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TYLER – A 23-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to 20 years, 8 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations. Jose Maldonado Barragan was found guilty by a jury on Feb. 10 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, aiding and abetting, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm while illegally in the United States, and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. Continue reading Tyler Man Sentenced for Drug Violations

EAST TEXAS — Several law enforcement agencies have discovered a marijuana field in Van Zandt County, according to a county official. It’s the latest in a series of such fields that have been found around East Texas in recent days. KETK reports the “pretty large” field is near the intersection of State Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 80 near Canton. The law enforcement official stated the find is the result of an ongoing investigation for the past several days. Continue reading Marijuana Fields Continue to Turn Up in East Texas

TYLER — Longtime philanthropists Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas were presented the UT Health Northeast Galaxy Award during a ceremony held Tuesday at the Green Acres Baptist Church Crosswalk Center. According to a news release, the Galaxy Award honors the “stars” of philanthropy while raising scholarship funds for students in healthcare and research. UT Health President Dr. Kirk A. Calhoun cited the couple’s “numerous heartfelt gifts…to so many institutions, including UT Health Northeast.” Continue reading Louise H. and Joseph Z. Ornelas Honored Tuesday Night With Galaxy Award

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Deputies are investigating an armed robbery Tuesday night. According to KETK, it happened at the Dollar General on Northeast Loop 323 near FM 14 around 9:45. The clerk told police an armed man entered the store, displayed a handgun and demanded money. The suspect reportedly took an undisclosed amount of cash and fled the scene. No injuries were reported. Police said this is the same Dollar Store that was robbed on September 5th. The Smith County Sheriff’s office is investigating.

EAST TEXAS — For the fifth consecutive year, The University of Texas at Tyler is reporting a record enrollment increase. The 2016 preliminary fall headcount is 9,889, a 12 percent increase over the 2015 preliminary enrollment. UTT President Dr. Rodney Mabry calls the increase “another amazing milestone in UT Tyler’s history.” Mabry, who plans to retire in December, has been a driving force behind the growth of the university, according to a UTT news release. Meanwhile, preliminary fall enrollment for The UT Tyler Longview University Center increased by 33 percent from last fall to 208 students, Dr. Van Patterson, LUC director, announced. Officials say the LUC, which also saw an increase in spring 2016, continues to grow and expand its academic offerings.

LONGVIEW — City of Longview Municipal Court Judge Larry Merriman has granted an extension for repairs to be made to the former Eden Specialty Care nursing home facility. The extension provides the owners until December 31 to address any and all building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical repairs necessary to eliminate code of ordinance violations or initiate demolition. According to a city news release, the facility was damaged by a tornado in April 2015 and a fire in February 2016. The purpose of the extension is to allow the owners of the property additional time to initiate repair or demolition process while they seek resolution through an appraisal process with their insurance provider. In agreeing to the extension, the property owner agreed to forgo a potential appeal process through the municipal court.

WHITEHOUSE — An East Texas man is behind bars after allegedly stabbing an another person. According to KETK, the Whitehouse Police Department says officers were dispatched to a home on Landon Drive on reports that someone at the residence was being threatened. Police say the caller had been threatened over the phone by her estranged husband, Joseph Lee Bryant, 52, of Whitehouse. Bryant allegedly stated he was “going to come over to the house and kill everyone there.” While en route, officers were told Bryant was at the residence and had stabbed one person, identified as Bobby Ray Culpepper, 45, also of Whitehouse. Continue reading Whitehouse Man Held in Stabbing

MARSHALL — A former Henderson police officer recently cleared of sexual assault of a child charges is eligible to reapply at the department, but he will have to go through a background check, police Chief James Pierson said. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal “Our city policy has a clause, which is, if you’re indicted for a felony, it releases him automatically,” Pierson said of Jeronimo “Jay Jay” Holguin. “When he was indicted, we notified the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement. He was released from employment at that time,” he said, noting Holguin’s position has been filled. Pierson said Holguin can reapply for a position, “but it’s not a reinstatement whatsoever.” Continue reading HPD: Ex-Officer Eligible to Reapply for Job

OVERTON – Greg Grant has been named Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s County Extension Agent-Horticulture, Smith County, effective October 1. That’s according to a joint announcement by the Smith County Commissioners Court and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s headquarters in Overton. Larry Pierce, AgriLife Regional Program Leader, told the Commissioners Court Tuesday that Grant has had a long and distinguished career in horticulture. Continue reading Smith County Extension Agent Named

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has ranked again in the top tier of the national 2017 U.S. News and World Report’s annual rankings of “America’s Best Colleges.” LETU is ranked 27th in 2017, up from 32 in 2016, among all the universities in its category of “Best Regional Universities in the Western Region.” This year marks the 23rd year the university has ranked in the top tier of its classification. Continue reading U.S. News Ranks LETU in Top Tier of 2017 College Rankings

