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EAST TEXAS — The U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that had provided a constitutional right to abortion. Friday’s ruling is expected to lead to abortion bans in roughly half the states. Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, authored the “Heartbeat Bill” which requires that a physician performing an abortion first check for a fetal heartbeat. If there is a heartbeat, the physician may not abort the child. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the bill into law in May.

Hughes released the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s RvW decision: “Today, the U.S. Supreme Court has affirmed our nation’s constitutional foundation of respect for life by finally correcting a decision that has wrongly ruled for almost 50 years. I commend the Court for refusing to be bullied and for deciding the outcome based on the rightful application of the law rather than on fealty to a lawless ruling. Continue reading Senator Hughes weighs in on Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade

WHITEHOUSE — The city of Whitehouse has released a schedule for voluntary irrigation reduction, which will go into effect immediately, according to our news partner KETK. “Like all retail water providers in Texas, the City of Whitehouse has a drought contingency plan that outlines factors that trigger different stages of water restrictions,” the city said in a release. With the lack of rain expected to continue, combined with the spikes in usage on the weekends, the demand on the water system is likely to be significant. The city added that while they have not reached any thresholds that require mandatory reductions in water usage, they reached a threshold this week that warrants requesting voluntary compliance in order to alleviate demand on the water system. Continue reading City of Whitehouse implements voluntary irrigation reduction schedule

SMITH COUNTY — A man was shot and injured just outside of Tyler early Friday afternoon when he allegedly tried to confront a homeowner in his front yard. It happened just before 1:00 Friday afternoon on Mary Ann Street. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County Sheriff Deputies received a call advising that a man had confronted the caller in the front yard of his residence and attacked him. During the altercation, the caller allegedly pulled out a handgun and shot the man in the abdomen multiple times. Upon arrival, deputies reportedly found the injured man standing on the front porch of the residence, allegedly attempting to enter the caller’s home. Continue reading Man shot numerous times during dispute at Smith County residence

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A man was sentenced to 12 years in prison in Cherokee County for burglary of habitation, according to our news partner KETK. Anthony Wayne Brooks was convicted for this offense on Thursday in the 2nd Judicial District Court. The burglary happened in September, and a witness said Brooks put items from a home into the back of a truck and then drove away, according to Elmer C. Beckworth, the Cherokee County District Attorney. A jury convicted Brooks after about an hour of deliberations. Brooks also asked for the jury to decide his punishment. The jury decided on a 12 year sentence, and had been informed that Brooks had four previous felony convictions. 2nd Judicial District Judge Chris Day then finalized the sentencing. Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Richey and Assistant District Attorney Enoch Basnett represented the prosecution in this case, and Brooks’ lawyer was Sravanesh Muralidhar.

EAST TEXAS — East Texas Congressman Louie Gohmert’s name came up during Thursday’s hearing of the January 6th Committee. In a taped deposition, former Trump White House aid Cassidy Hutchinson said Gohmert was one of several Congressional Republicans who sought a presidential pardon following the attack on the US Capitol. Rice University Political Scientist Mark Jones notes Gohmert gave up his Congressional seat to run for Texas Attorney General. Jones said, “From a pardon perspective, when you’re not a member of Congress, you have a greater need for a pardon…you’re not protected by your office.” Other members who allegedly asked for a pardon include representatives Andy Biggs of Arizona, Matt Gaetz of Florida and Scott Perry of Pennsylvania. Continue reading East Texas Congressman responds after he’s mentioned during Capitol riot hearing

ATHENS — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has a located and arrested a suspect who authorities say confronted deputies with a rifle. According to our news partner KETK, HCSO investigators were at a residence on West College Street in Athens recovering a stolen vehicle when Raymond Loden allegedly confronted them with a rifle. According to officials, Loden pointed the rifle at investigators and an investigator fired a shot at Loden. The sheriff’s office said he ran away from the scene but was later caught.The Trinity Valley Community College Athens campus was given an all-clear after being evacuated following a lockdown due to the manhunt.

