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TYLER — Representatives from Group M7 Design join administrators at Tyler ISD’s Caldwell Arts Academy to dedicate the school’s new Digital Arts Lab. In August, Group M7 formed a partnership with Caldwell that provided $60,000 to furnish the lab with 24 virtual desktops, 24 drawing tablets, and the school’s own HPE server to store all of the creative digital pieces students produce each year. According to a Tyler ISD news release, the partnership also gives Caldwell students opportunities to participate in master classes with designers and developers from Group M7 to create innovative projects. Continue reading Caldwell Arts Academy, Group M7 dedicate school’s new digital arts lab

HENDERSON — A Rusk County jury Thursday sentenced Kendrick Davis, 30, to 22 years in prison on human trafficking charges. That’s according to our news partner KETK. On Dec. 6, 2018, Davis was arrested at his house near Henderson when sheriff’s deputies served warrants for human trafficking and possessing drugs. Records show that drugs and a 26-year-old woman with injuries were in the house at the time. Davis was charged with human trafficking, aggravated sexual assault, and other crimes.

TYLER — Nominations are due by close of business Friday for the “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. According to the NET Health website, the accolade “is NET Health’s highest honor, awarded to an individual or organization that exemplifies the concept of public health, as distinguished by dedication to the goal of protecting and promoting the health of the community.” The nominee does not have to be a doctor or health professional; services provided by the nominee can be in cultural, civic, religious, or philanthropic endeavors, according to officials. This year’s honoree will be announced at the NET Health Board of Directors meeting scheduled for June 24th. Click here for more information.

TYLER — The COVID vaccine clinics at Harvey Convention Center in Tyler continue to provide access for adults of any age and for kids above the age of 12. Persons over 18 can receive the one-dose J&J vaccine or the two-dose Pfizer vaccine while eligibility to receive the two-dose Pfizer vaccine is expanded to anyone over age 12. Hours of operation are from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, now through the end of May. Click here for more information

ATHENS – The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center announces a return to full operational status. Due to the public health situation, TFFC, located in Athens, had limited operations and visitor services since March 2020. Officials say during the pandemic, in anticipation of reopening, TFFC personnel utilized the partial closure to focus efforts on renovations and upgrades to enhance the visitor experience. The indoor portion of the visitor center, including the dive theater and gift shop, and the Texas Game Warden museum are now again open to visitors. Group reservations have also resumed along with tours of the hatchery facilities. Click here for more information and to plan your visit.

TYLER — The city of Tyler wants you to know about a couple of street projects and a special offer for young library patrons. Beginning Monday, crews will begin improvements at Melinda Lane and Donna Drive, with work expected to last about eight months. The same day, they’ll kick off an upgrade effort on Mirabeau Drive. Officials say that one should wrap up in August. Meantime, Tyler Transit and the Tyler Public Library have partnered to promote the Summer Reading Program. During the months of June, July, and August, all students under 18 can ride Tyler Public Transportation System’s fixed routes free of charge when traveling to and from the library. Click here for more information and scroll down to “Tyler News.”

HENDERSON — An 8 1/2-foot alligator was found in the drive-thru of Jucy’s Taco just in front of Willow Lake in Henderson. Brian Bathke, the support services captain with the Henderson Police Department, said that a call came in early Wednesday morning, likely from a customer. Officials set up a rough perimeter around the area to keep people back, but Bathke said roughly 20-25 people gathered around to film the animal’s capture. He said in an interview with our news partner KETK that it was a “very exciting” morning and his first gator call in 25 years. Continue reading Alligator found in Henderson restaurant drive-thru

LONGVIEW — Longview police are seeking leads after a tree clearing crew found human remains in the city. According to a news release, officers responded May 15 to a dead body call behind the Sunset Inn on W. Marshall Ave. Detectives found what appeared to be skeletal human remains that have been sent to the University of North Texas Forensic Anthropology for forensic and human identification. If you have any information on this matter, you are encouraged to contact Longview police at 903-237-1199 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867) or online here.

TYLER — Sanderson Farms is seeking to hire hourly team members for their poultry processing facility in Tyler. Goodwill, in partnership with Sanderson Farms, is hosting a hiring event Thursday at Goodwill’s South Tyler location on WSW Loop 323. Job seekers can attend the hiring event anytime from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. to learn more about the various career opportunities available with the company. For more information, click here and scroll down to “Latest News.”

JACKSONVILLE — Lake Jacksonville has been shut down until further notice due to high water levels from the constant rain over the past several days. According to our news partner KETK, the city made the announcement early Wednesday morning. All activities on the lake are prohibited, including boating, jet skiing, and swimming. The city has also put up barricades at all public boat ramp entrances.

