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SMITH COUNTY – Smith County firefighters are continuing to battle a large industrial fire at Four Seasons Containers LLC, west of Tyler. Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue said his office has three deputy fire marshals on the scene to investigate how the fire started.

The emergency call came in at 6:22 p.m. Thursday, that the 26,000 square-foot metal building, filled with plastic and oil products, was on fire. Firefighters from Tyler and Lindale Fire Departments, as well as Smith County Emergency Services District 2, responded to the fire located on Highway 64 West, near Toll 49.
Continue reading Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office investigating industrial fire

HENDERSON COUNTY — A murder mystery that lingered for nearly four decades has finally been solved, thanks to cutting-edge forensic testing funded by a Texas-based non-profit dedicated to cracking cold cases. According to our news partner KETK, Seasons of Justice, founded in 2020, specializes in financing advanced DNA analysis for long-stalled investigations. Its work proved crucial in identifying the person responsible for the 1987 killing of 29-year-old Rickey Herriage — a brutal crime that had haunted Henderson County investigators for 38 years.

Herriage was murdered in the late hours of March 7, 1987, after he was shot multiple times and thrown from a bridge. His body wasn’t recovered until 1 p.m. on March 8 by a man picking up beer cans on a bank on County Road 1500. His case remained dormant until 2019, when Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse revived the investigation and sent clothing from the original crime scene to Pure Gold Forensics in Redlands, California. Technicians there extracted a usable DNA profile and entered it into the national CODIS database, but no immediate match surfaced.

Determined to push further, the sheriff’s office partnered with Seasons of Justice to pursue more exhaustive DNA testing. The expanded analysis finally produced a breakthrough: a match linking the DNA on Herriage’s clothing to Dallas Reynolds Casanova. Continue reading Nonprofit aids in solving 39-year-old murder case

TYLER — Smith County Sheriff”s Office arrested a man in connection to an alleged assault on a pregnant woman. According to our news partner KETK, deputies went to the home of 33-year-old William Garret Bragg of Tyler, on Highway 31 East Near Tyler. They were there to serve an arrest warrant to Bragg for assaulting a pregnant woman.

The sheriff’s office said when they arrived, deputies tried to make contact, but Bragg refused to answer the door. They were able to reach him by phone, but he still refused to come outside and sent a text message stating he did not intend to cooperate. After this, Smith County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant to remove Bragg from his home.

At this point, William Bragg surrendered and was arrested without incident. He was booked into the Smith County Jail on a $100,000 bond for assault of a pregnant woman.

UPDATE: As of Friday morning, Smith County ESD2 said the evacuation order has been lifted. The affected areas included FM 724 between County Road 1147 to 1151. ..

TYLER — Firefighters worked to extinguish a large industrial fire near the Tyler Pounds Airport, Thursday night. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County ESD 2, the fire is at the intersection of Highway 64 and Toll 49. Drivers are asked to avoid that area.

Residents on County Road 1151, County Road 1147 and FM 724 are asked to evacuate their homes as firefighters continue to work to extinguish the fire. A shelter for residents has been set up at Pleasant Retreat UMC at 417 County Rd 1143 in Tyler.

According to Nikki Simmons with ESD 2, no injuries have been reported. Members of the Lindale Fire Department, the Tyler Fire Department, ESD 2 and a hazmat team are currently working to put out the fire and contain any chemicals at the site that could be carried away by rain.

JACKSONVILLE — Governor Greg Abbott has announced that Cancoil USA will build a new manufacturing facility in Jacksonville, a project expected to create hundreds of jobs and bring millions of dollars in capital investment to East Texas . According to our news partner KETK, Cancoil USA, a producer of heat transfer products says the new facility will serve as a cornerstone for the company’s U.S. operations.

According to Abbott, the project is expected to generate 120 new jobs and more than $28 million in capital investment. To support the expansion, the state has awarded Cancoil USA a $648,000 Texas Enterprise Fund grant, along with a $10,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.

“Our decision to invest in Jacksonville reflects our confidence in the region’s skilled workforce and strong business climate,” Monika Datta, a Cancoil USA spokesperson said. “We look forward to building lasting relationships with the community and contributing to its economic vitality.”

TYLER – Have you ever looked at a City of Tyler utility bill and wondered what “SW Automated Res” was? Many people did. That feedback prompted Tyler officials to evaluate the structure and wording of the monthly utility bills. The new design will launch in early 2026 and uses simplified wording, removes jargon, and makes it clear what each fee goes toward. “What Tyler residents commonly call a water bill actually encompasses four utilities: water, wastewater, stormwater (drainage) and trash service,” said Chris Cambra, Water Business Office manager. “So, it’s not surprising that members of our community were confused at seeing ‘SW Automated Res’ as a line item on their bills. It stood for ‘Solid Waste Automated Residential,’ which is your biweekly trash service. Now, it’s simply labeled as trash service.” Continue reading New, simpler Tyler utilities bill

SMITH COUNTY – Precinct 1 stated that it will not pursue participation in the 287(g) Task Force Model Program. According to Constable Ralph Caraway, his office will keep enforcing the law and is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the community while respecting everyone’s rights. Constable Caraway urged any locals with questions or worries to come to his office and said he wants to be open about his choice not to join the task force.

