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SMITH COUNTY – According to a press release from Smith County, despite having 113 “weather days” during the yearlong construction of the courthouse, the project is still on time.

Bradley Barr, senior superintendent of Hoar Construction, gave a progress report to the Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, September 2. Barr said since the start of the project through June 2025, they have seen 66 inches of rain, which is 23 inches above average, but the crews work overtime and/or bring in more staff to make up for rain delays. According to Barr, they are still looking at project completion in the end of 2026.

“We can’t control the weather, but we can control how we respond to it,” Barr said. “We keep a positive attitude and do whatever it takes.” Continue reading Smith County gives an update on courthouse construction

TEXAS – The start of September marks a new slate of laws, over 800, that are now in effect in Texas. A majority of them take place in the classrooms of public schools. Among the marquee of classroom-centered laws include Senate Bill (SB) 10, which requires schools to post a “durable poster or framed copy” of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. SB 11 allows for students and staff to have allocated time to pray and read religious texts.

One of the most notable laws passed include House Bill (HB) 33, which has been deemed The Uvalde Strong Act. The Act opens the door to better police training and coordination for events similar to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. One major footnote of the last legislative session is the lack of action regarding THC. For months, heated debate took place led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to implement a blanket ban on THC products. But that plan stalled earlier this week.

You can find the full list of every single bill passed here.

ANGELINA COUNTY — Demolition of the former county jail, 113 N Second Street will begin  Monday, September 8, and is projected to be complete within 30 days, according to a news release from the City of Lufkin. The release adds that due to safety concerns, the city will close the alley on the south side of the jail beginning September, 8. It is anticipated that the alley will be closed for approximately 3 weeks, and it will re-open as soon as it is safe to allow vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

TYLER — The northern portion of Rose Rudman Trail is expected to be closed for the next couple of days. According to the City of Tyler, the trail is closed so that they can conduct construction on nearby sewer lines. The road is expected to be reopened by Sept. 5.

TYLER — The City of Tyler will be working with a contractor to perform traffic signal maintenance at the intersection of Troup Highway and Lindbergh Drive on on Thursday, Sept. 4. The intersection will be dark with no signal indications. To ensure safety and minimize disruptions, most of Lindbergh Drive from Southpark Drive to Troup Highway will be closed to traffic. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternative routes and drive with caution through the intersection. In addition, entry and exit points into the Super One shopping center from the intersection have been closed completely to increase safety during the work.

TYLER – Our news partner KETK is reporting that Texas House Bill 2000, also known as Audrii’s law, went into effect on Monday, ending a loophole that kept convicted child groomers off the sex offender registry. The bill was named for Audrii Cunningham, an 11-year-old girl from Polk County who was kidnapped and murdered in Feb. 2024.

Audrii was the subject of a Feb. 15, 2024 Amber Alert after she never showed up to school. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Trinity River Authority found Audrii’s body five days later in the Trinity River on Feb. 20.

Don McDougal lived in a camper on the Cunningham’s property and was supposed to drop Audrii off at the bus stop on the day she went missing.

McDougal, who pleaded guilty to Audrii’s murder, was previously accused of indecency with a child in 2007 but he pleaded down to the charge of enticing a child and that kept him off the Sex Offender Registry. Continue reading Audrii’s law goes into effect, ending loophole

TYLER — UPDATE: As of Wednesday afternoon, Tyler PD PIO Andy Erbaugh said the department is no longer looking for a suspect in Tuesday’s lockdown at UT Health East Texas. All possible efforts to contact possible witnesses have not led to an arrest at this time.

The lockdown at UT Health East Texas in Tyler was lifted at around 1 p.m. after reports of a person carrying a gun at the Olympic Plaza.

During a press conference at around noon on Tuesday, Officer Erbaugh said witnesses saw an argument between two people and one of them displayed a gun. At that point, the active shooter alarm was activated. According to our news partner KETK, law enforcement responded within seconds. The original call came from the Olympic Plaza on Beckham Avenue. Other reports stated the person was heading to the main hospital using the skyview over the chapel area on the second floor; however, officials did not locate the person.
Continue reading Search for suspect called off after UT Health lockdown, no shots fired

TYLER – A lockdown at UT Health East Texas in Tyler was lifted at around 1 p.m. on Tuesday after reports of a person carrying a gun at the Olympic Plaza. At a press conference that afternoon, Tyler Police Department public information officer Andy Erbaugh, said witnesses saw an argument between two people, when one of them flashed a gun. That’s when the active shooter alarm was activated.

