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TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler received a $300,000 grant from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for lab research. According to our news partner KETK, the research is going to be headed by Dr. Shashikant Srivastava, a tenured associate professor for the department of medicine and the department of cellular and molecular biology at UT Tyler School of Medicine.
Continue reading UT Tyler gets cystic fibrosis research grant

TEXARKANA — Our news partners at KETK report that one person is dead after a three vehicle wreck on Monday at 7:20 p.m. in Texarkana. According to a release from the Texarkana Texas Police Department, Linda Reed, 66, died when her car was reportedly struck as she attempted to cross North Stateline Avenue from East 9th Street to Hazel Street. The two other drivers were reportedly driving southbound on Stateline. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, police said.

VAN – A former Van police officer was indicted after an investigation into allegations of official oppression. Santos Rodriguez was indicted on Friday for one count of official oppression. According to our news partner KETK, Van Police Chief Melissa Davis “received information regarding the conduct of an officer” on July 10. After gathering information on the incident, Davis confronted the officer about the allegation. “He immediately resigned from the Van Police Department, and although the complainant requested that the discipline be minimal, all information collected to that point was turned over to the Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office by Chief Davis,” according to Van The investigation is ongoing. Official oppression, a Class A Misdemeanor, carries a punishment range of a fine up to $4,000 and/or one year of jail for those found guilty.

SHELBY COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK a 28-year-old woman was arrested after turning herself into authorities on Tuesday. The sheriff reported Sarah Ramon, of Joaquin, was arrested for indecency with a child, sexual assault of a child and improper relationship between educator and student after a lengthy investigation by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing, and officials said no further information will be released at this time.

EAST TEXAS — Texas senators are ranked from most liberal to most conservative in a new study. The Texas Tribune bases the rankings on the 31 senators’ votes during this year’s regular session and four special sessions. Among the Republicans, Senator Bryan Hughes (pictured), of Mineola, is ranked as the most conservative. Senator Robert Nichols, of Jacksonville, is the most liberal Republican, but he’s still more conservative than the most conservative Democrat, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, of McAllen. Senator Sarah Eckhardt, of Austin, and Senator Roland Gutierrez, of San Antonio, who is running in the primary next year for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Ted Cruz, are the most liberal Democrats.

TYLER — Nicholas Pet Haven is raising money to buy a transport van that can take some of their animals in Tyler to their partner shelter in Chicago. According to our news partner and Nicholas Pet Haven, their partner shelter has agreed to accept some of their long timers and that will allow Nicholas Pet Haven to help Smith County Animal Control and Tyler AC by taking in some of their urgent pets while they also continue to manage their own strays. Illinois has a mandatory spay and neuter law so they don’t have as many strays as Texas, meaning their shelters sometimes have room to take other state’s dogs. Nicholas Pet Haven said that they’ll easily be able to send their partner all of their puppies and cats and they plan to send a van load of animals every other week once they get the van. Click here to visit Nicholas Pet Haven online.

TYLER – After having its sanctuary closed for nearly a year, Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler reopened their sanctuary Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, on Christmas Eve 2022, a busted water heater flooded the church and the church had to hold services elsewhere. For the Colonial Hills congregation, this has been in the church gymnasium while repairs were being done. Sunday, after 51 weeks, parishioners returned to worship in the cleaned-up and renovated sanctuary.
Continue reading Colonial Hills Baptist Church reopens its sanctuary

LONGVIEW — The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said that a man and a woman were injured in shooting on Juanita Road in Longview on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, officials said that around 10:53 a.m. on Sunday, dispatchers got a call from a distraught woman who said she needed help on Juanita Road. During the call, the dispatcher reportedly heard a man’s voice say “no, no” before a struggle happened and the call ended. The dispatcher called back and determined the address where the phone was located. Later they called back a second time and reportedly spoke with an “emotionally distraught” man who stated that he wanted to kill himself before he hung up the call. Continue reading Two injured in Harrison County shooting

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK Tyler Police responded to a shooting in the 3200 block of Copeland Road around 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. According to Tyler PD, a man was loading his car onto a trailer when someone on Tech Plaza shot at him. It’s unknown if anyone was injured in the shooting at this time. Tyler PD is continuing to investigate.

HARRISON COUNTY — A Harrison County Sheriff’s Office deputy and his family reportedly lost their house to a fire, according to our news partner KETK. “Tragedy struck the HCSO family this morning when Deputy Maguire woke up to his home on fire. Unfortunately, ESD crews did all they could but the structure and its contents were a total loss. We’re asking for your prayers during this family’s time of need,” said the sheriff’s office. The Texas Municipal Police Association shared a fundraiser that was made for the Maguire family. The association said the family of nine, lost everything including their Christmas gifts. “Your donations will help them rebuild and provide some comfort during the holiday season,” said the TMPA. Click here to donate.

