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OKLAHOMA CITY — United Ag & Turf, a 31-location John Deere dealership headquartered in Bryan, has completed the acquisition of Fish & Still Equipment. Fish and Still Equipment has locations in Nacogdoches, Marshall, Henderson, Crockett, and Lufkin. The acquisition was completed July 18. According to a news release, the newly acquired locations continue to expand United Ag & Turf’s footprint, strengthening the ability to serve customers. “This acquisition continues with our strategy to provide preeminent parts, service, and equipment support and solutions to our customers through efficiency and scale, enabling better pricing and selection for our customers,” said United Ag & Turf CEO Brody Pettit as quoted in the release. Continue reading John Deere dealer United Ag & Turf acquires Fish & Still Equipment

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Two men have been indicted in the case of a tractor-trailer rig found with 53 dead or dying migrants inside in San Antonio. A statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Antonio says 46-year-old Homero Zamorano Jr., of Pasadena, and 28-year-old Christian Martinez (pictured), of Palestine, were indicted Wednesday on counts of transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in death; and transporting and conspiring to transport migrants illegally resulting in serious injury. The incident happened on a remote San Antonio back road on June 27. Conviction on the death counts could result in life sentences. But the Attorney General’s Office could authorize prosecutors to seek death penalties.

TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department has released the identities of the victims in a residential fire that broke out before dawn July 8 in the 500 block of W. Phillips St. Officials name Ava Christie Spaur, 61, and Mark Anthony Lilly, 46. The initial call indicated that smoke and flames were visible on the porch area of the structure, along with multiple people evacuating the building. Firefighters arrived to find heavy fire conditions and quickly began searching the structure and attacking the fire. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Preliminary autopsy results indicate the presence of smoke inhalation. The final autopsy results are expected in the next few weeks.

SMITH COUNTY — A 91-year-old Tyler man has been found guilty of arson and sentenced to life in prison. According to our news partner KETK, Kermit Francis Gabel was found guilty of setting fire to an abandoned home on South Beckham Avenue in 2020 after a series of vacant buildings caught fire at the time. Gabel was indicted in 2021, and has been in jail since 2020 for his charge of arson and a parole violation. His bond was set at $250,000. Gabel had previously been given parole for life after a previous Texas conviction in the 1980s. A judge once said that Gabel “made a living stealing other people’s property.” Accused of multiple crimes in Ohio, Gabel was dubbed the “Silver Burglar” with crime sprees dating back to the 1940s.

TYLER/LONGVIEW — The Main Street programs in Tyler and Longview recently earned re-accreditation from The Texas Main Street Program of the Texas Historical Commission. According to press materials, the designation recognizes commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach. Downtown areas are the focus of the statewide and nationwide Main Street programs. Click here to learn more about Tyler’s downtown revitalization efforts. Go to this link for more information on Longview’s Main Street program.

EAST TEXAS — A number of fires have flared up this week in East Texas amid hot, dry conditions. Our news partner KETK reports all fires have been contained in Henderson County after several broke out. Three firefighters were taken to the hospital due to smoke inhalation from a Gun Barrel City fire. Authorities report five trailers destroyed in an illegally burned Rusk County trash pile fire. And more than 1,000 acres burned in Van Zandt County wildfires. Burn bans remain the rule throughout the region, and officials continue to urge you to observe them.

NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. — A 24-year-old Longview woman died on her first day on the job working at an archaeological site, and officials say the cause could be heat-related. According to our news partner KETK, Kaylen Eileen Gehrke, formally of Missoula, Montana, recently moved to Longview to be closer to family as she advanced her career with Shreveport Cultural Resource Analysts, officials said. She graduated from high school in 2016 in Colorado and earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic anthropology and a minor in Spanish-English bilingual from the University of Montana. Continue reading Longview archaeologist dies while working

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court approved auctioning off surplus equipment from the Road and Bridge Department. The online auction will begin on July 28 and runs through August 11 on this website. The Smith County purchasing director said the Road and Bridge equipment has outlived its useful life and is no longer needed by the County. The equipment can be viewed in person, by appointment, on August 1 and August 5, between 9 a.m. and noon. To schedule an appointment, call 903-590-4726. The equipment is located at the Road and Bridge Material Yard on County Road 1121 in Tyler. Continue reading Smith County to auction off surplus road and bridge equipment

