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TYLER — Managers of the SPCA of East Texas Facebook account noticed several posts on their page on Saturday, that they did not publish. According to our news partner KETK, the posts, that are still up, include pictures of dogs ready for adoption, but with a catch. The post alleged applicants had to pay a deposit, something the shelter does not require.

“Our main page had been hacked, all of the administrators were taken off the page and nobody was able to access,” Karen Kilgore, with the SPCA of East Texas, said. Those who hacked the account posted several dogs, including French bulldogs and yorkies, and asked for a $400 deposit. “We do not take deposits. We go with best fit, so a lot of people realized something was up, it must not be us, but some people did not. They fell victim and lost several hundred [dollars], one lady I know at least $600,” Kilgore said.

The shelter still does not have access to their Facebook account, a platform they used to promote animals that needed forever homes. Continue reading SPCA East Texas says their Facebook was hacked

UPDATE: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office said Spykes is in custody.

TRINITY COUNTY – The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a manhunt for a person that was reportedly involved in a shooting on Tuesday. Spykes was allegedly involved in a shooting, in which the victim’s condition is currently unknown. Spykes is described as 6 foot 1 inch, with brown hair and blue eyes. The sheriff’s office said he was wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and white shoes.

According to our news partner KETK, officials are searching for Shyan Spykes who was last seen at around 12:30 p.m. at the Pine Crest subdivision. Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said they have dealt with Spykes in the past. Continue reading Manhunt ends in Trinity County, suspect in custody

KILGORE – The suspect of a weekend shooting that left one juvenile dead in Kilgore was identified and charged with murder. According to our news partner KETK, Kilgore Police say he is 17-year-old Danyael Munoz of Kilgore, as the person who shot a killed another juvenile early Sunday morning in Kilgore.

When officers arrived at the scene, they found one dead and one wounded. Munoz reportedly fled to a house nearby. A Northeast Texas Regional SWAT negotiator spoke to him until he turned himself in. Munoz was arrested and booked into the Gregg County Jail. He’s charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The teenager’s bonds total $250,000.

TRINITY COUNTY – UPDATE: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office said Spykes is in custody. The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a manhunt for a person that was reportedly involved in a shooting on Tuesday according to our colleagues at KETK. According to a release, officials are searching for Shyan Spykes who was last seen at around 12:30 p.m. at the Pine Crest subdivision. Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said they have dealt with Spykes in the past. “Occasionally he gets high on meth and he does something stupid,” Wallace said. “Today he decided to shoot somebody.” Continue reading Manhunt ends for Trinity County shooting suspect

TRINITY COUNTY – A man was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to solicitation of a minor, Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace announced on Tuesday. Steven Myers, 47, was arrested after officials said he made inappropriate advances towards a minor while she was at work. The minor told her parents, who contacted the sheriff’s office, prompting an undercover investigation lasting several weeks. Continue reading Man gets six years in prison for solicitation of minor

Tyler – Tyler ISD is thrilled to announce that four of its schools have been recognized on the prestigious Educational Results Partnership’s (ERP) 2023 Honor Roll list of top-performing schools in Texas. The honored schools are Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School, Caldwell Arts Academy, Early College High School, and Andy Woods Elementary School.
This recognition marks the ninth year ERP has published its Honor Roll, highlighting schools that excel in student achievement. Sponsored by the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE) and presented in collaboration with the Texas Business Leadership Council, the ERP Honor Roll is part of a national initiative to identify and commend schools and districts that are advancing student outcomes and equipping students with essential skills valued by employers. Continue reading Four TISD campuses make ERP Honor Roll

TYLER — Our news partners at KETK report that insurance rates are rising in Texas and experts said inflation, supply chain issues, lack of labor and cost repairs are contributing factors. The rise in insurance is hurting Texans’ wallets, especially this summer. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, in 2012 the average auto insurance rate increased by 4.6% but in 2023 Texans saw an increase by a staggering 25.5%.

“Insurance rates in Texas are 67% higher than the national average,” Mechele Mills, CEO of the BBB Serving Central East Texas, said. “Since last year, homeowners in our state have seen an increase of about 16% to 22% and car owners 26%.”

