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SMITH COUNTY — On Wednesday, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office announced they are searching for a 17-year-old female last seen a week ago. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on missing person, Raelyn “Ollie” Smith, 17, who went missing on Nov. 7. Officials said she was last seen wearing a black shirt, shorts, black rim glasses and a black beanie. She has two tattoos, a moth and flowers on her left wrist and a seeing eyeball on her left forearm. Smith reportedly suffers from anxiety and depression but does not take medication at this time. She was last seen in the company of a 16-year-old. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.

TYLER — A Tyler man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to injury to a child. According to our news partner KETK, Lasabien Ford, 26, was arrested in January after an 8-month long search in the case where he was accused of hitting his infant son. According to his arrest warrant, Ford had held down the infant’s mother while she was holding the child and “continued to swing at her” resulting in the child being struck in the head with his fist. The warrant said the child went to the ER where a skull fracture was discovered.

BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. bishops inside a Baltimore hotel approved materials on how Catholics should vote in 2024 elections. Soon after, their recently ousted colleague and dozens of his supporters rallied outside the annual fall business meeting. Bishop Joseph Strickland is a conservative cleric who was recently removed by Pope Francis as head of the diocese of Tyler. His ouster followed his increasingly severe criticisms of the pontiff. Strickland prayed the rosary with dozens of supporters along the waterfront. Inside their conference room, the bishops approved a document about how Catholics should rely on the church’s teaching when making their ballot choices. The document restated many longstanding positions like opposition to abortion. Continue reading Ousted Tyler bishop rallies outside values meeting

UPSHUR COUNTY — Upshur County officials said capital murder suspect Alvin Charles McKnight Jr. is in custody as of Wednesday night at 11:30 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb is expected to provide more information Thursday morning at the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office Training Center. McKnight Jr. had been added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List Tuesday. He was wanted after two sisters were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds on Nov. 4. McKnight’s sister was arrested for allegedly helping him flee Upshur County.

HOUSTON COUNTY – A custodial death report released last week revealed information on an inmate’s death in a Houston County prison according to our news colleagues at KETK. 41-year-old Clint Wilson died in TDCJ’s Wainwright Unit, located in Lovelady, on May 18. According to the report, there has been an evaluation by a medical examiner/coroner, but the manner of death in the report is listed as “could not be determined.” The report stated that Wilson was found unresponsive in his “restrictive housing cell” on May 18 around 6:24 a.m. and correctional staff attempted life-saving measures, but Wilson was pronounced dead at 7:15 a.m. Wilson was reportedly serving time for murder and had been in custody since 2013.

NACOGDOCHES – A woman and juvenile were injured after a shooting last week in Nacogdoches according to our ews partners at KETK. Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a call shortly before 6 a.m. on Nov. 7 saying that a woman was being treated at a local hospital for “numerous injuries” after an assault at a residence in the 15000 block of U.S. 59 N. A firearm was discharged during the altercation, injuring a juvenile. The juvenile’s wounds were non-life threatening and both the juvenile and adult victim were treated and released from the hospital the same day. Authorities are withholding the identities of the victims at this time, and as the investigation continues more details will be released. The NCSO thanked the Nacogdoches Police Department for their help with the case.

JACKSONVILLE – An athletic trainer contracted by Jacksonville ISD was arrested on Nov. 8 for second-degree felony sexual assault of a child. According to our news partner KETK, Kyle Kingrey was arrested by Cherokee County Sheriff’s officers after they were contacted by school district police about Kingrey having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Officials with Jacksonville ISD said that Kingrey was not employed directly by the district, but supplied to them by an outside source. Kingrey was booked into the Cherokee County Jail  with bond set at $100,000. The sheriff’s office said this is an ongoing investigation. Continue reading Jacksonville athletic trainer arrested for child sex assault

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse ISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran was named the lone finalist for superintendent of San Angelo ISD on Monday by their board of trustees. According to San Angelo ISD and our news partner KETK, Moran will replace Dr. Carl Dethloff as superintendent, who plans to retire at the end of December 2023. The board of trustees is set to vote on Moran after a state-mandated 21-day waiting period. “It is a joy and honor to be named lone finalist of San Angelo ISD,” Moran said. “The Moran family is looking forward to joining a wonderful community in West Texas with strong values and a love for every student. We are committing our very best every day for the entire San Angelo community.” Moran is a 32-year veteran educator, and became superintendent of Whitehouse ISD in 2016. Whitehouse ISD said they are working with Moran to develop an interim plan until a new superintendent is hired. Continue reading Local superintendent lone finalist for San Angelo schools

