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HARRISON COUNTY — A 19-year-old man was arrested on Monday after attempting to flee Harrison County authorities during a traffic stop. The sheriff’s office said a deputy was at a stop sign at FM 451 and FM 9 when he observed a car with multiple traffic violations and conducted a traffic stop. According to our news partner KETK, when the deputy approached the car, the driver, identified as Dakota Stone, 19, of Waskom, “drove off reaching speeds over 100 mph.” According to officials, Stone drove to the driveway of his home and ran from the deputy before he was arrested. A search of Stone’s car found a .40 caliber Glock with an extender magazine. Stone was booked into the Harrison County Jail for evading arrest with a vehicle, unlawful carrying of a weapon and on two misdemeanor warrants that had been issued for his arrest.

TYLER – A Lindale man was sentenced on Monday to six months in state jail for arson after pleading guilty to setting clothes on fire inside a Tyler Walmart. According to an arrest warrant, Tyler police and the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office were called to the scene at the Walmart on Highway 64 on Dec. 9, 2020 where it was reported a young man had set clothes on fire and left the store. Tiko Porter, 25 of Lindale, was later identified as the person seen in surveillance footage and the warrant said he was seen near the rack of clothes and moments later “smoke and fire can be seen rising up from the clothes and the rack.” Continue reading Man sentenced to 6 months in state jail for 2020 arson at Tyler Walmart

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court ratified a resolution Tuesday, proclaiming April 13, 2023, as “John Sims Day” in Smith County, in honor of the veteran radio newsman who was laid to rest last Thursday. “This community was his family,” KTBB Account Executive Lonnie Johnson said in Commissioners Court. “It was always obvious but upon his death, it became even more obvious.” Since 1998, Sims served as news anchor and editor at KTBB radio. His career in radio spanned 46 years, with 43 of those in East Texas. He died March 31, 2023, after he was struck by a vehicle while walking near his home. His memorial service was held April 13, at First Christian Church. Continue reading Commissioners Court approves “John Sims Day” in Smith County

LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department arrested a 24-year-old man in connection to a 2022 murder case. According to our news partner KETK, on Monday, Longview detectives served a murder warrant on Preston Wade Graham, of Gladewater. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a murder charge. Bond has not yet been set. On Oct. 10, officials responded to a call in the area of Baxley Lane regarding an assault. Arriving officers found an injured victim inside a residence. The victim was taken to a local hospital and died the following day. According to online records, Graham’s criminal history includes, evading arrest, theft of property and DWI.

TYLER — Elizabeth Gomez, assistant principal of Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School, has been named the new principal at Bonner Elementary School. “It means so much to me to continue to grow here at home in Tyler ISD,” Gomez said. “I have had the pleasure to meet many wonderful mentors on my journey from student to educator and administrator, and those experiences will guide me to create a positive impact at Bonner Elementary.” Gomez joined Tyler ISD in 2015 as a classroom teacher at Bell Elementary School. In 2019, she moved into an administrative role at the district, serving as a Bilingual/ESL Instructional Specialist. Gomez became assistant principal at Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School in 2020. Continue reading Tyler ISD names new elementary school principal

BULLARD — A new principal for Bullard High School has been named. Chad Bentley was approved by the Bullard ISD Board of Trustees during the April regular monthly board meeting Monday evening, April 17. According to a news release from the district, Mr. Bentley comes to Bullard from Canyon Lake High School in Comal ISD, where he has served as assistant principal and interim academic dean since 2020. Before his administrative role in Comal ISD, he served in Malakoff ISD as fine arts coordinator from 2013 to 2020 and head band director from 2012 to 2016. He has also served as head band director at Cayuga High School and assistant band director at Eustace High School. Continue reading Bullard ISD announces new high school principal

TYLER – A Grand Prairie man charged in the death of Smith County deputy Lorenzo Bustos has requested a change of venue to Cherokee County. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Nyabuto, 21 of Grand Prairie, asked for the change of venue after being indicted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and intoxicated manslaughter causing death of a peace officer on Oct. 13, 2022. Nyabuto’s request for change of venue to a Cherokee County court has not been granted and the earliest the decision could come is at the next hearing on Wednesday at 9 a.m. The state prosecutors are currently waiting on more info from DPS and they’ve made no offers to Nyabuto yet.

