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TYLER – A Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for counterfeit documents scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Juan Carlos Rodriguez, Sr., 50, pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on December 4, 2024. Continue reading Smith County man sentenced for producing counterfeit identification

PALESTINE — Safe Haven held a blessing ceremony for the first baby box in East Texas on Tuesday, providing an anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their children to first responders.

However the road to get the baby box at Fire Station 1 in Palestine took nearly a year according to our news partner KETK. Sue Tingle, an East Texas grandmother, said her now 2-year-old granddaughter was surrendered in a baby box in Indiana hours after her birth with her umbilical cord still attached. Tingle raised thousands of dollars in the past year to have the baby box installed, and on Tuesday, it became fully functional.

“Without Myah, there would be no Safe Haven box,” Tingle said. Continue reading East Texas’ first Safe Haven Baby Box now ready

MARSHALL – Marshall Police Department officials said since the beginning of the year they have received more than 40 reports of hit-and-runs, with one of two last week leading to an arrest.

According to our news partner KETK, the “troubling statistic” isn’t just illegal but a serious issue of safety and responsibility. 48 weeks have passed since January meaning there has been about one hit-and-run case every week in the City of Marshall. Marshall PD said a recent hit-and-run investigation led to the arrest of a 23-year-old Marshall woman who was charged with accident involving damage greater than or equal to $200. Authorities said leaving the scene of class B misdemeanor could lead to six months in jail or a fine of up to $2,000.

“Texas law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop, exchange information, and assist anyone who may be injured,” Marshall PD said. Continue reading Marshall PD speaks on ‘troubling’ hit-and-run statistic

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue was reappointed Tuesday to another two-year term. The Commissioners Court voted to approve his additional term, which will take effect on December 20, 2024. He will be sworn in to office for the second term on that date. Hogue was initially appointed to serve as Smith County Fire Marshal on September 19, 2023. He worked at the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office as assistant emergency management coordinator and deputy fire marshal since January 2017.

From 2015-2017, Hogue worked as a Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy, and from 2012-2015, he served as the Gregg County Fire Marshal. From 2010-2015, he instructed Fire Academy Cadets through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and he served as an airport firefighter, deputy and EMT sergeant for the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office from 2008-2012, and as a lieutenant firefighter and EMT for the Gladewater Fire Department from 1999-2008. He has also served as guest instructor at the Texas A&M University Municipal Fire School

TYLER – Dr. Ricardo “Rico” Allen II, a UT Tyler adjunct instructor of saxophone and jazz studies, and the members of his saxophone quartet, Lotus, played saxophone on the album “Impossible Dream,” which is nominated for a Grammy in the best traditional pop album category. “Impossible Dream” was recorded by Broadway star Aaron Lazar and features duets with Broadway stars including Josh Groban, Neil Patrick Harris, Leslie Odom Jr. and Kristin Chenoweth. “Receiving this Grammy-affiliate nomination was something that I would have never thought possible, but it is truly a dream come true,” said Allen. “I am so very thankful to Christina Giacona for asking me and my saxophone quartet to play on Aaron Lazar’s wonderful album.”

PALESTINE – An 18-year-old and a 22-year-old from Oklahoma are behind bars in the Anderson County Jail after being found in a stolen car and leading Palestine police on a chase Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

According to our news partner, KETK, the Palestine Police Department was told that two people were at a Starbucks in a stolen vehicle, around 1 p.m. an officer was called. The officer reportedly saw a silver Hyundai occupied by two men in the Starbucks parking lot and confirmed that the car had been stolen out of Oklahoma. The officer then stopped the car and tried to detain Jimmie Payne, 18 of Palestine, officials said.
Continue reading Two arrested in Palestine for Oklahoma car theft

TYLER — NET Health observes National Influenza Vaccination Week by providing flu vaccines in their main offices at 815 N. Broadway, on the corner of North Broadway and Gentry Parkway. The hours of operation for the NET Health Immunizations Clinic are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. On Wednesdays, the clinic remains open until 6:00 p.m.

