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MARSHALL – East Texas Baptist University in Marshall has signed its third articulation agreement with schools. On Wednesday, the agreement was signed by ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn and Jacksonville College President Mike Smith. The agreement will maximize the resources available at the two institutions to provide an accessible and affordable avenue to earn both an associate’s and bachelor’s degree. ETBU has previously signed articulation agreements with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler and Kilgore College.

NEW LONDON – A former West Rusk school teacher is being accused of of recording three people in a changing room without their consent. Arrested September 12th on three counts of invasive visual recording in a bath or dressing room was 35 year old Joshua David Pero. He is currently free on bonds totaling $45,000. The incident is said to have occurred on May 18th, the same day he resigned from West Rusk High School, where he most recently taught English and world geography. He also sponsored the high school student council. Documents don’t indicate if the incidents took place on campus or if the victims were students.

TYLER – Automated parking is coming to Tyler’s Pounds Regional Airport. Automated payment kiosks are installed and their use will be phased in at the parking exits. You will be able to pay for parking using a credit card or cash at the main exit and credit card at the newly opened exit by the end of the month. You can also expect to see is an increase in lost parking ticket fees. At Wednesday’s meeting, the city council approved a change in the lost ticket fee from $10 to $50. Airport manager Davis Dickson says the higher rate for a lost parking ticket encourages travelers to pay their parking fee rather than ‘claim’ a “lost ticket.” Customers with lost ticket fees will be able to receive a partial refund by contacting the airport administration office and provide a travel itinerary, rental car receipt or other valid form of evidence showing their approximate length of stay at the airport.

AUSTIN – Sales tax allocations from the state will soon be received by area cities. The state comptroller’s office is sending out $774.9 million in local sales tax allocations for November. This is 5% more than last November. These allocations are based on sales made in September. Tyler’s allocation is $3,621,262.89, which is nearly the same as the same period last year. For the year, Tyler has received $37,448,529.36, nearly 4% more last year. Longview’s allocation for November is $2,911,277.92, an increase of 2.74%. For the year, Longview’s total is $27,461,322.72, which is down slightly from last year.

LONGVIEW — A Longview ISD teacher is being investigated for reportedly discussing pornographic materials in class. High School biology teacher Christopher Good has been accused of discussing porn in front of his students. Good was placed on leave Tuesday. School officials sent KETK this statement: “School is supposed to be a safe place and we are actively investigating this matter.”

GREGG COUNTY — An East Texas man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being convicted of three counts of aggravated robbery. According to KETK, Juan Solis, 19, of Longview, accepted Tuesday’s sentence as part of a plea agreement. Solis, who was identified as an illegal immigrant, was also being held on an Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) detainer. He will have to serve at least half of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. When released from prison he will be deported. Continue reading Illegal Immigrant Sentenced for Aggravated Robbery

EAST TEXAS — Officials are searching for the suspects wanted in a multi-state high-speed chase overnight. It started around 9:40 on I-20 east in Smith County when a trooper attempted to make a traffic stop. During that stop, the officer discovered that the maroon Volvo SUV was stolen from the Cedar Park area. The driver sped off continuing on through Gregg and Harrison Counties before crossing into Louisiana. The driver and passenger dumped the stolen SUV in Shreveport and bailed out.

MINEOLA – Mineola voters have rejected a $38,500,000 school bond proposal. The complete and unofficial total shows 43% in favor and 57% against. The money was for the construction of a new high school, career and technology center, and auditorium along with the renovations to the existing primary/middle school and high school campuses. According to Superintendent Kim Tunnell, “While this is not the message we had hoped for, the community has spoken and Mineola ISD will continue to provide a high quality education for our students. Our facility challenges will not disappear, and the Board of Trustees and I will reconvene and evaluate our options to address these issues.”

TYLER – Smith County voters have approved a $39.5 million bond issue. The money goes toward county road and bridge projects. The county’s residents also approved 7 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Voters in Arp approved alcohol sales and a half a cent increase to the sales tax. In Whitehouse, voters selected city council members and approved seven of nine amendments to the city charter. Now a look at the returns. Continue reading Election Day Results

LONGVIEW – A massage parlor in northwest Longview has been closed and two persons arrested. The two California women are accused of giving massages without a license. They worked a the Total Relax Massage Parlor on Wain Drive near Gilmer Road. They were said to be operating the business without a municipal license. Officers also also removed the massage parlor’s certificate of occupancy for fire and safety violations that had not been repaired. The two women, Helen Nguyen, 47, (pictured) and Van Thi Thanh Phung, 38, were freed from the Gregg County Jail after each posted a $500 bond. The business will remain closed until they apply for another license.

