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TYLER — Local Chick-fil-A restaurants donated thousands of soups and cookies on Wednesday to the Salvation Army in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the occasion was made possible through the donation drive that was held in February where for every soup bought, two would be donated.

“The idea is that the community helps out, that every time they buy a soup, we donate the soup. And over the course of time, it’s been like 75,000 bowls of soup over the last 15-20 years that we’ve been able to donate to the community,” Ikey Eason, Troup Highway Chick-fil-A owner, said. Continue reading Chick-fil-A donates soup to Salvation Army

RUSK COUNTY — A collectible pistol that was reported stolen three decades ago and ended up in a pawn shop is back in the hands of its original owner, and now law enforcement depict how they work with shops to identify stolen items. According to our news partner KETK, on Friday, a Camp County lawyer who bought the pistol at a pawn shop returned the firearm to Gordon Allen, World War II veteran and original owner. “Sometime the wheels of justice move slow but they still move,” Allen said.

Rusk County Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez said finding stolen guns at pawn shops is not a common occurrence, but it does happen. Unlike 30 years ago, when technology was limited, law enforcement and pawn shops now work together to check items brought into businesses. Valdez said pawn shops are required to put every item they purchase into a database, especially guns. Continue reading Police work with pawn shops to identify stolen items

POLK COUNTY — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a Livingston man was arrested on Tuesday after police served a felony warrant following a fentanyl overdose. According to our news partner KETK, detectives were serving a felony warrant on Brandon Michael Dunaway, 21 of Livingston, in relation to an overdose that occurred at a residence in the county earlier in the week. Dunaway allegedly escaped the residence through the rear window and ran into a wooded area.

Detectives alongside Narcotics and CID Detectives located Dunaway a short distance away, following a a brief chase. The sheriff’s office obtained a search warrant of the RV and reportedly seized a large amount of fentanyl and items used to distribute drugs. Dunaway was charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence and evading arrest/detention. Dunaway is held on a $52,500 bond at the Polk County Jail.

TYLER – Tyler city officials announced Wednesday a contract has been approved for an engineering study on water quality from Lake Palestine. According to our news partners KETK, the $120,000 contract with HDR Engineering, Inc. partnering with Tyler Water Utilities is to create a study meant to “identify ways to enhance the treatment process and address the taste and odor issues that TWU customers experience when Lake Palestine experiences seasonal issues.”

The city said in their release that the lake has high levels of Geosmin. Geosmin is a naturally occurring compound, that may raise concerns on water quality. This may be more of an issue due to the age of the lake and the amount of natural organic matter in it.
Continue reading Tyler to conduct water quality study

SMITH COUNTY – All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Friday, March 29, 2024, for Good Friday. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Monday, April 1. To get more information on Smith County events, click here. For the city of Tyler, go here.

KILGORE – Kilgore ISD announced that they received a large donation to implement advanced bus tracking. According to a release, the $25,000 donation from Claycomb Associate Architects will be going towards the implementation of state-of-the-art bus tracking technology. Parents will have access to the real time location of their students and provide accurate arrival and departure times of routes. The school said that they hope the software will reduce wait times, minimize disruption and enhance the bus-riding experience for both students and parents. Kilgore ISD said that they plan on the software being implemented in time for the beginning of the next fall semester.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County residents will get to take one free trip to the landfill during the annual Smith Countywide Cleanup, which runs for the entire month of April. According to a news release from Smith County, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office Environmental Crimes Unit and Commissioners Court are once again offering the yearly program, which allows residents to take one truck-load of bulky items (3 cubic yards of solid waste) to the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free. During County Government Month, one voucher per resident are available in-person only at the Courthouse Annex, 200 E. Ferguson in Tyler, or any of the Justice of the Peace/Constable Offices throughout the County. The vouchers are available this week and can be used beginning Monday, April 1, through Saturday, May 4. Continue reading Countywide cleanup set for April

SMITH COUNTY — Pam Frederick has officially withdrawn her recount petition for Precinct 1 Commissioner race, after 30% of the ballots were counted, our news partner KETK reports. According to David Stein, the county chair for the Smith County Republican Party, Frederick conceded, stopping the recount after officials recounted 30% of the votes finding zero discrepancies.

