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ATHENS — An Athens company broke ground Wednesday for an expansion project. According to our news partner KETK, Biomerics anticipates bringing an additional 50 jobs through the enlargement. The expansion entails professional office space, engineering labs, quality inspection labs, a 10,000 square-foot classroom and machining center. In a prepared statement, President Todd McFarland, of Biomerics FMI said, “We’re kicking off another 24,000 square-foot building that will add 10,000 square feet in manufacturing space so we can keep growing.” Biomerics employs 420 people at its five-facility campus in Athens, which makes medical equipment.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville police arrested a man fleeing from officers Wednesday in what is believed to be a stolen vehicle. Police captured the suspect in the Chick-fil-A parking lot on S. Jackson Street. Authorities originally attempted to detain the the man, but he ran away. Video shows a customer waiting in line at the fast food store used his door to stop the presumed wrongdoer, before being arrested by officers. You can watch the video by clicking here.

CANTON — The Van Zandt County Jail has been cited by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards for not meeting state requirements. According to our news partner KETK, an inspection on Jan. 25, found jail staff did not check on inmates, being restrained for safety reasons every 15 minutes, as required. The inspection also revealed some inmates were unsupervised in the kitchen, while helping prepare meals. Sheriff Steve Hendrix said “This happened under my watch and I take responsibility.” Hendrix said the inspection took place a few weeks after he became sheriff and he has put new procedures in place to make sure the problems are corrected. Hendrix says he is working with the commission and is confident the jail will be taken off the non-compliant list soon.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been charged with impersonating a public servant. According to our news partner KETK, the incident resulted in the arrest of Travis Cain, 33, of Longview. Authorities say Cain was wearing a tactical vest and pretended to be a CIA officer when he interrupted a meeting at World of Wonders children’s museum. A staff member recognized him as the husband of a current employee. Cain allegedly pulled out a photocopied document with black marker through it, making it appear to be a redacted government document. Continue reading Longview man arrested on charges of impersonating CIA officer

WOOD COUNTY — The Wood County COVID Vaccination Clinic has filled all scheduled immunization time slots for Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the clinic at the Mineola Civic Center will be by appointment only. Walk-ins and additional names will not be accepted. If you are still trying to sign-up for a COVID-19 vaccine, click here and then, click “I want the COVID vaccine” and follow the prompts. The service is free and available to anyone 18 years and older who resides in the U.S. and is legally and medically qualified to receive the COVID vaccine. You must also have a cellphone to use the service.

QUITMAN — Wood County Sheriff’s Office has introduced a new K9 officer. Major is a German shepherd that has been paired with Deputy McKenzie Chandler. Officer Chandler has been a K9 handler for three years. In a prepared statement, the Sheriff’s Office thanked K9 Officers Inc., a charity that donates dogs to law enforcement agencies and provides handler/dog training. To date, the organization has gifted 70 K9 officers that have reported for duty. The group says the average K-9 donation is a $15,000 investment. You can learn more here.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler and Dallas Morning News have released results regarding a COVID-19 survey, and those numbers indicate masks may remain for some time. On Wednesday, UT-Tyler Political Science Professor, Dr. Mark Owens told KTBB news, “We saw that 83% wore masks just to protect themselves. A total of 50% did so to protect themselves, or because local businesses required that mask. The role of the state-wide mandate was the third biggest reason. We saw there was about 8% of the individuals that saw that as the only reason that they would wear a mask. So, that means about half of folks are focused on what local businesses will do now.” Governor Greg Abbott’s mask mandate was officially rescinded on Wednesday. Read more here.

TYLER — NET Health schedules immunization appointments based on COVID vaccine supplies. On Wednesday, the entity announced anyone expecting to receive round two of the Moderna vaccine this Thursday and Friday will be rescheduled. In a prepared statement, President/CEO George Roberts said, “NET Health is awaiting a new shipment of second doses of the Moderna vaccine from the Texas Department of State Health Services.” The department said If you already enrolled in the “Second Dose Waiting List” to receive your second Moderna vaccine from NET Health, no further action is needed. You will be contacted with a new appointment time. Read more here.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police say a woman allegedly passed a counterfeit check at Brookshire’s in Kilgore. The incident took place January 24. Authorities are asking for help in identifying the woman pictured wearing an orange shirt and black pants. Contact Detective Andre Phillips at (903) 218-6904 or by email at [email protected].