CHANDLER – After several reports of parked cars getting their windows bashed in, Chandler Police are asking for the public’s help in finding the culprits. According to our news partner KETK, on the north side of Highway 31, police said that during the night or early morning hours several neighbors had their windows broken on cars parked “at several locations.” In addition to those incidents, CPD report isolated issues involving juveniles committing offenses during the night across the city. Police ask that anyone with video cameras check their footage to see if they can catch anyone walking through the area. “Chandler officers will be diligently working neighborhoods and speaking to anyone out walking after dark,” police said.

TYLER – Keep Tyler Beautiful is inviting artists to submit artwork for their 100th Beauty and the Box. The Beauty and the Box program began in 2016 to transform utilitarian traffic boxes into works of art by local artists. According to our news partner KETK, the programs pilot began with only 10 boxes located in the Downtown Business Arts and Culture District but has now grown to 95 vinyl-wrapped traffic cabinets across the City of Tyler. Keep Tyler Beautiful is asking artists to submit artwork for the 100th box with the theme centered around “all things Keep Tyler Beautiful.” The winning artist of this century-mark box will earn a $250 stipend from Keep Tyler Beautiful.

TYLER — The City of Tyler reopened Noble E. Young park on Saturday after making some upgrades. The grand opening was held on Saturday; visitors and the city celebrated the improvements. Changes include new restrooms, art murals, a new walking trail, outdoor gym, bike park, new picnic tables, benches and pavilions, according to our news partner KETK. “This is one of the things I wanted to do and I promised my constituents that when I got elected that this was one of the parks that I wanted to see renovated and I’m glad to see it finally come to fruition,” said Broderick McGee, City of Tyler councilman. The community development block grant program provided funding for the new park upgrades.

TYLER – Tyler Police and Fire departments met at Tyler Park for their fifth annual Battle of the Badges softball game on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler PD’s crimes against children unit detective Ryan Caldwell created the program five years ago following his 4-year-old nephew’s type one diabetes diagnosis. “So the winner has bragging rights for the year and everything we make through raffle sales or anything, all the proceeds go to Tyler Type One Diabetes Foundation,” Caldwell said. Caldwell said the game is always a good time.

NACOGDOCHES — A Nacogdoches woman was booked in to Nacogdoches County Jail on Friday on the charge of capital murder of a person under 10 years old. According to our news partner KETK, Hanna Ruth Moses, 33 of Nacogdoches, was arrested and booked on Friday, March 15. Moses is awaiting trial and has not had a bond amount set yet. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

TRINITY COUNTY – Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace shared on Facebook that he was bit by an alligator on Friday night. Wallace said the alligator grabbed into his flesh and went into a death roll while he was attempting to capture it. Wallace was apparently able to subdue the creature but not before he and another Trinity County resident suffered several cuts. According to our news partner KETK, Wallace says the alligator was relocated safely into a pond after its capture. Continue reading Trinity County Sheriff attacked by alligator

SMITH COUNTY — Congressman Nathaniel Moran gave an East Texas welcome to the group of 60 Christians from the Mayflower Church out of China Friday. According to our news partner KETK, the welcome event was held at the South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler. Pastor Chris Legg opened the event with a prayer before welcoming Moran to the stage. “It is a blessing to be here today and this is the most important thing I think we’re going to see happen in East Texas today, this week, possibly this month and year,” Moran said. After sharing scripture from the Bible, Moran wanted to leave the attendees of the event with three thoughts. Continue reading Welcome event for Chinese Christian asylum seekers in Smith County

