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KILGORE — One person was killed late Thursday night after being struck by an 18-wheeler on HWY 31, east of Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the victim’s car was disabled on the side of the road, and potentially out of gas, near FM 2908. The unidentified person was struck by an 18-wheeler around 11 p.m. Additional details were not available.

TYLER – A state lawmaker says he’s fighting the state over everything from business closures to mask mandates stemming from the COVID pandemic. Representative Matt Schaefer, of Tyler, wants to put the burden on the local or state government to prove what their doing is the right thing. He says the governor, county judge or mayor should be required to prove that the order is constitutional, effective, fair and the least restrictive way to do it. Schaefer says there are too many inconsistencies in how the state allows some restaurants to stay open, but some bars are forced to close. Schaefer’s filed a bill making it easier for individuals to sue the state over business closures and mask mandates. HB 1406 was filed earlier this week.

UPSHUR COUNTY – A body was found inside a burning home in Upshur County Thursday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, the body was discovered inside the home on FM 1795. Firefighters were putting out the fire shortly after noon when they came across the body. The body is being sent to Tyler for an autopsy. State Fire Marshall Paul Steelman is investigating the fire and the sheriff’s office is assisting.

PALESTINE — A Palestine High School teacher is no longer with the district after an investigation into reports of inappropriate, but not criminal, text messages with a student. According to our news partner KETK, the educator resigned following an inquiry that began last week. The teacher’s name was not released. Although the texts were not illegal, they did violate district policy. The PISD webpage states the electronic communications policy allows employees communication with students, but, “only about matters within the scope of the employee’s professional responsibilities.” It also says that “an employee shall not use a personal electronic communication platform…to communicate with currently enrolled students.”

TYLER — A Tyler man has plead guilty in-connection to charges related to being in a white supremacist gang and beating a fellow gang member at at a Tyler park in 2016. Federal authorities said Glynnwood Derrick, was a leader of the Aryan Circle, who entered the plea in Beaumont. According to our news partner KETK, gang members allegedly planned the attack, after the victim wanted to leave the gang. Court records indicate Derrick joined the gang in 2000, in a Texas prison. The group is described by prosecutors as a violent, white supremacist organization that operates in federal prisons and uses violence to enforce rules.

LONGVIEW — Spring Hill ISD has named an interim superintendent following the resignation of Dr. Wayne Guidry Thursday morning. The district announced Penny Fleet will now perform in the interim role. Dr. Guidry was hired in March of 2019 from 6 finalists that had been trimmed down from 65 resumes. Prior to his time at Spring Hill ISD superintendent, Guidry spent two years leading Hubbard ISD. Fleet has served in numerous capacities across East Texas, including a decade teaching and coaching at Hallsville ISD, 12 years in administration at Pine Tree ISD, and 15 year in administration and special programs with Spring Hill ISD.

RUSK COUNTY — Less than two days after a homicide in Rusk County, authorities have arrested a man on the capital murder charge. Demarcus Lewis, 25, was arrested early Thursday, just outside of Kilgore. Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez told our news partner KETK action steps are key, “We truly believe that pro-activity is what allows us to do what we do, as quickly as we do.” Valdez continued, “Because, if we get on it, while it’s hot, and the case is still fresh, you have a much better chance.” Lewis has been charged with capital murder, in the death of Scott Reneau. The bond for Lewis was set at $1,500,000. Continue reading Man arrested on capital murder charge in Rusk County

LONGVIEW — Dogs and cats are the most surrendered and hardest animals to adopt at a shelter, according to the Longview Animal Care and Shelter. To that end, the organization announced Wednesday, the “Free over Three” program. Through the month of February, the center will waive the fees on animals, ages three years and up. All animals come spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and up to date on appropriate vaccinations. Approved adoption applications are required and some exceptions may apply. For more information click here.

CASS COUNTY — An East Texas man is facing a large number of charges in connection with numerous churches that have been robbed. Authorities say Jonathan Hamilton was found with drugs and tools that have been linked to those cases. According to our news partner KETK, Hamilton was pulled over on a traffic stop Wednesday. Hamilton, 33, is charged with possession of drugs, controlled substance, burglary, and theft. Police say that surveillance cameras from a nearby church confirms Hamilton is the burglar. Authorities believe he is responsible for break-ins between 8 to 10 churches in Cass County. Police anticipate more charges are still to come.

ATHENS — An overnight burglar was arrested Thursday after authorities say he was caught in the act, of stealing from a shed. Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said the arrest of Montana Tucker took place on Rush Road, just outside of Mabank. Tucker is charged with a State Jail Felony. A neighbor reported the incident and deputies arrived to find Tucker on a knee, being detained by the neighbor. Tucker was placed in the Henderson County Jail in Athens.

