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EAST TEXAS — Two suspected shoplifters are facing charges in Marshall following a high-speed chase. The suspects were identified as Erin Robinson, 29 and Whitney Williams, 24, both of Shreveport. It started just before 9:00 Friday night when Marshall Police received a call regarding a shoplifting that had just occurred at Walmart on East End Boulevard South. Responding officers spotted a car matching the description of the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver refused to stop and fled on Highway 80 East, eventually getting onto Interstate 20. The chase ended in West Shreveport when the suspects wrecked their car. They were both transported to University Health hospital in Shreveport with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Once released from the hospital, Robinson and Williams will be charged with evading arrest and theft.

LONGVIEW – A Gregg County man remains in jail after being charged with another bank robbery. Hector Camargo, 48, of Kilgore, had been charged with robbing a bank in Liberty City in April and Kilgore last December. He is now accused of a Longview bank robbery last November. He has been charged with three counts of bank robbery and two counts of possessing a firearm during a violent crime. Camargo is now facing fine of up to $250,000 on each of the five charges. He also could get up to 20 years in prison on each bank robbery charge and up to 5 years in prison on each of the weapons charges. He’s in the Gregg County Jail under bonds totaling $205,000. Continue reading A Third Bank Robbery Charge Hangs Over a Kilgore Man

TYLER – A man accused of taking part in a Tyler robbery last November has been sentenced to prison. Breshawn Cathey, 22, of Tyler, was sentenced by State District Judge Jack Skeen to12 years in prison. He was also credited to 208 days credit for time served. Cathey was one of three men accused of attacking and robbing a 71 year old man on West Gentry Parkway. A witness gave police a description of the suspects’ vehicle. Two of the suspects were arrested after running away from ther vehicle. The third suspect was arrested later. The other two suspects in the case, Kenjorian Walker, 18, of Tyler and the alleged driver, Demetrice Watson, 19, of Mansfield, are due in court later this month.

NACOGDOCHES – A Nacogdoches man is announcing he will be a candidate to represent the state’s 1st Congressional District in Washington, the spot now held by Tyler Republican Louie Gohmert. The formal announcement from Brent Beal will come at at 9:00 Saturday morning at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse. Then, he will then be making stops around the district. He will be in Longview Monday evening at 6:00 at the Silver Grizzly Espresso on West Tyler Street. Beal, who is a business professor at The University of Texas at Tyler, will be running in the Democratic Primary. Beal is critical district’s current congressman. He said, “Gohmert has failed to represent East Texans beyond those in his far-right GOP base.”

DENVER, Col. – Chipotle Mexican Grill says a data breach, first reported in April, has affected most of its restaurants, including those in our area. Following the completion of an investigation into the data breach, the company says the Tyler store on South Broadway and the Longview store on East Loop 281, were among those affected. The company said in a statement, they will continue to work with cyber security firms to evaluate ways to enhance their security measures. The stolen data included account numbers and internal verification codes. The malware has since been removed. The firm only recently recovered from sharply falling revenue following outbreaks of E. coli, salmonella and norovirus that sickened hundreds of people in late 2015.

MT. PLEASANT — DPS Troopers say the 18-wheeler driver who reportedly caused a deadly Mt. Pleasant bus crash had been ingesting methamphetamine. The Mt. Pleasant Tribune reports Bradley Farmer had nearly .2 grams of meth in his system. He died, along with a Mt. Pleasant softball coach, in the March 23 crash. Authorities say Farmer swerved into oncoming traffic, hitting the school bus carrying the boys’ track team. He then ran into a car, killing the driver, coach Angelica Beard.

