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TYLER – A Tyler man has been indicted for manslaughter for a wreck last October that killed his passenger. According to our news partner KETK, 24-year-old Jose Esparza was arrested after a high-speed, three-car wreck near Mercado’s Restaurant on Loop 323 in Tyler. While Esparza had minor injuries, Pablo Avila was taken to UT Health in critical condition. He died two days later. The computer in the car Esparza was driving showed that he was traveling at 113 MPH when he slammed on his brakes. Esparza was arrested November 5, and he posted a $10,000 bond. His first court date has not yet been set. If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.

TYLER — A Chandler man has been indicted for intoxication manslaughter in a fiery December crash near Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. 39-year-old Daniel Juarez had a blood-alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, according to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. Juarez was arrested in January. A DPS report says 54-year-old Dennis Criner, a Tyler native, was heading east as Juarez approached in the opposite direction. Troopers said Juarez lost control of his car on the wet road, crossed over the center line, and hit Criner. Both men went to the hospital, where Criner was pronounced dead and Juarez was initially listed in serious condition. If convicted, Juarez faces up to 20 years in prison.

TYLER – The U.S. Marshals and the FBI are alerting the public of several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. They are urging people to report the calls to their local FBI office and file a consumer complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. Officials say during the latest series of calls, scammers identifying themselves as “Deputy John Garrison” (the name of the actual U.S. Marshal in the Eastern District of Texas) attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest due to a claim of identity theft, failing to report for jury duty, or other offenses. Continue reading Officials issue fraud advisory

BULLARD – A Bullard woman was arrested last week and accused of misrepresenting funds between $2,500 and $30,000 linked to a youth nonprofit. According to our news partner KETK, local judicial records indicate 46-year-old Misty Adair was arrested by Bullard police May 6 and charged with theft of property and misapplication of fiduciary property. The investigation began after a tipster said there “were improprieties” with financial accounts for the local nonprofit Youth for Agriculture. An investigation revealed Adair was the account manager for the organization. Bullard police released a statement about Adair’s arrest but did not list details on what evidence was discovered to prompt her to be charged. Both charges are state jail felonies, which each carry a maximum sentence of two years in prison. Adair was released after posting a $60,000 bond.

TYLER — The City of Tyler’s Fun Forest Pool on N. Glenwood Blvd. is set to open for the 2022 season the weekend of May 28 and 29, and then regularly starting Saturday, June 4. Admission fees are $1 for residents and $2 for non-residents. Each patron must present proof of age and residency. Kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times. No outside food is allowed. Concessions will be available for purchase. Tyler Transit will be offering free rides to the pool all summer. Riders will need to notify the driver that they are going to the pool to receive the free ride. All bus riders 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Click here for more information.

EAST TEXAS — Just one day after setting a record for its highest gas prices ever, the Tyler metro area passed another dubious mark on Tuesday: the average cost for a gallon of unleaded fuel is more than $4 for the first time. According to our news partner KETK, AAA reported Tuesday morning that the average price for unleaded gasoline in the Tyler area was $4.04, a five-cent increase from the $3.99 mark on Monday. Diesel fuel is also at its highest point ever, averaging $5.19 per gallon. Fuel costs have spiked over the last 30 days. In Tyler, the average price just 30 days ago was $3.65. That marks a jump of nearly 40 cents. One year ago, gasoline in the Rose Capital was around $2.70 a gallon. Continue reading Tyler gas prices pass $4 for first time ever

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Commissioner’s Court approved the appointment of Joe Carter as Van Zandt County sheriff in an emergency special session. According to our news partner KETK, the motion to appoint Carter passed unanimously during Monday’s meeting. This comes after former Sheriff Steve Hendrix resigned following a grand jury indictment on the charge of providing false statements to a peace officer. Hendrix’s resignation is set to be effective on May 14.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is hosting an open house to engage with residents and update the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). According to a news release, the TIP is a short-range budgeting document that provides details on how federal transportation funding dollars will be spent on planning, design, and construction of highway and transit improvements over the next four fiscal years. The TIP is updated every two years. The open house will be held Tuesday, May 10, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center on W. Ferguson St. Click here for all the details.

LONGVIEW – A Longview man is accused of forcing a woman into his car at gunpoint last week, according to a warrant obtained by our news partner KETK. 47-year-old Juan Hernandez was charged with aggravated kidnapping and booked into the Gregg County North Jail on May 1. According to the warrant, he went to a home where the victim was located. Hernandez is accused of pulling a gun on a witness and saying “he would kill him,” per the documents. The victim exited a nearby truck, which is when Hernandez allegedly “grasped [the victim] by the arm, pointed the gun to the back of her head, and escorted her to his truck,” according to the warrant. The victim told police Hernandez spoke with her in the truck about their past relationship, which she had ended. Hernandez is also being held on an INS detainer.

