LINDALE — The first of four Smith County Courthouse Citizen Input Meetings was held on Monday in Lindale. It was the first of four to be held throught out Smith County in the month of November as the county works to formulate a plan for a new Smith County Courthouse. The county courthouse needs to address several challenges with current building including, plumbing, security, and space for all courtrooms are of top concern. Parking is also an obstacle, and commissioners are proposing a 750-car parking structure to help alleviate the need. Continue reading Smith County Holds First Citizen Input Meeting
Election Day in East Texas
EAST TEXAS — It’s Election Day in Texas, with several constitutional amendments on the ballot as well as some local items. You can go to
https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/elections to find out more about voting in Smith County. Visit https://www.greggcountyvotes.com/ to learn more about the process in Gregg County.
Henderson County Meth Bust
HENDERSON COUNTY — A man and woman from Athens have been arrested for possession of meth following early morning traffic stop. According to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, Patrick Massey, 48, and Dana Mccormick, 47, were stopped for a vehicle violation around 2:30 Tuesday morning. During the stop, deputies noticed the smell of marijuana and found a glass pipe and two baggies of meth. Massey said he was trying to hide the drugs in his socks when the pair was being stopped. He said he had the marijuana because it was his birthday. Massey’s meth was hidden in his right, front pants pocket. Continue reading Henderson County Meth Bust
16 Year Old Arrested for Shooting of 15 Year Old In Fight
UPSHUR COUNTY — An Upshur County teenage boy has been arrested after a shooting of another teen during an argument. According to our news partner KETK the shooting occurred at early Sunday morning at 1:45 a.m. Authorities believe a 16-year-old male shot a 15-year-old during a fight involving multiple teenagers North of Gilmer on Gopher Road. The victim was taken to a Tyler hospital with a “serious injury.†Others at the scene suffered minor injuries, but it is unclear how many were involved. Continue reading 16 Year Old Arrested for Shooting of 15 Year Old In Fight
TJC Honored with CASE Award
TYLER — Tyler Junior College was the only two-year institution in the state, and one out of four higher education institutions in Texas – to be recognized by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education with a national 2019 Educational Fundraising Award. TJC was honored in the category of overall improvement. The Tyler Junior College Foundation is a separate, 501(c)(3) support organization governed by a 25-member, self-perpetuating board of directors. Institutionally related foundations play a vital role in raising and managing private resources in support of public institutions like TJC. For more on the TJC Foundation, go to TJC.edu/foundation.
Anderson County Deputy Continues to Improve
TYLER — An East Texas deputy sheriff shot during a routine call is now out of ICU at a Tyler hospital. Bradley Colman remains in stable condition, and Anderson County Sheriff Greg Taylor said his deputy is doing better. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reports Colman went to the hospital after the shooting and the suspect in the case was shot and killed after a short chase October 19.
Suspect Wanted in Robbery and Assault
LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department are searching for a man they say robbed a store on Saturday night and assaulted a bystander. According to a post on the departments facebook page, the suspect entered a store on East Hawkins Parkway and began demanding money at gunpoint. A customer attempted to intervene and the robber then used that gun to strike the man repeatedly in the face and head. The suspect escaped with an undetermined amount of money. if you have any info about this crime, contact Longview Police at 903-237-1199, Gregg County Crime-stoppers at 903-236-7867 or online at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org
Longview Transit Expands Service Routes and Options
LONGVIEW — Three and a half years of planning and construction have become a reality. The Longview Transit Center highlighted their new services and routes on Monday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The initial application was submitted in 2016 for funding to construct a Transfer Center in the same complex as Amtrak and Greyhound. Now all of the services are located in one spot for those utilizing public transportation. The city plans to continue to work with residents to grow public transportation in Longview as the area continues to grow.
RBC Pro Challenge Singles Champion Crowned
TYLER — Luxembourg’s Mandy Minella won the singles title at the RBC Pro Challenge in Tyler on Sunday. The 33-year old Minella outlasted Alexa Glatch of Newport Beach, California, 6-4, 6-4. Minella has 20 Grand Slam singles appearances and 20 Grand Slam doubles appearances and reached a career-high singles ranking of 66. The finalists competed on the final day at the Tyler Athletic and Swim Club. The match was broadcast live on Tennis Channel. Both players thanked the sponsors, attendees, and their hosts.
Witnesses Sworn in for Mosley Murder Trial
TYLER — Prosecution swore in witnesses on Monday morning for the capital murder trial of a Tyler man. According to our news partner KETK, Dameon Mosley is accused of shooting and killing Billy Stacks during a robbery of a gas station in January 2017. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Mosley. Testimony for the case could begin on Thursday, or Tuesday of the following week. Two other suspects, Lamarcus Hannah, 35, and Kedarius Oliver, 26, were also arrested for their involvement in the robbery and have also been charged with capital murder.
