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TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office seeks your help finding 27-year-old Kendrick Bernard Bell, accused of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Officials say Bell is 5’7″ in height and weighs 170 pounds. Bond is set at $750,000. Authorities say Bell is wanted for questioning and is suspected of shooting a victim October 8 by firing several rounds into the victim’s car where he was seated. Bell’s vehicle has been recovered and it is unknown what he is driving now. He is to be considered armed and very dangerous. You’re asked to contact Detective Aaron Hinton with any information with at (903) 566-6600 or [email protected].

TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 33 years in prison after pleading guilty on Tuesday to the murder of a 21-year-old mother of two who was killed in a 2020 shooting. Our news partner KETK reports Catalino Castillo Marin Jr., 23, was arrested in August 2020 after a Tyler shooting left 21-year-old Diamond Samantha Cruz dead and led to a manhunt for his arrest. According to court documents, a .40 caliber handgun was found lying near her body at the time of the incident “as well as spent casings and unfired rounds.” One person interviewed by investigators told them Marin came to her residence “with blood on his hands stating he and the victim…were fighting over the gun when she shot herself and stated ‘he did not mean to do it,’” according to an affidavit. Continue reading Man gets 33 years in young mother’s murder

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank will offer a new mobile pantry monthly with fresh produce and meat from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. beginning October 27 at the Mineola High School Football Stadium. “Wood County has a great need for food assistance as 15.6% of the residents are food insecure…according to the latest data from Feeding America’s Map the Meal Gap,” said Food Bank CEO Dennis Cullinane, as quoted in a news release. The Food Bank currently has nine partner agencies that operate food pantries in Alba, Hawkins, Mineola, Quitman, and Winnsboro. There are also special programs to help seniors with a monthly box of food while children receive backpacks of food through their school. To find out more, click here and click on Find Food. Continue reading East Texas Food Bank to offer new mobile pantry in Mineola

MARSHALL – Former Marshall ISD teacher’s aide Sara Elizabeth Davis was arrested after being indicted for allegedly abusing a nonverbal autistic student at Price T. Young Fine Arts Academy. According to our news partner KETK, attorneys representing the victim and his family say video evidence showed Davis slapping the victim in the face, grabbing his sleeve and slinging him into a desk. An indictment from a Harrison County grand jury said that Davis caused bodily injury to a child under 14 by striking him in the face. Davis was arrested on Aug. 30, about three years after the alleged incident. A spokesperson for Marshall ISD said Davis’ employment was terminated days after the incident. According to a statement, school district officials say, “Marshall ISD is committed to providing a safe and secure educational environment for all of its students.”

OVERTON — Some Overton citizens are concerned after several members in their volunteer fire department resigned. Several described what’s happening as small-town politics. According to our news partner KETK, they said they just don’t want to see it get in the way of the town’s growth and potential. TJ Lewis has dedicated nearly 11 years of his life to the Overton volunteer fire department. “It’s a giving community. Of course, I got my start here at 16,” said Lewis. Sunday, he announced his resignation as former assistant chief, but he wasn’t the only one. “The chief, me as the former assistant chief, the secretary, and another fireman, they all resigned the same night which was completely unexpected. Continue reading Overton Volunteer Fire Department members resign

TYLER – A Whitehouse man was sentenced to 10 years of deferred adjudication and 700 hours of community service on Monday after pleading guilty to aggravated assault of a public servant. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Jackson Lee Davis, 26, was arrested in February after Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith said in a press conference at the time that Davis had drawn a semi-automatic pistol from his waistband and pointed it at two deputies. According to law enforcement, deputies responded to the scene after a call was made about shots being fired on Highway 69 where a man who was later identified as Davis was seen exiting a car holding a book in one hand with the other hidden behind his back. Continue reading Man gets probation, community service for pulling gun on deputies

