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TYLER — Governor Abbott will host a roundtable and press conference with local business leaders in Tyler Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the conference will start at 2:00 and will have a Q&A at the conclusion of the discussion. The gathering will be held at Preferred On-Site Fleet Services of Texas, 9965 State Hwy 31 E, Tyler. Abbott’s challenger, Beto O’ Rourke was at Stephen F. Austin State University Tuesday to speak to students about his future plans if he wins the race. As the election date approaches, many voters say they are worried about record migration on the Texas-Mexico border and are looking for solutions from both candidates. The latest poll shows Gov. Abbott with a seven-point lead over O’Rourke with 53%. O’Rourke currently sits at 46%. Election day is Nov. 8 and the last day to register to vote is Oct. 11.

LONGVIEW — Police arrested a suspect Tuesday wanted in connection to a Nacogdoches homicide investigation, according to our news partner KETK. James Edward Harris, 60, was arrested in Longview and will be taken to the Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Center. Officials said the suspect was the victim’s boyfriend. Police were called to a residence on Elizabeth Street Oct. 3 “in reference to callers advising a family member was found deceased in the residence.” Officers said they arrived at the scene to find Rose Catherine Garner, 60, from Nacogdoches, dead from injuries believed to have been caused by a stab wound. The Justice of the Peace ordered an autopsy.

LONGVIEW – Donald Bandy has returned home safe, according to Longview Police. Our news partner KETK initially reported Donald Wayne Bandy was seen for the last time on Monday around 6:19 p.m. near North Eastman Road and George Richey in a black Cadillac SUV.

TYLER – A Tyler man who the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said was wanted last week turned himself in to Longview Police on Monday, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, Cedric Taylor, 38, was wanted for online solicitation of “inappropriate pictures” of an 11-year-old girl, and was believed to have possibly moved to Longview with his girlfriend. Officials with the sheriff’s office said Taylor turned himself in to Longview police after watching the news and seeing that authorities were looking for him. He was later transported to Smith County Jail.

GUN BARREL CITY – A man was arrested in Gun Barrel City Saturday afternoon and is accused of assaulting two police officers and two fire fighters causing moderate injury. According to our news partner KETK, Gun Barrel City police said they responded to America’s Best Inn and Suites after reports of a man trying to break into hotel rooms. Officers made contact with a man identified as Jacob Williams, 37, who officials said failed to follow command and assaulted the officers. “Williams was under the influence of multiple drugs,” Chief of Police Andy Williams said. Members of the Seven Points Police Department also responded and assisted in the arrest, according to officials. The injured first responders were treated at a hospital and released.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce names its yearly award winners at its annual meeting. The winner of the T.B. Butler Award for Tyler’s outstanding citizen is John Soules Sr., founder and owner of John Soules Foods. Chamber members cited his “strong innovative instincts and a special focus on evolving needs of consumers.” They also term Soules “an avid supporter of the community, giving generously of his time and resources to many organizations.” Kaitlyn Shultz captures the W.C. Windsor Award for top citizen aged 21-40. According to materials submitted to the Chamber, Shultz “has been a very active professional in the Tyler community” who “has served on multiple boards to support community and civic efforts.” She currently works as director of marketing and development at Habitat for Humanity of Smith County. Continue reading Award winners named at Tyler Area Chamber’s Annual Meeting

EAST TEXAS – More burn bans have been issued across East Texas as drought-like conditions remain in the area. We reported last week that Cherokee County is under a burn ban. According to our news partner KETK, Anderson, Angelina, Nacogdoches, Rusk, and Panola counties are among others now on the list. For now, Panola County’s burn ban is due to remain in effect until Oct. 10, but it could be extended. Fire officials said people should avoid outdoor burning and activities that can create sparks or flames. Residents should also alert firefighters of any wildfires. A violation of a burn ban is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

LONGVIEW – Longview police report a person in a motorized wheelchair has died following a crash early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, officials said they responded to the scene on E. Cotton Street around 4:45 a.m. where the victim was struck by a passenger car. Police said the crash is still under investigation.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) — Former University of Texas standout Tiffany Jackson, who was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2007 WNBA draft, has died of cancer at age 37. A three-time All-Big 12 selection, Jackson was drafted by the New York Liberty in 2007 and played nine seasons in the WNBA. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and managed to return to the court for a final season with Los Angeles before retiring in 2018. She was hired as head coach at Marshall’s Wiley College in April. Jackson still ranks in the top five in career points, rebounds and steals at Texas.