TYLER — The Chandler man who has been accused of intoxicated manslaughter for the fiery wreck near the Tyler airport in December has been given a trial date. Daniel Guadalupe Juarez, 39, has been given a plea date of Sept. 19 and will go to trial on Oct. 3. He remains jailed on a $500,000 bond. Juarez allegedly lost control of his car on the wet road, crossed over the center line, and collided with 54-year-old Dennis Criner of Tyler. Both were taken to UT Health for their injuries, where Criner later succumbed to his. According to our news partner KETK, Juarez faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted.

BULLARD – The City of Bullard canceled its July 4 “Blast Over Bullard” event on Thursday, citing Cherokee County’s burn ban and drought-like conditions as the cause. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Acknowledging that the decision was “difficult,” city officials said in a statement, “Our primary concern is always to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our events.” The city said officials understand the inconvenience the cancellation of the annual fireworks show causes, and that they are deeply sorry that they are no longer able to execute the event. Troup, Marshall, and Chandler have also canceled their July 4 events.

EAST TEXAS — More counties in East Texas are under burn bans due to current weather conditions. According to our news partner KETK, those already included Anderson, Cherokee, Henderson, Panola, Upshur, and Van Zandt Counties. Now Harrison County is on the list, issuing a ban for unincorporated areas. 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 – A Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal charges involving false claims of military service. Officials say Derek Robert Hamm, 38, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, money laundering, violating the Stolen Valor Act, using a fraudulent military discharge certificate, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. As part of the plea agreement, Hamm agreed to pay restitution of at least $2.3 million and forfeiture of the proceeds of his criminal conduct in the amount of $1,675,000. According to court documents, Hamm invented a persona of being a wealthy and successful war hero and created an extensive network of friends who introduced him to potential investors. Within hours of receiving investors’ funds, Hamm spent their money on himself and his family, including expensive jewelry, vehicles, and vacations to expensive resorts on private charter planes. Click here for full details.

TYLER — The Caldwell Zoo announces news regarding what staffers term major improvements. Officials say a complete remodel of the South American section has been unanimously approved by the board of trustees. According to a news release, “The plans will add a vast array of alluring animals and beautiful birds to a major part of the zoo. The Amazon River’s Edge will highlight animals from South America in beautiful and expansive habitats.” Staffers also say new guest experiences will be a part of the remodel. Officials say construction will begin shortly and the estimated completion time frame is 14-18 months.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will host the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lindsey Park. The fun kicks off as the gates open at 2 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin after dark (around 9 p.m.). The park gate, located off Spur 364, is the only entrance, and admission is free. Live entertainment will include music from DJ Chris Choice. Vendors and Food Trucks can still register to be a part of the event until June 29. To prepare for this event, Lindsey Park will be closed to the public on July 4 until 2 p.m. Alcohol, smoking, and private fireworks are prohibited in the park. Click here for all the details.

TYLER — 52-year-old Reginald M. Wickware of Tyler has been found guilty and sentenced to life in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to a news release, Smith County prosecutors presented evidence that Wickware sexually abused an 11 year-old girl in October 2019. During the punishment phase of the trial, the jury also heard evidence that Wickware had 21 previous criminal convictions since the late 1980s, for nine felonies and 12 misdemeanors. Deliberations in the punishment phase took just 15 minutes.

LONGVIEW — With the above-normal heat for a Texas summer, East Texas shelters like Hiway 80 Rescue Mission are seeing more people coming in to cool off, according to our news partner KETK. The blazing temperatures can cause health risks such as dehydration, sunburn and heat exhaustion. “Between our women’s and men’s shelter and our facility in Tyler- Gateway to Hope, we were just shy of 200 folks last night in a shelter. Normally, we are around 150 or so there has been an uptick in people seeking shelter due to this heat wave we’ve experienced,” said Brian Livingston, Executive Director of Hiway 80 Rescue Mission. The heat can affect sleep, especially for those living on the street. Continue reading East Texas cooling stations see uptick in attendance due to hot temperatures

