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NEW CANEY — A former Marshall ISD superintendent was arrested outside of Houston. According to our news partner KETK, Kenn Franklin is accused of falsifying expense sheets at least 22 times in 2020. Court records show over $2,500 in fraudulent claims. The arrest warrant alleges Franklin returned travel vouchers for work trips he did not take. Employees became suspicious when they did not see him at events he said he was at. An investigator say Franklin was home the day, he would later submit an expense report for mileage to San Antonio. Phone and toll records were also viewed. Franklin resigned from the District in November. Franklin was the Marshall ISD superintendent from 2006-2009 before leaving for New Caney.

TYLER — The Tyler Together Race Relations Forum Monday welcomed participants and guests to an online celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. County Judge Nathaniel Moran offered his thoughts as he greeted viewers. Moran said, “Though we are not together physically this year…we are together in unity of spirit, vision, and resolve.” During a panel discussion, Mayor Don Warren reflected on a TV show in which several young people honored Dr. King — but also voiced despair. Warren commented, “It’s up to us as older people to give these young people this hope. It’s up to us to show young people strength that tomorrow is gonna be a better day.” During an earlier greeting, Warren said, “Let’s march forward together to make Tyler a unified community.” Continue reading Tyler Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — A structure fire Monday afternoon on HWY 69 found first responders battling a building fire, near the old Thunder Mountain Speedway. According to our news partner KETK, the fire was north of Rusk at HWY 69 and CR 1605. Although the fire spread to a portable building and the woods, both the Rusk Fire Department and Gallatin firefighters worked to contain the fire.

TYLER — The Texas Democratic Party released a comprehensive list Monday calling on Lone Star State Republicans to resign from office after the Capitol Hill riots earlier this month. Accorded to our news partner KETK, Senator Ted Cruz and East Texas Representative Louie Gohmert are included on the list. Cruz led the effort by many Senate Republicans to object to the results from several states that went for President-elect Joe Biden. Continue reading Texas Democratic Party calling for exhaustive list of Republicans to step down

TYLER — DPS released the identities of two East Texans, Monday, that were killed in a wreck over the weekend, in Henderson. A preliminary report shows, Benjamin Slaughter Jr., 33, of Longview, veered into oncoming traffic, over corrected and eventually began to skid. Slaughter was struck by Kristen Charnell Herron, 26, of Pittsburg. Both Herron and Slaughter died at the scene. At this time, the crash remains under investigation.

CANTON — Sanctity of Human Life Sunday will be recognized this weekend at Hope Pregnancy Center in Canton. In honor of life, Hope is hosting a community open house from 1-3 pm this Sunday. The event will be at Hope’s facility from 1 to 3 pm on E. State Highway 243 in Canton. The community is invited to take part, with all attendees getting a tour of the center, as well as an opportunity to learn about the numerous services available for women and families in Van Zandt County and surrounding areas. Organizers say refreshments will be served. For more information click the link. https://www.hopecanton.com/.

TYLER — Meals on Wheels East Texas provides meals, and daily contact among other support services for seniors that are confined to home, as well as disabled citizens. The distribution of those meals is now a little easier, thanks to a gift from The Junior League of Tyler. A grant for $15,000 was used to purchase a van that will help deliver meals. Meals on Wheels East Texas serves six counties in the East Texas region, including Smith, Gregg, Wood, Henderson, Van Zandt and Upshur. More information is available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/mowheels.

TYLER — The Cambridge Road improvement project will start Tuesday. The city of Tyler said the work will include the expansion width of the pavement, the addition of curb and gutter, sidewalks, a new underground storm drain system and the installation of a 12-inch water line. Other miscellaneous water and sewer system improvements will also happen on Cambridge Road from Broadway Avenue to Jeff Davis Drive. Additionally, drainage issues adjacent to the project on Oxford Drive will also be addressed. Continue reading Improvements coming to Cambridge Road

TYLER — A Tyler woman was killed in a wreck just after 6:00 Sunday evening. According to the preliminary DPS report, Troopers responded to a crash on CR 384, approximately 5.5 miles northeast of the city of Tyler, in Smith County. The  report indicates that the driver of a 2003 Ford Expedition was traveling east on CR 384, when for an unknown reason, the vehicle ran off the roadway and struck a tree. The driver was identified as Lucia Sanders, 25, of Tyler. Sanders was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.

