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MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) – A traffic stop in Marshall led to the arrest of two residents on Tuesday where police recovered drugs and stolen checks.
According to our news partner KETK, the traffic stop occurred in the area of East Grand Avenue and Bolivar Street. The individuals in the vehicle were identified as Amber Nicole Wage, 36, and LaMarcus Bernard Clayborn, 43.

While officers were searching the vehicle, they reportedly found a debit card and several checks in Wage’s possession that were not under her name. One of the fraudulent checks was made out to Clayborn. Authorities also found a white substance that was later identified as methamphetamine.

Following the investigation, Wage and Clayborn were arrested and transported to the Harrison County Jail. Continue reading Stolen checks found during Marshall traffic stop

CHEROKEE COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office jail was found in noncompliance with Texas jail standards.

According to Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson, medication distribution, restraint, recreational procedures and failing to do a proper face-to-face observation at the time of an inmate’s death were reasons for the failure. The sheriff’s office identified the inmate as Mason Tanner Johnston of Jacksonville, who was arrested for serious crimes against a child in 2021.

The sheriff said that these infractions are from a lack of documentation by the jailers when they perform their duties. “As a result of this inspection, I have taken the proper and necessary disciplinary actions against several jailers who failed to document their actions correctly during their shifts,” Dickson said. Continue reading Cherokee County jail found in noncompliance

TYLER – Tyler City Council approved Municipal Court Presiding Judge Amy McCullough’s appointment of Attorneys Kristina Ross and Tab Beall as alternate judges. Following their approval Wednesday, both were officially sworn in. According to a release from the city, Kristina Ross is an attorney at Beard & Harris, PLLC in Tyler. Her practice focuses on estate planning, probate, and sports agency and management. She has been licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 2011 and is a member of the Smith County Bar Association. Tab Beall is a lifelong Tyler resident and attorney with over 40 years of legal experience, including serving as a partner at Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP. He has been a member of the Smith County Bar Association since 1981 and served as president from 2002-2003.

LONGVIEW — According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Fire Department was sent to a house after a dog fell down a well under a house on Monday . However, with the help of Longview fire and animal control, the dog was quickly brought to the surface. The dog was a little shaken but officials said it was was unharmed. One of the rescuers has since chosen to adopt him, since the owner can not be located.

“Thank you to everyone who played a part in this miraculous rescue. It’s a true reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals, and how a community comes together in times of need,” a spokesperson from Longview animal control center said.

TYLER – Investigators with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) have identified a sophisticated new criminal method that uses multiple steps to defraud consumers by impersonating law enforcement.  The criminals send a fraudulent text alert to a victim, saying there have been suspicious transactions on their financial accounts and asking the victim to confirm that the transaction is indeed suspicious.

The criminal then contacts the victim while impersonating a bank representative and tells the victim that the suspicious activity is part of an FBI investigation. The criminal persuades the victim to withdraw and deposit funds into a “new account” via an ATM that is controlled by the criminal. Sometimes, these are video calls where the victim is on the phone with the criminal, who has their video turned off.

The criminals give the victim a debit card number linked to the criminals’ accounts to add to Apple pay or other third-party apps. Once the transactions are completed, the criminals instruct the victim to delete the debit card number and throw out receipts – which prevents law enforcement from tracing the fraudulent transaction. Continue reading New fraud attacks Texas consumers

TYLER – To improve efficiency, Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) will replace aging variable-frequency drives (VFDs) at the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant and the Lake Palestine Raw Water Pump Station. VFDs are crucial as they control the volume of water pumped from Lake Palestine for treatment at the water treatment plant and subsequently distributed through the system. Without functional VFDs, the plant would not be operable.

“The replacement of these VFDs is essential for maintaining the reliable operation of our water treatment and distribution system,” said Utilities Director Kate Dietz, P.E. “By upgrading this infrastructure, we are reinforcing our commitment to investing in modern solutions that meet the community’s water needs now and in the future.”

