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TYLER — A Smith County jury has sentenced 43-year-old Philip Shane Young of Athens to 60 years in prison for evading with a vehicle. According to a news release from the Smith County DA’s Office, a Texas Parks and Wildlife officer saw Young at the State Park Exxon on FM 14 at approximately 10:00 p.m. on March 6, 2021. According to authorities, Young appeared to be intoxicated, and when officers approached his vehicle, he sped off. Young then led officers on a high-speed chase from 95 to 100 mph down FM 16 for approximately 20 miles. During the course of the evading, officials say Young ran a red light at the intersection of FM 16 and Highway 69 with other cars present and subsequently caused a vehicle in front of him to run off the road. Continue reading Athens felon sentenced to 60 years for evading with vehicle

TYLER – 27-year-old John Khuu of San Francisco, California, has been indicted in Tyler federal court for alleged money laundering conspiracy. According to the indictment, Khuu is alleged to have conspired with others to launder the proceeds of his drug trafficking organization through cryptocurrency. The defendant allegedly distributed counterfeit pharmaceutical pills and other controlled substances on dark web markets to customers across the United States. During the course of the conspiracy, Khuu and his co-conspirators allegedly laundered more than $5,350,000. Khuu was arrested in California in August. Click this link for more details.

SMITH COUNTY — Jackson community residents’ concerns continue to grow after more than a decade of dealing with unclean water. According to our news partner KETK, the community held a meeting Thursday and said enough is enough.
“Well, we don’t really know how good the water is because we have so much raw sewage all over the place,” said Jackson resident Nola Chandler (pictured). Chandler has had her water tested by Jackson Water Supply because she has one of the oldest houses in the community. She said that previous tests have come back with excessive amounts of magnesium. Many residents use filtered water and bottled water. After her recent test earlier this year, the water supply company has not gotten back to her with the results. Continue reading Jackson community voices water concerns

KILGORE — Smith County Precinct 4 Commissioner JoAnn Hampton was honored Thursday by the East Texas Council of Governments when they named a conference room after her. Hampton has served on the ETCOG Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for a total of 19 years. She is retiring December 31 from her commissioner’s post, which she has held since 2003. A conference room in the ETCOG building in Kilgore was named the “JoAnn Hampton Conference and Awards Room.” “This is a great day for East Texas,” ETCOG Executive Director David Cleveland said to a group of family, friends, and coworkers. “We’re recognizing excellence in service and applauding their dedicated service.” Continue reading Commissioner JoAnn Hampton honored by ETCOG

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department announced Thursday that they arrested Ceylan Bridges, 25, in the 2015 murder of Devyn Gibson. According to our news partner KETK, police said in September 2015 that Gibson was found dead in the street near Rothrock Dr. and Sibley St. from multiple gunshot wounds. According to the department, this was the eleventh homicide of the year. Authorities say they captured Bridges without incident and booked him into the Gregg County Jail on a warrant for murder.

RUSK – A Shreveport man was arrested Wednesday in Mesquite for the capital murder of two people in Cherokee County, according to the sheriff’s office. The suspect, who officials identified as Devon Harris, turned himself into the Mesquite Police Department, according to our news partner KETK. Harris is accused in the murders of Jakari Hogan and Ronnie Pearson on Jan. 30 on Hwy. 79 East at the Cherokee/Rusk County line. The two men were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds after officials received a call about about two injured men found on the side of the highway. A warrant for Harris’s arrest was issued in February, and a multi-agency search for Harris was conducted in both Louisiana and Texas for his arrest, according to officials.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler has received a $100,000 gift from the estate of Elizabeth “Bitsy” Wright. The gift will establish an endowed scholarship for students in the university’s sociology and psychology programs. “We are grateful for this gift that will continue to benefit students for many years,” said UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun, as quoted in a news release. A UT Tyler alum, Wright died in June. She served as a member of the UT Tyler Alumni Council and the College of Arts and Sciences Development Council. She worked at a Dallas art museum and was a designer for Dallas fashion manufacturers. It was her ambition to combine art with her sociology degree to help uplift children to thrive through difficult situations, according to the release.

SMITH COUNTY — Wesley Hicks was sworn in to office Thursday to serve as Interim Smith County Precinct 5 Constable. “I am honored to serve in this position as Precinct 5 Constable and look forward to serving the citizens of Smith County in this new role,” Hicks said. Family, friends and co-workers attended the swearing-in ceremony, conducted by Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran in the Commissioners Courtroom. Hicks has 13 years of experience in law enforcement and 16 years as an emergency medical technician, emergency medical dispatcher and supervisor. Hicks has worked as Deputy Constable for Precinct 5 for three years. Before that, he worked from 2013-2019, for the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, as a Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sergeant and then Lieutenant. Continue reading Interim Precinct 5 Constable sworn in

