TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is investigating after a 9-year-old girl died from an overdose on Wednesday evening, according to our news partner KETK.
Around 6 p.m., Tyler Police Officers responded to UT Health on 1000 S. Beckham Avenue, where a 9-year-old girl had ingested and overdosed on her family member’s blood pressure medication at a home on Vicksburg Street.
Officials said the child died from the overdose at the hospital and that the case is still under investigation.
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LONGVIEW –The Longview Fire Department held a retirement ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate the career of Kevin May, who recently retired after serving the department for 25 years. According to our news partner KETK, May officially retired from the force on Wednesday, having most recently served as the department’s fire marshal and public information officer. The ceremony was held at the Longview Fire training center, and during the event, May reflected on how he wants to be remembered by the Longview community.
“I just hope that I made a difference in their life, that’s all I really ever wanted to do is make a difference in someone’s life,” May said.
May also provide advice to those who will be joining the department following his departure. “Come in with an open mind, we want to make a difference, and that’s all we can do,” May said.
Following May’s retirement celebration, a flag ceremony was held in his honor at the Central Fire Station.
TITUS COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, two men were arrested on Tuesday after the Titus County Sheriff’s Office discovered methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms during a search.
Jose Antonio Jimenez and Jose Francisco Jimenez were arrested during a search of a residence in the 400 block of North Fifth Street, the sheriff’s office said. Agents from the Titus County Emergency Response Team, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Patrol Deputies discovered methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms during the search. The two men were booked on the following charges:
Juan Jimenez – Possession of a controlled substance
Jose Jimenez – Unlawful possession of a firearm by felon and possession of a controlled substance
TYLER – On Wednesday Sept. 10, the Tyler City Council recognized an Infants at Work participant, Olivia Alacorn. The council took time to salute Olivia’s six months of service with the City of Tyler.
TYLER – According to a press release from the City of Tyler, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, the City Council approved a contract with Applied Research Associates (ARA) for $245,000 to conduct a pavement condition survey and provide pavement management services for the City’s street system.
Every street maintained by the City will be driven, scanned, and digitally photographed as part of the survey. The data collected, including pavement distress and ride quality, will be uploaded to the City’s new pavement management system, DOT. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) data will be used to identify which streets need rehabilitation and determine the most appropriate type of repair. Continue reading Tyler City Council approves pavement survey to improve roads
LONGVIEW — According to a press release from the Longview Police Department, a 27-year-old cold case involving the discovery of a newborn found dead in a field has been solved using genetics testing.
In June of 1998, officers responded to the area of West Harrison Road and Jordan Valley Road, where they discovered the dead newborn in a field. “Despite extensive investigation and public assistance, detectives were unable to identify the child or the parents at that time,” officials said. “The infant was given the name Baby Jane Doe.”
In 2025, while reviewing cold cases, officers utilized advanced genetic profile technology to identify a potential parent of the child. The investigation led detectives to 47-year-old Misty Marie Mitchell of Longview, who admitted to being the child’s mother during an interview. Continue reading Mother arrested after genetics solve cold case murder of newborn
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TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler is celebrating yet another record-breaking enrollment year, reaching its highest total enrollment to date. UT Tyler’s fall 2025 preliminary enrollment as of the Sept. 8 census date is 11,602 students, which is a 10.07% increase over last fall, according to a news release from UT.
“This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of so many across our campus community,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “Our focus continues to be on meeting the needs of our students and our region. We are committed to giving them our best so that they can reach their full potential.”
First-time-in-college freshman enrollment made up 1,561 of the total preliminary enrollment, which is a 9.47% increase over the previous fall. UT Tyler continued enhancing retention rates among graduate/professional students. Graduate enrollment saw its largest enrollment ever, with a preliminary enrollment of 3,264. Continue reading UT Tyler celebrates largest enrollment growth in institutional history
SMITH COUNTY — A 25-year-old Tyler man was sentenced to 34 years in prison on Tuesday for the 2024 fatal stabbing of Noe Luna. According to our news partner KETK, Letierus Drew, 25, of Tyler, was arrested for murder on Jan. 21, 2024 after Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported stabbing at a home in the 400 block of County Road 34.