TYLER – More than 80 miles of Smith County roads were improved during the Fiscal Year 2017. That was the report presented to Smith County Commissioners Tuesday by County Engineer Frank Davis. Crews are nearly complete with major construction projects on over 9 miles of road. Two projects nearing completion within the next couple of weeks are Big Eddy Road, County Road 1261 and County Road 2328 at Deerwood Estates. Those projects total nearly five miles of road. Major construction projects completed this year included improvements to County Road 149, New England Road, and County Road 2221, East Shore Estates – West, for a total of 4.784 miles. Davis said they exceeded the mileage of roadwork done for the county last year. He said hiring contractors to do some of the Smith County road projects allows county road and bridge crews more resources and time to maintain all county roads.

MINEOLA – State Senator Bryan Hughes says he will remain in Austin and not seek a seat in Washington. Congressman Jeb Hensarling has announced when his term ends in 14 months, he would not be seeking re-election. Senator Hughes says he was being encouraged to run for Hensarling’s 5th congressional spot. But Hughes says, after much prayer and consultation with family and friends and supporters, he is confident that he can best serve in the Texas Senate. He says, now is not the time to leave. Senator Hughes’ senate district covers 16 northeast Texas counties

BRYAN (Staff/AP) – The punishment phase in the trial of William Mitchell Hudson gets underway, with Anderson County District Attorney Allyson Mitchell seeking the death penalty. Hudson was charged with killing six persons — three generations of a family — at a campsite near Tennessee Colony in November 2015. The jury in Bryan deliberated just over 15 minutes before coming back with a guilty verdict. The trial was moved to Bryan on a change of venue.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County Crime Stoppers has increased the reward for leads in the case of a dog shot with an arrow. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible. On October 12, Longview Animal Control officers found the dog near Rawley Court and Glover Drive. The animal soon underwent emergency surgery to remove the arrow. The dog had also been shot multiple times with a pellet gun. The dog, now known as Robin Hood, survived — and KETK reports he has since been adopted. If you have any information, you can contact the Longview Police Department or Animal Services — or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-7867 if you wish to remain anonymous.

TYLER — A memorial service has been scheduled for a man killed in a Smith County shooting. According to KETK, the service for Andrew “Drew” Carpenter, 19, of Tyler, is slated for Thursday afternoon from 2:00-4:00 at Stewart Family Funeral Home on Old Jacksonville Highway. The memorial service will be public, however the burial will be private. On Sunday, around 1:15 a.m, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a shooting at a residence on Deerwood Drive. Officials responded to the location where a man, identified as Carpenter, was found inside the residence with a gunshot wound. When law enforcement arrived on scene, witnesses at the location were performing CPR on the victim. EMS arrived and took Carpenter to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Martin Reynolds, 21, of Whitehouse, was arrested for murder and is being held in the Smith County Jail on a $750,000 bond.

GREGG COUNTY — A Longview couple arrested after police found 260 grams of methamphetamine in their pickup after a traffic stop, police chase and wreck in June have been indicted. According to the Longview News Journal and KETK, Walter Earl Dixon, 59, and Venus Marie Kaisler, 47, have been charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance. Dixon also has been charged with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. Dixon remains in the Gregg County Jail on bonds totaling $325,000. Continue reading East Texas Couple Indicted on Drug Charges

LONGVIEW — Mark Edwin Sebren, 20, of Longview, was released from jail Monday on $25,000 bond after being arrested for shooting his girlfriend with a pellet gun. According to the Longview News-Journal, Sebren was arrested Sunday by Longview police and jailed on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. An officer made an investigative stop of Sebren’s vehicle on Loop 281 after receiving a call that shots were fired by someone fleeing the area in a vehicle of the same description. The officer found a carbon dioxide-powered pellet gun in the car. After investigating, the officer learned Sebren shot his girlfriend with the pellet gun inside of the vehicle.

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police Department has issued a scam alert. Someone is calling residents claiming they owe back taxes. They are told they would be jailed if they don’t pay them. In some cases, they are even spoofing the actual phone numbers at the police department. Remember, not paying your property tax is not a criminal issue, so the police would never be involved. Nor, would they ask you to pay the back taxes, or down payment, with iTunes gift cards or Walmart gift cards. In fact, no legitimate government organization is going to call you and ask for payment with gift cards from Walmart. Don’t be fooled by such calls.

TYLER – Today is election day in Smith County. Turnout appears as if it will be light. There are 129,458 registered voters in the county. The early voting total was 1,517. All residents in the county will vote on Smith County’s $39.5 million bond issue. The money goes toward road and bridge projects. And, all of the county’s residents will vote on 7 proposed amendments to the state constitution. Voters in Arp are being asked to approve alcohol sales and a half a cent increase to the sales tax. In Whitehouse, voters will select three members of the city council and vote on nine amendments to the city charter. Smith County residents will be able to vote at any of the 34 polling locations in the county instead of being restricted to their precinct.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – A missing Van Zandt County teen is safe. Authorities had been looking for LeeAnn Brown, 17. She had last been seen leaving her home on November 1st. The sheriff’s department reports she has returned home.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a habitual offender. An arrest warrant for theft, habitual, has been issued for Ulysses Harris Jr., 46, of Longview. A Longview resident said that Harris said he was a licensed private investigator. Over a three month period he was paid $1,000 to investigate a matter, which he never did. DPS records do not show where Harris had ever been licensed as a private investigator. If you know where Harris can be locate, you are asked to contact Longview police.

