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GREGG COUNTY — An 18-year-old is dead following an officer involved shooting in Longview Wednesday morning. He was identified as Detravian Allison. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to a trespassing call at a business on West Loop 281 around 10:00. The suspect left the scene, but police were given the vehicle description and license plate number. That matched a vehicle stolen in an aggravated robbery reported on August 2. Officers found the vehicle along with two men. One suspect was armed with a handgun and raised the gun at officers. Continue reading Suspect Dies following Officer Involved Shooting in Longview

SMITH COUNTY — A Troup man has been jailed for repeatedly making a terrorist threat. Sheriff Larry Smith says Gregory McCleskey, 62, made several calls to a local State Farm Insurance office and the company’s call center. McCleskey stated he had an AK-47 and the insurance company needed to pay his claim. He’s also accused of making threats to the local insurance company owner. McCleskey was arrested around 5:00 Wednesday evening after initially refusing to leave his Troup home. He’s charged with making a terroristic threat, placing the public in fear of serious bodily injury, a 3rd degree felony. McCleskey remains in the Smith County Jail under a $100,000 bond.

HARRISON COUNTY — A Hallsville man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison by a Harrison County jury for a 2017 home burglary. According to our news partner KETK, Tristin Miguel Smith, 32, was sentenced on Wednesday in the 71st District Court of Harrison County. Smith was accused of entering a residence where he was found guilty of stealing multiple televisions, guns, ammunition, a computer, and autographed sports memorabilia. Smith was initially tried in March of this year, however jurors became deadlocked in that case and it ended in a mistrial.

KILGORE — Kilgore College was presented the Business Education Partnership award from the Career and Technical Association of Texas – recognizing the college’s outstanding Career and Technology Education dual credit programs at local high schools. The Business Education Partnership award is presented to business and education leaders who recognize that economic livelihood is linked to the success of CTE programs Continue reading Kilgore College Recognized in CTE

MARSHALL — The City of Marshall has begun installing electronic water meters in various locations throughout the city. This is part of a three-to-six-month pilot program to decide if electronic water meters are more feasible than the current meters, which have to be physically read by staff members. The new electric meter has no moving parts and proponents say it offers pinpoint accuracy throughout its lifetime. After the trial period, and data anaylisis, the city will decide whether to proceed or not with a complete installation of electronic water meters across the city.

TYLER — The Texas Art Education Association has announced that Tyler ISD is among only 20 districts from across the state to earn a TAEA District of Distinction Award. The District of Distinction Award recognizes districts for providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and reach all learners. For the 2019 award, more than 1,000 districts were eligible to apply. Only 20 districts met the high standard to receive the honor, indicating they are in the top 2 percent of districts in the state.

ALTO — The rebuild in Alto continues since April 4th tornadoes hit the community and school district last spring. According to our news partner KETK, the Alto Elementary School gym was devastated, but since then great advancements have been made. The ultimate completion of the master campus is still months away, but an alternate fix is getting closer to being realized. Crews have worked daylight to dark. The district is working to finish a temporary campus with 10 buildings being moved in as well as portions of the high school before the first day of school. Tentatively the first day of school for AISD is Aug 19, unless construction is slowed.

MARSHALL — A high speed chase involving 2 teenagers ended in a crash in Harrison county on Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the chase began at 2:30 a.m. reaching speeds over 70 miles per hour, running multiple red lights and driving the wrong direction down a one-way road. The female is 14-years-old she was treated at Good Shepard Hospital and released into her grandmother’s custody. Officials say the male driver gave a false name and lied about his age. He was dropped at a residence who claimed she was his mother. Upon learning the boys true identity police returned to find the boy and his mother gone.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioner’s Court held it’s first public hearing on Tuesday on a proposed property tax increase. According to our news partner KETK, in July, commissioners voted to consider raising the tax rate by three-quarters of a cent to 34.5 cents per $100 property valuation. That proposal has been met with serious concerns, particularly from the conservative political action committee “Grassroots America, We The People.” The group cites the comprehensive annual financial reports, saying they consistently show the county government carries millions of dollars in surplus over the reserve balance reported in budget documents. Continue reading Property Tax Increase Proposed by Commissioner’s Court

TYLER — It’s been a busy summer for Smith County and Tyler police with an unusual amount of reported mail thefts. According to the county a high volume of “fishing large amounts of envelopes” from blue mail boxes usually found in the parking lots of businesses. The goal of the thief is checks and other financial instruments. Once the financial instrument is obtained, the suspect will “wash” the check or duplicate it in some fashion. They will then use these counterfeit items to obtain cash or purchase items, usually outside the county it was stolen. If you see anyone acting suspicious around these target areas, call your local law enforcement agency.

