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RUSK – Rusk city officials announced on Friday that Police Chief Scott Heagney is no longer employed by the city. According to our news partner KETK, Heagney was placed on administrative leave twice in 2025, once in April after a complaint was filed against him and for the second time in December because of an “internal personnel matter.”

“The City does not comment on personnel matters. However, City officials emphasize that the decision was made following appropriate administrative review and in the best interests of the City and the community it serves,” Rusk city officials said on Friday

The City of Rusk said public safety services will continue and that they’re trying to keep leadership stable after Heagney’s departure. Rusk officials added that they’ll release more information when it’s appropriate.

TYLER – Starting Tuesday, Jan. 20, and continuing through Tuesday, Feb. 10, the intersection and sidewalk at West Elm Street and South Bois D’Arc Avenue will be closed. Oncor crews will be working in the area to improve the electrical infrastructure to the Fair Building at 109 West Elm Street. 

Traffic control signs and devices will be in place. Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling through the area.  

GILMER – Congressman Wesley Hunt of Houston made a campaign stop in Gilmer on Thursday as he runs for U.S. Senate. Hunt is running in the March 3 Republican Primary against incumbent Senator for Texas John Cornyn and fellow candidate Ken Paxton, the Texas Attorney General. If Hunt wins the Republican Primary, he’ll face the winner of the Democratic Party Primary in November. Our news partners at KETK had the chance to interview Hunt which you can watch here.

TYLER – Hundreds of Smith County business leaders met on Thursday to discuss the state of Tyler’s economy as the new year begins. The report was provided by renowned economist Dr. Ray Perryman.

Perryman reports that since May, the state has lost 10,000 jobs, while the nationwide average is 50,000 jobs per month. East Texas has remained stable in providing career opportunities for residents. Currently, Tyler’s unemployment rate is trending below the state and national rates, as the city is projected to create nearly 12,000 new jobs a year over the next five years, with health services, mining and construction leading this growth. Creating not only opportunities for Texans, but for foreign workers, as well.

“The jobs in the East Texas area have basically stayed stable,” Perryman said. “So, it’s not like there’s been a whole lot of growth taking place compared to the state; it’s outperformed.” Continue reading Economic outlook predicting a job increase

RUSK COUNTY — American Rapper Finesse2tymes and his girlfriend FNG Shugga have been arrested in Rusk County. According to our news partner KETK, Ricky Hampton was arrested on Thursday on three charges, possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and having a prohibited substance or item in a correctional or civil commitment facility. His girlfriend, Halle Mona Buckingham, whose stage name is FNG Shugga, was arrested on Wednesday on five charges including: Tampering or fabricating with physical evidence with intent to impair, Possession of marijuana, Possession of a controlled substance, Weapon Offence, U.S. Marshal Detainer.

This now marks Hampton’s third arrest in East Texas. In September 2025, Hampton was arrested in Smith County after officers smelled marijuana while conducting a traffic stop and spotted a hand-rolled paper cigar in the ashtray. Continue reading Rapper, girlfriend arrested again

SMITH COUNTY — A multi-vehicle crash is causing traffic delays at the intersection of Old Jacksonville Highway and Loop 49 on Thursday. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office and multiple fire units are working to clear the area. Four to five vehicles were involved in the crash, with at least one vehicle rolling over. Traffic is currently backed up at the location, and drivers are advised to avoid the area.

TYLER — A former Tyler ISD staff member was arrested on Wednesday night on a sexual assault charge, according to our news partner KETK. Arrest documents from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office reveal that a Tyler police officer was patrolling the area of Fun Forest Park around 9:20 p.m. when they witnessed two people who “were clearly nude” in the back of a vehicle.

Officers approached the vehicle and identified the woman as Anahi Arellano, a former instructional aide at Bell Elementary, along with a male companion. Initially, the male provided false information regarding his age, but it was later verified that he is 16 years old.

Arellano allegedly admitted to officers that she and the minor had “sexual intercourse” in the back of the vehicle, prompting her arrest. She was booked into Smith County Jail on Wednesday night, facing a sexual assault charge. Continue reading Former TISD aide arrested for sexual assault

TYLER – City offices will observe the following schedule on Monday, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall – City Hall offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 19. Tyler Water Utilities- The Water Business Office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 19. The deadline for delinquent accounts will be extended to Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m.

The kiosk at the drive-through offers 24/7 access for water utility customers with its ability to accept checks, money orders, credit/debit cards and cash payments. Those choosing to pay with cash should be aware that no change will be given.

Anyone wishing to make a payment may also use one of two available drop boxes. One box is located in front of the Water Business Office at 511 W. Locust St. The other is a drive-up box located in the Brookshire’s parking lot on the corner of South Broadway Avenue and Rice Road. Payments will be credited on the next business day. Please do not drop cash into these boxes. Payments may also be made online at CityofTyler.org, over the phone by calling (903) 531-1230, or at one of many businesses in Tyler that accept water utility payments. For a list of participating businesses, please visit the City’s website. Continue reading Tyler city schedule for MLK Day

LONGVIEW– A Longview man who was arrested last May after firing shots at police officers was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK.

Jory Keith Sadler was arrested after the Longview Police Department received reports of an armed person firing a gun on the 2900 block of McCann Road. Once authorities arrived on the scene, Sadler allegedly fired multiple rounds at their patrol vehicle, and in return, he was shot by an officer. After recovering in a local hospital, Sadler was charged with aggravated assault against a public servant and was booked in the Gregg County Jail.

According to court records, Sadler was sentenced to 60 years in prison on Wednesday after he was found guilty of aggravated assault.

TYLER — Several roads in downtown Tyler have seen an increase in traffic and an impact on parking due to ongoing construction. According to our news partner KETK, College Avenue and Erwin Street are the busiest roads downtown, while Elm Street, near The Foundry, is also closed. This has removed dozens of parking spaces and has made getting to restaurants like Heritage East and Moocho Burrito challenging.

Multiple businesses within the square are reporting dips in sales. Good Vibez Nutrition reports a 20% loss over the past year, Crema reports a 20% decrease, and Heritage East reports a 15% decline in bar revenue. Downtown restaurants and retail say the road projects have affected parking, equipment deliveries, and overall attendance.

Good Vibez Nutrition has started thinking of the resources needed to keep businesses up past this rebuilding period. Continue reading Lack of parking impacting businesses

TYLER – As election day approaches and campaign signs take over yards and roadsides, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reminds people of sign placement guidelines. According to our news partner KETK, as Candidates are preparing for the primary election on March 3, but TxDOT advises campaigners to be aware that placing political signs on public lands is illegal.

“We want to remind everyone that TxDOT has guidelines regarding placing signs in the right of way,” Jeff Williford, the public information officer for the TxDOT Tyler District, said. “We know that a lot of signs will start showing up as we get closer to election day, but if a political sign is placed in the right of way, we are required to remove it without notice.”
Continue reading TxDOT enforces campaign sign laws

UPDATE: According to ESD2, the fire is nearly extinguished and residents are allowed to return to their homes.

TYLER — Crews are responding to a grass fire off County Road 219 in Smith County on Wednesday. Since then, residents were asked to evacuate as a precaution. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County ESD2 said several crews responded to the fire on Haverhill Road off CR 219, but no structural damage was reported due to barriers placed around surrounding houses. Officials confirmed no injuries were reported.

The fire is believed to have quickly progressed due to windy conditions. Earlier, the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office urged residents to refrain from burning as winds are predicted to be 15 to 25 mph with higher gusts possible.