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TYLER — The Tyler City Council was presented Wednesday with national and statewide awards recognizing various city programs. The city earned two 2022 Municipal Excellence Awards from the Texas Municipal League recognizing the city’s management innovation and public safety programs for cities with populations over 25,000, according to a news release. One award recognized the city for its Infants at Work pilot program, which allows parents to bring their babies to work until they are six months old. The city was also honored for the addition of a Homeless Coordinator position for the Tyler Police Department. And Smith County Champions for Children gave the city its 2022 Corporate Champion Award for the city’s effort in supporting employees with newborn children through the Infants at Work program. Continue reading City of Tyler wins national and statewide excellence awards

GRAND SALINE — A teenager was arrested in East Texas on Tuesday for a capital murder charge, according to our news partner KETK. Julio David Falcon, 17, was located on North Waldrip Street in Grand Saline around 5:30 p.m. He was wanted by the Dallas Police Department. The Grand Saline Police Department and the United States Marshals Service arrested the teenager. Falcon was booked into the Van Zandt County Justice Center. Officials said they are still investigating the incident. “This was a great example of law enforcement agencies working together to keep our communities safe,” said the Grand Saline Police Department.

HENDERSON COUNTY — The FAA and NTSB are investigating after a pilot was killed in a plane crash on the south shore of Lake Palestine Friday afternoon. The single-engine Vans RV12 crashed after taking off from Tyler Pounds Regional Airport, with only the pilot on board, according to the FAA. The name of the person killed in the crash was not immediately released. The NTSB is leading the investigation and will provide additional updates.

TYLER – A U.S. district judge filed an order on Monday effectively denying Brownsboro ISD’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges the high school baseball team has a “long-standing hazing tradition.” That’s according to our news partner KETK. The case, which alleges upper classmen on the baseball team openly discussed hazing and sexually assaulted a freshman student on the bus in the presence of the head baseball coach during the 2019-2020 school year, is set to move forward. Claims that the district created a heightened risk for students to be sexually assaulted were denied by the judge. Continue reading Lawsuit alleging sexual harassment in Brownsboro ISD will move forward

TYLER – A Tyler woman who was sentenced to eight years in prison for child abandonment died on Sunday, Oct. 23. According to our news partner KETK, Kelsey Frazier, 28, was at the Marlin Unit in Marlin, Texas, near Waco. She died from cardiac arrest at a hospital in Marlin, said the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Frazier was sentenced in March of 2021 after she pleaded guilty to leaving an 11-month-old girl in her bathroom closet for three hours. The case was prosecuted in the 241st District Court in Smith County.

TYLER — Tyler police seek your help finding 17-year-old Evie Camacho, who has been missing since January 8, 2020. Police say Evie’s height and weight from 2020 were 5’4” and 120 lbs. According to authorities, Evie is possibly in the company of her biological mother and may still be in the Tyler area, but this has not been verified. They add that her family has not been cooperative. If you have information related to this case, contact Detective Holland at 903-531-1098.

FLINT — Officials say six people are injured after a truck crashed into a Flint home on Walnut Hill and Oak Trail Drive after a two-vehicle collision. According to our news partner KETK, officials said among the injured was a seven-month-old infant who was life-flighted to a Shreveport hospital. The mother and a 10-year-old child were also in the house and transported to a Tyler hospital for their injuries. Three other injuries were reported from a truck and SUV involved in the crash. The call came in around 7 a.m. when fire officials were dispatched to the scene. When they arrived, officials with the Flint-Gresham Fire Department said a truck was inside the house with an SUV attached to it.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler is offering scholarships for incoming and current students at the Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy. Incoming pharmacy students who meet GPA requirements may qualify for a 100% reduction of tuition and fees for their first year in the curriculum. Current pharmacy students who meet program requirements may also qualify for the reduction. The scholarship is available for an annual merit-based renewal. “There is an urgent need for highly skilled healthcare professionals in East Texas,” UT Tyler Executive Vice President of Health Affairs Dr. Julie Philley (pictured) said in a prepared statement. “Through this new tuition program in our Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy, UT Tyler is investing in preparing future pharmacists for rewarding careers that provide vital care for our region.” Continue reading UT Tyler Fisch College of Pharmacy launches free tuition program