TYLER — Hiland Dairy recalled a batch of half-pint 1% Low Fat Chocolate Milk on Sunday that was sent to Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Hiland Dairy said that the recall is specifically for a batch that was produced at its Norman, Oklahoma facility. The company says that some of the products may contain “food-grade sanitizers,” which could cause illness if consumed. “To ensure 100% containment, Hiland Dairy is recalling all of the product with 1/27 code, although there were only eight cases affected,” Hiland Dairy said on Sunday. Continue reading Hiland Dairy recalls chocolate milk cartons that were shipped to Tyler

TYLER — TxDOT has issued its Tyler District roadwork update for the week of January 18. Tyler Maintenance crews plan to continue mill and inlay work on FM 15 near Troup. A second crew is scheduled to finish the erosion work under the bridge on FM 2710. Longview Maintenance crews plan to perform ditch cleaning on FM 1639 from Old SH 31 to the Rusk County line. Shoulder operations are planned on SH 31 from SH 42 to SH 135. Go to https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/media-center/local-news/tyler/04-2021.html for more detailed information.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Van Zandt County man was arrested Saturday after what officials term continuous sexual assault of a child under the age of 14 and indecent exposure with a child. According to our news partner KETK, James Ray Hix, 40, was arrested around 10 p.m. after Sheriff Steve Hendrix and his deputies executed a warrant near Grand Saline. In a Facebook post, Hendrix says he “will not tolerate this type of activity in Van Zandt County.” He’s also thanking Grand Saline police and the Precinct 1 constable deputies who assisted in the case.

EAST TEXAS — East Texans will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., on Monday — the holiday set aside to recognize the iconic civil rights leader. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum has switched its traditional downtown celebration to a virtual format. Activities centered around a panel discussion will be held Monday evening from 6:30 till 8:30. Mayor Don Warren will be joined on the panel by other community leaders. Go to https://tylertogether.org/ or https://www.facebook.com/letstalktyler/ for more information. Continue reading MLK holiday to be observed Monday

TYLER — Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods launched an online waitlist for those who are in 1A and 1B to sign up for vaccines. According to our news partner KETK, only people who are involved in those classifications can register on the Brookshire’s website under COVID-19 Vaccine Information for vaccine shots. Those who have already been added to the wait list at a Brookshire pharmacy will not need to sign up again. You will be contacted by your pharmacy when the vaccine is available for you. Continue reading Brookshire’s launches waitlist for COVID-19 vaccines

TYLER — 63-year-old Mike Sellars is out of the intensive care unit and has moved into the UT Health Rehabilitation Center after being seriously injured in a recent church shooting. The January 3 incident took the life of Starrville Methodist Church pastor Mark McWilliams. Sellars told our news partner KETK he is still in pain but glad to be off a breathing tube. Sellars said he’s thankful for his family, church members, and the Starrville community. The suspect in the incident remains jailed. Go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/mike-sellars-relief-fund?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer if you’d like to help the Sellars family with medical expenses.

AUSTIN (AP/Staff) – In a high-profile East Texas case, an appeals court has delayed what would have been the first execution scheduled in the state this year. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Friday granted the stay for 31-year-old Blaine Milam to review claims he is intellectually disabled. He had been set for lethal injection on Thursday for killing his girlfriend’s 13-month-old daughter during what the couple said was part of an “exorcism” in 2008 in Rusk County. Milam’s attorneys say three of four experts who examined him determined Milam is intellectually disabled. The U.S. Supreme Court in 2002 barred executing the intellectually disabled.

TYLER — The FRESH 15 is being pushed back from its original date of March 6 to May 15. According to our news partner KETK, the event, one of the largest runs in the region, is being pushed back over concerns of COVID-19. “Moving our race day to May was not a decision taken lightly but a heartfelt effort to be able to host an in-person race this spring,” said Trent Brookshire, COO of Brookshire Grocery Co. and executive sponsor for BGC Racing. “Our top priority is the health and safety of our FRESH 15 participants, volunteers and spectators.” Organizers say the run will be modified to follow COVID-19 guidelines. Complete information is available by clicking the link. https://www.facebook.com/FRESH15k.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks identified the three children who died in a house fire with their mother earlier this week. On Friday, the children’s names were released. The kids are: 5 year-old boy Elyja Anthony Damé Newman; 2-year-old boy Travis Everrette Harris; and 1-year-old girl Saphira Khalessi Rose Harris. Earlier this week, Brooks identified the mother who died in the fire as Brittany Stewart, 24. A detailed scene investigation was held on January 14, Brooks said, “The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is committed to getting answers for the family of Ms. Stewart and her children as to what happened in this tragic fire.” Brooks said.“At this time the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is awaiting results from forensic lab testing before releasing its origin and cause of this fatal fire.” Brooks urges everyone to check their smoke detectors to make sure they are working.

TYLER — A missing person’s report was brought to resolve quickly Friday morning. Tyler police responded S. Fannin Ave and learned that Aurelino Ramirez, 81, had walked away from the address. According to TPD, Mr. Ramirez suffers from dementia, however he did have an Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Project Lifesaver bracelet on. Officers were able to track Aurelino’s bracelet to a bakery at Line St. and Beckham Ave. TPD said the cooperation with Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County Project Lifesaver not only assisted in locating Aurelino, but also brought his disappearance to a quick conclusion.

