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EAST TEXAS — Texas Rep. Cody Harris, of Palestine,  appeared before the House Public Health Committee on Monday afternoon to present HB 3717, which would help fund clinical trials for ibogaine, a psychedelic compound that could treat opioid addiction. According to our news partner KETK, through this bill, Harris aims to take on the addiction with a particular focus on veterans. According to the National Institutes of Health, drug overdose mortality rates among U.S. military veterans rose by 53% between 2010 and 2019.

As opioid-related deaths continue to devastate families across the country, Harris said this legislation could be a crucial first step in offering new hope to those already battling the addiction.

“Funding a grant program for a ibogaine clinical trial isn’t just a policy choice,” Harris said on Monday. “It’s a lifeline, a chance to pull our neighbors, our heroes and our loved ones back from the edge.” Continue reading Texas bill proposes new approach to fight opioid crisis

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a resolution on Tuesday, dedicating April 2025 as National County Government Month for Smith County government. According to our news partner KETK, this resolution will recognize the more than 900 Smith County government employees who work everyday to create safe and healthy communities. Officials encourage residents to learn more about the services that county governments provide such as veterans services, criminal and civil emergency courts systems, elections and public safety.

Smith County holds 29 elected officials and 16 department heads. They help figure out ways to keep systems running such as fire investigations, tax offices and the sheriff’s office in ways that are cost effective for the community.

There are currently 3,069 counties serving more than 330 million Americans by protecting the peace and tranquility of their respective communities. Smith County encourages everyone across the county to learn more about the people who serve in local government.

SMITH COUNTY — The 2025 State of the County Luncheon was held in Smith County on Tuesday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, during the luncheon, a presentation by Smith County Judge Neal Franklin provided residents with several updates about the newest projects and events going on in the county. Franklin stated that the theme of this year’s event is collaboration, due to the countries’ efforts to work with others to achieve their goals.

“We have got a lot of things going with a lot of different entities and our goal is to work together and make these things happen,” Franklin said.

Franklin provided residents with an update about the new courthouse that is currently under construction. “The courthouse is going well, and we are getting to the point where we were almost off the ground,” Franklin said. Continue reading State of Smith County update

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, because of the severe weather that hit east Texas last week, Bowie County, Cass County and Morris County have all issued local disaster declarations. The declarations will last for seven days and activate each county’s emergency management plans so they can better recover from severe weather damage. The National Weather Service said that Lone Star in Morris County on Friday was hit by a EF-2 tornado that caused damage to trees and several homes.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Rusk man attempted to flee from deputies Tuesday morning during his court ordered probation hearing, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to the sheriff’s office, Krystopher Michael Free, 26 of Rusk, was at a court ordered probation hearing in the 369th District Court in Rusk when the presiding judge ordered Free to be taken into custody. Officials said Free attempted to run from the courtroom as a Cherokee County Bailiff tried to take him into custody. Deputies and the bailiff were able to take Free into custody after a brief struggle with one of the bailiffs receiving minor injuries.

Free was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, and once discharged, he was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on charges of assault of a public servant and evading and resisting arrest.

LINDEN – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a man was arrested on Monday after he threw a bag out the window of a vehicle at Family Dollar in Linden filled with a “white crystalline substance”.

According to the Linden Police Department, an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle with a headlight out in the parking lot of Family Dollar at 604 W. Houston St. As the vehicle parked, the officer noticed what appeared to be trash thrown out the window.

Officials said that upon further investigation the officer discovered that the “trash” was actually illegal narcotics that had been thrown out. The officer found that the illegal narcotics consisted of a bag containing smaller bags filled with a white crystalline substance. Continue reading Cass County man discards drugs at a Family Dollar

LUFKIN – A five-year-old was reportedly left in a car for nearly five hours after the driver and family members went to a Houston sporting event, the Lufkin Police Department said.

According to reports from our news partner, KETK, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Timberland Drive at around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a report of a child behind left in a vehicle.

“The officers could not get the child to respond to knocks on the window, so they broke the driver’s side window and removed the child, who was taken to a local hospital to be examined,” the police department said. Continue reading Five-year-old left in family car for five hours

LUFKIN – A Nacogdoches minor was hospitalized on Sunday night after being shot from a vehicle in the 600 block of Kurth Drive according to a report by our news partner KETK.

