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TYLER – The City of Tyler will show appreciation for outstanding public servants during Public Service Recognition Week from May 5 through May 9. All City of Tyler non-emergency offices and facilities will be closed Friday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an interdepartmental event. However, essential and emergency functions will continue. Celebrated since 1985, Public Service Recognition Week is a nationwide public recognition campaign honoring the men and women who serve as federal, state, county and local government employees. 

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing woman last seen on Sunday, according to our news partner KETK.

The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said they received a missing persons call on Sunday at around 11:30 p.m. Deputies responded to an area near Garden Valley Golf Course, where they found the missing person’s vehicle.

Hyemin “Katherine” Wee is described as an Asian woman, 5 feet 2 inches, 140 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. Officials said she could be wearing a black or dark gray V-neck T-shirt. Wee has made recent suicidal statements.

“At this time, multiple law enforcement agencies and fire departments are in the area searching for Hyemin Wee,” Smith County officials said. “The search area includes Garden Valley Golf Course, the surrounding wooded areas and residential areas. This has been an ongoing effort since early this morning and will continue throughout the day.”

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-566-6600 or call 911.

LONGVIEW – Our news partner, KETK, reports that East Texans were able to gain and provide some insight about the federal budget.

East Texas Congressional representative Nathaniel Moran hosted a budget workshop in Tyler and Longview this past week to hear from residents. The workshops were held to give Moran an opportunity to hear from East Texans about their opinions on the federal budget, and how they believe it should be managed.

The congressman emphasized what these kinds of events mean to him. “It’s one of my favorite things to do. Every time I learn something, so I can be their voice in Washington DC,” Moran said.

With Trump’s proposed cut to nearly $6 billion from the education budget and return the power to the state, Rep. Moran spoke about how he agrees with the proposal.

“Return the power to our local school districts and get the federal government out of our government,” Rep. Moran said.

The budget workshop took place on May 1 in Tyler and again on May 2 in Longview, giving residents of both cities a chance to voice their opinions on the federal budget and giving Moran a chance to answer any questions that may arise.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office is searching for a man who was due in court on Monday for a murder charge in Kaufman County.

According to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and other local agencies are near U.S. Highway 80 east of Grand Saline searching for Trevor McEuen, who has removed his ankle monitor, and was due in court Monday for a murder charge in Kaufman County.

Officials said that Kaufman County has an active warrant for bail revocation for capital murder. Authorities are asking East Texans if they see anything suspicious in the area to contact 911 and not to attempt to apprehend McEuen.

“The sheriff’s office is working to ensure the safety of all citizens in Van Zandt County,” the sheriff’s office said.

PITTSBURG – The Camp County Commissioner’s Court declared the county as a “Sanctuary County for the Unborn” in a unanimous vote on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK.

The passed ordinance outlaws abortion at the county level in Camp County and prohibits travelling from or through Camp County on the way to get an abortion, according to a post from East Texas State Rep. Cole Hefner.

“I commend Judge A.J. Mason and the entire Commissioners’ Court for their courage and commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us,” said Hefner. “This isn’t just a symbolic statement—it’s a legally enforceable action that honors the sanctity of life and strengthens Texas’ stance as a leader in the fight for the unborn.”

According to Hefner, Camp County is the first county in East Texas to pass such an ordinance, making it one of ten such counties in the United States. Texas made abortion illegal in Texas in 2022 after the state’s “trigger law” took effect when the U.S. Supreme Court overruled Roe V. Wade.

UPDATE: Como-Pickton CISD said a student has been identified and caught by law enforcement in connection to a threat made to a teacher on Friday night.

“Let me reiterate that we have zero tolerance for this type of behavior,” Como-Pickton CISD said. “We want to thank the effort, work and support of the Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department and Sheriff Tatum.”

COMO, Texas (KETK) — Como-Pickton CISD has been working with police after a person threatened they would shoot a teacher over the phone Friday night, school officials said.

According to the district, someone pulled a prank on a teacher late Friday night by calling her with a spoof number. The person used threatening language when talking to the teacher about raising their grade and threatened to shoot her if it didn’t happen, the school said. Continue reading UPDATE: Student apprehended after threat made to teacher

SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a man was arrested for a charge of aggravated sexual assault of a child in Tyler on Thursday, Smith County Jail records show.

