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SMITH COUNTY — An Overton man is arrested on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to our news partner KETK, Octavian McKee, 18, was booked into the Smith County Jail Thursday. Judicial records indicate the arrest stems from an incident back in December of last year. McKee’s trial is scheduled for August 12. His bond was set at $350,000.

TYLER — The Center for Earth & Space Science Education at Tyler Junior College has scheduled several events and STEM-related activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. “The Apollo 11 moon landing was a historic event and momentous achievement for all mankind,” said Dr. Beau Hartweg, TJC Science Center Director. “Perhaps its lasting legacy is how it inspired generations of schoolchildren to pursue STEM careers. We’re excited to continue in that tradition by partnering with so many wonderful people and organizations in the East Texas region to bring a fun-filled day of STEM activities to Tyler.” TJC alumnus and former NASA engineer, Charles R. Price will speak July 13, at the science center on the TJC main campus. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend. Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended. For more information, go to sciencecenter.tjc.edu or call 903-510-2312.

TYLER — Smith County’s credit rating has been upgraded this year by Moody’s Investor Service. County Auditor Ann Wilson reported to the Commissioners Court on Tuesday that the county’s general obligation limited tax and long-term issuer rating was upgraded from Aa2 to Aa1. Smith County’s credit strengths were listed as healthy and stable financial reserve levels, a favorable tax base growth and a modest balance sheet leverage. According to a press release County Judge Nathaniel Moran said, “The ratings upgrade is a reflection of the strong fiscal policies that the court has put into place during the last few years.” He went on to say, “The rating also considered the county’s modest debt burden with rapid principal amortization, as well as below average income indices.”   For more more details, visit http://www.moodys.com.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments will host a community meeting for residents affected by the April 13 tornadoes in Alto to offer assistance through its new HOME Disaster Relief Program. Through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs, ETCOG is able to assist qualified individuals impacted by storms and other disasters in East Texas. The community meeting will be held at Alto City Hall on Monday, July 8, from 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Individuals are encouraged to seek assistance to attend the community meeting on July 8th, or contact the ETCOG Housing Program at 903-218-6565 or [email protected].

MARSHALL — Richard Anderson, 23, has been indicted for the murder of Keith Carr, 25.  According to our news partner KETK, Anderson was found passed out in a truck not far from Carr’s body. According to police, a witness claimed Anderson had assaulted Carr’s ex-girlfriend and Carr went to confront him, Investigators then say Anderson shot Carr multiple times. Anderson’s bond has been set at $50,000 and he remains in the Harrison County Jail. He is due back in court July 9th.

TYLER — Now that the FAA is offering a $950,000 grant for improvements at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, it’s time for the city to formalize its intent to receive the money. According to our news partner KETK, the feds will supply 90 per cent of the funds, with the city picking up the other 10 per cent. Stakeholders will gather to look at specific needs for the next five years and beyond. Airport Manager Davis Dickson says he’d like to see security improvements and better surveillance systems. Dickson notes a big change in the traffic fleet mix, including larger aircraft.

TYLER — The Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas is issuing a warning about a purportedly Mabank-based company. According to our news partner KETK, a quick look at Fresh Christian’s website portrays a company that values faith, patriotism, and bargain prices too. The comments on its Facebook page tell a different story, with numerous complaints. According to the BBB, customers claim they’re being short-changed on orders and not getting refunds. Efforts to contact Fresh Christian, including a trip to its reported physical address, proved futile. The BBB says you have to protect yourself when shopping online by doing such things as researching companies. Also, you’re advised to use credit cards, PayPal, and the like when making purchases for that extra layer of security.

TYLER –  Douglas Dunn has more than 20 years of experience with Brookshire Grocery Co. and was honored for safely driving 1 million miles.   According to our news partner KETK, Dunn is one of only 24 company drivers in the company’s history to have ever logged 1 million safely driven miles.  Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO for B.G.C. said “Our company places great focus on the safety of our drivers and the traveling public. This incredible accomplishment is a testament to Douglas and his commitment to our safety standards.” Dunn accomplished the milestone while delivering groceries from the company’s distribution center in Tyler. Company leaders, Dunn’s family and coworkers, gathered to congratulate him upon his return.

PALESTINE — Paul Morris of Palestine has been appointed to the Upper Neches River Municipal Water Authority Board of Directors by Governor Greg Abbott. Morris will serve a term set to expire on February 1, 2025. The board has the responsibility to develop and conserve water resources in the Upper Neches River basin and tributaries located in Anderson, Cherokee, Smith, and Henderson Counties.