Director of communications of the Insurance Council of Texas said destructive weather is also a large factor to higher prices.
Federal appeals court says some employers can exclude HIV prep from insurance coverage

“If we look at Texas as a market, we have so many hazards and perils that we deal with when it comes to hail, wind, tornados hurricanes flooding,” Johnson said.

Johnson also recommends people to do their homework and compare different options available.

JEFFERSON – Our news colleagues at KETK report the Jefferson Police Department is looking for a missing man that was reportedly last seen on Thursday morning. Authorities said they are searching for 41-year-old Donovan Byrd, and anyone with information on his location is asked to call police at 903-665-2432.

TYLER — A bomb threat was called into a Brookshire’s grocery store in Bullard on Monday, marking the third in the span of a week in East Texas and reports of more across the state. According to our news partner KETK, the Bullard Police Department said the threat was “the same report received by numerous area Brookshire’s stores.”

Bullard PD said they conducted a search of the store and found no devices. Managers then decided to reopen the store to the public. The police department also said federal agencies are conducting an investigation regarding the influx of bomb threats made against the local grocery chain.

A spokesperson from the FBI Dallas Field Office told KETK News that they are aware of the threats and are also investigating. “We will continue to work closely with local, state and other federal agencies on these incidents,” the FBI spokesperson said. Continue reading FBI investigates multiple Brookshire’s bomb threats

GREGG COUNTY – The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is looking to bring a teenage girl home safely after she was last seen on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff’s office is seeking information on 17-year-old Halo Faith Bumstead’s whereabouts after being reported missing. Bumstead is described as 5 foot 7 inches, biracial, has ear and tongue piercings. She was reportedly wearing light blue shorts, white shirt with dark blue pinstripes. Officials said she was last seen near 100 Home Place Circle near Gladewater.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-236-8400 or local law enforcement and refer to the case #C24-08991.

HENDERSON – Henderson ISD announced on Monday that they are mourning the loss of an elementary student who would have started first grade next year, that according to our news partner KETK. A release from the district said, “It is with profound sadness that our staff and students mourn the recent passing of Stevee Hale. Stevee was an exceptional student and our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to her family during this incredibly difficult time.”

The school district said that Board President Russell Brown, who knew Hale personally, led trustees in a moment of silence at a recent school board meeting to honor and remember her.

Brown also read a statement where one of her teachers said “to know her was to completely adore her, and she left this world with a little more sparkle than it had before she got here.”

Tyler — The Charles Butt Foundation, a non-profit pursuing a more equitable and prosperous future for all Texans through education and community partnerships, has selected Bethany Moody, Principal of Kissam Intermediate, as one of 30 principals from traditional and charter school districts across Texas to attend a weeklong summer institute at the Principals’ Center at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, led by Harvard faculty and other national and international experts.

The Raising School Leaders program is designed to inspire, challenge and empower school leaders to bring lasting impact to their campuses and communities, the entire state of Texas, and beyond. Following the Harvard institute, attendees remain a part of the program’s statewide network of school leaders, work together to create change at the campus and district levels, and receive continuous support and professional development.

TYLER — UT Health East Texas announced Monday  the launch of virtual nursing across its hospital network. Partnered with care.ai, the UT Health East Texas virtual nursing program is the first in the region. According to a news release, virtual nursing empowers care teams to work more efficiently and drive improved clinical outcomes.

Enabled by video communication with credentialed registered nurses (virtual nurses) and in-room smart sensors, the platform allows virtual nurses, who are employed by UT Health East Texas, to manage a wide variety of patient care tasks that do not require physical proximity, such as routine monitoring or providing education and discharge instructions. This enables bedside nurses to focus more time and attention on crucial hands-on care that only they can provide. Together, virtual and bedside nurses optimize admissions, rounding, discharge and other workflows, which aims to improve patient experience, staff retention and job satisfaction for the bedside caregiver. Continue reading UT Health launches virtual nursing

TYLER — The rash of bomb threats against Brookshire’s Grocery Stores continued this weekend. The Brookeshire’s in Bridgeport was evacuated shortly after noon on Sunday following a bomb threat, the latest in a number of similar threats made at the chain’s stores across the state. The Denton County Fire Department’s Bomb Squad searched the building and found nothing. The grocery store reopened later that afternoon.

