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ATHENS – According to our news partner KETK The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens will be undergoing major renovations and updates and will be closed to the public starting Aug. 28. The tentative date for completion and reopening to the public is spring 2025. According to TFFC, “the 300,000 gallons of aquariums will be updated, new larger aquariums will be added, the dive theater and other existing indoor exhibits will be updated, and new exhibits will be developed.” In addition to upgrading the facilities, the closure will also give an opportunity for staff to develop new educational programming and volunteer opportunities. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation (TPWF) has raised more than $4.5 million in private donations to fund the massive project, said TFFC.

Until Aug. 28, TFFC operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. According to TFFC, hatchery production, the Toyota ShareLunker Program, Angler Recognition Program, Fish Art Contest and Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection and induction will all continue normal operations during the renovation. For additional information about TFFC, visit the TFFC website and Facebook page.

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department said an 88-year-old pedestrian was killed after being hit by a car in the 2600 block of East Houston Street on Friday. According to our news partner KETK Marlene Floyd, 88 of Marshall, had died from her injuries by the time first responders arrived on seen around 10:40 p.m., according to a press release. The 71-year-old driver stayed on the scene of the crash and is cooperating with investigators, Marshall PD said. Officials said no charges have been filled in this case and an investigation is ongoing.

Marshall Police Department Chief Cliff Carruth stressed the importance of drivers and pedestrians fully paying attention to the road because these kinds of accidents are all too common. “It is a tragedy for all involved. We will keep these families in our prayers,” Chief Carruth said.

TYLER – According to our news partner KETK a 20-year-old Tyler man was sentenced to 11 years in prison after pleading guilty to helping “move and dispose” of the body of a 2022 murder victim. Christian Whitney-Polk, 20, was arrested on March 10, almost a year after authorities said they were searching for him in connection to the murder of 53-year-old Anthony Wilson. Wilson’s body was later found in the woods in North Tyler and his roommate, Timothy Jones, 27, was sentenced to 40 years in prison in June after pleading guilty to his murder.

According to an arrest warrant, Jones had told police in an interview “he had shot Anthony,” and after the shooting, contacted Whitney-Polk to help him move the body. “He stated he picked up Christian Whitney-Polk from his house, then drove him to the house on Gentry where they took Anthony Wilson’s body out, and they both disposed of Anthony Wilson’s body,” the warrant said.
Continue reading Man pleads guilty to helping hide body in 2022 murder

TYLER – After a guilty plea, an 11 year prison sentence was given to a Tyler man in helping “move and dispose” the body of a 2022 murder victim. According to our news partner KETK, 20-year-old Christian Whitney-Polk was arrested in March in connection to the murder of Anthony Wilson. At that time, authorities arrested Timothy Jones, a roommate of Whitney-Polk. Jones told police, “he had shot Anthony.” After the shooting He asked Whitney-Polk to help him move the body from a house on Gentry Parkway to a wooded area in North Tyler. Jones was sentenced to 40 years in prison in Anthony Wilson’s murder.

LAKE TYLER – An 11-year-old Tyler boy really now has a fish story! According to our news partner KETK, Henry Correa caught a 35-pound flathead catfish Sunday at Lake Tyler. Henry made the big catch at his family’s boathouse at Lake Tyler West. Henry’s dad, Gabriel said the 35 pounder was 43 inches inches long. Henry, who’s been fishing since he was two said, “I’ve never caught anything that big, but we’ve caught a catfish that’s probably six to seven pounds but nothing that big.”

GUN BARREL CITY – The Gun Barrel City Fire Department reports that 7 people were injured in a three vehicle wreck Saturday afternoon, according to our news partner KETK. City officials said the accident happened between two pickup trucks and a third vehicle on East Main Street. The crash was severe enough, that rescue personnel had to use the jaws of life to get people from one vehicle out to safety. Gun Barrel City Fire Department said that 1 person at the accident was airlifted to a Tyler hospital, while six others were also admitted for care.

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s office has identified a man wanted in a manhunt Friday afternoon near Interstate 20. According to our news partner KETK, captured was 21-year-old Devoria Hardy of Fort Worth. Hardy was driving eastbound on I-20 when a Smith County Deputy attempted to stop him. His vehicle crossed lanes and was stuck in a ditch. This is when Hardy fled on foot. At this point, Smith County SO, DPS Troopers, Lindale Police Department and Precinct 5 Constable’s Office configured a search parameter near Hardy’s vehicle. Hardy was found a short time later in a wooded area off Interstate 20. The vehicle in question contained two handguns, 50 rounds of ammo, several thousand dollars and THC products. Hardy and his passenger 21-year-old Cordre Tolliver of Shreveport were arrested of a controlled substance, evading arrest and having outstanding warrants. Both men are now in the Smith County Jail.

TYLER – There was no winner in Friday night’s record Mega Millions jackpot. But, according to our news partner KETK, an East Texan has a Mega Millions ticket worth $1 million. This lucky pick was sold at 2030 W Gentry Parkway, which is the home of the Super Food Mart. Currently the Mega Millions jackpot has an estimated worth of $1.55 billion dollars, which would make it the largest in the game’s nearly 30-year history. For planning purposes, that estimated $1.55 billion, has a cash option of $757.2 million.