TYLER – Tyler policemen can grow beards this month to benefit the United Way. Now the Smith County Sheriff’s Department is honoring “No Shave November.” Sheriff Larry Smith has authorized all sheriff’s office employees who wish to support the American Cancer Society with a minimum donation of $25.00, to wear a groomed beard with restrictions for the month of November only.

SMITH COUNTY — A Sunday night fire destroyed a storage facility and a nearby business. It started around 10:30 at CubeSmart Self Storage, 12324 Highway 155 South. Smith County Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson said it appeared the fire started in a portion of the business that houses RV’s and motor homes. Residents that live on the property called to report the blaze. No injuries were reported. Wasson said the roof collapsed so they are not sure how many RVs were damaged or destroyed by the fire. High winds spread the fire to a nearby business, Racer’s Choice Inc., 12001 County Road 1114. The business, which manufactures products for car racing, is a complete loss. Noonday, Flint/Gresham, Bullard, Tyler, Whitehouse, Dixie, Chapel Hill and Winona Fire Departments responded to the blaze.

MABANK – Two girls, ages 7 and 5, are remembered at a funeral service today after Henderson County authorities say they were killed by their mother. Friends and neighbors gathered Friday night to comfort each other and celebrate the sisters’ lives. Sarah Nicole Henderson, 29, of Mabank, is charged with one count of capital murder. A second capital murder charge is pending. She remains in Henderson County Jail under suicide watch. Her bond is $2 million. Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said, during an interview with investigators, she confessed to shooting the girls. Investigators say the mother had planned the girls’ deaths weeks in advance. Continue reading Service Today for 2 Little East Texas Girls

TYLER – The SPCA of East Texas has opened a new adoption center and business office in Tyler. Dozens of local vendors, contractors and businesses came together to remodel a home on old Bullard Road that is used for the facility. The SPCA of East Texas is a 100% foster-based rescue group with over 120 rescued dogs and cats in foster homes. These animals come from ther local community and find forever homes after being socialized and rehabilitated. The newly remodeled SPCA administrative offices are now open Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 5:00pm and every Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm. On Saturdays, 30-40 foster dogs and cats are available to meet potential adopters.

KILGORE – The presidents of Kilgore College and East Texas Baptist University have signed an articulation agreement that will create a more seamless transition for Kilgore College students and graduates to attend ETBU It also establishes ETBU scholarships. The partnership between the two schools will encourage the completion of the associate’s and bachelor’s degrees available at the institutions. It will also provide students with academic and administrative advisement. According to a news release from the schools, the agreement will promote continuous advancement in learning and ensure that all students receive the resources necessary to be successful in their respective callings.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of November 6th. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

In Smith County, motorists can expect daily lane closures on I-20 eastbound and westbound at Toll 49 for the next couple of weeks as the contractor for the Lindale Relief Route conducts work to install deck panels and overhangs of the Toll 49 Mainlane Bridge. Work will progress from south to north through about November 17th. The contractor will be closing lanes starting with the eastbound outside lane. Another closure is planned for November 9 from 2:00 to 5:00am to place concrete for the bridge deck at FM 16. Traffic will be stopped in both directions. Local law enforcement will be on site to assist with traffic control. No lane closures are allowed after noon on Friday’s. Continue reading TxDOT’s Weekly Roadwork Update

RUSK COUNTY – One person has been killed and two injured in a one vehicle accident in Rusk County. The crash occurred Friday morning on Farm Road 2011, near County Road 2116, south east of Lake Cherokee. Killed was a passenger in the vehicle, Jamie Marie Ramirez, 31, of Tatum. Injured were the driver, Johnathan Tanner, 26, of Tatum and a two year old boy. Both were taken to a Longview hospital for treatment. The Department of Public Safety reports Tanner was passing another vehicle when he lost control of the car on the wet road. The car left the road and hit a tree.

LUFKIN – A customer at a Lufkin store has been shot and killed during a robbery. The holdup at the Dollar General on Kurth Drive occurred shortly after 9:45 Friday night. Lufkin police say the suspect entered the store, demanded money and then shot a customer who was standing at the register. He has been identified as Darrence Kindle, 31, of Lufkin. Kindle had just gotten off work at Georgia Pacific and went the store to buy cigarettes before going home. When officers arrived, Kindle had a weak pulse. He was taken to a Lufkin hospital for treatment, where he later died. Continue reading Customer Killed During Lufkin Robbery