TYLER — Smith County is doing away with mandatory mask requirements for non-judicial county buildings starting Wednesday. Judge Nathaniel Moran made the announcement in Commissioner’s Court Tuesday. He went on to say the judicial branch of the county will continue to require masks. “We are doing jury trials, we are going to continue to do jury trials safely. In fact, I believe we will be able to do more jury trials with the Governor’s new order, but we are still going to screen for high temperatures coming into the courthouse.” Read more here. Continue reading Smith County to drop mask requirements in all non-judicial buildings, but will continue in courtrooms

TYLER — A biking project has been a dream for many in the Rose city for years. Now, the $550,000 bike stripes project is becoming a reality. A hub near the downtown area is also part of the plan. City of Tyler Traffic Engineer Cameron Williams spoke with our news partner KETK, “You will have a little bit of interruption in these areas where you are going to have the bike lanes put on the ground. They gotta make sure the cars are out of the way so that we can stripe, so you’ll have some short disruptions but it should be fairly, fairly minor.” Continue reading Tyler biking project gains traction

ATHENS — An east Texas K-9 officer, Max, who had recently suffered from medical problems has been euthanized. In a prepared statement, the Henderson County Sheriff Department said, “We are heartbroken, but we know he is not suffering anymore. Max was one of the best we have ever seen. He will be missed by all of us.” Max and another K-9 deputy, Kan, were acquired in 2018, using money seized from illegal drug trafficking. Max was teamed-up with Deputy Meagan Hogan. They attended K-9 Global Training Academy near San Antonio.

TYLER — Indoor capacity restrictions for Texas restaurants, bars, and businesses, as well as statewide mask mandates, will be lifted by Gov. Greg Abbott Wednesday. NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB news, “We just really encourage everyone to remain vigilant. I mean, it could flip back. If you think back over the last year when we stopped the lock down at the end of April things looked pretty good. We got through end of May and things looked pretty good and then things started ramping back up again in the month of June and in July we spiked.” Continue reading Roberts: I am somewhat concerned as Texas prepares to open 100%

AUSTIN — The Save Our Seniors COVID-19 vaccine initiative continues in week two for several East Texas counties. Henderson, Rusk, Van Zandt and Wood Counties are just a few of the counties involved. The plan is an effort by Texas to provide immunizations to seniors across the entire state for those most at risk from COVID-19. Governor Abbott’s office says, there are 10,000 doses allocated statewide for the second week of the program. The program is in partnership with local officials and service organizations that targets Texans who are 65 years and older or home-bound.

TYLER — UT Health East Texas begins providing COVID-19 vaccines to school districts and child care employees Thursday. Vaccines are available by appointment only. Organizers say, eligible individuals include those working in pre-primary, primary, and secondary schools, as well as Head Start and Early Head Start programs (including teachers, staff and bus drivers) and those who work as or for licensed child care providers, including center-based and family care providers. Immunizations will be given at the UT Health North Campus Tyler, on U.S. 271. Appointment time slots are available Thursday through Saturday. Read more here.

TYLER — One person was killed Monday in a fatal accident on Toll 49 in Smith County. According to the DPS, the wreck took place just north of the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. A preliminary investigation reports 38 year old Steven Frederick Elgin, of Hughes Springs, was towing a food trailer and traveling south on Toll 49 when the trailer became detached. The trailer hit a vehicle in the opposite lane, driven by Kelly Michelle Hall, 49, of Tyler. Hall died at the scene and was taken to Lighthouse Mortuary in Tyler. April Michelle Files, 42, of Houston was in a vehicle behind Hall. Files was struck by the back of the food trailer and transported to CHRISTUS TMF in stable condition. Elgin did not appear to be injured in the crash.

TYLER – A 90-year-old Tyler man, with a wrap-sheet dating back to the 1940s, has been indicted for arson in connection with a November 6, 2020 fire. Kermit Francis Gabel was booked into the Smith County Jail one week after the fire. According to our news partner KETK, it was the latest in a string of blazes at vacant buildings. Officials have not said whether a November 13 fire was connected to the arrest. Gabel was also accused of multiple crimes in Ohio. He was known as a serial cat burglar and was dubbed the “Silver Burglar.” His crime sprees date back to the 40s and early 50s. Continue reading “Silver Burglar” arrested for arson

TYLER — A donation from COVID Tech Connect will enable CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital Tyler to add 15 new Samsung tablets for use by patients on COVID Units. Christina Mosier told KTBB News Monday, “This will mean so much because it’s been extremely hard not only to have a loved one that’s not only in the hospital, but to be unable to see them, communicate with them, love them, hug them and be by their bedside.” COVID Tech Connect is a group of volunteers across the nation working to equip hospitals with smart devices to help coronavirus patients connect with loved ones. Continue reading Donated tablets will bring patients and family members closer

LONGVIEW — Last March, Neiman Marcus listed their distribution center in Longview for sale. On Monday, our news partner KETK said the center will close in the upcoming months, following its recent sale. The Dallas based retailer describes this as part of the plan to improve supply chain efficiency. The Las Colinas distribution center is set to close next year. The center, which is located in the city’s Business Park near Interstate 20, employs about 160 people. Employees affected by the closing will be eligible for severance pay. The center is scheduled to close by the end of 2021. The company did not identify who bought the Longview site.