MARSHALL — City of Marshall residents should be receiving in the mail the 2018 Texas Commission on Environmental Quality Consumer Confidence Report, more commonly known as a water quality report. The Consumer Confidence Report provides consumers information about the quality of drinking water in an easy to read format, according to officials. The city’s water system already collects data to comply with Federal and State regulations. As residents examine the report, they will notice a section on page three titled “Mandatory Language for Monitoring and Reporting Violation.” Officials say this occurred due to a paperwork error that they say they have taken steps to rectify.  Residents can go to http://www.marshalltexas.net/uploads/pdf/CoM%60Drinking%20Water%20Quality%20Report%202018%20(00000002).pdf to view the report.

LONGVIEW — Uncle Kracker will headline the July 4th Celebration at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center in Longview.  The country rocker will be the featured act for the free  outdoor concert.  The fireworks event afterwards is billed by officials, “as the biggest fireworks show in East Texas.”  Many other activities are scheduled. Activities including amusement rides, wet and dry inflatables, and much more.  For more details visit https://www.longviewtexas.gov/civicalerts.aspx?AID=1975

TYLER — Smith County far exceeded expectations — for slightly less money than projected — during its first year of using road bonds. County Engineer Frank Davis gave the Commissioners Court a report on Tuesday, detailing the work done to county roads in the first year of the three-year $39.5 million bond package approved by voters in November 2017. According to officials, the county had projected to complete 8.8 miles of major road construction projects, including widening roads, replacing culverts, and other significant repairs, for $4.6 million. Instead, the county completed 15 miles of road for $4.3 million. Davis said competitive bids and interest from contractors, as well as coordinating projects, played a role in the amount of work done. You can go to https://www.smith-county.com/Home/Components/News/News/284/97 for additional details.

MARSHALL — The city of Marshall is kicking off its street improvements campaign. The 2019 Street Improvement Program will take approximately three months to complete, barring weather-related delays and other unforeseen circumstances. Crews will begin milling Buffo Road to North Grove and will then move over to Holmes Road and Enola Mae Drive. Residents who live in these areas will still be able to access the roads, but may experience delays. Officials say they are starting the program much earlier this year in an effort to get roads resurfaced in a time frame that works better for everyone.

TYLER — An appeals court will allow a new hearing in the punishment phase of James Fulton.  According to our news partner KETK, Justice Brian Hoyle’s reasons include sufficiency of evidence, ineffective assistance of counsel, and jury bias.  Fulton was convicted in December of 2017 after a head-on accident that claimed the life of Haile Beasley, in May of 2016.   Beasley was pronounced dead at the scene. Fulton was not injured.  Tyler Police said Fulton admitted to drinking, but he was determined not to be intoxicated.   Authorities said Fulton had passed field sobriety tests at the scene. He’s currently serving a 10-year prison sentence.

TYLER — U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Tuesday that the The Tyler Pounds Regional Airport was awarded a $900,000 federal grant to update its master plan study.    The funding comes through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA)  Airport Improvement Program (AIP).   Senator Cornyn was quoted in a news release saying,  “Access to safe and efficient infrastructure is critical as so many Texans travel for work, leisure, and visiting loved ones.”

TYLER — The East Texas State Fair has announced the 2019 concert lineups for the upcoming fair September 20th through the 29th.  The featured headliners for this year are Bret Michaels, and Aaron Watson.  In addition to the Community Stage with free nightly concerts, the Fair also announced the creation of an all-new venue, promising an extraordinary concert experience.   The new venue, dubbed the Stonewater Roofing Stage, will host two mega-concerts which will require a special ticket for entry.  Fair organizers say these will be the largest two concerts in East Texas State Fair history.  18 different musical acts will take the stage this year. For tickets go to https://www.etstatefair.com/

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — A Nacogdoches man has been arrested for assaulting his girlfriend late Saturday night. Nacogdoches County Sheriff Deputies found the victim bleeding from the head and face. Malcom Creamer, 35, was found in the back bedroom and appeared to be heavily intoxicated. An investigation revealed that Creamer assaulted his girlfriend with a .40 caliber pistol by hitting her in the head several times with the weapon. Creamer was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail.

LINDALE — A local hotel was robbed early Sunday morning, and two Alabama men are suspected. According to our news partner KETK, Terreze Reed and Demarcus Barlow are accused of robbing the Motel 6 just after 1am. Lindale police say the two did not get far. One was apprehended at the scene, and the other apprehended a short time later. Both suspects were taken to Smith County Jail and are awaiting arraignment.

TYLER — TxDOT continues to develop plans for improving FM 756/Paluxy Drive in Tyler and encourages interested citizens to attend a second public meeting for the project. The open house style “come and go” meeting will be held from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, in the gymnasium at Shiloh Road Church of Christ, at Shiloh and Paluxy in Tyler. The meeting will offer the public an opportunity to review and provide input on the recommended alternative for proposed improvements for Paluxy from Jeff Davis Drive south to FM 344 in Bullard. The recommended alternative includes updates based on public feedback provided at the first meeting hosted on January 15. Input received at the June meeting will also be incorporated into project development, according to a news release. Continue reading TxDOT to Host Second Public Meeting for FM 756

TYLER — The city of Tyler seeks input for several components of the Tyler 1st plan. The city is asking for input on north end revitalization, housing and community integrity, transportation, and public facilities and services. Residents are invited to a Public Open House on June 25th at the Harvey Hall Convention Center, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. They are also encouraged to leave comments on the City of Tyler’s website. Tyler 1st addresses issues such as downtown revitalization, historic preservation, parks and recreation, transportation, housing and neighborhoods. For more information on Tyler 1st, visit the City of Tyler web site or http://www.Tyler1st.org.

