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SMITH COUNTY– Our news partner, KETK, reports that Smith County Jail records have revealed that two men have been charged for allegedly stealing Legos from several stores across several states and in East Texas.

An arrest affidavit alleged that Brian Fleming and Shane Joel Gentry, both of Lancaster, took part in a theft ring which stole from several Walmart and Target stores in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania Florida and Texas, including stores in Longview, Tyler, Kilgore and Gun Barrel City.

A Department of Public Safety trooper first noticed 19 new Cricut electronic cutting machines sitting in the back of a vehicle during a traffic stop in October of 2022, according to the affidavit.
The driver of that vehicle was arrested for an unrelated warrant and the machines were ultimately traced back to the Walmart that they were allegedly stolen from and a search warrant was reportedly obtained for the driver’s phone. Gentry was allegedly texting that driver in order to buy the Cricut machines at a low price, the affidavit said. Continue reading Two booked for $400,000 Lego theft ring

HENDERSON COUNTY — A state trooper has been arrested after allegedly forcing himself into an East Texas house demanding to see a girl. According to an arrest affidavit and our news partner KETK, officials were dispatched to a house on County Road 2507 in Eustace on Dec. 1 at around 3:16 a.m. due to a possible burglary. When authorities arrived to the address, they spoke with an individual who claimed an unknown man wearing a grey hoodie showed up at his house and showed him a badge stating he was a state trooper. The trooper reportedly demanded to know where his niece was.

The man, later identified as Jacob McKeon, a state trooper from Ellis County, pushed the individual to the side and entered the house without permission. McKeon allegedly walked into the rooms waking up the parents in the house. Continue reading Trooper arrested after reportedly forcing himself into house

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Department responded to a house fire Wednesday afternoon where a firefighter was injured.
According to Tyler Fire Battalion Chief David Admire, a firefighter was sent to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries after responding to an apartment complex fire at 1:20 p.m. on Erwin Street. No one in the apartment was injured, and officials said the house was a total loss. Tyler Fire Marshal Joey Hooton said that they will notify the Red Cross to help the home’s residents find a place to stay. Our news partner, KETK, reports that as of 1:50 p.m. eastbound traffic had been diverted, and the fire was mostly out.

WINNSBORO – An East Texas woman is accused of stealing pieces of pipe valued at about $49,000 from her husband’s business partners, arrest documents said. Kattie Steele is facing charges after material was reportedly stolen from her husband’s drilling company and was placed behind bars on Monday. According to the arrest affidavit, the drilling company filed bankruptcy and business partners were in the process of dividing the property when 107 pieces of pipe went unaccounted.

According to our news partner KETK, a witness said they saw Steele’s vehicle leaving 4690 Hwy 37 pulling a trailer with the pipes, and informed one of the owners. The witness said Steele later called them claiming they had paid for the pipes, but the arrest documents say the victim provided investigators a receipt for the property. Continue reading Woman steals nearly 50-thousand dollars worth of pipe

LONGVIEW – Our news partner KETK reports that a mountain lion collided with a Longview police patrol vehicle around 3 a.m. on Tuesday in the 3800 block of Loop 281.
According to the Longview Police Department, an officer was patrolling when his vehicle hit the mountain lion.

“Due to the extent of its injuries, the animal was put down at the scene,” the police department said. “A Texas Parks & Wildlife biologist and game warden were contacted.”

Texas Parks and Wildlife said mountain lions are also called cougars and in Texas are found “throughout the Trans-Pecos, as well as the brushlands of south Texas and portions of the Hill Country.”
Although the animal was hit in the city, TPWD said they are generally found in remote mountains or hilly areas that have cover. Mountain lions are usually active in the mornings and nights. The police department said the game warden took the animals carcass.

HENDERSON – A High School teacher is behind bars accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student, the district said. According to Henderson ISD officials and our news partner, KETK, authorities informed them on Tuesday that one of their teachers, whose identity is not being released at this time, had been arrested after a police investigation.The police department’s investigation came from a report that claimed the high school teacher was having an inappropriate relationship with a student, whose age and identity was not released.