Deputies learned that 43-year-old Noe Luna of Tyler had been stabbed and taken to a local hospital before they arrived at the scene. Luna died at the hospital a few hours later.
Authorities said that Drew was identified as a suspect in the stabbing after witnesses at the scene said he had forced his way inside the home and got into a physical fight with Luna. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to prison for deadly stabbing
TYLER — East Texas Food Bank employees volunteered to pack up boxes full of food on Tuesday as a part of National Hunger Action Day. According to our news partner KETK, the day of action was done as part of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign held every September that encourages people to help end hunger in their community. On Tuesday, volunteers helped pack boxes that will be delivered to elderly East Texans in need.
“What we’re packing today is our senior box, our CSFP distribution program. So this is for our elderly population that is food insecure and that needs a little extra resources to be able to put food on the table,” Kim Morris with the East Texas Food Bank said. “So the boxes that they’re packing today are nutritionally balanced, and they should last about a month to supplement their food, to be able to get them through and make sure that they have not just to eat, but nutritious, healthy, other types. “ Continue reading Food Bank volunteers pack boxes for National Hunger Action Day
TYLER – A 54-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after he was found guilty of killing a man at a taqueria in Tyler in 2024.
Scotty Lee Goble, 54 of Frost, was arrested for murder on Oct. 11, 2024 after witnesses told Tyler Police Department officers that he fatally shot Heriberto Ramirez, 38 of Tyler, at a taqueria on SSW Loop 323. Witnesses told officers that the shooting happened after Goble and Ramirez got into a verbal argument that turned into a physical altercation.
Officials said that Goble had been a repeat customer of the taqueria and that there were disagreements that had happened prior to the shooting.
Goble was found guilty after a jury trial in the 241st Judicial District Court and sentenced to 18 years in state prison on Tuesday. Goble will also have to pay a $10,000 fine as a part of his sentence.
POLK COUNTY – Our news partner KETK is reporting that two men were arrested after opening fire in a Polk County neighborhood on Sunday evening.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, they received a report late on Sunday evening that gunshots were fired at a residence in the Indian Hills subdivision, which is located off of FM 2457. Once on the scene, the victim told authorities that an unknown vehicle drove by and fired multiple rounds towards the home, striking the residence.
Detectives identified the two suspects involved as 18-year-old Abraham Saenz and 18-year-old Ivan Rangel, both of Livingston. Saenz and Rangel were both arrested and charged with deadly conduct and discharge of a firearm, according to officials. Continue reading Duo arrested after shooting at Polk County home
TYLER – Smith County Animal Control and Shelter supervisor Amber Greene has been fired from her position after an internal investigation found she encouraged an employee to use racial slurs.
According to our news partner KETK, termination records from Smith County describe that the county launched an internal investigation after an animal control employee submitted a letter describing an Aug. 7 meeting where Greene had allegedly made derogatory comments and allowed her employees to use racial slurs.
“After a thorough internal investigation, and your own admission, it was found that you made derogatory comments in the workplace and, more concerningly, permitted employees under your supervision to use racial slurs,” Smith County chief human resources officer Esmeralda Corona wrote in Greene’s termination letter dated Sept. 9. “This behavior is in direct violation of Smith County’s anti-discrimination and harassment policies, as well as the ethical responsibilities entrusted to you as a leader.” Continue reading Animal Control supervisor fired for racial slur
SMITH COUNTY – A Tyler man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday after he impersonated a 10-year-old wanting to engage in sexual activity with other online users. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County officials started investigating Jodi Mack Hester of Tyler, in January. An investigator received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, about an immediate risk to a child. The electronic service provider, Tagged.com, reported possible online enticement and provided chat logs to the investigator dated from November 2024 to January 2025.
The Tagged.com user ‘Jodimarie’ claimed to have a 10-year-old daughter he wished to involve in sexual activity. The cyber tip included the users’ subscribing information and sexually explicit photos, identifying the suspect as registered sex offender Jodi Mack Hester of Tyler.
Continue reading Tyler man sentenced for sharing porn, impersonating 10-year-old online
LONGVIEW – A man was sentenced to 40 years in prison after he killed a pedestrian in February of 2024 while driving drunk in Longview, according to a report from our news partner KETK.
