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EMORY — The Rains ISD superintendent released more information after RISD police confiscated a gun from a student’s vehicle in the high school parking lot. “Rains ISD takes all potential threats to staff and students seriously and works to investigate them fully,” said Superintendent Jennifer Johnson. According to our news partner KETK, officials mentioned they cannot release all information about the situation due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) that protects students’ privacy. On Tuesday, students were placed under a lockdown after a social media post was made on Snapchat. Officials believe the post was a prank. Continue reading Authorities issue update on weapons case in Emory

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Policy Committee will hold a regularly scheduled meeting Thursday, May 26, at 2 p.m., at the Tyler Development Center’s Large Conference Room on W. Ferguson Street, across from City Hall. The committee will consider adopting revised performance measures and targets related to system performance and the FY 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The Tyler Area MPO coordinates transportation planning for the greater Smith County area. Click here and here for more information on the items to be considered. More information about the MPO is available here. Residents can contact the MPO by calling (903) 531-1175 option 5.

TYLER — The lead defense attorney for a former nurse convicted last year of murdering several patients pleaded guilty Wednesday morning to soliciting prostitution during the death penalty trial. According to our news partner KETK, Phillip Hayes pleaded guilty to the state jail felony before 7th District Court Judge Kerry Russell. He was arrested back in November days after the high-profile trial concluded. According to an arrest warrant, an undercover deputy for the Smith County’s Sheriff’s Office posing as a prostitute made contact with Hayes in a text message. Continue reading Lawyer for killer nurse pleads guilty to soliciting prostitution during trial

TYLER — Early elections for runoffs saw 3,058 republicans and 721 democrats for a total of 3,779 voters. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County election office says they have seen a total of 3,951 voters so far for Election Day, making for a great runoff voter turn out. “A lot of people think oh it’s the primaries and then oh it’s the runoff and they don’t realize that’s when for example the democrats are picking the Lieutenant governor, who’s going to run in the general election for lieutenant governor, for attorney general. This is a big deal,” said Nancy Nichols, electioneer. Continue reading Runoff election sees high voter turnout

TYLER — Nearly three months after leading a four-candidate field in the March primaries, Jrmar Jefferson won a runoff against Victor D. Dunn, according to our news partner KETK. With his victory, Jefferson moves on to the general election in November against the Republican nominee, Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran. He faces an uphill battle in the heavily red district. The election will replace longtime Republican Representative Louie Gohmert, who generally won with more than 70% of the vote. In an interview with KETK News in March, Jefferson said, “I am the candidate of peace, I want to make sure we build and invest and build and educate and bring families back together here in East Texas.”

TYLER – A Tyler man draws a 35-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to murder on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, 22-year-old Demarkus Bircher entered guilty pleas to one charge each of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was arrested in January 2021 after Smith County deputies found two men shot in the Chapel Hill area: 48-year-old Argusta Stansell, a Winona native, and 41-year-old Kendrick Gill of Tyler. Both were taken to Tyler hospitals, but Stansell later died from his injuries. Bircher was sentenced to 35 years for his death. As part of his plea deal, he also received a 20-year sentence for the aggravated assault charge, but it will run concurrently with the murder charge.

TYLER – The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) has launched its new, user-friendly online map to keep drivers updated on lane closures and maintenance along Toll 49, according to a news release. Officials say just in time for summer, this new map tool comes with features to help East Texas residents plan their trips. NET RMA says that includes easily-recognizable icons, indicating construction, lane closures and/or accidents, the specific area of the road highlighted where work is being conducted, information on current and upcoming road updates, and a summary of completed roadwork. “We’re always looking to improve the customer experience on Toll 49,” said NET RMA Executive Director Glenn Green as quoted in the release. Drivers can stay updated on closures and road conditions on Toll 49 by visiting this link.

EAST TEXAS — Tuesday is runoff day in the March Texas primaries. Early voting wrapped up this past Friday. A number of races are on ballots around the area. For more information on the elections in Smith County, click here. Gregg County information can be found at this link.

SMITH COUNTY — A 22-year-old Tyler man has been arrested after an aggravated assault Monday night. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a residence on Garden Lake Road around 10:00 in reference to a shooting. The caller advised the suspect had fled the scene. Officials found the victim, Courtland Jamal Lyons, 25 of Athens, with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. A deputy administered first aid prior to arrival of UT Health EMS. Deputies began searching the area for the suspect, Zion Michias Jenkins, 22, of Tyler. Jenkins was located and arrested a short time later. He was booked into the Smith County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Bond has not been set. The condition of the victim is unknown.

