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BULLARD — East Texans honored local veterans and Medal of Honor recipients on Saturday with a military vehicle show and parade. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Veteran’s Military Show started at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday when over 40 military vehicles, including helicopters, arrived at Steward Funeral Home. Then the vehicles were loaded up with veterans for a parade into Bullard, where a ceremony was held before lunch.

The days events included a World War II airplane flyover, a mock-shooting range, a military swap meet, drawings for prizes, a car and motorcycle show and plenty of opportunities to learn about military history. Continue reading Bullard honors veterans with military vehicle parade

TYLER — Starting Tuesday, Sept. 16, College Avenue will be closed between Ferguson Street and Erwin Street. According to a news release from the City of Tyler, traffic can still travel east and west on Ferguson Street and Erwin Street. Fencing along Erwin Street will be shifted to reopen the parking spaces. The Fair Plaza and Smith County Parking Garages are also available for free parking.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting at an apartment complex on Bostic Drive around 10:30 Friday night. According to our news partner KETK, responding officers found two male victims who had been shot. Jonathan Lee, of Lakeport, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other victim was taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

A suspect in the shooting left the apartment complex before officers arrived. Officials are investigating the shooting, which is thought to have been an isolated incident that started as a disturbance.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Longview PD at 903-237-1199.

UPDATE: The Longview Police Department said  Vanessa Daisy Neal has been found after she was reported missing this week.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is searching for a 63-year-old woman reported missing. According to our news partner KETK, Vanessa Daisy Neal, 63 of Longview, is around 6 feet tall, weighs around 215 pounds, has braided hair and brown eyes. Neal was was wearing grey sweatpants and a dark blue shirt with purple writing. Anyone with information about Neal’s location is asked to call Longview PD at 903-237-1199.

AUSTIN — In the wake of the assassination of conservative political speaker Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced new committees that will study freedom of speech on college campuses. According to our news partner KETK, the new Texas House and Senate Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education were announced by Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows on Friday. The committees are tasked with studying and issuing reports on “bias, discourse, and freedom of speech across Texas college campuses.”

Patrick said those who’ve celebrated Kirk’s death at a college speaking event cannot be tolerated on college campuses. Continue reading Sen. Hughes named to freedom of speech committee following Kirk assassination

BIG SANDY – A $250,000 lottery ticket was sold at a gas station in Upshur County last week, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

The winning ticket was bought on Sept. 5 at the Bestmart #10 gas station, which is north of Big Sandy on FM 1002. The ticket was an All or Nothing Texas Lottery ticket, which gives out a $250,000 prize to whoever can guess all twelve lottery numbers or none of the 12 numbers.

East Texas’s winner guessed none of the numbers drawn in the evening of Sept. 5, which earned them the $250,00 prize. The winning numbers for that drawing were: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 15, 18, 21 and 23. Continue reading $250,000 Texas lottery ticket sold in Big Sandy

TYLER- The City of Tyler announced Friday, the Water Business Office payment system, will be unavailable from Friday 6 p.m. to early Monday morning. This is because of required maintenance. City officials apologize for this inconvenience. To accommodate customers, the city will extend the due date for late payment deadlines to Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 10 a.m. During this period, the phone payment system, online payments and drive-thru kiosk will not be available.

This maintenance may also affect cash payments made at local retailers, including Walmart, Dollar General, Walgreens, CVS, and Office Depot. The Water Business Office is located at 511 W. Locust St. and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

TYLER – Forensic DNA led to the arrest of a Tyler man on Monday for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old in July, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

On July 1, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a 10-year-old girl who had been sexually assaulted by Felix Ponce at a home in Tyler. Once deputies met with the victim and mother, the child was soon transported to a local hospital for examination. At the hospital, deputies spoke with the mother of the victim, who explained that while at work, she looked at surveillance footage from inside the residence, but could not locate Ponce or the victim. Another child at the house said the victim was “locked in the bedroom” with Ponce. Arrest documents revealed that the victim said that while in the room, Ponce had sexually assaulted her. Continue reading Tyler man accused of sexually assaulting child

ATHENS – An Athens man was arrested on Monday after he allegedly snorted cocaine and stuck his fingers in a two-year-old’s throat, attempting to get the child to test positive for drugs, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

A Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit tells that on Aug. 5 at a home on Arrowhead Drive, a woman reported to the Athens Police Department that she was sleeping when 26-year-old Kyle Javier Wing broke into the room, stuck his fingers up his nose, and then he “forcefully jammed” them down the throat of the toddler. Around 10:40 a.m. on Aug. 15, the witness explained to investigators that Wing had snorted cocaine and wanted the two-year-old to test positive for drugs because “he was going to call child protective services (CPS) and report her.” Continue reading Athens man arrested for reportedly trying to drug toddler

TYLER — Multiple U.S. Military veterans were greeted at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport on Thursday ahead of a big weekend where they will receive the Medal of Honor. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Veterans’ Military Show (TVMS) has made its way to Tyler once again and a new class of veterans are getting ready to receive the Medal of Honor. The veterans were greeted by Tyler Junior College Apache Belles, Rose City Young Marines and the Patriot Guard.

The TVMS’ is coordinated by Mike Balfay as a way to honor those that served our country. Once the veterans arrive at the airport, they are transported to a local hotel for the weekend which includes a hero dinner and a parade.

One Medal of Honor recipient, James Taylor, served 24 years in the U.S. Army and is being recognized for his actions while in Vietnam. Continue reading Medal of Honor recipients arrive at Tyler airport ahead of ceremony

GILMER — The Gilmer Police Department is warning residents about an increase in thieves targeting Kia vehicles. According to our news partner KETK, Gilmer police, along with surrounding agencies, have recently responded to multiple reports of vehicle thefts and break-ins specifically targeting Kia models.

“In the past week, Kia vehicles have been stolen or burglarized in several areas,” the Gilmer Police Department said.”These crimes remain under investigation, and we are working closely with other agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.”

The department has provided tips to Kia owners to keep their vehicles protected. Some tips include: Continue reading Police warn of surge in Kia vehicle thefts, break-ins

TYLER – Governor Greg Abbott’s recently signed executive order GA 56 does not change their zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal substances. According to our news partner KETK, the new order makes it a crime in Texas to market or sell hemp-derived products to minors, restricts the placement of stores and gives police the ability to cancel a store’s license to sell if the rules are not followed.

“I don’t think it’s going to have a huge impact on law enforcement, especially local and county law enforcement, but, you know, it kind of remains to be seen.” Smith County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Larry Christian said.

Currently, the new executive order will have law enforcement follow similar procedures and guidelines for other banned products. Continue reading Law enforcement/stores prepare for new THC rules

WINNSBORO – Winnsboro ISD is investigating after parents reported that their students heard the assistant band director say that conservative activist, Charlie Kirk, who was killed Wednesday, “had it coming.”

According to our news partner KETK, the district said that allegations have been made regarding statements about Kirk by the high school assistant band director, Chace LeBlanc. Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.

Brother of Winnsboro ISD student, Kenny Crow, explained his outrage over these statements: “I am disgusted by his actions as a former student.” Continue reading Winnsboro ISD investigating band director comments on Kirk’s death

SMITH COUNTY – The man who allegedly vandalized the statue of Jesus at St. Mary Magdalene Church in Flint was arrested Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Sheriff’s Officers and the county SWAT team apprehended 36-year-old Jordan Grey Clark at his home in Flint. On Sunday September 7, Clark is accused of damaging the face and both hands of the marble statue of Jesus located in front of the church. The statue faces Old Jacksonville Highway. Clark was taken to the Smith County Jail and has been charged with criminal mischief at a place of worship, and his bond has been set at $400,000.

LONGVIEW – A 23-year-old was sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder after a man was found dead inside a burning Longview home in 2023, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

At around 1:15 a.m. on June 7, 2023, the Longview Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the 100 block of East Avalon Avenue. After firefighters extinguished the fire, they found 66-year-old Ronnie Moody of Longview dead inside.

Donald Raymond Miller Jr. of Longview pleaded guilty to the incident on Thursday and was sentenced to 40 years for murder and 20 years for arson, to be served consecutively.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is investigating after a 9-year-old girl died from an overdose on Wednesday evening, according to our news partner KETK.

Around 6 p.m., Tyler Police Officers responded to UT Health on 1000 S. Beckham Avenue, where a 9-year-old girl had ingested and overdosed on her family member’s blood pressure medication at a home on Vicksburg Street.