Around 12:52 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2024, Lantez Amide Darensbourg was driving west in the 500 block of West Hope Drive when he hit a pedestrian and a vehicle. The person was taken to a local hospital, where they later died. Darensbourg was arrested after officers determined he was driving while intoxicated.
On Monday, Darensbourg pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.
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TYLER – One man has been arrested after the Tyler Police Department said he was involved in a crash that injured two pedestrians on Friday night, according to a report from our news partner KETK.
Officers with the Tyler Police responded to a crash reported near Bruck Avenue and W. Front Street at around 9:25 p.m. on Friday. Two pedestrians at the scene were injured by a vehicle and had to be transported to local hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.
Tyler PD officers on the scene saw the suspected vehicle leaving the scene and the driver was later pulled over on Chandler Highway. Tyler PD identified the driver as 49-year-old Howard Jessie of Smith County.
Jessie was arrested for a collision involving injury and booked into the Smith County Jail on Friday. He was released on Saturday after posting bond.
QUITMAN– The Quitman ISD community is mourning the loss of one of their teachers who recently died after teaching in the district for 16 years. According to our news partner KETK, Sherrie Callahan died on Sept. 1 at the age of 61 after devoting the past 29 years of her life to teaching. She most recently taught at Quitman High School and has been a member of the district since 2009.
“Deeply loved by our staff and students, her positive attitude, sweet smile and playful personality will be greatly missed,” Quitman ISD said. “The Quitman ISD family mourns this tremendous loss and extends our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Callahan’s family and friends during this time. We ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
A celebration of life was held for Callahan on Sunday at the Chapel in the Woods Church in Winnsboro.
SMITH COUNTY– The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for those responsible for vandalizing a marble statue of Jesus at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Flint. Members of the sheriff’s office arrived at the scene at around 8:45 a.m. on Sunday and discovered that suspects had vandalized the face and hands of the statue, which is located at the front of the church.
According to our news partners KETK, officials were able to obtain video footage of the incident. The video displayed the suspect, a white man wearing a black shirt and black shorts, shattering the hands, wrists and part of the face of the statue. After damaging the statue, the suspect was reportedly seen walking south towards County Road 1299.
The sheriff’s office stated the statue cost around $10,500 to construct. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.
NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people who allegedly dumped suspected meth and cocaine out of their vehicle during a pursuit.
According to our news partner KETK, on Aug. 29 deputies from the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were pulling over a Hyundai passenger vehicle they were investigating in the 5000 block of US Highway 59 south. The sheriff’s office stated that the driver failed to stop in a timely manner, which initiated a pursuit. Video shared by the sheriff’s office shows what officials claimed to be powdered cocaine and meth being poured out of the Hyundai during the pursuit.
The pursuit ended when the vehicle stopped and the two people inside were arrested. The Hyundai was searched and officials said narcotics and a firearm were found inside the vehicle. Continue reading Two arrested for dumping drugs during pursuit
CROCKETT – The Crockett Police Department is searching for a man who’s wanted in connection with an attempted armed robbery that occurred on Aug. 30.
According to our news partners KETK, officers responded to a call about an attempted armed robbery in the 200 block of East Goliad Avenue on Aug. 30 around 9:30 a.m. The victim told officers that a man approached her with a knife and attempted to rob her. More officers were then sent out to the scene to search for the man. Their ground and air searches were unsuccessful. Crockett PD then interviewed nearby witnesses and searched for available security camera footage from the area.
The victim described the man as a 6-foot-4-inch white man with dark shaggy hair, green eyes, a light scruffy beard. Continue reading Police search for Crockett armed robbery suspect
TYLER – An East Texas marketer is one of seven individuals who have agreed to pay a portion of a $1,459,620 settlement to resolve allegations of paying kickbacks to doctors, according to a report from our news partner KETK.
The U.S. has recently taken over civil lawsuits filed under the False Claims Act in the cases of doctors, executives and marketers who allegedly engaged in illegal payments to doctors for laboratory referrals, which were disguised as managed service organization (MSO) investments.