NET Health provides the seasonal flu vaccine on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most simple and safest protection against the influenza virus (i.e., the flu) is vaccination. Flu vaccines are updated every year to better match the strains of the flu virus expected to be in circulation across the United States, and people who are at an increased risk for health complications from the flu should receive the flu vaccine before flu season arrives in northeast Texas. Continue reading NET Health offering flu vaccines

TYLER — Arrest documents shed new details on a man accused of sexually assaulting an employee in Irving and arrested in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Patrick Hoversten, of Sonoma, Ca., was arrested in November after the Irving Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest following an alleged assault in the 4000 block of West Airport Freeway in Dallas County.

According to arrest documents, on Nov. 10 at around 2 p.m., Hoversten allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened to hurt the victim if she did not comply with his sexual demands. During the assault, Hoversten would take the victim into different parts of the Irving store, after officials believe he saw surveillance cameras.

“During the assault, the defendant grabbed the victim forcefully by the neck and throat to move her and threatened to kill her or stab her eyes,” the arrest affidavit said. Continue reading New details on man accused of sexually assaulting employee

TYLER — Four restaurants in Tyler closed their doors at their South Broadway locations early Monday night, because of an electrical problem. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler FD Battalion Chief Cordell Parker said, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s, Olive Garden and Golden Corral closed after a call reported smoke detected at Applebee’s around 7 p.m. Crews from ONCOR concluded the HVAC unit at Applebee’s had the electric issue, which caused them to power down all four restaurants. While the four eateries closed Monday evening, KTBB confirmed, they all reopened Tuesday.

TYLER – The Tyler Economic Development Council Monday completed the purchase of 281 acres to develop a New Business Park.  The property was bought from the Wisenbaker family and will provide a competitive location for bringing new business to Tyler, leading to more jobs, and increased economic growth. The new property is located three and a half miles north of downtown Tyler, between State Park Highway 14 and U.S. Highway 271. 

“The Tyler Economic Development Council launched its Strategic Sites Initiative in early 2021 with the goal of developing real estate that meets the market demand for economic development projects. A fundamental element of any successful economic development program is having suitable real estate to attract new economic development projects. An economic development program without competitive sites is akin to Baskin Robbins not having ice cream,” said Scott Martinez, TEDC President and CEO.

The Wisenbaker property buy is the second major land purchase by the TEDC since early 2023. At that time, the council purchased 412 acres, which is being developed as the Tyler Interstate Commerce Park. More information about the development will be shared on the TEDC website as it becomes available.

TYLER – Tyler Parks and Recreations has extended the deadline for resident feedback on the Tyler Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan online survey until Tuesday, Dec. 31. The survey gathers community input on playgrounds, trails, athletic fields, and other available amenities to improve City parks, recreation areas and open spaces. Feedback on the master plan shapes how the Parks team prioritizes different projects for the next 10 years. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey available at City of Tyler Parks, Recreation and Open Space Survey 2025. All participants will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an Echo Dot. Continue reading Tyler Parks and Rec extends deadline for resident input

JACKSONVILLE– UPDATE: Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Jacksonville Police Department has arrested a man in connection to the Nov. 27, 2024 hit-and-run death of Tayedrian Baker.

Londedric Jayquell Taylor Sr., 30 of Jacksonville, was arrested for accident involving serious bodily injury or death and has been booked into the Cherokee County Jail.

“Our hearts go out to Mr. Baker’s family during this difficult time. The case remains under investigation, and no further details will be released at this time,” the Jacksonville Police Department said.

ORIGINAL STORY: Our news partner, KETK, reports that a 25-year-old East Texas cyclist died after being hit by a vehicle Friday night, now authorities are seeking help to identify the driver involved. Continue reading Man arrested after cyclist killed in Jacksonville hit-and-run

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – A retired Texas judge who signed death row inmate Robert Roberson’s execution warrant earlier this year has recused herself from his case according to our news partner KETK. The court filing was signed on Monday by senior state District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans in Anderson County. No specific reason was given for her decision.

