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HAWKINS — In the wake of an eventful month for Hawkins, including the resignation of the city’s third police chief and increasing calls to disband the police department, Mayor Deborah Rushing now faces growing pressure to step down. Rushing, who took office as mayor in April 2024 for the small town of Hawkins (population 1,401), is now named in a lawsuit filed by Shahaub Tafreshinejad, son of Alderwoman Eleta Taylor, seeking her removal from office.

According to our news partner KETK, the 26-page lawsuit alleges that Rushing displayed “early signs of incompetence and misconduct” due to issues such as illegal dual-office holding. Specifically, the lawsuit claims Rushing simultaneously served as both the mayor and municipal judge, a position forbidden by law.

The document also accuses Rushing of repeatedly using her mayoral position to place herself on the city council’s agenda, despite lacking the necessary support. The lawsuit details how, after multiple failed attempts to get on the agenda, Rushing’s persistence led to an “unwilling” council decision to appoint her, described as occurring “under duress” following what was characterized as “borderline harassment” from Rushing. Continue reading Hawkins mayor faces lawsuit, calls to resign

RUSK – According to our news partner KETK, Cherokee County officials have seized 19 illegal gambling machines from three businesses operating in Rusk. Members of the Special Investigative Unit from the sheriff’s office and Jacksonville Police Department started a month-long undercover investigation of the three businesses after receiving numerous complaints about illegal gambling from the community.

The 19 machines were seized from: Big Easy Market and Game on 591 N. Main Street, Rusk Eagle Mart at 555 South Dickinson Drive, DK’s/Skeeter’s Gas Station at 467 North Dickinson Drive. $66,000 was seized along with the 19 machines and that the stores will remain open for business without the illegal gambling machines. Investigations into other illegal gambling operations across the county including in Jacksonville, Mount Selman and Alto are in progress. Continue reading 19 illegal gambling machines seized in Rusk

HENDERSON COUNTY – Texas – Two people were arrested on Friday after the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office reportedly found methamphetamines, heroin and pills in an RV. Our news partners at KETK report that narcotics investigators, K9 units and other deputies executed a search warrant for a recreational vehicle hidden in a wooden area near Moore Station.
Continue reading Two arrested in Henderson County RV drug bust

NACOGDOCHES — An East Texas woman was found guilty on Thursday of murdering her 19-month-old son. According to our news partner KETK, Hanna Ruth Moses was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.

A release from the Nacogdoches Assistant District Attorney’s Office said the toddler, Thomas Blake Rogers, was born prematurely and was developmentally delayed. He was removed from the care of Moses in June 2021 for medical neglect and was underweight. The boy was returned to Moses in March 2022 and a few weeks later suffered a displaced femur fracture despite being unable to roll, crawl, or walk.

Thomas remained under the care of his mother, and on May 30, 2022, a 911 call was made by Moses who said her son was not breathing and attempted to do CPR for 30 minutes before making the call to 911. When first responders arrived, they found him unresponsive, wet and with his ankles “bound tightly” with a shoestring. Life-saving measures were performed on Thomas until they reached the Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital where they reportedly found bruises developing from his head to his toes on both sides of his body. He also had significant bleeding in his brain. Continue reading East Texas mother sentenced to life for killing her son

SMITH COUNTY – Earlier this week, a Smith County jury convicted Claude Eugene Montgomery Jr. of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver (a 1st Degree Felony). The jury ultimately sentenced Montgomery to 60 years in prison. Smith County Prosecutors, Emil Mikkelsen and Kasey Sirianni, presented evidence that Montgomery possessed over 100 multicolored methamphetamine pills in the shape and likeness of various super-hero logos and common prescription pills such as Xanex. Prosecutors proved that Montgomery intended to sell said narcotics on the streets. During the sentencing phase of the trial, the State brought forth Montgomery’s extensive criminal history—including two 2016 drug dealing convictions for which Montgomery had received a 45-year prison sentence. The jury learned that Montgomery had been released on parole after servicing just 6 years of that sentence. Continue reading Early parolee sentenced to 60 years in prison

TYLER — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Bullard man has been arrested by college police after being in possession of child pornography.

According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Henderson County Crimes Against Children Task Force received information regarding possible child pornography back in November. Following an investigation, officials obtained a search warrant and reportedly found child pornography after analyzing the electronic devices from a Bullard home. Task Force Investigators contacted the University of Texas at Tyler Police Department, and requested assistance in arresting Brandon Reeves Baschnagel, 41 of Bullard, for possession with intent to promote child pornography.