In Focus: 11/3/19 – John Moore, Meals on Wheels
TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update
TYLER — TxDOT has issued its Tyler District roadwork schedule for the week of November 4. In Smith County, crews plan to continue rehab operations on SH 64E just west of Arp. In Gregg County, workers plan to conduct overlay operations on FM 2087 from Sabine St. to the railroad crossing. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/055-2019.html for a complete rundown on work around the district.
Longview Opens Up New Arboretum and Nature Center
LONGVIEW – After two years of construction, Longview held a grand opening for its new Arboretum and Nature Center. According to our news partner KETK, the LANC grew out of a dream by the Gregg County Master Gardeners, with 26 acres in the heart of Longview chosen for the location. Phase 1 of the LANC master plan was completed with a grand opening held Saturday, featuring tours and activities. The park features cultivated forests, meadows, formal and informal gardens, waterways, and extensive walking trails. The arboretum event center is projected to be a multi-use teaching/event facility built in the near future. You can visit http://www.longviewarboretum.org/ for more information on the arboretum.
Lindale Seeking Help Cleaning Vandalized Veterans’ Memorial
LINDALE – The sponsors of the Lindale Veterans Memorial are asking for help in finding a company that can clean the monument. The granite memorial was egged Halloween night, according to the official Facebook page, and the stone has been stained by the eggs. Anyone with information about cleaning companies is urged to call 903-279-5612 or message the page through Facebook. According to our news partner KETK, anyone with any information about the vandals is urged to call Lindale police or the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Go to https://www.facebook.com/LindaleVeteransMemorial/posts/2554528768113280 to view the Facebook page.
Tyler Firefighters Respond to Multiple Calls, Citizens Urged to Use Caution
TYLER — Over the past week, Tyler firefighters have responded to eight separate fires in residential structures, caused by heating appliances, electrical wiring issues, and fireplace/chimney maintenance. According to a news release, five of these incidents occurred on Thursday and Friday, with at least three of these believed to be related to home heating and heating appliances. The Tyler Fire Department reminds citizens to take precautions as we enter the cooler months of the year. According to the United States Fire Administration, heating is the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. A few precautionary steps can help prevent these types of fires. Continue reading Tyler Firefighters Respond to Multiple Calls, Citizens Urged to Use Caution
Longview Man Arrested in Stabbing Case
LONGVIEW — A Longview man has been arrested for stabbing someone multiple times. According to our news partner KETK, Curtis Carl Walter, 62, was arrested on Wednesday afternoon after police responded to calls on Mobberly Avenue around 3:30 p.m. The victim has not been identified. Police determined that the stabbing occurred at another location and the victim walked to that area. Walter was located and arrested without incident. He has been charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and is being held on a $35,000 bond. If convicted, Walter faces up to life in prison.
Tyler Police Investigate Fatality Crash
TYLER — Tyler police responded to a wreck shortly after 7:30 Friday morning. The fatal crash that involved a motorcycle and mini-van, took place at the corner of Loop 323 and University Blvd. The driver of the bike was 28 year-old, Bruno Cunha. Cunha was transported to U.T. Health Hospital and pronounced dead. Cunha, who was a student at the University of Texas at Tyler, is from Brazil. Investigators are still examining crash scene information and witness accounts of what occurred. This case remains open pending further investigation.
2 Juveniles Arrested in Connection with 2 Crimes in Tyler
TYLER — Police detectives from Tyler P.D. have charged two 15-year-old black males in connection with 2 criminal investigations. One is from Dallas and the other is from Tyler. Authorities believe the suspects committed an Aggravated Robbery, where a 16-year-old was shot during a struggle over a gun that he was selling. This incident occurred in a parking lot on S. Broadway, on August 4. Investigators have also charged the 15-year-old juvenile from Dallas, for the Aggravated Robbery of a TJC student. She was held at gunpoint while police believe he stole her car from the parking lot of U.T. Health on October 14. Continue reading 2 Juveniles Arrested in Connection with 2 Crimes in Tyler
Black Named New City Manager in Whitehouse
WHITEHOUSE — Mayor Charles Parker announced Friday that Leslie Black will be the next city manger of Whitehouse. Black comes comes to Whitehouse from the Town of Sunnyvale, where she has served for eight years as the Interim Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, and Town Secretary. Prior to Sunnyvale, Black served in the cities of Kaufman and Belton. Continue reading Black Named New City Manager in Whitehouse
ETBU Students Host Field Day for Community Children
MARSHALL — Over 350 three and four-year old students from Marshall ISD were part of the 12th annual Washington Early Childhood Center Field Day. earlier this week. East Texas Baptist University Kinesiology Departments students led the ECC attendees,ranging from parachute play, and tricycle riding, to obstacle course running. Field Day is more than a one-day activity for ETBU students. Ahead of time, students spend time building lesson plans for the age range of children that attend the event. In addition, the students also practice teaching strategies, applying effective use of wording and body language to elementary students.
