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WINONA – Josh Joplin, constable for Precinct 4 in Smith County, spoke on reports of a possible plane crash in Big Sandy and confirmed it to be a false alarm. According to our news partner KETK, officials reported that a call came in at 9:53 Thursday morning about a low flying plane that went below a tree line and did not appear to come back up. The caller also reported seeing smoke. The ranch owner of the field confirmed that the apparent low-flying plane was a crop duster spraying weeds. Winona Fire responded to the scene along with EMS and police from Smith and Upshur counties, and officials were able to confirm that the pilot of the plane matching the caller’s description was fine.

KILGORE — A third person is facing capital murder charges in the death of a pregnant Kilgore woman in 2016 and setting her on fire, according to Kilgore Police and the Kilgore News Herald. Edward Brager, 22, was indicted by a Smith County grand jury in its June 9 session on charges of capital murder of multiple persons in the disappearance and death of Sheryia Grant, 20, who was eight months pregnant when she was reported missing in August 2016. Her body has never been found. He is the third person charged with capital murder in Grant’s death. Allen Lamont Sutton Jr., 33, of Kilgore, and Laneshia Lashae Young, 29, of Overton, were indicted in December 2021 on charges of capital murder of multiple persons. Continue reading Third suspect charged with capital murder in Kilgore woman’s death

SMITH COUNTY — All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Monday, July 4, 2022, for the Fourth of July holiday. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, July 5. Smith County Commissioners Court will be held at its regular time – 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Smith County Courthouse Annex, located at 200 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler.

TYLER — A man who was charged in connection with the deaths of 53 people in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio was arrested in Palestine on Tuesday and appeared in court in Tyler on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK. Christian Martinez, 28, was charged with one count of conspiracy to transport undocumented migrants resulting in death, according to a release from the United States Department of Justice. In San Antonio, officials also arrested 45-year-old Homer Zamorano Jr., and charged him for his alleged involvement in the same incident. If convicted, the men could face up to life in prison or the death penalty. Continue reading Man charged in San Antonio smuggling deaths arrested in Palestine

TYLER — “Stay the course” is the watchword from Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran as the Commissioners Court gets busy on its budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The judge and commissioners held their first workshop Tuesday on the new package, which takes effect October 1. The targeted tax rate for FY23 is 33.5 cents per $100 valuation, which is the same as the last two years. Moran’s budget overview includes four primary areas of focus: the new 475th District Court; law enforcement staffing; Road and Bridge funding; and Judicial Support Services/Clerk Pay Scale. Click here for a more comprehensive look at early work on the budget.

HARRISON COUNTY – Officials say an off-duty Harrison County investigator was attacked at his home Tuesday night, resulting in a physical altercation. According to our news partner KETK, dispatch was notified of the incident, and responders found Jerry Guilliams, 43, of Marshall, handcuffed by the investigator after their altercation. Officials said an investigation found that Guilliams allegedly walked onto the investigator’s property and demanded to speak to him by name. Guilliams began making verbal threats and became belligerent, according to police. The investigator said he told Guilliams to leave the property multiple times, and after he refused, the investigator tried to detain the man, who officials say then began assaulting the investigator. The investigator is said to have had multiple law enforcement interactions with the suspect, all of which were nonviolent. Authorities continue to investigate.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Business Education Council continues to seek donations and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations for their annual #SchoolisCool event. At last report, they had reached 44% of their $50,000 goal to provide 2,000 backpacks. Every $30 will purchase a backpack with school supplies for a kid in need. Donations can be made here or by check. #SchoolisCool is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 4, as a drive-thru event at Fun Forest Park. The event helps children and parents to prepare for the new school year. Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be given away to the first 2,000 school-aged children in line. For more information, contact LaToya Young at (903) 592-1661 ext. 252 or [email protected].

QUITMAN — Wood County has added its name to the list of East Texas localities now under burn bans. According to our news partner KETK, those already included Anderson, Cherokee, Harrison, Henderson, Panola, Upshur, and Van Zandt Counties. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, those who violate burn bans could be fined up to $500. Officials say that residents should not make campfires or burn trash, wood, or other items during a burn ban.

TYLER — Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks gave a fire risk and weather condition update to Commissioners Court on Tuesday. “Drought conditions are deteriorating,” he said, adding that he hoped rain forecast for this week ends up materializing. As of Tuesday, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County is averaging at 616, he said. Used to determine forest fire potential, the KBDI ranges from 0 to 800. In the past, Smith County has issued a burn ban when the drought index falls around 700. He said although they are starting to see an uptick in grass fires, he recommends waiting to enact a countywide burn ban. He asked that the issue be put on next week’s Commissioners Court agenda to continue the discussion. Continue reading Smith County Fire Marshal urges fire safety

HENDERSON — Authorities in Rusk County say a suspect has been captured following a chase involving an 18-wheeler stolen from Kilgore. According to our news partner KETK, the driver allegedly tried to run deputies off the road and reportedly endangered motorists during their Monday morning commute. Law officers disabled tires on the truck with gunfire and spikes before the truck stopped on Highway 259, north of FM 1798, and the suspect was captured.