The UT Tyler PD then turned him over to investigators. Baschnagel is now booked into the Henderson County Jail and charges will be filed in Henderson County and Cherokee County, according to the sheriff’s office.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview’s ordinance that requires owners to spay and neuter stray dogs and cats will go into effect starting this Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. According to our news partner KETK, the ordinance was proposed by the city in order to fix their stray animal problem and to prevent overcrowding. This push to limit the amount of stray animals in Longview comes after a man was attacked and killed by a pack of stray dogs last February.

The Longview Animal Advisory committee worked for months to find a solution to overcrowding and the safety of their residents. The ordinance will require owners of stray dogs and cats to be sterilized. Sterilization requirements and the intact pet permit include exemptions such as infertility or chronic health issues, according to the city. Continue reading New animal ordinance takes effect Saturday in Longview

LINDALE – School choice is one step closer to becoming a reality in the State of Texas despite public school officials’ disapproval according to our news partner KETK. The Texas Senate Education Committee is allowing the school voucher legislation to go up for a floor vote in the coming days. The governor has made this a top legislative priority, but some public school officials and lawmakers are fighting back.

Senate Bill 2 would create education savings accounts per student and lawmakers would approve $1 billion to get this program started. It’s money that Lindale ISD superintendent Stan Surratt said could go toward improving public schools instead.

The vote was 9-2 in the State Senate Education Committee with all Republicans voting to advance the school choice bill to a floor vote. Continue reading School choice bill will move towards Texas Senate

TYLER — Smith County residents are encouraged to attend an informative immigration Q&A session where specialists and Sheriff Larry Smith will address community concerns and provide insight into recent changes at the federal level. According to our news partner KETK, the session will be held at the Garnica Event Center behind El Norteño restaurant on 1027 E. NE Loop 323 in Tyler on Feb. 6 at 1 p.m. The event will offer a valuable opportunity for local residents to engage directly with experts, ask questions about current immigration policies and how they may affect the community, especially in light of the new presidential administration’s recent actions. Whether people have specific questions about legal processes, enforcement practices or how recent policy shifts could impact their community, this is a chance for the community to get accurate, up-to-date information.

Lawyers and other East Texas sheriffs are expected to be at the event, however a full list will soon be published on Facebook.

Residents are encouraged to bring their own questions and participate in this open forum. However, those who will not be able to attend, can soon submit their questions on the Facebook event page and watch a livestream of the session.

TYLER – The Texas Agriculture Commissioner has reappointed a Tyler man to the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority (TAFA) Board on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Ted F. Conover will continue serving as the board’s chairman and agricultural lending representative.

Conover was the president and chief executive officer of Heritage Land Bank from 1985 to 2005 and the held the same positions at the Bank of Tyler from 2005 to 2010. Conover has served on the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors Board of Directors, the State Advisory Board for Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership and the Advisory Committee for the Dean of Agricultural Sciences at East Texas A&M University.

Conover received a master’s degree in general agriculture from East Texas A&M University in 1973 and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 1999.

TAFA is a public authority designed to provide financial assistance to expand products, production, processing, marketing and exporting in Texas agriculture.

LONGVIEW — When Paul Guidroz heard his East Texas town could build an electric vehicle charging station, he began to think of what it could mean for the local economy.

Drivers traveling along Interstate 20 could pull into town, charge up and give a boost to small businesses, he said.

“They could stop here, get a coffee at one of our local coffee shops or even lunch while they charge their vehicles,” said Guidroz, Longview’s Main Street Coordinator who helps support local businesses.

The town of 83,236 sandwiched between Tyler and Shreveport, Louisiana, is on 56 stops the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, identified to establish the state’s “Electric Alternative Fuels Corridor.” The corridor is largely paid for by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill signed by President Joe Biden. Continue reading Longview debates where to place EV charging stations

WOOD COUTY — Two men from Mineola are dead after their vehicle crashed into a tree on Monday afternoon, according to reports from our news partner, KETK.

Texas DPS Sergeant Adam Albritton reported that the two men were traveling on County Road 2270 near Lake Holbrook at around 3 p.m. when the vehicle lost control and ran off the pavement, striking a tree. The driver, 22-year-old Nicholas Wilkins and 19-year-old passenger Brekeilyn Martin were pronounced dead at the scene, Albritton said.

The cause of the crash is currently unknown and remains under investigation.

SULPHUR SPRINGS — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a search is underway for the person responsible for a robbery on Sunday afternoon in Sulphur Springs.