PALESTINE — The Anderson County Jail reinstated its quarantine procedures on Tuesday after four inmates tested positive for COVID-19. “A positive test result of one person in a cell results in all inmates in that cell being quarantined,” Sheriff W. R. Flores said. “As a result, we currently have 44 inmates in quarantine.” With quarantine procedures in place, inmate visitation, religious services, recreation, and inmate movement have all been restricted. Individual legal and pastoral visits are still allowed, according to officials. “As we struggle with staff shortages in various divisions,” Flores said, “I ask for your patience and understanding as we continue to deal with the additional issues posed by the COVID-19 virus.” Flores encourages anyone who interacts with jail personnel or inmates to take precautions to ensure personal health and welfare.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office says it has recently been made aware of a bond scam in the Tyler/Smith County area. Officials say the scam involves a phone call that was received by a Tyler citizen. The caller identified himself as an investigator with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office using the name “Detective Scotch.” The caller informed the victim that a loved one had been arrested and he needed to pay a bond in crypto currency. The caller instructed the victim on what needed to be done and how to do it. Unfortunately, the victim complied and was swindled out of an undisclosed amount of money. Continue reading Officials: Be aware of bond scam

TYLER – Nicholas Pet Haven in Tyler announced they will be closed for two weeks after a parvo outbreak at the shelter. That’s according to our news partner KETK. “11 sick babies so far,” shelter staff said. “$3,000 at ER for six babies not to mention mounting bills. We are closed on intakes.” The shelter is asking for no volunteers at this time while they are shut down to care for the sick animals, and ask for those that can to donate. “We will continue to help animals in need but they cannot come to our facility,” shelter staff said. “Thank you for your support.” Parvo is classified under the Merck Veterinary Manual as a disease of the stomach and small intestines. Parvo in puppies can also affect the bone marrow, lymphopoietic, tissues and in some cases the heart, according to the American Kennel Club. Continue reading Tyler shelter closed for two weeks due to parvo outbreak

TYLER — A recent update to the national COVID spread map indicates that Smith County currently has the highest spread rate in the U.S. — and that East Texas in general has shown a higher spread rate then the rest of the country. That word Tuesday from NET Health’s Russell Hopkins. He says it’s apparently leveling off in the NET Health area — but he cautions that the figures still don’t reflect home testing. And he says officials won’t have home testing information until retail data become available. Hopkins recommends testing often, along with wearing a mask, getting vaccinated, and staying home when you’re sick. He tells KTBB the antigen test is a great way to sample and determine whether you’re safe at a particular time. Continue reading Hopkins: Despite apparent leveling, map shows Smith County leads U.S. in COVID spread

TYLER – A Tyler man gets three lengthy prison sentences after pleading guilty Friday to murder and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in a Mother’s Day 2019 homicide. According to our news partner KETK, James Robert Smith III, 31, was arrested after police were called to the scene and found 27-year-old Donovan Reese dead in his car. Officials said Reese was at a gas station with two others helping someone change a flat tire when Smith arrived, said, “Hey, bro” and began shooting. The two had had previous encounters for about two years, according to investigators, and running into each other at the gas station was by chance. Smith was sentenced to 50 years for murder and 20 years for each assault charge.

RUSK COUNTY — Leverett’s Chapel ISD was set to have its school board meeting Monday night after their last special meeting was canceled leaving several parents and students upset. Community members say four meetings have been canceled due to board members failing to show up. Some are now questioning the future of this school district. Only two board members were present and three of them are needed for a quorum. This makes it the fourth cancellation in a row. “We have a one-person show here instead of the board of directors involved in the right ways and stuff like that. One person is trying to take over is what it sounded like to me,” said Sandy Williams, alumni of class of 1963. Some alumni and parents say the school board is to blame for failing to show up. Continue reading Community fears Leverett’s Chapel ISD could close if school board conflicts left unresolved

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said it is investigating after they found a body in the city Monday near some woods. According to our news partner KETK, officials said they found the body around 1:15 p.m. on McKay Dr. Further details weren’t immediately available except that law enforcement is no longer at the scene.