TYLER – East Texas native Miranda Lambert has been nominated for five Academy of Country Music Awards, including a record-breaking 17th Female Artist of the Year nomination. This year, Lambert has been nominated for Entertainer Of The Year, Female Artist Of The Year, Album Of The Year twice and Artist-Songwriter Of The Year. Lambert’s 17th Female Artist of the Year nomination breaks Reba McEntire’s record of 16 nominations for the award. “Palomino”, Lambert’s ninth studio album, has earned her two nominations for Album of the Year this year for being the artist and being one of the albums producers. Continue reading Miranda Lambert breaks Reba McEntire’s ACM nomination record

TYLER – A new date has been set in a jury trial for a Jacksonville man charged in the 2021 deadly shooting at the New Orleans Flavors Daiquiri in Tyler. A pre-trial hearing was held on Friday for Jaderick Willis, 23 of Jacksonville, and his jury trial has been set for April 24. He was indicted for murder on Sept. 9, 2021. According to an arrest affidavit, a fight in the parking lot prompted the shooting which resulted in the death of Tylsha Brown who was at the daiquiri shop to celebrate her 46th birthday. Willis was also injured in the shooting, and originally listed as a victim by police before he was later arrested and charged with murder. A second man arrested in the shooting, Dycorrian Lofton, 24 of Jacksonville, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to the lesser charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The jury trial for Willis had previously been scheduled for Aug. 29, 2022 before it was delayed.

TYLER — Contractors will replace a traffic signal pole at South Broadway Avenue and West Southwest Loop 323 on Sunday, April 16. The signal will be without power from 7:30 to 11 a.m. while crews work to replace the pole hit by a tractor-trailer on Tuesday morning. The Tyler Police Department will be on the scene to direct traffic. Southbound traffic on South Broadway Avenue will not be able to turn right onto West Southwest Loop 323. The westbound turn lane will be closed along with two westbound lanes of West Southwest Loop 323. Drivers can expect lane closures and traffic delays in the area. The City of Tyler urges drivers to use caution and obey the direction of the Tyler Police Department officers directing traffic. Motorists are encouraged to plan extra time into their drive and take an alternate route to avoid the area.

TYLER — Tyler ISD announced its 2023 District Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year Thursday evening at the Tyler ISD Teacher of the Year Banquet. The Rookie of the Year award recognizes a teacher who demonstrates outstanding performance and superior instruction skills during their first year. The 2023 Rookie of the Year is Mallory Sims (pictured) at Andy Woods Elementary School. The 2023 Principal of the Year is Dr. NaTasha Crain, Principal at Jones Elementary School. “We are proud to honor our District Teachers of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Rookie of the Year,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. Continue reading Tyler ISD names 2023 teachers of the year

TYLER — The W.T. Brookshire Conference Center Grand Opening took place Thursday. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fireworks, celebrating the building’s grand opening that is 30 years in the making. Mayor Don Warren and four former Tyler mayors came together to celebrate the momentous occasion, our news partner KETK reports. “The WT Brookshire Conference Center is the centerpiece and offers this community a conference experience like no other,” said Warren. From start to finish, Warren explained that the project wasn’t easy, but worth it for the City of Tyler. “Getting a project of this magnitude off the ground is challenging at anytime but doing it during a pandemic is a whole new ball game,” said Warren. Continue reading Tyler celebrates grand opening of W.T. Brookshire Conference Center

TYLER — Tyler Junior College was given the all-clear by law enforcement after issuing a shelter in place due to a “potential active shooter warning.” According to our news partner KETK, officials with the Tyler Police Department said the call came in around 10:30 a.m., and the caller reported multiple people had been shot at the technology building. Officials arrived at the scene within minutes, and no threats were found. Officials said similar active shooter calls had been made to other Texas colleges. “Anytime we get a call like that, you’re gonna see us come out in full force,” Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said. TJC was given the all-clear by 11:15 a.m., and the junior college’s West campus and Pirtle Technology Building were evacuated. Continue reading TJC cleared by law enforcement after ‘possible active shooter warning’