TYLER — Graduation ceremonies for the Tyler high schools are this weekend. Robert E Lee held its graduation Friday night at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. The John Tyler High School graduation ceremony is Saturday night at 7:30 at the stadium. In the event that the John Tyler graduation is cancelled due to inclement weather, efforts will be made to hold the ceremony at Rose Stadium on Sunday. The Tyler Junior College Wagstaff Gymnasium will be the alternate location if inclement weather continues. The John Tyler ceremony at the stadium will air live on TISD-TV Channel 19 & the district website. In the event of inclement weather and graduation is moved to Wagstaff Gymnasium, live broadcasting will be unavailable on TISD-TV Channel 19 or the district website. The ceremonies will be recorded for DVD purchase. Any changes to the graduation plans will be communicated via the media, TISD-TV 19, Blackboard Connect phone messaging system, Facebook, Twitter and the district

TYLER – After over 50 years in healthcare leadership, J. Lindsey Bradley, Jr. is stepping down at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances effective June 30. Bradley is currently Senior Vice President of Group Operations and Chief Executive Officer of CHRISTUS Northeast and will continue in that role until the end of the month. This includes CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System, CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System and CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. Bradley has been with the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System over 36 years. The search for his successor is underway. But looking at his accomplishments over three decades, he will be a tough act to follow. Continue reading Healthcare Leader Lindsey Bradley is Retiring

LONGVIEW – The Longview emergency shelter, which was opened following last weekend’s tornadoes, will be closing. The shelter was opened because so many residents were without power. Now that much of the power has been restored, the city and the American Red Cross plan to close the emergency shelter at the Longview Exhibit Building by 8:00pm on Friday. According to Fire Chief J.P. Steelman, “It is our understanding that AEP SWEPCO has made significant progress in restoring power to the area. We are thankful that the American Red Cross and Salvation Army worked together to make the emergency shelter an option for residents in need.” According to Tammy Prater with the American Red Cross, 38 persons used the shelter on Monday night, 29 on Tuesday night, 31 on Wednesday night, and 13 were expected to use the shelter on Thursday night.

TYLER – Tyler police are alerting residents about a scam by email. It has to do with municipal court. Police spokesman Don Martin says Tyler Municipal Court will not contact you by email and advise you to pay your fine. If you get such an email, just delete it. Only go to the Tyler Municipal Court website that is secure to take care of any payment transactions on line or go to the court in person.

TYLER — The city of Tyler reports the Bergfeld Park amphitheater renovation project is scheduled to be complete by June 22. The project started in 2011 with a master plan — which became reality after a $325,000 donation from the Centene Charitable Foundation. During a visit to the park with KETK, City Councilman Don Warren said, “The stage is large enough to seat an entire symphony.” Music, theater productions, and movies are among the events that could take place at the revamped facility. The city says the updated venue could be put into motion by the end of June. Warren said, “In the very front, we’ll have about 492 stadium seats which will be very comfortable — and then back here behind me, they’ll have grass seating.” Warren says he doesn’t expect the amphitheater to be a revenue generator — but simply something for families to enjoy.

EAST TEXAS – More hidden electronic devices have been found in gas pumps in East Texas. Lufkin police report the gas card skimmers were found in a couple of pumps at a convenience store on South First Street. Similar skimmers were found in pumps in Diana in April, in Marshall in March and in Tyler last September. The skimmers, which are found inside the pumps, are designed to steal a person’s credit card information. The thieves will use that information to duplicate a credit card and obtain cash funds and merchandise. Continue reading More Credit Card Skimmers Turn Up in East Texas

KILGORE – Kids in Kilgore may find themselves ticketed by the police this summer. Parents, don’t be alarmed. It means your kids are being good. Again this summer Kilgore police are participating in Operation Snow Cone. When a policeman sees a youngster performing a good deed, helping others, being respectful or giving back to the community they will hand out a coupon for a free snowcone at Charlie’s Snoballs. All of the Kilgore patrol officers will have the coupons. Some places they will be watching are parks, neighborhoods and even kids in cars who are wearing their seatbelts. The program is a great way for the officers to develop relationships with youngsters and help teach them the importance of making good choices, being considerate of others and doing the right thing.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Habitat veteran repair program was launched on Veterans Day 2015 with a grant from a local family foundation and. It has expanded each year. Now, the program is being expanded July first because of a grant from the Fund for Veterans Assistance. The money will go toward home repairs in partnership with US military veterans residing in Gregg, Harrison, and Upshur counties. They say the the repair program focuses on disrepair that threatens the health or safety of the home’s occupants. Cosmetic repairs are not eligible for the program. Continue reading Longview Veterans Home Repair Program is Expanding

