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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.

TYLER — The Planning and Zoning Committee met on Tuesday, where they unanimously voted down the proposal to bring in a 35-unit residential property to a Tyler neighborhood. According to our news partner KETK, dozens of forms were submitted, 77 total, that expressed opposition to the potential housing development near the corner of Richmond Road and Timberwilde Road. “As one of 77 homeowners who submitted forms in opposition to this zone change, I am thrilled the planning and zoning commission unanimously denied this request,” Mitzi Rusk said. “Many of us presented information that prove R1A, the current zoning, can succeed and is best for our situation.” Continue reading Tyler committee votes against 35-unit housing development proposal

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD announced that the district will be taking additional measures to ensure the safety of their campuses thanks to the unanimous approval of up to $250,000 for glass reinforcement film on all campuses. According to our news partner KETK, the purchase of the materials for the glass reinforcement film is in line with the school safety standards that were put in place in November 2022, according to Scott Fisher, LISD Director of Safety and Magnet Grants. Purchasing the materials had to be approved by the school board since it was more than $50,000, per their policy, according to a release. Continue reading Longview ISD to enhance campus protection

TYLER – A Henderson man was arrested for sexual assault of a child and is in jail with bonds totaling $1 million. According to our news partner KETK, Russell Lewis Evans, 21, was arrested for continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and sexual assault of a child. According to his arrest warrant, Evans’ continuous abuse started when the victim was under the age of 10. His arrest warrant states that after each instance, Evans would threaten his victim if the victim ever told anyone of the abuse, one time even saying he would shoot the child in the head if they told anyone. His warrants were signed on April 5 and he was booked into Smith County Jail the following day. Continuous sexual abuse of a young child is a first-degree felony, punishable by 5-99 years in prison or a life sentence. Sexual assault of a child is a second-degree felony, punishable by 2-20 years in prison.

TYLER — Tyler Police are at the scene of a morning accident at Loop 323 and Broadway Avenue. Officers said an oversized load pulled down the intersection lights. All westbound traffic on the Loop at Broadway Ave is down to one lane only. Drivers should expect traffic delays as crews work to repair the lights, and are encouraged to take alternate routes and avoid the area while the repairs are made.

SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man was arrested in March for aggravated sexual assault in connection to a serial rape investigation in Smith County that dates back to 2003. Our news partner KETK reports, Vincente Zavaleta, 44 of Tyler, was arrested on March 21 by the Texas Department of Public Safety. According to his arrest warrant, three victims reported to have been sexually assaulted in Smith County and Tyler in 2003, 2012 and 2016. Two of the victims reported they were abducted by their attacker. The warrant said the three victims had been linked to an unidentified DNA profile. Continue reading Tyler man arrested in connection to serial rape investigation

CHEROKEE COUNTY – On Monday, a man was convicted of injury to a child and sentenced to 30 years in prison. According to our news partner KETK, Mark Shuptrine was found guilty of assaulting his 12-year-old son in the 2nd Judicial District Court of Cherokee County after a 3 hour jury deliberation. In accordance with the jury’s verdict, Judge R. Chris Day, sentenced Shuptrine to 30 years for the offense of injury to a child. Shuptrine then waived his right to appeal and plead guilty to two other charges including continuous violence against family and failure to appear, the release stated. Shuptrine will serve his sentence in the Texas Department of Corrections.

TYLER – The third suspect wanted in connection to a double murder at the Royal Crest Apartment complex in Tyler has been arrested. Lakimbrick Horn, 19,  of Bullard, turned himself in on the capital murder warrant and has been booked into the Smith County Jail. His bond was set at $1,000,000 for the capital murder charge and $250,000 on a possession of marijuana charge. Two other suspects have also been arrested. Aaron Johnson, 20, who was reportedly shot during the incident, was arrested for capital murder with a $2 million bond. Nicholas Hudson, 18, was arrested for two counts of murder, each with a $1 million bond. Continue reading Tyler murder suspect surrenders to police

GILMER – An Upshur County man was sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor on Monday. Winston David Tackett, 73, was arrested after one of his victims reported the assaults to a teacher at her school. The teacher contacted Child Protective Services and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office took over the case. “The defendant holds a position and respect in both the community and in his family and used that to hide his crime and keep his victim’s silenced,” Billy W. Byrd, criminal district attorney said. According to a press release, Tackett’s assaults go back to 2020 and each victim was assaulted multiple times. Officials said he will not be eligible for parole until he is 100-years-old. The family of the victims was in court to watch the plea, which required Tackett to waive his right to appeal and officials said the victim’s didn’t need to testify.