HARRISON COUNTY — Harrison County Sheriff BJ Fletcher says a man has been arrested for the alleged aggravated kidnapping of a Hallsville woman at gunpoint. That’s according to our news partner KETK, along with partner stations KTAL and KMSS. Officials say Raul Torrez had previously been deported for entering the country illegally and a five-hour manhunt led to his capture in the kidnapping. Torrez faces multiple charges. The sheriff thanked Union Pacific for helping by stopping trains from moving through the area during the search. Officials say the victim was shaken by the incident but will be OK.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — TxDOT is advising of an additional project along with the others listed in its weekly roadwork update for the Tyler District. Officials say it involves a SH 19 super two widening & overlay, running six miles north from US 80 to the Rains County line. Anticipated completion date is December 2023. Crews will be extending drainage structures and trimming trees. Traffic control will consist of daily shoulder closures northbound managed by signs and channelizing devices. The project consists of super two type work, including grading, base repair, treated subgrade, flex base, structures, signs, pavement markings, and more.

TYLER — Following an extensive renovation, the Tyler Fire Department has moved its administrative services to its new home at the corner of W. Front and S. Hill Streets. That’s a short distance west of the Glenwood intersection, near the Cotton Belt Building. Officials say the new headquarters is open and operating daily during business hours. An official open house will be announced soon, according to a brief news release.

FLINT — As the Fourth of July approaches, 13 counties have burn bans in place– some even going as far as to cancel firework shows. According to our news partner KETK, local firework stand owners say despite the burn bans being placed into effect, they continue to have a steady flow of business. “We’re hoping it doesn’t come into effect. We had some rain yesterday and we are supposed to get some rain more this week,” said the owner of Texas Triple Threat Fireworks, Steve Kipp. A family business of over 20 years says they donate some of their proceeds to The Flint Fire Department, The Community Center, and SPCA of East Texas. Continue reading Firework sales remain steady amid East Texas burn bans

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith gave new details Monday regarding the Sunday morning trail ride incident that sent five people to the hospital after a string of shootings. According to our news partner KETK, Smith said in a press conference that his office, the fire marshal’s office, and the district attorney’s office will be going after the organizers of the event with “any civil lawsuit, as well as any criminal enforcement.” Smith added, “We’ll be looking at failure to stop and render aid, just anything that we can file on the event holder, or anyone else, they’ve broken the law in Smith County and will be prosecuted.” Continue reading New details on trail ride shooting incident

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a base failure crew on FM 15 in Troup. Flaggers will control traffic. A second crew will be performing ditch maintenance in various locations throughout the county. A herbicide unit and sweeper truck will also be in various spots around the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be overlaying on FM 449 east and westbound, from FM 2751 to the Harrison County line. Expect delays. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — NET Health is now offering COVID vaccines for young children. Anyone age 6 months and over can receive either the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine at the NET Health Immunizations Clinic, 815 North Broadway Avenue, directly next to the Tyler Municipal Court. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. “Vaccination remains the best strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” says George Roberts, NET Health CEO. “All COVID-19 vaccines may be co-administered with other vaccines during the same visit, such as the recommended back-to-school vaccines.” Continue reading COVID vaccines available for ages six months and above

MINEOLA — An East Texas woman who helped argue the original Roe vs. Wade case before the Supreme Court reflects on the court’s reversal of the 1973 decision. Linda Coffee is now 79 years old and lives in Mineola. She and Sarah Weddington represented Norma McCorvey, then known as “Jane Roe”, in the court case filed in Dallas. Coffee says “it’s going to make it, at a minimum, a lot more expensive for women who want to have an abortion.” Texas already bans abortions past six weeks or after a fetal heartbeat is detected. The state’s “trigger” law will ban abortions entirely except in rare cases when the mother’s life is in danger, 30 days after the Supreme Court releases its official judgement on Roe v. Wade. She also sees “almost never-ending lawsuits” resulting from Friday’s landmark decision.

TYLER — A man is dead and another is critically injured after a shooting that occurred in Tyler Saturday evening. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday, at around 9 p.m., Tyler Police officers responded to a shooting on North Moore Avenue. There, they found two victims with apparent gunshot wounds, who were identified as 25-year-old Cameron Price and 24-year-old Jabraylon Franklin, both of Tyler. The two were then taken to local hospitals, where Franklin succumbed to his injuries and where Price remains in critical condition. Tyler Police said that the alleged shooter later turned himself in to officers and was identified as 39-year-old Larry Taylor, of Tyler. Continue reading Suspect in fatal Tyler shooting turns himself in

SMITH COUNTY — A suspect is in custody after a high-speed pursuit through Smith and Wood counties on Friday evening. According to our news partner KETK, a Facebook post from Smith County Pct. 4 Constable Josh Joplin, a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop at around 8:20 p.m. Friday evening for a “moving traffic violation” on a Maroon Ford Ranger on FM 14 in Red Springs. When the driver refused to stop, the deputy began to pursue the vehicle, leading the driver to flee at “excessive speeds” northbound on FM 14. As the truck continued driving north, the suspect eventually crossed onto Highway 80 in Wood County. Continue reading Constable chases suspect through Smith, Wood counties

EAST TEXAS — The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had provided a constitutional right to abortion. Friday’s ruling is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, authored the “Heartbeat Bill” which requires that a physician performing an abortion first check for a fetal heartbeat. If there is a heartbeat, the physician may not abort the child. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill into law in May.