SMITH COUNTY – A wreck on Sunday afternoon near Winona claimed the life of a 33 year old Marshall woman.  D.P.S. Troopers responded to an accident at 2:19 PM.  That accident claimed the life of Sherri Estelle Oney.  Reports from the crash investigation reveal that Oney was traveling North on HWY-271, when approaching a group of vehicles that had slowed for a traffic light.  Oney took evasive action and hit a concrete barrier.  She was taken to UT Health-Tyler and pronounced dead by Judge Andy Dunklin.  The crash remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — A scoring error at the 2019 National Intercollegiate Flying Association SAFECON competition moves LeTourneau into the top 3 in the nation. Originally the “Sting” were awarded 4th place.  However, an erroneous disqualification was reviewed and found to be mistakenly applied.  Correcting this error resulted in a 3rd place overall national finish for LETU. LETU placed in overall points behind University of North Dakota in first, Southern Illinois University in second, and ahead of last year’s national champion Embry Riddle University—Prescott, which now placed 4th. In the flight events, LETU also placed 3rd behind SIU in first, UND in second, and ahead of Western Michigan University, which placed 4th.

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.

KILGORE – Construction is getting underway on Kilgore’s Chandler Street Improvement project. According to a news release, crews will update the heavily used Chandler Street portion between Woodlawn and Leach Streets with concrete pavement to create a more consistent and long-lasting travel corridor. Lane closures will be in place, with Amanda Lane completely closed. Chandler Street will have one lane closed, allowing traffic to only go one way from Woodlawn to Leach. Drivers are urged to watch for construction workers, heed all traffic signs, and bear with the city as the improvements are made.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning another busy schedule of construction and maintenance work throughout the Tyler District during the Week of June 24. In Canton, motorists should prepare for nighttime work with major paving operations being implemented for the SH 243 Widening Project. In Tyler, motorists can expect lane closures and delays as night work is conducted on Rice Rd. at Broadway Ave. as part of the Turn Lanes Project. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/036-2019.html for a complete rundown of work throughout the district.

TYLER — Tyler officials are putting out the word on the newest addition to the city’s Beauty and the Box effort. They say the installation is unique because it’s in the heart of the city, at Bergfeld Park, which is also one of the most utilized parks in town. During the renovation of the popular Splasher structure, a utility box was placed next to the new splash pad. The art that now appears on the box was designed by Valeria Barnhill, who has contributed several pieces of art to the Beauty and the Box program. Beauty and the Box “transforms utilitarian traffic boxes into beautiful works of art by local artists,: according to a news release.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A theft suspect has been arrested after a resident found a stolen ATV. According to the Henderson County Sheriff, John Salazar was booked into the Henderson County jail on a theft charge and an outstanding warrant. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse’s office received a call around 10:30 Sunday morning regarding a possible stolen ATV that they had seen on Facebook. A deputy responded to the area of FM 315 and CR 4336 and found Salazar, along with the stolen property. The VIN on the ATV did show the vehicle to be stolen out of Cherokee County.

GUN BARRELL CITY — Gun Barrel City firefighters rescued a local worker from what could have been a tragic situation over the weekend. According to our news partner KETK, GBCFD received a call Saturday morning just before 7:00 that a worker had fallen through the roof of the Burger King on West Main Street. Upon arrival, the rescuers found the man with his left leg tightly wedged through the roof. Firefighters used a roof saw to cut through the area around the victim, and could see his leg was wedged between two roof trusses. They had to cut through the trusses to free him, then lowered him down to the ground in a rope harness. The man was checked over by UT Health EMS and taken to an area hospital. Continue reading Gun Barrel City Firefighters Make Rooftop Rescue

TYLER — A Smith County jury found Estevan Camacho guilty. Camacho will serve 40 years for burglary of a habitation with intent to commit aggravated assault. The evidence showed the defendant arrived at his in-law’s residence, where his wife had recently been residing, and unlawfully entered their house without permission. The defendant then began threatening his wife with a handgun before he was forced out of the residence. The evidence showed that the day before this incident, the defendant’s mother-in-law had to call the police because the defendant was in the front yard threatening her daughter and refusing to leave. Additionally, the defendant had a history of domestic violence against his wife. The defendant had multiple felony convictions, including a federal drug conviction, and was a documented member of the Tango Blast prison gang.