“I have not yet been served with this order and do not know anything about what prompted Judge Evans to sign this order soon before Thanksgiving,” Gretchen Sween, Roberson’s attorney, told The Texas Tribune.

Roberson was convicted of capital murder in 2003 for the death of his chronically ill 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. At his trial, prosecutors accused Roberson of shaking Nikki so violently that she died. But Roberson, who was diagnosed with autism after his conviction, has maintained his innocence. Continue reading Judge in Roberson’s death row case agrees to recusal

PALESTINE – A retired Anderson County judge who signed death row inmate Robert Roberson’s execution warrant earlier this year has recused herself from his case. According to The Texas Tribune, senior state District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans signed the court filing last Monday. No reason was given for her decision.

“I have not yet been served with this order and do not know anything about what prompted Judge Evans to sign this order soon before Thanksgiving,” Gretchen Sween, Roberson’s attorney, told The Texas Tribune.

Roberson was convicted of capital murder in 2003 for the death of his chronically ill 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. At his trial, prosecutors accused Roberson of shaking Nikki so violently that she died. But Roberson, who was diagnosed with autism after his conviction, has maintained his innocence.
Continue reading Robert Roberson’s trial judge agrees to recusal

TYLER – In honor of Rosa Parks, a seat on each Tyler Transit bus will be reserved for her memory on Monday, Dec. 2.  Dec. 1 marks the anniversary of a milestone in the Civil Rights movement. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the colored section of the bus for a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. After refusing the bus driver’s order to move, she was arrested for civil disobedience. 

Rosa Parks’ action sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 381 days until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation on public transit systems was unconstitutional. The boycott helped end segregation of public facilities in the United States, and Rosa Parks became known as the “mother of the freedom movement.”

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department said that one person was injured in a shooting Friday night. According to our news partner KETK, the incident happened in North Tyler, at Queen Street and West Gentry Parkway around 9:15 p.m. Tyler PD public information officer Andy Erbaugh said the injury wasn’t life-threatening, but it wasn’t random. The investigation is still running and no information is available on a suspect.

TYLER – The 22nd annual Tyler Turkey Trot 5K and Fun Run was Thanksgiving morning. According to our news partner KETK, the event started with the kids race at 8:30 a.m. And the 5K got it start at 9 a.m. The event started and finished at the Racquet & Jog on S. Broadway Avenue. The Kids’ race started at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K got started at 9 a.m.

Registration for the Turkey Trot included a medal and a commemorative t-shirt. Funds raised will be given to the Promise Academy private Christian school in Tyler.

“We just love being part of the community, we get to see the people come together, it’s fun just organizing it and seeing the fruits of your labor, so it’s just nice to see families come together in a tradition they can partake in,” said Michelle Pena, race organizer with the Tyler Turkey Trot.

KETK’s Chief Meteorologist Carson Vickroy, placed 5th out of 2250 runners in Thursday’s 5K race. To see the full race results click here.

SMITH COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety said that 2 people died in a plane crash near Burleson Lake near Mineola on Wednesday night. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened at around 10:20 p.m. on Wednesday  at a private ranch on Live Oak Drive in northern Smith County. DPS said that the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the crash.

The Smith County Sheriff’s office said deputies were first called out to look for the crashed small plane along with DPS and Smith County Emergency Services District 2.

SHELBY COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, more than 3,500 gallons of grease trap waste was illegally dumped into a creek bed and the Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department said it was successfully collected but authorities will be after those responsible.

The SC fire department officials confirmed that thousands of gallons were dumped into a creek bed off Richardson Street and that the creek flows through the City of Joaquin. Much of the waste was collected and that crews will continue to work in the area to reclaim any additional material.

