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TYLER — Another suspect is arrested in the recent Smith County murder of 43-year-old Heath Bearden. Officials say 56-year-old Dwayne Welch tried to destroy evidence after the murder had occurred. He’s charged with tampering or fabricating physical evidence, a third-degree felony. Bond was set at $150,000. 40-year-old Larry Cowart of Tyler remains jailed in last Saturday’s shooting death. Sheriff Larry Smith says deputies were initially sent to County Road 1145 on Saturday but later found the victim during a Tyler traffic stop. Bearden was dead on arrival of EMS. Cowart remains in jail as the investigation continues.

ARP — The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Arp Police Department are seeking the public’s help in locating a teenager who went missing just over a year ago. According to our news partner KETK, Tarah Cunningham was last seen in Arp on June 9, 2017. At the time, Cunningham was identified as being 5’3″, weighing 125 pounds. She has brown hair and blue eyes, with her date of birth listed as August 8, 2000. If you have any information on Cunningham’s whereabouts, contact the NCMEC at 1-800-843-5678, the Arp Police Department at 903-566-6600, or your local law enforcement agency.

MARSHALL — The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office is taking new security measures after an inmate escaped from jail earlier this month. According to our news partner KETK, 36-year-old Gary Lynn Gorman (pictured) had outside clearance and escaped while taking out the trash. We’re told he initiated his escape from a side door and that once outside, he hugged the wall to hide from security cameras. He was re-captured by police and brought back to the jail. Authorities say it’s the first escape they’ve seen. Officials say they’re making improvements to their surveillance and monitoring system in addition to a new three-step process for inmates entering or exiting the jail.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University is launching a fully online program for registered nurses already working in the health care field to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, in as little as 12 months. University officials say the online format is cohort-based and runs year-round with seven-week courses. They say it will fit within the schedule of a working professional and will give an edge in the job market. According to a news release, the degree prepares students in critical thinking and communication training that are key for preparing for leadership positions in a variety of settings, including hospitals, homecare situations, case management, and ambulatory care.

WINNSBORO — Three people have been arrested in East Texas after over 50 vehicles were vandalized by BB gun shots in Mesquite. Police say from June 3 through 8, someone was driving past vehicles and shooting out their windows. Other damage was also sustained. Mesquite police say in all 55 cars were vandalized. Through video evidence from the various offenses, police arrested three people, who were found in Winnsboro in Wood County. All three suspects were charged with one count of theft and one count of criminal mischief each. A juvenile was also involved but has not been arrested as of yet. GArland has 23 similar incidents involving BB guns and windows. No word on if these suspects are connected.

GREGG COUNTY — Longview Police are investigating a shooting at a motel. According to our news partner KETK, police received a call around 10:30 Tuesday night reporting shots fired at the Motel 6 on South Access Road. A disturbance between a tenant at the motel and another party who was not staying there resulted in gunfire. No injuries reported and no arrests have been made.

GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Police Department is investigating a break-in and vandalism at a local baseball park. According to our news partner KETK, earlier this month, thieves broke into the Gladewater-Union Grove Dixie Baseball Association’s concession stand and stole numerous items. An organizer says a reward is being offered. Community members have donated snacks and water to help replace some of the stolen goods. If you have any information on this case, please contact the Gladewater Police Department at 903-845-2166.

LONGVIEW – The East Texas Angel Network is asking for the public’s help after one of its donation boxes was stolen. According to our news partner KETK, the organization was established by country music star Neal McCoy in 1995 to support the families of children with severe medical needs. The donation box was swiped from Kyle’s Kwik Stop – Nanny Goats on Judson Road in Longview. If you have any information regarding this crime, contact the East Texas Angel Network or the Longview Police Department.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Tuesday began a two-and-a-half -day membership drive featuring over 100 volunteers. Organizers call it a high-energy event that features fun while building the membership base. They say when others hear about everything the Chamber does, it generates a great deal of enthusiasm and support. The event will conclude at noon Thursday, with a Celebration Party at Rick’s on The Square beginning at 5:21 p.m. For more information on how you can be involved, call the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce at 903-592-1661.

