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TYLER — Country music star Jon Wolfe will headline this year’s Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala, set for June 11 at the Texas Rose Horse Park — the gala’s home for the past four years. The 2022 event, the 34th, will be called “Neon Rose.” The Cattle Barons’ Gala is a major fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. Click here or call 903-570-8126 for more information.

LONGVIEW — The latest surge in COVID-19 is hitting East Texas school districts hard and many teachers and staff are absent because of the virus causing districts to have to use office staff to fill in. According to our news partner KETK, Longview ISD and Arp ISD are just two of the many school districts actively recruiting, hiring, and training substitute teachers. Two dozen substitutes were registered and trained at Longview ISD’s Education Support Center Thursday. The instructor put an emphasis on safety protocols for fire and weather emergency procedures – and Covid -19. Continue reading East Texas schools in need of substitute teachers amid rising COVID-19 cases

TYLER – Chick-fil-A has awarded Goodwill Industries of East Texas, Inc. a $100,000 grant as a recipient of the 2022 True Inspiration Award. According to a news release, this grant will support Goodwill’s skills training and vocational opportunities for people with barriers for employment in East Texas. Goodwill of East Texas provides a variety of job skills training and is one of 34 organizations recognized for a commitment to serving individuals in the areas of education, hunger, or homelessness, according to the release. In addition to serving their communities in these areas, the recipient organizations are either Black-led or serve communities of color. Chick-fil-A increased its investment in the initiative last year, with a collective $5 million awarded to recipients for the second year in a row.

SMITH COUNTY — A Kilgore man has been charged with intoxication manslaughter following a wreck Wednesday night. According to the DPS report, Gary L. Nichols, 40, of Kilgore, was headed east on Hwy 31, approximately 13 miles east of Tyler, when he struck a disabled vehicle. Two male occupants were attempting to push/pull the vehicle while the driver and female passenger remained inside. Jace D. Taylor, 22, of Overton, was pronounced dead at the scene. Devin C. Hardee, 24, of Overton, was transported to UT-Health East Texas Tyler in stable condition. Ashley L. Wilson, 22, of Overton, was also transported to UT-Health East Texas Tyler in critical condition. Hayley Wilson, 23, of Overton, was taken to Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in critical condition.

TYLER — The City Council approved updating and establishing new school speeding zones to help ease traffic congestion in our community while also keeping students safe, according to our news partner KETK. The number one reason for the use of school zones is for the safety of all students. “It’s been quite a while since we have made these updates. Cameron Williams, the Traffic Engineer, has really implemented this project to kind of catch up on things we have kind of let go for a number of years,” said Mayor Don Warren. Continue reading Setting Tyler school speed zones: City Council approves Phase 1 of new traffic plans

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office obtained warrants Wednesday for the suspects involved in the string of auto burglaries that occurred last week. According to our news partner KETK, following the initial investigation, it was discovered that a total of 32 vehicles had been burglarized and one was stolen in the Whitehouse area. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Smith County near Loop 49 and Highway 64 West in the late morning on Jan. 6. Continue reading Suspects wanted in string of more than 30 Tyler, Whitehouse vehicle burglaries

AUSTIN — Tyler and Longview continue to show up well in the latest sales tax allocation figures from the state comptroller’s office. For the month of January, Tyler gets $4,996,960.85, a big leap from the $3,670,114.25 reported a year ago. In Longview, $3,511,150.03 was allocated, well above the $2,616,475.39 figure reported at this time last year. Statewide, there was a 26.8 per cent increase in allocations from January 2021. Click this link to see figures for individual entities around the state.

TYLER — The city of Tyler is announcing several items of interest or concern. First, the Tyler Water Utilities Water Business Office lobby will be closed through Jan. 19 due to COVID-19. Customers can do business online, by phone, and at the kiosk. The closure will not affect water or sewer services. Meantime, the City Council has taken action on several items. Councilmembers okayed a contract to provide asphalt crack sealing for the streets identified for seal coating and resurfacing in 2022. Additionally, the Council approved a contract to complete the design for the Legacy Trail extension project. Also approved: a consulting contract for the development of a concept to support revitalization efforts in the downtown area. Click this link for more information on most of those items, or click here if you have further questions.

SMITH COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety continues the search for a suspect involved in a fatal hit-and-run wreck that killed a 69-year-old woman on SH 110N. According to our news partner KETK, DPS received surveillance photos at a gas station of the red truck that was possibly involved as well as the man. The man has since been cleared in this investigation. Officials say they are exploring other leads. Patricia G. Radican, 69, of Gun Barrel City was pronounced dead by medical staff at UT Health East Texas in Tyler on Monday, Dec. 20, 2021. Continue reading DPS exploring leads in fatal Smith County hit-and-run

LINDALE — A Lindale man was sentenced to life in prison after he shot a woman. According to our news partner KETK, 35-year-old Samuel Salas was charged for unlawful possession of a firearm and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he shot a woman on March 12, 2021, and Smith County officials said he attempted to break into a home the next day. Smith County law enforcement was searching for Salas for four days until they captured him in Wood County on March 15, 2021. In 2016, Salas also pleaded guilty to assault of a family or a household member, a second-degree felony, and received four years.