Officials said the child died from the overdose at the hospital and that the case is still under investigation.

LONGVIEW –The Longview Fire Department held a retirement ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate the career of Kevin May, who recently retired after serving the department for 25 years. According to our news partner KETK, May officially retired from the force on Wednesday, having most recently served as the department’s fire marshal and public information officer. The ceremony was held at the Longview Fire training center, and during the event, May reflected on how he wants to be remembered by the Longview community.

“I just hope that I made a difference in their life, that’s all I really ever wanted to do is make a difference in someone’s life,” May said.

May also provide advice to those who will be joining the department following his departure. “Come in with an open mind, we want to make a difference, and that’s all we can do,” May said.

Following May’s retirement celebration, a flag ceremony was held in his honor at the Central Fire Station.

TITUS COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, two men were arrested on Tuesday after the Titus County Sheriff’s Office discovered methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms during a search.

Jose Antonio Jimenez and Jose Francisco Jimenez were arrested during a search of a residence in the 400 block of North Fifth Street, the sheriff’s office said. Agents from the Titus County Emergency Response Team, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Patrol Deputies discovered methamphetamine, cocaine and firearms during the search. The two men were booked on the following charges:
Juan Jimenez – Possession of a controlled substance
Jose Jimenez – Unlawful possession of a firearm by felon and possession of a controlled substance

TYLER – On Wednesday Sept. 10, the Tyler City Council recognized an Infants at Work participant, Olivia Alacorn. The council took time to salute Olivia’s six months of service with the City of Tyler.

TYLER – According to a press release from the City of Tyler, on Wednesday, Sept. 10, the City Council approved a contract with Applied Research Associates (ARA) for $245,000 to conduct a pavement condition survey and provide pavement management services for the City’s street system.

Every street maintained by the City will be driven, scanned, and digitally photographed as part of the survey. The data collected, including pavement distress and ride quality, will be uploaded to the City’s new pavement management system, DOT. Pavement Condition Index (PCI) data will be used to identify which streets need rehabilitation and determine the most appropriate type of repair. Continue reading Tyler City Council approves pavement survey to improve roads

LONGVIEW — According to a press release from the Longview Police Department, a 27-year-old cold case involving the discovery of a newborn found dead in a field has been solved using genetics testing.

In June of 1998, officers responded to the area of West Harrison Road and Jordan Valley Road, where they discovered the dead newborn in a field. “Despite extensive investigation and public assistance, detectives were unable to identify the child or the parents at that time,” officials said. “The infant was given the name Baby Jane Doe.”

In 2025, while reviewing cold cases, officers utilized advanced genetic profile technology to identify a potential parent of the child. The investigation led detectives to 47-year-old Misty Marie Mitchell of Longview, who admitted to being the child’s mother during an interview. Continue reading Mother arrested after genetics solve cold case murder of newborn

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler is celebrating yet another record-breaking enrollment year, reaching its highest total enrollment to date. UT Tyler’s fall 2025 preliminary enrollment as of the Sept. 8 census date is 11,602 students, which is a 10.07% increase over last fall, according to a news release from UT.

“This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of so many across our campus community,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “Our focus continues to be on meeting the needs of our students and our region. We are committed to giving them our best so that they can reach their full potential.”

First-time-in-college freshman enrollment made up 1,561 of the total preliminary enrollment, which is a 9.47% increase over the previous fall. UT Tyler continued enhancing retention rates among graduate/professional students. Graduate enrollment saw its largest enrollment ever, with a preliminary enrollment of 3,264. Continue reading UT Tyler celebrates largest enrollment growth in institutional history

SMITH COUNTY — A 25-year-old Tyler man was sentenced to 34 years in prison on Tuesday for the 2024 fatal stabbing of Noe Luna. According to our news partner KETK, Letierus Drew, 25, of Tyler, was arrested for murder on Jan. 21, 2024 after Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported stabbing at a home in the 400 block of County Road 34.

Deputies learned that 43-year-old Noe Luna of Tyler had been stabbed and taken to a local hospital before they arrived at the scene. Luna died at the hospital a few hours later.

