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TYLER — The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns have officially started. According to our news partner KETK, the start of the iconic bell-ringing fundraiser kicked off Thursday. The organization said donations to the red kettles stay local and will help East Texans. This year’s fundraising goal is $400,000, with money going to their nonprofits programs like housing assistance, their shelter addiction recovery program and soup kitchen. Captain Jeremy Walker said he has no doubts they’ll meet that goal. “I think we live in one of the best communities in the world,” Walker said. “We love East Texas, we love Smith County, and every time that there’s a need, fine media partners like you help us put that word out there. This community always seems to rally behind us.” You can also adopt an angel from their Angel Tree. Angels on the tree represent local children who need clothing and toys for Christmas.

VAN ZANDNT COUNTY — A woman pleaded guilty on Thursday after stealing money from a Canton church. According to our news partner KETK, in March, Donna Cory Drake was indicted on a second-degree felony charge of theft from Lakeside Baptist Church where she was accused of taking between $30,000 to $150,000 between October 2018 and September 2022. Drake pleaded guilty to the second degree felony on Thursday. 294th District Court Judge Chris Martin sentenced her to five years community supervision and she was ordered to pay a restitution of $137,386.35. Martin said as part of her plea agreement, Drake cannot apply for non-disclosure of her criminal records. According to Van Zandt County District Attorney Tonda Curry, if Drake violates the terms of her plea agreement, she can face up to 20 years in prison.

LUFKIN – The Ellen Trout Zoo in Lukfin announced that Paddy, a female white rhinoceros died Wednesday night at the zoo. According to our news partner KETK, she died after contracting a bacterial disease. Paddy became part of the zoo in 2014 as a mate for Bwana. Texas A&M University is performing a necropsy to determine the precise cause of death. Paddy was 28 years old when she died.

ATHENS – Dozens of community members were inside the Athens ISD Administration Building for nearly five hours regarding the school board’s decision whether to terminate educator Jennifer Risinger at a special meeting on Wednesday. The district found Risinger broke several school policies in answering a plea from a student that she claimed needed help. Before the board went into executive session, people shared their feelings. “I can honestly say I’m embarrassed to be a Hornet,” said one student. Continue reading Athens school board terminates educator

TYLER — On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the City Council accepted a donation of $67,000.00 to erect a new memorial heart bell pavilion with a bench and plaque on the south end of the Rose Rudman/South Tyler Trail System. The Lella family donated the funds to erect a memorial pavilion in honor of a beloved family member who passed away from heart disease. The structure will be similar to the existing Tyler Cancer Bell pavilion located at the north end of the Rose Rudman Trail System. “Part of planning for our future is honoring our past,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Leanne Robinette. “We’re honored that the Lella family wants to remember not only their family member but other patients, families, and caregivers on our trails.” Continue reading Tyler receives donation for park memorial

TYLER — Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips and her son Derek were indicted last week for interfering with public duties. According to our news partner KETK, the charges stem from an incident in March where officials said Karen and Derek tried to interfere with the traffic stop of Derek’s friend. Bodycam footage captured the incident, showing a long dispute before their arrests. Derek was additionally indicted for resisting arrest or transport and evading arrest/detention. The indictments were handed down by a grand jury on Nov. 2. Interfering with public duties is a Class B Misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.

SMITH COUNTY — A Waco man was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Tuesday for charges related to the 2020 shooting death of a man in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, Joshua Tibbits, 32, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity in connection to the 2020 shooting death of a motorcyclist. Smith County officials at the time said 33-year-old Brandon Edwards was riding his motorcycle when he was shot and three men, including Tibbits, were arrested and identified as gang members. According to an arrest warrant, Edwards was wearing a jacket that depicted him as a member of the Cossacks Motorcycle Club and security footage showed a truck chasing Edwards near where he was killed. Tibbit’s trial began on Oct. 30, and he was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity on Tuesday. Later that same day, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison.

