Winter driving tips

SMITH COUNTY — Winter driving tips Drivers are urged to take extra precautions as icy conditions have developed on roadways. According to our news partners at KETK and the National Weather Service, the following tips can help people travel safely in icy conditions:

Slow down. Even at low speeds, ice can cause your vehicle to lose traction and slide.
Increase following distance. Leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead in case of sudden braking. Continue reading Winter driving tips

Local flights delayed and cancelled

TYLER – Local flights delayed and cancelledSeveral flights for the weekend across East Texas have been cancelled or delayed. According to our news partner KETk and American Eagle Airlines, all American Airlines flights scheduled to depart from the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport have been cancelled due to incoming severe weather. The airline said it has not yet decided on the status of Sunday’s flights and will continue to monitor the weather. The East Texas Regional Airport in Longview, has cancelled all flights scheduled for Saturday and Sunday morning. The airport said it will continue to monitor the weather to decide the status of flights scheduled for Sunday afternoon and Monday.

City offices closed

City offices closedTYLER – Due to inclement weather, City of Tyler offices and facilities will be closed Saturday, Jan. 24 through Monday, Jan. 26. Essential and emergency functions will continue.

The City of Tyler will monitor weather conditions to determine if offices will open at regular businesses hours or at a later time on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an Ice Storm Warning from Friday through Sunday along with an Extreme Cold Warning for the Tyler area until Monday at noon. Ice is expected with some sleet and snow mixed in over the weekend. If travel is necessary, use caution and be aware of possible ice and slick spots on area roads.

All City of Lufkin business offices will also be closed on Monday for the safety of our employees and the public. Emergency services will continue to operate as needed. City officials encourage residents to stay warm, monitor official weather updates, and use caution if travel is necessary. Continue reading City offices closed

Disaster Declaration issued

Disaster Declaration issuedSMITH COUNTY – Smith County Judge Neal Franklin issued a Disaster Declaration for Smith County on Friday, January 23, 2026, ahead of the winter storm.

Smith County emergency management officials have been working this week to prepare for road closures and power outages as much as they can.

“I have declared a disaster in Smith County, following the Governor’s Declaration,” Judge Franklin said. “Doing this now allows emergency management officials to respond quickly to any issues that arise during the disaster and to ask for aid when needed.”
Continue reading Disaster Declaration issued

CHRISTUS Health urgent care closure

CHRISTUS Health urgent care closureLONGVIEW – Due to incoming inclement weather, CHRISTUS Health Urgent Care in Longview, West Loop 281 and Toler Road, is closed for the weekend. Telehealth visits remain available for non-emergency medical needs. Also closing are CHRISTUS Pediatric Clinic in Tyler closed Saturday and CHRISTUS Urgent Care Sulphur Springs: Closed Saturday and Sunday. Officials ask if your experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. CHRISTUS anticipate reopening on Monday, January 26 at 8 a.m. To access CHRISTUS Health telehealth, and find “start on demand care.”

Longview ISD begins new learning center

Longview ISD begins new learning centerLONGVIEW – The Longview ISD broke ground on their new Early Childhood Learning Center Thursday. Our news partner KETK reports that the new center will be built on the site of Jodie McClure Elementary with around $61.8 million in voter-approved bond funds. The multi-building facility would house thirty classrooms, a library, a kitchen and a gymnasium. The 79,000-square-foot facility will house pre-kindergarten children between the ages of four-years-old and just six weeks old.

Longview helps homeless residents

Longview helps homeless residentsLONGVIEW — The City of Longview hosted their annual Homeless Resource Day on Thursday at the Longview Exhibit Center, bringing together service providers and volunteers to support the city’s unhoused population. According to our news partner KETK, the event connected attendees with critical resources, allowing individuals to access services on-site or to enroll in assistance programs. Organizations unable to offer direct services participated by volunteering to help meet immediate needs throughout the day.

To remove transportation barriers, Longview Transit offered free shuttle service to and from the event for those without reliable transportation. City officials are also encouraging community members looking to help to visit the City of Longview’s website for information on donating or supporting local efforts that serve the homeless population.

Wiley University threat “not credible”

MARSHALL —Wiley University threat “not credible” A reported threat received by Wiley University earlier today has been investigated and determined to be not credible, according to the Marshall Police Department
(MPD).

Wiley University officials notified MPD after receiving an email referencing an “imminent threat.” Although the threat was ultimately deemed not credible, MPD responded immediately
and initiated a full investigation to ensure campus and public safety. MPD immediately coordinated with Wiley University President Herman Felton and his staff, along with Wiley
Police, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Continue reading Wiley University threat “not credible”

Tips for winter storm

TYLER – Winter driving tipsFreezing temperatures are projected for Tyler and the surrounding areas from Friday, Jan. 23 through Monday, Jan. 26. City officials are monitoring the situation and strongly advise residents to watch the weather forecast, winterize their homes and safely use space heaters and generators. Emergency service capabilities are at full strength, and City departments are in frequent communication with each other to ensure that all necessary preparations are in place. The Tyler/Smith County’s Cold Weather Response Plan is available to review. Continue reading Tips for winter storm