Erbaugh said law enforcement responded to the alert within seconds. While the original call came from the Olympic Plaza, there were reports of a person going to the main hospital using the skyview over the chapel area on the second floor. But, officials didn’t not locate that person. Erbaugh stated the person wanted is a black man wearing green hospital scrubs. He noted, no shots were fired and no injuries have been reported. The hospital is functioning back to normal. Tyler Police asks residents if you see or know something about Tuesdays events, to call law enforcement.

RAINS COUNTY – NET Health received confirmation of a travel-related positive case of measles in an adult resident of Rains County, Texas. The individual has voluntarily remained isolated at their residence throughout their contagious period and has recovered from their case of measles. Persons who have been fully vaccinated against measles with two doses of the MMR vaccine have a very low risk of contracting the disease. However, unvaccinated individuals remain at higher risk, as do those in some other groups, including:

Children too young to have received both doses of the MMR vaccine yet
Anyone who have received only one dose of MMR
Those with compromised immune systems Continue reading Confirmed adult case of measles

EAST TEXAS — NET Health received confirmation of a travel-related positive case of measles in an adult resident of Rains County, Texas. The individual has voluntarily remained isolated at their residence throughout their contagious period and has recovered from their case of measles.

Continue reading Confirmed adult case of measles

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that the lockdown has since been lifted, the Tyler Police Department confirmed. During a press conference at around noon on Tuesday, Tyler Police Department PIO Andy Erbaugh said witnesses saw an argument between two people and one of them displayed a gun. At that point, the active shooter alarm was activated. Erbaugh said law enforcement responded within seconds. The original call came from the Olympic Plaza on Beckham Avenue. Other reports stated the person was heading to the main hospital using the skyview over the chapel area on the second floor; however, officials did not locate the person. Other law enforcement then arrived at the scene to help clear the hospital floor by floor. Authorities are currently reviewing footage. Continue reading Lockdown lifted at UT Health Olympic Plaza, Police search for armed man

LIBERTY CITY – A shooting Monday afternoon at Hugh Camp Memorial Park in Liberty City has claimed two lives. According to our news partner KETK, killed were 49-year-old Shawn Blake and his 16-year old daughter, Hailey. The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday morning the suspect in the shooting is Christopher Hicks Jr. Hicks was taken to a hospital after suffering self-inflicted life-threatening injuries.

Because Hicks was Hailey Blake’s boyfriend, Deputy Chief Craig Harrington said, “This incident was believed to be a targeted attack and not a random act of violence.”

The sheriff’s office asks if anybody witnessed the shooting, to please contact them.

LIBERTY CITY – The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting at Hugh Camp Memorial Park in Liberty City. According to our news partner KETK, they’re investigating an active crime scene at the park and there’s currently no threat to the public. The Sabine Emergency Services District and the Texas Department of Public Safety have also responded to the scene.

KETK will update this article as more information becomes available.

LUFKIN – Our news partner, KETK, is reporting that Lieutenant Mike Shurley is retiring from the Lufkin police department after three decades to serving East Texas.

Shurley officially retired from the department on Aug. 28, ending a 32-year career in public service. He began his career as a reserve police officer with the Diboll Police Department after graduating from Angelina College with an associate’s degree in criminal justice. In 1995, Shurley joined the Lufkin Police Department, starting as a patrol officer and eventually advancing to lieutenant. He also served on the department’s SWAT Team for 10 years as an entry team leader.

“As Shurley steps into retirement, the Lufkin Police Department and the entire community extend their deepest gratitude for his unwavering service, leadership and integrity,” the Lufkin Police Department said. “His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of law enforcement professionals.”

