Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown gives back to ET kids

Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown gives back to ET kidsTYLER – Although his season is over because of a knee injury, Dallas Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was back in East Texas doing something special for the holidays. According to our news partner KETK, the Arp ISD graduate, gave out bicycles and accessories to children in need Monday afternoon.

“I want to inspire, whether that’s on or off the field and give back, whether that’s on or off the field and coming home, especially doing it at home, it feels even more and more special,” said Overshown. “Then around this year, just giving back whatever I can to help a family or to make a child smile, that’s what I’m all about.”

Arp ISD said in the release that Overshown gave away 20 new bikes. Each had a new helmet, tennis shoes and water bottle, for 10 boys and 10 girls in need.
Continue reading Cowboys linebacker DeMarvion Overshown gives back to ET kids

Longview ISD mourns the loss of a high school student

Longview ISD mourns the loss of a high school studentLONGVIEW – Longview ISD is grieving the loss of a student who was a junior at Longview High School. According to our news partner KETK, district official said that 17-year-old, Ulises Coreas died on Sunday following a sudden illness.

“Our hearts are broken for Ulises’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him,” said Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard. “We hold them close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Longview ISD said that when students and staff return from Christmas break, counseling and support services will be available. The viewing will be on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wilson Royalty Funeral Services. The service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Rosewood Memorial Park.

Update: Optimum fiber in Troup is restored

Update: Optimum fiber in Troup is restored
UPDATE: The City of Troup said on Tuesday that Optimum restored full internet service to Troup. City officials apologized to any residents who’ve gotten duplicate trash service rescheduling calls that were set out because of the loss in connection. Troup said their trash service will be on Thursday for this week and next week.

TROUP – The City of Troup said many of their residents are currently without VOIP phone service, internet and cellphone service after Optimum’s fiber optic line was cut on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, a third party contractor cut the Optimum fiber optic cable that supplies internet service to the town and two of the major cell phone companies that cover Troup.

Troup city manager Gene Cottle said that Optimum is working to repair the cut cable and to return cell service to the area. City of Troup employee’s are currently monitoring their water tower and the water wells which rely on cellular connections to communicate.

The city was only able to share this information because of a fallback cellular modem that uses three different cell phone service providers.

American Airlines settles with Black men kicked off flight for “body odor”

DALLAS – The Dallas Mornings News reports that American Airlines has settled the lawsuit filed by three Black men who were kicked off a flight in January over a “body odor” allegation, according to the law firms representing the men. Alvin Jackson, Emmanuel Jean Joseph and Xavier Veal, all from New York, and five other Black men had boarded a flight from Phoenix to New York City in January, when a white flight attendant complained of someone’s odor, according to the suit. All eight men were then forced to deplane with no reason given. None of the men had known each prior to the incident, nor were they seated together. It was later that they learned of the body odor complaint, which they say they weren’t responsible for.

The plaintiffs alleged racial discrimination in their lawsuit, which was filed in May, and American has since “terminated the employment” of the flight attendants responsible, according to men’s law firms, Outen & Golden LLP and Public Citizen Litigation Group. “We are very pleased that American Airlines took our complaint seriously, and we hope that this never happens to Black passengers or any other people of color again,” the three plaintiffs said in the release Terms of the settlement are confidential. After the incident, American committed to conducting bias and discrimination training for employees and creating an advisory group focused on Black customers in order to prevent future discrimination. A statement from American emphasized its resolve to providing a “welcoming and inclusive” environment for fliers, and described the settlement as “amicable.”

Landfill workers feeling impact of Kilgore fire

Landfill workers feeling impact of Kilgore fireTYLER – In the midst of the usual uptick in recycling and waste during the holidays, their workload is only increasing, because everything’s now going to the landfill together. Every day, dozens of trucks sit in line at the Greenwood Farms Landfill in Tyler waiting to dump their trash. East Texas landfill and sanitation workers are still feeling the impact of a major recycling center catching fire in Kilgore six months ago and halting services for many local cities.