Frederick said in a statement, “Fifteen counters spent up to ten hours today recounting the paper ballots for the race. More than 3,000 votes were recounted which comprises approximately one-third of the total vote for the race. There were no discrepancies in the vote count, proving that the electronic voting system used in Smith County is accurate.”

RUSK — An accident Monday afternoon involving an 18-wheeler and a van killed that vehicles lone occupant near Rusk. According to our news partner KETK, the driver was 44-year-old Nicholas Schintgen of Lino Lakes, Minn.

A DPS report said that Schintgen was driving south on US 69 “at an unsafe speed for the road conditions.” The 18-wheeler, also on US 69 south lost control, causing the van to veer off the edge of road and striking a tree. Nicholas Schintgen was pronounced dead at the accident site.

GREGG COUNTY – A man is dead after officials said a pursuit that started in Gregg County ended in a crash on an Upshur County road. According to our news partner KETK, Gregg County Chief Deputy Craig Harrington said a warrant was issued last week for Mario Tywan Marton, 47, for burglary of a habitation. Deputies attempted to serve the warrant around 7 a.m. when the man fled his Gladewater home. This started a pursuit into Upshur County, according to Harrington, and Upshur County authorities attempted to spike the Marton’s car but he was able to evade. On FM 726, officials said the car struck a pickup truck resulting in the death of the man fleeing authorities. A third car slid into the pickup truck as a result of the crash, but Harrington said no one was taken to the hospital for treatment.

TYLER — The TJC Earth and Space Science Center featuring Hudnall Planetarium will offer a full slate of special events during the week leading up to the historic total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

Eclipse watch parties in Tyler on April 8
TJC has partnered with Visit Tyler to promote numerous eclipse-viewing sites across the city on April 8. Locations including Caldwell Zoo, Discovery Science Place, True Vine Brewing Company, Tyler State Park, and many more, will host their own special viewing events. For details click here.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler received a $447,195 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support breast cancer research. According to our news partner KETK and a UTT news release, Dr. May Abdelaziz, an assistant pharmacy professor at the Ben and Maytee Fisch College of Pharmacy, is conducting research into HER2, a protein that promotes the growth of breast cancer. UTT reportedly received a grant from the NIH to support Abdelaziz’s research.

“The receipt of this NIH grant underscores the impactful research being conducted at the Fisch College of Pharmacy,” Dr. Amy Schwartz, Fisch College of Pharmacy dean, said. “Dr. Abdelaziz’s innovative work in developing targeted therapy for breast cancer highlights our college’s contribution to cutting-edge solutions in health care and pharmaceutical sciences.” Continue reading Professor receives grant for breast cancer research

TYLER — A Tyler man was sentenced Monday to 44 years in prison in connection to a 2021 shooting. According to our news partner KETK, 26-year-old Zaccheus Keion Dunn was found guilty for the murder of Christopher Frank Eiglebiger. Police records say Eiglebiger was fatally shot May 13, 2021 at a residence in Tyler. A second suspect, 29-year-old Dakevian Beniot Scroggins was identified in connection to the murder. On July 25, Tyler Police arrested Scroggins and he was charged with capital murder, evading arrest/detention and a parole violation. His trial was scheduled to start Monday.

LONGVIEW – It was announced on Monday that Eastman Chemical Company plans to invest $1.3 billion in expanding their Longview facility. According to our news partner KETK, the City of Longview has been named as the location for Eastman’s second U.S. molecular recycling facility, which is expected to add more than 200 full-time jobs. City of Longview Mayor Andy Mack said the additional positions will have an average annual salary of $92,000. In a release, it was said the Longview site was selected due to synergies with existing infrastructure, operations and the location also has enough space for on-site renewable energy.

