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HOUSTON (Staff/AP) — ZZ Top member Dusty Hill has died at age 72. A Wednesday Facebook post signed by longtime colleagues Frank Beard and Billy Gibbons reads, “We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX. We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top’. We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.’ You will be missed greatly, amigo.” ZZ Top had been scheduled for a December 1 appearance at the UT Tyler Cowan Center. KTBB has reached out to the university, but there was no immediate word on how Hill’s death might affect those plans. Continue reading ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill dies

LONGVIEW — Workforce Solutions East Texas will host an in-person hiring event in Longview Thursday, partnered with approximately 50 employers, according to a news release. Such events were held virtually for fourteen months but resumed in person this month. The first one was held in Tyler July 15 with over 100 attendees. Longview’s event is set for 9 a.m. to 12 noon at the Holiday Inn Infinity Center. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress, bring an updated resume, and be prepared for on-site interviews. See the list of employers who will be at the event, along with other hiring event details and upcoming job fairs, by visiting this link.

NEW SUMMERFIELD — Preliminary autopsy reports of the four victims of a quadruple murder near New Summerfield last week are providing more information about their deaths. Cherokee County Justice of the Peace Rodney Wallace said a preliminary autopsy shows 18-year-old John Clinton was shot once in the back of the head. According to our news partner KETK, 47-year-old Jeff Gerla was shot once in the ear while in bed. Ami Hickey and Amanda Bain, both 39, were shot multiple times in both the head and torso, Wallace said. The three suspects remain jailed, and the investigation continues.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council voted Wednesday to allow residents to install solar energy devices on any roof elevation provided they are flush-mounted and color restricted. Ground-mounted devices will still be required to be screened from public view, according to a news release. Residential solar panels previously had to be placed away from the view of public streets. The revision is deemed consistent with upcoming changes to state law effective on Sept. 1. The new state law prohibits municipalities from prohibiting or restricting installation of solar energy devices by residential or small commercial customers, but homeowners associations may prohibit the installations. Continue reading Council addresses solar panels, accepts award

CORPUS CHRISTI – Sonar Technician 1st Class Niccole Ewen, of Tyler, assigned to Navy Recruiting Station Corpus Christi, Division 7, Talent Acquisition Onboarding Center Alamo City, was presented two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals by Cmdr. Stephanie Simoni, executive officer, Navy Talent Acquisition Group San Antonio, at Navy Operations Support Center Corpus Christi. Ewen was awarded the medals last Thursday for her professional achievement while serving as a talent scout during the months of April and May 2021. Continue reading Tyler native receives award at Navy Operations Support Center

HENDERSON – The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man wanted for a Tuesday night murder. According to Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, Coy Jones Sr. was arrested early Wednesday morning at a cemetery near Henderson. Jones has been booked into the Rusk County Jail. According to our news partner KETK, around 8:20 p.m., deputies did a welfare check at a home on CR 232 and found a white female dead. Her identity and cause of death were not released. The Texas Rangers were called in to begin a homicide investigation. An arrest warrant was then issued for Coy Jones Sr., of Henderson. Continue reading Rusk County murder suspect arrested

TYLER — A Lindale man who was shot in the leg during a gun battle with another man has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to our news partner KETK, Matthew Aric Jones, 23, is being held in Smith County Jail under $300,000 bond. Authorities say Jones went to UT Health in Quitman for treatment of the wound to the leg but fled the hospital when law officers arrived. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said Jones (pictured at left) was involved in a shootout with Jesse Lee Hasten, 29, of Mineola, at a house on County Road 447 about 12:30 a.m. Friday. Hasten also was wounded. He was taken by ambulance to a hospital in Tyler. Continue reading Two charged in Friday shootout

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler announces that the 2021 Mistletoe & Magic holiday shopping event will be held at the Rose Garden Center due to the construction of both Harvey Convention Center and The Cascades. In a news release, organizers say “you can still expect a festive holiday shopping experience with diverse merchants from all over the country, entertaining events for all ages, and a huge focus on fundraising for our community.” As the Junior League of Tyler’s largest fundraiser, Mistletoe & Magic raises vital funds that financially support over 20 local nonprofit agencies and community programs, according to the release. Click here for more information.