SMITH COUNTY — Two East Texans were arrested in connection to a child abuse case, said the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, Brandy Jaco, 31, and Gary Phillips, 30, were taken into custody on Sept. 27 and charged with endangering a child. The child also tested positive for amphetamine and marijuana, said the sheriff’s office. Continue reading East Texas couple arrested after child allegedly tests positive for drugs

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — An East Texas teen was sentenced to eight years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter on Monday for the December 2021 crash that killed 18-year-old Taylor Raper in Van Zandt County. According to our news partner KETK, Alfonso Medina, of Canton, was sentenced to 8 years in prison in the 294th District Court of Van Zandt County. Initial reports said that Medina, who was 17 at the time, was going west on FM 1651 and recognized Raper, an acquaintance who was driving in the opposite direction. DPS said Medina hit Raper’s car after swerving over the center stripe “in an attempt to scare her.” According to information presented in court, Medina did not have a driver’s license at the time of the crash.

TYLER — Tyler is all set for Tuesday evening’s return of National Night Out after holding off a couple of years due to the COVID pandemic. According to police, the National Night Out program promotes neighborhood alliances to strengthen communities and preserve the quality of life in East Texas. Through the program, police say they can strengthen communities by helping to educate families, friends, and neighbors on crime prevention. National Night Out celebrations are scheduled throughout East Texas. Continue reading National Night Out is back in East Texas

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court Monday discussed and approved several projects to be paid for with its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Smith County was allocated more than $45 million in ARPA funds by the federal government, intended as relief funding from the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn. The court heard a presentation about a sewer/water project that would help the City of Winona, through a partnership with East Texas Municipal Utility District (ETMUD). The city has struggled with TCEQ compliance for wastewater discharge for more than 10 years. The proposed ARPA funding from Smith County would pay to construct a lift station and a force main, close down the city’s old wastewater plant, and instead send its wastewater to be treated at ETMUD’s plant. Click here for more details.

TYLER – Smith County authorities said a high speed chase that started in Canton ended near the entrance of the East Texas State Fair on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, the five occupants of the vehicle were then arrested by Canton police. Officials said Canton officers pursued the suspects down Highway 31 before catching them. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety all assisted, according to Smith County authorities. Further details weren’t immediately available.

HARRISON COUNTY – A man has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest after he allegedly made threats with a machete toward a family member and deputies. According to our news partner KETK, officials say Harrison County deputies were dispatched to P.R. 1329 after being told Bryon Nelson was upset and angry and that he had assaulted a family member. The complainant reportedly told deputies that Nelson grabbed a machete and made threats, including holding the machete against them. According to officials, deputies tried to contact Nelson but he retreated into a building still armed with the machete. Continue reading Man arrested, charged after alleged machete threats

TYLER – It will be more challenging to see pedestrians as days get shorter during the fall and winter months. That’s why TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart.” pedestrian safety campaign kicked off National Pedestrian Safety Month Monday, reminding drivers and pedestrians to stay alert and watch out for each other. Pedestrian traffic fatalities increased by 15% in Texas in 2021. The state saw 5,366 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 841 fatalities and 1,470 serious injuries. “The fall season means not only a shift to cooler temperatures but also fewer hours of daylight, and visibility becomes an issue,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. Continue reading National Pedestrian Safety Month starts

TYLER — During the month of October, Tyler Animal Services is waiving adoption costs with a donation. The shelter is asking for a donation of 12 toys for Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. The standard dog adoption fee is $120 and $80 for cats. All animals adopted from Tyler Animal Services are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide partners around the world with shoeboxes filled with small toys, hygiene items, and school supplies as a means of reaching out to children in their own communities. For a list of recommended items, click here. If you would like to adopt, see all pets available for adoption and submit an application on the Tyler Animal Services webpage here. The Tyler Animal Shelter is located at 4218 Chandler Hwy. For more information, call (903) 535-0045.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is alerting the public of a text message scam occurring in the community. According to the LPD Facebook page, concerned residents have contacted the department about a text message they have received from a number claiming to be a local bank. The message says there is unusual activity on a debit card and asks residents to call a number in the message. Police say you should not respond, and remember to never give out bank or personal information on the phone. They point out that scammers try to evoke emotion to get money from victims.

