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KILGORE– Post Oak Road in Kilgore is closed after a large sinkhole was discovered, that according to our news partner KETK. The sinkhole was found at a creek crossing near Highway 42 and it was revealed that a storm sewer pipe under the road has collapsed. City officials ask that drivers use caution in the area. The road will be closed until next April while repairs are made.

GREGG COUNTY – Traffic on I-20 was backing up as officials deal with a stalled cattle hauler on the interstate. According to our news partner KETK, the 18-wheeler hauling cattle has reportedly stalled out on I-20 westbound late Wednesday morning, near Highways 31 and 42. DPS Sgt. Adam Albritton asks the drivers use caution in that area, as traffic is being impacted as they offload cattle from the vehicle. Officials said this could take several hours.

LONGVIEW – Our news partners at KETK report that a 29-year-old is behind bars in connection to the Monday Longview apartment complex shooting that injured one man. The Longview Police Department said 29-year-old Andre Avant, of Longview, was booked into the Gregg County Jail and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Avant is being held on a $150,000 bond.

PANOLA COUNTY – An East Texas man found guilty of possessing child pornography has received what is believed to be the longest prison sentence in Panola County history, according to our news partners at KETK. According to the Panola County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, a judge sentenced Christopher James Williamson, 38 of Carthage, to a cumulative prison term of 750 years on Monday. The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division originally arrested Williamson on Feb. 6 for possession of child porn, then indicted by a Panola County Grand Jury for ten charges of possession. The DA’s office said a DPS agent testified “that out of the dozens and dozens of cases that he has investigated, that this was by far the worst case he has ever seen.” Continue reading East Texas man sentenced 750 years for child porn

TYLER — In response to a troubling increase in threats made against schools across the country and in East Texas, Tyler ISD is reaching out to parents and guardians for their support in fostering a safe school environment. “Making a threat against a school, whether real or fake, is a crime with very serious legal consequences,” stated Acting Tyler ISD Police Chief Destry Walsworth. “These threats not only cause fear among students, staff, and families, but they also divert vital resources away from education and safety efforts.”

While many of these incidents turn out to be hoaxes, the repercussions can be significant. Law enforcement is often required to allocate substantial time and resources to investigate these threats, which detracts from their essential mission of keeping our community safe. Continue reading Local school district calls for community support

AUSTIN – The Texas District and County Attorney Association recently named Smith County Assistant District Attorneys Chris Gatewood and Richard Vance as the Lone Star Prosecutor Of The Year. According to a release from the Smith County District Attorney’s Office, Gatewood and Vance, successfully prosecuted an intoxicated defendant who struck and killed Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy Lorenzo Bustos while he was conducting a traffic stop.

The TDCAA is the statewide organization that provides training, collaboration, and support to all of the County and District Attorney offices across the state. The Lone Star Prosecutor of the Year award is given by the TDCAA annually to a prosecutor or prosecutors who have demonstrated outstanding legal knowledge, dedication to justice, and a profound impact on their community.
Continue reading 2024 Lone Star Prosecutors of the Year named

CHANDLER – Our news partners at KETK report that authorities said one person was pronounced dead at the scene of a two-vehicle crash Monday night on State Highway 31 in Chandler. According to the Chandler Volunteer Fire Department, first responders were dispatched to a major crash where one person was trapped on SH 31 shortly after 8 p.m. Firefighters immediately began trying to extricate the person trapped once they arrived to the scene, the fire department said. However, due to the extent of the patients injuries, Chandler VFD said the person did not survive and was pronounced dead at the scene by a Justice of the Peace. The occupants of the other vehicle involved were hospitalized and the fire department said their conditions are unknown.

