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SMTIH COUNTY — Smith County Democratic Party Chairman Hector Garza has stepped down to pursue the House District 5 candidacy and looks to replace Rep. Cole Hefner, who was first elected into the position in 2016. According to our news partner KETK, Garza announced that he will remain in the East Texas area and has officially submitted his bid for District 5, emphasizing health care and immigration policies.

After serving Smith County for two years, Garza explained why he decided to step away from his position to pursue the House District 5 candidacy. As he looks to run for House District 5 in the 2026 election, Garza said part of his motivation is to bring both parties together to resolve several state issues, including immigration.

“In today’s politics, it seems that Democrats and Republicans can’t meet anywhere to reach mutual ground that will help our communities,” Garza said. “Whether you’re left or right, it’s time that we sit down and we pass laws that will benefit the people in this state.” Continue reading Smith County Democratic Party chairman steps down

JACKSONVILLE – According to our news partner KETK, a Jacksonville man who was arrested earlier this month for shooting a Jacksonville police officer has been charged with federal firearms violations. Bobby Michael Dennis was arrested on Nov. 5 following a four-day manhunt after shooting a police officer and a K-9 with an AR-15 style rifle. After Dennis was arrested, an additional firearm was recovered.

Due to having previous felony convictions, Dennis is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law, according to the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office. If Dennis is convicted of federal firearm charges, he faces up to life in prison. He was also charged with the following offenses following his arrest: attempted capital murder of a peace officer, interference with a police service animal and two counts of obstruction or retaliation.

The case is currently being investigated by several law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Police Department.

TYLER – More than 150 people attended Smith County’s Topping Out Ceremony for the Courthouse Construction Project on Wednesday, November 19. The ceremony was a celebration marking the placement of the final beam being placed at the highest point of the eight-story construction project. Stephen Flournoy, the project executive for Hoar Construction, explained the significance of the Topping Out Ceremony, which comes from an ancient Scandinavian practice of placing the highest leafy branch of a tree on top of a new structure. It is a symbol of where the building began and a marker of its completion.

“Today, we place our highest beam and celebrate structural completion; we align ourselves with those of Seventh Century Scandinavia and raise a tree as a symbol for good luck, prosperity and continued growth for this building and its future architects,” he said.
Continue reading Smith County Courthouse Topping Out ceremony

TYLER – The City of Tyler is advising drivers of new street closures and traffic pattern changes as construction continues across the Downtown area. City officials say these updates reflect work associated with both the ongoing Downtown Improvement Project and the Consent Decree Group 2 Capacity Improvements. 
 
Closures and traffic changes beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19. 
Bois D’Arc Avenue will be closed between Woldert Street and Elm Street from Wednesday, Nov. 19 through Friday, Nov. 21 for brick street removal.

The intersection of Elm Street and Spring Street will be closed beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19 for an estimated six weeks.
Continue reading Downtown Tyler construction update  

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is looking to the public for help as they investigate a three-person convenience store burglary. Deputies responded to a reported burglary at Scott’s Grocery on State Highway 64 on November 12 at approximately 5:22 a.m. Our news partners at KETK report that a car had arrived at the store just before the break-in, according to surveillance footage that investigators examined.

The three men suspected of breaking in were spotted entering the store through the north side of the parking lot while donning masks and black attire. They allegedly took $3,137 in cash and multiple cartons of cigarettes. According to the sheriff’s office, they were observed leaving the store in an unidentified silver four-door car. Investigator Ricky Wills encourages anyone with information about their identities or vehicles to get in touch with him.

MARSHALL – A Marshall ISD strength and conditioning coach has been terminated following a reported incident that occurred earlier this month. When asked for comment, the district stated they can not provide any additional information at this time, about the employee due to confidentiality policies. However, the district did state that the incident occurred on Nov. 5 after an athletics practice. While an investigation was conducted, the coach was placed on administrative leave. Monday the school board voted to terminate the coach.