Bridgeport Police say the threat came through the Brookshire’s corporate office, like the other recent threats. Other Brookshire’s stores receiving threats over the weekend included Brownwood, Azle and Aledo. Two Tyler Brookshire’s locations were evacuated Friday due to a bomb threat.

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank is holding a Summer Feeding Program Fun Day for children on Tuesday, June 25 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Glass Recreation Center at 501 W. 32nd street, in Tyler. Activities include face painting, games, a petting zoo, Tyler fire and police department, and free Kona Ice.

“It’s so important to make sure children do not go hungry in the summer just because school is out,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Here in East Texas, 1 in 4 children are food insecure so it’s up to our community to make sure we fill that meal gap when the school year ends and kids lose access to free and reduced-price meals they depend on.” Continue reading East Texas Food Bank holds Summer Feeding Program Fun Day

TYLER — A Tyler man was arrested on Wednesday after reportedly assaulting and taking a weapon from an officer. According to our news partner KETK, an affidavit revealed a detective with the Tyler Police Department clocked a vehicle traveling 60 mph in a 40 mph zone in the 300 E Southeast Loop 323 area. The detective pulled over the driver, 20-year-old Cordrell Smith Radway, where he reportedly ran from the officer “while still being detained and not free to leave.”

After a short chase, the detective caught up to Radway and “ended up on the ground” where Radway reportedly actively resisted arrest and repeatedly tried to stand up. The affidavit said the detective then used his pepper spray. Continue reading Man reportedly bites officer, takes weapon during traffic stop

UPDATE: A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened for Smith County on Saturday, June 22 at the R.B. Hubbard Center (The Hub) at 304 E. Ferguson St. in Tyler.

SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, the center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Staff from the Small Business Administration, Lone Star Legal and Crisis Response Ministries will also be at the center along with FEMA to help residents, according to Smith County officials.

“We are here, we are your one-stop shop to come out and see how we might be able to assist you, we are trying to meet the survivor where they are in their situation,” said Nikki Gaskins Campbell, FEMA media relations specialist.

“If you’re uninsured or underinsured, please still reach out to us because you could be leaving money on the table and this is grant money from FEMA that does not have to be repaid,” said Campbell. Continue reading Smith County FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opens in Tyler

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police Department said that one man has died and another was injured during a shooting at the corner of Thompson Street and Myrtle Street on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, their 911 Communications Center started getting calls about the shooting shortly after midnight on Sunday morning. When officers arrived they found one man dead and another man who had to be airlifted out to a local hospital.

The Northeast Texas Regional SWAT team was called out to the first scene but then responded to a second scene where the suspect reportedly was. The suspect exited the second location after negotiations and was reportedly taken to the Kilgore Police Department. Kilgore PD said their investigation is ongoing.

TYLER – With summer here, it is the time of year where one little spark could potentially cause a devastating wildfire. According to our news partner KETK, experts at the Texas A&M Forest Service, say, although East Texas has experienced an excessive amount of spring rainfall, a stretch of hot and dry temperatures can call for a fire risk.

“We can go into elevated fire risk,” Sean Dugan, with the Texas A&M Forest Service, said.

Officials explained even with the saturated grounds, East Texans need to be mindful while burning. July and August are historically when the state sees the most fires.
Continue reading Hot, dry temperatures, equal wildfire risk

KILGORE – Authorities in Kilgore said that one man has died and another was injured during a shooting early Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Kilgore Police received several 911 calls shortly after midnight in regards to a shooting. When officers arrived the corner of Thompson and Myrtle Streets, they found one man dead and wounded. She was taken to a local hospital.

The Northeast Texas Regional SWAT team was called to the location where the shooting suspect reportedly was. After some negotiations, the suspect was taken to the Kilgore Police Department.

At this time, the names of the shooting victim have not been released. The suspects name has not been released either. Kilgore PD said they are continuing the investigation into the shooting.

CANTON — FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Centers in Van Zandt county June 21 to provide one-on-one help to Texans affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds April 26-June 5. The center is located at Canton Intermediate School on Highway 243 West. It will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. To find the center location nearest you go to fema.gov.