TYLER — Smith County departments will be on hand at a Job Fair on Thursday, October 20. Representatives from eight departments will be onsite to meet applicants, provide more information, and take applications. The event will be held from 1-3 p.m. at The Hub on E. Ferguson in downtown Tyler. Representatives from the Human Resources Department will also be assisting interested job applicants for departments that will not be at the job fair. Click this link for all the details.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 2493 just south of Loop 323 in Tyler. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. A second crew will be performing ditch maintenance at various locations throughout Smith County. Longview maintenance will perform mill and inlay operations on FM 3053. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

LONGVIEW — Court documents show a former Longview police lieutenant who was arrested by the FBI and accused of attempting to engage minors in sexual activity online was released from jail on a conditional order. According to our news partner KETK, Seth Vanover was released from the Smith County Jail on Thursday. The specific conditions of his release were sealed by the court, but he will have a third-party custodian, according to documents. Vanover was ordered to appear in court in the middle district of Florida, where the charges are pending, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Barksdale on Oct. 24 at 2 p.m., to answer those charges. Continue reading Judge orders former Longview police lieutenant’s conditional release

HARRISON COUNTY — Harrison County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday they arrested a suspect in an aggravated assault case that involved vehicular assault, stabbing and arson near Lansing Switch and Interstate 20. According to our news partner KETK, Jeffery Wade Berry was arrested after fleeing the scene where two people were allegedly hit with a car, one person was cut with a knife and a camper was lit on fire. Officials said that after arresting Berry, EMS was able to provide medical assistance to the three victims and West Harrison Volunteer Fire Department was able to put out the flaming camper. Berry was charged with two counts of aggravated assault family violence with a deadly weapon, assault family violence causing bodily injury and arson. Two of the victims were released and one is in stable condition, according to authorities.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will be picking up bulky items for free, this Monday through Friday Oct. 17 to 21. The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful sponsor twice a year FREE bulky item collections for City of Tyler residential customers (excluding multi-family home communities and businesses) in the Fall and Spring. Bulky items to be picked up at NO CHARGE include furniture, appliances, carpet and fencing material, old toys and other large items that would normally require a special fee. No tires, liquid waste, limbs, brush or tree stumps will be picked up. Paint must be dried out with oil dry or kitty litter.

RUSK COUNTY — Rusk County Sheriff’s Office announced Saturday that several people were concerned after a phone call told them they had a warrant for missing jury duty. According to our news partner KETK, officials said that they will never call you asking for warrant money and to be careful because these scammers will take your money. The Federal Trade Commission says that you can protect yourself from phishing scams by setting up security software on your computer, keeping your phone software up to date, backing up your data and enabling two-factor authentication.

MARSHALL — Police in Marshall continue to investigate after three people were arrested in a gunfire incident. Police say around 10:15 p.m. Thursday, the Marshall Emergency Telecommunication Center received several calls reporting gunfire in the area of Poplar St. and Summit St. Officers arrived in the area and discovered an unoccupied white four-door vehicle with its engine running. The vehicle appeared to have been struck several times by projectiles and had a flat front passenger-side tire, according to a news release. Officers established a perimeter around the area and contacted the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office for assistance from a K-9 officer. Continue reading Marshall police seek more leads following gunfire arrests

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is now hiring detention officers. Starting pay is $43,575, and pay goes as high as $53,881, with additional money for those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Benefits include health plans, paid leave plus 13 paid holidays, and advancement opportunities, according to a flyer released by the sheriff’s office. No experience is required, but you must be at least 18 years old. You can learn more and apply for a position here.