The minor told Lufkin Police officers he was walking home after a night out with friends when a suspicious vehicle pulled up and fired twice. LPD Detective Cody Deal said one of the shots struck the minor in abdomen. He then hid behind a building across the street and contacted his friends for help. Once he arrived at a hospital in Houston, a nurse reported the shooting to Lufkin police. The minor’s condition is not available and the shooting is still being investigated.

UPDATE: The Bullard Police Department say they have identified the individuals involved in the tire slashing spree, according to our news partner KETK. The next few steps will include completing arrest warrants and “initiating the formal processing of the individuals identified.”

BULLARD — Those living near Bullard Middle School are asked to check their security cameras following a tire slashing spree that occurred overnight Sunday.
Man accused of attempted murder at Nacogdoches law firm, documents show

The Bullard Police Department received several reports of slashed tires and are now actively investigating the case. Residents are asked to check their security cameras from Sunday night into Monday morning, especially those living near West Ridge, Bullard Creek Ranch and The Mosley additions.

“Your help is vital in keeping our community safe,” the police department said. “Thank you for your vigilance and continued support.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bullard PD at 903-894-7788.

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, a Tyler man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for the July 4, 2024 fatal shooting of 19-year-old Rawly Sanchez, according judicial records.

Seferino Bautista-Renteria, owner of Bautista Auto Sales in Tyler, was found guilty of murder before 114th District Court Judge Reeve Jackson on Thursday. On Monday, Renteria was sentenced to 60 years in state prison and was given a 277-day jail credit, judicial records show. Renteria was arrested after Sanchez was shot in the back of the head while riding in the backseat of a truck on the night of July 4, 2024, according to an arrest affidavit.

The truck was turning behind Bautista Auto Sales when the affidavit said the driver reported seeing a person with an AK-47-style rifle who started shooting.

Sanchez was then driven to a local hospital where he died. An affidavit for Renteria’s arrest said his wife and son were interviewed at the scene by law enforcement and they reported losing sight of him during the shooting. Continue reading Tyler man gets 60 years for murdering 19-year-old

BULLARD – Those living near Bullard Middle School are asked to check their security cameras following a tire slashing spree that occurred overnight Sunday, according to a report from KETK.

The Bullard Police Department received several reports of slashed tires and are now actively investigating the case. Residents are asked to check their security cameras from Sunday night into Monday morning, especially those living near West Ridge, Bullard Creek Ranch and The Mosley additions.

“Your help is vital in keeping our community safe,” the police department said. “Thank you for your vigilance and continued support.”

GILMER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Union Hill ISD near Gilmer cancelled classes on Monday and Tuesday after the awning at the front of their elementary school collapsed during recent severe weather.

“I would like to say that it looks way worse than what it is,” Union Hill ISD Superintendent John Booth said on Monday. “… the front of the school was was damaged, but the structure of the elementary was not damaged.”

According to Booth, the district’s junior high and high school campuses were undamaged except for some damage to the roof of their gymnasium. Once class resumes on Wednesday, Union Hill ISD elementary school students will have their classrooms changed to rooms in the high school and junior high until the elementary school can be cleaned up. Continue reading Union Hill ISD elementary school damaged by severe weather

NACOGDOCHES – According to our news partner KETK, an East Texas man was arrested Sunday morning after officers were alerted of a possible in-progress murder plot at a Nacogdoches law firm. The Nacogdoches Police Department said officers received a call Sunday morning from a concerned citizen that a person intended to commit a murder.

Officers were able to locate and secure the intended victim while also finding the suspect. Jessie Dale Cashion, 44 of Lufkin, was located, along with a firearm, at a Nacogdoches law firm.

During the investigation, officers developed a probable cause to make the arrest of Cashion for attempted murder. He’s being held at Nacogdoches County Jail.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that two men were arrested in Henderson County early Sunday morning after narcotics investigators discovered suspected meth underneath the frame of a car.

According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, around 12:33 a.m. narcotics investigators conducted a traffic stop on a black Cadillac inside the Bonita Point Subdivision near Gun Barrel City where they located a large gallon size bag of suspected meth concealed underneath the frame of the vehicle.

Officers said that the passenger, Cody Ray Harper, 32 of Arlington, threw a baggie with suspected meth out of the passenger window onto the roadway while the driver, Dustin Sky Reneau, 38 of Fort Worth, had three theft related felony warrants out for his arrest. Continue reading Traffic stop leads to large quantity of meth

TYLER – According to our news partner, KETK, an arrest affidavit for three Tyler ISD staff members has shed new details on an incident in which a student’s hands were bound with tape, and they were forced to walk for hours.