LONGVIEW — Spring Hill ISD trustees talked about safety in their schools Monday. Due to the recent school incidents across the country, they discussed different approaches to ensure the security and the government’s plan to institute more safety in schools. They also voted to add a K-9 unit for a drug free zone. Superintendent Steven Snell told our news partner KETK, “We’re looking for ways to improve our campus safety, limit access to our building, and just give our parents and students some peace of mind that we are doing everything it takes to keep the students safe.” Trustees said price will not be a factor and they will do everything they can to keep their students safe.

TYLER — Tyler ISD officials confirm a teacher who was involved in a confrontation with a high school student is still employed and has been disciplined. According to our news partner KETK, a spokesperson said teacher Jermaine Montgomery received disciplinary action. The specifics were not released. TISD investigated the teacher after a video surfaced on social media showing an altercation between a student and Montgomery at John Tyler High School. In the video, Montgomery can be seen shoving a student. The video has since been pulled from social media. The school district previously released a statement claiming the teacher was assaulted first.

UPSHUR COUNTY — An East Texas man has pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child. Testimony in the sentencing phase for Mark Randall Beasley, 59, of Diana, is expected to begin June 21 in the 115th District Court. According to our news partner KETK, Beasley is facing up to life in prison on each offense of aggravated sexual assault of a child and 2-20 years for the indecency with a child offense. He can also be assessed a fine of up to $10,000.00 for each offense.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A Gilmer man has been sentenced to prison for selling drugs near an East Texas high school. According to our news partner KETK, Austin Keith Wolfe, 32, of Gilmer, was scheduled to go to trial for selling meth across from Gilmer High School as part of a three-person crime ring. Prior to jury selection in Upshur County Monday morning, he entered into a plea agreement with the state. He was sentenced to 40 years in prison and waived his right to appeal. Ashley Nicole Grubbs, 20, of Gilmer, pleaded guilty to the same charge in February and was sentenced to 40 years.

TYLER — Smith County will hold the first of its four Citizens and Veterans Outreach Meetings at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the R.B. Hubbard, or “Hub,” Building on East Ferguson Street in Tyler. Officials say they want to invite vets and their families to learn about the services the county provides to them and better learn how the county can serve them. Participants who have received help from the County Veteran Services Office will be asked to fill out a feedback form. The forms can also be filled out online. Two more meetings are scheduled this summer in Tyler, along with one in Lindale. You can check the ktbb.com Calendar of Events or http://www.smith-county.com/ for more information.

TYLER — Tyler inspection crews Monday began conducting a physical survey on the city’s wastewater collection system. According to our news partner KETK, they’ll do this on North Northwest Loop 323 between Highways 110 and 64. The crews will open manholes in the streets and send smoke through the sewer lines to detect breaks and defects, so don’t be alarmed when you see that smoke. They’re trying to repair and improve the wastewater collection system, and this will go on the whole week.

SAND FLAT — Family members have identified the man who drowned Friday night at Tyler State Park. According to our news partner KETK, 44-year old Michael O’Neal was swimming with his family in the middle of the lake when he went under. It’s unknown how long he was underwater. Once he was found, O’Neal was pulled from the lake and given CPR, but it did not work. He died at the scene.

TYLER — Authorities have arrested the second suspect in connection to a shooting at Fun Forest Park. On Friday afternoon, June 8, officers received a tip on the location of Davonta Hill, 25, of Tyler. Officers located Hill in a house on W. Claude Street in Tyler. He was booked into the Smith County Jail on two charges of aggravated assault causing bodily injury and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His bond was set at $1.5 million. Continue reading Second Suspect Wanted in Park Shooting Arrested

TYLER — Here’s a look at work planned in TxDOT’s Tyler District during the week of June 11. Districtwide seal coat operations are ongoing. Motorists should expect lane closures and delays during this work to seal and protect roadways from water, and provide a longer life cycle. Because the time to complete work on each roadway is estimated, these schedules are subject to change. You can go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/023-2018.html for a complete rundown of work around the district.