TYLER — When the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute welcomes its first patients August 16, Northeast Texans will be able to reach new levels of treatment and performance in both their daily living and athletic endeavors. That’s according to a CHRISTUS news release. The new facility at the corner of Broadway and Cumberland encompasses approximately 62,000 square feet of what officials term “world-class diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation space.” CHRISTUS unveiled the new facility during a Tuesday media event.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Staff/FOX) — Congressman Louie Gohmert joins colleagues at a Washington press conference to demand answers on the treatment of prisoners in the January 6 Capitol riot. Gohmert called for due process, asking “that people that are brought to trial have an opportunity to have a fair trial, to get due process, to see the evidence against them, and to…actually see any exonerating evidence.” But Gohmert noted that he condemns violence. Referencing his time as a Tyler judge, he said if he were still on the bench, he would have no problem sending anyone guilty of violent behavior to jail. Gohmert was able to get in his comments before the news conference was cut short by protesters.

RUSK COUNTY — Bystanders who witnessed a Rusk County car wreck early Tuesday morning were able to save two people who were pinned inside. According to our news partner KETK, several pipeline workers witnessed the crash near the intersection of FM 2276 and FM 850 north of Henderson. They were able to call 911 and get a child and an adult out of the car before emergency workers arrived. The two victims had only minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for further evaluation.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after an SUV drove into a house on Stonebridge Way early Monday morning, causing minor injuries to a man who was sleeping on the couch. According to our news partner KETK, the victim said the driver immediately pulled out and drove off, leaving a big hole in the house. A contractor is working on patching it up. Authorities suspect the incident was a deliberate act. Deputies later recovered the vehicle and have been questioning the driver, who went to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries he suffered in the crash, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Larry Christian. The driver could face multiple charges.

LONGVIEW – A police chase Monday through Longview led to the arrest of a White Oak man who allegedly assaulted two people during a robbery. According to our news partner KETK, 64-year-old Larry Farnham was arrested for burglary of a home and evading arrest in a vehicle. According to LPD, Farnham assaulted two people outside a home on Tenneryville Road. Police said he used a flashlight/stun gun on the arm and neck of one of the victims. The victim said Farnham took out a handgun and demanded car keys. Continue reading Police chase leads to arrest of White Oak man in connection to Monday robbery

TYLER — Smith County Assistant Road Administrator Charley Miller is retiring this week after 21 years of service to the county. Miller was hired by the Road and Bridge Department as a part-time laborer on June 5, 2000. His last day in the office is Friday, July 30. Miller and his wife of almost 31 years, Deana, have plans to set out and visit their first great-grandchild in Montana after retirement.

EAST TEXAS — It was a strong second quarter for home sales in East Texas’s two biggest markets. Compared to the second quarter last year, Tyler MSA single-family home sales increased 26.9 per cent to 990, while median price was up 16.9 per cent to $257,250. In the Longview MSA, closed sales were up 17.4 per cent to 694, with median price up 19.6 per cent to $200,000 for single-family residences. That’s according to the 2021-Q2 Texas Quarterly Housing Report released Monday by Texas Realtors. It’s all part of “a record-breaking summer selling season with unprecedented demand for housing,” according to Texas Realtors Chairman Marvin Jolly. “Click here for more information.

TYLER — Jury selection is underway and is scheduled to run through Wednesday in the trial of a former CHRISTUS nurse accused of murdering four patients and severely injuring others. According to our news partner KETK, William Davis, 36, has been charged with capital murder and aggravated assault. Davis allegedly injected air into patients’ arteries on purpose. Davis was a registered nurse at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Hospital. He was fired before his arrest 3 years ago. The Smith County District Attorney is seeking the death penalty. Testimony is scheduled to begin September 28.

TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct another round of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the weeks of July 26 and Aug. 2. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to continue bridge work on FM 2661. A second crew will be performing a washout repair on SH 110N. Longview Maintenance plans to perform bridge channel work on both Loop 281 and FM 2204. Ditch maintenance is planned on US 259N along with patching operations on state roadways around Gregg County. Click here for the complete district-wide rundown.

TYLER – An ATM at Texas Bank and Trust was broken into Sunday morning at the corner of Old Jacksonville and Grande Boulevard in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, officers located a vehicle a short distance away and found that the vehicle was stolen out of Henderson. Officer Andy Erbaugh with the Tyler Police Department said the vehicle was apparently used by the driver to break into the ATM. The investigation continues.

TYLER — Reed Road from Kent Drive to Meadors Cemetery Road in Tyler will be closed for reconstruction Monday, July 26, through Friday, Aug. 6. The project will rebuild and widen the road by about 4 feet, making it around 25 feet wide. All residents and businesses will have access to their driveways throughout the project. Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes. Drivers are reminded to obey all traffic signs and slow down in and around the construction zone.

