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HENDERSON COUNTY — A game room in the Malakoff area was closed down by a team of investigators Thursday and two people were arrested. A search warrant was served after law enforcement suspected illegal activity at the Hippy Hut Game Room on State Highway 31, in Malakoff. The attendant in charge of the game room, Cheryl Norman, 48, and the manager, Regina Jones, 53 were arrested. They both face felony and misdemeanor charges for a variety of crimes – engaging in organized criminal activity, promotion of gambling, keeping a gambling place, possession of gambling devices and possession of gambling paraphernalia. Continue reading Two Women Arrested following Game Room Bust

GLADEWATER – Gladewater police arrested a man following his release from the hospital. David Allen Neill, 24 of Gladewater, was wounded January 19th after he is said to have pointed a rifle at two Gladewater officers. They were responding to a reported domestic disturbance where Neill was said to been the suspect. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail Thursday on two warrants of aggravated assault against a public servant.

LONGVIEW – The Gregg County jury that found Jimmy Edward Harris Jr., 33, of Longview, guilty of aggravated robbery and evading police, has sentenced him to two life prison sentences. Earlier on Thursday, the jury deliberated for just under an hour before finding him guilty. Harris had been accused of breaking into a garage on Omega Street in October, 2016, and beating the homeowner, a retired police officer, with a crowbar and stealing his car. He then led officers on a chase at speeds of around 100 miles an hour before wrecking the car and running into the woods. Continue reading Man Gets Life for a Longview Robbery

TYLER – TxDOT is reporting the Interstate Highway 20 westbound outside lane is currently closed about a mile and a half east of Jim Hogg Road in Smith County. This is due to a needed repair to the bridge deck. Repairs are now underway. The westbound outside lane will be closed at the bridge until the repairs are complete. They do not have an anticipated completion date at this time. Motorists should remain alert when traveling through this work zone.

TYLER – A judgement against East Texas Medical Center has been settled for far less than the jury awarded. A Tyler jury awarded a $43.32 million verdict against ETMC. In a brief statement, hospital spokesperson Carroll Roge said the hospital disagrees with the outcome. The case has, however, been resolved with all parties and settled for $9 million. There will be no appeal. The jury determined that the hospital and Dr. Gary Boyd were negligent in the treatment of Billy Pierce in 2014. Boyd was working at the hospital even after being placed on on probation with the Texas Medical Board. According to the hospital’s bylaws and policies, hospital privileges of a doctor on probation are automatically suspended.

TYLER – The first project paid for by last years’ voter-approved road bond issue is underway in southern Smith County. The county road and bridge employees have been working this week to overlay County Road 119, just outside of Bullard. That work should be completed by on Friday. The crew will next work on the neighboring County Road 113, then on to County Road 152, also known as East Bowie Road. They had thought the road bond projects would start in May or June, when money from the $39.5 million bond comes in. But, the timeline was moved up because the Commissioners Court in January approved a resolution. It allows the county to borrow money from itself to start on the road projects, and reimburse those bond expenditures after the bonds are sold. Continue reading Smith County Road Projects Starting Earlier Than Anticipated

ATHENS – A search warrant leads to a drug arrest in Henderson County. The warrant was served Wednesday night at a home west of Athens on County Road 3925. Arrested was Michael Brandon Moore, 34. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said they found in the house 211 grams of suspected methamphetamine, a scale commonly used to weigh drugs and bags used for distribution. They also found a large amount of money. Moore is in the Henderson County Jail on a charge of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance. His bond was set at $50,000.

TYLER – Tyler has received an award from the Texas Historical Commission. The city received the Anice B. Read Award of Excellence in Community Heritage Development. It’s a first for the city. Tyler was recognized as one of Texas’ earliest communities to initiate a municipal preservation program. The city was also recognized for the renowned Azalea Trails and Rose Garden, which attract more than 100,000 people each year. According to a news release from the commission, Tyler was acknowledged for its six districts and 22 individual buildings listed in the National Register of Historic Places as well as 124 local landmarks.

AUSTIN – A Tyler woman is one of 8 persons named by Governor Greg Abbott to the Dental Review Committee. Amanda Richardson was appointed for a term set to expire on February 1, 2023. According to a news release from the governor’s office, the committee serves on informal settlement conference panels to determine whether an informal disposition of a contested case against a license holder is appropriate, and to make recommendations for the disposition of the complaint or allegation. Continue reading Tyler Woman Named to State Committee

TYLER – All lanes of Troup Highway between Shiloh Road and Grande Boulevard were reopened by 2:30 Thursday morning following a fire around 7:00 Wednesday night. Firefighters tell KETK the fire started inside Elder’s Antique Repair and Furniture Restoration, a furniture upholstery business inside a residential home. When they got there, flames were 100 feet high. There was even an explosion. Investigators with the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office reported that the presence of various chemicals used at the business likely contributed to the fire’s intensity. Interviews with the occupant determined the presence of an operating space heater in the area/building where the fire is believed to have originated. Estimated dollar loss is approximately $170,000. The 80-year-old owner was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a Dallas burn hospital for further treatment. Additionally, one firefighter sustained a minor injury that did not require transport to a medical facility. Continue reading Space Heater Likely Cause of Massive Tyler Fire