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to approve policy changes for the Animal Control and Shelter. Members of the Commissioners Court expressed concerns that the changes could increase the number of dogs taken in by the shelter and urged dog owners to take responsibility to spay and neuter their pets. Policy changes include extended hours, including staying open during the lunch hour, closing at 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and opening on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The changes were outlined by Amber Greene (pictured), the county’s animal control and shelter supervisor. Continue reading Smith County Animal Control policy changes

LONGVIEW — A Joyce Crane employee is dead after an incident at Eastman Chemical Company in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, Harrison County Sheriff B.J. Fletcher says a preliminary investigation concluded that Monday’s death was a “horrible accident.” Eastman Chemical employs around 1,500 East Texans. officials say the person who died was not an Eastman employee. In a prepared statement, the company said in part, “We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.”

TYLER (AP) – Southside Bancshares Inc. (SBSI) on Tuesday reported net income of $27 million in its third quarter. The bank said it had earnings of 84 cents per share. The holding company for Southside Bank posted revenue of $77.1 million in the period. Its revenue net of interest expense was $69.5 million, exceeding Street forecasts.

TYLER — A pedestrian was fatally struck on a Tyler roadway. According to Tyler police, it happened just after midnight Tuesday. Officers responded to the 3700 block of Troup Hwy following a report of a pedestrian in the roadway. Witnesses said the pedestrian was in the roadway on Troup Hwy, not at an intersection or designated crosswalk, when he was struck by a vehicle that was northbound on Troup Hwy. The pedestrian was identified as Caleb Roach, 46, from Tyler. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

TYLER — Police in Tyler seek your help solving a weekend homicide. On October 22nd at around 2:47 p.m., officers responded to N. Broadway Ave. between 24th and 26th Streets. A victim was located on the sidewalk and transported to UT Health, where he died as a result of gunshot wounds. Witnesses said two suspects were seen running after the shooting. The victim has been identified as Cornelius Tims, 43, of Tyler. If you have any information on this case, contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or call Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

OVERTON – No injuries were reported, but the First Baptist Church Family Life Center in downtown Overton has been classified as a complete loss after firefighters from across the region responded to a fire there Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, officials said wind caused the fire to reignite throughout the night before it was finally contained at 9 a.m. Monday. The Rusk County Fire Marshal said authorities are still working to complete their full investigation, but there are no suspicions of foul play at this time.

TYLER – A Tyler man was indicted for murder and aggravated assault and is accused of shooting two men at a family gathering on Moore Street in Tyler June 25. According to our news partner KETK, court documents say the family had gathered to celebrate the birthday of a deceased family member who witnesses said shares twins with Larry Taylor. Taylor, 40, was initially arrested at the time of the incident after officials said he went to the gathering to try to get the twins to leave with him when a family member intervened. Documents state Taylor left with one child and returned to the gathering about 30 to 45 minutes later. Taylor told officials at the time he left the child at his girlfriend’s house and went to purchase a gun from a friend before returning. Continue reading Tyler man indicted for murder in shooting of two at family gathering

LONGVIEW — Gregg County cleared their jury docket for all trials the week of October 24. Our news partner KETK reports anyone with a jury summons for this week is no longer required to show up for their scheduled jury duty. District Clerk Trey Hattaway says he appreciates the county’s citizens and their willingness to serve.

TYLER — The Smith County Tax Office is mailing out 187,000 property tax statements. Payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement; it will take you directly to the payment page on your account. If you live in the Whitehouse Independent School District, your property tax statements will not be mailed until after the November 8 General Election, Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said. Tuesday, January 31, 2023, is the deadline for paying property taxes. Taxpayers can make their payments online, in person, through the Tax Office’s drop-box outside of the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail. Click here for all the details.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will be working to repair a drainage structure on SH 149. The work will be off pavement, but there will be a lane closure in that section. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a level up crew on SH 64 at the SH 135 overpass. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

COFFEE CITY – Coffee City Police Department pulled over Darren McKinley of Chandler Friday and make this discovery. According to our news partner KETK, McKinley had a “female juvenile” in the car and she had a protection order against him. Officials also found out that she was one of two females listed on a Smith County protection order against him. Coffee City police arrested McKinley for violating that protection order and he was taken to the Henderson County jail. Authorities also said that the “female juvenile” in question was returned to her mother.