TYLER – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to drug violations in federal court in Tyler. Saleem Jeffer Jiwani, 58, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He also pleaded guilty Wednesday to and engaging in monetary transactions. Federal prosecutors say from at least April 2013, Jiwani and his co-defendants, conspired to distribute synthetic drugs at at a business in Tyler and in Plano. At his yet to be scheduled sentencing, he could get up to 20 years in prison. Continue reading Tyler Man Guilty of Drug Violations

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches man has been arrested following a drug raid. Cordale Arnold, 30, was taken into custody Tuesday morning after deputies with the Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at his house. Arnold was under investigation after undercover agents reportedly bought drugs, including cocaine and PCP. Officers conducted the search warrant around 6:00 Tuesday morning and found cocaine, codeine and a liquid believed to be PCP. Arnold was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance.

LONGVIEW – Longview’s emergency sirens, for the most part successfully passed their test on Wednesday. Fire Chief J.P. Steelman said last Sunday the sirens were activated after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southeastern Gregg County. They received reports from some residents that they heard the sirens while other residents have said they didn’t hear them. During Wednesday’s test, all twenty of the city’s strategically located sirens sounded. But three of the twenty sirens did not rotate fully. In the most recent monthly test on March 1, there were no malfunctions noted. These three sirens will be scheduled for maintenance as soon as possible. It is possible that these three were damaged in Sunday’s storm preventing them from full rotation. Those sirens are located at 1600 Blueridge Parkway, 610 East Loop 281, and 1602 W. Cotton Street. According to Chief Steelman, “we can assure the residents of Longview that the system is working properly, and it will be available if and when the next activation occurs.” Continue reading Longview Siren Test Results

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police Department is issuing a scam alert pertaining to the “Publisher’s Clearing House.” Callers will say you have won, even if you have not entered. And they need you to pay taxes so they can release your winnings. They warn you, this is a scam. They advise you not to give them any personal information. As always, if the caller request you send them money or information, it is a scam and you need to steer clear. One of the numbers they use is 876-840-2992. They say most of these scams originate in other states or countries. If you receive any suspicious calls of this nature, contact you local law enforcement agency.

TYLER – Once again this summer, children and teens will be able to get a free bus ride to the Tyler Public Library. The free rides start Thursday and run through August 31st. Transit and transfer passes are free for children and teens up to age 18, only to and from the Library. Adult passes are $1 each. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult, over 18, at all times. Throughout the summer months, the Library offers a multitude of free programs for all ages to coincide with its annual Summer Reading Club. Partnering with Tyler Transit enables more people to get involved in Library events and nurture lifelong literacy.

LONGVIEW – The cleanup continues around Longview in the wake of the weekend tornadoes. Damage was reported all over Gregg County with trees and power lines downed and some homes damaged. Power has not been completely restored and that means some traffic signals are still not working. Among the latest to arrive to help with the cleanup are volunteers with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention Disaster Relief. A cleanup/recovery crew will help remove fallen trees that have damaged homes and blocked roadways in the Easton area.The Red Cross shelter remains open in Longview. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Drive.

TYLER – Tyler’s Mayfair Building got a historical marker during a Wednesday afternoon ceremony. The art deco structure was built in the 1920s. It was originally an opera house. Big bands performed there during the 30s. Over the years the Mayfair Building hosted boxing and wrestling, USO shows during World War II, gospel concerts and a large list of well known entertainers, including Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Big Bopper, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Dolly Parton. The ceremony kicked off the Friends of the Mayfair fundraising effort to restore the building.