SMITH COUNTY — An East Texas man who is facing a rape case in Gregg County is now accused of rape in a separate attack in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Morgan Cates, 27, of Henderson, was charged with the latest rape on Friday. He remains in the Smith County Jail on a $750,000 bond. Cates had been arrested in Gregg County on Dec. 9, 2021, and charged with sexual assault for an incident on Dec. 27, 2020. He was released the same day after posting a $15,000 bond. KETK News obtained an arrest warrant for the Smith County incident, which stated the victim went to the police in January one day after the alleged attack. Continue reading Henderson man awaiting rape trial accused of separate rape in Smith County

WILMER – A Palestine ISD teacher was killed late Sunday night while returning home from Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Dallas Mavericks. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Michael Coyne, a teacher and coach at Palestine Junior High, was driving back from the game with a pair of students when their car was hit by a wrong way driver, according to the district. According to a report by Wilmer Police, the wreck happened on I-45 just south of Mars Road. A wrong-way driver was headed northbound in the southbound lanes and struck two vehicles at the 265 mile-marker before ultimately hitting Coyne’s car. The students were taken to a Dallas hospital for treatment.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Nearly 100 roosters were seized from a Cherokee County cockfighting ring on Saturday night. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to reports of suspicious activity on CR 2638, and upon arrival, officials reportedly located evidence indicating that a cockfighting derby had taken place. Approximately 50 people were identified. According to officials, two trucks, nine trailers, and 97 roosters were seized. The case remains under investigation, with arrest warrants pending for landowners and individuals who were allegedly involved.

HENDERSON – Officials say no one was in danger Monday after a child reportedly brought a toy gun to Henderson Middle School. According to our news partner KETK, a statement from Henderson ISD says administrators discovered the toy on campus Monday morning. An investigation reportedly revealed that a student brought the fake weapon to campus and showed it to other students. Once the toy was discovered, employees “followed strict protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff,” according to the statement. Officials say there was not a disruption to class or campus activities, a full investigation is ongoing, and all appropriate disciplinary actions will be enforced.

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 be controlling traffic. There will also be a herbicide unit in various locations throughout the county. In Gregg County, Longview Maintenance will be widening pavement on FM 449 westbound from the Harrison County line to FM 2751. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Click this link for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — In Van Zandt county, a public swearing in ceremony was held at the courthouse for Sheriff Joe Carter. According to our news partner KETK, Carter has been in law enforcement for more than three decades and says he is excited to continue serving Van Zandt county in this new and now permanent role. “I’ve been in law enforcement for 38 years, just trying to catch up on what’s going on over there, what direction we need to go, what needs to be worked on and trying to make sure everything gets covered,” said Sheriff Joe Carter. Carter stepped into this position following former Sheriff Steve Hendrix’s resignation after being indicted on charges of providing false statements to police. Those charges were dismissed Friday morning.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department will be participating in the “Click It or Ticket” seat belt safety campaign. Police say officers will be watching to make sure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained with a seat belt over the Memorial Day holiday. Statistics show wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of dying in a crash by 45%. The program will start Monday, May 23, and will run thru Sunday, June 5. Click here to learn more.

KILGORE – A child was hospitalized after they were hit by a vehicle while riding a bicycle, the Kilgore Police Department said. According to our news partner KETK, the driver failed to stop and render aid. Luckily, others stopped to assist. According to Kilgore PD, a friend of the bike rider gave police officers details of what happened and they were able to find a vehicle that matched the description at a nearby apartment complex. “No matter who’s fault it may or may not be, you are required to stop and render aid,” Kilgore PD said in a Facebook post. “Always call 911 to report it and summons assistance. Even if you aren’t at fault, but don’t summons aid you may be charged with a crime.”

TYLER — The Tyler man who was charged with intoxicated manslaughter in a wreck that killed a Tyler Legacy high school senior has been indicted. According to our news partner KETK, Jason Charles, 24, was indicted by a Smith County grand jury on March 24 on the charge of intoxicated manslaughter with a vehicle. Charles was originally charged on Jan. 14 in the death of Lily Thornburgh after she succumbed to her injuries in a late-night wreck on Broadway Ave. She was just shy of 18.

PALESTINE — East Texas nonprofits are struggling to stay afloat in today’s sluggish economy. According to our news partner KETK, the Tri-County Meals on Wheels in Palestine previously received $2,000-$3,000 per month in donations and now they only get about $1,000 per month. The organization serves Anderson, Cherokee and Rusk counties. The community fears the program is going to close because of the significant decrease in funding. They are having to pull money from other places within the ministry and reach out to city officials for help. “We have the gas that’s increasing, the food prices increasing, everything is increasing except the funding sources,” said Executive Director Ruby Taylor. “I decided to compose a letter and send it to each county judge, letting them know of our need.” Tri-County Meals on Wheels has lost nearly $85,000 in local funding due to the effects of the pandemic. Some of the people they serve, solely depend on Meals on Wheels to eat everyday. The program does get government funding but that only accounts for 43%, the rest is on them so they are asking for help from the community.

TYLER — Smith County Road 289, south of New Chapel Hill, is back open to traffic after a two-month bridge replacement project. According to a news release, CR 289, also known as Wolfe Lane, now has a new, wider concrete bridge with railing. The bridge project is part of a federal program administered by the Texas Department of Transportation. Smith County Engineer Frank Davis said the County is only required to pay about five percent of the project. Davis said under the same construction contract, a wooden bridge on CR 2110 will also be replaced with a concrete bridge. That project, east of Arp, will begin this coming week and is expected to last about three months. CR 2110 will be closed during the construction project and detour signs will be placed in the area.