“We are excited to announce this next step in our commitment to our circular strategy with the decision to locate our second U.S. molecular recycling facility at our existing site in Texas,” Eastman Board Chair and CEO Mark Costa said. “We have decades of history successfully operating in Longview, and this will be a great investment for the local community.”

“This facility will mark the single largest capital investment in the Longview area in LEDCO history,” the city said in a release.

SMITH COUNTY – A man is dead after an overnight shooting in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, sheriff’s office said they received a call around 12:30 a.m. on Monday and responded to the scene in the 14600 block of Park Hill where the caller allegedly told them her father had been shot by her brother. Life-saving measures were started on the victim, who was identified as 79-year-old Dell Howard Tilley, of Tyler, and authorities said a man was immediately detained. Tilley was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later, according to officials, and an autopsy has been ordered.

Investigators completed an arrest affidavit and received a warrant for murder for the suspect identified as Christopher Tilley. According to Sergeant Larry Christian, Tilley was taken to the Smith County Jail and booked for the warrant with a bond set at $750,000.

LONGVIEW – It was announced on Monday that Eastman Chemical Company plans to invest $1.3 billion in expanding their Longview facility. According to the City of Longview, they have been named as the location for Eastman’s second U.S. molecular recycling facility, which is expected to add more than 200 full-time jobs. City of Longview Mayor Andy Mack said the additional positions will have an average annual salary of $92,000. “We are excited to announce this next step in our commitment to our circular strategy with the decision to locate our second U.S. molecular recycling facility at our existing site in Texas,” Eastman Board Chair and CEO Mark Costa said. “We have decades of history successfully operating in Longview, and this will be a great investment for the local community.” The Longview site was selected due to synergies with existing infrastructure, operations and the location also has enough space for on-site renewable energy.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an early Monday morning shooting that left a 79-year-old man dead. According to a press release, deputies responded to a home on Park Hill following a 911 call around 12:30 from a woman saying her father had been shot by her brother. Arriving officials attempted life saving measures, to no avail. The victim, identified as Dell Howard Tille, of Tyler, was pronounced dead at the scene. An an autopsy has been ordered. The suspect was arrested and the reported weapon was secured. Officials said charges are expected later this morning and the suspect will be identified at that time. The investigation is ongoing. More details will be released as they become available.

TYLER – The annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail opened Friday to Tyler residents and visitors until April 8. According to our news partner KETK, the trails are about 10 miles along residential gardens that include azaleas, tulips, wisteria and dogwood. There will be activities on the trails such as art shows, festivals, historic home tours, markets and the famous horse drawn carriages.
Susan Travis, Visit Tyler Vice President of Sales said, “This is the time of year where Tyler comes alive with colors,” “Everyone loves getting out in the spring in Tyler.” A bonus this year will be the solar eclipse on April 8.

Travis added, “We love that the Trails attract out-of-town visitors to Tyler because while they’re here, they not only visit the Azalea Trails, but they spend money in our hotels, restaurants, shops, and more. Visitors have a large economic impact on the community during this time.”

More information is available on the Azalea and Spring Flower Trail and events at Totality Tyler and Visit Tyler.

TYLER – Senator Ted Cruz stopped by the Smith County Republican Club annual presidents dinner at the Hollytree Country Club on Saturday to talk about the southern border. Cruz said you may not think Tyler is a border town but he says we might as well be. “The last three years, we’ve seen 10.4 million people cross into this country illegally,” said Sen. Ted Cruz, (R) Texas.

“Joe Biden is sending illegal immigrants right here,” said Cruz. He added that Republican senators tried to pass an amendment saying Biden couldn’t fly any more migrants into the county, but that the Democrats voted no. “Last year, they flew 320,000 illegal immigrants into this country, understand, they’re not just coming across the border,” said Cruz. Cruz says Biden continues to fly illegal immigrants to 40 different United States cities. “This is no longer a battle between Republican and Democrat, this is not a battle between conservative and liberal, this is a battle between sanity and bat crap crazy,” said Cruz. He added Texas continues to show everyone they will fight to secure the border.