LONGVIEW – The City of Longview and the American Red Cross are continuing to operate an emergency shelter in the wake of severe weather that knocked out power n the area. The Shelter, which opened Monday night, will remain open as long as needed. It’s located at the Longview Exhibit Building at the Maude Cobb Activity Complex on Jaycee Drive. The shelter has cots and blankets. Showers are available, but you will need to bring soap, shampoo, and a towel. Also, remember to bring any medications or medical equipment if necessary. The Red Cross says anyone affected by the storms may also call its 24-hour dispatch number, 866-505-4801. Continue reading Cleanup Continues Following Longview’s Weekend Storm

SMITH COUNTY — The Department of Public Safety has released the identity of the victim in a one-vehicle accident Tuesday afternoon. Troopers responded to the crash on Farm-To-Market Road 279, six miles west of Tyler, around 2:00 Tuesday afternoon. The DPS report said the driver, identified as Austynne Brooke Roberts, 21, Murchison, was traveling west on FM 279 when the vehicle went off the roadway to the right. Roberts apparently over-corrected and struck a tree. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

LONGVIEW – One person has been killed when his motorcycle struck the rear of an SUV in Gregg County. Killed was Jabre Cardero Alexander, 30, of Longview. He was pronounced dead at a Longview hospital. Witnesses say the motorcycle had been traveling at a high speed prior to the crash. The accident occurred around 7:30 Monday night on Farm Road 1844, about a mile north Longview. No one in the SUV was injured.

EAST TEXAS — UT Tyler’s Longview University Center will reopen Wednesday after being closed Tuesday due to a power outage. Officials say power has been restored and classes will be held Wednesday as scheduled. The National Weather Service survey team in Longview has determined two tornadoes, including an EF-1, hit the city and surrounding areas on Sunday — just part of the widespread storm activity that struck the area late in the day. KETK reports that with an EF-1 tornado, damage is considered moderate — including significant roof damage, windows broken, exterior doors damaged or lost, and mobile homes overturned or badly damaged. Continue reading Longview University Center Reopens

LONGVIEW – Longview’s emergency warning sirens are scheduled to be tested at noon on Wednesday. Each of the city’s 20 sirens will be tested and individually observed to ensure that all sirens are working properly. Fire Chief J.P. Steelman said last Sunday the sirens were activated after the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for southeastern Gregg County. According to Steelman, “We’ve received reports from some residents that they heard the sirens while other residents have said they didn’t hear the sirens. Due to some electrical issues caused by power surges during the storm, we are unable to conclusively determine from our normal electronic report whether every siren sounded properly on Sunday evening.” So, with the possibility of strong thunderstorms again this weekend, they felt it would be best to do an additional test of the siren system to make sure everything is functioning properly. Continue reading A Test of Longview’s Emergency Sirens

TYLER – Smith County Constable Andy Dunklin has been presented the with the “Excellence in Action Award.” The presentation came at Tuesday’s Smith County Commissioners’ court session. The award stemmed from quick action, spearheaded by Dunklin, in finding a missing four year old girl earlier this month. The youngster had wandered away from her grandmother’s home on Lake Placid. Lilly-Anne was found over half a mile away, safe and unharmed. Continue reading Smith County Constable Honored

MARSHALL – Marslall police are looking for several theft suspects. Two of them tried to stal and ATM machine. It happened around 5:00am on May 19th, at the EZ Mart on West Pinecrest Drive. The vehicle the men used was stolen. It has since been recovered and returned to the owner. Continue reading Marshall Theft Suspects Sought

TYLER – In an appearance in Tyler federal court, two East Texas men have pleaded guilty to drug violations.Saihaine Nijel Freeman, 23, of Longview (pictured) and Quentin Leonta Brown, 40, of Gilmer entered the pleas Tuesday before U.S Magistrate Judge Nicole Mitchell. Both were indicted by a federal grand jury in February. Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. He also pled guilty to possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Freeman pleaded guilty to to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Both could get up to 40 years in prison at a future sentencing hearing.

TATUM — The City of Tatum remains in the dark following Sunday’s severe weather. A fire department member told KTBB Tuesday that the problem still hadn’t been resolved. According to KETK, Tatum fire crews responded to numerous reports of downed trees. Trees are said to have fallen on at least six houses. Mayor Phillip Corey is asking residents to conserve water until further notice. The city has also set up an emergency operation center at the fire station in Tatum. Anyone needing assistance is asked to contact the Tatum Fire Department.