Documents obtained from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office show that Tyler High School administration contacted the Tyler ISD police department to request camera footage from the Life Skills room on March 12. An administration staff member stated that the incident likely occurred in the afternoon, as the student’s hands were still red when he got off the bus. They also mentioned speaking with an aide in the room, who indicated that the incident occurred before lunch, but was unsure how long the student’s hands had been taped. Continue reading Tyler ISD staff arrested for taping special needs student’s hands

LONE STAR – The City of Lone Star has issued a mandatory curfew for its residents following the severe weather Friday. According to our news partner KETK, the curfew, starts at 8 p.m. and ends at 8 a.m. until further notice.

The curfew order said that citizens in these areas of of Lone Star are required to remain indoors unless performing essential work or if an emergency occurs: Williamsburg Street, Sunnybrook Street, Northhaven Drive , Woodcrest Street, Wild Rose Street, Devereau Drive, Bunt Drive, Leslie Drive, City Park and Baptist Encampment.
Continue reading City of Lone Star issues mandatory curfew

TYLER – Storms that ripped through the area on Friday night left severe damage and flooding all across East Texas according to our news partner KETK. The City of Lindale had water overflowing into parts of downtown and multiple county roads. Lindale Candy Company’s building experienced flooding and closed their candy viewing area due to the extensive water in the back of the store. Lindale’s Lorraine Lake washed out after the dam broke due to the high rainwater.

Smith County was not the only one’s dealing with Friday night’s storms, another intense storm ripped through the town of Hawkins. The strong winds downed trees and powerlines blocking people from reaching their homes like Jay Boyce who had trees blocking his road.

“A tornado just passed through here and it knocked down everything,” Boyce said. “It blew off the roofs of houses, trees and knocked down 100-year-old trees. We’re just trying to get home to our houses.” Continue reading Severe weather leaves damage, flooding all across East Texas

CANTON – The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Van Zandt County on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, a NWS storm survey team found that the tornado touched down 9.5 miles east of Canton along CR 1321 and moved northeast passing Grand Saline. It crossed Highway 80 and then lifted north of Silver Lake.

A home along FM 1255 lost part of it’s wall and NWS said another home on FM 1255 near CR 1605 had roof and porch damage. According to NWS, tornado had an estimated peak wind speed of 80 miles per hour and a maximum width of 75 yards.

NWS added that the tornado may have passed into Wood County for a short time but they couldn’t confirm that it did because of a lack of roads. Continue reading Tornado confirmed in Van Zandt County

LINDALE – Lorraine Lake in Lindale has been washed out by flooding that hit the East Texas community on Friday night.

Witnesses at the scene told our news partner, KETK, that the water in the lake had risen above the lake line, spilling over a dam on the edge of the lake.

The lake is connected to North Prairie Creek and is surrounded by many private properties with docks and piers on the lake off of Spring Drive and Hillside Lane.

The City of Lindale hasn’t commented on the lake washing out but on Friday Lindale Mayor Gavin Rasco thanked first responders for serving the community during the flooding. Continue reading Lorraine Lake disappears after flooding

SMITH COUNTY –Several Smith County roads are closed due to high water crossings and trees and power lines down, according to a news release from the county. Roads closed for downed trees include:  CR 1125, 1134, 313 west, 4129, 485, 4105, 4126, 423, 4127, 4106 and 4104. CR 313 east  and 4126 (off of the CR 4106 side) are closed due to downed power lines. County roads closed because of high water include:  CR 463, 411, 474 and 4129.

TYLER — Severe storm activity hit East Texas hard Friday night. After severe weather hit East Texas, about 2,050 customers are reportedly without power as of 5:30 p.m. on Sunday. The power outage had 25,000 customers without power during the peak of storm activity Friday and early Saturday. Our news partner KETK, has a county by county breakout of where power outages are still occurring in our region. You can see that list here.

TYLER – A Tyler man was found guilty of the July 4, 2024 fatal shooting of 19-year-old Rawly Sanchez, according to our news partner, KETK.

Seferino Bautista-Renteria, owner of Bautista Auto Sales in Tyler, was found guilty of murder before 114th District Court Judge Reeve Jackson on Monday. According to court staff, Renteria’s sentencing hearing will begin on Monday.