TYLER — The Salvation Army in Tyler is spreading Christmas cheer to this year’s 2023 Angel Tree families. According to our news partner KETK, Angel Tree recipients began showing up on Friday morning for their appointments to get their gifts. “Thank God for the people that care enough to help people that are struggling,” said Gwen Smith, a Salvation Army Angel Tree recipient. Smith picked up gifts for her four grandchildren. “Oh my goodness it just means the world to me, you know it’s been very supportive for my family because I am struggling,” said Smith. Thanks to donations from big corporations, small businesses and community members, the organization is helping 2,500 children and senior angels this holiday season. “You know when people come up there to adopt an angel and you know there is even little kids that will come up adopt an angel,” said Dyane Garner, a Salvation Army volunteer. Garner has been volunteering for about 20 years. Continue reading Salvation Army distributes gifts to Tyler Angel Tree families

GUN BARREL CITY – The Gun Barrel City Fire Department said that that two people rescued from a house fire died on Friday after being injured in the fire. According to our news partner KETK Gun Barrel City, Mabank, Tool and Seven Points Fire Departments and Payne Springs Fire Rescue responded to the 400 block of Pleasureland Road at 2:56A.M. on Friday. Officials said the house was completely enveloped in flames when they arrived and firefighters immediately began to put out the flames. Two adults and a child were rescued from the home and taken to be treated for injuries. Two were taken by an ambulance to a local hospital and one was flown to a burn center in Dallas. According to Gun Barrel City Fire Department, one of the adult victims and the child later died because of their injuries from the fire. The Henderson County Fire Marshall Office and the Gun Barrel City Fire Marshall Office are working to determine the cause of the fire. Continue reading Adult, child dead after Gun Barrel City house fire

TYLER – Nathaniel Moran will be running for re-election uncontested, but in a release said he still plans on traveling across the district to meet with voters. According to a release, no other candidates have filed to run for election for Congressional District 1 on either party side for the upcoming primary election on March 5, 2024. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve East Texans in Washington, D.C., for another term,” Moran said. “Even though I don’t have an opponent, this is no time to rest. Continue reading Congressman Moran to run uncontested for re-election

TYLER – A Rusk County man was arrested after officials said he threatened workers at UT Health hospital in Tyler with a “dummy” grenade. According our news partner KETK and Tyler PD, John Lambeth, 60 of Henderson, was visiting his wife who was a patient at the hospital Thursday afternoon. Lambeth allegedly said he was upset he couldn’t take his wife out for a smoke break and pulled out a grenade. Officials say he then threatened the hospital workers with it. Officials said the grenade was later found to be not functional and did not contain explosives. Lambeth left the hospital and was later arrested for misdemeanor hoax bombs and booked into the Smith County Jail.

TYLER — In a release, UT Health East Texas announced on Wednesday that all non-emergent surgeries have resumed. UT Health East Texas said that their teams are working directly with patients who were affected by the ransomware attack to reschedule appointments and receive care. “We continue to make progress following last week’s restoration of our Epic electronic medical records and other clinical systems, with new systems coming back online daily. We sincerely regret the frustration this incident has caused many patients. Our teams continue working around the clock to restore access to all systems as quickly and safely as possible. While this process will take time, we look forward to sharing more progress soon.” – UT Health East Texas. They advise people to visit the Ardent Health website for updates on the ransomware attack.

TYLER — On Wednesday, Dec. 13, the City Council approved changes to the Unified Development Code. Some of the updates to the UDC affect new tobacco, vape and smoke stores as well as bail bonds, auto repair, tire shops and self-storage businesses in the Downtown Business, Arts and Culture District). “We’re committed to reviewing City ordinances regularly to ensure that they align with development practices and the changing needs of our community,” said Planning Director Kyle Kingma. Now, as part of the UDC, new tobacco, vape and smoke stores opening in the City will have to be located 300 feet from sensitive land uses such as schools, child care centers, hospitals, churches and City parks. The proposal will also establish a 1,000-foot spacing requirement from other vape and smoke shops. These types of stores will also now be able to operate in areas of Tyler in industrial zoning. Continue reading Tyler City Council adopts zoning changes

LONGVIEW – The City of Longview announced on Thursday morning that the Compost Site will be closed until further notice after a fire, according to our news colleagues at KETK. The Longview Fire Department responded, and officials said the fire is contained as of 7:30 a.m. The Compost Site is located at 202 Swinging Bridge Road.