AUSTIN — The Texas Heartbeat Act, authored by GOP Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola, has been signed into law by Governor Abbott. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Senate Bill 8 achieved final passage last Thursday in an 18-12 vote. Pending any litigation, the still-controversial bill would abolish elective abortions as early as six weeks. Texas Right to Life says that’s when the preborn child’s heartbeat is detectable using methods according to standard medical practice. The policy would take effect September 1.

TYLER — A Tyler lawyer who has practiced in the city for more than two decades has become the first person to announce candidacy for 241st District Court judge in 2022. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Debby Gunter released a statement Tuesday afternoon saying that “every person should be allowed the opportunity to come before a fair, impartial judge who will hear both sides of the matter before making any decision.” The seat will be vacant for the 2022 election after longtime Judge Jack Skeen announced that he would retire after his current term. He is currently 75.

TYLER — Tyler ISD is seeking input from its stakeholders on the usage of its share of the Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) III Formula Funds. According to a TISD news release, the $11.2 billion available to the state is part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) enacted by Congress to address the impact that COVID-19 has had and continues to have on schools. Tyler ISD’s share of the funds is $44,868,908. Stakeholders can complete a survey open through Tuesday, June 1. For more information, click here and scroll down to “News.”

TYLER — The City of Tyler has issued updated information on Tyler Public Library and downtown parking. In-person programming at the library has been on hiatus since March 2020 due to COVID-19. But with the rising number of vaccinations and reduction in cases, the library has decided to reopen meeting spaces for public use. Interested parties can complete an online form. Also, Tyler Transit and the Tyler Public Library have partnered to promote the Summer Reading Program. During the months of June, July and August, all students under 18 can ride Tyler Public Transportation System’s fixed routes free of charge when traveling to and from the Tyler Public Library. Continue reading Tyler shares news on library, parking meters

AUSTIN — The fate of the state’s controversial Republican election reform legislation is now in the hands of ten state lawmakers. A House and Senate conference committee will try to hash out their differences in Senate Bill 7. The Senate bill would limit the number of polling places and voting hours, enhance the power of poll watchers, and put restrictions on those assisting voters. Then the House added 18 amendments. That didn’t sit well with the bill’s author, Mineola Senator Bryan Hughes. He cited “significant changes” made by the House and moved that a conference committee take up the matter. Whatever the committee comes up with will again need to be passed by the House and Senate before Governor Abbott could sign it into law.

TYLER — TxDOT has kicked off its annual “Click It or Ticket” seat belt campaign with law enforcement increasing efforts to enforce compliance May 24 – June 6. The campaign tour made a stop in Tyler Tuesday to remind drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts. Officials say unbuckled vehicle occupant deaths increased in 2020. According to TxDOT, putting on a seat belt only takes a few seconds and doing so reduces the risk of dying by up to 45% for people in the front seat of passenger cars and up to 60% for people in pickup trucks. Click here for more information on seat belt use and the Click It or Ticket campaign.

LINDALE — Officials now say a Smith County double shooting incident was an aggravated assault and suicide. According to a sheriff’s office news release, deputies responded around 12:45 Monday afternoon to a scene on Highway 69 north of Lindale, finding a deceased male and still-conscious female. The woman was taken to a hospital. An updated release says officials have determined George Herndon, 44, shot his wife with a small caliber handgun and fatally turned the gun on himself shortly thereafter. Officials say The victim is still in the hospital, in serious but stable condition. Her name is being withheld until next of kin can be notified.

TYLER — Nominations are due this Friday for the “Doc” Ballard Award for Excellence in Public Health. According to the NET Health website, the accolade “is NET Health’s highest honor, awarded to an individual or organization that exemplifies the concept of public health, as distinguished by dedication to the goal of protecting and promoting the health of the community.” The nominee does not have to be a doctor or health professional; services provided by the nominee can be in cultural, civic, religious, or philanthropic endeavors, according to officials. This year’s honoree will be announced at the NET Health Board of Directors meeting scheduled for June 24th. Click here for more information.

TYLER — East Douglas Blvd. in Tyler has reopened after closing earlier today between E. Houston St. and E. Front St. due to flooding. Police say to watch out for any flooded areas and not try to cross any area that is flooded.