LONGVIEW – Longview school districts received a nice boost Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK, 148 teachers in LISD have received about $2 million in incentive pay. This is all part of what’s called TIA or Teacher Incentive Allotment. Melanie Pondan, the principal at Judson STEAM Academy said, “It is huge, it’s, first of all, it’s a lot of money, it’s life-changing money. It is great for retention, they’re not staying here just for the money, they stay here for the students and because of this district.” Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox added it is an honor to be able to celebrate the people making an impact in students’ lives.

SMITH COUNTY – The Lindale Police Department said that they are assisting the Smith County Sheriff’s Office in a manhunt near the area of Toll 49, Interstate 20 and County Road 411 on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Officials said that there is a heavy law enforcement presence searching for a suspect described as a Black male with dreadlocks, a white shirt and shorts. Lindale Police have asked the public to lock doors, and report any information about the suspect to law enforcement.

TYLER – With the heat not going away soon. Some are wondering what fall and winter weather will bring. According to our news partner KETK, the Farmers’ Almanac predicts the winter forecast that Texas will see will be unseasonably cold and stormy winter for the upcoming winter.
Continue reading The Farmers’ Almanac winter prediction for Texas

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Authorities identified the man killed in the Cherokee County homicide case first reported earlier this week.

56-year-old David Sartain of Mount Selman was found dead on Wednesday near County Road 3429, the sheriff’s office said.

They identified the person of interest as 22-year-old Brandon Dale Fagan, whom they later said they located. No arrests have been made as of Friday.

The Texas Rangers have been called in to help with the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 903-683-2271.

LINDEN – A Cass County jury has found former East Texas coach Aaron Michael Marshall guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a child, two counts of sexual assault of a child and six counts of indecency with a child by contact.

Marshall was arrested back in Feb. 2022 after an investigation by the Linden Police Department was opened due to accusations of sexual abuse of a child from 2016 through 2020. He was initially charged with:

6 counts of indecency with a child by contact
3 counts of sexual assault of a child
1 count of continuous sexual assault of a child Continue reading Former East Texas coach sentenced to 100 years in prison for sexual abuse of child

TYLER — Officials are seeking information related to a February murder in Tyler. Warren Edward Rogers, 61, was found dead with a gunshot wound in a residence in the 1600 block of West Mims Street on Feb. 6, our news partner KETK reports. Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers is offering up a $1,000 reward for information, and the family and friends of Rogers are providing a supplemental reward of $1,000. “Rogers was a U.S. Army Veteran and loved by many friends and family,” Crimestoppers said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tyler Police Department or to remain anonymous, contact Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833. Only tips submitted directly to Crimestoppers are eligible are eligible for the cash reward.

TYLER — TxDOT is getting ready to begin a major project on Old Jacksonville Highway and they’re already in the process of clearing trees along portions of the roadway. According to our news partner KETK, it’s all to expand the road to accommodate busy traffic, improve safety and mobility. “Section from FM 346 in Flint stretching south toward Bullard and U.S. 69 will extend that roadway from a two-lane into four lanes, it will have a continuous left turning lane,” said Jeff Williford, Tyler TxDOT district public information officer. Continue reading TxDOT working to expand Old Jacksonville Highway

HARRISON COUNTY – A man was arrested after half a pound of marijuana was allegedly seized during a traffic stop in Harrison County, according to our news partner KETK. According to officials, on Wednesday a deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for an equipment violation. Authorities said the deputy had probable cause to conduct a narcotics search on the vehicle. The driver was identified as 39-year-old Shayne Thomas and during the search, the deputy reportedly found “about half a pound of marijuana.” Continue reading Half pound of marijuana seized during traffic stop in East Texas

TYLER — A dedication ceremony for a memorial called the “Hope Monument” was held in Tyler on Wednesday morning, our news partner KETK reports. The monument serves as a memorial to children who were lost due to miscarriage, accident or other circumstances. Dr. Lourell Sutliff and his wife Lynda donated the funds for the purchase of the memorial. “The loss of a child is such a sad situation that the physical depiction of a mother talking to Jesus while he’s comforting her child just sends a powerful message that there is hope, even in a sad and tragic situation,” said Dr. Lourell Sutliff. Dr. Sutliff said that it is a blessing for him and his wife to be an integral part of the monument. The monument is on display at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler at 800 East Dawson Street.

