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LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, Longview district leaders celebrated the beginning of construction for three new buildings and finally bringing the project to life after voters approved a $456,000,000 bond in 2024. The district is waiting on permits from the city to continue with construction plans, the estimated completion date is 2027.

The three projects include: A Multi-Purpose Facility, a Natatorium and a Career and Technology Center. The Multipurpose Center will feature air-conditioned practice fields, a batting cage and a Lobo Gift Shop. Every aspect of this building will be student-operated, from the concessions to the outdoor garden maintenance. In fact, there will even be a fully student-operated bank.

Additionally, the Career and Technology Center will be expanded all the way past the current parking lot. It will offer new engineering classrooms, mock court room experiences, and a nursing facility. Continue reading Longview breaks ground on new high school facilities

LINDALE – Our news partner KETK is reporting that Lindale ISD Superintendent Stan Surratt has expressed concerns about Gov. Greg Abbott’s proposal to eliminate the property taxes that fund Texas public schools. Abbott visited Tyler on Wednesday to announce a five-point plan to lower property taxes. On top of limiting how much local governments can spend, Abbott also proposed needing a two-thirds majority to pass future tax increases, which Surratt called undemocratic.

“Obviously, the first concern is are our public schools going to be properly funded in the future?” Surratt asked. “Of course, everybody wants taxes to go down, but you’ve got to have the revenue source to pay for our schools and other things, counties, roads, whatever it may be. Of course, he did not give that option, how we would properly fund schools in the future if we do away with local property taxes?”

“The devil’s in the details, and concerning if you do away with our property taxes, how are those bonds paid that people already paid for, and so I think he’s talking about the M and O property tax, the day-to-day operations. The bonding indebtedness, the INS property taxes, those would continue,” Surratt said. “He did mention a two-thirds majority vote for future bonds. I guess he doesn’t believe in the democratic process. More than 50% decide on something, so that’s alarming. That doesn’t seem like a democracy when you have two-thirds of the people deciding something.” Continue reading Lindale superintendent responds to Abbott’s tax proposal

TYLER – Nine East Texas hospitals have been given “A” safety ratings for the Fall of 2025, which is four fewer than the 13 “A” ratings in the Fall of 2024. According to our news partner KETK, the Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit that evaluates hospitals across the country., twice yearly. They study hospitals to learn how many errors, injuries, accidents, and infections they have, before rating them on an A-F scale, with A being the safest.

“The Leapfrog Group was founded 25 years ago to improve American health care through transparency, and the Safety Grade has been a cornerstone of that effort,” president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group Leah Binder said. “As we mark this milestone year, for the first time, we’re looking at how consolidation impacts patient safety. We want to understand if system leadership accelerates patient safety or not.”
Continue reading East Texas hospitals get fall safety ratings

LUFKIN – Lufkin Middle School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning after officials received a report that a student have a firearm on campus.

According to the Lufkin ISD, school administrators immediately enacted the secure protocol upon receiving the report. The campus remained in secure status for around 35 minutes while law enforcement and administrators conducted their investigation. Following the investigation, the report was determined to be false and no weapons or firearms were found on campus.

TYLER – On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the City Council approved a resolution supporting a TxDOT project for the replacement of the aging Boldt Avenue bridge over Black Fork Creek while completing repairs on the bridge at Old Bullard Road over West Mud Creek, Tributary C. Together, the projects will improve safety and extend the lifespan of two important neighborhood crossings in South Tyler. Continue reading City partnership with TxDOT paves way for bridge repairs

HAWKINS – A Hawkins City Council election’s results have been overturned after over 100 ballots cast in the race for the Place 5 seat were ruled as invalid because voters did not sign a voter roster to certify that they were eligible to cast a ballot. Smith County 475th District Court Judge Taylor Heaton ruled that the election is now void, and the seat will be empty.

TYLER — Governor Greg Abbott stopped in Tyler on Wednesday afternoon to discuss his plans to reduce property taxes and strengthen support for local businesses across the state. Abbott outlined a five-point plan aimed at lowering property taxes for Texans and emphasized his commitment to help small businesses by reducing government regulations and reducing costs.

The governor was joined by several East Texas lawmakers, including Rep. Daniel Alders, Rep. Jay Dean, Rep. Cole Hefner, Rep. Brent Money and Rep. Joanne Shofner, along with other local officials.