CROZET, Va. (AP) — Representative Louie Gohmert is “ok” after a train he was on which was carrying GOP lawmakers to a retreat in West Virginia collided with a garbage truck around 11:20 a.m. Wednesday. One person was killed in the collision and at least two other people in the truck were reported seriously hurt. Rep. Gohmert spoke with KETK after the accident. “We were rolling down the track and we have a train that almost all of the Republicans in the house and numerous Republican senators were on going to the annual retreat,” Gohmert said. “The way it looks, the guard arm is down, so the garbage truck must have been weaving through the warning devices and they nearly got through. It appears we caught the tail end of the garbage truck.” Continue reading Rep. Louie Gohmert “OK” following Train Collision

TYLER – When The BBB’s Annual Luncheon and Awards Banquet takes place on March 6th, besides the year in review, 4 awards will be presented. The BBB Awards for Excellence goes to three 3 companies and one 1 nonprofit who exemplify ethical behavior and display integrity in all aspects of their operations; toward their employees, vendors, customers, and within their community. Twenty-four organizations have been nominated for the BBB awards. Continue reading BBB Announces Awards for Excellence Nominees

PALESTINE – A Palestine High School teacher is under investigation. KETK reports a school district spokesperson said the district received a report of an alleged inappropriate relationship last week. The teacher, whose name has not been released, has been put on leave.

TYLER – The East Texas Food Bank has broken ground on a new $3 million expansion. The facility will help them store and distribute more healthy, nutritious food to feed persons in need. The size and capacity of the East Texas Food Bank’s facilities were reviewed during the strategic planning process. It was determined that an expansion of the current facilities would be a crucial measure in reaching their long-term strategic distribution goals. Construction on Robertson Road is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. Continue reading Groundbreaking for the East Texas Food Bank

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department has announced classes on gas pump skimming trends. The interactive classes are for gas station owners and clerks. It will be held at the South Tyler Police Station on Cumberland Road on February 16th and March 2. The classes start at 9:00 each morning. Each class will deal with recent trends in pump skimming, how to look out for devices planted in pumps and include a question and answer session with members of the North Texas Financial Crimes Task Force. Space is limited. If you would like to attend, or need more information, contact detective Jeff Roberts at JWRoberts@TylerTexas.com or at 903-531-1071.

LONGVIEW – Four persons have been arrested as Longview authorities served search warrants at several motels. The arrests were made at the Globe Inn, the American Dream Inn, and the Palace Inn, all on East Marshall. Taken into custody were two Longview residents as well as residents from Gilmer and Tatum. A large amount of drugs and prescription medication was seized. And, besides the drug charges, one of the suspects was also charged with possession of a prohibited weapons. All four were booked into the Gregg County Jail. Continue reading Several Busted on Drug Charges in Longview

LUFKIN – The truck used in the theft of an ATM in Lufkin has been located. The dump truck and the ATM, were found Wednesday morning near the Angelina College baseball field. Someone stole the truck from Brown’s Paving and then took a fork lift from a construction site on Hill Street. Then, early Tuesday morning, the suspect went to the Regions Bank on South John Redditt Drive. The forklift was used to free the ATM from the pavement and to take it to the truck. The suspect then drove away, taking an undisclosed amount of cash. The fork lift was left at the scene.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert is very upbeat about President Trump’s State of the Union Address. Gohmert told KTBB, “He was doing a great job in his speech and trying to bring us together — things that we want and have in common. We want to get infrastructure…built and rebuilt.” Gohmert also lauded the President for saying we should stop giving money to our enemies. The congressman said he’s long supported legislation providing “that any country that votes against us more than half the time in the U.N. …will get no financial assistance from us at all the next year. And as I’ve said for years, you don’t have to pay people to hate you; they’ll do it for free.” Gohmert additionally praised the President’s support for keeping Guantanamo Bay open. By the way, Gohmert was aboard a train that struck a truck while on the way to a policy retreat; we’re told that Gohmert is okay.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson has urged residents to refrain from burning today because of high winds. Smith County is not under a burn ban, but people are asked to use extreme caution and to not burn anything during high wind conditions.

ANGELINA COUNTY — A 35-year-old man wanted on outstanding warrants has been arrested following a high speed chase. It happened around 7:30 Tuesday night in Lufkin. An officer was attempting to conduct a traffic stop on Abel Lopez when the pursuit started. Lopez headed northbound on Loop 287 and was spiked by Constable Tom Selman. He continued on, eventually bailing out of the vehicle and was arrested a short time later. Officers said he threw items from the vehicle during the pursuit that they are attempting to retrieve. A woman in Lopez’s vehicle at the time of the pursuit was released. You can go to https://www.dropbox.com/s/qcszlobxqy2cv7j/Abel%20Lopez%20Pursuit.mp4?dl=0 to see a police video of the chase.