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue gave an update about the burn ban and current fire conditions during Commissioners Court on Tuesday, October 29. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) for Smith County is at an average of 747. The KBDI ranges from 0 to 800, and is used to determine forest fire potential. Although rain is forecast this week, Hogue said “we need a significant amount of rain to make a difference.” Fire danger is especially high today because of high winds. Continue reading Burn Ban update

TYLER – Former President Donald J. Trump has a five-point lead over Vice President Kamala Harris among likely voters in Texas, 51% to 46%, according to a pre-election poll conducted by The University of Texas at Tyler Center for Opinion Research. This finding is similar to results of a June poll that showed Trump with a five-point lead over President Joe Biden among likely Texas voters, 48% to 43%, with fewer undecided voters closer to the November 5, 2024, election, according to Dr. Kenneth A. Wink, UT Tyler professor and poll director.

The 5% lead for Trump is slightly smaller than his 5.6% win over Biden in Texas in 2020, and significantly smaller than his 9% win over Hillary Clinton in Texas in 2016. Fifty percent of all respondents thought the election would be “close,” with 63% of Democrats and 40% of Republicans expecting a close election. Continue reading Final UT Tyler poll of this election cycle

TYLER — Doses of Narcan, the lifesaving nasal spray used to reverse overdoses and effects of fentanyl poisoning, are now available for students and staff of the University of Texas at Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, University officials said they are launching the initiative to make Narcan available on a regular basis in observance of the first Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month.

“Fentanyl is the No. 1 killer of Americans ages 18-45. Fentanyl-related deaths in Texas increased over 600% from 2019 to 2023, taking the lives of more than 7,000 innocent Texans in just 4 years,” the Office of Texas Governor Gregg Abbott said. “This crisis affects the lives of everyone, tearing away friends and family members from their loved ones.” Continue reading Free Narcan initiative launches at UT Tyler campuses

SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, Smith County election officials are reminding voters to leave their campaign gear at home when they head to the voting booth. The Texas election code is clear, stating a person can not wear political gear when heading to vote. The law prohibits political shirts, hats, signs or other campaign gear in a 100-foot area around polling stations. It’s a crime called electioneering. The any clothing worn can’t express preference for any candidate, measure or political party.

In the first week of early voting, Smith County poll workers said they saw a lot of people wearing political shirts and caps when they showed up to vote. Smith County voter, Craig Pearson believes people should wear what they want to the polls. “I don’t feel that’s right. I don’t think it is. What are they afraid of, that they’re going to actually see an opposing opinion? Not everybody’s the same, the world’s different,” said Craig Pearson, Smith County voter.

In San Antonio, things turned violent over the weekend. Continue reading Officials warn voters to not wear political gear to polls

LONGVIEW — A grand jury found a Louisiana man guilty of murdering an East Texas deputy on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the prosecutors are now seeking the death penalty.

Gregory Newson, was accused of shooting and killing William Chris Dickerson, a Panola County deputy during a traffic stop on New Year’s Eve in 2019. Newson was accused of fleeing the scene, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash. The prosecutors asked the jury to look at the evidence in this case when making their decision. During closing statements, the state reviewed evidence, replayed body and dash camera video body which depicted the deputy being shot and Newson driving away.

“Your verdict today is not going to bring Chris Dickerson back,” Wes May, a state lawyer said. “It’s not going to fill the hole left in the shield that these men and women who testified in this case and who Chris himself represented, but it will be one step toward taking justice.”

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department (MPD) released a statement on their Facebook page regarding the arrest of Benjamin Dale Hawkins, Jr., 45 of Marshall. He was booked into the Harrison County Jail on the charges of Possessing Dangerous Drugs, Credit/Debit Card Abuse, Burglary of Vehicles, and Theft of Materials (Aluminum/Bronze/Copper/Brass valued under $20,000). Authorities were led to Hawkins after a business reported a man “acting suspiciously”. MPD arrived at Hawkins’ residence to question him. During the encounter, Hawkins was found in possession of prescription medication bottles that were not in his name, as well as multiple credit cards belonging to other individuals.