BALTIMORE (AP) — Catholic leaders called for peace in a war-torn world and unity amid strife within their own clerical ranks on Tuesday, as U.S. bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual fall meeting. The meeting came soon after two actions by Pope Francis that illustrated the divisive challenges facing the Catholic Church – removing one of his harshest conservative critics from his role as bishop of Tyler, Texas, and releasing a document conveying a more welcoming stance to transgender people than the official positions of the U.S. bishops. In his opening address Tuesday, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed empathy for those in conflict zones, from Myanmar to the Middle East. “We recognize and defend the right of Israel to exist and to enjoy a place among the nations,” said Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.” At the same time, we know that the Palestinians … have a right to a land that is their own. The Holy See has long advocated for that right.” Continue reading Catholic bishops meet; leaders call for unity amid internal strife

TYLER – In a released Tyler ISD announced that Tyler Legacy High School’s athletic field-house will go under a new name. Monday night, the Tyler ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to name the Field House at Tyler Legacy High School after former coach Mike Owens. It will now be called the Coach Mike Owens Field House. Coach Owens led the former Robert E. Lee High School (REL) to the 2004 Class 5A Division I State Football Championship. He retired after the 2010 season in 2011.

UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas – Our news partner KETK reports that a double homicide suspect from Upshur County has been added to the Texas Most Wanted List. It was announced on Tuesday by DPS that Alvin “Pookie” McKnight Jr., 41, of Gilmer, was added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List and Texas Crime Stoppers. A cash reward of up to $7,500 is being offered in exchange for information leading to his arrest. Upshur County Crime Stoppers are also offering a reward for any anonymous tips leading to McKnight Jr.’s arrest. That reward is $10,000. He is wanted after two sisters were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds on Nov. 4, and McKnight’s sister has since been arrested for allegedly helping him flee Upshur County.

PANOLA COUNTY – Two fugitives were arrested Monday in Panola County due to the efforts of the Panola County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Service. According to our news partner KETK, 42-year-old Timothy Earl Brown was arrested for failure to comply with sex offender registration requirements, which is a federal probation violation. Also arrested was 29-year-old Angel Uscanga-Baldovinos of Carthage, for a federal probation violation. A spokesperson with the Panola County Sheriff’s Office said “We value our partnerships with agencies like the U.S. Marshals which assist us in accomplishing our mission of keeping our community safe.”

TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a fatal hit and run accident involving a pedestrian. It happened just before 10:00 Monday night at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Haynie Avenue. Arriving officers said the victim was severely injured and transported to a local hospital where he later died. His identity is being withheld pending notification of family. The vehicle that struck the victim left the scene. It’s described as a maroon or burgundy Yukon or Tahoe that will likely have front end damage. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Chamberlain at 903-531-1058.

LONGVIEW — A woman was arrested in Longview Friday night in connection to a pedestrian crash left one person dead. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police are investigating the crash that happened on Pine Tree Road around 11:45 p.m. Officials said Candice Gearhart, 50, of Longview, was driving north in the outer lane and struck someone on a motorized scooter. The victim was taken to a local hospital and later died from injuries. Police said Gearhart was arrested for intoxication manslaughter. She was booked into the Gregg County Jail where she was later released after posting a $25,000 bond. Anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash is asked to contact the Longview Police Department Traffic Division at 903-237-1188.

TYLER — After Pope Francis’ decision to remove Joseph Strickland as Bishop of Tyler, people in the Catholic community continue to react to the news. According to our news partner KETK, this comes just two days after Strickland refused a request from the pope to resign and a months-long investigation by Vatican investigators, including a visit to Tyler. The Catholic community in East Texans continue to react to the news with no precise consensus, some advocating for the now relieved bishop and others agreeing with the pope’s decision. Fred Simon, who is connected with the Catholic organization across the country, said the move was anticipated but was still alarming. “I think everyone is pretty much devastated and pretty much fed up with the things that are happening with the Vatican,” said Simon. Continue reading Community reacts to removal of East Texas Bishop

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Tax Office is mailing out 213,369 property tax statements. According to a news release, payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement — it will take you directly to the payment page on your account. “It has been a game changer in how people pay their property taxes,” Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said of adding the QR code. Most Smith County residents should have received their property tax statements last week, and Barber said residents living in the Lindale and Whitehouse areas should receive them this week. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, is the deadline for paying property taxes. Taxpayers can make their payments online, in person, through the Tax Office’s drop-box outside of the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail. Continue reading Smith County property tax statements mailed

