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SMITH COUNTY — K9 Joker officially retired on Tuesday after serving with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. He will retire with his handler Juan Cervantes. According to our news partner KETK, Joker is a seven and a half year old Belgian Malinois who has served Smith County for more than six years. Joker has aided officials with hundreds of operations from apprehension of criminals to finding missing persons.

TYLER – A woman charged in a November 2022 of kidnapping a 5-year-old boy pleaded guilty Monday in Smith County court.  Pamela Medlock, 59, of Overton, was sentenced to eight years deferred adjudication. According to our news partner KETK, Medlock made national news last year when she was identified as the prime suspect in the disappearance of an East Texas elementary school student. The child’s grandparents reported the child missing. He was found with with Medlock after a state trooper stopped her near Colorado City, Texas. After the boy was back with his family, it was revealed that She was a family friend and took the child out for his birthday and didn’t return. Thus the kidnapping charge. The adjudication means that if Medlock completes the eight-year probation, she be eligible to have the kidnapping taken off her record.

MARSHALL – A Smith County student will have their artwork hung in the United States Capitol for a year after winning a competition according to our news partner KETK. The 2023 Congressional Art Competition was created in 1982 to “encourage and showcase artistic talent from across the nation in each congressional district.” This year’s winner from Rep. Nathaniel Moran’s district is Phuong N. Nguyen, who won with a pencil piece that of artist’s mother, “Mom in the Midst of Happiness.” 22 high school students from 12 schools across the First Congressional District of Texas participated this year. For the last two weeks, each piece of artwork was on display at the Michelson Museum of Art in Marshall. Nguyen’s piece will now be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year, where members of Congress, staffers and visitors from around the world will see the winning artwork.

ANGELINA COUNTY — Two individuals have been arrested after forcefully tattooing their children and trying to remove the tattoos once CPS became involved, according to Lt. James Denby with the Zavalla Police Department. Denby said that on April 17, police were notified by CPS about parents tattooing their children and asked for Angelina County officials to be present when they went to the residence where the crime was taking place. According to our news partner KETK, during the visit the next day, April 18, two children ages 5 and 9-years-old were taken into the custody of CPS. Continue reading Parents arrested after ‘forcefully’ tattooing their children

TYLER — Tyler police are asking for the public’s help in searching for a Tyler woman last seen on April 7 around 4 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, Paula Belonga, 51, was last seen leaving her apartment complex on Paluxy Drive in her white Chevrolet Impala with license plate number SBV0432. “Paula was last seen wearing a red shirt and dark colored pants,” officials said. “She may have been heading toward the Chapel Hill area.” Anyone who has seen Paula is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. Anyone with information in the case is asked to contact Detective Chamberlain at 903-531-1058.

SMITH COUNTY — At least three Dallas-area people have been arrested for stealing many thousands of gallons of diesel fuel. Ramon Perez Torrez, of Mesquite, Duniesky Ondarza Gonzalez (pictured) and Camila Cruz Concepcion, of Dallas, are charged with organized criminal activity. They are being held in the Smith County Jail on $750, 000 bond each. Four other suspects are being sought. In a long series of thefts last summer, the suspects allegedly used a system in which the pump’s pulsar device charges for about 1/20th of the fuel that’s actually been pumped. For example, in a theft in the community of Heartland, east of Dallas, 2,100 gallons of diesel were stolen, valued at nearly $11,000.

TYLER — Real estate agents are gearing up for the summer buying and selling season with higher rates and the tightening of credit this year. “Our median home sale from March of 2023 was $327,500, which is up over 7% in comparison to last year,” said Kelly Raulston, board chairman of the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors. According to our news partner KETK, they’ve listed inflation and interest rates as the number one issue for real estate in the U.S. “With the increase of high interest rate, compared to last year is maybe shorter list of borrowers that are applying now because the tendency is I’m scared,” Hila Gama, Texas real estate agent. “If you’re looking into a home for the first time there’s a possibility you can be approved for a zero-dollar down payment,” said Gama. She suggests connecting with your bank to find out more about your personal credit. Raulston added, in this market it’s important to work with local banks and relators.

HENDERSON COUNTY — A Sunday morning fire at an apartment structure in Payne Springs has several living there being uprooted. According to our news partner KETK, Payne Spring Fire Rescue say the apartment units were constructed in what was formerly an old church. And this made it particularly hard to extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported and the Henderson County Fire Marshall is currently investigating the blaze.