TYLER — Gov. Greg Abbott met with local business leaders in Tyler on Wednesday as a part of his reelection campaign and discussed how his efforts as governor have impacted the Texas economy. According to our news partner KETK, as a part of the roundtable discussion, Abbott addressed how local businesses are tackling supply chain challenges and providing jobs. Abbott also said Texas leads America in oil and gas production and that its production is being threatened by his opponent in the gubernatorial race, Beto O’Rourke, with his support of the Green New Deal. “Beto’s solution would decrease oil and gas production,” Abbott said. Continue reading Gov. Abbott says he’s running for reelection to keep hard working jobs ‘alive and well’

TYLER — Officials say an assault on a Smith County sheriff’s deputy has led to a 95-year prison sentence for a 41-year-old repeat felon. According to a news release from the Smith County DA’s Office, on August 24, 2021, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received multiple reports of a man wandering in the middle of State Hwy. 14 near County Road 310 pointing a gun at passing cars. Deputies arrived on scene and detained Christian Dewayne Smith while they investigated. Smith then assaulted one of the deputies by biting him on the wrist. A jury first found Smith guilty of assault on a public servant, then passed sentence after hearing evidence of Smith’s extensive criminal history — which includes 13 prior criminal convictions and multiple prison sentences. Smith was on parole for a 2016 felony drug conviction when he assaulted the deputy.

AUSTIN – The University of Texas System Board of Regents named 14 educators at UT institutions, including one from UT Tyler, among its 2022 Outstanding Teachers. Ashley Dalby, M.S., a lecturer in health and kinesiology at UT Tyler, is among the honorees. Recipients will each receive a medallion and a check for $25,000 in recognition of their contributions to student success and learning, according to a news release. They will be formally recognized by the Board of Regents at the upcoming board meeting in November.

TYLER – DPS reports a 19-year-old Tyler man was arrested Tuesday for intoxicated manslaughter and other charges in connection to a fatal wreck on Highway 110. According to our news partner KETK, a DPS report from the Sunday crash says Nicholas Agustin was driving south when he lost control of his Ford Crown Victoria, entered the northbound lanes, and collided with a Honda Civic. The passenger of the Civic, David Lewandowski, 51, of Hewitt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Agustin, who DPS said was not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to a local hospital with non-incapacitating injuries. The driver of the Civic was transported to a separate hospital with incapacitating injuries. Continue reading Teen arrested on multiple charges in fatal weekend wreck

GILMER – Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman (pictured) is now in charge of prosecution and charging decisions relating to the case of an East Texas judge. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Judge Dean Fowler, who presides over the 115th District Court in Upshur County, was charged with driving while intoxicated following an arrest in early September. Four days after his arrest, Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd filed a motion asking to be recused from prosecution and charging decisions in the case. Judge Alfonso Charles agreed and assigned Putman the case. Continue reading Upshur County DA recuses himself from prosecuting district judge, tags Putman

TYLER – The East Texas State Fair is celebrating another successful year, including some record-breaking activity, after wrapping up Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, fair President John Sykes said despite families being impacted by inflation, the attractions still saw a bigger turnout than ever. “Our entries this year in all of our contests– in some areas, they even quadrupled the number of people participating in our Floral Cup, our horticulture, arts and crafts and even our livestock show,” explained Sykes. The Fair saw more than 250,000 visitors this year, which was about the same as last year. Continue reading East Texas State Fair celebrates another big year

LONGVIEW — Longview police say a Pine Tree High School student was apprehended Monday for allegedly making threats of violence toward the campus. According to our news partner KETK, a Longview police school resource officer responded to the threat around 1:25 Monday afternoon. Detectives got a “directive to apprehend” signed by a judge on the charge of exhibition, use, or threat of exhibition or use of firearms, regarding the threat towards students on campus, according to police. Officials said the student was apprehended off school grounds and taken to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center. This is at least the fourth threat of violence reportedly made by a student to a Longview campus since the start of the 2022-2023 school year. Continue reading Pine Tree student apprehended for alleged threats

TYLER — Governor Abbott will host a roundtable and press conference with local business leaders in Tyler Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the conference will start at 2:00 and will have a Q&A at the conclusion of the discussion. The gathering will be held at Preferred On-Site Fleet Services of Texas, 9965 State Hwy 31 E, Tyler. Abbott’s challenger, Beto O’ Rourke was at Stephen F. Austin State University Tuesday to speak to students about his future plans if he wins the race. As the election date approaches, many voters say they are worried about record migration on the Texas-Mexico border and are looking for solutions from both candidates. The latest poll shows Gov. Abbott with a seven-point lead over O’Rourke with 53%. O’Rourke currently sits at 46%. Election day is Nov. 8 and the last day to register to vote is Oct. 11.

LONGVIEW — Police arrested a suspect Tuesday wanted in connection to a Nacogdoches homicide investigation, according to our news partner KETK. James Edward Harris, 60, was arrested in Longview and will be taken to the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Center. Officials said the suspect was the victim’s boyfriend. Police were called to a residence on Elizabeth Street Oct. 3 “in reference to callers advising a family member was found deceased in the residence.” Officers said they arrived at the scene to find Rose Catherine Garner, 60, from Nacogdoches, dead from injuries believed to have been caused by a stab wound. The Justice of the Peace ordered an autopsy.