LONGVIEW — The Downtown Longview AMBUCS Christmas Parade returns on Thursday, December 1, at 6:30 p.m., and registration is open through Friday, November 11. Participants are encouraged to design entrants that celebrate the theme of this year’s parade, “A Pineywoods Christmas.” Officials say space is limited, so register soon. The parade is organized by Downtown Longview, Longview Main Street, and Longview AMBUCS, and is sponsored by Peters Chevrolet. The parade begins at 6:30 p.m. Starting at Green Street, the parade route travels west along Whaley Street, turns south onto Horaney Street, then returns east along Methvin Street, and ends at First Street. Continue reading Registration open for Downtown Longview AMBUCS Christmas Parade

TYLER – Shawana Tabassum, PhD, assistant professor of electrical engineering at The University of Texas at Tyler, has received a nearly $319,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to develop wearable sensors for freshwater fish to enhance water toxicity monitoring. According to a news release, a recent report from the Washington, D.C.-based Environmental Integrity Project found that half of U.S. rivers and streams are so polluted that they are classified as “impaired.” “It is crucial to provide ‘early warning’ monitoring of the fish health, which in turn, signifies water quality,” said Tabassum as quoted in the release. “This is an innovative project that addresses an important problem, which is the preservation of aquatic environments,” said Steven Idell, MD, PhD, UT Tyler senior vice president for research, also as quoted in the release.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview and Longview Metropolitan Planning Organization are seeking feedback on the East Loop 281 Corridor Study, which proposes traffic alternatives for Loop 281 between Tryon Road and Delia Drive/Page Road. Officials say this corridor study is intended to develop roadway and intersection alternatives to support enhanced connectivity, safety, and travel efficiency along E. Loop 281 for the benefit of all users of the roadway network. A community meeting to discuss the corridor study was held Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the East Texas Builders Association and Event Center. A copy of the presentation from that meeting as well as an online form to submit feedback are available at this link.

LONGVIEW — Longview Parks and Recreation is seeking feedback on proposed enhancements for Spring Hill Park. Officials say the proposed changes, which would cost about $968,000, include the installation of a larger pavilion, a new trail, and splash pad improvements as well as site work, electrical improvement, and erosion control. The improvements are funded through the $24.7 million parks bond package approved by voters in 2018. A community meeting to discuss the proposed changes was held Tuesday, Oct. 11, at Spring Hill High School. A copy of the presentation from that meeting as well as an online form to submit feedback are available at this link.

ATHENS – Officials with Henderson County said on Thursday they are searching for a missing man who was last seen on Sept. 8. According to our news partner KETK, Cody Eugene Gates, 45, is 5’10” tall and weighs about 200 pounds. Officials said he is normally seen wearing a baseball cap but is known to shave his head. “Cody has a teenage son who is very concerned about his dad,” officials said. “Cody was last seen with an unknown female by the name of Sam.” Officials said Gates is reported to have at one time been driving a 2004 White Dodge Avenger with a possible Texas license plate of PLN 2426. Anyone with information on his whereabouts or how to reach him is asked to contact Henderson County Sheriff’s Office’s Investigator Sherry Powers.

GILMER — A body found by a Gilmer ISD bus driver has been identified as Louise Grant Jr., 51, of Pittsburg, and officials said foul play is not suspected. According to our news partner KETK, Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb says an autopsy has been ordered. The Gilmer superintendent said Wednesday that the driver found the body on the side of Lavender Road, north of Gilmer, while dropping off students at home.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday approved the construction of a new parking lot and entrance for the newly renovated Noble E. Young Park. The current entrance to the park is off Seaton Street, which cuts through a neighborhood, and the parking lot sits behind a row of houses. The new entrance and parking lot will be off Towne Park Drive on the east side of the Park. The new entrance will be off a major arterial road, giving visitors and Emergency Services easier access, according to a news release. Continue reading Noble E. Young Park to have new entrance and parking lot

TYLER — Smith County authorities say three people have been arrested in a purported scheme to smuggle contraband into the county jail. They’re all accused of engaging in organized criminal activity. The plot was reportedly organized by 42-year-old inmate Micah Deron Davis (pictured). Officials say his wife, 33-year-old Lindsay Nichole Davis, and another man, 41-year-old Kristofer Boyd Rouse, were also involved. According to a news release, the contraband included tobacco, marijuana, and pills. Bonds are $250,000 each.