TYLER — In light of recent attacks against law enforcement officers throughout the country, State Senator and former Mayor Kevin Eltife joined Mayor Martin Heines in announcing a public/private partnership to fund the purchase of special body armor vests for each officer in the Tyler Police Department. According to a city news release, Eltife said he heard from many citizens about their desire to show visible support for law enforcement and that he wanted to help. Eltife added that he spoke to the mayor and Police Chief Jimmy Toler, and that Toler said officer safety is the highest priority. The senator says the rifle–resistant vests will enhance officer confidence during active shooting scenes and high-risk events. Eltife points out that the vests are not part of an officer’s daily uniform but can be used when necessary as a layer of protection over existing soft body armor. He says the vests will offer the highest level of protection. Continue reading Senator Eltife Spearheads Upgrading Safety of Tyler Police

LONGVIEW — State transportation commissioners have awarded the city of Longview and its public bus system a $1.4 million grant to build a multimodal transfer station on Pacific Avenue. That’s according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The latest step in a long-term project to convert the area of the historical downtown train depot into the Longview Multimodal Transportation Center, the project eventually will move the city bus system’s transfer station from Magrill Plaza. The grant will cover most of the cost of constructing the station on the east side of the Sidney Bell Willis bus station on Pacific Avenue across from the train depot. Continue reading $1.4M Given to Build Longview Multimodal Transfer Station

TYLER — Tyler Junior College’s TRIO program has received an Educational Opportunity Center grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help thousands of adults get a degree or return to college for additional training. According to a news release, TJC is one of only 35 first-time recipients nationwide to receive this federally funded grant. The selection process for the EOC grant was very competitive as only 143 of 376 eligible proposals were funded, said Brad Gifford, TJC TRIO project director. The grant is a five-year award to TJC, in the amount of $235,999 per year for a total of $1,179,995 over the entire grant cycle. The grant will serve a four-county area including Smith, Cherokee, Van Zandt and Wood counties. Continue reading TJC TRIO Program Receives $1.18 Million Federal Grant

MARSHALL — Marshall Police Chief Jesus “Eddie” Campa has been named as one of four candidates vying for the chief of police position at the Port Arthur Police Department, according to Port Arthur City Secretary Aide Lindsay Harris. According to KETK, city officials in Port Arthur are hosting a meet and greet with community members for the four candidates from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at The Department Club in Port Arthur. The three other candidates listed for the chief position are Arthur Barclay, Jeff Fant and Patrick Melvin.

SMITH COUNTY — One man has been arrested, several others are sought following the bust of a major marijuana growing operation. According to Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, Erick Cruz-Olemedo, 31, Guerrero, Mexico, was taken into custody Monday and is being held on a Federal Immigration Customs Enforcement detainer with additional state and federal charges expected. Authorities said, an anonymous tip led them to three fields of marijuana, including three to four thousand plants, some reaching up to nine feet tall. About 6 to 8 pounds were ready for sale. Continue reading Marijuana Field Discovered in Smith County

SMITH COUNTY — County Road 2138, south of Whitehouse, has closed for the reconstruction of the bridge at Blackhawk Creek. Work on the bridge, located 1.2 miles north of Highway 110, is being done by the Texas Department of Transportation and is expected to take about six months. Electronic signs have been placed on the road to alert drivers that it is closed to traffic. Motorists will need to find alternate routes during this time.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is seeking the help of the public in identifying a man who is allegedly using counterfeit money. According to KETK, police say the man paid with fake money at Grandy’s on South Eastman Road near the Lilly Street intersection on September 1. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Gina Villarreal at 903-237-1164 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-7867 or http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.org and reference case 16-14918.

LONGVIEW — Longview police have arrested two local men in connection with a Sunday morning shooting. According to KETK, police say Thadman Lewis, Jr., 23 (left), and Kelan Blanton, 18 (right), are responsible for a shooting on Alpine Road near the Tryon Road intersection around 3:10 a.m. Sunday. Officials say Lewis and Blanton fired multiple rounds into an apartment complex. The victim was taken to a local hospital with what are deemed life-threatening injuries. Police believe the shooting may have stemmed from an argument involving several people. Both men were charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and jailed without incident, according to police. Lewis was also jailed on an unrelated bond forfeiture warrant for unlawfully carrying a weapon.

TYLER — The Tyler Sunrise Rotary Club held its grand opening Saturday for a new dog park in Tyler. KETK reports Sunrise Paw Park was greeted with a warm welcoming from the community. Dogs of all sizes have a place to run and play — without needing a leash. The park is located on several acres of land with plenty of shaded areas. Members of the community came out with their dogs for a fun morning to support the park.

MARSHALL — East Texas Baptist University has achieved its highest enrollment in over a decade. The Fall 2016 enrollment stands at 1,456 students, 148 students ahead of Fall 2015, an 11.2 percent increase. This figure of 1,456 students represents the University’s highest total enrollment since 2002, when there were 1,496 students enrolled. This semester is the third highest enrollment in institution history, according to an ETBU news release. The overall retention rate for student enrollment is also up to 72 percent, 4 percent higher than that of Fall 2015. ETBU began Fall 2016 with 1,177 full-time undergraduate students, a 7.3 percent increase from Fall 2015. The university has set a record high for graduate student enrollment with 122 students, a 62.7 percent increase from Fall 2015.