SMITH COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that as several law enforcement agencies across Smith County have joined or are considering joining the 287(g) Task Force Model Program, Precinct 1 said it will not seek to participate in the program. Constable Ralph Caraway stated his office will continue to enforce the law and remain committed to serving and protecting the community while upholding the rights of all residents. Continue reading Smith County Precinct One declines ICE partnership

EAST TEXAS – Law enforcement agencies across the area are announcing partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 287(g) program. The program can be separated into three parts: the Jail Enforcement Model, the Task Force Model, and the Warrant Service Officer program. Our news partners at KETK have compiled a list of participating agencies, their partnership, and when their partnership was signed, which can be found here.

ANGELINA COUNTY — A member of the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, Captain Alton Lenderman, who has dedicated the past 48 years of his life to law enforcement, will be retiring on Wednesday.

According to our news partner KETK, Lenderman has served the people of Angelina County as a captain for nearly 13 years. Before accepting his current position, Lenderman served with the Lufkin Police Department for over 34 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

“During Lenderman’s 48 years, he tackled just about everything a law enforcement career can throw at you and helped foster a higher level of trust between law enforcement and the community,” the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office said. “Alton was a K-9 officer, shift supervisor, trained many officers in firearms, tactics, SWAT and other assignments as well as serving on boards and committees in the community.” Continue reading Angelina County captain retiring after 48 years

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a feasibility study on Tuesday to evaluate necessary improvements for the county’s animal shelter. According to our news partner KETK, the proposed agreement calls for Fitzpatrick Architect to assess the shelter’s condition. The proposal includes bringing in engineers to assess site improvements, utilities, drainage, spa access, mechanical and plumbing issues and other recommended enhancements.

Following the evaluation, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would be used to create a dog park and shaded green space. The city will also evaluate the current facility for potential upgrades that would address interior exhaust and drainage problems.

Research will be required to ensure compliance with local site regulations, Smith County officials said. The ARPA-funded grant was amended in July to ensure that current funding covers the animal shelter.

HAWKINS — The Hawkins City Council voted 3 to 2 to remove Municipal Judge Mitch Henderson from his position. According to our news partner KETK, the decision comes as the city is face with a $1.2 million budget deficit and can no longer afford to employ a judge.

“He was removed because we no longer have a police department or a city court. That is the only reason for the decision,” Mayor Debbie Rushing said.

The police department was dissolved in June after it was left with only one remaining officer. Three officers had been fired in February by Rushing, who argued they had not been properly hired because the city council had never approved their employment. The role of a municipal judge is to oversee local court systems, handle minor offenses and ensure justice is served throughout the community.

SMITH COUNTY — During the Smith County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, a motion was passed permitting the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office to join the 287(g) Task Force Model Program. According to our news partner KETK, the motion was approved four to one, with Commissioner Ralph Caraway being the one opposing vote. Caraway stated he opposed allowing Precinct 4 to join the task force, citing his belief that the agreement with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office is sufficient.

Precinct 1 said it will not seek to participate in the program.

The meeting was well attended , over 40 residents voiced their opinions about the constable’s office joining the task force, causing the public comments portion of the meeting to last for more than an hour.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn says he has spoken to Kris Boyd and is confident the cornerback and special teams standout will be OK after being shot in midtown Manhattan early Sunday morning.

Glenn said the hospitalized Boyd was “upbeat” in their recent conversation.

“That’s what eases my mind, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn said Wednesday. “His wife and his kid, they’re in good spirits and he will walk away from this just fine.”

Glenn was unsure when Boyd might be released from the hospital, where he has been listed in critical but stable condition.
Continue reading Gilmer native, Jets CB Kris Boyd in critical condition

RUSK COUNTY – In the 1983 KFC murder case, which resulted in the deaths of five people, Rusk County authorities are getting ready to name a third suspect. Our news partners at KETK report that Mary Tyler, Opie Hughes, Joey Johnson, David Maxwell, and Monty Landers were kidnapped from a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Kilgore on September 23, 1983. They were then driven to a remote oil field in Rusk County, where they were shot and killed.

Within a week, authorities named Romeo Pinkerton and Darnell Hartsfield as suspects. But it was not until 2005 that indictments were returned, as DNA evidence from the scene connected both men to it. Hartsfield died in prison in 2023, and Pinkerton is currently serving a life sentence. Continue reading New suspect to be named in KFC murders