WHITEHOUSE, Texas (KETK) — According to our news partner KETK, a boat caught on fire in Whitehouse on Monday morning. The incident occurred at Lake Tyler Self Storage, and the cause of the fire remains unknown, the Whitehouse Fire Department said. Two RVs and another boat were impacted by the fire.

Members of the Whitehouse Fire Department put out the fire, and no injuries were reported.

LINDALE – City officials are closing Commerce Street in downtown Lindale starting on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the street will be closed for around five to six weeks while crews work on the Highway 16 drainage improvement project. While work is being done, drivers will be able to turn left off of Highway 16 onto Waters Street. The city asks drivers to plan ahead, especially when there is movement with school traffic.

ATHENS – Two Henderson County deputies had some unusual work cut out for them on Saturday morning according to our news partner KETK. Deputies Draven Matich and AJ St. Clair responded to Athens at around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday after someone’s kangaroo escaped. According to the sheriff’s office, the two deputies found the kangaroo safe and wrangled it into their vehicle.

The kangaroo was then returned to it’s grateful owner. The sheriff’s office shared the above video of the kangaroo being corralled on Saturday.

“After a daring escape, this marsupial was safely located and returned to her grateful owner, thanks to the quick thinking and calm handling by our Henderson County Sheriff’s Office team,” the sheriff’s office said. “From narcotics busts to kangaroo rescues — we do it all.”

LINDALE – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office confirms 17 people have reportedly been injured after six vehicles and two 18-wheelers were involved in a crash on Interstate 20 near Lindale Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the crash occurred on Interstate 20, westbound near mile marker 558. Those injured were take to local hospitals for treatment. No fatalities have been reported.

LINDALE – Multiple people have reportedly been injured after several vehicles were involved in an 18-wheeler crash on Interstate 20 near Lindale on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office confirms multiple vehicles and possibly two 18-wheelers in the crash. The crash site is on Interstate 20, westbound near mile marker 558, east of Highway 69. I-20 is closed heading west from Jim Hogg Road.

Update: Monday, the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office has identified the suspect as William Taylor George

The driver waited for the victim to leave the parking lot of Bunny’s and shot at the victim’s truck several times while it was stopped at a stop sign, according to a post from the sheriff’s office. Continue reading Man arrested after shooting truck at convenience store

LUFKIN – Our news partner KETK is reporting that 8 people have been arrested Saturday morning after a disturbance on Houston Street. According to Lufkin PD, a terrorist threat was called in from a home in the 1300 block of Houston Street at around 2:30 a.m. on Saturday. The caller said a woman named Brianna Davis was talking with her about the treatment of a dog.

Lufkin PD said the caller reported that Davis then left the property on Houston Street and threatened to come back with friends to shoot into the home. Lufkin PD officers then began to patrol nearby to look for Davis. The caller then contacted Lufkin PD again to report that Davis had arrived back at the home with other people, threatening the home and starting to fight, according to a Lufkin PD press release.

While Lufkin PD officers were returning to the Houston Street home, Davis and the group left in a white car that officers pursued to the 700 block of Raguet Street. Another vehicle arrived during the traffic stop and it’s occupants got out and started yelling. Continue reading Eight arrested after Lufkin shooting threat

KILGORE — Kilgore ISD released a statement on Friday about their review of campus safety/bullying measures following an incident that sparked outrage among parents and the community.

Last week, a Kilgore Middle School student suffered a six-inch skull fracture after another student picked him up and slammed him headfirst into a steel chair. Dallas surgeons had to cut two holes into the student’s skull to stop bleeding and relieve swelling in the brain.

According to our news partner KETK, a school board meeting was held on Monday and several community members expressed their criticism of the district’s policies. Continue reading Kilgore ISD shares new campus safety measures

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County’s Budget Officer, Kari Perkins, announced that she will be resigning from her position. According to our news partner KETK, Perkins published a notice on Wednesday stating that her resignation will take effect on Sept. 1. She has been serving Smith County since her appointment in 2024 and was responsible for communicating the county’s budgetary policies and operational and financial plans.

While in office, Perkins was also responsible for the distribution of the budget manual and materials to all county departments and assisting the commissioners’ court with fiscal planning, monitoring and policy analysis

During the Smith County Commissioners Court meeting next Tuesday, they will discuss plans to replace Perkins. Until a new budget officer is hired, the position will be held by the county auditor.

SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, Lucas Stevens, wanted for multiple felony warrants, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after a manhunt across several Texas counties ended in Smith County. The pursuit began when a Texas Highway Patrol officer attempted to stop Stevens in Longview due to active felony warrants. Stevens evaded police, wrecking his vehicle after crossing a railroad track at high speed, and subsequently carjacked another vehicle.

Following the carjacking, Stevens fled through several areas, including Gladewater, Big Sandy and the Pritchett community in Upshur County. During this time, he allegedly broke into multiple homes, stealing firearms, UTV’s and killing a homeowner’s dog.

“Stevens is wanted for several felony acts, and his actions indicate that he is desperate,” the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office stated on Thursday. Continue reading Felony suspect found dead in Smith County

TYLER – Smith County Court at Law 2 has confirmed that current Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips has been sentenced to thirty days in jail, according to a report from our news partner KETK. She was first arrested in this case after a March 2023 traffic stop involving her son, Derek Phillips, and man named Cody Voss.

Phillips, 67 of Smith County, was found guilty of interfering with public duties on May 9, 2024 and was originally sentenced to 1 year of probation and 48 hours of community service. On Friday, Phillips relinquished that probation sentence, and was sentenced to serve 30 days in jail.

TYLER – According to a press release from the Tyler Police Department, on Wednesday, August 27th Tyler Police Officers responded to the Wal-Mart located on Hwy 64 W in response to a man picking up a large beverage order that was purchased with stolen credit cards.

An investigation showed that a subject, identified as Israel Arroyo, 43, from Tyler, had made multiple pick-ups from online orders at multiple different Wal-Marts in Tyler with stolen credit cards. On August 28th, Investigators recovered over $5,100 in stolen beverages from Arroyo’s residence. The total amount of theft was over $21,000.

Israel Arroyo was arrested for state felony Debit/Credit Card Abuse. He was booked into the Smith County Jail. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges could be filed.

SMITH COUNTY – According to a press release from the Smith County Sheriff’s office, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Smith County Investigators as well as the Texas Department of Public Safety Dive Team were on location at a privately owned pond off of County Road 42 in northwest Smith County. During their search, members of the DPS Dive Team recovered human skeletal remains in the pond.

Earlier, personal effects belonging to Courtney Martin had been located in the pond by local citizens. Courtney Martin was reported missing by her family in May of 2023. The remains were processed by Smith County Crime Scene Investigators and Smith County Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Danny Brown arrived for the inquest. Judge Brown ordered an autopsy, and the skeletal remains were taken to the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas. SWIFS personnel were able to positively identify the remains as that of Courtney Martin by utilizing dental records provided by the family.

Smith County Sheriff Sgt. Larry Christian said in the press release, “Unfortunately, this is a tragic and sad end to the disappearance of Courtney Martin, however, this investigation will continue as foul play is expected.”

PANOLA COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — A man was sentenced to 55 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to 11 counts of possession of child pornography, according to a report from our news partner KETK.

Earlier this year, Louisiana State Police contacted Panola County Sheriff’s Office deputies about an investigation regarding a Panola County resident involved in child pornography. On Feb. 4, Clay was arrested and booked into the Panola County Jail after a search warrant was executed on a vehicle parked outside the Panola County courthouse.

Shawn Brian Clay entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 55 years in prison on 11 counts of possession of child pornography, according to Panola County Criminal District Attorney Larry Fields.Fields said Clay was sentenced to 45 years in prison on 10 counts of possession of child pornography plus 10 years in prison on one remaining count of possession of child pornography. Clay will also be required to register as a sex offender.

TYLER – Construction equipment is out and ready in Tyler’s downtown square setting the scene for the Downtown Improvement Project groundbreaking on Friday. With the good, comes the bad, concerns brought up include a lack of parking, several businesses told our news partner KETK they are happy some spaces are already set to change.

The City of Tyler said they hope this will strengthen the heart of downtown and tourism efforts for years to come. The downtown improvement project groundbreaking ceremony will kick off on the square on Friday at 9:30 a.m.