TYLER — The City of Tyler website still remains down for maintenance after officials learned Monday morning that it was compromised. However, a list of links, including job opportunities, bill pay, online permits, and other resources is now available at http://www.CityOfTyler.org. A directory for all City departments with phone numbers and addresses is also available. City officials say they appreciate the public’s patience as they continue to bring the site fully back online.

TYLER — A Smith County grand jury has returned indictments for July, including charges for murder and manslaughter. In the murder case, James Robert Smith III, of Tyler, was arrested for the shooting death on Mother’s Day. According to our news partner KETK, Deputies arrived at a Food Fast gas station on Highway 64 W to find Donovon Reese, 27, of Tyler, dead inside a vehicle. Smith is being held on a $1 million bond. Continue reading Smith County Grand Jury Returns Indictments

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed James Abell to the Parks and Wildlife Commission for a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. Abell of Tyler is president, CEO, and co-owner of Maverick Well Service, LLC and vice president of business development and co-owner of Artesia EcoScience, LLC. He is a former board member of the East Texas Oil Museum and former board president of the Meadowbrook Country Club. The commission manages and conserves the natural and cultural resources of Texas and provides hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

TYLER –A Frontier Airline flight attendants caring act has gone viral. On a Sunday flight from Tyler to Denver, a mom was trying, unsuccessfully, to calm her baby in her first solo flight. According to our news partner KETK, one of the flight attendants came by, picked her up, and helped soothe the unhappy little one. Photos were snapped and posted to Facebook. At last check, the post had been shared more than 600 times.

ATHENS — The City of Athens has encountered two water main breaks since Monday night, according to our news partner KETK. A break Monday night forced Larkin Street to be closed from Magnolia Street to HWY 175 West. Multiple homes and businesses have had service interrupted. A second fracture was reported at 8:30 on Tuesday morning. This bust took place on HWY 31 near Loop 7 after a contractor reportedly struck a water main. There is no estimated time for when service will be restored.

MINEOLA — The Mineola High School Concert Band was ranked #1 by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) as the Class 3A 2020 Honor Band. The band, under the leadership of Director of Fine Arts, Chris Brannan, submitted music to the state committee for judging and was selected as the top 3A Band in the State. The MHS “Sound of the Swarm” will perform in February in San Antonio as the State 3AHonor Band Champions during the TMEA convention. The growing program in Mineola ISD will compete again this year for a return to the State Marching Band Competition in November to defend their 2017 title of State Champions.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department says it’s aware of an “alarming” post written on a dollar bill that was posted on social media after the tragic event in El Paso. Tyler Police detectives say they are investigating and that they have located the individual who originally made the post. That person has been contacted by detectives with the Tyler Police Department and an investigation is ongoing. As always the Tyler Police Department urges citizens to be alert to any suspicious activity and to notify law enforcement.

KILGORE — Kilgore College is extending the deadline to Aug. 9 for students to register for the Pharmacy Technician Certificate program. Classes begin Aug. 19. According to college officials, The Pharmacy Technician program provides students flexible, affordable classes to earn a certificate yielding job possibilities in drug stores, doctors’ offices and grocery store pharmacies. Tuition for the certificate program is $1,842 (plus textbooks) which includes tuition, program screening fees, uniform, license, testing and certification fees. The KC Bookstore is offering a bundled price of $231 for all needed textbooks. For entrance requirements and other information, click the link https://www.kilgore.edu/academics/classes-listed-by-division/science-health-sciences/pharmacy-technology

TYLER — The City of Tyler received notification of a website compromise on Monday, at 8:29 a.m. At approximately 8:44 a.m., contact was made with the city’s off-site, third party website contractor and the site was taken offline. The site is currently under maintenance until further notice. According to city officials only the website itself was compromised. No payment platforms or government service sites hosting credit card and residents personal information were compromised. Official continue investigating this incident with the website contractor, City of Tyler IT Department, the Tyler Police Department and the United States Secret Service.