TYLER — Tyler Police say an East Texas man was arrested late Wednesday outside a Walmart on HWY 31 and Loop 323. Enus Lewis, 39, now faces multiple charges, after authorities say, he pulled out a bat and broke into the store, then began smashing merchandise. Officers say Lewis, was in possession of drugs when he was restrained. Lewis no faces numerous charges, including public intoxication and criminal trespass. The store originally a 24-hour store, but now closes at 11 p.m. due to the coronavirus.

KILGORE — Kilgore Police are asking for help in locating a stolen motorcycle. The 2016 Harley Softail Slim was taken off the owners porch on Post Oak Rd January 21. Police reports show suspects driving up on the scene, grabbing the bike and driving off toward US 259 N. If you have information on this case, police are asking individuals to contact Detective Andre Phillips by phone at 903-218-6904 or email at [email protected].

TYLER — Smith County has hired a new person to head the Elections Office. According to Smith County, Denise Hernandez will be moving her talents to Tyler. She has served as the Henderson County elections administrator since 2008. She replaces Karen Nelson, who now operates in the role of chief deputy elections administrator. Hernandez began working with Henderson County in 1999 as a property tax bookkeeper. In 2008, she became the county’s first elections administrator. She is a Certified Elections Registration Administrator and Registered Election Official.

TYLER — Tyler Police Department are looking for three men, accused of robbing a gas station at gunpoint. Officials say the armed robbery took place early Tuesday morning at a Valero gas station on South Vine St. Police say one of the men pointed a gun at the clerk. who then turned over cash. Reports state that the suspects left in a Nissan Armada. If you can help identify these men, you are urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-0182 or Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER — At Wednesday’s Tyler City Council meeting, members authorized the City Manager to enter into a $267,000 contract with KSA Engineers Inc. for improvements of the Southside Wastewater Treatment Plant’s chlorination and dechlorination system improvement project. For more information click here. Also, the city will bring on Mortin Enterprises in a contract for $322,500 to provide asphalt crack sealing for the streets identified for seal coating and resurfacing in 2021. To see complete details click here. Additionally, the city made a decision to move forward in a construction contract with Stripe-A-Zone. The selection will add over 36 miles of bicycle lanes and shared lanes throughout Tyler,and connect 11 routes to a centralized hub in the downtown area. For more information click here.

TYLER — A year long study into Tyler traffic lights began in 2019. On Wednesday, Tyler Council Members got the results of that study, which will result in the re-timing of 18 traffic lights throughout the city. Kemley-Horn and Associates entered into a contract with the city to improve commutes of motorists in the Rose City. It is not surprising that 12 of the lights involve intersections including Broadway, or Troup Highway. For more information click here.

TYLER — A Tyler man pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon to two charges of beating a nonverbal autistic teenager last year while he was working as an employee at a community home. According to our news partner KETK, Auston Reed, 24, was captured on video grabbing the victim by the neck, and hit him in the side of the head with an open hand, causing the victim’s head to snap to the side. The 19-year-old cannot speak, so he was unable to communicate what was happening to him. Continue reading Tyler man pleads guilty to beating nonverbal autistic teen

TYLER — Nearly 14,000 people scheduled appointments at the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd COVID-19 Vaccination Hub in Longview. According to CHRISTUS, more than 30,000 people visited the site each hour. Due to the demand, all currently scheduled appointments for the upcoming Hub site in Gregg County have been filled through the first 4 weekends. However, the State is scheduled to replenish vaccine supply, and additional appointments will be added on Feb. 5. To sign up for additional inoculations, click the link. https://vaccinate.christushealth.org/.

TYLER — The Trauma Service Area G, now enters it’s 7th straight week with the percentage of hospitalized COVID-19 patients above 15%. NET HEalth’s George Roberts says, “I want people to get vaccinated. Hopefully we can get the demand taken care of sooner rather than later.” Restaurants,and businesses with incoming customers are required to decrease the maximum customer capacity to 50% or less, as outlined within Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32. The NET Health CEO went on to say, “We are pleased that people want to get the vaccine, we are looking forward to having more and more supply…unless you have an appointment please don’t just show up. Go to our website to take advantage of this.”

TYLER — Tyler police say someone stole cash from an ATM early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, police were notified at 5 a.m. that the ATM outside Cooperative Teachers Credit Union was forced open. Police say that someone used a pickup truck to damage the cash machine and take a portion of the money inside. The truck was left at the scene. Police are trying to determine whether the truck was stolen.