The design process is anticipated to be completed by May, and construction is scheduled to begin in July. The expected completion date is August 2026. 

TRINITY — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a man has died after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday night in Trinity.

According to Trinity Police Department, around 9:14 p.m. officers responded to a vehicle and pedestrian fatality crash on the 1866 block of Robb Street at the south end of Trinity city limits. Officials said that the male pedestrian died on scene after being hit by the vehicle, but the crash is still under investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved,” Trinity PD said.

MARSHALL — According to our news partner KETK, a dad and son were arrested after illegal narcotics and items connected to an aggravated robbery were recovered inside a Marshall home on Tuesday.

Marshall Police officers searched a home in the 1600 block of N Fulton Street where they found illegal narcotics, cash, multiple firearms including a stolen handgun and items connected to a previous aggravated robbery. Officials said that evidence at the scene was consistent with the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. Cruz Alonso Rodriguez Sr., 45 and Cruz Angel Rodriguez Jr., 18 both of Marshall were arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail.

Cruz Jr. was arrested on 10 counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a dangerous drug and theft of a firearm. Cruz Sr. was arrested on one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Anyone with information related to the ongoing investigation can contact Marshall PD at 903-935-4575.

MARSHALL – On February 25, 2025, the Joint Harrison County Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant in the 1600 block of N. Fulton Street. The operation, conducted with assistance from the Marshall Police Department Special Response Team (MPD SRT), the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (HCSO ERT), and the Marshall PD Crime Scene Unit led to significant findings. During the search, investigators recovered illegal narcotics, a substantial amount of cash, multiple firearms, including a stolen handgun, and items connected to a previous aggravated robbery. Evidence at the scene was consistent with the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. As a result of the investigation, Cruz Rodriguez, Sr., 45, and Cruz Rodriguez, Jr., 18, were taken into custody and booked into the Harrison County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.

OVERTON — Our news partners at KETK report an Overton man was arrested Saturday evening after allegedly attempting to shoot at children. According to Smith County arrest documents, officers responded to 23410 CR 3199 at around 7:12 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from children that a family member “had come into the home with a rifle and was acting aggressively.” The children identified the family member as Keith Lamar Mills, of Overton, who attempted to fire the gun but it malfunctioned. Authorities spoke with one of the children who said when they arrived home, the front door was unlocked and saw Mills yelling obscenities. Mills was reportedly about to hit a child when he “dropped his hand.” Mills smelled of alcohol and his demeanor had scared the children, records show. The document stated Mills left and went back to his shed where he lived on the property. Three of the children then went to the shed and began to play music when Mills reportedly came out of his room and started cussing at them to shut up. After the children walked out of the shed, they saw Mills walk out holding a brown rifle. Continue reading East Texas man arrested after attempting to fire gun at child

TYLER- According to our new partner KETK, Tyler ISD’s longtime athletic director will be leaving to take a position with Rockwall ISD. Greg Priest, who has spent the past decade in Tyler, will be joining Rockwall ISD as their new executive athletic director this spring.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve as the athletic director at Tyler ISD. The past decade has been filled with unforgettable moments, talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and a supportive community that has made a lasting impact on me,” Priest said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this journey and while I look forward to this next chapter at Rockwall ISD, I will always cherish my time in Tyler.”

Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford praised Priest for the positive impact he had on the athletic department during his tenure.

MT. PLEASANT — According to our news partner KETK, the recently sworn in U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made a stop in East Texas Monday to hear from local farmers.

Controlling the virus outbreak that began in 2022 is a top priority for Rollins’ department. Bird flu is widespread amongst wild birds and has caused outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows. Recently, the virus has spread to humans. Rollins, however, is focused on the economic impact the virus continues to have in egg prices. As of date, the federal government has spent about $2 billion in response to the bird flu. Yet, the average cost of a dozen eggs in the nation is $8.03, more than $3 since early January.

