HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas – Nichalos Allen Hunt was sentenced to 10 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for possession of a controlled substance and four years for bail jumping and failure to appear in court. Our news partners at KETK report that Hunt allegedly admitted the baggie and a glass pipe were his and it was later determined the baggie contained 2.22 grams of methamphetamine. A Henderson County deputy received information on an individual with an outstanding parole warrant located in a hotel room in Gun Barrel City. Deputies on the scene reported seeing plastic baggie containing a crystal like substance was reportedly sitting in plain sight on the nightstand next to Hunt.
Hormel Foods and Brookshire Grocery Co. donate 8,000 hams
TYLER – This holiday season, Hormel Food and Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC)are joining in on the East Texas Food Bank’s mission is to fight hunger and feeding hope to donate $100,000 worth of hams to nonprofits for the East Texans that might not know where their next meal is coming from.
On Dec. 19, the two companies donated nearly 8,000 hams to the East Texas Food Bank and other food banks throughout the communities where Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, Spring Market and FRESH by Brookshire’s stores operate. Our news partner, KETK, reported that Hormel Foods and BGC hosted the ceremony at Super 1 foods in Tyler to present the donation of hams to the East Texas Food Bank.
To finds ways to join the fight to end hunger in East Texas, visit the East Texas Food Bank website by clicking here.
City of Trinity settles sexual harassment lawsuit with former police officer
TRINITY – The City of Trinity has settled a civil lawsuit that led to the suspension of former Trinity Police Department Chief Daniel Kee. Former Trinity Police Department Officer Brittany Davis notified officials about allegations of sexual harassment, misconduct and a quota system at the department back in August, according to a statement from Davis’ legal representatives at Hightower, Franklin, and James, PLLC. According to our news partner, KETK, Kee was suspended in September after more officers came forward in support of Davis, according the statement.
The following Dec. 19 prepared statement from Davis’ lawyers said that City of Trinity Administrator, Tracy Hutto, confirmed the city and Davis have now come to a settlement:
“Officer Davis’ courageous decision to come forward and speak up brought about change in Trinity, Texas. That is never an easy decision for a law enforcement officer to make and too often these things are simply swept under the rug. Thanks to Officer Davis, that did not happen in Trinity.” – Tanner Franklin, partner at Hightower, Franklin, and James, PLLC
The City did not provide any further information about the terms of that agreed upon settlement.
UPDATE: City of Lindale rescinds boil water notice
LINDALE – UPDATE: The city of Lindale has now rescinded the boil water notice.
The City of Lindale announced Thursday morning that a boil water notice is in effect. This impacts those using Lindale public water on CR 4191 from 15860 CR 4191 to 15606 CR 4191. Also included in the notice area are residents in Beechwood Circle and Redwood Circle. The boil water notice means those affected need to boil water before consuming. Water should be brought to a rolling boil, then boiled for an additional two minutes.
Once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, city officials will rescind the boil water notice. In the meantime, if you have questions, you may contact City of Lindale Water Utilities at (903) 882-4948 or after hours number (903)882-3313.
David Rancken’s App of the Day 12/19/24 – Keynote!
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Two earthquakes in Harrison County Thursday
UPDATE:A second earthquake registering 2.6 magnitude hit on the shore of Caddo Lake near the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant. This was just south of the first event shortly after lunchtime Thursday.
HARRISON COUNTY – The U.S. Geological Survey has reported that a 3.3 magnitude earthquake happened near Uncertain in Harrison County on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the earthquake reportedly struck at 6:15 a.m. on Thursday 5 kilometers beneath Caddo Lake near Uncertain, on the Texas side of the Texas-Louisiana border. According to the USGS, the quake was reportedly felt in Shreveport and Longview.