LONGVIEW – Donald Bandy has returned home safe, according to Longview Police. Our news partner KETK initially reported Donald Wayne Bandy was seen for the last time on Monday around 6:19 p.m. near North Eastman Road and George Richey in a black Cadillac SUV.

TYLER – A Tyler man who the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said was wanted last week turned himself in to Longview Police on Monday, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, Cedric Taylor, 38, was wanted for online solicitation of “inappropriate pictures” of an 11-year-old girl, and was believed to have possibly moved to Longview with his girlfriend. Officials with the sheriff’s office said Taylor turned himself in to Longview police after watching the news and seeing that authorities were looking for him. He was later transported to Smith County Jail.

GUN BARREL CITY – A man was arrested in Gun Barrel City Saturday afternoon and is accused of assaulting two police officers and two fire fighters causing moderate injury. According to our news partner KETK, Gun Barrel City police said they responded to America’s Best Inn and Suites after reports of a man trying to break into hotel rooms. Officers made contact with a man identified as Jacob Williams, 37, who officials said failed to follow command and assaulted the officers. “Williams was under the influence of multiple drugs,” Chief of Police Andy Williams said. Members of the Seven Points Police Department also responded and assisted in the arrest, according to officials. The injured first responders were treated at a hospital and released.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce names its yearly award winners at its annual meeting. The winner of the T.B. Butler Award for Tyler’s outstanding citizen is John Soules Sr., founder and owner of John Soules Foods. Chamber members cited his “strong innovative instincts and a special focus on evolving needs of consumers.” They also term Soules “an avid supporter of the community, giving generously of his time and resources to many organizations.” Kaitlyn Shultz captures the W.C. Windsor Award for top citizen aged 21-40. According to materials submitted to the Chamber, Shultz “has been a very active professional in the Tyler community” who “has served on multiple boards to support community and civic efforts.” She currently works as director of marketing and development at Habitat for Humanity of Smith County. Continue reading Award winners named at Tyler Area Chamber’s Annual Meeting

EAST TEXAS – More burn bans have been issued across East Texas as drought-like conditions remain in the area. We reported last week that Cherokee County is under a burn ban. According to our news partner KETK, Anderson, Angelina, Nacogdoches, Rusk, and Panola counties are among others now on the list. For now, Panola County’s burn ban is due to remain in effect until Oct. 10, but it could be extended. Fire officials said people should avoid outdoor burning and activities that can create sparks or flames. Residents should also alert firefighters of any wildfires. A violation of a burn ban is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

LONGVIEW – Longview police report a person in a motorized wheelchair has died following a crash early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, officials said they responded to the scene on E. Cotton Street around 4:45 a.m. where the victim was struck by a passenger car. Police said the crash is still under investigation.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) — Former University of Texas standout Tiffany Jackson, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA draft, has died of cancer at age 37. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, Jackson was drafted by the New York Liberty in 2007 and played nine seasons in the WNBA. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and managed to return to the court for a final season with Los Angeles before retiring in 2018. She was hired as head coach at Marshall’s Wiley College in April. Jackson still ranks in the top five in career points, rebounds and steals at Texas.

SMITH COUNTY — Two East Texans were arrested in connection to a child abuse case, said the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, Brandy Jaco, 31, and Gary Phillips, 30, were taken into custody on Sept. 27 and charged with endangering a child. The child also tested positive for amphetamine and marijuana, said the sheriff’s office. Continue reading East Texas couple arrested after child allegedly tests positive for drugs

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — An East Texas teen was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter on Monday for the December 2021 crash that killed 18-year-old Taylor Raper in Van Zandt County. According to our news partner KETK, Alfonso Medina, of Canton, was sentenced to 8 years in prison in the 294th District Court of Van Zandt County. Initial reports said that Medina, who was 17 at the time, was going west on FM 1651 and recognized Raper, an acquaintance who was driving in the opposite direction. DPS said Medina hit Raper’s car after swerving over the center stripe “in an attempt to scare her.” According to information presented in court, Medina did not have a driver’s license at the time of the crash.

TYLER — Tyler is all set for Tuesday evening’s return of National Night Out after holding off a couple of years due to the COVID pandemic. According to police, the National Night Out program promotes neighborhood alliances to strengthen communities and preserve the quality of life in East Texas. Through the program, police say they can strengthen communities by helping to educate families, friends, and neighbors on crime prevention. National Night Out celebrations are scheduled throughout East Texas. Continue reading National Night Out is back in East Texas

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court Monday discussed and approved several projects to be paid for with its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Smith County was allocated more than $45 million in ARPA funds by the federal government, intended as relief funding from the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. The court heard a presentation about a sewer/water project that would help the City of Winona, through a partnership with East Texas Municipal Utility District (ETMUD). The city has struggled with TCEQ compliance for wastewater discharge for more than 10 years. The proposed ARPA funding from Smith County would pay to construct a lift station and a force main, close down the city’s old wastewater plant, and instead send its wastewater to be treated at ETMUD’s plant. Click here for more details.