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TYLER — NET Health’s George Roberts continues to see some positive COVID-19 trends in East Texas following Monday’s update. Despite an uptick in Smith County cases, Roberts says the overall trend line is going downward, along with the number of patients in hospitals. Roberts continues to urge vaccinations, and he says people are responding better now. According to Roberts, people are starting to come in for their Pfizer boosters, and he anticipates that the FDA and CDC will have something to say about Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters in the next week and a half or so. Smith County does continue in the substantial spread category, with Gregg County experiencing moderate spread. Check the link in the “Coronavirus update” story on this website for more information.

TYLER — The Glass Recreation Center on W. 32nd St. in Tyler will be closed from 6 p.m. Tuesday through this Thursday to complete floor repairs. Contractors will finish repairs to the gym floor that was damaged during Winter Storm Uri. The center will reopen for business at 7 a.m. this Friday.

HENDERSON — 53-year-old Jarvis Craig Simon was booked into the Rusk County Jail for capital murder on Monday, without bond, in the death of his girlfriend. According to our news partner KETK, Rusk County officials say a 911 caller reported an unresponsive person on CR 4132 around 1:30 p.m. Monday. Shaniqua Denice Williams of Henderson was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say as units were responding to the scene, Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez and a patrol lieutenant encountered Simon at the sheriff’s office, where they say he confessed to the murder. Records show Simon was convicted in 2004 of aggravated kidnapping with intent to violate or abuse the victim sexually. He was released from prison in 2019. DPS records indicate Simon had to register as a sex offender but failed to re-register in 2021 and was booked into the Rusk County Jail on Oct. 7. He bonded out the same day.

LONGVIEW — Three people were taken to the hospital after a shooting at a nightclub in Longview early Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police released a statement saying they were called to reports of shots fired at Inferno Entertainment on South Eastman Road around 3 a.m. Witnesses told officers that multiple shots had been fired after a fight in the parking lot. Officers went to a local hospital after finding out all three victims had been taken in a private car. Two of the victims had been shot and a third had been assaulted. None of the injuries were life-threatening. It was the second shooting early Sunday morning in Longview. Officers are also investigating a man being shot on East Sycamore Street. He is expected to survive.

ARP — NET Health is hosting another public Pfizer vaccine clinic from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, at Arp Jr. High’s cafeteria offering 1st & 2nd doses. Anyone Under 18 wishing to be vaccinated must have a parent or guardian present. Walk-ins are welcome. As was the case with the first clinic three weeks ago, a person does not have to be associated with Arp ISD to request a COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone wishing to receive a 2nd dose must have their COVID-19 vaccination card showing that they received the 1st dose at least 21 days prior. There is no cost for individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, but people are asked to please bring their insurance card if they have one.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council Wednesday will receive a presentation from consultant Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP on the initial redistricting assessment considering the new 2020 census data. If the City’s initial assessment shows uneven population growth in some of the City’s districts, then the City Council will consider the adoption of redistricting criteria. The criteria would apply to the development of new districting plans and guidelines for public participation in the redistricting process. The City of Tyler is working alongside Smith County and the Tyler Independent School District on this process to increase coordination and transparency, and to ensure all obligations are met, according to a news release. Mayor Don Warren is encouraging citizens to be involved. Click here for more details.

LONGVIEW — Gregg County Precinct 2 Constable William “Billy” Mayo Fort was arrested early Tuesday morning on a DWI charge. According to our news partner KETK, a post by Longview PD said that Fort was inside a Gregg County Constable car at the time of his arrest and was allegedly “swerving in and out of all lanes… almost striking another vehicle.” He pulled into a Brookshire’s parking lot on Gilmer Road and was captured. He admitted to taking a Xanax and muscle relaxer. He then failed three sobriety tests. This is the second East Texas constable to face legal trouble this year. Former Pct. 2 Smith County Constable Josh Black was convicted of official oppression last month. A jury found Black guilty of offering sexual favors in exchange for free or discounted supervised visitation services to a woman. Black was sentenced to six months in jail.

TYLER — A Tyler man charged in a brutal kidnapping and rape case has rejected a plea offer from prosecutors and requested a jury trial. Michael Timmons, 49, was arrested in March. A warrant obtained by our news partner KETK at the time alleges that Timmons and the victim had been living in a tent at the end of a dead-end road for at least three days. The victim said he would continuously sexually assault her in the tent, despite her trying to fight him off. The warrant also cites allegations of repeated beatings and threats.

TYLER — The Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County is introducing its public fundraising campaign: “Take Flight, building space for life changing support.” The campaign aims to raise money to fund the renovations of their new location on S. Broadway Avenue, formerly the Tyler Piano Co. Plans include 8,000 square feet of office space; counseling rooms; and a large space for conferences, meetings, education opportunities, and the Day Club respite care program. Additionally, the University of Texas at Tyler will have their Memory Assessment and Research Center onsite for diagnostic services. Visit this link for more information.