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office said that one person was injured after a driver shot into another vehicle on I-20 around 9 p.m. on Friday. The sheriff’s office said law enforcement was called out to mile marker 529 after a shooting was reported on I-20. According to a press release, two vehicles were heading west when one driver shot at the other vehicle and hit a passenger. The passenger was reportedly taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released. Juan M. Wilkins was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was taken to the Van Zandt County Jail but he reportedly posted his $30,000 bond and was released.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – A woman is dead and a man is injured after a Sunday morning crash on U.S. Highway 175 near Cuney. According to our news partners at KETK, a 2016 Dodge Dart was traveling northwest on the highway around 5:26 a.m. “in the wrong lane.” A 2012 Ford F-150 towing a trailer was traveling southeast and DPS said they struck the Dart head-on, “ejecting the driver,” who DPS reported was not wearing a seatbelt. The driver of the Dart, identified as Sabrina Gray, 41 of Cuney, was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver of the truck was taken to a hospital in Tyler for treatment. The investigation is ongoing, and DPS said no additional information is available at this time.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Policy Committee will meet on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center. According to our news partner KETK, the committee is tasked with coordinating transportation plans for the Smith County area. Members of the Committee include people from Smith County, Tyler, nearby cities, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Continue reading Tyler Transportation Policy Committee to meet on Thursday

UPSHUR COUNTY — The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that a woman was arrested on Saturday for allegedly hindering the apprehension of a suspect in a recent double homicide case. According to our news partner KETK, Laquesha Monique McKnight, 38 of Longview, is reportedly the sister of 41-year-old Alvin “Pookie” McKnight Jr, a suspect wanted in connection to the murder of Mandy Ray, 35 of Gilmer, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37, of Gilmer. Officials said Laquesha helped Alvin to escape from the Upshur County area on the night of the murders. According to a the sheriff’s office, Laquesha was confronted with the evidence of her having helped Alvin but she did not cooperate. Laquesha was booked into the Upshur County Jail for hindering of apprehension and her bond has been set at $500,000, according to jail records.

KILGORE – The City of Kilgore hosted their annual ‘A Very Derrick Christmas’ oil derrick lighting ceremony on Saturday evening. According to our news partner KETK, the event featured vendors, food, music and their traditional live performance from the Kilgore Rangerettes. “It’s really fun, I’m from a really big town so anytime I get to come to Kilgore and see the tightknit community, It’s just the sweetest thing, we love to see the community,” said Rangerette Lauren Nix. The family friendly event is held every holiday season in downtown Kilgore.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department said they are investigating a shooting at a shopping center that left one person with non-life-threating injuries on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened around 1:30 p.m. at a shopping center located at 1217 East Marshall Avenue. Longview PD said one person had left the scene in a private vehicle to be treated for non-life-threating injuries at a local hospital. The shooting reportedly started after a confrontation between two people who knew each other. The Longview Police Department said they have one person in custody and that they are actively investigating the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact Longview PD at 903-237-1110.

UPSHUR COUNTY – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that a woman was arrested on Saturday for allegedly hindering the apprehension of a suspect in a recent double homicide case. According to our news partner KETK, Laquesha Monique McKnight, 38 of Longview, is reportedly the sister of 41-year-old Alvin “Pookie” McKnight Jr. McKnight Jr is a suspect wanted in connection to the murder of Mandy Ray, 35 and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37 both from Gilmer. Officials said Laquesha helped Alvin to escape from the Upshur County area on the night of the murders. According to the sheriff’s office, Laquesha was confronted with the evidence of her having helped Alvin but she did not cooperate. Laquesha was booked into the Upshur County Jail and her bond has been set at $500,000, according to jail records.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis on Saturday forcibly removed the bishop of Tyler, Texas, a conservative prelate active on social media who has been a fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy. A one-line statement from the Vatican said Francis had “relieved” Bishop Joseph Strickland of the pastoral governance of Tyler and appointed the bishop of Austin as the temporary administrator. Continue reading Pope fires Tyler Bishop

MARSHALL – Our news colleagues at KETK report that a Marshall mother filed a lawsuit against a local daycare last week, claiming her 11-month-old suffered second-degree burns due to the daycare’s negligence. According to the lawsuit, Ashley McMullen put her daughter under the care of Ms. Anita’s Academic Center on Aug. 3 where she was taken outside without shoes or socks on and was allowed to walk barefoot in 104-degree heat. Continue reading Lawsuit claims child suffered due to daycare’s negligence

BULLARD – The Bullard community is mourning after the loss of a former high school softball player according to our news colleagues at KETK. Bullard Softball posted to social media Thursday night and said Emma Lambert will be missed and asked the community to join them in prayer. “Your legacy is one of bravery, courage, resiliency and true beauty,” Bullard Softball said. “We are thankful for all of the laughter and joy you blessed us with.” In November 2021, Bullard Softball announced Lambert had gotten the call that a donor heart had been made available and she planned to undergo a transplant. “Words cannot express the love we have for this girl,” Bullard Softball said. “Please join us in praying for her family and friends in this time of heartache. Forever our girl.”