LONGVIEW — Longview police say a member of their ranks has been arrested. According to a news release, on Tuesday, the FBI contacted the Longview Police Department regarding a criminal investigation involving one of the Department’s sworn peace officers. Police say the FBI arrested the employee Wednesday at the police department with assistance from LPD. After being made aware of the investigation, the employee submitted his resignation, according to the release. According to our news partner KETK, the now-former officer is identified as Lieutenant Seth Vanover, and court documents show he is accused of attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. Authorities say LPD is not involved in the criminal case but is cooperating with the special agents conducting the investigation. Continue reading Longview peace officer arrested

TYLER — The 89th annual Texas Rose Festival got underway Thursday, with a wealth of activities on the docket following a 10 a.m. ribbon cutting by Rose Festival Queen Molly Louise Berry. Just before the official kickoff, Queen Molly visited with KTBB, voicing her excitement that the festival has finally arrived. “It feels so unbelievable and amazing,” she said. We’ve been preparing for this for a year, and I can’t believe it’s finally here.” You can take your pick from the big event’s many offerings, but Molly told us about a couple of her favorites, saying, “I’m really looking forward to the parade and the (Queen’s) Tea because they’re public events and everyone in the community can come and join in and be a part of the Rose Festival.” Continue reading Texas Rose Festival gets underway

AUSTIN — A victory in federal court Wednesday for Twitter, Facebook and other large social media sites hoping to retain the right to censor offensive content. A three judge panel of the 5th Circuit Court siding with the social media giants, temporarily blocking a Texas law from being enforced until the US Supreme Court can take it up. Republican State Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, authored the law. Tech industry representative NetChoice filed suit to stop it.

MARSHALL — A 16-year-old in East Texas is injured after they were reportedly shot in the chest on Wednesday night, according to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to the scene on Tom Woodley Road around 9:20 regarding a reported accidental shooting of a 16-year-old. Officials said the teen had suffered a gunshot wound to the chest, was transported to a Longview hospital by Marshall Fire EMS and is “reported to be in stable condition.” “This incident is an ongoing investigation by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, and no further details are available at this time,” officials said. “Sheriff Fletcher would like to remind the public to practice safe firearm safety and storage, especially around children.”

MARSHALL — The city of Marshall is following up after a tragic mistake. According to a news release, on September 30, around 9 a.m., Marshall Animal Control (MPAC) received a call about a dog trapped on a fence. Animal Control officers say they arrived and found the dog hanging by the leg, injured and extremely agitated. The dog was rescued and transported to the Marshall Pet Adoption Center, where officials say she was assessed and treated. Texas law mandates a three-day hold for stray animals. In this case, the dog was held for seven days, according to a news release. However, officials say, with no claim of ownership and no inquiries about the dog, along with the dog’s continued aggressive behavior and a deteriorating condition, staff followed current protocols and humanely euthanized the animal. Continue reading City of Marshall: Dog euthanized despite claim of adoption

TYLER — Wednesday’s Tyler City Council meeting was another busy one. The city engineering department presented a study of a reverse curve between Gleneagles Drive and Shady Oaks Drive on West Grande Boulevard, where there have been several fatal and multiple non-fatal crashes over the past 10 years. The traffic engineer recommends work including new signage and striping, a new asphalt surface, and more. Officials say the city will implement the signage and striping immediately, then move forward with the rest of the project. Continue reading Another busy day for Tyler’s City Council

AUSTIN — October is another strong month for sales tax allocations in Tyler and Longview as the two cities continue to reflect a statewide trend. Tyler gets $5,063,802 from the state comptroller’s office, compared to $4,290,319.71 last October. Tyler’s year-to-date figure is $48,193,329.90; a year ago at this time it was $43,824,616.59. Longview is receiving $3,476,324.17 this month, a jump from the $3,051,313.34 it was handed in October 2021. For the year to date, Longview has collected $36,258,278.47, up from $31,539,533.18 last October.