On Sunday, Abbott launched his campaign for a fourth term as governor, unveiling new proposals aimed at curbing local property tax increases. This comes shortly after Texas voters approved two constitutional amendments in the November election designed to provide additional property tax relief to homeowners. Continue reading Governor Abbott campaigns in Tyler

LONGVIEW – On Thursday, November 6, 2025, at approximately 5:00 pm, Smith County Deputies received a report of a sexual offense involving a child. Smith County CAC Investigators were immediately notified of the case and began their investigation. The child (victim) and mother were interviewed, which ultimately resulted in identifying the suspect as Kayvionta Patterson – 25 of Longview. After establishing probable cause, Smith County Investigators prepared an arrest affidavit and presented it to the Honorable 114th State District Judge Reeve Jackson. After reviewing the affidavit, Judge Jackson issued a warrant of arrest for the criminal offense of Aggravated Sexual assault of a Child with a bond set at $750,000. Continue reading Suspect arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child

TYLER – Veterans Day is the time we honor the men and women who fought for our freedom. On Tuesday, KETK had the opportunity to meet a local hero who served the nation for over three decades. Colonel Junior Tilley served more than 30 years in the United States Air Force, but service was not his original plan. Tilley recalls the time when his life unexpectedly changed and set him on a heroic path.

“I was 18 years old, and offered a free physical in Dallas.” Tilley said, “While there, we quoted these words, which at the time I didn’t know what they were, but they were the oath to join the military.”

Tilley began his career at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, later serving overseas in Germany as a ‘Medical Resource Manager’ in medical services.
Continue reading Air Force veteran honored for over 30 years of service

TYLER — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was in Tyler Wednesday for a Texas Taxpayer Empowerment event, just days after officially announcing his reelection campaign in Houston over the weekend.

According to our news partner KETK, Abbott is expected to outline his plan to empower Texas taxpayers and provide property tax relief. His plan would give voters more power to decide whether to eliminate certain property taxes altogether. The governor will be joined by several East Texas lawmakers, including Rep. Daniel Alders, Rep. Jay Dean, Rep. Cole Hefner, Rep. Brent Money and Rep. Joanne Shofner, along with other local officials.

On Sunday, Abbott launched his campaign for a fourth term as governor, unveiling new proposals aimed at curbing local property tax increases. This comes shortly after Texas voters approved two constitutional amendments in the November election designed to provide additional property tax relief to homeowners. Continue reading Abbott to reveal new property tax reform plan

TYLER — A former Lindale daycare worker has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple counts of injury to a child. According to our news partner KETK, Catherine Elizabeth Guziejka, 45, was arrested in October 2023 while working at Punkin’ Doodles Day Care. Surveillance footage captured Guziejka assaulting six children under her care. According to an affidavit, the footage revealed approximately 100 incidents involving the assaults.

Guziejka was booked into the Smith County Jail on Oct. 30, 2024 and later pleaded guilty to six counts of injury to a child. As part of her plea agreement, she received a 10-year sentence for each count. Her sentences will run concurrently, resulting in a total of 10 years in prison.

TYLER – On Wednesday, Nov. 12, Tyler City Council approved an agreement with Via Transportation, Inc. to provide passenger trip assistance for MicroTransit and ParaTransit services. This agreement allows independent contractors to operate in their own vehicles, providing coverage for overflow services in a model that combines the efficiency and affordability of public transit with the convenience of rideshare services. The independent contractors will begin driving for Tyler Transit on Nov. 19. This agreement will enable Tyler Transit to meet the growing need for its on-demand rides, particularly during peak ridership times when City-operated vehicles are fully scheduled. Continue reading City approves Via partnership for Tyler Transit

SMITH COUNTY – Habitat for Humanity of Smith County (HFHSC) is now accepting applications for its affordable homeownership program through January 30, 2026. Homeownership is becoming increasingly out of reach for local families. In fact, the required income to purchase a home in Smith County has risen 126% since 2017 (Texas A&M University, Texas Real Estate Research Center). Yet research also shows that when families are able to become homeowners, the impact is transformational—U.S. homeowners hold 400% more net wealth than renters with similar demographics and income (Federal Reserve System).

“Research consistently shows that when families have access to safe, stable and affordable housing, their health improves, financial stress decreases, and children perform better in school,” said Robert Manley III, CEO of HFHSC. “We believe affordable housing is not just a benefit to one family, but that it strengthens the entire community. A healthier, more stable Smith County starts with ensuring more families have a safe place to call home.” Continue reading Habitat for Humanity application window is open

ANDERSON COUNTY – A company from the Dallas area is suing the local groundwater conservation district for impeding the installation of forty-three high-capacity water wells in East Texas. This year, the proposed project, which was supported by Conservation Equity Management and its CEO Kyle Bass, angered East Texans. One state lawmaker even attempted to halt the project during a special session. Bass has maintained that the company’s objective is to determine the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer’s water content before starting to extract from its depths.