A motion allowing the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office to participate in the program was approved at the Smith County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday morning. Constable Josh Joplin backed the motion and defended the ruling, saying it helps lower crime throughout the county and improves resident protection.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — A post on former Gilmer and New York Jets cornerback Kris Boyd’s Instagram account on Wednesday said he has started to breathe on his own after being shot in midtown Manhattan early Sunday morning. Boyd’s Instagram Stories feature a picture of the special teams standout lying down and smiling in what appears to be his hospital bed, with the words “God is real, God is powerful” at the top of the image.

“I’m sorry I have no words at the moment,” Boyd wrote. “Just grateful! I’m coming along, starting to breathe on my own now. Sincerely appreciate everyone!” The post came a few hours after Jets coach Aaron Glenn said he had spoken to Boyd and is confident Boyd will be OK. He added that Boyd was “upbeat” in their recent conversation.

“That’s what eases my mind, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn said. “His wife and his kid, they’re in good spirits and he will walk away from this just fine.”

Glenn was unsure when Boyd might be released from the hospital, where he has been listed in critical but stable condition. Continue reading Boyd’s Instagram says breathing on his own

CORSICANA – A Corsicana ISD police officer has been injured after an accidental discharge of a firearm on school property. Our news partners at KETK report that the district released a statement wendesday. The statement noted the officer at Bowie Elementary experienced an accidental discharge of a firearm at approximately 9:20 a.m. Wednesday. No students or campus staff have been injured. However, the district police officer did sustain an injury. Emergency medical personnel responded promptly to provide care. The district is actively cooperating with local law enforcement as they continue their investigation.

SMTIH COUNTY — Smith County Democratic Party Chairman Hector Garza has stepped down to pursue the House District 5 candidacy and looks to replace Rep. Cole Hefner, who was first elected into the position in 2016. According to our news partner KETK, Garza announced that he will remain in the East Texas area and has officially submitted his bid for District 5, emphasizing health care and immigration policies.

After serving Smith County for two years, Garza explained why he decided to step away from his position to pursue the House District 5 candidacy. As he looks to run for House District 5 in the 2026 election, Garza said part of his motivation is to bring both parties together to resolve several state issues, including immigration.

“In today’s politics, it seems that Democrats and Republicans can’t meet anywhere to reach mutual ground that will help our communities,” Garza said. “Whether you’re left or right, it’s time that we sit down and we pass laws that will benefit the people in this state.” Continue reading Smith County Democratic Party chairman steps down

JACKSONVILLE – According to our news partner KETK, a Jacksonville man who was arrested earlier this month for shooting a Jacksonville police officer has been charged with federal firearms violations. Bobby Michael Dennis was arrested on Nov. 5 following a four-day manhunt after shooting a police officer and a K-9 with an AR-15 style rifle. After Dennis was arrested, an additional firearm was recovered.

Due to having previous felony convictions, Dennis is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law, according to the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office. If Dennis is convicted of federal firearm charges, he faces up to life in prison. He was also charged with the following offenses following his arrest: attempted capital murder of a peace officer, interference with a police service animal and two counts of obstruction or retaliation.

The case is currently being investigated by several law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Police Department.

TYLER – More than 150 people attended Smith County’s Topping Out Ceremony for the Courthouse Construction Project on Wednesday, November 19. The ceremony was a celebration marking the placement of the final beam being placed at the highest point of the eight-story construction project. Stephen Flournoy, the project executive for Hoar Construction, explained the significance of the Topping Out Ceremony, which comes from an ancient Scandinavian practice of placing the highest leafy branch of a tree on top of a new structure. It is a symbol of where the building began and a marker of its completion.

“Today, we place our highest beam and celebrate structural completion; we align ourselves with those of Seventh Century Scandinavia and raise a tree as a symbol for good luck, prosperity and continued growth for this building and its future architects,” he said.
Continue reading Smith County Courthouse Topping Out ceremony

TYLER – The City of Tyler is advising drivers of new street closures and traffic pattern changes as construction continues across the Downtown area. City officials say these updates reflect work associated with both the ongoing Downtown Improvement Project and the Consent Decree Group 2 Capacity Improvements. 
 
Closures and traffic changes beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19. 
Bois D’Arc Avenue will be closed between Woldert Street and Elm Street from Wednesday, Nov. 19 through Friday, Nov. 21 for brick street removal.