EAST TEXAS — To ensure U.S. citizens are prepared to travel abroad this summer, the U.S. Postal Service will be hosting several passport fairs in East Texas. Appointments are not required, so customers are encouraged to show up early, as applicants will be served on a first-come, first-served basis until the applicant maximum capacity has been reached. The fairs are scheduled for June 16 at the Canton Post Office, June 23 at the Kilgore Post Office, and June 30 at Tyler Public Library. You can check the ktbb.com Calendar of Events for further information.

TYLER — Smith County SHeriff Larry Smith says the investigation continues after 40-year-old Larry Cowart of Tyler was jailed in a weekend shooting death. Smith says deputies were initially sent to a location on CR 1145 around 2:20 Saturday morning but initiated a traffic stop in Tyler after learning the victim was being transported in a private vehicle. EMS was called after 43-year-old Heath Bearden was seen unresponsive in the passenger seat, and Smith says Bearden was dead on arrival of EMS. Witnesses said several people were at Cowart’s home when Cowart shot Bearden once in the chest. An autopsy has been ordered, and a bond of $750,000 was recommended for Cowart.

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Department Friday rolled out the details of this year’s heat response plan. According to our news partner KETK, the department hopes to put a dent in the numerous heat-related deaths per year. Officials advise the community to drink plenty of water, stay in air conditioning when possible, and never leave children or animals in the car. But this year’s plan also focuses heavily on neighbors watching out for neighbors. One key focus: people who don’t have air conditioning. Some community members have found creative ways to help, such as the coolers full of cold water bottles you might see around Tyler at local bus stops. That started a couple of years ago when a resident approached local health officials with the idea.

SAND FLAT – A man has drowned at Tyler State Park. It happened around 7:00 Friday night in the swim area of the lake. Initial reports are the victim is a Lindale man. We will have more information when it becomes available.

AUSTIN (AP) – In an East Texas-linked case, a former state liquor control sergeant is suing his former employer, alleging that he was fired improperly after accusing a prominent state lawmaker of corruption. Marcus Stokke filed the lawsuit this week in a state district court in Austin. The Austin American-Statesman reports h alleges he was fired after making public corruption and obstruction of justice allegations to the FBI against state Sen. Joan Huffman of Houston. That was after the liquor control board ordered him to stop investigating alleged violations by Graham Central Station in Longview, which he alleges Huffman and her husband partly owned. He alleges Huffman used her influence to get the commission to order a stop to the investigation. Huffman, who chairs the Senate State Affairs Committee, denies the allegations. The TABC declined comment.

TYLER – Tyler police are mourning the death of a former police dog. According to the department’s Face Book page, Vaio died on Friday. The dog retired from the Tyler Police Department K-9 Division in 2014. The dog was living with Smith County Deputy Josh Hill and family who was the police department’s K-9 handler for Vaio.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Symphony Orchestra needs a new conductor. Gene Moon has taken the advice of author and newspaper editor Horace Greeley, who once said, “Go west young man.” Moon is leaving the conductor’s position, which he has held the past two years, and his job at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, to become orchestra director at California Baptist University. He will also be closer to his family.

MARSHALL — A Marshall man has been indicted, accused of killing two dogs, then shooting at a relative. According to KETK, court records name him as 33-year-old Decrick Stephens. The indictment says he shot both dogs in April. A woman contacted deputies saying Stephens also shot at her while inside her house and car.

TYLER — There’s no indication the Tyler ISD board intends to move forward with a possible name change for Robert E. Lee High School. But according to our news partner KETK, that hasn’t stopped a new group called the Tyler ISD Parent Coalition. Members gathered Thursday outside the TISD offices to write over 70 “positive post cards” and deliver them to board members, encouraging a new name for the school. The group joined hands as the school board met for a workshop at which trustees had initially planned to vote on a name change — before pulling the item from the agenda last month. Though no action is on the horizon, some trustees were seen Thursday listening to coalition members.

An autopsy has been ordered on the body of a Marshall man found in Lake O’ The Pines. The body of Sammy Lynn Lento, 70, was found Thursday morning. It was in the lake near the Highway 155 bridge. Residents had earlier found his empty boat in the area. It is believed he was having motor trouble and had gotten into the lake in an attempt to fix it when he drowned.