TYLER – Merchandise has been stolen from a store in Tyler’s Broadway Square Mall. The theft happened Monday at Victoria’s Secret. Someone stole 60 pairs women’s panties valued at nearly $1,000. Police spokesman Don Martin said there is currently no suspect information.

TYLER – Some long time employees were recognized by Smith County Commissioners’ at Tuesday meeting. Among the 11 employees recognized for their many years of service were Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers (pictured) and County Court-at-Law No. 2 Judge Randall Rogers. Judge Beavers was recognized Tuesday for 35 years of service to Smith County, 24 years of that as J P. Judge Rogers was honored for 30 years of service to the county. Also among those honored was Precinct 4 County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, who is celebrating 15 years of service to the county.

TYLER – CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Tyler, part of CHRISTUS Health, has been recognized with the American Medical Group Association’s 2017 Acclaim Award. Each year the award, supported by the AMGA Foundation, goes to a single medical group or other organized system of care that are bringing the American health care system closer to the ideal delivery model, one that is safe, effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient and equitable. CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic announced the award during a Tuesday morning news conference.

TYLER – Two more traffic boxes in Tyler have been turned into works of art. The two newest boxes are sponsored by Marvin United Methodist Church at the corner of Bois D’Arc Avenue and Elm Street, and by Dunn Transmissions at the corner of Erwin Street and Palace Avenue. The Keep Tyler Beautiful Beauty and the Beauty and the Box program began in 2016. It was designed to take traffic boxes and transform them into beautiful works of art by local artists. What started as a pilot program of ten boxes in the Downtown Business Arts and Culture District has grown to 19 vinyl-wrapped boxes all across the city with more boxes in the works. Continue reading Art Work for Tyler Traffic

TYLER — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is advising residents about a prescribed burn set for today at Tyler State Park. If you see heavy smoke north of Tyler from noon to 5 p.m. today, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department plans to burn up to 200 acres on the south and east borders of the park, as well as near Farm-to-Market Road 14.

LONGVIEW — An East Texas felon has been indicted for aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to KETK, a grand jury indicted Michael Lloyd-Shane Deborde, 37, of Longview, on Thursday. On Sunday, October 1, 2017, Longview police responded to the Sunbelt Mobile Home Park in the 1200 block of South Texas 31 on reports of an armed man. Officers spoke to a man who said he had been arguing with Deborde when he pulled a gun from his pants and pointed it at the man. Deborde admitted to having a gun but told officers he did not point it at the man. Deborde was booked into the Gregg County Jail on $120,000 bond. He was released on October 4.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview woman has been indicted after officials say she bit a police officer while being arrested. According to KETK, a Gregg County grand jury indicted Jasmine Mychelle Fluellen, 20, on Thursday, January 25, for assault against an officer. Officers responded to a call for service at 428 South Fredonia Street on Saturday, December 2, 2017, where they located Fluellen inside a vacant apartment. According to the probable cause affidavit, Fluellen tried walking away from officers and ignored their commands. When police made contact, Fluellen tried to punch an officer and later bit an officer on the leg as she was being handcuffed. Fluellen was arrested and booked into the Gregg County Jail, where she remains on $41,000 bond.

SMITH COUNTY — Emergency officials are at the scene of a rollover accident in Tyler. It happened just after 8:00 at the intersection of Rhones Quarter Road and Grande Blvd. No word on injuries or the cause of the wreck. Drivers are urged to use an alternate route.

NACOGDOCHES — A sophomore at Stephen F. Austin State University has been found dead in her campus residence hall Friday. According to KETK, Erin Valenta, 20, was a music major and a resident of SFA’s Lumberjack Village. She graduated from Allen High School in 2016. A residence hall staff member was called to perform a welfare check, which had been requested by a friend. There were no signs of foul play, and an autopsy has been requested. Counseling is being made available to SFA students, faculty and staff members through SFA Counseling Services on the third floor of the Rusk Building.

MARSHALL – There was a slight drop in crime in Marshall in 2017. In a report released Monday, there were a total of 2,653 crimes reported last year; a one percent drop from the 2,691 crimes reported in 2016. One of the areas of crime with a major decline was the number of homicides. There was one homicide in 2017, and three were reported in 2016. In 2017, bicycle thefts declined by 100% with zero reports as opposed to five in 2016. According to the report, persistent patrolling, education about how to prevent or reduce vehicle burglaries and the watchful eyes of citizens also played a part in the number of auto burglaries decreasing by 14% in 2017. Continue reading Crime Down in Marshall Last Year