PALESTINE — The City of Palestine public water system will temporarily convert the disinfectant used in the distribution system from chloramine to free chlorine November 13 through December 3. During this period, you may experience taste and odor changes — but officials stress that the goal is to improve overall water quality. You may call 903-731-8423 with any questions.

TYLER — Smith County maintenance crews will be assisting Union Pacific in railroad crossing repairs on NNE Loop 323 in Tyler, between American Legion Rd. and US 271 on Tuesday, October 12. The road is scheduled to be closed to all traffic from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday. Drivers heading north on US 271 are encouraged to use detours and avoid this area. The road should be reopened on Wednesday morning for normal use.

TYLER — Another week’s worth of highway maintenance is scheduled this week in TxDOT’s Tyler District. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance plans to begin mill and inlay operations at the Loop 323 and Commerce intersection beginning Monday. Expect daily lane closures. Flaggers will control traffic with a pilot vehicle. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance is planning to begin base repairs on SH 31 E at SH 135. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control. Click here for the full rundown of roadwork around the district.

KILGORE — Kilgore College will partner with NET Health to host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, in the carpeted gym of Parks Fitness Center on the Kilgore campus. Both the Pfizer (2 doses) and Johnson & Johnson (1 dose) will be available. The second dose will be available at least 21 days after the first dose. Anyone 18 or older can choose to receive either vaccine. Persons 12 to 17 years old will only be offered the Pfizer vaccine, and they must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian at the vaccine clinics, according to a news release from the college. Face coverings are required to be worn inside the vaccination clinic. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Continue reading COVID-19 vaccination clinic set for Oct. 11 in Parks Fitness Center

TYLER — Pipeline Analysis will continue smoke testing sewer lines in sewer meter basins 13 and 17 as part of the City of Tyler’s ongoing sanitary sewer inspection program. Officials say smoke testing helps locate breaks and defects in the city’s sanitary sewer system. The information is used to repair and improve the sewer system, according to a news release. The testing will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, through Friday, Oct. 15, in three areas. Continue reading Smoke testing locations for week of Oct. 11

ATHENS – The city of Athens blocked roads and evacuated residents over the weekend after a tanker truck rolled over and began releasing a fuel gas. According to our news partner KETK, on Friday around 9 p.m., the 18-wheeler was headed south on Highway 19 just north of Athens when it tipped over while entering the eastbound ramp of Loop 7. Nearly two hours after the wreck, the city issued an evacuation radius of one-half mile, adding that the leak was non-toxic and that the driver was not injured. Authorities also blocked portions of Loop 7 and Highway 19. The Henderson County Senior Center opened to accommodate evacuees. Shortly after 4 p.m. Saturday, the evacuation notice was lifted and the Loop was opened to traffic. Officials said at the time that they expected Highway 19 to reopen shortly.

TYLER — A portion of the Rose Rudman Trail underneath the bridge at Shiloh Road and Donnybrook Avenue will be closed Monday, Oct. 11 while contractors spray concrete sealant on the bridge pillars. Trail users will need to cross Shiloh Road to return to the trail. Use caution while crossing the road and obey all signs on the trail. The closed portion of the trail will reopen Tuesday.

TYLER — Tyler Transit will add a sixth route as well as change all fixed-route schedules starting Monday, Oct. 11. The City of Tyler conducted a route study in 2020 to determine the future growth and enhancements to bus services in the city, which was adopted by the City Council in May 2021. Officials say the six newly designed routes will have improved headways (wait times) of either 60 minutes or 30 minutes throughout the city, with timed connections to all routes. According to a news release, after the first few weeks of the new routes, Tyler Transit will look at overall ridership to determine effectiveness, schedules, on-time performance, etc. Officials say adjustments will be made accordingly. The need for shelters at the most frequented stops will also be evaluated soon, according to the release. Click here for more details.

TYLER — A local pastor and longtime high-profile community figure is accused of taking money from an elderly couple and stealing from his previous church. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County jail records show 65-year-old Jerome Milton was arrested Oct. 2 for theft between $2,500 and $30,000 and two counts of credit or debit card abuse against the elderly. Milton’s bond was set collectively at $550,000, and he remains in jail. Milton originated the long-running Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day observance in downtown Tyler. He was also a dean and longtime head track coach at Bishop Gorman, winning 10 state track championships. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.

ATHENS — Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said his office suspended, investigated, and Friday arrested a jailer who worked at the county jail. Timothy Grosskopf, 42, turned himself in to deputies Friday morning on a charge of official oppression for allegedly violating an inmate’s civil rights while he was at work. “Immediately after learning of the incident, we suspended Grosskopf, conducted an investigation, and determined a crime had been committed,” Hillhouse said as quoted in a news release. “The investigation continues, and updates will be provided as needed.”

TYLER — Smith County Precinct 2 has a new interim constable. Shawn Scott was sworn in to office Friday morning by Precinct 2 Justice of the Peace Judge Andy Dunklin. Scott is a retired law enforcement officer and security company executive who was recently appointed by the Commissioners Court. According to press materials, Scott will fill the post until a new constable takes office following next year’s election. Former Precinct 2 Constable Josh Black was removed from office after being found guilty of official oppression. He’s now serving time for that offense.