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 bobcat crew on SH 64 in Chapel Hill, in Troup at the four-way stop, and on Spur 248 near the hospital. In Gregg County, the Spur 63/McCann Road Bridge Project continues, with traffic reduced to two lanes. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.

TYLER — Gas prices in the Tyler area hit their highest all-time mark Monday morning after averaging $3.99 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, according to AAA. According to our news partner KETK, prices have spiked over the last few days after slowly coming down over the previous two months. According to AAA data, the average price for unleaded gasoline in the Tyler area was $3.66, which was 33 cents cheaper. The previous record was $3.97, which was set back in July 2008 during the Great Recession. The $3.99 record does not factor in inflation for past prices. When adjusted for inflation, the most expensive year for gas nationally was 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continue reading Tyler sets all-time record for city’s highest gas prices

MARSHALL (AP) — Officials at Wiley College in East Texas say students graduating from the historically Black college were told at their commencement ceremony that an anonymous donor had paid their balances. Wiley College said in a news release that over 100 students were gathered for graduation Saturday when the school’s president made the announcement. The college said in the news release that the estimated total for the balances owed to the college by the graduating class of 2022 was about $300,000.

TYLER – Tyler voters went to the polls May 7th and voted for a 89 million dollar bond proposal for Tyler ISD. According to our news partner KETK, two projects will be handled: a rebuild of Hubbard Middle School and a creation of an college prep high school. The bond passed with 64 percent of the vote. However in Longview, it was a “no” vote on the Longview ISD school bond proposal. Money asked for was nearly 230 million dollars. That would have been used for LHS campus renovation, a new Early childhood campus, an Events Center and assorted updates and repairs. The bond was defeated by 67 percent of the vote. Continue reading Tyler, Bullard school bonds pass, others fail

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department is looking for information about a vehicle vs. pedestrian hit-and-run. That’s according to our news partner KETK. On Thursday, around 11:15 p.m., officers were called to McCann Road near the Tupelo Drive intersection and found a female victim lying in the roadway who had been hit by a vehicle driving south. The victim was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Witnesses told police that the possible vehicle was a white Ford F-150 pickup truck with a toolbox in the truck bed and has possible damage to the front of the vehicle. The victim’s name was not immediately released. Anyone with any information about the wreck should contact Longview police at 903-237-1170 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) or online at this link.

TYLER — Tyler ISD trustees have approved Dr. Lani Norman as the district’s new chief academic officer. Norman currently serves as executive director of learning at Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. She will be joining the Tyler ISD team this summer, succeeding Dr. Christy Hanson. Norman earned her bachelor’s degree in communication from Texas A&M University, her master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and her doctorate in educational leadership at the University of North Texas.

RUSK COUNTY – Two suspected tornadoes in Rusk County Thursday left homes without roofs and power, so residents had to look for shelter at the nearby convenience store. According to our news partner KETK, Whispering Pines RV Park, between Mount Enterprise and Minden, was especially hard hit. No life-threatening injuries have been reported. Authorities say one non-life-threatening injury was reported after a resident was hit by a tree. Rusk County officials are voicing concern for drivers who are out on the roadways. “Stay off the roads and stay home. This is not a time to go out and look or take videos,” cautioned Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez. Officials say they are continuing to assess damage and offer help as needed.

EAST TEXAS — Voters in East Texas went to the polls Saturday for a range of election activity. In Smith County, bond elections were on the ballot for Tyler, Bullard, and Chapel Hill Independent School Districts. Longview ISD is held a school bond election as well, and the city of Longview voted on a city council race along with a special bond election. Ballots around the area also included other races for cities and school districts, as well as proposed constitutional amendments. Continue reading East Texas election day voting results

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department says it needs your help locating a runaway by the name of Meryl Herring. Meryl is 16 years old, approximately 5’06”, and weighs approximately 122 lbs. She has blond hair and blue eyes. Meryl was last seen wearing a green tank top, black hoodie, denim shorts, and croc shoes. Anyone has information is asked to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department says several roads are closed due to flooding. According to our news partner KETK, those include South High Street between West Cotton and West Tyler Street; North Green Street, between West Cotton and West Tyler Street; And south South Green Street, between Mopac Road and East Nelson Street. All locations are underneath bridges. Also, minor flooding is reported on South Spur 63 at West Cotton Street and East Marshall Avenue between Green and Second Streets.

ATHENS — An Athens ISD school bus was involved in a wreck Thursday morning after the driver of a Mustang allegedly pulled out in front of the bus. According to our news partner KETK, Athens ISD reports the bus was driving west on Loop 7 when the Mustang apparently pulled out from Robbins Road in front of the bus. Neither driver required medical attention, but three students were taken to UT Health Athens for what were reported to be minor injuries. DPS was called to the scene and is investigating further. AISD officials were notifying and reaching out to parents and guardians of the students on the bus and have been continuing to monitor the situation.