District officials said the teacher was placed on paid administrative leave and they are cooperating with law enforcement. HISD said they remain “committed to the safety and security” of their students.

NACOGDOCHES — One person is in custody and another still on the run following a Monday afternoon armed robbery in Nacogdoches according to our news partner KETK.

According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, on Monday at around 2:33 p.m. officials responded to a 911 call from a gas station employee in the 3200 block of North St. The employee said the store was robbed by an armed man who had taken an unknown amount of money and merchandise before leaving the scene. Authorities conducted a search for a second person driving a blue car connected to the robbery. Police later located the car and the occupant, Isaiah Hartsfield, 22 of Nacogdoches, in the 200 block of E. Lakewood St. and developed a probable cause linking them to the crime.

Hartsfield has since been arrested for aggravated robbery and is being held at the Nacogdoches County Jail. Continue reading Search continues for second person following armed robbery in Nacogdoches

LONGVIEW – A 35-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were arrested after authorities found hundreds of pills containing fentanyl on Tuesday in a Longview home. According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Police Department, the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit and Longview SWAT conducted a search on a home in the 900 block of Doyle Street.

The police department said around 440 counterfeit Percocet fentanyl pills, two stolen handguns and a rifle were found during the search. Desmond Simmons, 35 of Longview, and Baylin Harris, 20 of Ore City, were arrested and booked into the Gregg County Jail. Continue reading More than 400 fentanyl pills seized in Longview

UPSHUR COUNTY — An East Texas man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after police found black tar heroin in a tin can buried in his backyard.

According to the Upshur County Criminal District Attorney, on Monday William Avery Griffin pled guilty to possessing more than 20 grams of black tar heroin with intent to sell prior to a jury being seated. In March, a search warrant was conducted by the Gilmer Police Department at Griffin’s home at 813 Frazier Street. Police reportedly found “cocaine, marijuana, pills, digital scales, bags for packaging drugs, a loaded 9 mm handgun and a large amount of cash.”

Authorities also found black tar heroin buried in a tin can in Griffin’s backyard. Police went undercover and successfully purchased heroin from him on at least two occasions. Due a lengthy arrest record, Griffin was charged as a habitual offender.In 1996, he was sent to prison for 10 years for felony theft in Upshur County. In 2000, he was sentenced for 20 years for possession of heroin with intent to deliver.And in 2008, he was sentenced back in prison for 15 years.

Griffin was on federal probation but will now be transferred back into their custody where he will serve the remainder of the sentence before beginning to serve the 50-year sentence.

MARSHALL — United States Senator for West Virginia, Joe Manchin, delivered a commencement address for East Texas Baptist University’s largest ever fall class of graduates on Saturday.According to our news partner KETK, 202 graduates walked across the stage throughout the day’s ceremonies, including 140 undergraduate and 62 graduate students. It was ETBU’s largest fall class in university history.

“This milestone commencement is a result of the combined efforts of faculty and staff focusing on ETBU’s mission of graduating Christian servant leaders so they can follow their calling to God and humanity,” provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, Dr. Thomas Sanders said.

Hannah Hobson, a Bachelor of Arts graduate in Worship Studies at ETBU, was awarded ETBU’s President’s Award for the Fall of 2024. Hobson, who’s from Shreveport, maintained a perfect 4.0 throughout her time at ETBU and she’s also done practicum hours at the First Methodist Church in Marshall. Continue reading Senator Joe Manchin speaks at ETBU’s largest fall commencement ceremony

TYLER – For the fifth consecutive year, the United Way of Smith County hosted Tyler Gives, a local Giving Tuesday fundraiser benefiting United Way’s partnering nonprofits. This year’s campaign brought in $214,460 through online donations on December 3rd. Event sponsor Express Employment Professionals and the United Way matched the first $50,000 donated beginning at 8 a.m., and another $25,000 at 2 p.m., bringing the total to an impressive $289,460 that will be allocated by year’s end. Continue reading “Tyler Gives” raises $289,460 for United Way