TYLER — Tyler ISD Athletics launched a new website, https://athletics.tylerisd.org/, and mobile app on Tuesday. The new website and app will help fans stay up to date on all things happening in Tyler ISD athletics. “We are excited to launch our new app and website,” Tyler ISD Athletics Director Greg Priest said. “It was very important to bring everything into one location for students, parents, and fans to get schedules, results, news, and ticket information.” The app is available now at no cost on both the App Store and Google Play. Continue reading Tyler ISD Athletics launches new app, website

TROUP — A scholarship fund was created Tuesday, for a longtime East Texas Educator. The former Superintendent for Troup ISD, Stuart Bird, died last week. A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. At the age of 19, Bird began teaching band, which started a 47-year career in education. He was the Director of Fine Arts for Carthage ISD, before becoming the Principal then at Jacksonville High School. Bird, would also serve as the interim Assistant Superintendent for Tyler ISD. Continue reading Stuart Bird scholarship fund announced

LONGVIEW — The Greater Longview United Way announced Tuesday, that Executive Director, Donna Sharp, will be retiring effective April 30. According to the organization, this will follow the completion of the current United Way Campaign. Sharp has served in that role since April 2015, working with the organization’s 20 agencies, and supervising the funding of 37 community-based programs. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as Executive Director of Greater Longview United Way,” said Sharp. “Long ago, my family instilled in me the spirit of service to others. That spirit is embodied in everything Greater Longview United Way stands for… I will forever be a strong advocate and supporter.”

TYLER — A Tyler man will spend 10 years in jail for sexually explicit images of children. James Edward Clement, 38, pled guilty Monday, to possession of child pornography. Clement was indicted last August. According to an arrest warrant, detectives started looking into this case after they received multiple tips with various images of child pornography. They were also able to issue subpoenas to Suddenlink Communications and find Clements through his phone number and email address. Investigators eventually arrived at the man’s apartment, and they said Clement was “emotional.”Police found more than 3,000 files of alleged child porn on his phone.

MARSHALL — An instrument used to steal credit card information was discovered at a gas pump in Marshall on Monday. The card skimmer was found on pump #1 at Sam’s Food Mart on Victory Drive. Police are continuing in the investigation of the situation. Credit card skimmers are devices added to card readers, usually in gas pumps or ATMs. Once the card is swiped into a reader with a skimmer attached, criminals may be given access to personal information of the cardholder. Continue reading Skimmer found on pump at convenience store in Marshall

WILLS POINT — Two people are in custody after a shooting left two people injured in Van Zandt County late Monday night. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff’s office early Tuesday morning said that the shooting occurred just after 8:30 p.m. on Monday night on Willow Drive, near HWY 80. One victim was found at the scene while a second was in another area of the city. Both victims were taken to a hospital in Tyler. One remains in critical condition. The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office helped locate a car in their area that investigators believe was used in the shooting. Continue reading Two injured, two arrested following Van Zandt County shooting

TYLER — The city of Tyler announced a special antique quilt display on Monday. The Goodman-LeGrand Museum will host a special vintage quilt display that begins Saturday, and runs through Feb. 27. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Quilts that will be on-hand include overlays from the 1830s and an 1880s quilt owned by the Goodman family. Many other quilts made from the 1850s to the 1930s will be on display throughout the home. Admission is free, however, a suggested $2 donationfor each admission will go toward the day-to-day operation of the museum. Due to COVID-19 precautions, visitors are required to wear a mask at all times during their tour and tour size are limited to five people. The museum is located on N. Broadway Ave. For more information, contact Debbie Isham, special events and Goodman Museum supervisor at (903) 531-1286.

TYLER — NET Health announced more plans Monday, for various vaccination clinics to take place this week. CEO George Roberts tells KTBB, that Harvey Hall is an ideal setting, for a couple of reasons. “Our primary method is drive through, but there are days, when the weather is too cold or there are threats of rain, that we bring people inside Harvey Hall. The nice thing is we can pivot from a drive through to a walk-in as the weather dictates.” Second dose clinics will happen on Wednesday and Saturday of this week. Harvey Hall will be also be the site for first dose inoculations this Thursday and Friday. Continue reading Harvey continues to be busy with 1st & 2nd dose vaccines

LONGVIEW — CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System has been named a COVID-19 Vaccination Hub by the State of Texas to serve Gregg County. On Monday, Mark Anderson said, “We are calling this campaign My Shot Now. I know I can speak for myself representing CHRISTUS Good Shepherd, and I know all of our public officials can say that that name really resonates with us because we have heard from the public. They have waited patiently. They want their shot now, and this is their time.” CHRISTUS Good Shepherd is directing patients to make an appointment by visiting vaccinate.christushealth.org and answering the questions in the chat box on the right of the screen. Continue reading CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Designated COVID-19 Vaccination Hub

LONGVIEW — This week, the City of Longview will conduct a Point-in-Time Homeless Count. According to the city the count is planned for this Thursday. Organizers say the initiative is a coordinated effort to measure homelessness across Texas, in association with the Texas Homeless Network and volunteers from the community. Trained volunteers will count and survey individuals in emergency shelters and transitional housing over a 24 hours period, based on standards by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This count will provide a “snapshot” of the number of people experiencing homelessness as well as key characteristics of those individuals and families.