EAST TEXAS — Kids and teens preparing to attend summer camps and any summertime activities that require proof of COVID vaccination can begin their two-dose Pfizer vaccine series at the NET Health COVID vaccine clinics being held at Harvey Hall Convention Center in Tyler or any COVID vaccination clinics in East Texas. NET Health is offering the two-dose Pfizer vaccine and the one-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine at Harvey Hall Convention Center, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Continue reading COVID vaccines available for ages 12 – 15

HARRISON COUNTY — Lieutenant Jay Webb confirmed that the suspect in the I-20 standoff was a Christopher Charles Bailey, 49, of Shreveport. According to our news partner KETK, Bailey led law enforcement on a chase that began in Bossier City, Louisiana and ended across state lines near Waskom on I-20 after his car was spiked and law officials quickly surrounded it. According to an officer on the scene, they arrested Bailey after five and half hours. Officials said that Bailey was alone and wielded a weapon multiple times. Officials with the Harrison County Sheriff’s office and Marshall police and Texas Rangers were on the scene in addition with Shreveport and Louisiana state police.

HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – A tiger that frightened residents after it was last seen briefly wandering around a Houston neighborhood was transported to an East Texas wildlife sanctuary on Sunday after police found the animal a day earlier following a nearly week-long search. Noelle Almrud, senior director of the Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch, says the 9-month-old male named India is now being cared for at the animal sanctuary in Murchison. Authorities had been looking for the tiger since it was spotted May 9 in a west Houston neighborhood and was nearly shot by an off-duty deputy before being whisked away in a car by Victor Hugo Cuevas, who police allege is the owner. Cuevas’ attorney says his client doesn’t own the tiger.

TYLER — TxDOT is planning to conduct a range of construction and maintenance work in the Tyler District during the Week of May 17. You’re reminded that work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure, or other unforeseen issues. TxDOT also cautions you to slow down and pay attention in work zones. Among other things, motorists should prepare for lane closures and delays with night work underway as of Sunday, May 16, on the US 69/Glenwood Blvd. resurfacing project in Tyler. Work will be conducted from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights. Go here for the complete district-wide rundown.

TYLER — Thousands of people from 24 states and three countries gathered Saturday for Tyler’s FRESH 15 race. According to our news partner KETK, runners and walkers alike hit the starting line at 7 a.m. for the 8th annual event, organized by Brookshire Grocery Company. People had the option to run a 15K, a 5K, and a 1K for little kids. Every dollar that was raised went to charities in East Texas local communities.

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments’ Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is observing Older Americans Month (OAM). Each May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nationwide OAM celebration. According to an ETCOG news release, this year’s theme is Communities of Strength, recognizing the vital role older adults play in fostering the connection and engagement that build strong, resilient communities. Working with local seniors, AAA is spending the month encouraging East Texas seniors to share their experiences. Click here for more information.

TYLER — May is Mental Health Month, and the Smith County Behavioral Health Leadership Team (BHLT) is highlighting Mental Health America’s #Tools2Thrive. According to a news release, the website outlines what individuals can do throughout their daily lives to prioritize mental health, build resiliency, and continue to cope with the obstacles of COVID-19. While 1 in 5 people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health, according to the release. Go here to learn more. You can click here for more information about BHLT.

TYLER — After more than 80 years in business, Tyler Piano and Organ Company has sold its building on South Broadway and owner Bill Jeffreys is retiring. Jeffreys, who has owned the company for over 20 years, began liquidating all remaining inventory on May 15. The sale features a large inventory of remaining new and used pianos, player pianos, digital pianos, Hammond organs, and more, according to a news release. The company was established in 1940 and has had six locations around town. The Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County will be relocating into the company’s current building.

TYLER — A longtime volunteer and donor was remembered recently with the dedication of The Hubert Kidd Children’s Eye Clinic at St. Paul Children’s Services. According to a news release from Tyler-based St. Paul, Hubert Kidd served on the agency’s Board of Directors from 1997- 2015. He especially loved the opportunity to serve the children from the “Wonderful Wednesday” program, according to the release. Kidd served on the finance committee and helped to secure the land where the current campus is located. (Pictured at left: Dr. Clayton Whitney, St. Paul’s director of ophthalmology, and Susie Kidd, who was Hubert Kidd’s wife.)

TYLER — The March for Babies/March of Dimes “Mother of a Movement” Walk is being planned for May 22, 8:30 a.m.-12:00 noon, at Southside Park and Rose Rudman Trail on Shiloh Road in Tyler. According to a news release, organizers say their goal for this year is $8,000. Sponsors and organizers for the event include Christus Trinity Mother Frances, Healthy Me Healthy Babies, Net Health, WIC, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Kappa Zeta Chapter. The March of Dimes works toward healthy moms and babies, with a focus on preterm birth and its complications. Continue reading Tyler March for Babies set for May 22