TYLER — Early and absentee ballots in Smith County are up significantly from a year ago as voters and officials prepare for Saturday’s elections. The county says 7,746 people cast their ballots early and 1,127 absentee ballots were received by the elections office. In last May’s municipal elections, early votes totaled 1,650 and there were 64 absentee ballots cast. It should be noted that ballot items were considerably different a year ago. This spring, bond elections are on the ballot for Tyler, Bullard, and Chapel Hill Independent School Districts. Also on the ballot are several races for cities and school districts, as well as constitutional amendments. Continue reading Early, absentee ballots way up from last May in Smith County

TYLER — East Texans are advised of multiple disaster designations with the USDA Farm Service Agency. Those who wish to apply for emergency loans are asked to submit their applications as soon as possible. Application deadlines vary. The FSA office is located on Republic Drive in Tyler. The telephone number is (903) 405-5676 with office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional information regarding Disaster Assistance Programs may be found online at this link. Continue reading Disaster designations for East Texas

EAST TEXAS — North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is asking drivers to be aware of a ramp closure on Toll 49. According to NET RMA, the ramp closure at Toll 49 and Farm-to-Market Road 16 began May 2 and will continue through May 5, from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m., as crews install new tolling system equipment. Daily text messages will be sent updating road closure information while this work is in progress. In order to receive these messages, motorists will need to text Toll 49 to 444222 or visit this link.

TYLER — The City of Tyler is showing appreciation for outstanding public servants during Public Service Recognition Week from May 2 through May 6, according to a news release. City of Tyler non-emergency offices and facilities will be closed Friday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for an interdepartmental event. Essential and emergency functions will continue. The Glass Recreation Center will be closed to the public Friday, May 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Celebrated since 1985, PSRW is a nationwide public recognition campaign honoring the men and women who serve as federal, state, county and local government employees, according to the release.

TYLER — Tyler joins numerous other communities around East Texas and across the country in observing Thursday’s National Day of Prayer. A highlight was the 31st annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast, held at Green Acres Baptist Church’s Crosswalk Conference Center. Speakers offered a prayer of thanksgiving along with prayers for world, community, and individual peace. Also, attendees were invited to pray together at their tables, and there were musical offerings, as well as other touches. Mayor Don Warren told KTBB the prayer choices were “really kind of a no-brainer,” citing “so much that we’ve gone through these last few years” — and adding, “it works.”

SMITH COUNTY — One woman was arrested and a man is on the loose following a police chase Wednesday night in Tyler, according to our news partner KETK. Sgt. Larry Christian, with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, said the chase started in the Hill Creek boat area near Lake Tyler. Officials said that a deputy recognized the 1999 4-door Mercury and noticed that there were active arrest warrants for the driver, Kelsey Ann Sanders, 20. Deputies attempted to pull over the vehicle but she allegedly did not stop and started on FM 346 around Lake Tyler. Continue reading Police chase lands one in jail, one suspect at large

LONGVIEW – A female inmate in the Gregg County Jail died after having a “medical emergency” in her cell, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, a press release says members of the sheriff’s office and jailers responded to the emergency. Longview Fire/EMS was immediately contacted and responded to the North Jail Facility, according to the release. The woman was taken to a Longview hospital, where she later died. Officials were withholding her name pending notification of next-of-kin, but they did say she was being held on a murder charge and had been in the jail for 1,122 days. The Texas Rangers have been notified and are conducting an investigation with the help of members of the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.

TYLER — As voters and officials prepare for Saturday’s elections, Smith County releases its final early and absentee voting numbers. The county says 7,746 people cast their ballots early and 1,127 absentee ballots were received by the elections office. That’s substantially up from last May, when early votes totaled 1,650 and there were 64 absentee ballots cast. It should be noted that ballot items were considerably different a year ago. This spring, bond elections are on the ballot for Tyler, Bullard, and Chapel Hill Independent School Districts. Also on the ballot are several races for cities and school districts, as well as constitutional amendments. Continue reading Smith County early, absentee votes tallied in Saturday’s election

TYLER — A Tyler man has died after being ejected from his SUV in an early Wednesday Tyler crash. He has been identified as Daron Ellis, 22. Police responded to the scene on University Boulevard around 8:15 a.m. The investigation showed Ellis was following a fuel truck and tried to make a lane change but hit the back of the truck. Police say that caused the SUV to go out of control and caused Ellis to be ejected. Police say he was the only occupant of his vehicle. The driver of the fuel truck was not injured.