LONGVIEW — First National Bank of East Texas opens the doors to its newest branch, serving Longview, as of Monday, July 18. The branch is located on W. Loop 281, in front of the Northwest Village Shopping Center and just across Village Drive from Stanton Optical. The new branch joins First National Bank’s network of locations, including Big Sandy, Diana, Emory, Gilmer, Lake Fork, Mineola, Mt. Vernon, Ore City, Pittsburg, and Quitman. Bank officials say a special ribbon-cutting ceremony will be announced in coming days.

TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. Tyler Maintenance will have a shoulder crew on FM 2089. Flaggers will be controlling traffic. A second crew will be performing ditch maintenance beginning on US 69 near Tyler Pipe. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. This crew will then move to various locations throughout the county. Also, expect a sweeper truck and herbicide units performing work throughout the district. Longview Maintenance is scheduled to help perform seal coat operations with Henderson Maintenance crews in Rusk County. Weather permitting, this project will be on FM 3135 north and southbound, just north of US 79. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

RUSK COUNTY – The Texas A&M Forest Service said that despite recent rainfall, East Texans must do their part to prevent future fires. According our news partner KETK, there are currently 27 East Texas counties under an active burn ban, and the forest service said they are raising awareness so the public will hopefully listen. Officials said even though it rained Thursday it will take consistent rainfall for things to go back to normal, and stress that those who violate burn bans will be fined. “We’re going to have to take a zero tolerance approach to burn ban violations,” Rusk County Fire Marshal Terry Linder said. “The best advice is please heed the burn ban in your county, if not, you’ll likely receive a citation.” Continue reading Officials continue to warn of fire danger

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler is on the receiving end of a very generous gift: $10 million from the Robert M. Rogers Foundation to its School of Medicine to support mental and behavioral health education. In recognition of the gift, the university will name its department of psychiatry the Robert M. Rogers Department of Psychiatry. As quoted in a news release, UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun says, “Medical schools thrive on transformation gifts that can have a real impact on our students, our community, and our state. This gift is an opportunity to impact the improvement of mental health across the Northeast Texas region, and the Rogers Foundation Department of Psychiatry is going to be something very special.”

TYLER — The countdown to this fall’s Texas Rose Festival is underway following Friday night’s Kick Off Celebration. Queen Molly Louise Berry tells KTBB, “It feels so great. I’ve been waiting for this for so long, and I’m so excited that it’s actually here. And It’s so wonderful welcoming all the out-of-town guests and welcoming them to Tyler.” How important is it to have the out-of-town guests on hand? Queen Molly says, “It’s extremely important because it brings more tourists and volunteers into Tyler and our community…which makes the festival possible.” Continue reading Rose Festival Queen “excited” as October event approaches

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is warning all residents of the city that they will be experiencing little to no water pressure after a main water line broke. According to our news partner KETK, it was discovered that a 16-inch main water line broke within the city. The estimated time on restoration is not clear yet, but updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

TYLER – Three 18-year-old men Houston men were arrested on Friday in Tyler and are accused of stealing several catalytic converters. According to our news partner KETK, Tedrick Dyrone Perry Jr, Kennedy Zuron Watkins and Avory Marquis Coleman were arrested. On July 15, around 6:20 p.m. the Tyler Police Department received a call about a suspicious vehicle at 5201 S. Broadway Ave. The caller said they saw the suspects’ vehicle parked close to her, and she told them to move so she could leave. After they left, she noticed her car started making strange noises. Then, she saw a catalytic converter had been partially stolen from her vehicle. Officials then received two more calls about similar incidents and people described a similar suspect. This happened at 5614 S. Broadway and 8668 S. Broadway. Police began searching for a vehicle described as a black BMW four-door with a Florida license plate. Law enforcement saw the car around 8:20 p.m., heading north on S. Broadway and they tried to initiate a traffic stop. found four catalytic converters in the trunk of the vehicle and two saws.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is advising drivers of roadwork that will close some streets and cause traffic delays. Among the projects is edge milling on South Palmer Avenue between East Fifth Street and East Front Street Monday, July 18, through Friday, July 22. Also, major road work is planned on Northwest Road near Lake Tyler from FM 848 to dead ends July 18 through August 5. Additionally, the eastbound and westbound lanes of East Elm Street between South Broadway Avenue and South Spring Avenue will be closed from July 25 through July 29. And Crow Road will be closed for construction from Old Jacksonville Highway past Oak Hill Boulevard from July 25 through August 5. Click here for all the details.