Van Zandt residents file lawsuit over lithium storage facility
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Van Zandt County residents have filed a lawsuit against stakeholders in the Amador Energy Storage Project that would bring a 100 MW lithium battery energy storage facility to the area. According to our news partner KETK, the Finnish-based wind, solar and battery energy storage developer, Taaleri Energia and the Amador Project has drawn criticism from local citizens who argue it threatens their safety, livestock and rural lifestyle. Some of the concerns include fire risks, fire risks, environmental contamination, lack of firefighting resources and proximity to homes.
The storage facility would be located near FM 47 and FM 1651 on approximately 48 acres with construction already in motion and set to be fully functional by the end of next year. The 100 MW lithium battery storage facility could provide electricity at a rate of 100 million watts, which is used for grids to stabilize electricity supply. Continue reading Van Zandt residents file lawsuit over lithium storage facility
Government funding plan collapses as Trump makes new demands days before shutdown
WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump abruptly rejected a bipartisan plan Wednesday to prevent a Christmastime government shutdown, instead telling House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans to essentially renegotiate — days before a deadline when federal funding runs out.
Trump’s sudden entrance into the debate and new demands sent Congress spiraling as lawmakers are trying to wrap up work and head home for the holidays. It left Johnson scrambling late into the night at the Capitol trying to engineer a new plan before Friday’s deadline to keep government open.
“Republicans must GET SMART and TOUGH,” Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance said in a statement.
The president-elect made an almost unrealistic proposal that combined some continuation of government funds along with a much more controversial provision to raise the nation’s debt limit — something his own party routinely rejects. “Anything else is a betrayal of our country,” they wrote.
Democrats decried the GOP revolt over the stopgap measure, which would have also provided some $100.4 billion in disaster aid to states hammered by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and other natural disasters.
“House Republicans have been ordered to shut down the government and hurt everyday Americans all across this country,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Jeffries said “an agreement is an agreement,” and by backing out of it “the House Republicans “will now own any harm that is visited upon the American people.”
Already, the massive 1,500-page bill was on the verge of collapse, as hard-right conservatives rejected the increased spending. They were egged on by Trump’s billionaire ally Elon Musk, who rejected the plan almost as soon as it was released.
Rank-and-file lawmakers complained about the extras, which included their first pay raises in more than a decade — a shock after one of the most unproductive, chaotic sessions in modern times.
Even the addition of much-needed disaster aid, some $100.4 billion in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural calamities that ravaged states this year, plus $10 billion in economic assistance for farmers failed to win over the budget-slashing GOP. A number of Republicans had been waiting for Trump to signal whether they should vote yes or no.
“This should not pass,” Musk posted on his social media site X in the wee hours of Wednesday morning.
One lawmaker said office phone lines were flooded with calls from constituents
“My phone was ringing off the hook,” said Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky. “The people who elected us are listening to Elon Musk.”
The outcome comes as no surprise for Johnson, who, like other Republican House speakers before him, has been unable to persuade his majority to go along with the routine needs of federal government operations, which they would prefer to slash.
He met behind closed doors late into the night at the Capitol with GOP lawmakers trying to figure out a way out of the bind. Vance joined them until nearly 10 p.m., his young son — in pajamas — in tow.
“We had a productive conversation,” Vance said as he and his son exited the speaker’s office, declining repeated questions about the details.
“We’re in the middle of these negotiations, but I think we’ll be able to solve some problems here.”
It all shows just how hard it will be for Republicans next year, as they seize control of the House, Senate and White House, to unify and lead the nation. And it underscores how much Johnson and the GOP leaders must depend on Trump’s blessing to see any legislative package over the finish line.
Musk, who is heading Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency, warned, “Any member of the House or Senate who votes for this outrageous spending bill deserves to be voted out in 2 years!”
It’s not an idle threat coming from Musk, the world’s richest man, who helped bankroll Trump’s victory and can easily use his America PAC to make or break political careers.
Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said this is the problem with “an oligarchy — a handful of wealthy people run everything and everyone is supposed to live in fear of them.”
Senators from both parties were watching from across the Capitol with dismay.