The Tyler Police Department began looking into the case on April 16 after they were dispatched to the UT Health ER in Tyler in regard to a sexual assault call they received. Once at the ER, officers reported that they spoke with a nurse who informed them that an underage girl from a group home was brought in by her caregiver and believed to have had sexual relationships with an adult man, an arrest affidavit showed.

While at the ER, the victim’s caregiver informed detectives that the victim had run away on Monday, April 14 and did not return until the morning of April 15. Once the victim returned to the group home, she informed her caregiver that she had sexual intercourse with an unknown man while she was away, according to an arrest affidavit. Continue reading Man arrested for sexual assault in Planet Fitness parking lot

UPDATE: The Nacogdoches Police Department said Donnell was found safe and in good spirits on Sunday.

“On behalf of the Nacogdoches Police Department, Donnell, and his family, thank you to everyone who shared the post or helped in the search,” Nacogdoches PD said.

NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches Police Department are currently searching for a non-verbal autistic boy named Donnell. According to our news partner KETK, Donnel, a black, 15-year-old boy was last seen Sunday afternoon about 3 p.m. Near East Main and Timberlake Street. At that time, he was thought to be wearing a green shirt and blue pajama pants. Officials ask if you see Donnell, to please call the Nacogdoches Police Department at 936-559-2607.

TYLER – A funeral service was held for a fallen Tyler police officer Saturday in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police Department Officer Sam Lively died April 26 in off-duty motorcycle accident.

Officer Lively had been a member of the Tyler PD since September 5, 2023. Services Saturday afternoon were held at Green Acres Baptist Church in Tyler, followed by interment which took place at Grove Hill Cemetery in Dallas. Lively’s friend and Smith County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Ryan Boller gave the eulogy at the funeral.

“Sam was special. Sam was exceptional. Sam brightened every room he walked into with his contagious smile and his expressive mannerisms, it made you think sometimes what is this guy on? He’s always on fire. Sam was just driven to his calling to serve,” Boller said.

TYLER – With voting Saturday May 3, 2025 complete, results are available. Our news partner KETK has the complete list. You can find it here.

HARRISON COUNTY – The Marshall-Harrison County Health District confirmed a case of measles in a child younger than five years old on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, officials with the MHCHD, suspect the exposure date and location is April 27 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Hallsville. Investigators are seeing if this case is connected to the west Texas outbreak.

“Now that measles has made its way into our country, we must remain diligent in preventing its spread,” Harrison County Health Authority and MHCHD Medical Director Dr. Ricky Paul said. “The best protection against measles is to receive the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine.”

Officials add that measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing, sneezing or being near an infected person. People can spread measles from four days before and four days after a rash appears. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery or red eyes and a rash typically starting on the face and spreading downward two to five days after initial symptoms.

UPDATE: The Crockett Police Department has recovered the body of a missing teenager they believe to be Michael Ortiz. Police said they found the body Friday night on County Road 4020, near Box Creek, in Crockett. The investigation is being treated as a homicide. The Houston County Sheriff’s Office along with the Texas Rangers and Crockett Police Department are investigating the case. If you have information, you can contact 936-544-2862. Anonymous tips can also be left at 639TIPS.com.

CROCKETT – The Crockett Police Department is searching for a missing 16-year-old last seen on Tuesday evening. According to our news partner KETK, Michael Martin Ortiz was wearing black jogging pants and a black hoodie when he was last seen. If you have information on the location of Michael Martin Ortiz, your asked to contact Crockett Police Department Detective Humberto Gonzalez by calling 936-544-2021 or emailing him at [email protected]

TYLER – A Marshall ISD school bus in Tyler was involved in an accident late Friday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, the accident happened around 5:30 p.m. at the Pilot Travel Center on FM 14. Officials from the district said a car ran into the side of the bus. The elementary school students on board the bus were on a field trip. Another bus was sent to Tyler to pick up the students and staff involved in the accident. They returned to Marshall around 8:15 p.m. No injuries were reporting

TYLER – The city of Tyler in a release said that the Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East boat ramps have reopened. Officials say because of the current high water levels, Tyler Water Utilities urges all boaters to use caution. Boat operators are reminded to stay alert for potential navigation hazards in the area and be aware of their wake to ensure the safety of other boaters and protect nearby properties.