SMITH COUNTY — 25-year-old Taylor Ray Stevenson of Greenville is identified as the person killed in an officer-involved shooting at a home near Lindale. Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith says Stevenson broke in before dawn Tuesday, then reportedly assaulted his girlfriend and allegedly tried to take her phone away. Three small children were on the scene during the incident. Smith says officers responded and tried to talk to Stevenson, but shots were fired. Stevenson was wounded and was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Per standard protocol, the officer involved in the shooting is on administrative leave pending the completion of the investigation. An autopsy was ordered. Continue reading Officials identify man killed in officer-involved shooting

LONGVIEW – 26-year-old Cody Fortman of DeSoto is awaiting his sentence after pleading guilty Wednesday to a 2017 murder in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, officers called to an Annette Drive residence found the body of Nicholas Trevion Johnson, 22, of Longview, dead with multiple gunshot wounds. Fortman was arrested the next day after officials identified him as a suspect through the cooperation of a witness.

BULLARD — A Bullard woman arrested for financial crimes in early May, was arrested again on Friday and charged with the same crimes in a neighboring county. According to our news partner KETK, Misty Adair, 46, was arrested for the same charges in addition to her current charges relating to misapplication of funds and theft of property. However, the warrant for her Friday arrest was issued by Henderson County. Adair has been charged with misapplication of fiduciary property and theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000 by both counties, and her bond was set on Friday at $5,194.80 per charge. Documents seen by detectives showed Adair had access to the Bullard “Youth for Agriculture” bank account since the organization’s 2019 establishment. Continue reading East Texas woman accused of theft for a second organization

HAWKINS — The Hawkins City Council had a meeting on Tuesday and after discussing for two hours during an executive session, they accepted the resignation of the Hawkins Chief of Police Manfred Gilow. According to our news partner KETK, the meeting was scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Hawkins City Hall Council Chambers. Several community members attended the meeting to show support for Gilow and some resigned as well. A new city manager was also hired three weeks ago. Gilow said budget constraints and a shortage of police staff are some of the key reasons that led him to resign. Continue reading Hawkins City Council accepts resignation of police chief during meeting

TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a 2020 murder on Tuesday after entering a plea deal. According to our news partner KETK, Kevondus Brantley, 23, is the second of four co-defendants to be convicted of murder after a shooting on Vance Street in Tyler. Kobe Warthsaw, 19, was found guilty of murder by a jury in May after a three-day trial and was sentenced to 40 years in prison. The remaining co-defendants are both scheduled on plea dockets for later this year. The four were arrested and charged with murder in 2020 after a shooting that killed 21-year-old Draveon McCullough. According to officers, McCullough knocked on Warthsaw’s door and a fight began. During the struggle, McCullough was shot and killed. Officers reported finding “a substantial amount of narcotics at the scene.”

TYLER — The UT Tyler Cowan Center Tuesday announced its schedule for 2022-2023. According to press materials, “Unstoppable: The Celebration Continues” is this season’s theme, which officials say builds on the excitement of once again returning to live performances. The season will feature concerts, comedy, lectures, and Broadway shows. Among others, the slate includes performances by the veteran band Chicago and the Texas Tenors, along with productions of the shows “Annie,” “Chicago – the Musical,” and “Tootsie.” Tickets go on sale June 27. Click here for the full rundown.

SMITH COUNTY – One person was rushed to the hospital on Monday after a shooting in Smith County, officials said. According to our news partner KETK at around 7:30 p.m., Smith County deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 11800 block of CR 4153 for a report of deadly conduct. At the scene, deputies reportedly found a victim with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Paramedics arrived quickly and took the victim to the hospital. Deputies and investigators spoke with witnesses to identify a suspect, who later walked by the location of the shooting and was detained by deputies. The victim is in “extremely critical condition” with life-threatening injuries, officials said. The Smith County Crime Scene Unit and investigators are continuing their investigation. The names of the parties involved were withheld due to age constraint and more information will be released when it is available.