TYLER — The City of Tyler narrowed its national search for a new fire chief to three finalists, and hopes to present a recommendation for hire to the City Council on Sept. 28. Finalists are Daniel Baum, assistant fire chief for the city of Pearland; David Coble, the executive assistant fire chief for the city of Fort Worth; and Manuel Fonseca, assistant fire chief for the city of Nashville, Tenn. All are graduates of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, hold a Master’s degree or above and have a minimum of fifteen years of experience in fire service. The new chief will replace Tim Johnson, who retired early this year. Assistant Fire Chief Les Schminkey has been serving as interim fire chief.

LONGVIEW — Donald Trump Jr. makes a stop in East Texas this week, with his father due to make a return trip to Texas just days later. The younger Trump scheduled fundraisers Monday and Tuesday in San Antonio, Midland and Longview. The elder Trump will speak at a conference this weekend for the families of victims of illegal immigrants. Maria Espinoza, who runs the remembrance luncheon in Houston, said they finally feel like they have found someone who will listen. She said they finally have a champion in Trump. Espinoza says her phone has been ringing all weekend with people now wanting to attend.

TYLER – One woman has been injured and one arrested following a disturbance on the campus of Tyler’s Texas College. It happened around 1:00 Sunday afternoon. Investigators say a woman, who was injured with an edged weapon, was taken to the hospital by private vehicle. After interviewing witnesses, officers arrested Viviyanna Marie El-Amin. She was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and booked into the Smith County Jail.

TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Week of September 12th. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.

WHITEHOUSE – County Road 2138, south of Whitehouse will be closed beginning Monday for the reconstruction of the bridge at Blackhawk Creek. Work on the bridge, located 1.2 miles north of Highway 110, is being done by the Texas Department of Transportation and is expected to take about six months. Electronic signs have been placed on the CR 2138 to alert drivers that it is closed to traffic. Motorists will need to find alternate routes during this time. Continue reading TxDOT Road Projects

LONGVIEW – One person is hospitalized with life threatening injuries following a Longview shooting. It happened shortly after 3:00 Sunday morning at a home in the 1700 block of Alpine Road. Initial reports are the shooting stemmed from an argument between several persons. The investigation is ongoing.

TYLER – A Lufkin man has been arrested and charged with aggravated robbery. He is Edward George, 33. The robbery occurred at the Donut Palace at 4007 South Broadway shortly after 4:30 Sunday morning. George is said to have entered the store and asked for money. When the employee refused his request, he left. George is said to have returned a few minutes later with a large knife and demanded money. When the employee called 911, George left the store. Police say he was found in a nearby parking lot, still in possession of a large knife. He remains in the Smith County Jail under a $100,000 bond.

TYLER – A Saturday morning traffic stop has resulted in the arrest of a Tyler teenager. Taken into custody after he was said to have tried to evade arrest was Robert Antonio Taylor, 19. The traffic stop occurred on West Gentry north of Jordan Street. It was discovered that Taylor had a warrant for his arrest. When taking him into custody, Taylor is said to have put his car in reverse and drove toward a Tyler officer. As another officer pulled him to safety, Taylor’s car is said to have hit a police car, then his vehicle was put into drive and he headed north on Gentry. Officers pursued the car to Loop 323, then east to Point North Road, where it stopped in front of Club Ice. Taylor is said to have then fled on foot into some woods where he was later arrested. Continue reading Teen Arrested After Fleeing Tyler Police

TYLER – The Texas Education Agency (TEA) released the list of 2016 distinctions earned through the state accountability system ratings. The ratings are for school districts and charter schools across the state. Tyler ISD earned 28 distinctions. This is up from 23 last year. Distinctions are awarded based on high levels of achievement in four areas. They are student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps and postsecondary readiness. These areas are also used to determine if a school receives a met standard; met alternative standard or improvement required rating. TISD announced last month all but three campuses received a Met Standard rating for 2016. Continue reading Tyler ISD Earns 28 Distinctions in State Accountability Results

TYLER – Named the director of facilities management at The University of Texas at Tyler is Andy Krouse. He will oversee the full spectrum of campus facility matters including maintenance and repair of campus buildings and infrastructure, custodial services and campus grounds for the university’s more than 200-acre Tyler campus as well as its campuses in Longview and Palestine. Krouse has been in higher education for the past eight years. He has served as an assistant director of facilities management and as an adjunct professor in finance and international business. He has been involved in planning and coordinating facilities small projects; participating on oversight team for all campus capital projects, coordinating projects with various departments such as environmental health and safety and campus police and parking, fiscal administration, human resource actions, work flow management and operational improvement.