LINDALE — The Lindale Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying people who have repeatedly littered at the Lindale City Cemetery according to our news partners at KETK. Police said the first time they found “general trash” at the end of the driveway. The second time, police reportedly found two high backed bar chairs halfway down the driveway. Tuesday, police found a cabinet with two parts on top of a grave. “Illegal dumping is a big problem, but doing on graves is very disrespectful,” Lindale PD said in a statement. Lindale PD asks anyone who recognizes the items or who might have dumped it, to call them at 903-882-3313.

SMITH COUNTY — Non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed Friday, November 10, 2023, in observance of Veterans Day. County offices will reopen on Monday, November 13, for normal business hours. The Commissioners Court on Tuesday adopted a resolution proclaiming Saturday, November 11, 2023, as Veterans Day in Smith County, thanking all County employees who are veterans, as well as all veterans in the community, who have selflessly and courageously served our country to protect our freedoms. Smith County has at least 80 employees who are veterans, serving the community through their positions in county. Thank you all for your service to our country and our county!

LONGVIEW — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced that a Longview man pleaded guilty to two felony charges brought after he attended the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Taylor Nichols, 32, of Longview, plead guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, according to a press release. U.S. District Judge Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth has reportedly accepted the plea and Nichols has been remanded into custody of law enforcement. The plea agreement hearing took place Nov. 7. Nichols had rejected previous plea deal offers from government prosecutors. Continue reading Longview man pleads guilty to Capitol riot charges

EAST TEXAS — The unofficial results from the November 7 election are in. More than a dozen proposed Texas constitutional amendments were on the ballot Tuesday, addressing laws on everything from property taxes and water projects to preventing what some call “wealth taxes.” Continue reading Election results for November 7

ANDERSON Co. – According to a preliminary investigation, a 2001 Ford F-150 Pickup operated by Terry McMillian, 49 of Seagoville, was traveling west on US 175 when he struck 67 year old Frankston native Russell Warrington. Warrington was stationary on a bicycle in the eastbound lane of US 175. This investigation is ongoing, and no additional information is available. Warrington was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Gary Thomas. McMillian was not wearing a seat belt.

TYLER – The woman who died in a mobile home fire early Sunday has been identified as Jimmie Crossland Finn, 71 of Tyler. On Sunday November 5, 2023, at about 2:45 a.m., the Smith County Emergency Communications Center received a call reporting a mobile home on fire in the 11100 Block of Spur 248, Tyler. Continue reading Woman who died in Sunday fire identified

HENDERSON — On Monday, the Eastex Telephone Cooperative was awarded $25,000,000 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand broadband in Cherokee county. According to our news partner KETK, the award is expected to connect more than 1,200 homes and around 200 farms. “Our mission is to make sure every rural American is served. That’s the place where our emphasis is,” said Andy Berke, administrator, USDA Rural Utilities Service. Under the federal reconnect program, Eastex will be able to install and provide fiber infrastructure. “You can sell the goods you’re making in Chicago or New York from East Texas. You can study wherever you want from East Texas, or go see a doctor from this. There’s so much opportunity open to you by this,” said Berke. The fiber network monthly cost will be kept low for anyone who qualifies. Continue reading USDA awards Cherokee County $25M towards broadband fiber

ATHENS — The Athens Police Department arrested a man after a money dispute reportedly led to the death of another man. According to our news partner KETK, on Nov. 3, APD officers were dispatched to a disturbance on the 900 block of East Lane Street where people were calling for help and pointing to an unconscious man laying on the ground. Officers then rendered CPR until the EMS arrived. Officers reportedly interviewed witnesses who described the disturbance that began when the suspect, Brayan Castro Castellanos, 28, walked over to a residence to collect money. Police said an argument began between the two men that led to a physical fight. The victim “was knocked off the porch onto his head, which was the unconscious male APD found upon arrival,” according to police. Continue reading Suspect charged with homicide following money dispute

SMITH COUNTY — The Justice Department announced Monday that Smith County was one of four Texas counties found to be in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, stating that their elections website is not accessible to people with certain disabilities. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County received a public letter dated Nov. 6, one day before Election Day, along with Colorado County, Runnels County and Upton County, detailing the DOJ’s findings. The DOJ said they found the websites “are not accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision, or who cannot grasp a mouse, and use screen readers, keyboards or other assistive technology.” The investigation was launched in response to a complaint about accessibility of the website. Continue reading Election website deemed ‘inaccessible’ for disabled