According to the Sulphur Springs Police Department, a man reportedly robbed a T-Mobile on 151 Industrial Dr. E Ste 300 at around 3:45 p.m.
Detective Joe Scott of the Sulphur Springs PD said the suspect went into T-Mobile asking to look at three iPhones and when the store clerk brought them to him, he ran out of the store with the phones. Scott said the phones are worth a total of $4,900. Scott said the suspect is believed to be 6’4, around 240 pounds and not local to the area.

If anyone has any information regarding the investigation, call Detective Scott at 903-885-7602.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, two abandoned dogs were rescued in freezing conditions at a Van Zandt County house on Jan. 20 after their owner was evicted and is now facing charges of animal cruelty. “An Investigator with the SPCA of Texas’ Animal Cruelty Investigations (ACI) Unit responded to the property and discovered two adult dogs on a couch that was sitting outside by the curb,” the SPCA of Texas said. “At the time, in this area, it was 23 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills in the teens and the dogs were shivering due to the extreme cold without any protection from the elements.”

Officials determined that both dogs needed urgent care due to the freezing temperatures and visible medical issues they were suffering. The investigator took custody of the dogs and transported them to their Dallas facility where they obtained immediate veterinary care.

“One of the dogs, an adult Rottweiler, had an untreated ruptured eyeball that was oozing, infected and painful,” the SPCA of Texas said. “The other dog was covered in tumor-like masses. Both dogs were infested with fleas, causing raw and itchy skin and they both had advanced stages of dental disease.” Continue reading SPCA of Texas rescues abandoned dogs, woman arrested

CANTON — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a morning house fire in Canton led to the tragic death of a 75-year-old woman.

According to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer, on Jan. 24 at 5:19 a.m., a unit arrived at Linda Raye Jones’ home on 27866 State Highway 64 near Sundance Hall where they found Jones dead inside her home that was engulfed in flames. Officials said the fire began in the garage and spread to the home. Officials determined the house to be a total loss after firefighters were on the scene for five hours. According to Jones’ obituary, her memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday at Eubank Funeral Home. Jones was a former member of the Canton Chamber of Commerce and was once elected Woman of the Year.

The family described Jones as fashionable, classy and feisty, often speeding along the roads of Van Zandt County. Jones’s Daughter, Jessica Milligan says that people can support the family by donating to Jones’s GoFundMe.

LONGVIEW— Our news partner, KETK, reports that more than 40 employees in Longview are set to lose their jobs following the termination of a key contract.

A letter from S&B’s Vice President of Human Resources Wendy Coker revealed that Eastman Chemical Company has notified S&B that it will end its engineering services contract, with the transition of services to another provider scheduled for March 31.As a result, S&B will shut down its operations at its Longview Facility on 814 S Eastman Road. Coker confirmed that the closure will lead to the layoff of all 43 employees assigned to this location.

“All affected employees are expected to be separated from employment on March 28 and have been provided with sixty days of working notice,” Coker said.

The positions impacted by the closure include project controls, engineers, mechanical specialists, piping designers, electrical engineers and civil/structural engineers.

MOUNT PLEASANT — Our news partner, KETK, reports that two Mount Pleasant streets are closed after a man, arrested for a DWI, crashed into a power pole Tuesday night.

According to the Mount Pleasant Police Department, officers responded to a wreck and found that a truck had crashed into a power pole, almost cutting it off. Officials identified the driver as Jose Francisco Patino, and arrested him for driving while intoxicated. Officials said that East 1st Street and Lee Street are closed until the power pole has been replaced in front of the B&A Center. The power company is currently using a crane to keep the power pole in place until crews can replace it.

“We will open East 1st as soon as we can and East 2nd, coming toward Jefferson, will remain open unless it becomes necessary to shut it down,” Mount Pleasant PD said.

Francisco was booked into the Titus County Jail and has since been released

HALLSVILLE – Two Hallsville ISD employees were taken to the hospital Wednesday morning after a school bus was involved in a wreck, according to our news partners at KETK. According to the district, around 5:50 a.m. a bus was in a three-vehicle accident that left two employees injured. The school explained that at the time of the accident, there were no students on the bus. The driver and the bus monitor have been transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, HISD said.

Tyler – More than 400 junior and senior Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at Tyler ISD sharpened their career readiness skills at the district’s annual CTE Student Resume Workshop. The workshop gave students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from more than 30 local businesses. Industry professionals offered feedback on students’ resumes, helping them refine their presentation of skills and experience. The event served as a crucial step for students as they prepare for the upcoming Opportunity Fair in April, where they will present their polished resumes to potential employers. Continue reading Tyler ISD students take first step toward career success

UPDATE: The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 46-year-old Timothy Mefford, from El Paso. The victim was flown to a Tyler hospital where he is now on life support. The dispute is suspected to be over a woman who was at the scene.

