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RUSK — Jury selection for the Cherokee County 2nd District Court has been cancelled for Monday, June 17. According to our news partner KETK, the reason for the cancellation is unclear.

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott Saturday signed into law House Bill 1545, which allows beer-to-go sales for craft breweries in the state. The bill also extends the operations of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission and reduces what Abbott terms “burdensome regulations on the beer and wine industry.” Among those joining the governor was state Representative Chris Paddie (pictured) of Marshall, who authored the measure. In a news release, Abbott termed the signing “a major win for the freedom and economic prosperity for which Texas has become known.”

ATHENS — The Henderson County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Offices are working with the Texas Rangers in investigating a Saturday shooting on Red Oak, outside Larue. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says his office received a call around 1:10 a.m. regarding a disturbance at a residence. Hillhouse says three males and one female arrived in front of the home in two vehicles, two of them bearing firearms, and began yelling at the occupants. Hillhouse says shots ensued after a male resident came out onto the porch bearing a firearm. Two of the three males who had come to the residence were shot. They were both transported to a Tyler hospital and are in stable condition. Hillhouse didn’t immediately provide further details.

AUSTIN – Governor Abbott Friday signed the William Thomas Heath Power Line Safety Act into law. According to our news partner KETK, the final version reconciled legislation filed in March by State Representative Chris Paddie of Marshall and State Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola. Nearly two years ago, three Hallsville Boy Scouts — Will Brannon, Thomas Larry, and Heath Faucheux — were electrocuted while sailing on Lake O’ the Pines. Their sailboat’s mast came in contact with a low-hanging power line that crossed over the lake. The legislation strengthens power line inspection requirements by the utilities that operate them and increases transparency through reporting non-compliance issues to the state. The boys’ parents say this legislation honors their sons, whose legacy will be to save lives.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for Barbara Cooperwood, 36. Cooperwood is described as 5’5”, 205 pounds, with dark hair, last seen wearing a white tank top and black shorts. Authorities say Cooperwood has shaved her head, with the exception of a strip of hair down the middle, similar to a Mohawk. According to family, Cooperwood has numerous mental health conditions and has the mentality of a seven-year-old child. Cooperwood was last seen near her residence on Oakridge Drive in southwestern Smith County. If you have any information, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

TYLER — The Board of Directors of the Tyler-based Meals on Wheels Ministry has named John Moore as the organization’s new Executive Director. Moore began his new duties Friday. He previously worked in community roles at UT Health Science Center at Tyler, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals and Clinics, and Stewart Regional Blood Center. He’s also worked in broadcasting and is a syndicated newspaper columnist. In a news release, Moore cites his family’s “four-decade connection to Meals on Wheels,” including support in Tyler and Oklahoma. His stated priorities include getting the word out about the organization, volunteer recruitment, serving more clients, and fundraising.

TYLER — 24-year-old Ruben Hernandez Contreras of Tyler has been found guilty and sentenced to 11 years in prison for online solicitation of a minor. According to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, DPS undercover agents caught up with Contreras last October by posing as a 15-year old-girl online and responding to solicitations from the defendant. When they met Hernandez, he admitted that he had received pornographic material from underage girls in previous chats, but had never had the courage to show up to a meet until that day.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will host the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lindsey Park. The fun kicks off at 4 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin after dark (around 9:15 p.m.) The park gate, off Spur 364, will officially open at 2 p.m.; admission is free. Attendees are asked to arrive early for prime parking. Carpooling is highly recommended to help alleviate traffic congestion, according to a news release. Parking will be on a first come, first serve basis. Tyler Transit buses will also be available, running every 25 to 30 minutes to transport attendees to the park from Harvey Convention Center, the TJC West Campus, and the TISD administration building at no charge. For more information, contact Tyler Parks and Recreation at (903) 531-1370 or visit http://www.TylerParksandRec.com.

FORT WORTH — In a case with an East Texas connection, a man shot by police in Fort Worth may not have been killed by them after all. Fort Worth police have released body camera footage of officers fatally shooting the man, who ignored repeated police orders to drop his handgun. Police Chief Ed Kraus on Thursday showed reporters and community activists the video of the Sunday shooting of JaQuavion Slaton inside his truck. Slaton is seen with a handgun on the video, which also captures an officer shouting, “He’s reaching!” That’s when officers opened fire. It wasn’t clear what move officers determined was threatening. Also Thursday, the Tarrant County medical examiner said Slaton died of multiple gunshot wounds to the head and chest. He said one wound to the head was self-inflicted. Slaton had an outstanding arrest warrant for domestic violence and running from police at UT-Tyler in April.

WOOD COUNTY — The investigation continues after DPS troopers responded Thursday morning to a report of a single engine plane crash near a location on FM 2869, behind the Holly Lake Car Wash in Wood County. No structures were damaged. The pilot and a passenger were injured. DPS said Thursday afternoon that the FAA had arrived on scene and would be leading the investigation. Troopers didn’t immediately provide further information.