Residents affected by storm damage can visit the DRC and meet with representatives of FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed.
Continue reading Disaster Recovery Center is open in Canton

HENDERSON COUNTY – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday announced that a man who is a “wanted fugitive from multiple counties” and a woman were arrested after a narcotics search. According to our news partner KETK, HCSO narcotics investigators and Henderson County Crimes Against Children Task Force officers, searched a residence in Eustace, on County Road 2938.

Officers there arrested 49-year-old Richard Slay and 51-year-old Katie Wiggins, both of Eustace. They were arrested for possession of suspected methamphetamine’s. The sheriff’s office said that Slay is a wanted fugitive in multiple counties. Both were then taken to the Henderson County jail and charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.

TYLER – The City of Tyler has announced that traffic signal cabinets at six intersections will be replaced starting on Tuesday, June 25, and running through Thursday, June 27. During this time crews will be out between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. replacing signal cabinets at the following intersections:

• Grande Boulevard and Hollytree Drive
• Loop 323 and South Broadway Avenue
• Loop 323 and Frankston Highway
• Loop 323 and Old Bullard Road
• Old Bullard Road and Rice Road
• Beckham Avenue and Hospital Drive
  Continue reading Six Tyler traffic signal cabinets being replaced starting Tuesday

HENDERSON COUNTY – Marijuana packaged in gallon size bags, rifles and large amounts of money were discovered on Thursday during a home search, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said. According to a release, a narcotic search warrant was executed at around 3:34 p.m. at an Athens home where 25-year-old Jordi Pereira was taken into custody.

According to our news partner KETK, Pereira was found to be in possession of “large amounts” of suspected cocaine and marijuana. Reportedly the marijuana was found in gallon size bags and a large amount of THC wax and THC vape cartridges were also located. Pereira was booked at the Henderson County Jail for two charges of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and delivery of marijuana. According to records, Pereira’s bond amounts totaled $450,000 and he was released on Friday after posting bail.

“Rifles with high-capacity magazines were recovered during the execution of the search warrant along with a large amount of United States currency,” a release said.

The sheriff’s office said Pereira is currently waiting arraignment.

TYLER — A Tyler man was arrested on Wednesday after reportedly assaulting and taking a weapon from an officer. According to our news partner KETK, a detective with the Tyler Police Department clocked a vehicle traveling 60 mph in a 40 mph zone in the 300 E Southeast Loop 323 area. The detective pulled over the driver, 20-year-old Cordrell Smith Radway, where he reportedly ran from the officer “while still being detained and not free to leave.”

After a short chase, the detective caught up to Radway and “ended up on the ground” where Radway reportedly actively resisted arrest and repeatedly tried to stand up. The affidavit said the detective then used his pepper spray. During the altercation, Radway reportedly grabbed the detective’s hand while pepper spraying him, took the can away and bit the detective’s left forearm, leaving a visible bite mark. Continue reading Man bites officer, takes weapon during traffic stop

TYLER – City of Tyler officials say a part of Rose Rudman Trail will be closed from Monday, June 24, through Wednesday, June 26. That portion is behind 5604 South Donnybrook Avenue, which is in back of Sleep Inn and Suites Tyler South. According to a release from the city, the closure is because of a sanitary sewer line replacement. Until repairs are completed, officials advise this portion of the trail should be avoided.

TYLER – FEMA has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at The Hub, located at 304 E. Ferguson St. in downtown Tyler. Smith County is supplying the facility while FEMA personnel will staff the DRC from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week through July 29. Smith County citizens who need help recovering from the severe storms, tornadoes, flooding and straight-line winds, from April 26 through June 5, can go to the Hub for in-person assistance.

Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore said residents visiting the DRC will also be able to talk to people from the Small Business Administration, Lone Star Legal and the local nonprofit organization, Crisis Response Ministries. Moore added, “Recovery will take some time due to personnel constraints and the amount of debris accumulated. Citizens with damaged homes are encouraged to participate with FEMA personnel to apply for potential assistance.”

You can also apply for assistance by visiting http://www.disasterassistance.gov or calling FEMA’s helpline: 800-621-3362.