HUNT COUNTY, Texas – Our news partner KETK reports that after nearly 10 months since a man was accused of dumping puppies in a secluded county road, Hunt County authorities have arrested him for animal cruelty. Forensic exams were performed on the puppies that determined they were eight to nine-weeks-old when abandoned. West Tawakoni PD spoke with the puppies’ owner, Billy Joe Byerly, who reportedly admitted that he had abandoned them on a secluded county road. Criminal charges were later filed against Byerly and in September the Hunt County attorney’s office issued a warrant for his arrest. Byerly was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals, a Class A misdemeanor.

MARSHALL – A historic church in downtown Marshall is destroyed following an early morning fire. According to our news partners t KETK, no one was injured during the significant structure fire Monday morning. “Please keep this church congregation in your prayers,” church officials said. “God has amazing plans ahead.” The church, that usually holds worship every Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m., is located on 300 East Houston St. According to the church’s website, it was established around 1839.

MARSHALL — Three people were arrested in one hour on Wednesday in Marshall for drunk driving and the police department is reminding drivers of the risks especially during holiday celebrations. According to the Marshall Police Department and our news partner KETK, the holidays can be one the most dangerous times for drivers on East Texas roads. On Wednesday, police conducted three separate driving while intoxicated arrests and the department said they’ll continue to enforce traffic laws in full force to keep the community safe.

Officials said 68-year-old Jimmie Ann Carter(pictured), of Ashdown, Ark., 29-year-old Lauren Paulk and 53-year-old Ricky Norman, both of Marshall, were arrested and received a DWI charge. Continue reading Marshall PD reminds drivers of DWI risks after three arrests in an hour

TYLER — A Tyler doctor has been suspended for being intoxicated at work, the Texas Medical Board said. According to our news partner KETK, a disciplinary panel temporarily suspended Adam Rance Corley’s medical license after “determining his continuation in the practice of medicine poses a continuing threat to the public welfare.”

The panel said that Corley was often intoxicated at work and had been to alcohol rehab multiple times but did not “properly delegate his prescribing authority.” A temporary suspension hearing is expected to be held soon. According to the Texas Medical Board, Corley worked at Hospitality ER on Old Jacksonville Highway.

The temporary suspension will remain until the board takes further action.

TYLER – Dave & Buster’s has filed plans with the State of Texas on Friday to bring their first East Texas location to Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, a permit filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation states the arcade, bar and restaurant chain is planning on building a 22,983 square-foot facility in The Village at Cumberland Park. The facility’s construction is estimated to cost around $4,500,000 and will start on March 25, 2025. Currently, the nearest Dave & Buster’s to East Texas is their location in Dallas.

POLK COUNTY– Four shrink-wrapped bags of marijuana were seized on Wednesday during a Highway 59 traffic stop and the driver was arrested, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that detectives conducted a traffic stop near Goodrich on a vehicle that was allegedly in violation of the Texas Transportation Code. A probable cause was developed and a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of four bags of weed in a Nespresso box weighing approximately three pounds, officials said.

The sheriff’s office said a detective also found “a significant amount of U.S. currency believed to be illicit proceeds from narcotics sales.” The driver, identified as Oscar Salinas, was arrested at the scene and charged with possession of marijuana. PCSO said Salinas is being held on a $10,000 bond.

“This case highlights the department’s commitment to combating illegal drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of our community,” the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said. “Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.”

NACOGDOCHES– The City of Nacogdoches said that a water line break on West Main Street is affecting traffic Friday morning.

According to our news partner, KETK, the line break, which is redirecting westbound traffic, is on West Main Street between Cooper Street and Flora Street. Crews are currently at the scene working to repair the broken line.

