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LONGVIEW — Two brothers were shot in Longview at two Birdsong Street addresses Friday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK,police say these are related incidents, after being called to a home in the 800 block of Birdsong at 12:50 p.m. on a report that a shooting had taken place. Around 15 minutes later, police were called to a second shooting at the intersection of Birdsong and Mobberly streets. Both men are expected to make a full recovery. As of Friday night, no one had been arrested in connection with these incidents. Police are asking for help in learning more. You are urged to call 903-237-1199 or the Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) or online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

MARSHALL — A man was shot to death early Friday morning in Harrison County. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened at a ‘party event’ near the intersection of Loop 281 and I20. The victim, was not immediately identified, died of a gunshot wound at CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Hospital. The shooting occurred at what the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office is describing as a “party event” near the intersection of Loop 281 and Interstate 20. Continue reading Harrison County officer injured making arrests after man killed at ‘party event’

KILGORE — Kilgore College is very familiar with Aramark having used the company for its food, dining and catering services for over a quarter of a century. Now the college is entering a partnership with the company that will provide custodial, grounds and facility maintenance services through 2023. The result comes about after a collaborative request for proposals process including input from students, faculty and staff. Aramark serves hundreds of educational institutions, sports teams and businesses around the world.

LONGVIEW — A Longview councilman, Wray Wade remains committed to a tradition of passing out free Thanksgiving meals. Due to the coronavirus, community members drove through the Broughton Recreation Center, for a hot free meal. Janice Tolbert told our news partner KETK, “It’s beautiful to see people lined up wanting to get a plate of food. It’s beautiful to be serving alongside other people in the community, people who actually have a heart for service. It’s all about spreading love, and fellow-shipping with one another even though we are socially distanced.” Wade said turnout was great and plans to continue the tradition again next year.

East Texas — Many expect more holiday gifts and greetings to be sent through the mail this year, as more and more people expect to hold virtual celebrations instead of opening gifts in person. The Postal Service expects an increases in volume, but says they have 644,000 employees dedicated to ensuring gifts and greetings are delivered in time for the holidays. Seasonal workers are hired when and where needed, and technology has been expanded to enhance package tracking throughout the USPS processing and transportation networks. Continue reading USPS urges community to send cards and packages early

KAUFMAN COUNTY — A 14-year old boy from an area near Forney has been arrested for a juvenile court charge of unlawfully carrying a firearm after a shooting Tuesday, that killed a one-year-old. The shooting happened at a home in the Windmill Farms subdivision. Investigators say a woman left a 9-year-old and a one-year-old in the home while she went to the store. A 14-year-old neighbor boy came over and according to the charge, had a handgun with him. Nobody is saying exactly what happened. The gun fired a round through the hand of the 9-year old’s hand and hitting the one-year-old in the head. Investigator Jolie Stewart says the 14-year-old will face two charges in Juvenile Court, unlawful carrying of a gun and making a firearm accessible to a child.

TYLER — Greenberg Smoked Turkey ships thousands of birds each year to customers across the nation. However, an explosion and fire earlier this month, destroyed two buildings, and most of the inventory for this year’s holiday feast. On Wednesday, the company posted a scheduled ground breaking for their new facility, that will take place on Nov. 30. The company statement went on to say, “Thank you for all the wonderful comments and words of encouragement!” The company’s website is now back up. “We are now accepting orders for the 2021 holiday season.”

TYLER — Cindy Smoak, Executive Director for SPORTyler and The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award has received the Certified Sports Event Executive certification. The accommodation was earned through Sports Events & Tourism Association after completing 32 credits through online and in person courses. The curriculum focuses on various topics related to the sports tourism industry including strategic planning, effective selling, event management, servicing sports events, crisis management, and more. The sports tourism industry in Tyler brings in more than $2 million in economic impact for the city each year.

MARSHALL — Several people were involved in an altercation at a Marshall gas station. After the confrontation, it is believed that Terrikk Tyrel Roberts drove to another party’s home where he shot at the residents in front of the house. No one was hit by the gunfire. Marshall police say Roberts was arrested on the charge of deadly conduct – discharging a firearm. At the time of his arrest, Roberts also had an outstanding warrant from Gregg County for Possession of Marijuana over four ounces and under five pounds. Roberts was transported to Harrison County Jail.

PANOLA COUNTY — The Shreveport man accused of killing a Panola County Sheriff’s Deputy pleaded not guilty to capital murder this week. According to our news partner KETK, Greggory Newson, 48, did so in a zoom meeting. Newson is accused in the shooting death of Deputy Chris Dickerson. During a traffic stop, Deputy Dickerson was shot 6 times, before Newson drove away. He was later caught and arrested in Louisiana.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department was assisted by DPS in the arrest of Dayton Shai Bonner of Longview. According to MPD Bonner was arrested on a second degree felony charge of criminal solicitation of a minor. Bonner was arrested at Kidsview Park in Longview and placed in the Harrison County jail. Police say the mother of a 13-year-old female, initialy complained that Bonner was sending sexually explicit messages to her daughter. Continue reading Marshall police arrest suspected child predator

KILGORE — The Kilgore Rangerette’s announced Tuesday, they will host their tenth annual Christmas show Dec. 12-13 at the LeTourneau University Belcher Center in Longview. The Broadway-style show, “Christmas Extravaganza 2020,” is being moved to the Belcher Center this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will maximize attendance and allow for social distancing guidelines to be observed. The Rangerette Christmas Show began in 2011 and has quickly become an annual tradition. Continue reading Rangerette Christmas Extravaganza announces new dates and venue