Hughes released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s RvW decision: “Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed our nation’s constitutional foundation of respect for life by finally correcting a decision that has wrongly ruled for almost 50 years. I commend the Court for refusing to be bullied and for deciding the outcome based on the rightful application of the law rather than on fealty to a lawless ruling. Continue reading Senator Hughes weighs in on Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade

WHITEHOUSE — The city of Whitehouse has released a schedule for voluntary irrigation reduction, which will go into effect immediately, according to our news partner KETK. “Like all retail water providers in Texas, the City of Whitehouse has a drought contingency plan that outlines factors that trigger different stages of water restrictions,” the city said in a release. With the lack of rain expected to continue, combined with the spikes in usage on the weekends, the demand on the water system is likely to be significant. The city added that while they have not reached any thresholds that require mandatory reductions in water usage, they reached a threshold this week that warrants requesting voluntary compliance in order to alleviate demand on the water system. Continue reading City of Whitehouse implements voluntary irrigation reduction schedule

SMITH COUNTY — A man was shot and injured just outside of Tyler early Friday afternoon when he allegedly tried to confront a homeowner in his front yard. It happened just before 1:00 Friday afternoon on Mary Ann Street. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Sheriff Deputies received a call advising that a man had confronted the caller in the front yard of his residence and attacked him. During the altercation, the caller allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the man in the abdomen multiple times. Upon arrival, deputies reportedly found the injured man standing on the front porch of the residence, allegedly attempting to enter the caller’s home. Continue reading Man shot numerous times during dispute at Smith County residence

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A man was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Cherokee County for burglary of habitation, according to our news partner KETK. Anthony Wayne Brooks was convicted for this offense on Thursday in the 2nd Judicial District Court. The burglary happened in September, and a witness said Brooks put items from a home into the back of a truck and then drove away, according to Elmer C. Beckworth, the Cherokee County District Attorney. A jury convicted Brooks after about an hour of deliberations. Brooks also asked for the jury to decide his punishment. The jury decided on a 12 year sentence, and had been informed that Brooks had four previous felony convictions. 2nd Judicial District Judge Chris Day then finalized the sentencing. Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Richey and Assistant District Attorney Enoch Basnett represented the prosecution in this case, and Brooks’ lawyer was Sravanesh Muralidhar.

EAST TEXAS — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert’s name came up during Thursday’s hearing of the January 6th Committee. In a taped deposition, former Trump White House aid Cassidy Hutchinson said Gohmert was one of several Congressional Republicans who sought a presidential pardon following the attack on the US Capitol. Rice University Political Scientist Mark Jones notes Gohmert gave up his Congressional seat to run for Texas Attorney General. Jones said, “From a pardon perspective, when you’re not a member of Congress, you have a greater need for a pardon…you’re not protected by your office.” Other members who allegedly asked for a pardon include representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona, Matt Gaetz of Florida and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. Continue reading East Texas Congressman responds after he’s mentioned during Capitol riot hearing

ATHENS — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has a located and arrested a suspect who authorities say confronted deputies with a rifle. According to our news partner KETK, HCSO investigators were at a residence on West College Street in Athens recovering a stolen vehicle when Raymond Loden allegedly confronted them with a rifle. According to officials, Loden pointed the rifle at investigators and an investigator fired a shot at Loden. The sheriff’s office said he ran away from the scene but was later caught.The Trinity Valley Community College Athens campus was given an all-clear after being evacuated following a lockdown due to the manhunt.

TYLER — The Chandler man who has been accused of intoxicated manslaughter for the fiery wreck near the Tyler airport in December has been given a trial date. Daniel Guadalupe Juarez, 39, has been given a plea date of Sept. 19 and will go to trial on Oct. 3. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond. Juarez allegedly lost control of his car on the wet road, crossed over the center line, and collided with 54-year-old Dennis Criner of Tyler. Both were taken to UT Health for their injuries, where Criner later succumbed to his. According to our news partner KETK, Juarez faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.

BULLARD – The City of Bullard canceled its July 4 “Blast Over Bullard” event on Thursday, citing Cherokee County’s burn ban and drought-like conditions as the cause. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Acknowledging that the decision was “difficult,” city officials said in a statement, “Our primary concern is always to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our events.” The city said officials understand the inconvenience the cancellation of the annual fireworks show causes, and that they are deeply sorry that they are no longer able to execute the event. Troup, Marshall, and Chandler have also canceled their July 4 events.

EAST TEXAS — More counties in East Texas are under burn bans due to current weather conditions. According to our news partner KETK, those already included Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Panola, Upshur, and Van Zandt Counties. Now Harrison County is on the list, issuing a ban for unincorporated areas. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, those who violate burn bans could be fined up to $500. Officials say that residents should not make campfires or burn trash, wood, or other items during a burn ban.