TYLER – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler blessed the Patrick R. Thomas, M.D., Therapy Garden on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the garden is intended to help patients get better by growing and caring for plants. This therapy is already being used to help patients recovering from strokes. “This garden provides patients the opportunity to get out of their rooms and participate in activities that promote healing, functional strength, restoration, and a return to independence,” said Sara Martin, occupational therapist. “Since functional activities are a vital part of therapy, what better way to highlight that than through gardening in our therapy garden.” The garden’s blessing started at 10 a.m. on Thursday and “Planting Day” was held all day. According to CHRISTUS, Micro Family Farms provided flowers to be planted in the garden.

TYLER-Officials at Tyler Junior College gave the all clear late Thursday morning after after issuing a shelter in place due to an active shooter threat. According to our news partner KETK, TJC officials say at 10:30am Thursday a caller reported multiple people were shot at the Pirtle Technology Building on the West Campus. When law enforcement arrived, they searched the campus and no threats were found. TJC gave the all clear by 11:15 that morning. College operation returned to normal.

AUSTIN — The Texas Senate passes a bill targeting the use of critical race theory in college classrooms.Senate Bill 16 would ban college professors from compelling students to adopt certain beliefs on racial or political issues. Republican State Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, thinks some college professors are excluding debate in their classrooms and suppressing conservative ideas. The bill does not specifically mention “critical race theory” but Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued a statement saying it would ban the teaching of critical race theory at Texas universities. He thanked Senator Hughes and other Republicans in the Texas Senate for passing it. The legislature banned critical race theory from public elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in 2021.

JACKSONVILLE — UT Health Jacksonville received a threat against the facility and issued a lockdown on Wednesday, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, the lockdown was issued as a precautionary measure.  “Our security team and local law enforcement are aware of the threat and are working to resolve the matter,” UT Health East Texas said in a statement. The hospital system said, “The safety of the patients, team members and visitors is their priority.” Additional details were not available.

TYLER — The City of Tyler plans to retime 18 intersections this year in an effort to improve traffic flow, approving a $121,085 contract at the council meeting on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the contract is with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Master Plan. It’s year three of their intelligent transportation system master plan. Every year since 2020, the city of Tyler has retimed several lights. So far, they have completed 53 out of the 149 signal intersections. The city says they’ve received positive feedback from drivers since the project began. Continue reading Tyler to retime traffic signals at 18 intersections

TYLER — For the first time in its 76-year existence, the Tyler Junior College Apache Cheer team has earned the title of national champion.  TJC took first place in the Intermediate Large Coed Open Division in the National Cheerleaders Association’s College Nationals competition last weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida. “We work a whole year preparing for a routine that lasts 2 minutes and 15 seconds,” said Tammy Rose, TJC cheer head coach. “We started this journey last summer at NCA college camp at SMU in Dallas, where we earned a bronze bid to attend NCA College Nationals.” Continue reading TJC Apache Cheer earns first-ever national title

SMITH COUNTY — On Tuesday, Smith County Constable Josh Joplin of Precinct 4 expressed concerns during the commissioners court meeting. He feels the scope of his job is being limited, according to our news partner KETK. Precinct 4 is the largest precinct in Smith County covering 322 square miles. Joplin said recent comments made to him and his deputies by some county commissioners are degrading to his badge. “We’ve received veil threats from certain commissioners that state that they don’t want us to do law enforcement work. They want us to do the bare minimum of our taxpayers serving papers and bailiff in court,” said Joplin. Continue reading Smith County Constable raises concerns over limitations to job

WHITEHOUSE — TxDOT has announced that repairs to the sinkhole on FM 346, between Pecanwood and Crepe Myrtle Road in Whitehouse are scheduled to be completed by the morning of Thursday, April 13. Currently, the westbound lanes of FM 346 are being diverted through the center lane, which will continue until repairs are complete. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible. If travel is necessary in this area, please reduce your speed and pay attention in the work zone.