“Is this going to be the norm? Is this going to be how we operate?” said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., putting the blame on Johnson.
Democrats, who negotiated the final product with Johnson and Senate GOP leadership, will be expected to provide enough support to help ensure passage, as is often the case on big, bipartisan bills.
“Republicans need to stop playing politics,” said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
However, Trump’s new demands on the debt limit pose a daunting test for Johnson, who has worked hard to stay close to the president-elect — even texting with Musk and DOGE co-chair Vivek Ramaswamy — only to have him turn against his hard-fought plan.
Trump posted later that he was insisting on raising the debt ceiling: “I will fight ’till the end.”
The nation’s debt limit expires 2025 and Trump appears to want the issue off the table before he returns to the White House, a reasonable idea but one that typically is tough to negotiate.
The last House speaker, Kevin McCarthy, worked for months with President Joe Biden to raise the debt limit. Even though they struck a bipartisan deal that cut spending in exchange for additional borrowing capacity, House Republicans said it didn’t go far enough, and it ended up costing McCarthy his job.
Now, Trump is looking for Johnson to pass a debt ceiling extension some 48 hours before a partial government shutdown.
Meanwhile, the bipartisan package that Trump rejected extended existing government programs and services at their current operating levels for a few more months, through March 14, 2025.
The stopgap measure is needed because Congress has failed to pass its annual appropriations bills to fund all the various agencies in the federal government, from the Pentagon to health, welfare, transportation and other routine domestic services.
But the inches-thick bill goes beyond routine funding and tacks on several other measures, including federal funding to rebuild Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed when struck by a cargo ship. Another provision would transfer the land that is the site of the old RFK Stadium from the federal government to the District of Columbia, which could potentially lead to a new stadium for the NFL’s Washington Commanders.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., called it essentially a junk sandwich, using a swear word.
And then there’s the pay raise.
The bill would have turned off a pay-freeze provision and that could allow a maximum adjustment of 3.8% or $6,600 in 2025, bringing lawmakers’ annual pay to $180,600, according to a Congressional Research Service report. Members of Congress last got a raise in 2009.
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Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick, Matt Brown and Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.
Tyler PD increasing traffic enforcement during New Years celebrations
TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is increasing traffic enforcement during the New Year’s holiday which will continue through Wednesday, Jan. 1. Motorists will see an increased presence of law enforcement in high traffic crash areas throughout the City. Officers will be focusing their targeted enforcement efforts to deter speeding, seatbelt violations, running red lights, texting, and driving while intoxicated throughout the City. “We will have additional officers on the road during the holidays specifically to enforce traffic laws,” said Chief Jimmy Toler. “The safety of everyone remains a priority as they enjoy holiday events and festivities. We will work to deter drinking and driving, speeding, and distracted driving.” Continue reading Tyler PD increasing traffic enforcement during New Years celebrations
Smith County officials warn of jury duty scams
SMITH COUNTY – Smith County officials are warning residents of potential jury duty scams after multiple reports. According to reports from our news partner, KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said they have been receiving reports from citizens who are potential victims of a jury duty scam. The scammers are allegedly requesting money for the purpose of taking care of a warrant related to them missing jury duty.
The scams typically involve someone calling and identifying themselves as a law enforcement official or someone employed by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.Officials said a law enforcement agency will never call on the phone demanding payment for any reason. Those who receive a phone call regarding this scam or suspicious calls asking for payment or money, simply hang up and ignore them. The sheriff’s office said people can call 903-566-6600 if they receive any suspicious calls. Continue reading Smith County officials warn of jury duty scams
Pets Fur People announce new director
TYLER — Pets Fur People, the oldest no-kill animal shelter in East Texas dedicated to the care, protection, and adoption of animals in Smith County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Holli Jones as its new Executive Director. She will officially begin her role on December 18, 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the animal care sector and many years of nonprofit work, Holli Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong passion for animal welfare to the organization.