MURCHISON – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has reportedly arrested two women in connection to the theft of 500 pounds of turquoise worth more than $2 million dollars. Originally, Jennifer Kinabrew, Coy Boles, William Trussell were arrested after two different Henderson County homes were searched for the stolen turquoise. According to Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and our colleagues at KETK, Catherine Louise Hollis, 50 of Brownsboro, and Jamye Lynn Hawthorne, 44 of Athens, have also been arrested in connection to the theft. Continue reading Two women arrested for turquoise theft

TYLER – Tyler Transit is no longer planning to increase rates and will keep providing Saturday services after the city council accepted a $150,000 grant from the East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) on Wednesday. Our news partners at KETK report that the Tyler budget for 2023-2024 revealed a plan to double fares, leading to multiple public hearings held on the issue with revisions proposed. “We’re thankful for ETCOG and for all the residents that voiced their concerns and suggestions,” Transit Manager Russ Jackson said. “We heard our customers and found the best solutions for everyone.” Continue reading Tyler Transit won’t raise fares after all

TYLER — Smith County Animal control has transformed its shelter to host “A Who-Ville Grinchmas” event on Saturday, December 16. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the holiday event will offer free dog adoptions and a visit with the Grinch! As Cindy Lou Who says, ‘No one should be alone on Christmas.’ Let’s give these loving dogs new families for the holiday season and to ring in the new year,” Smith County Animal Control and Shelter Supervisor Amber Greene said. As of Wednesday, December 13, there were 59 dogs and 25 puppies in the shelter who need homes. Throughout December, dog adoptions have been reduced to $12 for the “$12 Strays of Grinchmas,” to continue the Grinch theme at the shelter. But during Saturday’s event, adoptions will be free. Each dog adopted also comes with a voucher to pay for spay or neuter costs. The shelter is located at 322 E. Ferguson St. in downtown Tyler and can be reached at 903-266-4303. To view what dogs are available for adoption, click here.

TYLER — Tyler Water Utilities will soon begin a water meter replacement project for customers. The Tyler City Council approved the $3.45 million project with Core & Main on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Water meters are used to measure the amount of water delivered to a customer’s tap. The current water metering system was installed in 2005. Over the last several years, 27 percent of the existing meters have faced issues in accurately reading water usage at the meter, not registering consumption and not communicating the information to the Water Business Office. “Technology has advanced, and we know there’s a better solution for our customers with meters that aren’t working properly,” said Utilities Director Kate Dietz. “Replacing those meters will allow our customers to rest easy and know that their water bill is accurate.” Continue reading Tyler Water Utilities to begin meter replacement program

BIG SANDY — A pickup truck allegedly failed to stop for a school bus, resulting in the death of a woman at approximately 6:30 a.m. on US State Highway 155 near South Mulberry Road. DPS along with our news partner KETK reported that the woman was outside with a flashlight, assisting children in boarding the school bus. However, the driver of a pickup truck supposedly did not stop for the bus, which had its lights on and stop sign out, and ended up hitting her. The driver is reportedly facing charges and is currently being held in Upshur County Jail. The victim was declared dead at the scene.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Former chief of the now-defunct Coffee City Police Department was arrested on several charges on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, JohnJay Portillo, 51 of Houston, was charged with six counts of tampering with government records. According to online arrest records., each charge had a $150,000 bond totaling to $900,000. Records show Portillo bonded out of jail. The arresting agency was the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and the warrants were issued by the 3rd District Court. The charges all share an offense date of April 12, 2021. Coffee City Council meeting minutes show that Portillo was sworn in on that date. Minutes show councilmembers asking Portillo about gaps in his resume and his businesses in Houston before administering his oath of office.

TYLER — The Fair Plaza Parking Garage at 208 S. College Ave. will be closed for maintenance on Sunday, Dec. 17. All vehicles must be removed from the parking garage by 5 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17. Vehicles not removed will be subject to towing. The Main Street Department is working with drivers who reserve spaces and need overnight parking. The parking garage will be power washed to prepare for the restriping of the parking spaces and directional arrows. It will reopen to the public on Monday, Dec. 18. Once the garage is dry, the restriping process will begin and individual levels will be closed one at a time to allow drivers to park on other levels during the project. “We are excited about this project as it will allow markings to be easily identifiable and create a safe environment for those parking in the garage,” said Main Street Director Amber Varona. The project is anticipated to take about a week.

LONGVIEW — Tuesday morning, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital employees and patients gathered out front for a Christmas event that had been paused for the last few years. According to our news partner KETK, Longview SWAT, including a Blue Santa, rappelled down the side of the hospital for all to see. “[It] brings the city together, shows the police department and fire can all work together and all make the city better,” said Lyle Potter, a Longview Police Department Patrol Officer. Fittingly named Operation Christmas Cheer, it’s a way to bring the holiday spirit to those who spend a lot of time in the hospital. Once they land, the SWAT team hands out gifts and candy canes. “This is the first time they’ve done it since 2019, so I think it’s especially important today,” said Todd Hancock, CEO of CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Continue reading SWAT brings Christmas cheer by rappelling down side of hospital