RUSK COUNTY — Rusk County deputies are investigating  a shooting Tuesday night. According to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to Rusk County Road 411D to a reported gunshot victim. Upon arrival, deputies found a man with a gunshot wound to the head. The man was taken to a Henderson hospital, and later care flighted to Tyler. A person of interest has been identified and officers are following up on information and leads.

Officials said this is an active investigation and based on their initial findings there is no threat to the public. Anyone with information regarding the incident are asked to call the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit at 903-657-3581.

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Commissioners Court accepted a donation of nine LIFEPACK CR2 Defibrillators to be placed in county buildings. Smith County Judge Neal Franklin thanked UT Health EMS for the generous donation of Automated Externa Defibrillators (AEDs), worth $21,000. The funds come from a First Responders Fund, he added during Commissioners Court on Tuesday, January 28. Franklin said UT Health EMS gave Smith County six AEDs last year and are helping the county greatly. The goal is to get an AED in every one of Smith County’s 29 buildings. “They are truly a lifesaver,” he said. “They are easy to use, with clear instructions … We are very thankful.”

HALLSVILLE– Our news partner, KETK, reports that two Hallsville ISD employees were taken to the hospital Wednesday morning after a school bus was involved in a wreck.

According to the district, around 5:50 a.m. a bus was in a three-vehicle accident that left two employees injured.

The school explained that at the time of the accident, there were no students on the bus. The driver and the bus monitor have been transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, HISD said.

TYLER – East Texas nonprofits are anxiously waiting to see what happens next after a federal judge blocked the pause on federal loans and grants. Many of the organizations rely on federal money to provide critical services to people in our communities.

On Monday night, the Trump Administration announced that there’s a temporary pause on “All activities related to obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance, and other relevant agency activities that may be implicated by the executive orders, including, but not limited to, financial assistance for foreign aid, non-governmental organizations, DEI, woke gender ideology and the green new deal.”

According to our news partner KETK, the Andrews Center and the East Texas Crisis Center felt blindsided by the freeze. Administrators said they are unsure on what is going to happen next. They’re worried they might have to cut back on services many East Texans rely on if they lose federal money permanently. The Andrews Center in Tyler heavily relies on healthcare grants. Continue reading East Texas nonprofits worried about federal fund freeze

SMITH COUNTY – Our news partner KETK is reporting that one person has died after two vehicles crashed on FM 2015 on Tuesday. According to Smith County Emergency Services District 2, the crash happened at about a mile north of Interstate 20 on FM 2015 at around 8:17 p.m. One person was killed in the crash and officials said another person was taken for medical treatment at a local hospital.

Traffic was down to one lane at FM 2015 but ESD 2 officials told KETK the scene has been cleared. The Texas Department of Public Safety also responded to the scene.

KILGORE – Kilgore Police are searching for the person allegedly responsible for a Saturday evening forgery incident in Kilgore. According to our news partner KETK, KPD said the crime occurred at the Walmart on Stone St. around 7 p.m. Authorities ask if you recognize the person in the picture shown, to call the Kilgore Police Department at 903-218-6904 and ask for Detective Justin Murphy or email [email protected].

TYLER – A Rusk County Game Warden was recognized by Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission during its January meeting for his contributions to the agency. According to our news partner KETK, Game Warder Kirk Clendening was named the 2024 Fish and Wildlife Agencies Texas Officer of the Year.

The TPW Commission said in a release, “A hardworking and proactive officer, Clendening consistently excels in marine patrol operations, investigations and public outreach. Both locally and for wardens across the state, he leads by example through his work ethic and teamwork on a daily basis.”

Clendening is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in criminology in 2010 and began his tenure with TPW Department when he was accepted into the 56th Texas Game Warden Academy in 2011. He has previously served in Val Verde County, Smith County and was a full-time member of the Marine Tactical Operations Group in Corpus Christi. Clendening then moved to Rusk County and has served there for over seven years.

HENDERSON COUNTY- Our news partner, KETK, reports that two Gun Barrel City residents were arrested after narcotics officers allegedly found methamphetamine inside their home on Tanglewood Drive in the Gun Barrel City area.

According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, around 6 p.m. narcotics investigators and a K9 executed a search warrant. While officers were searching the home, they found a quantity of methamphetamine that was packaged for distribution along with several baggies and scales. Several preloaded syringes filled with liquid methamphetamine that were ready for sale were also discovered. Upon completion of their investigation, residents John Joseph Stuart and Melissa Leigh Lenox were taken into custody and booked on Controlled Substance Charges. Stuart on the charge of possession of a Controlled Substance, and Lenox for the Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance.