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SMITH COUNTY — Three men have been indicted on charges arising from the use of credit card skimmers in the Tyler area. According to KETK, Yoslays Garcia-Torres (pictured), 34, Daykel Madruga-Cartaya, 24, and Nelson Lemus-Torres, 24, were indicted for engaging in organized criminal activity by a Smith County Grand Jury November 9. Madruga-Cartaya also was indicted on a charge of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information. All three are in the Smith County Jail, with bonds for Garcia-Torres and Lemus-Torres at $1.5 million each and for Madruga-Cartaya at $2.5 million. Continue reading Three Men Indicted on Charges Related to Card Skimming

HENDERSON – A man said to be responsible for a fatal Rusk County accident will be going to prison for a long period of time. The jury that found Walter Todd Miller, 60, guilty this week of intoxication manslaughter, sentenced him to 99 years in prison. According to the district attorney’s office, because of Miller’s criminal past, the jury was able to return such a lengthy sentence. In November, 2015, Miller’s vehicle veered into the opposite lane of traffic and collided with an oncoming vehicle. One person was killed and three injured in the wreck on Highway 79 between Henderson and New Summerfield. Miller’s blood alcohol content was said to have been nearly three times over the legal limit.

VAN – In September, state house member Dan Flynn of Van said he would run again. He has now made it official. This week Flynn filed for re-election for Texas House District 2. It covers Hopkins, Hunt and Van Zandt Counties. Flynn, a Republican, is in his sixth term. He serves as chairman of the House Pensions Committee and serves on the Defense and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

TYLER — Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford delivered the annual State of the District Address this week. KETK reports he stressed challenges and goals for the coming year as well as district achievements over the school year. He also talked about the big changes in the district after the groundbreaking ceremonies for John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools. Crawford says, “We started off three years ago with a mantra of “Tradition will get you beaten.” While traditions are great, there are some things traditionally done in organizations that we need to quit doing and start looking for new ways to do it. So I think it’s been well received for the most part. Change is tough for a lot of people, but we can’t improve unless we change some of our adult behaviors.”

TYLER – The East Texas Human Needs Network is holding the annual “One Night Without a Home” event in Tyler. It is part of National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. Activities start Friday afternoon at 4:00 with a dinner at the Salvation Army. Then, everyone will walk to Fun Forest Park for a Face of Hunger and Homelessness program. That will be followed by a candlelight vigil for the homeless who have died. After spending the night in the park, it’s up at 5:00 Saturday morning for a quick breakfast and a lessons learned conversation. Then, it’s a walk back to the Salvation Army. If you would like to participate, you need to go to http://www.ethnn.org and complete the on line registration which is required.

TYLER – Friday is Smith County Adoption Day. And a special program will show how you can help with a problem facing the state. More than 5,000 abused or neglected Texas children were adopted from state care last year. But as of September nearly 4,000 children and teens in the state are still looking for a home. You can find out how you can help. There will be a special program on adoptions Friday morning at 9:00. It will be held in the Galilee Room in the Worship Center Building of Tyler’s Green Acres Baptist Church.

AUSTIN (AP/STAFF) – A Democratic mega donor, who grew up in Smith County, has died after a battle with a mental health issue. A powerful Texas trial lawyer and prominent backer of liberal causes and candidates, Steve Mostyn, grew up in Whitehouse. Mostyn gave generously for years to top Texas Democrats. Last year, he donated $1 million to a Hillary Clinton super PAC. Mostyn’s wife, Amber, did not confirm a cause of death but said, “If you or a loved one are thinking about suicide, or experiencing a health crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right now.” Mostyn was 46. Continue reading Democratic Mega Donor Mostyn Dies

TYLER – A Smith County man has been sentenced to prison for intoxication manslaughter. Michael Christopher Fielder Sr., 47, of Lindale, pleaded guilty Thursday morning in connection with the death of Gabriel Cocolan, 19. In connection with a plea agreement, he accepted a ten year prison sentence, and was sentenced by state district judge Christi Kennedy. On Super Bowl night, in February of last year,Fielder’s truck crossed over the center line on South Main in Lindale and hit the victim’s pickup, head-on. Fielder’s blood alcohol content was .117.

BERRYVILLE – Two persons have been busted following a traffic stop in Henderson County. Charged with possession of a controlled substance was Michele Leigh Myers, 48. Arrested on two outstanding warrants from Henderson County was Charles James Myers, 34. Both are from Tyler. The two were shopped after leaving a game room. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said during the traffic stop a search of the vehicle, Michele Myers was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and paraphernalia commonly used to smoke methamphetamine.

GILMER — A Gilmer man and woman have been arrested and are now facing prostitution accusations in Upshur County. KETK reports Racquel Moore has been charged with prostitution and possession of marijuana, and Fredrick Thomas is also being held on drug charges. After online advertisements were discovered promoting prostitution in Upshur County, the sheriff’s office launched an investigation which led to the arrests.

TYLER – The City of Tyler has received the Community Partner of the Year Award from Tyler ISD. It was presented during the annual State of the District luncheon on Wednesday. The award was established in 2014 through a partnership with Tyler ISD and the Tyler Area Business Education Council. The award is given annually to organizations that provide exceptional and innovative support to Tyler ISD. Continue reading Tyler Receives Award from TISD

TYLER – The Tyler Rose Garden has a new attraction. It’s a sundial. The family of the 2017 Rose Queen, Miss Emily Evans, had the very special piece of art made for the Rose Garden for all to see during the 2017 Tyler Rose Festival. The Celestial Wonders sundial was a gift from Mrs. Emily Nichols in honor of her granddaughter and in dedication to her husband, Mr. Fred Nichols. A dedication ceremony was held Wednesday and the sundial has been installed in the garden next to the historical wall which was the original entrance to the garden. It was made by artist Charles Strack for the coronation ceremony and the family donated the piece to the City of Tyler.

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has reappointed Brigettee Henderson of Lufkin and Ken Schaefer of Brownsville to the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents for terms set to expire on January 31, 2023 and January 31, 2019, respectively. In addition, the governor has appointed Karen Gantt of McKinney and Tom Mason of Dallas for terms set to expire on January 31, 2023.

MARSHALL – East Texas Baptist University on Wednesday entered into its seventh articulation agreement with area schools. The latest is with Navarro College. School officials say the agreement will provide additional academic opportunities for students of both institutions. ETBU has entered into recent partnerships with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Kilgore College, Jacksonville College, Trinity Valley Community College, Youth With A Mission and Panola College. And they say they will continue to establish and further relationships with more institutions.

ATHENS – A Canton man has been arrested in Henderson County on a charge of online solicitation of a minor. Frank Polk, 70, was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by the Henderson County Sheriff’s office, the Henderson County District Attorney and the State Attorney General’s office. An investigator posing as as teenage girl spoke with Polk online and agreed to meet Tuesday afternoon. When he showed up, sheriff’s deputies arrested him. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse says Polk confessed to the crime. He’s in the Henderson County Jail under a $30,000 bond.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man is arrested after a traffic stop yields drugs. The truck of Tarvio Dwayne Cooper Jr., 28, was stopped on Wells Street. Turned out Cooper was wanted for an outstanding warrant. After the officer smelled marijuana, his truck was searched. In a knapsack in the bed of the truck they found 35.2 grams of crack cocaine, 3.2 grams of ecstasy, 14.2 grams of marijuana, and money. Besides the original warrant, Cooper is also charged with possession of marijuana and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. He remains in the Gregg County Jail.

HENDERSON COUNTY – A Henderson County chase has resulted in the arrest of a Florida woman. It started when a state trooper stopped a car for a traffic violation on State Highway 31. While the officer was talking to the driver, the passenger drove the car away and into Navarro County. The car didn’t stop until it ran over a spike strip and crashed into an unmarked Kerens Police Department squad car. Arrested was Karalyn Nicole Collins, 28, of West Park, Florida, where she has outstanding warrants for grand theft auto and possession of cannabis.

TYLER – A Tyler police officer has retired after serving the city over 19 years. A ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon for Damon H. Swan. After being an officer in California, he joined the Tyler Police Department in 1998. During that time he has served in many units, including patrol, bicycle and crime investigation. He also worked as a training officer, helping recruits adjust to their new job. Swan was also member of the honor guard, representing the police department at numerous events. Continue reading Tyler Police Officer Retires

BRYAN- A Tennessee Colony man has been sentenced to death for killing six family members in one night two years ago. On the second anniversary of the arrest of 35 year old William Mitchell Hudson, a jury in Bryan deliberated 45 minutes before delivering their verdict. Hudson was indicted on three counts of capital murder in the slaying of six persons, three generations of a family, at a campsite near Tennessee Colony. Last week, the jury in Bryan deliberated just over 15 minutes before coming back with a guilty verdict. Continue reading Hudson Gets Death in Anderson County Killings

LARUE — Students at LaPoynor High School have taken it upon themselves to respond to the Freedom from Religion Foundation, which has voiced concern over a Christian flag flying on campus. KETK reports they’ve moved the Christian flag that once flew from the campus’s main flagpole. Now flying in its place: a symbol of defiance flown during the Texas revolution. And instead of removing the Christian flag, LaPoynor senior Sarah Barnes says, “Actually we put two more flags on poles (nearby) that aren’t on school property…and now the kids are flying them on their trucks.” The Freedom from Religion Foundation says the students can do what they want, but claims its intimidation. Students say that’s not their intention.

AUSTIN – Attorney General Ken Paxton announced that 17 parents were arrested in Smith County, accused of violating court orders requiring them to pay child support. This roundup was completed by Smith County in conjunction with the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division (CSD). A total of 24 parents have been arrested since roundups were initiated earlier this month. The parents face up to six months in jail. Paxton says cash bonds that parents pay to get out of jail go to the custodial parents and children who are owed back child support. He says parents who have fallen behind on their child support payments but are not yet subject to warrants for their arrest should immediately contact the Attorney General’s Child Support Division at (800) 252-8014 to make payment arrangements.

BULLARD — A Bullard man is behind bars on one count of sexual assault. According to KETK, Smith County online judicial records show Jeffrey Deane Hayden, 51, was arrested by the Bullard Police Department on Tuesday for sexual assault. Hayden has been booked into the Smith County Jail on $200,000 bond.

LONGVIEW — A Longview woman has been indicted on several felony family violence charges, including injury to a child. According to KETK, Brittney Nicole Fitts, 25, has been charged with injury to a child/elderly/disabled person with intentional bodily injury, assault of a family/household member impeding breath or circulation and continuous violence against the family. Longview police arrested Fitts on those charges, as well as a DWI charge, on Nov. 10. She remains in the Gregg County Jail, with bond set at $92,500. Fitts is accused of assaulting a person by “applying pressure to the throat or neck and blocking the nose or mouth” and “striking and pulling” in an incident on April 17, and incident on April 19 when Fitts struck the same person with her hand.

LINDALE — DPS troopers and Lindale police investigated after a tanker trailer separated from its cab and rolled into the bridge support on I-20 at Farm Road 849. The bridge is closed, and will be closed until structural evaluation and any necessary repairs are complete. According to Kathi White, TxDOT Public Information Officer, Bridge experts from Austin are coming to evaluate and assist the district in assessing the damage and developing plans for future repair or potential replacement of the bridge. All eastbound lanes on I-20 have been reopened. Preliminary reports indicate that a truck-tractor towing a flatbed trailer, with an oil tank on the trailer, was westbound on I-20 when the tank struck the underside of the overpass at FM 849. The impact caused the tank to roll off the trailer, through the concrete barriers, and into the eastbound lane.

GILMER – A Longview woman has been released from the Upshur County Jail in a case of mistaken identity. Jessica Erin Archer, 29, was arrested in August after being identified as a suspect in a 2015 criminal case. When the mix-up was discovered, she was released November 1st. The case occurred before the current sheriff, Sheriff Larry Webb, took office. In a statement released by the sheriff, he said it was a “regrettable occurrence” and that policies have been put in place to minimize the chances of people being wrongly arrested or accused. And, according to Webb, the sheriff’s office has been notified that a lawsuit may be filed in the future in connection with the case.

KILGORE – The executive committee of the East Texas Council Of Governments has approved a ninth year of funding CodeRED for 2018. The system, funded by a Homeland Security grant, is a telephone communication service that allows the county/city Emergency Management Coordinator to quickly notify citizens about emergency situations. The CodeRED system has been contracted through the Emergency Communications Network since 2009 for all of the counties served by ETCOG, with the exception of Henderson County. Their 9-1-1 district already provides them a reverse notification system. The new service agreement is for the period of beginning January 1 and was approved for $85,123. Continue reading CodeRED Funding for Another Year

TYLER – Starting at noon today, a Tyler business man will start living on a platform on scaffolding in front of his business. He will stay there off the West Southwest Loop until he raises enough money to meet his goal. Clint Benefield is raising money to feed the hungry in East Texans. Last year he raised $2,900 for the Salvation Army. This year he is attempting to raise $3,000 for the United Way of Smith County. The money he raises will be allocated to United Way partner agencies that deal directly with hunger. He says he will remain on that platform for up to a week if necessary. You can mail or drop off a donation to the United Way office in Tyler. You can also go to http://www.uwsmithcounty.org/FightHunger and make your donation online.

LONGVIEW – LeTourneau University welcomed two new members to its Board of Trustees, two returning members and a new alumni representative. New members are Julie Livesay of Tyler and Rogers Pope, Jr. of Longview. They are elected for four-year terms. The two returning members who are beginning new four-year terms are Ken Moore of Longview and Wayne Steege of Corcoran, Minnesota. Named the alumni representative is Jim Hooker of Woodbury, Minnesota. Continue reading LeTourneau University Welcomes New and Returning Trustees

TYLER – Two persons with gas skimmers have been arrested by Tyler police. Officers spotted the two acting suspicious at the Exxon station on the Old Jacksonville Highway around 1:45 Tuesday morning. Because of their activity around the gas pumps, they contacted the Houston area men. Numerous gas skimming devices were found in their car. Both men have been charged with unlawful use of a criminal instrument. They remain in the Smith County Jail under bonds of one million dollars each. The men have been identified as Adriano Aldana-Rodriguez, 19, of Missouri City and Nelson Isac Fernandez-Lopez, 22, of Houston.