The intersection of Elm Street and Spring Street will be closed beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19 for an estimated six weeks.
Continue reading Downtown Tyler construction update  

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office is looking to the public for help as they investigate a three-person convenience store burglary. Deputies responded to a reported burglary at Scott’s Grocery on State Highway 64 on November 12 at approximately 5:22 a.m. Our news partners at KETK report that a car had arrived at the store just before the break-in, according to surveillance footage that investigators examined.

The three men suspected of breaking in were spotted entering the store through the north side of the parking lot while donning masks and black attire. They allegedly took $3,137 in cash and multiple cartons of cigarettes. According to the sheriff’s office, they were observed leaving the store in an unidentified silver four-door car. Investigator Ricky Wills encourages anyone with information about their identities or vehicles to get in touch with him.

MARSHALL – A Marshall ISD strength and conditioning coach has been terminated following a reported incident that occurred earlier this month. When asked for comment, the district stated they can not provide any additional information at this time, about the employee due to confidentiality policies. However, the district did state that the incident occurred on Nov. 5 after an athletics practice. While an investigation was conducted, the coach was placed on administrative leave. Monday the school board voted to terminate the coach.

SMITH COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that as several law enforcement agencies across Smith County have joined or are considering joining the 287(g) Task Force Model Program, Precinct 1 said it will not seek to participate in the program. Constable Ralph Caraway stated his office will continue to enforce the law and remain committed to serving and protecting the community while upholding the rights of all residents. Continue reading Smith County Precinct One declines ICE partnership

EAST TEXAS – Law enforcement agencies across the area are announcing partnerships with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s 287(g) program. The program can be separated into three parts: the Jail Enforcement Model, the Task Force Model, and the Warrant Service Officer program. Our news partners at KETK have compiled a list of participating agencies, their partnership, and when their partnership was signed, which can be found here.

ANGELINA COUNTY — A member of the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, Captain Alton Lenderman, who has dedicated the past 48 years of his life to law enforcement, will be retiring on Wednesday.

According to our news partner KETK, Lenderman has served the people of Angelina County as a captain for nearly 13 years. Before accepting his current position, Lenderman served with the Lufkin Police Department for over 34 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant.

“During Lenderman’s 48 years, he tackled just about everything a law enforcement career can throw at you and helped foster a higher level of trust between law enforcement and the community,” the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office said. “Alton was a K-9 officer, shift supervisor, trained many officers in firearms, tactics, SWAT and other assignments as well as serving on boards and committees in the community.” Continue reading Angelina County captain retiring after 48 years

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a feasibility study on Tuesday to evaluate necessary improvements for the county’s animal shelter. According to our news partner KETK, the proposed agreement calls for Fitzpatrick Architect to assess the shelter’s condition. The proposal includes bringing in engineers to assess site improvements, utilities, drainage, spa access, mechanical and plumbing issues and other recommended enhancements.

Following the evaluation, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would be used to create a dog park and shaded green space. The city will also evaluate the current facility for potential upgrades that would address interior exhaust and drainage problems.

Research will be required to ensure compliance with local site regulations, Smith County officials said. The ARPA-funded grant was amended in July to ensure that current funding covers the animal shelter.

HAWKINS — The Hawkins City Council voted 3 to 2 to remove Municipal Judge Mitch Henderson from his position. According to our news partner KETK, the decision comes as the city is face with a $1.2 million budget deficit and can no longer afford to employ a judge.

“He was removed because we no longer have a police department or a city court. That is the only reason for the decision,” Mayor Debbie Rushing said.

The police department was dissolved in June after it was left with only one remaining officer. Three officers had been fired in February by Rushing, who argued they had not been properly hired because the city council had never approved their employment. The role of a municipal judge is to oversee local court systems, handle minor offenses and ensure justice is served throughout the community.

SMITH COUNTY — During the Smith County Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, a motion was passed permitting the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office to join the 287(g) Task Force Model Program. According to our news partner KETK, the motion was approved four to one, with Commissioner Ralph Caraway being the one opposing vote. Caraway stated he opposed allowing Precinct 4 to join the task force, citing his belief that the agreement with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office is sufficient.

Precinct 1 said it will not seek to participate in the program.

The meeting was well attended , over 40 residents voiced their opinions about the constable’s office joining the task force, causing the public comments portion of the meeting to last for more than an hour.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn says he has spoken to Kris Boyd and is confident the cornerback and special teams standout will be OK after being shot in midtown Manhattan early Sunday morning.

Glenn said the hospitalized Boyd was “upbeat” in their recent conversation.

“That’s what eases my mind, is that he’s in good spirits,” Glenn said Wednesday. “His wife and his kid, they’re in good spirits and he will walk away from this just fine.”