MARSHALL — Three adults and two juveniles were arrested in connection to the shooting death of a 16-year-old. According to our news partner KETK, on June 7, just after 1:30 a.m., officials were notified of a person lying in the roadway on Alexander Street. Upon arrival, officers found a young black male dead as the result of a single gunshot wound to the chest. An investigation found that the teen was lying in the road for more than an hour and a half before the police were called. Individuals reportedly drove around the body and took photos and video recordings of the body in the road. Two juveniles were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity for robbery. Continue reading Five arrested in connection to teen’s shooting death

JACKSONVILLE — A woman is dead after being hit by a train in Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday around 1 p.m., Jacksonville police and fire departments responded to an accident in reference to a train hitting a pedestrian west of US 69 on the Union Pacific rail Line. The pedestrian was identified as 65-year-old Guillmerina Vera Perez of Jacksonville. Continue reading Police identify Jacksonville woman killed after being hit by train

LUFKIN – Lufkin ISD named a longtime police officer as their new chief of police for the school district. According to our news partner KETK, David Garza formerly with Lufkin PD and Diboll ISD, replaces Jay Jost who retires after 37 years with the school district. Garza received his criminal justice degree from Stephen F. Austin State University and Kilgore College Police Academy. Has been a Master Peace Office for 26 years working with the Lufkin Police Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. During his time with the TABC, Garza was a member of their special investigations unit and was also part of an FBI Human Trafficking Task Force. Continue reading Lufkin school district names new police chief

GREGG COUNTY – A man is dead after reportedly getting hit by a car half a mile south of Longview, according to our news partner KETK. According to a preliminary crash report from DPS, a 2016 Nissan Altima was going northbound on FM 2087 on Monday around 9:53 p.m. DPS said that 46-year-old Shon C. Bell of Longview was walking south on the fog line when he was hit by the front right side of the Altima. Bell died at the scene and no injuries were reported by either person in the vehicle.

LUFKIN – The Texas Tribune reports that members of an East Texas church have been safely relocated to Rome on Wednesday after being stuck in Niger during a coup, according to U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions’ office. The rescue mission was orchestrated by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Niamey, Niger. This week, Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin raised concerns about 12 members of its congregation who were in Niamey on a mission trip. As the group found shelter, the church held nightly prayer services in hopes of their safe return. Continue reading Lufkin church group rescued from war-torn Niger

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Authorities in Cherokee County are investigating an apparent homicide after finding a body early Wednesday morning.  The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office located a person of interest, Brandon Dale Fagan, 22, in the homicide investigation. According to our news partner KETK, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a dead person at around 2:20 a.m. When deputies arrived at the scene on CR 3429 near Mount Selman, they determined a homicide had occurred. The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-683-2271.

TYLER — A man was awarded $4.3 million by a jury in a lawsuit against Walmart after he was struck by a car in a 2020 incident. According to our news partner KETK, Arkansas native Scott Lacy was working as a subcontractor at a Walmart in Tyler in the lawn and garden center when in July 2020 multiple employees yelled for help in catching a shoplifter. “The employees and Mr. Lacy chased the shoplifter into the parking lot to retrieve the stolen merchandise, and then one employee instructed Mr. Lacy to release the suspect,” his lawyers said in a release. “Mr. Lacy was walking back toward the Walmart store when the shoplifter struck him with his vehicle and catapulted him into a pole, shattering his ankle, which later required multiple surgeries to repair. Mr. Lacy also suffered a traumatic brain injury.” Continue reading Man awarded $4.3 million in lawsuit against Walmart after Tyler incident

EAST TEXAS — Even with recent rainfall several East Texas counties and cities still have burn bans in effect due to dry conditions and fire risk. According to our news partner KETK, when a county issues a burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited in that county. Burn bans are generally in effect for 90 days after they are issued. To see if your county is under a burn ban, click here.

TYLER – Tyler ISD was announced as one of the winners of the 2023 TAEA District of Distinction Award by the Texas Art Education Association (TAEA) as a 2023 District of Distinction Award recipient. This is the 5th consecutive year that Tyler ISD has won this award. According to Tyler ISD, the District of Distinction Award recognizes districts for “providing a well-rounded education that advocates and integrates visual arts curriculum to inspire creativity and build social emotional learning that connect learners to their community and beyond.” Continue reading Tyler ISD wins award from the Texas Art Education Association

SHELBY COUNTY — A Shelby County man was booked into jail after a man was found dead. James Richards, 58, was arrested Monday night after Shelby County authorities allegedly found his brother dead inside a home. Richards was booked into Shelby County Jail after the incident.

LUFKIN — Twelve members of Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin are currently stuck in Niger after a coup happened there last week, according to our news partner KETK. The church members arrived in Niger on July 21 and were scheduled to leave on July 30 but are still there as of Monday July 31, church officials confirmed. Todd Core, Lead Pastor Harmony Hill Baptist Church, said “We ask the public to join us in praying for the people of Niger, the safe and speedy return of our team, and for the families awaiting their return.” The church is holding a time of gathered prayer every night at 6 p.m. until their members return.

An East Texas man was found guilty Friday in federal court on multiple charge relating to the Jan. 6 riot in Washington. According to our news partner KETK. 45 year-old Daniel Adams of Goodrich was found guilty of civil disorder, assaulting, impeding and resisting officers, obstruction of an official proceeding and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds. Federal officials identified Adams, who was arrested a couple of week after the riot, from photos video posted on Facebook. Sentencing for Adams has been set for late November.