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LAKE CHEROKEE — A Longview man who was fishing for catfish ended up hooking something far bigger — not to mention more dangerous. It was a huge alligator snapping turtle. Justin Broomhall and his fiancee’s father were fishing at Lake Cherokee on Father’s Day when he felt something tug on his line. “That’s when everything went crazy,” the 25-year-old says. For the next 20 minutes, the two men fought the mysterious bait taker until they were finally able to reel it close enough to see what Broomhall had hooked: a 160-pound alligator snapping turtle. Knowing that alligator snapping turtles are an endangered species, Broomhall removed the hook from the giant creature’s mouth and let it go. But he says he looks forward to hopefully seeing him again near that same cove.

TYLER – A Palestine man arrested for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death admitted his involvement to a confidential informant, according to court documents. According to our news partner KETK, Christian Martinez, 28, was arrested June 29 in connection to the tractor trailer smuggling incident in San Antonio that resulted in 53 fatalities, and it was revealed soon after the incident that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tyler had an active investigation into Martinez. Through HSI Tyler and Palestine Police, an informant was identified, who told investigators that “Martinez said the driver was unaware the air conditioning unit stopped working and was the reason why the individuals died,” the criminal complaint said. Martinez’s preliminary and detention hearing is set for July 18 in San Antonio.

TYLER — TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. In Smith County, Tyler Maintenance will have a shoulder up crew on FM 2089. A second crew will be on FM 1253 just before FM 1805 performing bridge work. Flaggers will be controlling traffic at both locations. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be overlaying on FM 449 east and westbound, from FM 2751 to the Harrison County line. Expect delays. Traffic will be controlled by flaggers and a pilot car. Click here for a full rundown of roadwork around the district.

ATHENS — In an effort to recruit more police officers, the Athens City Council recently approved an increase in salaries for the police department — including a substantial hike for new officers. According to our news partner KETK, the city says the department currently has nine openings as it has reportedly been short-staffed for years due to a statewide lack of recruits. Officials also said this hasn’t been caused by a lack of effort, because they have resorted to many measures to recruit — but the shortage has persisted nonetheless. The new pay scale would increase a beginning officer’s starting salary from $46,654 per year to $59,528, with smaller increases depending on rank for officers currently with the department to help retain them.

TYLER — For the month of July, Tyler Animal Services is partnering with CASA for Kids of East Texas to donate school supplies for foster children. All dog and cat adoption fees will be waived when a backpack with at least six listed supplies is brought to the Tyler Animal Shelter on Chandler Hwy. Donatable items include solid color backpacks without wheels, crayons (Crayola brand only), folders (pockets and/or brads, solid colors), index cards, manila paper, notebooks, and more. Click this link for the full list and additional information.

TYLER — This July, the City of Tyler is celebrating Parks and Recreation Month by acknowledging how Tyler is stronger and more vibrant and resilient because of its Parks and Recreation Department, according to a news release. To commemorate the month, the community is invited to share their experiences, memories, and stories about the city’s parks using the hashtag #RiseUpJuly on social media. You can follow @TylerParksandRec on Facebook to see daily highlights, news, and stories from the community. Director of Parks and Recreation Leanne Robinette says, “Parks help promote health and wellness, equity, and conservation while increasing the value of homes, and most of all creating a strong sense of community,” as quoted in the release. Click here for further details.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview’s annual Fireworks and Freedom Celebration will be held this evening at the Longview Convention Complex. According to the city website, activities include a free concert and “the biggest fireworks show in East Texas!” The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. This year, country musician Drake White and East Texan Hayden McBride will perform on the live music stage. You’re asked to bring a chair for the performance. The fireworks and parking are also free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors during the event. Click here to learn more.

PALESTINE — Palestine police arrested a suspect early Saturday morning after he allegedly shot and killed a man in Palestine. According to our news partner KETK, investigators answered a call on North Jackson Street where they found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds outside of a residence. He was taken to a local hospital where he died later. Detectives identified the suspect as 40-year-old Julio Castillo-Machado of Palestine. They say the victim, who has not been named, and the suspect knew each other and have had an ongoing feud. Castillo is in the Anderson County jail on a murder charge, with a bond set at $800,000.

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department says it needs the public’s assistance identifying the suspect responsible for an aggravated robbery. On Friday around 1:25 p.m., officers responded to Kay’s Jewelers in Longview Mall in reference to a robbery that had just occurred. Upon arriva, officers spoke to an employee, who said that a male and female posed as customers by walking up to the jewelry counter and began looking at jewelry. The male then reached into his pocket, produced a can of pepper spray, and sprayed the employee. The male and female ran out of a nearby store with an undisclosed amount of jewelry. Continue reading Police search for suspects in aggravated robbery

TYLER — With the 4th of July here, Tyler police are issuing an advisory to keep the holiday enjoyable — and safe. They’re eyeballing the Lindsey Park fireworks show and associated traffic control, celebratory gunfire within the city limits, and discharging of fireworks within the city limits. The gates opened at 2 p.m. for Monday’s 4th of July celebration and fireworks show at Lindsey Park. The fireworks show will start around 9:15 p.m. Parking for the event will be on the north side of Spur 364 by the soccer fields. You’re asked to be aware that Spur 364 will be closed to all traffic at 8:4 5 p.m. between Loop 323 and Greenbriar Rd. After the fireworks show all eastbound traffic on Spur 364 will have to turn right onto Loop 323. Continue reading Tyler police issue July 4 advisory