“About 300 trucks come through here every day and unload about a thousand tons per day,” said manager of municipal services at Greenwood Farms Landfill, Gene Keenon. Towards the end of the year, Keenon said that number doubles.

It’s not just the holiday rush they’re facing. Since River’s Recycling Center shut down in Kilgore, recyclables are also coming to the landfill. “It’s about 300 tons a week that we used to be diverting out of the landfill. It’s now coming back into the landfill,” Keenon explained. That’s an extra 300 tons per week his workers have to deal with. Continue reading Landfill workers feeling impact of Kilgore fire

One dead after Malakoff home destroyed in fire

One dead after Malakoff home destroyed in fireMALAKOFF – According to our news partner KETK, a Monday morning house fire has left one person dead in Malakoff. Malakoff Police Department Chief Floyd Thomas said the deceased was identified as Gloria Aruizu and that the fire happened at 803 W. Mitcham St. in Malakoff. Tool Fire Rescue said they were called to the fully-involved structure fire at around 2 a.m. on Monday along with fire departments from Seven Points, Gun Barrel City, Trinidad and Malakoff.

The home was reportedly a total loss and now Tool Fire Rescue is asking the community for donations to help the residents affected. Continue reading One dead after Malakoff home destroyed in fire

Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Tyler

Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of TylerTYLER – Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Gregory Kelly, the current Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas, as the new Bishop of Tyler on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Kelly will be the fifth bishop to ever be appointed to lead the Tyler Diocese since it was founded in 1986 by Pope St. John Paul II. Kelly’s appointment comes after Bishop Joseph Strickland was removed as Bishop of Tyler in November of 2023, following a months-long investigation by the Vatican.

Bishop Strickland’s removal by the pope sparked widespread criticism, and the question of politics in religion has become a hot topic. However, Kelly said there will also be a back-and-forth between the two.

“The church always has to stay out of partisan politics, endorsing candidates or doing anything like that,” Kelly said. Continue reading Pope Francis appoints new Bishop of Tyler

Registration open for the Tyler Girls Softball League

TYLER – Registration open for the Tyler Girls Softball LeagueSign up for the Tyler Girls Softball League’s (TGSL) third season! Registration is open until Friday, Jan. 24, and costs $50 per player. TGSL is a community-focused softball program for girls ages five to 14 who want to learn fundamental skills in a competitive atmosphere. “Our mission is to inspire players and coaches, foster teamwork, enhance communication skills and boost the confidence of all participants,” said Athletic Coordinator Allan Piedra. League games begin in April. All home games will be played at Faulkner Park or Golden Road Softball Fields during the season. For more information, contact Athletic Coordinator Allan Piedra at (903) 595-7271 or email APiedra@TylerTexas.com.

Huntington ISD names lone finalist for superintendent

HUNTINGTON – Huntington ISD names lone finalist for superintendentOur news partners at KETK report the Huntington ISD School Board has named Dr. Carolyn Fiaschetti as their lone finalist to be the district’s new superintendent. Fiaschetti was voted in as the lone finalist at the school board’s meeting on Monday. She currently serves as the regional assistant superintendent for the Region 6 Education Service Center. Continue reading Huntington ISD names lone finalist for superintendent

Two women create a place everyone can feel at home for the holidays

MINEOLA –Two women create a place everyone can feel at home for the holidays Two East Texas women are working to make sure everyone has a meal and a place to be during the holiday season, according to our news partners at KETK. The ladies who make it all happen are co-founders, Wendi Warren and Brandi O’Shea. “If you took Tyler, Longview, Kilgore, Lindale, Mineola and Alba and combine them into one place, that’s how many people are facing food insecurity in East Texas,” Warren said. They said the holiday season is about trying their best to help all the people. To do that, Windy and Brandy put in action an idea they’ve wanted to try for years, a free event where anyone can find food entertainment and community. Continue reading Two women create a place everyone can feel at home for the holidays