabbed in the ear, the trachea, and the spinal cord, according to the autopsy performed by Robert Lyon of Forensic Medical of Texas in Tyler. Continue reading Autopsy: Upshur County Woman Died from Neck, Head Wounds

TYLER — With what’s termed the slow comeback of the economy, the most vulnerable among us are still at risk, according to a news release from the Tyler Salvation Army. The U.S. Census Bureau now rates almost half of all Americans in the poor or low-income categories. The Salvation Army nationwide is seeing heavy demand for food relief. Tyler is no exception as, more and more, local residents are reaching the end of their savings and desperately need help, according to local officials. Continue reading Local Food Supply For Hungry Families Dwindles

TYLER — Hometown folks and visitors were greeted with a welcome sight over the weekend: Tyler’s iconic azaleas have finally begun to bloom. And officials at the Tyler Convention and Visitors Bureau are keeping their hopes up about further spring blooms during the 55th annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail. CVB staffers blame the long winter for the flowers’ late appearance. You can view the CVB’s Facebook and VisitTyler Instagram pages to check the progress of the blooms. The Azalea and Spring Flower Trail continues through April 6. Click on http://www.visittyler.com for more information. Continue reading At Last — Azaleas

LONGVIEW — Three Longview men have been jailed after allegedly stealing several televisions from a home Thursday afternoon. KETK reports it happened around 1:50 p.m. Thursday in the 400 block of Fairlane Drive in Longview. According to police, a neighbor saw three men enter a trailer through a window, remove multiple televisions, and place them in the trunk and back seat of their vehicle. Officers arrested Laderrion Devonte Johnson, 20; Demond Gawayne Colbert, 18; and Demanuel B. Fletcher, 31. All three are charged with burglary of a habitation, and all were booked into Gregg County Jail on a $20,000 bond each.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Road and Bridge Department is replacing a well-traveled bridge on County Road 137 just north of Bullard. The wooden bridge, which crosses over Henshaw Creek, was only large enough to allow a single car to pass at a time. The replacement bridge is made of concrete, has two full lanes, and will improve a number of safety issues for that road, officials say. According to a news release, crews are moving the location of the bridge to straighten out a dangerous curve in CR 137, improving visibility for both directions of traffic. Weather allowing, the project is expected to be complete in approximately seven weeks. Improvements are also under way on two bridges on County Road 1141, also known as Dean Road. The bridges are being rebuilt where CR 1141 crosses Indian Creek and the railroad tracks between CR 1134 and CR 1140. Continue reading Smith County Bridges Receiving Updates

TYLER — Smith County and the city of Tyler are seeking public input and recommendations concerning one of the most frequently traveled corridors in the region, Interstate 20. Officials say I-20 from the Louisiana/Texas border to the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area provides an important east-west connection for travel and trade in Texas, directly impacting Tyler and Smith County. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is partnering with the city, the county, and 19 other entities to evaluate the I-20 roadway as it goes through the East Texas region. This project, called the I-20 East Texas Corridor Study, was specifically created to assess current safety and capacity needs, to plan for future growth, and to identify specific rural and rail transportation needs along the heavily traveled corridor. Continue reading Local Governments Seek Public Input on I-20 Corridor Study

TYLER — The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NET Health) has announced Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass as the recipient of the 2014 W. T. “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. Officials say the award is the District’s highest accolade for outstanding service contributing significantly to the enhancement of public health. According to a news release, Bass “has demonstrated a true commitment to protect and promote the health of the public.” Continue reading Bass Wins “Doc” Ballard Award

PALESTINE — The Texas Transportation Commission, TxDOT’s governing body, has approved nearly $80,000 engineering and design work to improve the pavement infrastructure at Palestine Municipal Airport. Project costs will be funded through the city of Palestine and TxDOT’s Aviation Facilities Grant Program, which preserves and improves the state’s general aviation system.