TYLER — In the wake of in incident at a Smith County trail ride that left five people wounded by gunfire, East Texas officials say they’re moving forward with efforts to help make such events safer in the future. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith led a news conference on the topic Friday. Going forward, officials say the Fire Marshal’s Office will be the original entity involved in this process. That pertains to the inspection of the event location to ensure it complies with rules and regulations such as making sure any food vendor is permitted by NET Health and that there are bathroom facilities available such as portable toilets. Continue reading Officials follow up on trail ride shooting

HENDERSON – During a traffic stop Thursday afternoon on Highway 259 in Henderson, police say they uncovered over $450,000 believed to have come from criminal activity. According to our news partner KETK, the officers are working on a joint task force with Mt. Enterprise Marshal John Randolph. During the stop, they noted several behaviors and travel plans that officials said are consistent with criminal activity. The officers say they made the find after receiving consent to search the car by both occupants. The U.S. currency was seized pending a seizure forfeiture hearing. The case is still under investigation, according to Henderson police.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Two men accused of robbing a fireworks stand in Cherokee County Tuesday night were arrested after allegedly leading authorities on a car chase from Rusk to Houston County. According to our news partner KETK, Leon Zion Washington, 22, of Ruskin, Florida, and Kevin Bert Anderson, 27, of Tampa, Florida drove to a fireworks stand north of Rusk. They ordered the owner to “give them all of their fireworks,” said Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson. Officials say the men then fled from the scene in a U-Haul vehicle and a car chase began. Deputies chased the men through Alto and Houston County, with the U-Haul reaching speeds of 100 mph, according to authorities. Continue reading Two arrested after alleged robbery, U-Haul chase

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is hosting a public meeting to inform the public about proposed changes to a planned extension of Waljim Street. The changes to the proposed amendment to the Master Street Plan would remove a section of the proposed Waljim Street extension between South Town Drive and Thigpen Drive. The public meeting will be held on Thursday, July 7, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Tyler Development Center, on W. Ferguson St. According to a news release, staff from the MPO will be in attendance to answer questions and provide information about the Master Street Plan and the proposed amendment. Click here for more details.

KILGORE — 36 young women have become the newest members of the world-famous Kilgore College Rangerettes dance and drill team. The announcement, made in a closed ceremony in Dodson Auditorium on the Kilgore campus, culminated “tryout week.” 84 hopefuls applied this year for a coveted position on the 83rd Rangerette line. The new Rangerettes will join 32 sophomores to make a team of 68. According to a news release, the Rangerettes were the first of their kind when they began in 1940 as a vision of the late Gussie Nell Davis.

GILMER — The 12th Court of Appeals has affirmed the life sentence of Joshua David Verhoef. According to a news release from the Upshur County District Attorney’s Office, Verhoef was convicted and sentenced in April 2021 for striking and choking his girlfriend at her home in the Union Grove community. He was said to be high on methamphetamines at the time. The victim was able to escape and ask a neighbor to call 911. The jury heard evidence that Verhoef had over 20 criminal convictions.

JACKSONVILLE – Officials say a five-year-old child has been found after being reported missing out of Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Mooreland Jr. has autism spectrum disorder. A command post was set up to coordinate the search. Ryan is said to be safe and sound.

EAST TEXAS — North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is putting construction on hold on Toll 49 from July 1st to July 4th in observation of the Independence Day holiday. Evening construction will resume on July 5th at 9:00 pm and will continue through 7:00 am until the overlay is complete.

TYLER — Friday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 5, the Tyler Police Department will be deploying additional officers on the street utilizing STEP (the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program). Police say this program is based on crash data in the city limits of Tyler that allows officers to pinpoint target areas that are a problem. With increased traffic in Tyler for the 4th of July holiday, officers will be specifically watching for hazardous violations such as speeding, intersection enforcement, seat belt violations — and, most importantly, impaired drivers. Police specifically ask you not to drink and drive.

TYLER — Police are issuing traffic information for Friday’s Rose City Airfest. As you approach the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum on Hwy 64, there will be lanes closed. If you are traveling west, the inside (left) lane will be closed to thru traffic. The inside westbound lane will also be used by public transportation buses to transport passengers to the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum from the general parking area located on Hwy 64 W. If you are traveling east, the outside (right) lane will be closed to thru traffic. Members of the public traveling eastbound planning to attend the Rose City Airfest will be permitted to turn left into the general public parking location. Continue reading Rose City Airfest driver caution

TYLER — Contractors began laying beams early Thursday morning for the new bridge on Smith County Road 285, also known as Old Omen Road. Officials say work began earlier this month to replace the old, narrow bridge with a longer, wider concrete bridge. Smith County Engineer Frank Davis said the project is on schedule for the bridge being completed in August, before the start of school. During construction, the portion of CR 285, near its intersection with CR 2215 (Lake Meadows Road), to Farm-to-Market Road 848, is closed to thru traffic. This bridge services the east side of Lake Tyler and a portion of Lake Tyler East. The detour around Lake Tyler is about 16 miles. Continue reading Contractors install beams for CR 285 bridge