TYLER — On Wednesday, Oct. 13, the Tyler City Council will receive a presentation from consultant Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta LLP on the initial redistricting assessment considering the new 2020 census data. According to a news release, if the city’s initial assessment shows uneven population growth in some of its districts, the City Council will consider the adoption of redistricting criteria. The criteria would apply to the development of new districting plans and guidelines for public participation in the redistricting process, according to the release. Continue reading Council to hear presentation on redistricting and city’s initial assessment

TYLER — Perhaps the most anticipated project in Tyler’s downtown revitalization is the historic Carlton Hotel. According to our news partner KETK, it’s currently a vacant 15-story building consisting of 115,000 square feet. It served as the Smith County Office Building until a few years ago. A New Orleans-based real estate company, NORF, purchased it recently. They plan to restore the building into mixed-use multi-family housing with more than 100 residential units, multiple commercial spaces, and a roof top pool and cabanas. Also, with the new University of Texas at Tyler Medical School on the horizon, NORF believes the renovated building will be a great addition for students, faculty, staff, and the local community of Tyler.

MINEOLA — The Texas heartbeat law is now in the hands of the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals — and the law’s author, state Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola, tells our news partner KETK we should know something soon. Hughes says, “We expect this Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals to rule pretty quickly. I bet we’re talking about days rather than weeks.” Hughes continues to say that Texans are solidly behind the law. In his words, “I’ve got a stack of lawsuits on my desk over here…so a lot of people are opposed to this law — but the people of Texas are in favor of protecting innocent human lives.”

TYLER – Law officers are continuing to investigate after breaking up a drug ring tied to East Texas. According to a DPS news release, on June 15, 2020, Lindale police arrested Jesus Granados, 25, of Dallas, after being called to a local pharmacy. The call came on the suspicion that Granados was trying to use a forged prescription to obtain Promethazine with codeine, a controlled narcotic. During the investigation, officers found Granados to be in possession of a forged driver license, leading officers to request assistance from DPS special agents. Over the last year, the special agents say they have discovered Granados was one of several suspects engaged in an organized prescription drug ring targeting Smith, Cherokee, Rusk, Gregg, Wood, and Upshur counties. Continue reading DPS agents disrupt drug ring; alleged leader still at large

TYLER — Pipeline Analysis will continue smoke testing sewer lines in sewer meter basins 13 and 17 as part of the City of Tyler’s ongoing sanitary sewer inspection program. Officials say smoke testing helps locate breaks and defects in the city’s sanitary sewer system. The information is used to repair and improve the sewer system, according to a news release. The testing will be conducted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, in the area south of East Front Street to Doctors Drive and west of South Baxter Avenue to South Oakland Avenue. Continue reading Smoke testing locations for Saturday

TYLER — Theresa Cecelia Soliz, 37, has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations. According to our news partner KETK, Soliz pleaded guilty March 4 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison Thursday. Soliz was arrested in December 2019 following a routine traffic stop where she was found to be in possession of almost a kilogram of methamphetamine along with various pills, THC oil and heroin. Continue reading Tyler woman sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking

NACOGDOCHES — A traffic stop on Highway 59 South in Nacogdoches County has led to the recovery of a 14-year-old girl who had been reported as a runaway out of Harrison County, and whom law enforcement officials believe was being targeted in a human trafficking operation. According to Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges, two Houston men were arrested and booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail. The driver, identified as Justin Berezi, 23, had an ankle monitor on and was wanted for an outstanding felony warrant for failure to appear on a family violence assault charge out of Fort Bend County. The passenger in the vehicle was identified as Idris Shidi, also 23, who was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana. It is believed that the two were taking the teen to the Houston area. Continue reading Sheriff: Reported runaway rescued in human trafficking case

TYLER — More encouraging numbers are displayed on the latest COVID-19 dashboard for East Texas, but NET Health’s George Roberts warns that we are still in the substantial spread category. Continuing to encourage vaccinations, Roberts says a couple of troubling statistics remain steady. He says area hospitals still report that 90 per cent of their coronavirus patients have not been vaccinated — and 98 per cent of virus patients in ICUs or having a very difficult course of care have not received vaccines. Roberts reminds you of NET Health’s relocated vaccination clinic at Majesty Event Center on West Bow and the new testing site at St. Louis Baptist Church, both in Tyler. For more information, see the “Coronavirus update” story on this website.

MOBILE, Ala. (AP/Staff) – The immediate past president of UT Tyler is among three finalists to become president of the University of South Alabama. Dr. Michael Tidwell joins Damon Andrew, the education dean at Florida State University, and former U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner, chief of staff of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey. Dr. Kirk Calhoun took over as UT Tyler president this year as part of an administrative shuffling aimed at securing a medical school for his institution. The South Alabama candidates will meet with members of the university community in October before a selection is made. South Alabama had an enrollment of 13,136 students in the spring, according to its website. The university announced then-president Tony Waldrop’s retirement in February.