HAWKINS – 1,500 tires burned and created a large fire in East Texas on Thursday, said officials. According to our news partner KETK, Wood County Precinct 3 Constable John McQueen said the Wood the Hawkins Fire Department got called to the blaze around 9 p.m. on FM 2659. First responders called for more assistance because of the nature of the fire. Officials said it’s not easy to put out tires that are on fire, and they can burn for hours or days. Firefighters were able to contain the fire after some time. The Mineola Fire Department used their dozer to plow a line around the fire. Officials said the fire could smolder for days, and they are investigating the situation.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will continue mill and inlay operations on FM 2207 from E. Wilkins Rd. to SH 135 S. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will be performing mill and inlay operations on Loop 323 from the Loop 323 Extension to just before U.S. 69. This area will have lane closures daily in both east and westbound lanes. This work should last through Friday. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

LONGVIEW — Weather permitting, beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3, Fourth Street, between Jefferson Street and Happiness Street in Longview, will experience temporary lane closures to allow for an asphalt overlay on this section of Fourth Street. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. Lane closures are anticipated to last for two weeks. Alternating single lane traffic will be permitted in each direction throughout the construction. Officials say lanes will be fully open to traffic by 5 p.m. of each day of work. Flaggers will be present to assist with directing traffic. Expect minor delays when traveling this section of Fourth Street. If you have any questions, call the city’s project manager, Zack Shaner, at 903-237-1321.

LONGVIEW — Registration for the Longview Fire Department’s annual Ambulance Subscription Program for 2023 is now open. Since 2009, the fire department has offered the program to Longview residents in an attempt to help offset the rising cost of out-of-pocket medical expenses, according to a news release. With the typical cost associated with EMS transports averaging $800 to $1,000 per response, the program limits any out-of-pocket EMS expenses to $70/year. To subscribe for 2023, the deadline to register is December 31, 2022. The annual fee is $70 for January to December 2023. Click this link for more details.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Parks and Recreation Department will hold a community meeting to discuss improvements to Spring Hill Park funded by the 2018 bond election. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Spring Hill High School library on George Richey Road. Spring Hill, McWhorter, and Rollins parks are the second set of parks identified for improvements as part of the bond initiative. Lois Jackson, McWhorter, Patterson, Spring Creek, and Stamper parks were renovated as part of the first set of park improvements.

TYLER – Tyler police say a juvenile went to the hospital after a drive-by shooting early Friday morning on Carol Lane, and they are seeking leads in the case. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh says two youths were in a vehicle in the roadway when another car drove by and “fired several rounds.” One female victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after being shot in the arm with a bullet that ended up lodged in her chest. The other person was hit by debris but did not require treatment. Tyler police ask that anyone with any information on this incident to contact them at 903-531-1000.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Cherokee County Commissioners Court has enacted a burn ban, they announced. According to their order restricting outdoor burning, the Texas Forest Service determined that drought conditions exist within the county and public safety hazards would be “exacerbated by outdoor burning.” The order is active for 90 days unless lifted earlier by officials. A violation of the burn ban is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in finding 38-year-old Cedric Devon Taylor. He’s wanted for questioning for alleged online solicitation of a minor under age 14, with bond set at $250,000. According to officials, Taylor allegedly solicited inappropriate pictures from an 11-year-old girl on July 6. His last known address is 13573 Valley View Drive in Longview, and authorities say he may have moved to Longview with his girlfriend. There’s no word on Taylor’s vehicle, but officials say he supposedly works at Zippy J’s off High Street in Longview. If you have any possible leads, you’re asked to contact Detective Aaron Hinton at (903) 566-6600 or [email protected].

TYLER — Tyler police seek leads as they investigate a homicide. On September 27 at around 9:00 a.m., police responded to the intersection of N. Fannin Ave. and E. Valentine St. on a report of an assault. Upon arrival officers located a female, later identified as Teri Furgerson, 38, of Pampa, lying in the roadway unconscious. Police say it appeared that she had been assaulted and had trauma to her head. She was transported to UT Health on Beckham, where she later died. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or call Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.