WINONA – Josh Joplin, constable for Precinct 4 in Smith County, spoke on reports of a possible plane crash in Big Sandy and confirmed it to be a false alarm. According to our news partner KETK, officials reported that a call came in at 9:53 Thursday morning about a low flying plane that went below a tree line and did not appear to come back up. The caller also reported seeing smoke. The ranch owner of the field confirmed that the apparent low-flying plane was a crop duster spraying weeds. Winona Fire responded to the scene along with EMS and police from Smith and Upshur counties, and officials were able to confirm that the pilot of the plane matching the caller’s description was fine.

KILGORE — A third person is facing capital murder charges in the death of a pregnant Kilgore woman in 2016 and setting her on fire, according to Kilgore Police and the Kilgore News Herald. Edward Brager, 22, was indicted by a Smith County grand jury in its June 9 session on charges of capital murder of multiple persons in the disappearance and death of Sheryia Grant, 20, who was eight months pregnant when she was reported missing in August 2016. Her body has never been found. He is the third person charged with capital murder in Grant’s death. Allen Lamont Sutton Jr., 33, of Kilgore, and Laneshia Lashae Young, 29, of Overton, were indicted in December 2021 on charges of capital murder of multiple persons. Continue reading Third suspect charged with capital murder in Kilgore woman’s death

SMITH COUNTY — All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Monday, July 4, 2022, for the Fourth of July holiday. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, July 5. Smith County Commissioners Court will be held at its regular time – 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday in the Smith County Courthouse Annex, located at 200 E. Ferguson Street in Tyler.

TYLER — A man who was charged in connection with the deaths of 53 people in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio was arrested in Palestine on Tuesday and appeared in court in Tyler on Wednesday, according to our news partner KETK. Christian Martinez, 28, was charged with one count of conspiracy to transport undocumented migrants resulting in death, according to a release from the United States Department of Justice. In San Antonio, officials also arrested 45-year-old Homer Zamorano Jr., and charged him for his alleged involvement in the same incident. If convicted, the men could face up to life in prison or the death penalty. Continue reading Man charged in San Antonio smuggling deaths arrested in Palestine

TYLER — “Stay the course” is the watchword from Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran as the Commissioners Court gets busy on its budget for Fiscal Year 2023. The judge and commissioners held their first workshop Tuesday on the new package, which takes effect October 1. The targeted tax rate for FY23 is 33.5 cents per $100 valuation, which is the same as the last two years. Moran’s budget overview includes four primary areas of focus: the new 475th District Court; law enforcement staffing; Road and Bridge funding; and Judicial Support Services/Clerk Pay Scale. Click here for a more comprehensive look at early work on the budget.

HARRISON COUNTY – Officials say an off-duty Harrison County investigator was attacked at his home Tuesday night, resulting in a physical altercation. According to our news partner KETK, dispatch was notified of the incident, and responders found Jerry Guilliams, 43, of Marshall, handcuffed by the investigator after their altercation. Officials said an investigation found that Guilliams allegedly walked onto the investigator’s property and demanded to speak to him by name. Guilliams began making verbal threats and became belligerent, according to police. The investigator said he told Guilliams to leave the property multiple times, and after he refused, the investigator tried to detain the man, who officials say then began assaulting the investigator. The investigator is said to have had multiple law enforcement interactions with the suspect, all of which were nonviolent. Authorities continue to investigate.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Business Education Council continues to seek donations and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations for their annual #SchoolisCool event. At last report, they had reached 44% of their $50,000 goal to provide 2,000 backpacks. Every $30 will purchase a backpack with school supplies for a kid in need. Donations can be made here or by check. #SchoolisCool is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 4, as a drive-thru event at Fun Forest Park. The event helps children and parents to prepare for the new school year. Free backpacks filled with school supplies will be given away to the first 2,000 school-aged children in line. For more information, contact LaToya Young at (903) 592-1661 ext. 252 or [email protected].

QUITMAN — Wood County has added its name to the list of East Texas localities now under burn bans. According to our news partner KETK, those already included Anderson, Cherokee, Harrison, Henderson, Panola, Upshur, and Van Zandt Counties. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, those who violate burn bans could be fined up to $500. Officials say that residents should not make campfires or burn trash, wood, or other items during a burn ban.

TYLER — Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks gave a fire risk and weather condition update to Commissioners Court on Tuesday. “Drought conditions are deteriorating,” he said, adding that he hoped rain forecast for this week ends up materializing. As of Tuesday, the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County is averaging at 616, he said. Used to determine forest fire potential, the KBDI ranges from 0 to 800. In the past, Smith County has issued a burn ban when the drought index falls around 700. He said although they are starting to see an uptick in grass fires, he recommends waiting to enact a countywide burn ban. He asked that the issue be put on next week’s Commissioners Court agenda to continue the discussion. Continue reading Smith County Fire Marshal urges fire safety