“The Department of Justice will continue to pursue and prioritize healthcare fraud, including redressing illegal kickbacks,” Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division said. “Kickbacks to doctors can undermine medical decision-making, subject patients to wasteful medical treatments and squander taxpayer money.” Continue reading Tyler man to pay part of healthcare fraud settlement
AUSTIN – 
The Houston Chronicle reports the Texas Senate voted against delaying a controversial East Texas groundwater export project on the same day the company behind it hired one of Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s top advisors as a lobbyist. Conservation Equity Management, a company affiliated with Dallas investor Kyle Bass, hired Allen Blakemore on Tuesday, the same day the legislation hit the Senate floor, according to lobbying records filed at the Texas Ethics Commission. Blakemore is Patrick’s political consultant and has also worked on the campaigns of several Republican senators. The Senate, which Patrick oversees, ultimately agreed to back a state-led study of the company’s proposal to pump huge amounts of groundwater out from under Anderson and Henderson counties. But it stripped a provision that would have put the project on hold until the findings came out in 2027. Continue reading Lobbyist hired to delay water grab bill
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LUFKIN — Lufkin ISD said on Monday that an unloaded gun was found at their high school, according to a report from our news partner KETK.
The campus went into a “secure,” a safety protocol in which everyone is brought inside, all exterior doors are locked, and the school day continues as usual. Following an investigation, an unloaded firearm was found in a bathroom trash. The school has since resumed regular schedules.
“We want to thank Lufkin ISD Administration and Police Department, as well as the City of Lufkin Police Department, for a swift and professional response in keeping our students and campus safe,” Kaitlin Smith, the communications specialist for Lufkin ISD, said.
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Criminal District Attorney Jacob Putman announced this week that he will be running for re-election in 2026. According to our news partner KETK, Putman has served for the past six years, and during his tenure, the district attorney’s office has expanded from 48 to 85 staff members. In 2024, Putman and his office prosecuted over 7,000 criminal cases, including 4,472 misdemeanors and 2,886 felonies.
Due to the number of cases prosecuted in 2024, the attorney’s office was named a Gold Level Agency, the highest award a victim-friendly practice can obtain from the Texas Victim Services Association.
Putman will run in next year’s Republican Primary ahead of the November election.
SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Emergency Services District 2 broke ground on its twelfth fire station, Station 76 on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, the new station will provide the unincorporated community of Jamestown with around-the-clock firefighter coverage, quickening response times to fires in the area.
Smith County ESD2 Chief Eric Greaser said Sunday, “We’re just very excited that we’re going to be able to get full time 24/7 coverage by career firefighters that are both trained as firefighters and as EMS professionals, EMTs, advanced EMTs or paramedics that’ll be working out of this facility with all the equipment that they’ll need to save lives.”
Once firefighters start working at Station 76, ESD2 will have 24/7 coverage of Smith County with 10 engine companies and three tender crews.
TYLER – The close of the second special session on Wednesday evening led to a disappointing end for House Bill 27, which would’ve required a study of new water drilling in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, HB27 would’ve required the Texas Water Development Board to conduct a study on the effects of drilling permits on the Neches and Trinity Valley Groundwater District. HB 27 also pushed for lawmakers to allow a 16-month pause on approving drilling permits during the TWDB study. This leaves East Texans concerned about controversial groundwater drilling in the Neches and Trinity Valley area feeling let down, but not without hope. East Texas lawmakers are vowing to continue the fight.
Continue reading East Texas representatives, give reactions to failure of water bill
TYLER – One lucky East Texan has purchased a Powerball lottery ticket worth $2 million the Texas Lottery Commission announced on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the ticket was bought at the Super Food Mart on Loop 323 in Tyler. The winner correctly guessed Saturday’s five white ball numbers, 11, 23, 44, 61 and 62 but not the red Powerball number which was 17.
Nationwide, 18 people were able to guess the five white ball numbers, earning them $1 million prizes. The Tyler winner, and one other person in Kansas, increased their prize to $2 million by including the Power Play option when they bought their ticket. The larger $1.787 billion jackpot will be split between two tickets that were sold in Missouri and Fredericksburg, Texas.