UT Health East Texas Olympic Centers Hosting Food Drive
TYLER — UT Health East Texas Olympic Centers kicked off a food drive benefiting the East Texas Food Bank on Friday. The drive runs throughout the month of November. East Texas Food Bank donation barrels are located at Olympic Center locations across East Texas. UT Health encourages people to drop off canned or nonperishable food items at the Olympic Center locations. Also, any new member who donates 10 or more items will have their enrollment fees waived. This marks the 9th consecutive year the Olympic Centers have hosted the food drive. Last year, they raised more than 25 barrels of food.
Continued Local Investigation of Legionnaire’s Disease
TYLER — NET Health continues investigations for Legionella bacteria. The public health district emphasized on Friday that attendance at the 2019 East Texas State Fair does not mean that persons contracted Legionnaire’s Disease. The Legionella bacteria is only spread directly to a person who inhaled water droplets that contain the Legionella bacteria, and transmission of Legionnaire’s Disease does not occur person-to-person. Continue reading Continued Local Investigation of Legionnaire’s Disease
E.TX Trainer Saves Life of Football Player
MARSHALL — A junior high football player from Marshall collapsed during a game earlier this week. According to our news partner KETK, there were no signs of any heart condition in the player. Instantly, a fun night of football turned terrifying. MISD athletic trainer Anste Woods sprung into action, performing C.P.R. until E.M.S. arrived and transported him to the hospital. The school has not released the name of the athlete at this time, but does say he is back home in good spirits with his family.
Microchip Event in Tyler
TYLER — The SPCA of East Texas is sponsoring a Microchipping Event Saturday at Fresh on Old Jacksonville Hwy. The run time is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with Microchips $10 and ID Tags $5. The SPCA of East Texas operates on the mission of improving the lives of animals, alleviating their suffering, and elevating their status in society.
Softball Signing Ceremony Held at Kilgore College
KILGORE — The Kilgore College softball team held a signing ceremony Friday morning. Six high school seniors were introduced that will start playing for KC in the fall of 2020. KC will begin its eighth softball season in school history in January under head coach Leslie Messina. For more information on the KC softball program, visit http://www.kilgore.edu/softball.
Daylight Saving Time and Smoke Detectors
TYLER — The American Red Cross is reminding people to not only roll back their clocks this weekend, but to take the time to change the batteries in smoke alarms. Daylight Saving Time formally comes to an end at 2 a.m. on Sunday. Most people don’t change the clock in the middle of the night, but whenever you do it you are encouraged to change the batteries in your smoke detectors. According to our news partner KETK, with cooler weather there is an uptick in structure fires, as heaters, fireplaces, and space heaters become more necessary. Hawaii and Arizona are the only 2 states that do not observe the time change. Many Native American tribes also do not observe the time change.
March of Dimes Kick-Off Luncheon Set
TYLER — The March of Dimes kick off luncheon is set for Nov. 13th at the Rose Garden. Supporters, volunteers, and business partners are encouraged to be there for the launch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Top fundraisers and teams for 2019 will be recognized, and information will be given on how to support and fund raise for next springs walk in May.
Marshall PD Offers Tips to Safe Halloween
MARSHALL –Marshall Police is bringing to parents mind safety tips to help ensure Halloween is fun and safe. Parents can visit the Texas sex offender registry by clicking the link. https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/SexOffenderRegistry/Search. Drivers need to been keenly aware in neighborhoods.†Marshall Police recommend residents follow safety tips outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Kids need to be cautious near streets and intersections and drivers should eliminate distractions. Continue reading Marshall PD Offers Tips to Safe Halloween
Veteran Focused Hiring Event
LONGVIEW — The Texas Workforce Commission in partnership with 28 local workforce development boards and the Texas Veterans Commission, will host veterans hiring fairs in 31 cities throughout Texas on Nov. 7. The 8th annual Hiring Red, White & You! Workforce Solutions East Texas will host the local hiring event in Longview at Maude Cobb Activity Center on Grand Blvd. from 9 AM – 1 PM. The event is veteran focused, but open to the public to attend. The event is designed to assist veterans, service members and their spouses as they seek their next career opportunity.
Input Invited on US 69 Jacksonville Relief Route
TYLER – The Texas Department of Transportation is requesting public input on a proposed US 69 Jacksonville Relief Route. TxDOT will present proposed route alternatives for US 69 around the City of Jacksonville at a public scoping meeting from 5-7 p.m. November 14. The meeting will be held at the Norman Activity Center located on E Commerce Street in Jacksonville. The complete release is available by clicking the link below. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/054-2019.html