LONGVIEW – A Longview elementary school student donated more than $1,800 to the Hiway 80 Rescue Mission on Monday, according to our news partner KETK. Evie White is a student at Parkway Elementary, and she sold lemonade and lemon tea to fundraise for the organization that provides food and shelter to women, families and the homeless. Evie set up her stand at the Longview Walmart for two days. Parkway Elementary usually raises money for the mission during the school year, and the child was worried that no one would be fundraising during the summer. Her mom encouraged her to take action to help others. Evie later created a business plan and wrote to Walmart to get permission to sell her lemonade. She was then able to raise a large amount for the Hiway 80 Mission. Evie and her siblings visited the group and gave them the check. Hiway 80 Mission leaders said they were touched.

ATHENS — A Bullard woman arrested for financial crimes in early May was arrested again Friday night. According to our news partner KETK, Misty Adair, 46, was arrested for the same charges relating to misapplication of funds and theft of property. However, the warrant for her Friday arrest was issued by Henderson County. Adair’s bond was set on Friday at $5,194.80 per charge. Documents seen by detectives showed Adair had access to the Bullard “Youth for Agriculture” bank account since the organization’s 2019 establishment. According to an affidavit, since the bank account was opened, over $7,000 worth of transactions had been made by Adair for personal expenses.

ATHENS – In a letter signed by both the county and district attorneys for Henderson County, former Caney City Police Chief Charles Gregory is said to be facing a charge of animal cruelty. According to our news partner KETK, the allegation comes from an incident April 8 in which Gregory is alleged to have picked up a stray dog in Trinidad, driven it to Malakoff, and abandoned it. “While investigating this allegation, there is some evidence that tends to show that Chief Gregory made false statements to the officers in the Trinidad Police Department,” said the letter, addressed to the Henderson County Defense Bar. According to the letter, Gregory has a pending misdemeanor charge for cruelty to animals, and a second charge of official oppression was not filed.

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 base failure crew on FM 15. Flaggers will control traffic. A herbicide unit will also be in various locations throughout the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will continue mill and inlay operations on FM 2012 with Tyler Special Crews from SH 31 to the Rusk County line in the north and southbound lanes. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine has received notification from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) that it has been granted preliminary accreditation. In a news release, officials call the move “a monumental milestone” that will allow the school to begin recruiting its first class. As quoted in the release, UT Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife adds, “By extension, it means opening doors to individuals who seek greater access to health care. It means enhancing our region as a destination point to live, train, work, and contribute to our economic vitality.” Also as quoted in the release, UT Tyler President Dr. Kirk Calhoun says, “I thank our vice provost, dean and faculty for their expertise in guiding us through this complex process.” Continue reading UT Tyler School of Medicine receives preliminary accreditation

TYLER — A Tyler man accused of shooting two 13-year-old girls in March has been given a trial date. Jaqualin Xavier Humphrey, 18, still remains in the Smith County Jail after more than three months for several counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to our news partner KETK. His bond is set at $900,000. Humphrey has been accused of shooting two 13-year-old girls on March 12 in the area of North Ross Street and West Bow Street. The girls were reportedly both shot one time each but have since recovered. Humphrey’s trial date has been set for July 11 at 10 a.m.

LONGVIEW – The Great Texas Balloon Race is this weekend in Longview. This is the second year in a row that the competition will be held in city limits, according to our news partner KETK. The race is happening at the Longview Convention Complex, and it brings together some of the best pilots in the country and around the world. Races are scheduled to happen through Sunday. There are also performers at the event. There will also be a special shapes spectacular, a 5K fun run and a balloon glow this weekend. “In 2021 we had a modified event with only competition and so this is the first time since 2019 to have the full event. The excitement does seem to be great in the city, and we’re just looking forward to a great event,” said Michelle Ford, Chairman of the Great Texas Balloon Race. Gregg County was designated as “The Balloon Race Capital of Texas” by the state legislature in 2013.

TYLER — A portion of the Rose Garden Center’s front parking lot on Rose Park Drive in Tyler will be closed from Monday, June 20, until Monday, June 27 while contractors work on installing pavers. Barricades will be in place. Officials say the timeline may change depending on weather. Parking will only be available along the south side of Rose Park Drive, along West Houston Street and South Peach Avenue. Vehicle entrance and parking in front of the Tyler Civic Theater will not be accessible. For questions regarding the temporary alternate parking, contact Rebecca Villamontes at (903) 595-7289.