Drivers are asked to follow the road signs for a small detour around the area.

HEMPHILL — A Texas father has been arrested after he confessed to killing his son and “cremating” him. According to our news partner KETK, a Sabine County deputy was contacted by Michael C. Howard who said he had “accidentally” shot his son, Mark Randall Howard, who he had mistaken for an intruder on his property the night before. The sheriff’s office said Mark had down syndrome. Michael allegedly told officials he had taken his son’s body in the “front-loading bucket of a backhoe tractor and carried it to a remote area on his property and placed the body on a wood/trash pile which had been previously set up and then ‘cremated’ his son.”

According to the State Bar of Texas, Michael is a lawyer and had a private law practice out of Houston.

When authorities arrived to the Howard’s property at 2505 Mount Sinai Road near Fairmount, Michael told deputies the murder was a “horrible accident.” He also showed deputies the shotgun that he claimed to have used.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Authorities are seeking the public’s help with identifying suspects in a Wednesday morning armed robbery near the Van Zandt and Smith County line. According to our news partner KETK, the robbery occurred at the Skill Zone Game Room at 4573 State Highway 64 in Ben Wheeler at around 6 a.m. Two men robbed the game room at gunpoint, violently assaulted the manager before they fled toward Tyler.

Prior to the robbery a woman was seen briefly entering the game room multiple times before leaving. Another woman was also briefly seen entering the establishment and then leaving. In security camera footage both women could be seen leaving in a 2018 Kia Forte compact sedan moments before the two masked men entered the game room.

Officials said the woman pictured is a person of interest in connection to the robbery and anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-567-4133.

SULPHUR SPRINGS – On Wednesday, CHRISTUS Health broke ground on a new 11,000 square-foot multi-specialty clinic in Sulphur Springs. According to our news partner KETK, the new Clinic will be located next to the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital on Airport Road. The $25 million expansion will house specialists in gastroenterology, interventional pain and orthopedics along with laboratory and imaging services.

“We have seen unbelievable growth in our hospital, clinics, and the overall need for specialized care in our community,” Hospital President Paul Harvey said. “This new facility allows us to expand our reach, see more patients in a timely manner and provide access to quality care close to home.”
Continue reading CHRISTUS Health breaks ground on new clinic

EAST TEXAS — The Texas Education Agency has released a list of 102 teachers that have been flagged in an investigation into educator certification fraud and four of those teachers are in East Texas. cording to our news partner KETK, the NBCDFW, these teachers are under investigation to determine whether or not they took part in an alleged Houston-area scheme to falsify certifications for over 200 teachers.

The educator certification is an official recognition indicating that an individual has met all the requirements to work as a certified teacher. With an educator certification, people could potentially receive higher pay and allows them to work at public schools. Continue reading East Texas teachers named in TEA certification fraud investigation

TYLER – The Children’s Park of Tyler is having its annual “Christmas in the Park” on Saturday, December 14th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 110 East Dobbs Street. This free event will feature light displays throughout the park and Christmas carols around a decorated tree. Also featured, will be craft activities, a photo booth, and s’mores by the fire. The park will also provide its signature Snowman Soup and a bounce house for children to enjoy.

“We are honored to host this event and welcome the community to share in the warmth and meaning of the season,” said Jennifer Carson, Board President for The Children’s Park. “Our hope is that everyone who attends experiences a deep sense of connection and peace as we gather to celebrate together.”

For more information, visit childrenspark.org/christmas or call 903-372-3234.

TEXARKANA – Our KETK news partner reports that a Texarkana driver is behind bars for leaving the scene of a pedestrian crash where two people sustained serious injuries, authorities said. According to the Texarkana Police Department, a man and a woman were trying to cross at the 4800 block of Stateline Avenue on Wednesday night when they stepped into the path of a southbound vehicle.
The police department said both pedestrians were hit and seriously injured. The driver of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene and parked behind an Arkansas business nearby.
The driver, identified as 34-year-old Kyle Clark, returned to the crash scene after some time and was then arrested, officials said. Texarkana PD said Clark is now facing charges that include leaving the scene of a crash. He is being held at the Miller County Jail with a pending warrant in Texas. “We don’t yet have any information on the couple’s names or conditions,” the police department said. “Our thoughts are with them as we continue to investigate the incident.”

