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RUSK — More than a month has passed since 57-year-old David Blount disappeared in Cherokee County, leaving his family in a daily struggle for answers amid growing heartache. With no leads, family members said law enforcement does not know where to search anymore and are now urging people to come forward with any information.

Jessica Blount and Justin Blount, David’s niece and nephew spoke with KETK News and mentioned that David would sometimes go for periods without communicating with family members. However, this time it raised immediate red flags. Family members said David goes on fishing trips to Lake Striker but always lets his neighbor know to watch his home. His red truck was discovered along the Neches River four days after he went missing. His family found it strange since he typically fished at lakes rather than rivers and no fishing pole was found in his truck.

Additionally, a kayak was located, but they mentioned that he hadn’t gone kayaking in years. Continue reading Blount’s family pleads for information

JACKSONVILLE – Friday, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotic search for narcotics at a home located in rural Jacksonville. Investigators saw 43-year-old Jessica Wolf smoking methamphetamine during a video visit with an inmate currently in the county jail. Deputies searched the residence and found 46 grams of methamphetamine, marijuana and a firearm.

Wolf was arrested for possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Bond was set on all three charges for a total of $651,000.00.

TYLER – January is Cervical Health Awareness Month and Cervical Cancer Screening Month. Dr. Daren Yeager, board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with UT Health East Texas Physicians, shares five things to know about this important topic.

Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV, which is a very common virus spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. While many HPV infections clear on their own, some high-risk types can lead to cervical cancer if not monitored.

Screening is recommended for people with a cervix starting at age 21. Pap tests are typically done every three years, while HPV testing may be done every five years for those over 30. A healthcare provider can recommend the best schedule based on individual health history. Continue reading Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

HARRISON COUNTY — After nearly half a decade of evading law enforcement, a fugitive wanted on multiple felony charges involving a child is now behind bars. According to reports from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Eusebio Martinez Padron after he allegedly spent roughly five years avoiding arrest for sex crimes against children.

Authorities say the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) alerted local deputies that Padron was believed to be hiding in Harrison County. Acting on that information, deputies searched the area around Lee Circle, where they located and arrested him. Padron was taken into custody without incident and booked on three felony warrants out of North Carolina, including alleged incest with a child under 13, first-degree statutory rape, and indecent liberties with a child.

The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office credited the successful arrest to strong coordination between local deputies and out-of-state investigators.

HARRISON COUNTY — Authorities are searching for suspects involved in a high-speed chase that went through Harrison County last week.

According to our news partner KETK and the Longview Police Department, the pursuit began on Jan.15 after a white Dodge Charger and a gray Dodge Challenger reached speeds exceeding 100 mph on Interstate 20. As the chase continued, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office was alerted and joined the pursuit, going eastbound on I-20.

Witnesses reported that one of the Chargers exited the interstate in Waskom, where deputies later found the vehicle abandoned. The vehicle was towed for processing, and authorities are currently investigating.

No suspects have yet been identified, and a report has been filed regarding the incident.

ANGELINA COUNTY – Two people were arrested after a months-long investigation uncovered a drug manufacturing operation in Houston County. According to our news partner and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, officials learned information that pointed to Darryl Dewayne Mask, 24 of Lufkin, selling fentanyl pills. The sheriff’s office then did a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Mask, who had directed them to meet him at the Lufkin Middle School parking lot while school was in session.

A warrant for his arrest was executed at his apartment on Daniel McCall Drive near Lufkin. Deputies approached Mask while he was in his vehicle and placed him under arrest. According to the sheriff’s office, a Taurus .40 caliber pistol, K-2 and cocaine were recovered from Mask’s vehicle. The sheriff’s office stated that evidence found during the investigation indicated a fentanyl pill manufacturing operation was located in Houston County. This operation was on property owned by Adriyel Demille Mask, situated between Ratcliff and Kennard off County Road 4700.

A search warrant was secured for Mask’s property and the Houston County Sheriff’s office was notified. Houston County deputies began watching the residence on Mask’s property. Continue reading Fentanyl pill press uncovered

PALESTINE — East Texans may soon have a new opportunity to change careers without returning to school. The Bitcoin Mining Institute (BMI) has announced plans to establish a location in Palestine, where they will hire technicians to repair computers used in bitcoin mining. According to our news partner KETK, Chief Executive Officer Tyler Schmill announced that their offices will undergo construction for the next six months. They will begin hiring at least 20 technicians and plan to hire a total of 350 employees over the next five years.

Schmill said people do not need prior experience in cryptocurrency, information technology or data center management before starting work there. Continue reading BMI develops job opportunities

LONGVIEW – Longview firefighters responded to a fire that left three people displaced from their home on East Marshall Avenue on Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Fire Department, responded to a report of structure fire in the 2000 block of East Marshall Avenue, near Sonic at around 9:23 p.m. The firefighters arriving at the scene found a home fully on fire and Longview FD said the fire did around $94,000 in damage before it was put out.

Three occupants from the home and three dogs were displaced because of the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation but fire officials said investigators do not suspect foul play was involved. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call the Longview Fire Department at 903-237-1119.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Animal Care and Adoption Center is asking for the public’s help finding whoever trapped four cats in a crate and dumped them along Cargill Long Park Trail. According to the center, the bright pink cage the cats were zip tied was first reported to the center by walkers on the Cargill Long Park Trail on Friday morning. Adoption center officers found the crate in a ditch off of the trail in an area between Hollybrook Drive and Eden Drive.

The crate was found upside down and locked shut with a zip tie. The four cats were cramped inside with no way out, leaving them covered in their own waste, according to the adoption center. The center said two of the cats are around a year old and the other two are around eight months old. The cats, which are now named Ginger, Sporty, Baby and Posh, are currently receiving medical care are not available for adoption yet. Continue reading Cats found trapped in crate, dumped

MARSHALL — Peregrine Energy Solutions is building a battery energy storage facility in East Texas. The $400 million facility will be built on 42 acres near the intersection of 3251 and Fyffe Cutoff near Marshall. Peregrine will also provide specialized fire safety training for local first responders.

According to our news partner KETK, Marshall Economic Development is touting the project as one of the largest private investments in county history.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, and operations are slated to begin in 2028.

Although the project is outside Marshall’s city limits, Peregrine’s property tax contributions will support Marshall ISD. Continue reading $400M battery storage project planned

TENNESSEE COLONY – Five staff members from the George Beto Unit state prison near Tennessee Colony have been relieved of duty after a recent altercation left a prisoner injured. According to our news partner KETK and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), an inmate allegedly assaulted a correctional officer on Jan. 6. After the assault, a second altercation occurred between staff members and the inmate.

The correctional officer assaulted was then medically treated at a facility outside of the prison while the inmate was given medical care from inside of the prison. The extent of those injuries was not publicly released. Five staff members from the Beto Unit were relieved of their duty after the incident, according to the TDCJ. The unit was not placed on lockdown following the altercation but the TDCJ did state that part of the prison restricted movement for a time.