SMITH COUNTY — Early voting for the May 6 City/School Election will be Monday and Tuesday, May 1-2. Polls will be open those days from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be five early voting locations throughout Smith County. They include: Continue reading Early voting concludes May 2nd

TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful are sponsoring a FREE bulky item collection for City of Tyler residential customers (excluding multi-family home communities and businesses) from Monday, May 1 through Friday, May 5. Those participating in this campaign should place bulky items on the curb by 6 a.m. on Monday, May 1, and no sooner than 5 p.m. on Friday, April 28. After crews have collected on your street, do not place more bulky items on the curb. These items will be charged a special pickup fee. Continue reading Tyler free bulky item collection week set for May 1

LONGVIEW — Longview Police Department said they responded to an apparent murder-suicide that was reported on the 4300 block of Gregg Tex Road around 1:40 p.m. on Saturday. Officials said that when Longview PD officers arrived on scene they found two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds. According to Longview Police Department, investigators determined that Michael Shane Headrick, 41, shot Ashley Lynn Headrick, 33, before shooting himself. Longview Police Department said that their next of kin has been notified and that this an active investigation. If anyone has any information they would like to report about the shooting, officials asked them to call 903-237-1170.

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department said they’re investigating the death of a pedestrian after two pedestrians where hit by an 18-wheeler on Saturday around 2:15 a.m. Officials said they responded to the scene at the 5100 block of South East End Boulevard at 2:15 a.m. and found the two pedestrians. One pedestrian was declared dead at the scene and the other was transported to a local hospital, according to officials and our news partner KETK. Authorities said that the driver of the 18-wheeler was uninjured and is not being charged at this time. The investigation is ongoing.

JACKSONVILLE — Jacksonville Police Department announced on Saturday that they’re investigating the deaths of two people found near the 1000 block of Clemons Drive. Officials said they received a report of a dead body around 4:30 a.m. on Saturday. When Jacksonville PD, Jacksonville Fire Department and EMS arrived at the scene officers found two victims dead from gunshot wounds. The victims were identified as Toyn B. McCuin, 37, Bullard, and Coray R. McCuin, 35, Jacksonville. Autopsies have been ordered. Dexter Lynn Davis, 29, Jacksonville, was arrested Saturday night on an unrelated charge, and later charged with capital murder, according to Jacksonville Police. He was booked into the Cherokee County Jail. The Texas Rangers are assisting in the investigation.

TYLER — The Tyler High School Administration has sent out a letter stating that a student was arrested on campus Friday after a gun was allegedly found in their backpack. According to our news partner KETK, the gun was found after a student reported that another student brought a gun on campus on Friday afternoon, according to the letter which the school sent out to parents and guardians. Officials said that appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken. “The District will file the appropriate complaint, and I have full confidence the legal system will see the penalty to its fullest completion,” Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford shares. “The individual will never be allowed again to enroll in or set foot on Tyler ISD schools and property.” Continue reading Tyler ISD says student with gun in backpack arrested

TYLER – A Tyler man was arrested on Wednesday for aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon in connection to an incident that happened in September 2022. According to our news partner KETK, on Sept. 17, 2022, she drove to a home when a man, identified as Adan Orozco, 41, opened her car door and pointed a pistol at her. The warrant said he “pushed the barrel of the pistol into the left side of her head with the pistol and walked to the passenger side of her vehicle.” Orozco told the woman “you aren’t leaving until I say you’re going to leave,” according to the warrant, and told her to drive to the Bunny’s Truck Stop at FM 14 and Loop 323 in Tyler. When they arrived at Bunny’s, the warrant said Orozco took the keys and went inside. Continue reading Tyler man arrested in 2022 kidnapping

TYLER — The National Weather Service confirmed that damage in Tyler was consistent with an EF-0 tornado from Thursday’s severe storms. Winds were estimated to have reached a maximum of 80 mph, but crews are continuing to survey, so the intensities could change depending on additional damage that is found, the NWS said. Tornadoes are measured on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale ranging from 0-5. EF-0 tornadoes have winds ranging from 65-85 mph and can be compared to a category 1 hurricane, while EF-5 tornadoes can reach wind speeds of more than 200 mph.

TYLER — On Friday a man pleaded guilty to murder in connection to the 2021 deadly shooting at the New Orleans Flavors Daiquiri in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, 23-year-old Jaderick Willis pleaded guilty Friday in a Smith County courtroom and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. In a 2021 arrest affidavit, Tyler police say that Tylsha Brown as celebrating her 46th birthday at New Orleans Flavors Daiquiri in Tyler when a fight broke out in the parking lot. During the fight, Brown was shot and killed. Also, in December of last year, Dycorrian Lofton of Jacksonville was sentenced to 3 years in prison for aggravated assault in connection to the case.

TYLER — The southbound far right lane of South Broadway Avenue around Chimney Rock Drive is closed following a Friday morning wreck. Crews are working to replace a traffic signal cabinet that was hit by a car. Police are asking drivers to use caution in the area and requests that drivers use an alternate route if possible.