TYLER — A free drive-thru distribution took place Monday at the Green Acres Baptist Church parking lot in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, 1,152 boxes of food were distributed to families were served in less than 2 hours in partnership with the East Texas Food Bank. There were 90 volunteers that were a part of the give-a-way, that had some cars lining up hour before it began, with cars at times in a line over a mile long. The East Texas Human Needs Network said nearly half of all families in our area have to choose between buying food and paying bills. Continue reading Hundreds in line for meal give-a-way from GABC and ETFB

LONGVIEW — A to Z Mart was robbed earlier this month. On Tuesday the Longview Police Department asked for the public’s help in the Nov. 6th robbery, where the person of interest, displayed a firearm. According to the departments post on their facebook page, the person wanted in connection is a Hispanic male that 5′ 6″, between 220 and 250 pounds. and was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, black mask, black pants, shoes, and backpack. Anyone with information should contact Longview Police at 903-237-1199 or Detective Heath at 903-237-1145. Callers can also remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by contacting Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

ANDERSON COUNTY — A Palestine woman has died after being struck by a vehicle in Anderson County. According to our news partner KETK, DPS Troopers were called to a crash involving a pedestrian just after 11:30 Sunday night. The incident happened on US 175, just west of Frankston. Tara Lydy, 26, was walking or standing in the inside west bound lane of US175 when she was struck by an unidentified vehicle that left the scene of the crash, according to DPS. Lydy was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.

LONGVIEW — Longview Cable Television revealed that they will receive a $5.5 million investment to provide Longview community homes and businesses a better internet experience. According to our news partner KETK, the city of Longview said that they wanted to make their city become more like a Gig City like that of a Tennessee town called Chattanooga. Becoming a Gig City means Longview could provide 20 to 200 times the maximum speed available than in other communities. Continue reading Longview Cable recipient of $5.5 million investment

TYLER — Tyler City Hall was the backdrop where various East Texas health officials provided an update on the coronavirus pandemic Monday afternoon. In unison health care officials felt like “COVID fatigue” was a major reason in the “dramatic increase” in COVID-19 cases across the region. George Roberts, NET Health CEO said, “The trend line on hospitalizations shows East Texas patients in Smith County hospitals the peak was 214 on Nov. 17, Today we are at 221, so we are at a peak level on Monday Nov. 23, 2020.” Continue reading Local authorities urge residents to flatten the curve by avoiding ‘super spreader events’

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Rec Department will be bringing a 20-foot Leyland Cypress tree to the Downtown Square on Tuesday. The tree will be decorated and displayed for Christmas at T.B. Butler Plaza in downtown Tyler. This year’s tree will be from Merkert Tree Farm in Beckville, Texas. The tree and other holiday decorations on the square will remain up until the new year for residents and visitors to enjoy.

TYLER — DPS Troopers responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on US 79 , Monday morning. The wreck took place at 7:43 a.m., approximately 14 miles southwest of the city of Rusk, in Henderson County. Benjamin Cole Montrose, 20, of Larue, and Dakota Chase Pardue, 25, of Henderson, were pronounced dead-at-the-scene. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Several East Texas health officials will be providing an update Monday afternoon on what is being called a “dramatic increase” in COVID-19 cases across the region, according to the city, the update will begin at 1 p.m. “COVID-19 infections have dramatically increased in our area. We need everyone to help control the spread, especially with the upcoming holiday seasons,” George Roberts, NET Health CEO. Roberts also wanted to remind East Texans that the flu season is upon the area and that the same measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 are similar. Continue reading East Texas health leaders to give update on ‘dramatic increase’ in COVID-19 infections

TROUP — The City of Troup announced Saturday that John Phillips, the Troup Public Works Director, has died. According to our news partner KETK, Phillips had been fighting COVID-19 for more than a month. He was an employee for the city for almost 13 years and the Public Works Director for the past 10 years. Phillips had also been named the City of Troup employee of the year for 2020, but the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet was cancelled due to COVID-19. City officials said they are thankful for Phillips’ years of service to the community. “His laugh and smile and calming presence will be sorely missed each day by all of us in his City of Troup family. Continue reading Troup Public Works Director dies after battling COVID-19

KILGORE — Registration is underway for Kilgore College Fire Academy. The deadline to apply for the Basic Structural Firefighter program is Jan 5, with classes starting Jan. 19. Classes will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays with a possibility of evening and/or weekend classes. The 12 week academy is a total of 474 hours and runs through April 20. The program is physically demanding as well as academically challenging. To apply for the academy, download and fill out the Basic Fire Academy application located at http://www.kilgore.edu/fire-academy. Send the completed application to [email protected].

PALESTINE — Palestine Police Department’s Blue Santa initiative is continuing to collect toys in partnership with the Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee County this Christmas season. Unlike previous years where multiple fund raisers were held, the department says due to COVID restrictions, money’s have not been generated through-out the year. As a result, Blue Santa will be counting on more help from the public than in past years. Various blue wrapped boxes with the Santa logo are set up in businesses around Palestine. Continue reading Blue Santa toy drive in full swing in Palestine

LONGVIEW — Heading into the weekend before Thanksgiving, Longview city officials are reminding residents their offices will be closed Nov. 26, and Nov. 27, in observance of the Holiday. All city offices will resume regular business hours Monday, Dec. 2. Officials said, while sanitation services will not run Thanksgiving Day, Thursday customers will be collected next Friday. The Compost Facility will reopen Saturday, Nov. 28. Continue reading Holiday schedule announced for Longview