NACOGDOCHES – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Nacogdoches man was arrested on Thursday night after a person was found dead lying in the street with stab wounds.

According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, around 10:45 p.m., police and fire responded to the 2220 block of Maybell St. between Sweetgum St. and Fourth St., and found Sirveorge Deron Jones, 40, of Nacogdoches lying dead in the street with several stab wounds.

Officials said that officers found a large amount of blood and the location of the incident at a nearby home. Officers then spoke with Emar’ian Nikhy Trezmin Jones, 23, of Nacogdoches, who told them that he had stabbed Sirveorge during a family argument.

Emar’ian was arrested for murder, and booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail on Friday. The department said that this incident is not related to the murder that occured at Eastwood Terrance Monday evening, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Henderson County man was sentenced to 13 years in prison after his 18-month-old child was found dead in December 2021.

According to court records, Daniel David Dennis, 28, plead guilty to injury to a child with intent to cause serious bodily injury, and was sentenced to 13 years in prison on Thursday. While, two original charges of abandoning or endangering a child were dismissed.

Daniel was arrested with his wife, Erin Michelle Dennis, 27, on Dec. 15, 2021 after their toddler was found dead, the Henderson County Sherriff’s Office said. Inside their home authorities found two other children, human feces on the wall, and dirty diapers on the floor. Continue reading East Texan sentenced to 13 years in toddler death

LONGVIEW – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas man has been sentenced to 48 years after pleading guilty to shooting a transgender victim in 2023.

Investigators said the victim met with John Lee Smith on the day prior in 2023 at 7 a.m. Initially, Smith denied meeting the victim and did not disclose a reason for shooting him. Smith shot the victim while they were both sitting in a car, officers said. Smith admitted afterwards to shooting the victim because the victim did not disclose that he was transgender. Officers found evidence that Smith was aware of the victim being biologically male, and had previously been involved in a relationship with the victim. Continue reading East Texas man sentenced after shooting transgender person

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas man received a 25 year prison sentence in Henderson County for possession of controlled substance.

James Russell Shephard II was arrested on April 25, 2023 after a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigator found digital scales, syringes, a backpack with narcotics and three pistols in Shephard’s vehicle, according to a Facebook post from the Henderson County District Attorney. A person called authorities claiming Shephard was high on fentanyl and making threats inside a vehicle.

According to the post, the Department of Public Safety tested the narcotics Shephard possessed and confirmed them as fentanyl, methamphetamine and phenazepam. Shepard also served a previous prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

“Fentanyl is not only incredibly dangerous to those who use it, but also to everyone around them,” Henderson County District Attorney Jenny Palmer said. “We’ve seen how quickly it can turn a situation violent or deadly. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute those who traffic in these poisons and endanger our community.”

LONGVIEW – The Longview Fire Department congratulated one of their own on Thursday has he decided to make the selfless decision to reenlist in the U.S. Navy, according to our news partner KETK.

Firefighter and paramedic Blaine Cardinale, who originally joined the Longview Fire Department after his first stint in the Navy, has decided to continue his commitment to serving his country by deciding to reenlist. Cardinale’s oath of office was held at the firehouse and administered by fellow Longview firefighter and paramedic Joe Dembowski, who currently serves in the U.S. Army Reserves.

“Commander Cardinale is a dedicated member of our department. “Whether responding to emergencies in an ambulance or fire engine, he upholds the highest standards and demonstrates a strong commitment to helping others,” Longview Fire Department said.

TYLER — Two bills are being considered in the 89th legislative session dealing with medical marijuana, which could lower cost and wait times. According to our news partner KETK, House Bill 46 and Senate Bill 1505 will allow licensed companies like Texas Original, a medical cannabis provider in Austin, to store prescriptions at satellite locations.

The bills could lower cost and wait times for patients and allow people under the Compassionate Use Act to use vapor products instead of just consuming their prescriptions. The Compassionate Use Act regulates the use of medical marijuana. Senate Bill 3 is also a top priority that calls for a complete ban of all forms of THC in the state. This creates a sense of confusion for lawmakers.

In a statement, the office of the Lieutenant Governor says the outcome of the bill will not change the Compassionate Use Program. State Representative Gary Vandeaver of New Boston says he hopes it’s true, but he still wouldn’t support SB3. Continue reading Legislation considers medical marijuana

HENDERSON COUNTY — An East Texas man received a 25 year prison sentence in Henderson County for possession of controlled substance, according to our news partner KETK.