TYLER — Tyler Parks and Recreation will host the 39th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Downtown Tyler Square following The Rotary Club of Tyler’s Rose City Christmas Parade Thursday, Dec. 5. The parade begins at 6:30 at 110 N. College Avenue. The tree will be lit by 9-year-old Luna Cruz, the 2025 local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Child representing CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler. The event will also include performances by SOJO Orchestra, Caldwell Singers and Candy Crocker School of Dance. Santa will be available to take pictures with children after the program is finished.

This year’s parade theme is “The Magic of Rotary.” The parade will line up on W Gentry Pkwy and go South on N. Broadway Avenue.

TYLER – Holiday shopping is happening simultaneously with deer hunting season and it’s no surprise firearms are a popular Christmas present.

Safety and security should be the highest priorities when choosing the perfect firearm for a loved one. Although many people enjoy giving surprise gifts, a Tyler firearms instructor said the element of surprise should not be an option with guns.
“Spend some time with them and let them figure out what gun fits. That to me is the biggest thing, for them to feel comfortable. If they don’t feel comfortable with that, they won’t shoot and they won’t practice with it,” Chris Fiegel, firearms trainer and range manager at Vault Arms in Tyler, said.On top of feeling comfortable with a gun, Fiegel said new gun owners need to know the basics when it comes to gun safety. Continue reading Should I give a firearm as a Christmas gift?

CUSHING – Authorities worked to restore power and clear roads Wednesday night after a car crashed into an electric pole at the intersection of FM 225 and CR 854 in Cushing. According to our news partner, KETK, and the Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department, shortly before 7 p.m. first responders were called to a one-vehicle crash involving an electric pole. The driver of the car was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, officials said.

Due to low hanging power lines, FM 255 was shut down for some time. Customers with Oncor and Cherokee County ECA were affected while officials worked to place a new pole, Lilbert-Looneyville VFD said. Fire fighters were relieved at around 1 a.m. when TxDOT arrived and the fire department said Oncor officials estimated power would be restored and roads reopened at around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.

LONGVIEW — A former Longview ISD employee has plead guilty to charges stemming from an investigation of abuse against special education students that occurred from August 2019 to October 2021.  According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday, 56-year-old Cynthia Talley pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint of a minor and three counts of injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury. Talley is one of six women arrested in 2022 after Longview ISD officials reportedly saw video footage of J.L. Everhart Elementary employees and campus administration mistreating special education students.

Talley’s sentencing hearing will be held on Jan. 1, 2025. The other former LISD employees also charged for mistreatment of students are Paula Hawkins Dixon, Cassandra Renee James, Linda Kaye Brown Lister, Priscilla Johnson and Cecilia Gregg. Continue reading Former school employee pleads guilty to mistreatment of students

POLK COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, five Polk County inmates and a woman have been charged in connection to the exploitation and assault of a disabled inmate.

On Nov. 11 the jail captain alerted county narcotic detectives of an alleged exploitation and physical assault of a disabled inmate by a group of inmates. Following an investigation, officials issued 14 felony warrants for six individuals after it was concluded they conspired to manipulate and financially exploit the disabled inmate.

“The inmates forced the victim to release personal property, including his debit card linked to his Supplemental Security Income and disability funds, to an outside accomplice—one of the inmates’ girlfriends—who was not incarcerated,” the sheriff’s office said. “This woman then drained the account, using the funds to make unauthorized purchases for herself and to place money into the commissary accounts of several inmates within the jail.” Continue reading Disabled inmate reportedly abused, financially exploited