The Groundwater District did not respond to requests for comment. The Dallas Morning News and The Texas Lawbook were the first to report on the lawsuit.

In April 2025, the Neches & Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District declared the applications to be “administratively complete,” which is a legal term that indicates they were properly completed. By completing that step, the project was one step closer to receiving district approval. Continue reading Stalled water plans lead to lawsuit

TATUM – The Tatum City Council met on Monday night and the first item on their agenda was reviewing formal complaints and concerns raised against chief of police James Smith.

Leading up to the meeting, council members received an anonymous email from concerned citizens asking them to review past conduct from their police chief and asking what the council will do to restore public trust. The city’s mayor responded with his own email saying he will bring all facts forward, but the council will have the final decision.

Following the closed-door executive session, the council voted on the four written complaints against Chief Smith, deciding unanimously to take no action on three complaints. The city council acted on the fourth complaint, voting for a hard verbal warning and directing him to take a class.

“Because it is a personal concern, we are exempt from discussing that in open session, so at that point, we will adjourn to executive session, council will discuss the matters in regards to the complaints,” Mayor Michael Henry said.

Chief John Smith declined to provide a comment to our news partner KETK.

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities are investigating an entrapment involving a cement mixer that occurred in Smith County on Monday evening.

According to our news partner KETK and the Community Outreach Coordinator for Smith County ESD2, Nikki Simmons, the incident occurred on County Road 3181 and FM 14 in Lindale. Simmons also confirmed that smoke was coming from one of the vehicles. Simmons confirmed injuries have been reported.

CANTON — Canton ISD is working with local law enforcement after a school bus was involved in a crash on Monday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK and Canton ISD all students were checked by school personnel and emergency responders, and no injuries were reported. Canton ISD said they are working closely with laws enforcement to investigate the incident and that safety is their top priority.

Anyone with questions or concerns regarding the incident can reach out to Canton ISD Administrative Office at 903-567-4179.

SMITH COUNTY — Non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. According to a news release, Commissioners Court will not be held on Tuesday. There will be a Special-Called Commissioners Court meeting at 9:30 a.m. Friday, November 14, to canvass the results of the November 4 Special Election.

“Smith County closes for Veterans Day to honor all of the men and women who have served in the United States military,” the release stated.

Smith County has more than 100 employees who are veterans, serving the community through their positions in the Commissioners Court, Fire Marshal’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Road and Bridge Department, Juvenile Services Department, IT Department, Facility Services Department, Veteran Services Office, County Court-at-Law 3, Precincts 1, 3 and 4 Constable’s Offices, Tax Office and Judicial Compliance/Collections Department. Continue reading Smith County closes offices Tuesday

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office seized around 38 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, a deputy stopped a 2024 black GMC pickup truck on Friday while on Interstate 20. During the stop, the deputy discovered around 38 pounds of marijuana in bags inside the truck.

Malcom Hampton, 30, of Louisiana, was identified by the sheriff’s office as the driver of the truck. He was arrested and booked into the Van Zandt County Jail on a charge of possession of marijuana between 5 and 50 pounds.

The sheriff’s office connected the arrest with their criminal interdiction program. Continue reading 38 pounds of marijuana seized in traffic stop

BIG SANDY – Our news partners at KETK report the City of Big Sandy issued a burn ban on Monday, effective immediately. Mayor Linda Baggett announced the order on Monday, reinstating the restriction several days after the city lifted its previous burn ban on Oct. 31. Under the new declaration, all forms of outdoor burning are prohibited within the incorporated city limits until further notice.

PANOLA COUNTY — A 4-year-old boy has been shot in the leg after discharging a pistol. According to the Panola County Sheriff’s Office, on Saturday at around 5:39 p.m., the sheriff’s office dispatch received a 911 call from a parent who said their spouse was taking their child to an emergency room for “an unknown problem.” When law enforcement arrived, they found the 4-year-old being treated for a gunshot wound to the leg. “The father and child were preparing to leave a deer stand near Ragley Road (County Road 182) when the child discharged the pistol that the father was carrying in a holster,” the sheriff’s office said. Continue reading Toddler shot in Panola County hunting incident

LUFKIN – Our news partner KETK is reporting that two people were sent to a local hospital on Sunday after a crash at Loop 287 and U.S. Highway 59.

According to Lufkin PD, the feeder lanes at Loop 287 and U.S. 59 south were shut down after two trucks crashed at around 2 p.m. on Sunday near the Palms Shopping Center.