TYLER — The Tyler Municipal Court will hold in-person jury trials Monday, July 26, at the Tyler Rose Garden Center. City officials say those who receive a jury summons are required to report by 9 a.m. Due to construction at Harvey Convention Center, parking will be on Front Street directly in front of the complex. The usage of masks is recommended and encouraged but is not required. Additional information regarding COVID protocols is included with the jury summons. Continue reading Tyler Municipal Court jury duty

TYLER — A Tyler man who had been on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list has been caught. According to Tyler police, 27-year-old Dakevian Beniot Scroggins was found and arrested Saturday night around 10:15 by officers with the Texas Against Gangs Task Force, U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Taskforce, Tyler Police Department Priority Response Team, and Tyler Police Department Patrol, all without incident. Scroggins was wanted for capital murder, evading arrest/detention, and a parole violation. He is accused of fatally shooting a man during a May 13 robbery in Tyler. Scroggins had been wanted since September 2019, when officials say he violated his parole and absconded from his last known address in Tyler. His criminal history also includes felony convictions for assault against a public servant and possession of a prohibited weapon. Continue reading Authorities capture murder suspect on 10 Most Wanted list

TYLER — The East Texas Symphony Orchestra will return to the stage, live and in person, on November 13. “It is a season to celebrate!” says ETSO Board Chair Dr. D.M. Edwards as quoted in a news release. “We look forward to being back on the stage with a stellar lineup of great performances.” Opening Night will feature a local favorite, soprano Sylvia D’Eramo. The celebratory program will feature the music of Beethoven and Dvorak, including Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” On January 29, 2022, ETSO welcomes back another familiar face. Charles Yang, from the popular trio Time for Three, joins as a solo artist performing works ranging from Bach, Ravel, and Verdi, to the music of Queen and more. Click here to see the full schedule and more information about ETSO.

TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful invites Tyler residents to help beautify community parks through restoration projects during Park Service Day on Saturday, Sept. 18. According to a news release, volunteers are asked to arrive between 8:30 and 9 a.m. for registration at Woldert Park. The projects will include litter cleanups, painting park restrooms, replacing mulch at playgrounds, installing picnic tables, restoring flowerbeds, and other activities. During registration, volunteers will select their park location and project. Park locations include Woldert Park, Glass Recreation Center, Fun Forest Park, Pollard Park, and Gassaway Park. Once projects are completed, volunteers are asked to return to Woldert Park for a complimentary lunch. Continue reading Volunteers needed for Park Service Day

CANTON – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office says thanks to a tip, authorities have caught a man they said was armed and dangerous. According to our news partner KETK, 30-year-old Garret Joslin was wanted for a first degree felony for the violent sexual assault and physical assault of a 19-year-old female. The sheriff’s office had sought the public’s help in finding Joslin, with a warning that people should not try to approach him themselves.

GILMER — Following a two-day trial and a guilty verdict, an Upshur County jury has returned a maximum punishment of eight life sentences against 37-year-old Thomas Alan Auld for eight counts of indecency with a child. Each sentence carries a $10,000 fine. The victim was a 10-year-old female relative. Officials say the charge is normally a second degree felony but Auld has already served time for burglary and stealing food stamps. The District Attorney’s Office filed a notice to enhance punishment because of the prior offenses.

TYLER — Meals on Wheels East Texas hosts a summer party this Saturday, July 24th, at its office on Robertson Road in Tyler. Organizers say they’ll have free hot dogs and hamburgers, free Pokey O’s ice cream, a Yeti cooler raffle, and other fun activities for the whole family. The event runs from 11 a.m. till around 3:00 p.m. The goal is to provide information to people who may want more information on signing up for meal services, or those interested in volunteering.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is seeking a suspect as it investigates a Friday predawn shooting incident on CR 447 near Van. One victim, 29-year-old Jesse Lee Hasten of Mineola, is listed in stable condition. But Matthew Aric Jones is still sought after suffering a gunshot wound to the leg — then fleeing UT Health Quitman on foot after deputies arrived. Authorities suspect the men were involved in a dispute that resulted in a gun battle. Both were due to be charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Anyone with information on Jones’s whereabouts is asked to call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.

TYLER – A Tyler man charged in connection to a 2018 murder in Bullard won’t face a jury before the end of the year because the original medical examiner has died. According to our news partner KETK, Charles Lennon Jr., 59, is charged with tampering with evidence with intent to damage a human corpse. The victim was 31-year-old Rachel Jackson of Bullard. Lennon’s son, Charles Lennon III, was sentenced to life in prison for her murder in 2019. He hit her in the head with a tire knocker during an argument. It was unclear when the doctor died, but prosecutors are trying to find a new expert witness. Lennon Jr. will have another pre-trial hearing on January 21 and his trial is scheduled to begin January 31.