This comes after more than 156 million birds across the nation have been lost to the bird flu in the past three years. Continue reading U.S. Secretary of Agriculture talks egg prices

TYLER — Bishop Gregory Kelly was installed on Monday as the Bishop of Diocese of Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Kelly was appointed as Bishop of Tyler on Dec. 20, 2024, by Pope Francis. Kelly will be the fifth bishop to ever be appointed to lead the Tyler Diocese since it was founded in 1986 by Pope St. John Paul II. Kelly’s appointment comes after Bishop Joseph Strickland was removed as Bishop of Tyler in November of 2023, following a months-long investigation by the Vatican.

GUN BARREL CITY — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a man was arrested after a woman was shot in Gun Barrel City Sunday afternoon.

According to Gun Barrel City Police Department, around 4:08 p.m. officers responded to 346 Flagship Lane regarding the shooting of Mackenzie Wisdom, 22 of Gun Barrel City. Wisdom was then transported to a local hospital where she died due to her gunshot wound. Officials said officers determined this was an isolated incident and arrested John David Bunch-Stiles, 23 of Gun Barrel City, for state jail felony criminally negligent homicide.

“The Gun Barrel City Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the Wisdom family,” the department said.

ANGELINA COUNTY — According to reports from our news partner, KETK, an East Texas teacher was arrested on Saturday after being accused of bestiality and possession with intent to promote child pornography.

According to Wells ISD Superintendent Friday Wright, Hillary Danielle Williams, 33 of Lufkin is currently employed as a junior high and high school math teacher and has been since the beginning of 2024. Williams is currently being held in the Angelina County Jail for charges of bestiality and possession with intent to promote child pornography with bonds totaling $350,000. Wright said they were made aware of the arrest on Saturday and are currently working with attorneys and police to address the matter. “The safety and security of our students at Wells ISD is our top priority,” Wright said.

Her partner Michael Scott McCary, 37 of Lufkin and also pictured, was arrested for possession of child pornography with a $250,000 bond.

According to the district, a retired math teacher will be coming in this week to help teach the students.

ANGELINA COUNTY — According to reports from our news partner, KETK, an East Texas teacher was arrested on Saturday after being accused of bestiality and possession with intent to promote child pornography.

According to Wells ISD Superintendent Friday Wright, Hillary Danielle Williams, 33 of Lufkin is currently employed as a junior high and high school math teacher and has been since the beginning of 2024. Williams is currently being held in the Angelina County Jail for charges of bestiality and possession with intent to promote child pornography with bonds totaling $350,000. Wright said they were made aware of the arrest on Saturday and are currently working with attorneys and police to address the matter. “The safety and security of our students at Wells ISD is our top priority,” Wright said.

According to the district, a retired math teacher will be coming in this week to help teach the students.

BULLARD, Texas (KETK) — According to our news partner KETK, the City of Bullard has announced a Stage 2 water conservation notice for all water customers, effective Sunday until further notice. Due to mechanical issues with a water well, water production across the system is expected to be impacted, city officials said.

The following restrictions will apply to all customers on City of Bullard utilities: Residents with even-numbered addresses are permitted to water outside only on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, residents with odd-numbered addresses are permitted to water outside only on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, outdoor watering will be allowed only between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., outdoor watering will not be allowed between 6 a.m. through 9 p.m., outdoor water use of any kind is prohibited on Friday.

Bullard officials said those caught violating these regulations will receive a written warning for the first offense. All offenses after that at the same location will be issued a citation.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — According to our news partner, KETK, a Montgomery man is behind bars following a Friday morning pursuit that ended on I-20 in Van Zandt County where authorities recovered suspected meth and hydrocodone.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a call on Friday to a suspicious vehicle along VZCR 2142. Upon arrival, deputies found a man asleep in the driver’s seat of a running car. Despite repeatedly identifying themselves and attempting to communicate with the driver, the man reportedly fled the scene. Deputies pursued the vehicle and were assisted by DPS troopers, the Canton and Van Police Departments that helped bring the pursuit to a close.