TYLER — After many years of fundraising and planning, the City of Tyler will soon begin construction of a playground designed to be accessible for kids with mobility challenges. Southside Park, at Shiloh and Donnybrook, is the site of a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, June 25, at 2 p.m. This new playground will be the only one of its kind in Tyler and the East Texas region, according to a city news release. Officials say the project and event are made possible thanks to Tyler Parks and Recreation, Keep Tyler Beautiful, the Half Cent board, and Ambucs.

TYLER — Three juveniles were taken into custody following several reports of vehicle burglaries. Tyler police said the first crime was reported around 12:20 Thursday morning at Wood Trail Apartments on Shiloh Road. A resident apparently interrupted the three black male suspects in the act and they fled the scene. A second auto burglary was reported around 2:20 at Alpine Creek Apartments on Paluxy. Officers were already in the area looking for the suspects when they located three juveniles walking down Paluxy with backpacks and flashlights. Continue reading Three Juveniles Arrested following Reports of Auto Burglaries

LONGVIEW — A man injured Wednesday at a construction site in West Longview had to be lifted from a trench by emergency crews. According to the Longview News Journal, Longview Fire Department Special Operations Chief Andy Park said crews responded to the rescue call on West Harrison Road near Genpak. When they arrived, he said they found a person in a trench. Parker said the crew set up a way to lower the gurney into the trench to lift up the man to the surface before he was taken to the hospital. Initial reports were that a pipe had fallen on someone at the site. Parker said the man in the trench was not trapped under anything when crews arrived. He said he did not believe the construction was related to Genpak.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are asking for your help in finding 63-year-old Cleon Aldred Gaston. According to our news partner KETK, LPD says Gaston was last seen June 2 on Aurel Ave. near the Dixon Street intersection. He was wearing black slack-style pants, a white button-down shirt, and tennis shoes. Gaston has mostly gray hair, is 5’7″ tall, and weighs 180 pounds. You’re asked to call (903) 237-1199 with any information.

TYLER — With Fun Forest Pool closed for the summer due to repair needs, the city of Tyler is offering several other ways to cool off. The city has partnered with Tyler ISD to offer free swim days at TISD Aquatic Center. Also, Tyler Transit will offer free rides to children under 17 to the pool and to all Tyler splash pads. The Aquatic Center is located on Earl Campbell Parkway. City of Tyler lifeguards will be on duty and officials say appropriate swim apparel will be required. There’s lots more; go to http://www.TylerParksandRec.com for all information and updates.

WASKOM — Community and church members are showing their support for Waskom to declare itself a sanctuary city for the unborn. According to our news partner KETK, one of the people leading the charge for the ordinance is Mark Lee Dickson of Longview. He says it’s a response to Louisiana passing the fetal heartbeat bill. If abortion clinics close in Louisiana, he doesn’t want any to move to Waskom. Before the council unanimously passed the ordinance, the mayor warned citizens they will face a lawsuit which the city cannot afford if they lose. They say it’s all in an effort to make it to the Supreme Court and win.

AUSTIN — Sam’s Law, introduced by an East Texas representative, will now take statewide effect after being signed by Governor Abbott. According to our news partner KETK, Sam’s Law is named for Samantha Watkins, a Kilgore high schooler who died in 2016 during a seizure. The law was introduced by Nacogdoches state Representative Travis Clardy. It will bring free courses to Texas schools, increasing training and awareness about the dangers of epileptic seizures that happen on campus. The measure will not cost the state any money.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help tracking down a suspect in a vehicle theft. Officials say during the early morning hours of June 10, someone stole a white 2011 Ford F-550 flatbed dually pickup truck with Texas license BA7-9295 from Rozell Sprayer Manufacturing Company on Hwy. 64 West. Authorities report the stolen truck was caught on video surveillance on U.S. Hwy. 259, just north of Longview, around 8:37 the same morning. The suspect used a credit card that was left inside the truck to purchase fuel at a convenience store. He is described as a white male, late teens to early 20s, wearing a black “Hurley” baseball cap, blue T-shirt, and blue jeans. If anyone recognizes this suspect or knows the whereabouts of the stolen truck, call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.

TYLER — One of two teens arrested in April following a mugging on Tyler’s downtown square has been indicted. Keith Whittington, 17, was indicted on robbery charges. He faces a first degree felony charge of aggravated robbery and a second degree felony charge of robbery. Whittington, along with a juvenile accomplice, was arrested April 23 after reportedly attempting to grab the purses of a mother and daughter. Both women were knocked to the ground during the incident. The teens ran off and were chased down by several witnesses The two were caught and brought back to the scene of the crime, on East Erwin. Whittington fled again, but was caught a short time later by police officers.

TYLER — Kind words were exchanged as Smith County Commissioners voted to accept the resignation of County Administrator Leonardo Brown. He’ll take up similar duties July 15 in Richland County, South Carolina. In a news release, County Judge Nathaniel Moran calls Brown “a genuine example of a leader of character who has proven himself time and time again.” Brown adds, “I appreciate the opportunities that have been afforded me during my 10-plus years of employment with Smith County.” Brown began working for Smith County as Human Resources Director in January 2009 and added County Administrator to his duties in October 2014. He’s continued to hold both positions.