Renteria was arrested after Sanchez was shot in the back of the head while riding in the backseat of a truck on the night of July 4, 2024, according to an arrest affidavit. The truck was turning behind Bautista Auto Sales when the affidavit said the driver reported seeing a person with an AK-47-style rifle who started shooting. Continue reading Tyler businessman found guilty of murdering a 19-year-old

TYLER – As severe weather hits East Texas, several school districts have announced they will be releasing students early on Friday to ensure students and staff stay safe.

As we head into Friday afternoon, severe storms are predicted with the possibility of creating hail or tornadoes. To ensure student and staff safety, our news partner, KETK, has compiled a list of schools that will release students early. To view the full list, click here.

NEW LONDON – Parents are pushing for the 2025 school bond project which includes a new elementary building. According to our news partner, KETK, it would be the third time voters are asked this question following two previous failed attempts.

West Rusk parents who drop their children off every morning at the elementary school said they are concerned with the current conditions. Some of the problems include leaks, aging floor, mold and have termite damage in their classrooms and windows that leak during rain.

“My daughter cannot run in the gym in certain spots because the floors buckled up so high and kids will trip and fall,” concerned parent Nathan Bishop said. “The kids have to bring their own water because we can’t drink out of the water fountain.” Continue reading West Rusk parents advocating a bond for new school building

SMITH COUNTY – 24 dogs and 3 cats have been seized from the Lanellas Rescue and Sanctuary due to alleged animal cruelty, according to our news partner, KETK.

After receiving a tip about animal cruelty on March 24, members of the Smith County Animal Shelter (SCAS) arrived at Lanellas Rescue and Sanctuary, and found several animals to be emaciated.

SCAS supervisor Amber Green told KETK that Lanellas owner Bonnie Kelley was given a time limit to take the animals to the vet to receive rabies shots and vaccinations. In the agreed time period, Kelley reportedly took only seven or eight of the 27 animals to receive care. Due to Kelley failing to meet the agreement, Green said SACS obtained a warrant and seized all 24 dogs and 3 cats from the property. Continue reading 27 animals seized from an East Texas animal sanctuary for cruelty

BULLARD – According to a report from our news partner, KETK, a multi-vehicle crash on Highway 69 near Bullard slows traffic Friday morning.

The multi-vehicle crash is out of the roadway but is slowing northbound traffic. Drivers in the area are encouraged to use caution and watch for emergency personnel in the roadway. Information regarding the crash will be updated as it becomes available.

LONGVIEW — A Longview doctor has pleaded guilty to a 2022 charge of sexual assault against a child, according to our news partner KETK.

The Texas Medical Board issued a suspension order after two of Matt Hipke’s former patients, both male under 17, accused him of sexual assault. This led the board to investigate Hipke and suspend his license. They then learned that Hipke had been previously accused of sexually assaulting another patient in 2018. Records show that neither child provided specific details to their parents or guardians regarding the scope or extent of the alleged inappropriate touching. After interviewing the two victims, police obtained a search warrant for Hipke’s office where they located inappropriate images of children on his computer.

Following this investigation, Hipke was arrested in August 2020 on two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and was released on a $1 million bond. Continue reading Longview physician pleads guilty to sexual assault of child

LONGVIEW – A Longview officer has received an award from the police department after saving a teacher’s life last year.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that in September 2024, Josh Marrs took action after a teacher at Spring Hill ISD became unresponsive during class. After being alerted by the school’s nurse, Marrs quickly arrived in the classroom and began chest compressions and guided the team in using the AED prior to EMS arriving.

According to the police department, the teacher was stabilized and transported to the hospital. Marrs was credited by the school nurse with saving the teacher’s life, and believes she would not have been able to manage the situation without his support.

Due to Marrs heroic actions, he was bestowed the Lifesaving Award by the police department on Thursday afternoon.

RUSK – The Rusk Police Department’s chief has been placed on leave pending an active city investigation.

According to City Manager Bob Goldsberry, Rusk’s Chief of Police Scott Heagney was placed on administrative paid leave Wednesday after a complaint was filed against him.

Goldsberry said Sgt. Jeremy Farmer will be in charge of day-to-day operations while investigation is active.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that officials have not released details of the investigation, however, Goldsberry said the city will provide details once it has concluded.