TYLER – On March 26th, Chapel Hill ISD will be hosting their initial groundbreaking for their new construction projects. According to our news partner KETK, the site of the new junior high will be first at 11:15 a.m., with the projected finishing date set for Fall 2025. The high school bus loop will host the second groundbreaking at 12:15 p.m. Possible severe weather was the reason for the original Monday date being switched to Tuesday.

TEXARKANA – According to our news partner KETK, two dogs attacked a Texarkana police officer who was responding to a reported attack on a local woman. According to Texarkana Police Department, patrol officer Chris Flores responded to the 700 block of Wilson Street to a reported dog attack on a woman. Two large pit bull mix dogs charged him as he walked toward the house. The officer struck one of the dogs with his flashlight, but they were able to overwhelm him. He was knocked down and mauled by the dogs until Officer Matthew Lindsey arrived shortly after. Afraid that he could not shoot the dogs without injuring the officer under attack, Lindsey sprayed them with his fire extinguisher. Officer Flores had extensive injuries and was placed into Officer Jose Chaves’ patrol unit and quickly taken to a local hospital.

The second dog was captured without any incident. After one of the dogs charged an Animal Control Officer attempting to get a hold of the dog – officers shot it. The dog was not killed by the gunshot but wounded enough so that it could be caught. Continue reading Pit Bull attacks sends two to hospital

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, a man has been arrested following a shooting at a convenience store in Longview that resulted in one death. The Longview Police Department said at approximately 3:40 a.m. they responded to a reported shooting at the EZ Mart at 700 Gilmer Rd. Officials said that upon arrival they discovered that an adult male had sustained a gunshot wound with “life-threatening injuries” and was being taken to the hospital by a private vehicle. The police said that the victim later passed away from their injuries.

Detectives reportedly identified Tykiron Mumphrey, 20 of Gladewater, as their suspect and he has been taken into custody and charged with murder. Longview PD is asking that anyone with any additional information about the incident contact them at 903-237-1110 or to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-7867.

TEXARKANA — Our news partners at KETK report that a 1-year-old has reportedly died at a Texarkana apartment after being hit by a vehicle while playing outside in the parking lot. According to a release, police responded to the scene in the 3900 block of West 39th Street, where a 1-year-old boy was struck and killed by a vehicle. The police department said they are conducting an investigation but “it appears that the driver never saw the child.”

TYLER — A Tyler musician has reportedly died in a Bedford crash early Monday morning. According to our news partner KETK and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, at least one person died in the crash on Texas 183. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased as Heber Hernandez, 24, who died at a Fort Worth hospital. Hernandez was the main vocalist for the band Petroleros Del Bravo, a popular Grupo Norteño band with sax in the Tyler area. “Thank you all for the love, support and prayers we have received in these difficult times. It hurts to know we lost a son, brother and friend. Our Heber Issac Hernandez, the heart of what we present here. Los Petroleros and our brother’s dream will live on just like he always wanted it. With all faith and love to Heber,” the Petroleros Del Bravo said in a statement. A funeral service will be held on Friday in Tyler.

SMITH COUNTY — The Republican Primary for the Smith County Precinct 1 Commissioner is officially heading for a recount after the race came down to only 101 votes. According to our news partner KETK, Pam Frederick, the incumbent, has petitioned for the manual recount since the 101 vote difference is less than the 10% of the total vote legally required for a recount. According to a notice from the Smith County Republican Party, only the votes for Commissioner Precinct 1 will be recounted. Smith County election results show that challenger Christina Drewry is currently ahead with 4,636, beating Fredrick’s 4,535 votes by 101 votes. The only people allowed to be there for the recount will be the recount chair, recount members, candidates, up to two watchers per recount team, the custodian of the voted ballots, the recount supervisor and state or federal inspectors. Continue reading Precinct 1 Commissioner Republican Primary headed to recount