AUSTIN — Legislation clearing a path for kids to set up their own business without fines, fees, or regulations is now law in Texas — and it all began in Overton. Governor Abbott signed House Bill 234 into law on Monday night. Abbott referred to an incident in 2015 when Overton police shut down a lemonade stand for not having a permit. The stand was set up by two sisters, 7 and 8 years old. State Representative Matt Krause’s bill now makes it legal. The law takes effect September 1.

RUSK — A Jacksonville man has been indicted on a capital murder charge in a January apartment shooting. According to our news partner KETK, 33-year-old London Castleberry came into the Jacksonville Police station and confessed to shooting someone at the Travis Towers Apartments. Officers headed to the scene, where they found Robert Barclay dead. Castleberry remains in the Cherokee County Jail.

TYLER — Tyler police seek your help finding the owner of a vehicle believed to be related to a fatal crash June 7 around 9:13 p.m. on SSW Loop 323. According to police, investigators have obtained video footage that indicated a light colored pickup traveling northbound lost its unsecured load in the roadway. A 2017 Taotao model DB10 off-road dirt bike motorcycle (pictured) fell from the bed of the pickup into the roadway. This caused motorcycle rider Kenric Hoil to strike the debris or take evasive action, resulting in Hoil’s death. If you have any information related to the owner of the pickup, investigators would like to contact that person. You’re asked to contact Detective Kevin Fite at 903-533-2025 or Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833 with any leads.

PALESTINE — A Crockett man has been arrested following a police chase through Palestine on Monday.According to our news partner KETK, Robert Eldrige Lee, 44, was booked into the Anderson County Jail on a charge of burglary of a habitation and a charge of evading arrest. Officials said Lee was seen breaking into a home on CR 386, then fled the scene. Cherokee County deputies attempted to pull him over when a chase ensued. Lee eventually wrecked his vehicle in Palestine and fled on foot. He was found about 20 minutes later and was taken into custody. Bond has not been set.

TYLER — Officials have released video of the suspect as they continue investigating a Smith County bank robbery. Authorities say at 10:38 Monday morning, deputies responded to the First National Bank of Winnsboro at State Hwy. 155 and U.S. Hwy. 271. They were told a white male entered the bank and demanded an undisclosed amount of cash from the teller. After receiving the money, the robber drove away and was last seen headed south in the driveway of the nearby UT Health Science Center. The suspect is described as middle aged, wearing a green t-shirt, khaki cargo shorts, dark sunglasses, and a ballcap. He fled in a late model silver Toyota Tundra double-cab pickup with chrome cab length side steps. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the person responsible for multiple thefts of RV and tractor batteries from local area businesses. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Any person or business that has observed someone with multiple RV or tractor batteries, or has had someone come into their business and sold them multiple RV and tractor batteries, is asked to contact detectives at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

TYLER — A Greenville woman was arrested twice in ten hours over the weekend in Tyler for public intoxication, according to Smith County judicial records. According to our news partner KETK, Tiani Warden, 51, was captured around 3 p.m. on Saturday. She was released on a $500 bond. She was re-arrested at 1 a.m. on Sunday morning for the same charge and released again on the same bond. According to court records, she was also arrested for public intoxication in September 2015. Warden paid a fine and was sentenced to time served.

TYLER — The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announces closures for FM 515 in Wood County for emergency repairs necessitated by recent rains that caused a washout. The roadway closed Monday and will remain closed Tuesday at the west end of the Lake Fork/Glade Creek Bridge to County Road 1260 east of the bridge. According to TxDOT, recent rains caused a washout last week that upon inspection revealed that the metal pipe under the roadway had collapsed. A lane closure was implemented and a temporary patch was put in place to restore the roadway and allow for continued traffic flow until plans for an emergency contract for permanent repairs could be executed. Continue reading FM 515 Closes for Emergency Repairs in Wood County

TYLER — TxDOT is planning to conduct a range of construction and maintenance work throughout the Tyler District during the Week of June 10. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct ditch maintenance on roadways around Smith County. Longview Maintenance crews plan to conduct pavement repairs on FM 2204 from FM 2011 to FM 2276. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control at all locations. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/032-2019.html for more details on work throughout the district.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP/Staff) — Richland County, South Carolina has a new administrator in place — and he’s headed there from Tyler, according to the newspaper The State. Richland County in a news release Friday announced the hiring of Leonardo Brown. He is scheduled to start July 15. Brown has served as Smith County administrator for over five years. The Shreveport, Louisiana native is also Smith County’s director of human resources and was an area manager for Enterprise Rent-A-Car. He holds a Masters of Business Administration from LSU-Shreveport. The South Carolina position has been vacant since April 2018, when the council voted to fire former administrator Gerald Seals. Continue reading Smith County Administrator Headed to South Carolina