James Russell Shephard II was arrested on April 25, 2023 after a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigator found digital scales, syringes, a backpack with narcotics and three pistols in Shephard’s vehicle, according to a Facebook post from the Henderson County District Attorney. A person called authorities claiming Shephard was high on fentanyl and making threats inside a vehicle. According to the post, the Department of Public Safety tested the narcotics Shephard possessed and confirmed them as fentanyl, methamphetamine, and phenazepam. Shepard also served a previous prison sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

TYLER — An elementary-aged child was hit by a vehicle on Thursday near Douglas Elementary School. According to our news partner KETK and Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, the child received minor injuries after being hit by a red SUV around 3 p.m. near Douglas Elementary School. Erbaugh said the driver left the scene initially, but came back and talked to Tyler police officers.

Despite minor injuries, the child was transported to a local hospital for a checkup, according to Erbaugh.

The incident is still being investigated, and the child’s identity and age have not been released at this time.

CROCKETT – According to our news partner KETK, a Crockett man was arrested after a large quantity of crack cocaine was found inside his car following a police chase, according to officials.

The incident began at around 8:30 p.m. after a patrol officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Rickie Lane Gilmore, who was driving his car on East Goliad Avenue near the downtown square. Gilmore ignored the officers’ request for him to pull over and continued to drive through residential streets, driving at high speeds and nearly losing control of his vehicle several times. As officers continued to pursue Gilmore, he was seen throwing items out of his car, including bags of what were suspected to be crack cocaine.

Eventually, officers were able to take Gilmore into custody after his car became disabled due to overheating. Gilmore was arrested without further incident. Continue reading Crockett man arrested in drug bust

WASHINGTON — East Texas Rep. Nathaniel Moran honored the life of a 25-year-old Tyler police officer on Wednesday after the officer died from an off-duty motorcycle accident.

Moran delivered remarks on the House floor on Wednesday honoring the life of Officer Sam Lively, 25, who had recently graduated from the police academy and completed his field training.

According to the Tyler Police Department, on the evening of April 25, officers responded to a crash on Troup Highway in Tyler. Officer Lively, who was riding a motorcycle, was traveling south on Troup Highway in the outside lane while another vehicle, also heading south in the inside lane, attempted to change lanes and struck Lively, officials said. He was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Moran spoke about Lively’s unwavering leadership and how much he was loved by his family, friends and local community. Continue reading Rep. Moran honors fallen police officer

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that on Tuesday, Henderson County Commissioners Court approved the proposal of Henderson County Sheriff’s Office adding an explosives detection dog to the team.

HCSO’s newest furry officer, Attkus, was donated through AKC Reunite along with $7,500 to fund Attkus and Deputy Jarod Mills’ certification training and travel this summer. Attkus is currently in North Carolina training for explosive detection, patrol duties and crime scene evidence recovery. Mills will join Attkus from May 17 to June 13 to learn his specific detection responses.

Officials said the department has faced multiple bomb threats in recent years and they currently rely on federal ATF dogs that can take hours to reach the scene. Adding Attkus to the force can help expand the department’s K-9 presence, which was formed when Sheriff Botie Hillhouse’s first term began.

“I’m looking forward to adding this capability to our existing K-9 program,” Hillhouse said. “An explosives detection dog will be a real asset to Henderson County, both in terms of public safety and our ability to respond quickly when threats arise.”

SMITH COUNTY — Several Smith County roads are closed after Wednesday night’s heavy rains. According to a Smith County news release, County Road 112, in the southeast part of Smith County near Antioch, has a culvert washed out and will remain closed until it can be repaired. County Roads 129, 2138 and 2147 are closed due to high water over the roads. Once the water recedes, Smith County Road and Bridge crews will check to make sure the roads are not damaged and if they are safe to be reopened. Drivers are urged use alternate routes and advised not to drive around barriers.

The City of Tyler Water Utilities is temporarily closing all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East.

“Ramps are being closed due to boating hazards resulting from debris washed into the lakes by the recent rains and to reduce damage from shoreline erosion caused by boat wakes,” City of Tyler said. “In addition, the lakes are closed to boat traffic from lake residents.”