Authorities said that Drew was identified as a suspect in the stabbing after witnesses at the scene said he had forced his way inside the home and got into a physical fight with Luna. Continue reading Tyler man sentenced to prison for deadly stabbing

TYLER — East Texas Food Bank employees volunteered to pack up boxes full of food on Tuesday as a part of National Hunger Action Day. According to our news partner KETK, the day of action was done as part of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign held every September that encourages people to help end hunger in their community. On Tuesday, volunteers helped pack boxes that will be delivered to elderly East Texans in need.

“What we’re packing today is our senior box, our CSFP distribution program. So this is for our elderly population that is food insecure and that needs a little extra resources to be able to put food on the table,” Kim Morris with the East Texas Food Bank said. “So the boxes that they’re packing today are nutritionally balanced, and they should last about a month to supplement their food, to be able to get them through and make sure that they have not just to eat, but nutritious, healthy, other types. “ Continue reading Food Bank volunteers pack boxes for National Hunger Action Day

TYLER – A 54-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after he was found guilty of killing a man at a taqueria in Tyler in 2024.

Scotty Lee Goble, 54 of Frost, was arrested for murder on Oct. 11, 2024 after witnesses told Tyler Police Department officers that he fatally shot Heriberto Ramirez, 38 of Tyler, at a taqueria on SSW Loop 323. Witnesses told officers that the shooting happened after Goble and Ramirez got into a verbal argument that turned into a physical altercation.

Officials said that Goble had been a repeat customer of the taqueria and that there were disagreements that had happened prior to the shooting.

Goble was found guilty after a jury trial in the 241st Judicial District Court and sentenced to 18 years in state prison on Tuesday. Goble will also have to pay a $10,000 fine as a part of his sentence.

POLK COUNTY – Our news partner KETK is reporting that two men were arrested after opening fire in a Polk County neighborhood on Sunday evening.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, they received a report late on Sunday evening that gunshots were fired at a residence in the Indian Hills subdivision, which is located off of FM 2457. Once on the scene, the victim told authorities that an unknown vehicle drove by and fired multiple rounds towards the home, striking the residence.

Detectives identified the two suspects involved as 18-year-old Abraham Saenz and 18-year-old Ivan Rangel, both of Livingston. Saenz and Rangel were both arrested and charged with deadly conduct and discharge of a firearm, according to officials. Continue reading Duo arrested after shooting at Polk County home

TYLER – Smith County Animal Control and Shelter supervisor Amber Greene has been fired from her position after an internal investigation found she encouraged an employee to use racial slurs.

According to our news partner KETK, termination records from Smith County describe that the county launched an internal investigation after an animal control employee submitted a letter describing an Aug. 7 meeting where Greene had allegedly made derogatory comments and allowed her employees to use racial slurs.

“After a thorough internal investigation, and your own admission, it was found that you made derogatory comments in the workplace and, more concerningly, permitted employees under your supervision to use racial slurs,” Smith County chief human resources officer Esmeralda Corona wrote in Greene’s termination letter dated Sept. 9. “This behavior is in direct violation of Smith County’s anti-discrimination and harassment policies, as well as the ethical responsibilities entrusted to you as a leader.” Continue reading Animal Control supervisor fired for racial slur

SMITH COUNTY – A Tyler man was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday after he impersonated a 10-year-old wanting to engage in sexual activity with other online users. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County officials started investigating Jodi Mack Hester of Tyler, in January. An investigator received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, about an immediate risk to a child. The electronic service provider, Tagged.com, reported possible online enticement and provided chat logs to the investigator dated from November 2024 to January 2025.

The Tagged.com user ‘Jodimarie’ claimed to have a 10-year-old daughter he wished to involve in sexual activity. The cyber tip included the users’ subscribing information and sexually explicit photos, identifying the suspect as registered sex offender Jodi Mack Hester of Tyler.
Continue reading Tyler man sentenced for sharing porn, impersonating 10-year-old online

LONGVIEW – A man was sentenced to 40 years in prison after he killed a pedestrian in February of 2024 while driving drunk in Longview, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Around 12:52 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2024, Lantez Amide Darensbourg was driving west in the 500 block of West Hope Drive when he hit a pedestrian and a vehicle. The person was taken to a local hospital, where they later died. Darensbourg was arrested after officers determined he was driving while intoxicated.

On Monday, Darensbourg pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and was sentenced to 40 years in prison.