LONGVIEW — Longview ISD announced on Monday that Place 5 board member Shandreka “Shaun” Bauer has submitted her resignation effective June 1. The district said in her resignation letter, Bauer cited a new work opportunity that requires her family to relocate. Continue reading Longview ISD school board member submits resignation

TYLER — A group of more than 60 members of a Chinese Christian church will be starting a new life in Tyler after fleeing from China due to “extreme persecution,” according to Freedom Seekers International. According to our news partner KETK, the organization said that the Chinese citizens were previously in South Korea for more than a year, but will no longer be sheltered there due to political pressure from China to return them to “re-education camps.” According to ChinaAid, the group was granted humanitarian parole status by United States authorities. Continue reading Chinese Christian asylum seekers settle in Tyler

TYLER – Preparations are under way for the oldest part of Caldwell Zoo to be refreshed. According to our news partner KETK, Scott Maddox, Caldewell Zoo, COO, says the remodel will be from the ground up. The South American area will be called the Amazon River’s Edge. Maddox added that Amazon River’s Edge will will have a river running through it with an area for giant river otters, a sloth exhibit, a jaguar habitat and an over the top public sidewalk that flows into another habitat. Zoo officials are looking for completion of Amazon River’s Edge by early summer of 2024.

MARION COUNTY – A woman was taken to a local hospital in Marion County Friday morning after being rescued from a submerged Jeep in Lake O’ the Pines. According to our news partner KETK, a fisherman called the sheriff’s office after he found the black Jeep submerged in the south side of the lake. The fisherman told dispatchers that the Jeep was about forty feet from the Woody’s Camp boat ramp. When deputies and a local wrecker crew arrived, officials said they started preparing to remove the Jeep from the lake as they discovered a person was still inside and moving. With the help of the fisherman, wrecker crew and Marion County deputies, officials said that a woman was rescued safely from the vehicle and EMS took her to a local hospital. It was determined that the woman who was rescued was listed as a missing person from the Longview Police Department. The investigation continues.

MARSHALL – A Marshall man has pleaded guilty to the 2019 murder of 22-year-old Tyshun Darty, Harrison County judicial records show. Nathan DeWayne Irving, 24 of Marshall, has been sentenced to 15 years confinement which is running concurrently with a credit for time already served, according to judicial records. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting took place near the 1200 block of Elise Street around 11:30 p.m. on March 18, 2019. A nurse was performing CPR on Darty before he was transported to CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center where he later died.

TYLER — Allison O’Neal, assistant principal of Rice Elementary School, has been named the new principal at Rice Elementary School. She replaces John Smiley, who was recently named the principal of Hubbard Middle School. “Rice feels like home,” Mrs. O’Neal said. “I attended Rice as a student, and my children currently attend Rice. I am honored to accept this position at a campus that means so much to me. I have had the pleasure of learning from many great leaders in Tyler ISD through the years and plan to continue the wonderful things Mr. Smiley has done for our campus.” In her 18th year in education, Mrs. O’Neal joined Tyler ISD in 2008 as a classroom teacher at Andy Woods Elementary School. In 2019, she moved into the master teacher role at Hubbard Middle School. In 2020, Mrs. O’Neal took over the assistant principal position at Rice Elementary.

TYLER — A come-and-go Easter event is scheduled at the Glass Recreation Center on Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tyler Police Officers and Shorty the Squirrel will be in attendance to take pictures and pass out free eggs to children. Children must bring a basket or container to carry their eggs. For more information about the above-mentioned event or about the Glass Recreation Center, click here or visit the Tyler Parks and Rec Facebook page, or call Glass Recreation Center at (903) 595-7271.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department asks for help identifying a suspect in a vandalism case at the Southside Park restrooms. The damage occurred on March 22. The bathrooms were damaged in January 2023, but were repaired before the March incident. If you recognize this person, please contact Det. Dickerson at 903-533-2088 or call Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.

TYLER — Residents have until April 30 to submit ideas to city staff for projects they want to see included in the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) program. The projects, if approved, would be funded through the Half Cent Sales Tax Program. The projects will be reviewed and scored, then ranked with the existing projects. Funding will be updated, and the top projects will be funded as revenue allows. Residents can also attend a public meeting on Thursday, April 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at the Tyler Development Center large conference room, 423 W. Ferguson St. The Engineering Department will be available to discuss upcoming projects and any ideas for projects they would like considered for inclusion in the City’s annual work plan. Continue reading City of Tyler wants projects ideas from public

CANTON — Canton ISD is stepped up security on Thursday because of what they called a “sensitive social media post.” Our news partner KETK reports, Canton ISD Police and Canton Police Department provided extra security throughout the day. “Providing a safe learning environment for Canton ISD students and staff is always a top priority,” Superintendent Brian Nichols said in a letter to Canton ISD families. “We will continue to be open, honest and transparent with out staff, parents and community in order to provide accurate and timely information as it becomes available.”

RUSK COUNTY– Two people were arrested for multiple charges on Wednesday after the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said they were wanted for abuse of a corpse, and a third person is now being sought in the case. According to our news partner KETK, officials say on March 30, a body had been found on CR 169D and the person was believed to have died somewhere else and taken to that location “in an attempt to conceal the cause and location of the death.” The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Cory Murphy. William Welch, 36 of Kilgore, and Stephanie Kravis, 36 of Carthage, were named as persons of interest by the sheriff’s office and on March 31, officials announced warrants had been issued for their arrests. Continue reading Suspects arrested in Rusk County abuse of corpse case