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon on North Broadway Avenue in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, investigators say the victim was shot multiple times and taken to a local hospital with their condition unknown at this time. Currently police are looking for two people they say allegedly fled the scene on foot after the shooting.

TYLER – The National Weather service has issued a grass fire danger statement for Van Zandt, Hopkins and Rains counties. The statement says there is a critical fire threat near and North of I-20 and near and West of U.S-281. According to our news partner KETK, this is because of a combination of unseasonably warm weather in the low to mid 90’s, low humidity and sustained windy conditions. The National Weather Service also asks for extreme care in outdoor activities. And to avoid outside burning of any kind due to the potential of a grass spreading quickly.

TYLER – Tyler High School administration said that one of their students was arrested after threatening the school in a social media post. According to our news partner KETK, school officials said they and the Tyler ISD Police Department began investigating the threat after they were alerted to the post by another student who found it on social media. After their investigation, officials said that the student was captured and faces disciplinary action and potential charges from the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. Continue reading Student arrested for allegedly threatening Tyler High School

TYLER — Several have been arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor after the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division conducted an operation led by DPS Special Agents, with assistance from other agencies. According to a news release, the operation was an undercover effort to identify and apprehend sexual predators. Officials say the suspects are Peyton Brewer, 20, of Troup; Kevin Bokoutou, 21, of Dallas; Luis Lopez, 30, of Jacksonville; Christopher Terrell, 41, of Troup; Rayme Everett, 22, of Tyler; and Jeremy Martin, 42 of Dekalb. All were booked into the Smith County Jail.

TYLER — Smith County issues a fire danger advisory as the National Weather Service predicts 15-25 mph winds — with higher wind gusts possible — on Saturday and Sunday. Smith County Fire Marshal Chief Deputy Chad Hogue said high winds and low humidity will result in “elevated fire danger” this weekend. Although Smith County is not currently under a burn ban, the Fire Marshal’s Office is urging residents to refrain from burning.

TYLER — An auction of Smith County surplus vehicles, furniture, and other items is now open to bidders. The online auction can be found at this link and will end November 7. In-person viewing of the items is available from 1-5 p.m. Friday, October 28, and 8 a.m. to noon Monday, October 31, at 302 E. Line St. Continue reading Smith County online auction begins

OVERTON — Several firefighters and the fire chief have submitted their resignations from the Overton Volunteer Fire Department. According to our news partner KETK, they gathered at Thursday’s city council meeting and were allowed to speak on their concerns that stemmed from decisions and issues made by city management. Since the initial resignations, two have been rescinded. They said issues started in May when three Overton city council members attempted to resign, but were required to return to their positions through restraining orders. The now-former assistant fire chief, T.J. Lewis, stated that small-town politics were the reason for several volunteers to quit. As the first one to resign, Lewis believes communication is the biggest problem. Continue reading Concerns ongoing as Overton firefighters submit resignations

EAST TEXAS — Two East Texas school districts are reporting school bus crashes, but no one was rported hurt in either incident. According to our news partner KETK, officials say Tyler ISD bus 44 was involved in a crash on Loop 323 on Thursday afternoon. The bus was carrying students from Tyler Legacy High School and Three Lakes Middle School, the district said in a Facebook post. Longview ISD announced that bus number 23 was hit while carrying students from Judson Middle School Thursday evening. The bus was struck while crossing the intersection of Judson and George Richey Roads.

EAST TEXAS — Early voting began Monday in the November general election, and both Smith and Gregg Counties are posting information on casting your ballot. There will be six early voting locations throughout Smith County, while Gregg County is offering nine places to vote. Early voting continues through November 4. Click here to view more election information for Smith County, and click this link for additional Gregg County election information.

TYLER — The son of a Tyler pastor convicted of theft against an elderly person pleaded guilty Thursday in Tyler to credit card abuse against an elderly person in connection to the same crime as his father. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County DA’s Office reports Jerome Anthony Milton, 27, was sentenced to two years’ deferred adjudication. The DA’s office said there will be a restitution hearing in February where he will be ordered to pay back the money that he was involved in stealing. Continue reading Son of Tyler pastor pleads guilty to credit card abuse against elderly person