LONGVIEW — A resurgence of new homes is taking place in the southern part of Longview, thanks in part, to a group of local builders. Corey Shaw, owner of Shaw Construction, based in Longview, told our news partner KETK, he and his team have already completed several houses. “If you look down, go down, I-20, all the new, even the business side of things have gone north. Nobody’s investing back on the southside anymore. And my objective here is to try to help build up the southside and give back to the community.” Shaw went on to say, to date, every home he’s built he’s sold. The builder is constructing craftsman style homes, which, he says, will blend in with existing properties.”

CAMP COUNTY — A Longview man was arraigned Monday after being arrested over the weekend. According to our news partner KETK, Ricardo Gonzalez is charged with aggravated robbery, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Authorities were dispatched to a location on HWY 271 N. in reference to a stolen vehicle. Two victims said Gonzalez, 31, was at their home along with several others, when Gonzalez pointed a gun at them, then stole a vehicle. Gonzalez was arrested and transported to the Camp County Jail. Bond was set at $85,000.

TYLER — DPS Troopers spent part of Monday working the scene of a fatal accident on Toll 49 in Smith County. According to Sgt. Jean Dark, the wreck took place north of the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, just south of County Road 46 on the toll highway. Traffic was diverted and motorists were urged to seek alternate routes. According to our news partner KETK, details are still forthcoming, but at least one person has died from the crash that took place just before 10:30 Monday morning.

MARSHALL — The City of Marshall will be re-opening almost all city facilities to full capacity on March 10. The city announced the move Monday, keeping in step with Governor Abbott revoking the mask mandate, which he announced last week. The exception to all public building opening in the city, is the Municipal Court, which is controlled by the Texas Supreme Court. Starting Wednesday, the water billing office, Memorial City Hall, Marshall Convention Center, Lions Community Center, and Smith Community Center will allow full capacity. Continue reading Marshall re-opening to 100% on Wednesday

TYLER — The city of Tyler announced a one-day-only book sale at the Tyler Public Library this Saturday. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Library says they will use proceeds to purchase replacement copies of materials, item repairs and other collection-related needs. Organizers say prices will range from 50 cents for paper-back books, to a box of items for $10.

QUITMAN — A Winnsboro man has been charged with continuous sexual assault of a child. According to our news partner KETK, Aaron Campos-Narrango is in the Wood County Jail after the office obtained a warrant for his arrest. Campos-Narrango was arrested by deputies with assistance from the Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force. Campos-Narrango is being held on a $100,000 bond.

TYLER — Immunizations are on the rise in Texas. This week the Department of State Health Services has announced 40,900 vaccines will be available in east Texas. NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB news, “This pandemic will end at some point and time. But, we want to stay vigilant for a while longer and make sure that we are through the pandemic. What we don’t want to see is this to ramp back up again, because it’s really not over.” Last week 18,000 doses were received. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which only requires one dose is now available. Education and child care personal have also been cleared to receive the vaccine as well.” Learn more here. Continue reading Vaccines on the increase

SMITH COUNTY — Prosecutors are seeking plans for an alternate jury selection site for the long-anticipated trial of William Davis, the former CHRISTUS nurse accused of murdering patients. According to our news partner KETK, in a brief five-minute hearing Monday morning, Smith County District Attorney Jacob Putman said that with Harvey Hall being torn down later this summer, an alternate plan would be needed to summon the hundreds of potential jurors needed to pull from for a capital murder trial. He suggested that an alternative could be having multiple small sessions in the central courthouse jury room rather than one large pool. Continue reading Prosecutors seeking alternate site for jury selection in trial of nurse accused of murder

EAST TEXAS — Vaccines continue to roll out across the state of Texas with a new addition this week. According to our news partner KETK, starting this week, 40,900 COVID-19 vaccines will come to East Texas. Just last week, Texas only got 18,000 doses. Now, with the addition of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, that number has more than doubled. Though supplies are increasing, only those in 1A and 1B tiers are eligible. Because of a new federal directive, education and child care personnel are now eligible for the vaccine as well. Continue reading More vaccine headed to East Texas this week

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s office has issued a warning about a potential water scam. According to Sgt. Larry Christian, the department received a call from Dodd Hasting with Dean Water Supply reporting a couple, claiming to be with the water company, going door to door in the area of CR 1131 asking to test water from residential homes. Officials say the individuals do not represent Dean Water Supply. Residents are urged to call police if you encounter the individuals. Smith County Sheriff’s Office: (903) 566-6600.