TYLER — 32-year-old Jonathan Evans of Whitehouse was sentenced Thursday in Tyler to life without parole for continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14. According to a news release, prosecutors presented evidence that Evans sexually abused a young female family member multiple times over a three-year period. Officials say the victim eventually disclosed the abuse to a family member who contacted Whitehouse police. Further investigation led to Evans’s arrest.

TYLER – A Smith County pastor who was indicted for alleged theft against an elderly couple in 2021 is now facing additional charges. According to our news partner KETK, Jerome Milton was indicted June 16 for two charges: money laundering and property theft greater than or equal to $30,000 or less than $150,000. The indictment said Milton acquired, concealed, and transferred money from “theft, misapplication of fiduciary property, credit card abuse and forgery” and moved the money between bank accounts from Feb. 2, 2017 to Oct. 14, 2021. He also allegedly stole property from the nonprofit East Texas Communities Foundation and Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church between Feb. 2, 2017 and Jan. 5, 2018, said the indictment. Continue reading More charges against Smith County pastor

TYLER – Arguments were heard Wednesday at the federal courthouse in Tyler regarding a hazing lawsuit against Brownsboro ISD involving the varsity baseball team. That’s according to our news partner KETK. The lawsuit alleges that long-time hazing traditions within the baseball team ranged from upperclassmen having new teammates carry equipment to sexual assault. The hearing involved BISD’s second motion to dismiss the case after the first motion to dismiss was denied. The lawsuit holds the district liable for the alleged inaction of the baseball team’s head coach. Punishment was reportedly handed out to seniors in an incident said to have been caught on video. The judge said the ruling on the second motion to dismiss will be made available as soon as possible.

TYLER — The COVID numbers continue to go up in East Texas — and they’re rising “exponentially,” according to NET Health’s Russell Hopkins. Hopkins says people are picking these cases up in such places as retail outlets, churches, and businesses. And he tells us it won’t get better any time soon. According to Hopkins, “We’re behind the gun now…on mitigation measures,” so the numbers will keep going up “for the foreseeable future.” And he says the worst effects will be seen in hospitals and in those who are vulnerable to the virus. Continue reading NET Health’s Hopkins comments on “exponentially” rising COVID numbers

TYLER – The family of former constable Curtis Traylor-Harris is speaking out after the Smith County District Attorney’s Office released the bodycam footage from the incident relating to his charges. That’s according to our news partner KETK. “There’s been a lot said about Constable Harris that’s just not accurate or true,” said Benet Embry, Traylor-Harris’s brother-in-law and the spokesperson for the family. “He’s not the demon that the media and social media has portrayed.” Traylor-Harris (pictured) had a pre-trial hearing on his theft of property and official oppression charges Thursday morning, and is currently scheduled on the plea agreement docket for August. Continue reading Family of former Smith County constable speaks out

QUITMAN — A grand jury has formally indicted an Alba woman after she was arrested in January for allegedly stealing more than $20,000 from the city of Quitman. Amber Raelynn Highnote, 35, of Alba, has been accused of theft by way of unlawfully acquiring and exercising control over property of the city of Quitman, which reportedly went on between February 2018 and July 2021. Highnote’s official charge is theft of property more than $2,500, less than $30,000, which is a state jail level felony. According to our news partner KETK, Highnote worked as the city water clerk from February 2017 to July 2021, at which point she apparently resigned from her position. Continue reading Alba woman indicted for allegedly stealing more than $20,000 from the city of Quitman

COFFEE CITY – The 10-day-old baby, Ryder Williams, from Coffee City that was at the center of an Amber Alert was taken in by CPS at 10 p.m. on Thursday, according to our news partner KETK. Coffee City police were contacted around 3:30 p.m. after CPS could not locate the child. CPS decided to request the Amber Alert after the parents did not cooperate to turn the child over, said authorities. Officials then started investigating and found that an uncle of the father lived in Tyler. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office went to the Tyler residence to check for all three people, but they only located the father. He was taken back to Coffee City for the investigation and then released. Later, officials got a call that the mother had decided to turn her baby into Hunt County law enforcement. The baby was then taken to CPS. Police said the parents were allowed to go home. The couple also took drug tests, and they are awaiting the results. If the parents’ drug tests come back positive for methamphetamine, officials say they will be issued a warrant for their arrests for the endangerment of a child.