“This costly cleanup operation is being funded by the state, and the case has been turned over to state authorities for further investigation,” the Joaquin VFD said. “If you have seen anything suspicious in the area over the last few days, please contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office to provide a tip.” Continue reading 3,500 gallons of grease dumped into Shelby County creek

ANGELINA COUNTY — The FBI is asking for the public’s help in identifying potential victims of an East Texas man accused of running a decadelong series of fraudulent investment schemes that targeted individuals across the country. According to our news partner KETK, Matthew Jess Thrash of Lufkin, has been indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for federal violations of wire fraud and money laundering. The FBI believes that Thrash targeted individuals between 2012 through 2024 using several false investment schemes including a fake sports management company, a fake sports memorabilia store and the fraudulent sale of stock in cannabis dispensaries. He reportedly targeted victims throughout Texas, Las Vegas, Shreveport and Tampa.
Continue reading FBI seeks your help with area con man

MARSHALL — A Marshall man has been arrested for the murder of a relative. According to our news partner KETK, Marshall Police answered a call of a reported stabbing incident Wednesday afternoon, during the lunch hour, near the intersection of Norwood and Randolph Streets. Upon arriving, investigators found out the caller allegedly stabbed a person that was also his relative. 36-year-old Brian Griffin was booked into the Harrison County Jail and charged with murder. MPD said the investigation is continuing.

LINDALE – Our news partners at KETK report that experts are predicting record-breaking travel numbers for Thanksgiving and QuikTrip clerk Adam Woodsom is no stranger to the holiday rush that brings an onslaught of travelers to the gas pumps. Woodsom, who works at the Lindale location just off Interstate 20, said this year he’s already seeing more people traveling for Thanksgiving than in year’s past. “Time goes by fast I like being busy,” Woodsom said. “We’ve had a lot more family travel, especially now that winter break has started.” Continue reading Local gas stations ready for the rush

HENDERSON COUNTY — An East Texas man has been sentenced after being found guilty for the murder of a missing person, whose body was found in 2022 in a hand-dug grave. More than two years after a missing person’s body was found, Steven Clowdus will now begin his prison sentence after a jury found him guilty of murder, tampering or fabricating physical evidence and intent to impair a human corpse. Our news partner, KETK, reports that on May 26, 2022, authorities were notified of a missing person’s body and truck that were found at a residence off Highway 85 just outside of Seven Points. When officials arrived to the scene they located a truck that was “cut into several pieces” and uncovered a hand-dug grave containing the missing person’s body. Shortly after, officials identified the missing person as Jimmy Dean Oldfield who went missing earlier that month on May 15.
Continue reading Suspect sentenced in missing man’s murder

MURCHISON — A third grade student at Murchison ISD has died while visiting family members for the Thanksgiving holiday, school officials said.

According to our news partner, KETK, the third grader died early Tuesday morning and at this time, district officials will not be releasing the student’s name out of respect for the family. Parents of current students will be notified through Remind and the school’s counselor, alongside additional staff will be available to offer support. “Our desire now is to provide support for the family, students and staff who are grieving by showing grace and the space to process this tragedy,” school officials said. “More information will be communicated to parents as necessary through the district messaging system. If you have any questions or need additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.”

A candlelight vigil will be held at the school playground on Friday where attendees are asked to wear red in honor of the student’s favorite color.

EAST TEXAS – If you don’t want to roll the dice on your family’s cooking this Thanksgiving or need to pick up something last-minute, you’re in luck! Multiple local restaurants will be open for Thanksgiving Day, and our news partners at KETK have compiled a list of stores that’ll be open as well.
Continue reading Area restaurants and stores open for Thanksgiving Day

LONGVIEW — The Longview Fire Department held a grand opening Tuesday afternoon for their new station that will serve a growing area of the city. According to our news partner KETK, Station 8, located on 5922 Lou Galosy Way, was funded by a 2018 legislation that approved $52 million for public safety. Longview leaders said they are excited to support an area that is rapidly growing. Longview Fire Chief J.P. Steelman said the new station is a night and day difference compared to the previous one.

Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony, the fire department held a hose uncoupling with members of the community present. People were able to see inside the new facility that is just off George Richey Road.