KILGORE — Kilgore College is accepting applications until 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 24, for one board appointment to fill the vacant seat of Larry Woodfin, who is retiring from board service. Woodfin represents the North Zone, Voting Unit #2, Place 5. The remainder of the term for this seat lasts until May of 2023, when a regular election will be held for that seat. Voting Unit #2 includes the Gladewater, White Oak, and Sabine Independent School Districts. Applicants for the seat will be reviewed by a board subcommittee that will recommend an appointment for consideration by the full board. Click this link for more information.

TYLER — Net Health CEO George Roberts continues to address the current omicron surge, crunching some numbers this go-round. He told KTBB, “If you’re having any symptoms of COVID — that includes fever, shortness of breath, cough…sore throats — you have probably a 40 to 50 per cent chance right now that you probably have COVID.” Roberts adds that you should seek medical attention as soon as you can if you’re having more severe symptoms. In that light, he continues to urge residents to get vaccinated and stay home when they’re sick. Continue reading NET Health’s Roberts updates, recaps COVID concerns

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — One person is dead after getting hit while stopping for a school bus on Highway 64, roughly eight miles east of Ben Wheeler. According to our news partner KETK, the DPS report says 42-year-old Toni Powell from Fruitvale was driving her 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage on Monday at 4:15 p.m. and was stopped for a school bus that was offloading students. 71-year-old Mary Robinson of Canton was driving a 2021 Chevrolet Trax SUV and failed to control her speed, hitting Powell’s car. Powell was pronounced dead at the scene. Robinson was taken to a Tyler hospital in stable condition. Robinson said the sun was causing her to have limited visibility, a DPS report stated.

TYLER — The City of Tyler announced on Monday all classes at the Glass Recreation Center will be canceled. According to our news partner KETK, this information comes after COVID-19 cases have risen in East Texas and across the nation. Classes will be canceled until further notice. Officials said they are taking these measures to keep people safe. If you have any questions you may call the Parks and Recreation Department at (903) 531-1370.

MARSHALL – East Texas Baptist University implemented a temporary mask mandate ahead of the new semester. According to our news partner KETK, University President J. Blair Blackburn made the announcement on Jan. 7. Everyone on campus will have to wear a mask until Jan. 21 regardless of their vaccination status, except in residents’ rooms. Masks will be required on campus, in offices, and on campus vehicles. Blackburn said the institution is making these changes due to “the highly contagious strain of the omicron variant and in an effort to protect each of you and your families.”

TYLER – TxDOT will be busy with another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District this week. Maintenance crews in Smith County will be performing bobcat profile operations on FM 2493 just south of Grande in the southbound lanes. There will be lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. These crews will then move to the Grande and Toll 49 area to perform the same work. There will be multiple lane closures daily. In Gregg County, maintenance crews plan to perform erosion control on SH 31 from Longview city limits to I-20 north and southbound. There will be lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic. Crews will also continue mobile operations to patch potholes and low edges throughout the county. Click here for the full rundown of roadwork around the district.

CANTON – The Van Zandt County 294th District Court has canceled jury duty due to a material witness’s exposure to COVID. According to our news partner KETK, those who received a jury summons from the court for Jan. 10 were not required to report and will not be required to do anything further. Officials say the trial will be rescheduled.

STARRVILLE – Just one year after the tragic shooting, Starrville Methodist Church congregation members gathered to recall the day that their late pastor was killed. “It was like slow motion. You know, you couldn’t really believe what was happening,” said congregation member Mike Sellers, who was shot six times but recovered. According to our news partner KETK, a memorial was held Sunday in remembrance of Pastor Mark McWilliams. Starrville Methodist honored McWilliams by planting an October Glory Maple tree on the church property with the help of Breedlove Nursery. The January 2, 2021, incident began as authorities pursued fugitive Myrtez Woolen. Woolen reportedly tried to hide in the church and was discovered by McWilliams — who was shot dead with his own weapon after Woolen was reportedly able to take the gun from the pastor. Woolen currently awaits further legal proceedings in the case. Continue reading One year later, remembering a tragic shooting

  TYLER – On Sunday, to celebrate the 3rd anniversary of their Free Day, Tyler Thrift allowed East Texans to come and get free items. According to our news partner KETK, in addition to the free items, customers also received free snacks, drinks, and pizza. The store allowed groups to have 10 minutes to grab whatever they want. New items were brought out between each group, so Tyler Thrift said there were plenty of items for everyone. People could get back in line as many times as they’d like and Tyler Thrift said there was no limit on how many items guests could take. The store also provided bags and boxes until they ran out.