TYLER — ampV’s flagship building will now be known as the Campbell and Snow Veterans Resource Center following a ceremony on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the building was renamed in honor of Susan Campbell and Jim Snow, who co-founded CampV in 2017. In the past four years, CampV had more than 16,000 appointments aiming to help service members and their families. “It was Jim Snow and Susan Campbell that came together in a Starbucks parking lot, in a Starbucks of all places, and wrote down on a napkin a one-stop shop idea for veteran services here in East Texas,” said Jim Gladhill, CampV executive director. Campbell and Snow said there were a lot of resources for veterans to navigate but they wanted to be an organization that was easily accessible and online. “There are a lot of sources but it is hard for veterans to navigate all that goodwill online to be able to have a trusted resource and I think that’s what we are representing,” said Campbell. Their goal now is for CampV to serve more veterans and for their program to be redone across the state and nationwide. Click here for more details.

TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that a human skull was found at a home on Greenbriar Lake Road. Officials fielded a call Monday morning that a human skull was found at a home being remodeled. Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies met the new owners of the residence. They showed the deputies the skull, which was found in a closet near the dining area. So far no other remains have been found. Sheriff Larry Smith said in a press release , “The skull will be sent to the University of North Texas for forensic analysis.” Smith added this is an open investigation and more information will be given out when available.

TYLER – The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office said that one person was found dead after a mobile home in the 11100 block of Spur 248 caught fire on Sunday according to our news partners at KETK. Officials said that a call reported the fire around 2:45 a.m. and the Chapel Hill VFD, Jackson Heights VFD, Whitehouse VFD, Smith County Emergency Services District 2, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene. Continue reading Tyler mobile home fire leaves 1 dead

GLADEWATER — Law enforcement officials continue to search for a capital murder suspect.  According to the Gladewater Police Department and our news partner KETK, 41-year-old Alvin “Pookie” McKnight Jr is considered “armed and extremely dangerous” after a double homicide north of Gladewater Saturday night. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that the shooting happened at home in the 2800 block of U.S Highway 271 South, near Bluebird Road. When deputies arrived at the scene they found Mandy Ray, 35, of Gilmer, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37, of Gilmer, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Upshur County Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $10,000 for information on the whereabouts of McKnight. Continue reading Gladewater murder suspect remains at large, reward offered

TEXARKANA – The Texarkana Police Department is asking the community to help curb the violence after a recent mass shooting according to our news partners at KETK. On Oct. 28, Texarkana police launched an investigation into its second mass shooting of the year. The shooting occurred during a party in the back room of a business when a fight reportedly began and at least two men pulled out rifles. In the end, three people died, and another three were injured. Continue reading Texarkana takes a stand against gun violence

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department has announced that a pedestrian died in a crash that happened in the 1200 block of East Grand Avenue on Friday. Our colleagues at KETK report that the Marshall PD said that they expect their investigation into this fatal crash to take an extended amount of time and that drivers should avoid the area of the crash. Officials said that they are not releasing the name of the deceased pedestrian until they can notify their next of kin.

TYLER — Our news partners at KETK report that deer season begins today and officials warn people to remain safe while hunting. White tailed deer season kicks off Nov. 4 and runs through Jan. 7. Youth hunting season begins on Jan. 8 through the 21. Continue reading Deer season begins this weekend

SAN AUGUSTINE COUNTY – Two men were injured and two are in the San Augustine County Jail after gunfire was exchanged near FM 705 in the El Pinon area on Monday according to our news colleagues at KETK. Continue reading 2 injured, 2 arrested after San Augustine County shooting

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a missing persons call at a home on West Gentry Parkway Friday at about 11:45am. According to our news partner KETK, the child reported missing and or a runaway is 15-year-old Isaiah Bright. He is 5’10 and 170lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. Isaiah was last seen wearing black pants, a black hat with a “T” on it and a red shirt with a gingerbread man on it. He is also said to be a high functioning autistic person. If you encounter Isaiah Bright or know of his location contact the Tyler PD at 903-531-1000.