LONGVIEW — Protected crosswalks were introduced on Monday in Longview. Drivers will find them on Fourth Street and Hollybrook Drive. City officials say these are the first of their kind in Longview. The crosswalks were installed as part of the first phase of the Guthrie Trail extension. They are designed to help protect those using the trail, while also leaving the flow of traffic as unaffected as possible. One crosswalk is located at the intersection of Fourth Street and Clinic Drive, and the other is located on Hollybrook Drive just west of Fourth Street. Continue reading New Crosswalks Activated in Longview

Van Zandt County — Two illegal gambling businesses were served with search warrants by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office on Friday night. According to our news partner KETK, nine arrests were made as part of an ongoing joint investigation. Van Zandt County Sheriff Dale Corbett said, “We will continue our investigation and will continue to close these establishments. We have an obligation to enforce the law in a fair and impartial manner, regardless of who you are.” The investigation is part of a joint operation where 40 citations were issued and eight people were arrested on July 20 for illegal gambling in Van Zandt County.

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff in memory of those who lost their lives in the shooting in El Paso on Saturday, August 3, 2019. Flags should remain at half-staff through sunset on Thursday, August 8, 2019. Read the Governor’s full proclamation ordering Texas flags to half-staff. Read the full release by clicking the link. https://gov.texas.gov/flag-status

TYLER — Two suspects were arrested after Tyler Police say they broke into a fast food restaurant Saturday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the break in took place at a Taco Bell on West Gentry at 5:00 a.m. One suspect is still at large.

TYLER — Following the mass shooting in El Paso, Tyler’s Carter BloodCare Center is asking for donations. The center had been in the process of a blood drive before the shooting, with the goal of 12,000 donors before August 8. According to our news partner KETK, the center posted on social media after the attack that they had been asked to send blood products to help the injured. Because donors have helped boost the center’s supply, it is possible to send the blood. But it is still facing a shortage and needs donors. To donate, contact Carter BloodCare at 800-366-2834 or visit their site by clicking the link. http://www.carterbloodcare.org/.

TYLER, Texas – TxDOT is continuing the summer seal coat operations in the Tyler District with work now in Wood and Van Zandt counties. Motorists are reminded to slow down and pay attention when traveling through these and all work zones. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones. You can get the complete report by clicking the link. https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/042-20190.html.

MARSHALL — A woman, listed as “Jane Doe” has filed a lawsuit against a former Harrison County Deputy, Harrison County, and the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas. The lawsuit claims 53-year-old Roger “Chilly” Valentine raped the woman while she was being transferred from the Linda Woodman State Jail to the Harrison County Jail. Valentine confessed to the sexual assault and resigned. The woman says the attack happened in a bathroom stall, during a stop during the 4 and half hour trip. The suit is asking for a jury trial and demands compensation and damages. Valentine was arrested in March and had bonds set at $200,000.

ATHENS — Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has announced a method to help alert law enforcement of people’s status when needing help. According to our news partner KETK, the Department is now offering free stickers which read, “PERSON WITH A DISABILITY ON BOARD!” People are encouraged to place them on their homes front door and car windows. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says “No tax dollars are being used to fund this program which I believe will be very successful.” The bright yellow sticker is designed to alert first responder’s to a person’s disabilities including autism, down syndrome, seizures, muscular dystrophy, and deafness.

The City of Tyler Beauty and the Box program has a new addition. The traffic signal box at Old Jacksonville Highway and WSW Loop 323 has been sponsored by the Mildred Floyd Garden Club in memory of Marsha Harrison and other late members of the garden club. According to a club spokesperson, “”The box is intended to serve as a loving memorial to Marsha and the other lovely ladies we have lost in the past years.” The Beauty and the Box program started with 10 boxes in the Downtown Business Arts and Culture District, there are now 41 vinyl-wrapped boxes all across the City of Tyler. Find out more information by clicking the link below. http://www.keeptylerbeautiful.com/.

WASHINGTON (AP/Staff) – President Donald Trump says his pick for national intelligence director has decided to withdraw from the running, citing unfair media coverage. In a tweet Friday, Trump said Republican Rep. John Ratcliffe of Texas had decided to stay in Congress. Questions about Ratcliffe’s experience have dogged him since Trump announced his candidacy five days ago. Ratcliffe’s district includes part of East Texas. Trump didn’t cite any specific media reports, but tweeted that “rather than going through months of slander and libel,” he would be returning to Capitol Hill. Trump accepted the resignation of former Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats last week. Ratcliffe is a frequent Trump defender who fiercely questioned former special counsel Robert Mueller during a House Judiciary Committee hearing last week. Intelligence experts had criticized his lack of experience in the field of intelligence.