TYLER — Leadership Tyler has selected Wendy Frizzell as its new executive director. Leadership Tyler is a non-profit organization whose stated goal is equipping leaders to enrich the Tyler community. Frizzell was a member of Leadership Tyler’s Core Program Class 31. According to a news release, she has an extensive background in marketing and development in the non-profit and healthcare industries. Frizzell will assume the role on May 23. She will be responsible for the planning and management of Leadership Tyler’s three programs and oversee all other operations of the organization. You can learn more about Leadership Tyler here.

LONGVIEW — Gov. Greg Abbott will highlight a community-wide Memorial Day event May 30 at Teague Park in Longview. The City of Longview, Gregg County, and the Boy Scout Troop 201 Alumni Foundation will host what’s termed A Day of Thanks and Remembrance. The event will include a main ceremony featuring Abbott, a flag retirement ceremony, free lunch, and more. The main ceremony begins at 11 a.m. Military and law enforcement recruiters will be on hand, and there will be opportunities for COVID vaccinations and blood pressure checks. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair and umbrella and can spend time exploring the park’s Veterans Memorial Plaza. Click here for more details.

TYLER — The Smith County District Attorney’s Office reports 18-year-old Ernesto Castellon of Tyler was handed four life sentences for an incident in which an officer was injured. Castellon was caught in an East Texas Anti-Gang Center operation that included the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the Tyler Police Department, the Department of Public Safety, and other agencies. Officials say Castellon sold narcotics and automatic weapons to an undercover officer and then tried to flee, causing the injury. Castellon was charged with manufacture/delivery of multiple controlled substances, weapons trafficking, and aggravated assault on a peace officer.

LONGVIEW – Authorities say a man was arrested and jailed after leading police on a pursuit that allegedly damaged their vehicles. That’s according to our news partner KETK. 37-year-old Kelvin Earl Smith Jr. is charged with evading arrest in a vehicle, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of dangerous drugs, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. At around 6:10 a.m. Thursday, Longview police officers responded to a welfare check call for service in the roadway of H.G. Mosley Parkway near Loring Lane. Upon arrival, officers found a car stopped at a traffic signal for several minutes and the driver “appeared to the passed out,” according to a press release. Smith allegedly led officers on a short pursuit in which two police vehicles were damaged, as well as the suspect’s vehicle.

TYLER – A Smith County judge denied a request Thursday morning from Pct. 1 Constable Curtis Traylor-Harris to reduce his bond. According to our news partner KETK, that’s after Harris was re-arrested while awaiting trial for charges of felony theft by a public servant and misdemeanor public oppression. 241st District Judge Jack Skeen denied Traylor-Harris’ motions to reduce the two $500,000 bonds down to between $20,000 and $30,000. Harris was arrested last week after a video on a Youtube live stream showed him at a graduation in full uniform with his weapon. Conditions of his bond include an order that he cannot possess a firearm, explosive, ammunition or deadly weapon. He would now have to post a $1 million bond to be released again. His next court date is July 7 when he must decide on a plea.

LINDALE – Special Agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted an online solicitation of prostitution operation Tuesday and Wednesday that led to the arrest of eight. Defendants include Jason Wilhelm Veihl, 45, of Canton; Jeffrey Alan Watts, 64, of Tyler; Chaminda P Alwis, 53, of Tyler; Allen Ronald Johnson Jr, 44, of Lindale;David Balderas, 32, of Tyler; Leonardo Hernandez Rodriguez, 23, of Lovington, NM; Ryan Craig Burgess, 30, of Lindale; and Chester Ray Webb, 32, of Tyler. Investigators with the Smith County TAG (Texas Anti-Gang Unit) assisted in the investigation and apprehensions, according to officials.

UPSHUR COUNTY — A man was sentenced to 99 years in prison in Upshur County. On Tuesday, a jury of five men and seven women found Taylor guilty of retaliation against a witness from Jan. 2021, according to our news partner KETK. Charles Lance Taylor, 45, broke into the house of a woman that he previously dated on June 23, 2020 and assaulted and strangled her, according to Upshur County District Attorney, Billy W. Byrd. “The assault was so bad it required the victim to be hospitalized for a brain bleed,” said Byrd. Continue reading Upshur County man sentenced to 99 years for threatening victim

SMITH COUNTY — A 35-year-old man who had special needs died in a house fire Wednesday night, according to Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks. The victim has been identified as Jack McKenzie Ross. Our news partner KETK reports the fire started around 8:00 p.m. on County Road 1113. 26-year-old firefighter Cameron Franks was taken to the hospital for observation after being injured by a power line on the scene but has since been released. No one else was injured in the fire. The Smith County, Noonday and Red Springs Fire Departments assisted with the fire. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Officials are asking the community to pray for the family affected by this tragic fire.

TYLER – Phillip Hayes, the lead defense attorney for convicted murderer and former CHRISTUS nurse William Davis, has been indicted for allegedly trying to solicit a prostitute during the month-long trial. Hayes will go before 7th District Judge Kerry Russell next week to enter a plea. He was arrested in November days after the high-profile Tyler trial concluded. According to our news partner KETK, Davis was found guilty and sentenced to death for killing patients at the hospital where he worked as a nurse.