A Lufkin PD post said that two people involved in the crash have been taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The roadway was cleared and reopened by 4 p.m. on Sunday.

GREGG COUNTY — The Kilgore Fire Department and Gregg County Emergency Services District 2 responded to a grass fire burning a pasture off of FM 3053 on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, firefighters at the scene reported that hay bales were burned in a pasture in the 1400 block of FM 3053. The road was closed at around 4 p.m. on Sunday but has been reopened since Kilgore Fire Department left the scene.

“We advise that anyone burning outside have a way to extinguish their fire as the fire risk is very high over the next several days with increased winds and low humidity,” Sabine Fire & Rescue said.

The Texas A&M Forest Service said the 10.2-acre fire was around 100% contained as of 4:59 p.m.

Tyler – Smith County Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Andy Dunklin will announce his re-election campaign in the March 2026 Republican primary. The campaign kick-off will be on Tuesday, November 11, at 9:00 AM at The Place on Main at Solon Douglas & Co in Bullard. Judge Dunklin will make a formal address regarding his bid for re-election at the Campaign Kick-Off. Continue reading Dunklin to announce for re-election

LUFKIN — Our news partners at KETK report that a man is dead after a Thursday night shooting in the 200 block of Bowles Street in Lufkin. The Lufkin Police Department said gunshots were reported at around 10:40 p.m., and when officers arrived at the scene, they located a man “who had been shot multiple times.” Despite attempts to save his life, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect has been identified as 49-year-old DeMarcus Jones, who has since been charged with murder for the death of Tyrone Williams. Continue reading One dead after Thursday night shooting

MOUNT PLEASANT – Our news partners at KETK report that a former Mount Pleasant ISD (MPISD) special education teacher’s aide, Jaquaven Rogers, was arrested on Friday for allegedly having an improper relationship with a student. According to the Mount Pleasant Police Department (MPPD), MPISD was told about an alleged improper relationship Friday morning. The district contacted MPPD and detectives arrived on campus to investigate the allegations. Probable cause led to Rogers’ arrest at P.E. Wallace Middle School. Rogers is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student from a different Mount Pleasant ISD campus, according to Mount Pleasant PD. Continue reading Teacher’s aide arrested for child sex crimes

LONGVIEW — Our news partners at KETK report that a Longview man arrested in connection with a deadly 2023 shooting has pleaded guilty to murder and been sentenced to 25 years in jail. According to court records, 45-year-old Michael Dashaun Jackson entered a guilty plea Friday morning in the 188th District Court for the murder of Martin King, 45. The incident occurred in May 2023, when Longview police were called to the 1300 block of Twelfth Street after reports of gunfire. Officers found King lying on the side of the road suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Following an investigation, Jackson was identified as a suspect and later arrested and booked into the Gregg County Jail for murder. As part of his guilty plea, Jackson received a 25-year sentence that he will serve in the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

KILGORE – Our news partners at KETK report a Kilgore ISD student was struck in a hit-and-run on Friday morning. The school district stated that the student was waiting to be picked up for school by a bus when the incident occurred. The hit-and-run happened at the intersection of CR 2105 and CR 2106 at around 6:15 a.m., the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. The student was struck by a “dark colored vehicle,” and no other description has been provided at this time. The Kilgore Police Department said the student was treated by EMS on scene before being taken to a local hospital.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Tax Office is mailing out 186,349 property tax statements. This week, 168,378 bills were mailed out, and another 17,971 statements will be mailed next week to residents who live in the Whitehouse Independent School District area. January 31, 2026, is the deadline for paying property taxes. Payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement — it will take you directly to the payment page on your account.

“It has been a game changer in how people pay their property taxes,” Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said of adding the QR code. “If you want to skip the long lines at the Tax Office, I highly recommend you pay online.”

Taxpayers can click here to pay their tax bills with debit or credit card or e-check, which is the easiest and fastest way to pay.

The tax statements mailed and online reflect the new homestead exemptions that were approved in the statewide Constitutional Amendment Election. Continue reading County property taxes mailed to residents

GLADEWATER – After a Dallas investigation, a former Gladewater Police officer was taken into custody and charged with indecency with a minor.

Kenan Robert Laza, 29 of Longview, was taken into custody and charged with indecency with a child, a third-degree felony.

According to a release, Gladewater Police Chief Kyle Ready stated that the Dallas Police Department initially called at approximately 5 p.m. on Thursday to inform him that Laza had been taken into custody at his home.

A release states that Chief Ready arrived at Laza’s house and fired immediately. In order to guarantee that justice is served “to the fullest extent of the law,” the department stated that they are working in tandem with the Dallas Police Department during an investigation.