TYLER — A tornado is believed to have touched down in East Texas. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning just after 6:30 Thursday evening for Smith County. Residents are reporting damage to homes and businesses. There are also reports that the twister caused damage to Tyler Junior College. Reports that Lloyd James Funeral Home, on East First Street, was heavily damaged as well. So far, no injuries reported. The National Weather Service is expected to survey the area today for any damage the tornado may have caused.

TYLER — Billy Hibbs Jr., Chairman and CEO of Heartland Security Insurance Group of Tyler was inducted into the the Junior Achievement of Greater Tyler Business Hall of Fame last night at the organization’s annual hall of fame dinner. Hibbs became the first “father-son” inductee. His father received the award in 2004.

KTBB Owner and General Manager Paul Gleiser, who is a former Junior Achievement Board President and emcee of last nights event, said this about Hibbs, “Billy is the very embodiment of success under the American system of free enterprise, I can’t think of a better role model for students in school today.” Gleiser also said to those assembled that Junior Achievement provides business and financial programs for students from elementary thru high school on campuses throughout the greater Tyler area.

TYLER – With severe storms and tornados in East Texas, about 3.450 utility users are said to be without power as of 8 p.m. on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, this is based on information from ONCOR, SWEPCO and various electric co-ops. Continue reading Over 3,400 without power in East Texas

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – On Thursday morning, Van Zandt County Constable Pat Jordan and the Ben Wheeler Fire Department responded to a turned over vehicle left on the roadway. Jordan said the vehicle was located on County Road 4714 a mile south of FM 279 and once they arrived, they saw the black Jeep on its side with an individual inside. According to our news partner KETK, the individual inside the vehicle was not injured. When Jordan ran the VIN number on the vehicle, he said it was registered in Tennessee. He then began an investigation of the individual and a search of the vehicle. The individual was identified as Jeremie Scott Meshell, 37, and when Jordan ran his name, he discovered that he had an outstanding felony warrant out of Louisiana for a possession charge. Continue reading Rollover wreck leads to drug bust in East Texas

MARSHALL-According to our news partner KETK, Marshall police are investigating a threat a local business received via email that bombs were planted in Marshall. Marshall Police Chief Cliff Carruth said, “The police department is working closely with other law enforcement agencies to thoroughly search and investigate any potential threat in the area,”. Carruth urged citizens to remain vigilant and to report anything suspicious to authorities. Authorities say their investigation is ongoing.

LONGVIEW – Longview man and former city council candidate was arrested on Monday for invasive visual recording after he was indicted. According to our news partner KETK, Bernd “Dutch” Deblouw, 38, was arrested following an indictment and in August 2022. He was arrested for possession with intent to promote child pornography. Deblouw, the owner of Longview I.T. has served the city in multiple capacities, according to his campaign website, including as the president of the zoning board of adjustment. He had been previously employed by the Longview Fire Department and in his campaign listed public safety as a key issue. He was released from the Gregg County Jail after posting a $10,000 bond.

TYLER – A Bullard woman was sentenced on Thursday after pleading guilty to stealing over $7,000 from a youth nonprofit. Misty Adair, 47 of Bullard, pleaded guilty on March 31 in Smith County to felony theft of property after being arrested in May for misapplying funds from the Youth for Agriculture account into her personal account. She was sentenced on Thursday to four years deferred adjudication, community service of 120 hours and was ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined. According to her Smith County arrest warrant, Adair told detectives in April 2022 the hotel bills, restaurants, Suddenlink and Asurion Wireless charges to the Youth for Agriculture account happened because she confused the debit card. Adair was indicted for theft of property in Smith County on Dec. 1, and on Thursday was indicted in Henderson County for theft of property from a second organization.

SMITH COUNTY – On Thursday, a woman was arrested for stealing from her employer in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, Tina Marie Barber, 39, Tyler, was reportedly caught on camera stealing from her employer. Detective Sabrina Rodgers with the Smith County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Barber for theft of property with a previous conviction. Barber was booked into the Smith County Jail with a bond set at $4,000. The investigation continues.

LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating an overnight shooting that left one man injured. According to a Longview PD Facebook post, officers were called to a home on 13th Street around 10:00 Wednesday night and found a victim with a gunshot wound. The unnamed victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Additional details were not available. Detectives continue to gather information and ask anyone with information to contact LPD (903) 237-1110.

TYLER — A bittersweet Wednesday for the St. James CME church community. The church has been a pillar in the Black community for 102 years was demolished. Many people lined up to see the 1920s structure one last time, according to our news partner KETK. It’s becoming more and more real as you see it come down and the walls fall down,” said Pastor Brian Lightner. Thanks to the generosity from the East Texas community, the church received the money that they needed to take down the building. “Due to the report from this TV station and going out into the community and the community responded in kind,” said Lightner. Continue reading First historically Black church in Tyler demolished after 102 years