Holli along with her husband, the late Dr. Jesse Jones co-owned Green Acres Animal Clinic where she also served as Vice President, Manager and Veterinarian Assistant. She has also worked on various community projects such as the The Tyler Rose Festival Coronation, The Salvation Army, and the Tyler Symphony League.
“We are thrilled to welcome Holli to the Pets Fur People family,” said Angie Bullington, Board President of Pets Fur People. Continue reading Pets Fur People announce new director
New Director at Pets Fur People
Tyler — 
Pets Fur People, the oldest no-kill animal shelter in East Texas dedicated to the care, protection, and adoption of animals in Smith County, is pleased to announce the appointment of Holli Jones as its new Executive Director. She will officially begin her role on December 18, 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the animal care sector and many years of nonprofit work, Holli Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong passion for animal welfare to the organization. Holli along with her husband, the late Dr. Jesse Jones co-owned Green Acres Animal Clinic where she also served as Vice President, Manager and Veterinarian Assistant. Continue reading New Director at Pets Fur People
Bell Textron chooses Fort Worth to build V-280
FORT WORTH – The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Bell Textron Inc., already one the largest employers in the Metroplex, has chosen its hometown of Fort Worth to build components for the next generation of military assault helicopters. The news, announced Tuesday by Bell CEO Lisa Atherton and Gov. Greg Abbott at a Bell facility in northern Fort Worth, represents an investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in North Texas. The company’s new facility in Alliance is expected to create more than 500 high-paying jobs after it opens in 2025. “We are truly a Texas company,” Atherton said. Bell considered at least two other locations in other states for its $632 million plant. It will produce parts for the company’s V-280 Valor to replace the Army’s fleet of UH-60 Black Hawks, developed in the 1970s by the Lockheed Martin company Sikorsky.
Bell won the coveted defense contract in 2022 for its design of the V-280, a tiltrotor aircraft that can take off or land vertically and fly at over 300 mph. The contract could be worth up to $70 billion over many years, depending on how many aircraft the Army and foreign governments purchase. Lockheed Martin and Boeing had competed during the Army’s years-long selection process. The 34-acre site that Bell chose is at 15100 N. Beach St., off Interstate 35W across the Denton County line but within the Fort Worth city limits. The site was formerly home to a Stanley Black & Decker facility. Brian Chase, vice president of international government affairs at Bell Flight, said selecting the facility was about a three-year process. He declined to name the other sites Bell considered. Jobs at the new location will be a mix of support and traditional manufacturing roles, like engineering and operations positions. It’s unclear how many roles will require security clearance. Bell is still designing the manufacturing flow of the facility, and does not yet have a timeline for when hiring could begin. Chase said Tuesday’s announcement was likely the last major site selection for the FLRAA manufacturing. The aircraft will be assembled in Amarillo and testing will be done in Grand Prairie and Arlington. Chase said locals may see aircraft flying near the testing facilities in the coming years.
David Rancken’s App of the Day 12/18/24 – Portable North Pole!
Are you a Santa fanatic? Go get David Rancken’s App Of The Day. It’s called Portable North Pole . You can find Portable North Pole in the app stores below.
$3.4M in Public Safety Grants for East Texas Region
EAST TEXAS – 
The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announces $3.4 million in grants from the Governor’s Public Safety Office awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits. The Governor’s Public Safety Office administers federal and state grant funding to promote strategies that improve public safety, support victims of crime, prevent terrorism and prepare communities for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to Texans.
ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually. Applications to be submitted for funding are ranked and scored by the ETCOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and Homeland Security Advisory Committee, which includes local subject matter experts from across the region.
The Governor’s Office has approved a total of $3,435,484.11 for funding the Victims of Crime Act, Justice Assistance, Violence Against Women Act, Juvenile Justice / Truancy Prevention, and Homeland Security grants in East Texas.
Continue reading $3.4M in Public Safety Grants for East Texas Region