Authorities stopped the driver, later identified as Steven M. Templeton, on the south service road of I-20 near the 533-mile marker exit. Officials reportedly found suspected meth and hydrocodone. Templeton has since been charged with aggravated assault against a public servant, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, a previous warrant and two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.

He is being held at the Van Zandt County Jail on a $125,000 bond.

DE BERRY – After nearly 80 years without any payments, an East Texas church is finally receiving compensation for minerals being extracted from their land.

“Man, that was a long journey. That was a real long journey,” Deacon at Zion Hill Holiness Church of God, Anthony Price Sr. said.

Church historian and relative, Johnathan Matthews, said for 78 years, an unknown amount of money in mineral royalties have not been paid to Zion Hill Holiness Church of God. He said the money could have helped the church and family for generations. Continue reading East Texas church wins mineral royalties battle

LONGVIEW — People of all ages got the opportunity to meet the people behind the industries that power East Texas on Saturday in Longview, according to our news partner KETK.

As part of Career and Technical Education Month, businesses like HOLT CAT opened their doors to East Texans, giving children and adults the chance to see what they do everyday. This was a part of the Big Techs East Texas Industry Tours and Job Fair. Guests got a close up look at cutting edge local manufactures creating things like fighter jets to the world’s largest front-end loader. Though HOLT CAT service manager said there is always one thing that brings the crowds.

“The tractors is definitely the biggest highlight, the kids love them,” Jake Giebel, service manager, said. “It’s the kids allow us to kind of reengage with our childhood because they’re so excited to see us, so excited to see the tractors and get in play, and that just kind of reinvigorates what we do day in and day out.”

Other groups in attendance included East Texas Regional Airport, Genpak, INVISTA, Kilgore College Manufacturing and Industrial Technology and LeTourneau University Engineering.

SMITH COUNTY — An arrest warrant sheds new details on an East Texas man accused of sexually assaulting a child his wife was babysitting.

According to our news partner KETK, Smith County deputies responded to a medical center on Feb. 13 after a child had reported being sexually assaulted. Officers spoke with the mother who said her daughter confessed to her the previous day she had a secret, but the mother did not think much of it. The next day, Feb. 13, the child reiterated she had the secret that pertained to Brandon Darrell Couey, her babysitter’s husband.

During a forensic interview, the child described deviant sexual activity performed on her by Couey and gave detailed information by using male and female anatomy drawings. Continue reading Babysitter’s husband reportedly bribes victim with $5

FRANKLIN COUNTY — On Sunday, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said they recovered the body of a man reported missing on Feb. 13. According to our news partner KETK, Larry Murl Smith, 51, was last seen on Feb. 6 near his residence on the 6000 block of FM 115, near Lake Cypress Springs. His body was recovered 16 days later. Multiple locations and areas of interest were searched in the past week until his body was found on Texas Highway 37 at the Franklin/Red River County line on the Sulfur River. Authorities indicated that there are persons of interest who are already in custody for unrelated charges.

The sheriff’s office confirmed that multiple warrants for capital murder are expected. The sheriff’s office received assistance from the Mt. Vernon Police Department, Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Choctaw County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin County Water District Police, Parks and Wildlife K9, DPS aircraft division, Texas Highway Patrol and Texas Rangers.

LONGVIEW – A 19-year-old man was arrested in Longview on Thursday evening after he allegedly shot two people during a domestic disturbance.

Longview police officers were dispatched at approximately 10:50 p.m. after receiving calls regarding a shooting relating to a domestic disturbance in the 3000 block of Bernice Drive.
Both victims of the shooting were taken to a local hospital to tend to their wounds. The Longview Police Department identified the suspect as 19-year-old Demetrius Walter of Marshall.