TYLER — Tyler Police are looking for the identity of a man accused of exposing himself. According to our news partner KETK, there are two different occasions the man is suspected of. At the time of the alleged incident he was seen wearing a black hoodie both times on security cameras. Both happenings took place at the Speedy Pantry gas station on Troup HWY. If you know this man identity you are urged to contact Det. Gardner at 903-535-0192 or call Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office has identified the man that was shot and killed by deputies just before 7 p.m. Thursday night. According to our news partner KETK, Justin Pegues, 26, of Jacksonville was killed in a remote area northeast of Alto on CR 1111. Deputies said in a statement that they were checking on the area after a resident complained of being broken on multiple occasions recently. The statement does not say who fired first, but deputies were not injured. Continue reading Suspect killed in Cherokee County identified

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announced Friday, the appointment of executive vice presidents to lead the combined UT Tyler and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. The institutions officially merged January 4, under the leadership of President Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP. Amir Mirmiran, PhD, has been named provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. Joseph Woelkers has been named UT Tyler’s executive vice president and chief business officer. Previously, Woelkers was executive vice president at UT Health Science Center at Tyler. Julie V. Philley, MD, has been named executive vice president for health affairs. Previously, she was chair of the Department of Medicine and professor of medicine at UT Health Science Center at Tyler.

TYLER — There are 28 COVID vaccine hub locations across the state. According to our news partner KETK, the state wants to rapidly increase our vaccination rates. The Texas Department of State Health Services says, most COVID-19 vaccines will be given at the larger sites. Their goal is getting 100,000 shots distributed. NET Health and the UT Health Science Center at Tyler are each receiving 1500 doses from the state. They are both using appointment systems with NET Health using Harvey Hall in Tyler as its hub location. Vaccines are still only available for those in phase 1A and phase 1B. Those are front line health care workers, high-risk individuals, residents at long-term care facilities and high-risk patients that are sixty-five years and older.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Cherokee County Sheriff’s deputies were on the scene of a fatal shooting Thursday night. According to our news partner KETK, the incident happened near a residence close to County Road 1111 and Highway 343. This is located east of Rusk and is near the Atoy community. Brent Dickson, the Cherokee County Sheriff said, two deputies were involved in the shooting, which happened around 6:45 p.m. The law officers had been asked by the owner of the residence to observe his property, which has previously been the location of multiple burglaries. Dickson said a white man was apparently shot and killed by a deputy. Continue reading Fatal shooting involving Cherokee County Sheriff’s Deputy

TYLER — Texas College announced an initiative that has the school teaming up with a new global campus that supports learning and development for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The Propel Center, is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing education through technology. The nonprofit, that is headquartered in Atlanta. Texas College will collaborate with Propel Center and the entire HBCU community to bring leadership and career development programming to its students.

EAST TEXAS — A recent look at conducted state jail inspections, reveals three East Texas jails did not pass the minimum standards of state reviews. According to our news partner KETK, 21 jails currently do not meet minimum standards set by the state. Cass, Cherokee, Harrison, and Marion County are below acceptable status. The jail commission said, jails are placed on the non-compliant list once county officials receive notice of non-compliance, said information from the jail commission. Jails are removed from the list after the problems are corrected.
Continue reading Several East Texas jails do not pass minimum standards

TYLER — Carter BloodCare knows the challenge of collecting blood this time of year, especially during a pandemic. In an attempt to help, two local businesses are making room to host drives this weekend. Kendra Scott, at the Village at Cumberland Park, will welcome the Carter bus Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. They are located on South Broadway in Tyler. To set an appointment, contact Brittany Holder at (817) 729-1429. Exceptional Emergency Center is teaming up with Carter for the following day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at their location on ESE Loop 323 in Tyler. To schedule an appointment for that day, call Rachel Keller at (409) 433-8273. Potential blood donors may volunteer beginning at age 16 with parental consent; 17-year-olds may give independently and there is no upper age limit for donating blood.

TYLER — With small businesses being some of the hardest hit by the pandemic, The Barstool Fund aims to relieve some of the financial burden on companies across the country. On Wednesday, Lone Star Parade Floats, a float builder for the Texas Rose Festival every year, announced their thanks for the gift. Owner, Clyde Watts said they have been constructing the floats for over 3 decades, he thanked everyone who donated and has helped keep their business going in a post on the Barstool Fund website: “I hope everything gets better soon and we get back to making celebrations. I know that we have become apart of all the celebrations that we service. We enjoy working with all the people that we work with.” Continue reading Company that builds floats for Texas Rose Festival benefits from Barstool Fund