  TYLER  – On Saturday Sharon Shriners appointed their new Divan, a term they use for their leading officers according to our news partner KETK. Sharon Shriners is a group most famously known for driving the tiny cars at the Texas Rose Parade complete with their signature hats, also known as a “fez”. The group is also very active in the community, such as holding toy drives during the holiday season. The former head of Sharon Shrine said that as their group evolves, it’s important to signify their changes in leadership. “It happens every year, and for most of us, we have been here for a long time,” said Carl Auvil, the past potentate. Beyond East Texas, this group of men has helped raise money for Shriners International which builds hospitals across the country for families with children who are burn victims or have orthopedic impairments. One of their hospitals is located in Galveston.

GREGG COUNTY, Texas – A 68-year-old woman died after a two-vehicle fiery crash in Gregg County on Friday night around 10:32 p.m. on I-20 a mile and a half west of Kilgore. According to our news partner KETK, Linda Blaney, 68, of Shreveport, LA was driving a 2004 Mazda Tribute east and was in the inside lane disabled when she appeared to have had a single-vehicle crash. An 18-wheeler also driving east in the inside lane hit her, according to DPS. Blaney’s car caught on fire and was engulfed in flames. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the 18-wheeler identified as Jeremy Ragle, 40, of Emory did not have any injuries, according to DPS.

There has been a rise in vehicle burglaries in East Texas. Criminals are looking for anything they can get their hands on. According to our news partner KETK , the one valuable item they all want are firearms. “There’s nothing worse than you going home or outside to your vehicle in the morning and leave for work and find your car door open,” said Sheriff John Wayne Valdez, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. According to the Sheriff Valdez, Rusk county had 65 vehicle related thefts in 2021. Continue reading Vehicle burglaries on the rise in East Texas, thieves searching for firearms

RUSK — The Cherokee County Jail adds its name to the list of jails suspending in-person visitation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On issuance of the notice Friday, officials announced it will be in effect for 30 days and may be extended if that’s deemed necessary. In a news release, officials said the last several days have seen a sharp increase in inmate COVID cases elsewhere and that number is expected to rise. They noted that no known COVID cases have turned up in Cherokee County, with the new policy being adopted as a safety measure, in cooperation with the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. Video and phone calls may still be made at cost, with equipment provided by the jail.

TYLER – A Tyler man charged with manslaughter for the death of a teenager on Lake Palestine in June 2019 now has a trial date of April 18. It was decided last July that he would face a jury in April. According to our news partner KETK, 32-year-old Jeffrey Hampton is accused of running over Roberto Hernandez with his boat while Hernandez was standing on a dock. The case was delayed one month before the COVID-19 pandemic due to Hampton’s lawyer going on maternity leave. One month later, the coronavirus brought the judicial system to a halt for months on end.

TYLER — The elevated water storage tank rehabilitation project at the intersection of North Glenwood Boulevard and North Gaston Avenue in Tyler will continue on Monday with sandblasting and painting on the outside of the structure. Crews will be constructing a containment system around the water tower to conceal the sandblasting and painting. According to a news release, residents may hear some higher than normal noise occurring at the site during the sandblasting operations. Crews will be onsite Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Water service will not be disrupted for this project. Continue reading Glenwood elevated water storage tank sandblasting, painting to begin Monday

MARSHALL – As COVID-19 cases spike throughout the country, Wiley College is implementing several safety measures including a campus-wide quarantine and mandatory mask policy. That’s according to our news partner KETK. According to a release from the college, students who choose not to wear a mask will be subject to suspension from the campus. Masks are required in all buildings, offices, shared spaces and where other people are present (including outside). Faculty and staff will be required to test for COVID-19 prior to the start of their workday. Click this link for all the details.

TYLER — As COVID-19 numbers continue on the rise again, NET Health’s George Roberts says an already-familiar way to deal with it has moved to the front of the pack: staying home when you’re sick. He tells us if you feel you have COVID-like symptoms such as a scratchy throat, sniffles, or fever, you may in fact have the disease. Roberts notes, “We’re hearing reports from the hospitals now that 40 to 50 per cent of the people that they are testing for COVID right now are testing positive.” Continue reading Roberts reiterates: Stay home when you’re sick as COVID numbers surge

ATHENS — An Athens man was arrested after an affidavit showed evidence that he possibly fathered a child of an underage Athens teenager. According to our news partner KETK, Martin Brandstorm, 47, was arrested Wednesday night for felony sexual assault of a child. According to an affidavit, the arrest warrant was issued based on DNA evidence that indicated a 99.9% positive result that Brandstorm fathered a child with a 16-year-old girl. Brandstorm’s bond was set at $1 million with conditions preventing him from having contact with any child under the age of 17.

TYLER – The Smith County District Attorney’s Office is recusing itself from prosecuting “killer nurse” defense attorney Phillip Hayes, who was allegedly caught trying to solicit a prostitute. According to our news partner KETK, DA Jacob Putman says his office didn’t want to create a conflict of interest. Upshur County District Attorney Billy Byrd was appointed to the case instead. Hayes worked as the lead defense attorney for William Davis’ capital murder trial in Tyler. Davis was found guilty and sentenced to death for killing patients at the hospital where he worked as a nurse. Hayes was allegedly caught trying to solicit a prostitute during the month-long trial.