Walter has since been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is being held in the Gregg County Jail on a $250,000 bond.

PALESTINE — Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas couple has been arrested for child negligence after police found decaying food, piles of trash and cockroaches crawling throughout their home.

The Palestine Police Department said officers responded to a welfare check request in the 3000 block of N. Jackson at around 2:11 p.m. on Thursday. Before they arrived to the location, officers were advised that Code Enforcement had spoken with individuals at the residence concerning code violations.

During this visit, code enforcement observed child neglect and reported that the home emitted a foul odor and the home appeared to be in disarray. Once officers arrived, they spoke with Gina Jeter, 37, and her fiancé, Benjamin Quintanilla, 35. Both reportedly gave officers consent to enter the house. Continue reading East Texas couple arrested for child negligence

TYLER – On February 13, 2025, Smith County Deputies responded to the UT Health Emergency Room regarding a possible sexual assault of a child.

They contacted the mother of a six-year-old female victim who made an outcry of the assault. Smith County Investigators were notified and began their investigation. The suspect was identified as Brandon Darrell Couey – 32 of Winona. Couey is the husband of the child victim’s babysitter. A forensic interview took place at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Tyler on February 18, 2025. During the forensic interview the child victim described deviate sexual activity performed on her by “Brandon.” The child victim was able to give detailed information to the interviewer both verbally and with the use of male and female anatomy drawings. Continue reading Suspect arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler for 2025 had the third highest Uniform Certified Public Accountant exam pass rate among Texas public universities and ranked sixth overall among all state universities. UT Tyler’s pass rate is 62.14%, which is above the national average of 50%. This is the third consecutive year UT Tyler made the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy’s Top 10 list, and the university’s pass rate has consistently been above the national average for several years. Continue reading UT Tyler accounting students continue excellence on CPA exam

GRAND SALINE – Our news partners at KETK report that following a “raid” by Game Wardens and federal agents at an East Texas zoo, the company has released a statement to ease concerns. On Wednesday, the Canton Grand Safari Adventure was met with authorities who were allegedly there to find documents they could use on a “few active cases already under investigation.” As to what these cases are, is unknown. “This had absolutely nothing to do with the care of the animals or honestly anything to do with the zoo or its animals,” a zoo representative said. The zoo is allegedly not under investigation and have received “the all clear” to continue business as normal. The representative said they gave the U.S. Fish and Wildlife all documents they were seeking. Continue reading Grand Saline zoo responds after being ‘raided’

POLK COUNTY – Three Polk County jailers were arrested after allegedly assaulting an inmate, according to our news partner KETK.

DPS reports that Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons contacted Texas Rangers after the incident occurred on Feb. 3. DPS identified the victim as a 34-year-old man from Kingwood. The three employees reportedly involved in the assault have been identified as 27-year-old Ty Paredes, 29-year-old Christopher Damian and 31-year-old Agapito Correa. They have since all been charged with aggravated assault by a public servant.

At this time, DPS said they will not release any additional information and people are encouraged to ask the Polk County Sheriff’s Office for the employment status of the three jailers.

UPDATE: On Thursday, Lufkin ISD unanimously voted to shut down Coston Elementary and Kurth Primary during a school board meeting.

LUFKIN – More than 500 students may soon need to find new schools as the Lufkin ISD school board will decide this week whether to close two elementary schools, according to our news partner KETK.

In September 2024, the district established the Future Facilities Advisory Committee, to assess facilities and educational needs. It has since conducted reviews of all facilities in the district including “campus enrollments, building capacity, condition, usage, programs and educational programs offered on each campus.”

The district has seen a steady decline in student enrollment, with 1,600 fewer students enrolled in 2024 compared to 2013. After analyzing the data, the committee recommended several actions, with the top suggestion being the closure of Coston Elementary and Kurth Primary. Continue reading Lufkin ISD votes to close 2 elementary schools