Glenn was unsure when Boyd might be released from the hospital, where he has been listed in critical but stable condition.
Continue reading Gilmer native, Jets CB Kris Boyd in critical condition

RUSK COUNTY – In the 1983 KFC murder case, which resulted in the deaths of five people, Rusk County authorities are getting ready to name a third suspect. Our news partners at KETK report that Mary Tyler, Opie Hughes, Joey Johnson, David Maxwell, and Monty Landers were kidnapped from a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Kilgore on September 23, 1983. They were then driven to a remote oil field in Rusk County, where they were shot and killed.

Within a week, authorities named Romeo Pinkerton and Darnell Hartsfield as suspects. But it was not until 2005 that indictments were returned, as DNA evidence from the scene connected both men to it. Hartsfield died in prison in 2023, and Pinkerton is currently serving a life sentence. Continue reading New suspect to be named in KFC murders

SABINE COUNTY — Three individuals were arrested Sunday as part of an ongoing Sabine County drug operation targeting methamphetamine distribution, according to our news partner KETK. Rotheria Andrew Sowell, 43, Phillip Eugene Wiseman, 56, and William Michael Lloyd, 58, were all taken into custody on meth-related charges. Sowell and Wiseman, who were already being held in custody on unrelated narcotics charges, were charged with delivery of a controlled substance with Lloyd being charged for possession of a controlled substance.
Continue reading Three arrested in Sabine County meth operation

OVERTON — A man has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with a vehicle fire reported in September. According to our news partner KETK, officers were dispatched Sept. 18 to a vehicle fire at 412 North Warren St. The fire was extinguished and investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business, which identified the suspect as Randy Eugene Reid.

Reid was already being held at the Rusk County Jail on unrelated charges. Police issued and executed a warrant for Reid’s arrest on Nov. 5. He was charged for arson with his bond set at $50,000 and remains in custody at the Rusk County Justice Center.

SMITH COUNTY – In the Smith County Commissioners Court meeting scheduled for Tuesday morning, a motion will be considered involving the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office joining the 2867G Task Force Model Program. According to our news partner KETK, the 2867G Task Force Model is a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows local law enforcement to enforce U.S. immigration laws, including identifying and processing immigrants with pending or active criminal charges.

Smith County Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin recently defended his office’s decision to consider joining the 287(g) Task Force Model Program while reassuring residents that he will not target immigrants.

“We are not forming an immigration unit, doing sweeps, or conducting raids,” Joplin said. “We will not deviate from the services and standards the citizens of this precinct expect and deserve.” Continue reading Smith County considering joining ICE task force

ELKHART – Two more relatives were arrested last week in connection to the sexual assault of a child in Elkhart, arrest records have revealed. According to our news partner KETK, Carl Laza, 59, and Kaleb Laza, 27, were both arrested on Nov. 13 after the Dallas Police Department launched an investigation into Carl’s son Skylar Laza, who was arrested on Nov. 5

Skylar, a former Houston County Sheriff’s Office deputy, was arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child after one of his juvenile relatives was interviewed forensically and corroborated videos of Skylar allegedly sexually assaulting him, arrest records show. According to an arrest affidavit, the juvenile victim recalled a time when Carl sexually abused him when he lived with the victim’s family in Elkhart. A Dallas PD officer interviewed Carl’s son, Kenan Laza, and he confirmed that Carl did live with the family in Elkhart around the time the child described. Continue reading Two more arrested in child sexual assault case

OVERTON — A man has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with a vehicle fire reported in September. According to our news partner KETK, Overton PD was called to the fire scene Thursday, Sept. 18 at North Warren and McKay Streets, near May Oldfield Pipe. After the fire was put out, investigators viewed surveillance video from a business nearby. They identified the alleged arsonist as Randy Eugene Reid. Authorities arrested Reid Nov 5. He is charged with arson and is being held in the Rusk County Justice Center on a $50,000 bond. Reid was already being held on unrelated charges.

GLADEWATER – Following the release of video showing a suspect in a recent break-in, the Gladewater Police Department is asking for the public’s help. According to our news partner KETK, in the early morning hours of Oct. 30, authorities say a building was broken into with a pickup truck. Police are looking for help identifying the vehicle’s owner and present location after obtaining surveillance footage of it. Gladewater authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the car or the break-in to please contact them.

SMITH COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that a motion pertaining to the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office joining the 2867G Task Force Model Program will be discussed at the Tuesday morning Smith County Commissioners Court meeting.

Local law enforcement can enforce U.S. immigration laws, including identifying and processing immigrants with pending or active criminal charges, through the 2867G Task Force Model, a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Constable Josh Joplin of Smith County Precinct 4 recently assured locals that he will not target immigrants while defending his office’s decision to participate in the 287(g) Task Force Model Program.