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that a father and son are dead due to an apparent murder-suicide. The Tyler Police Department arrived at the scene around 1:25 p.m. and identified both victims. The son is Anthony Gyallai, 45, and the father is Otto Gyallai, 88. Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh announced that a preliminary investigation helped conclude that Anthony shot Otto before shooting himself. Otto’s wife was asleep in the bedroom and did not hear anything. She is physically unharmed, according to Erbaugh. The investigation is still ongoing and any updates will be posted.

LONGVIEW– Our KETK News partner reports that A jury found Gregory Newson guilty for the murder of Panola County deputy William Chris Dickerson on Monday afternoon. Trial started on Monday.

Gregory Newson’s trial started in Gregg County on Wednesday morning.

It was moved out of Panola County, where the accused crime took place, after a judge determined that an impartial and fair trial could not happen there. The state is seeking the death penalty and Newson has pleaded not guilty.

Newson was charged and is accused of shooting and killing Panola County Sheriff’s deputy William Chris Dickerson. He is also accused of fleeing the scene, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash in Louisiana back in 2019.
Continue reading Man Found Guilty of Murdering Panola County Deputy

ATHENS – Our news partners at KETK report a Palestine man is behind bars for a Thursday hotel stabbing where one was hospitalized and a bloodied room with signs of a struggle was left behind, a warrant said. According to the Athens Police Department, officers responded to a stabbing at around 2:15 a.m. at the Victorian Inn hotel on 1803 SH 31 East in Athens. The warrant said police found the 37-year-old victim on the sidewalk outside of room 118 with stab wounds to the face, chest and abdomen. The victim told officers he had gotten into an argument inside the room with his acquaintance identified as 50-year-old Kerry Barnett, of Palestine. The documents state the victim told police Barnett had stabbed him with a knife and was still inside room 118. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment, a probable cause affidavit said. Continue reading Athens hotel stabbing leads to arrest

LONGVIEW – Charges are pending following a Friday night domestic shooting where a homeowner’s relative made forced entry and sustained life-threatening injuries, the Longview Police Department said. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to a domestic call shortly before 11 p.m. in the 600 block of Ridgelea Avenue where they found a 38-year-old man with a gunshot wound.

Investigators said the shooting was a result of a fight between family members. Police said the man who was shot made forced entry into a family members home and was seriously injured after the resident shot him. Police said the man was taken to a local hospital with life threatening injuries and charges are pending.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department (LPD) released a statement saying they responded to a Sunday evening shooting involving two unidentified men. The two involved reportedly know each other and it occurred in a Lear Park parking lot. LPD also stated that the shooting is under investigation and anyone who has information regarding the shooting is being urged to contact LPD.

LONGVIEW – The Gregg County Fire Marshall’s Office is investigating the cause of a fire that burned a private hanger at the East Texas Regional Airport on Saturday night.

According to our news partner KETK, the fire was reported at around 8 p.m. on Saturday. The Elderville-Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department arrived at the scene and found light smoke coming from a hanger and when they entered the hanger they found “heavy fire conditions.”

The East Texas Regional Airport Fire Department, the Elderville-Lakeport Volunteer Fire Department, the Longview Fire Department and the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office Airport Fire unit were able to put out the fire by 11 p.m. on Saturday.

Russell said that the private hanger and it’s contents were burned in the fire. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation as the Gregg County Fire Marshal’s Office is continuing to conduct interviews.

TYLER – As we get closer to election day, the Texas Senate race is on and Senator Ted Cruz made several stops in East Texas along his campaign trail. According to our news partner KETK, Senator Cruz visited two local cities, stopping first in Nacogdoches at CC’s Smokehouse. 411 East Texans crowded into the restaurant on Friday to hear him speak. Cruz and his team then moved on to the city of Tyler in Smith County where he greeted local voters.

He spoke to the packed rooms about his list of accomplishments over the last 12 years in Washington and on making the economy stronger for everyone and keeping Texas like Texas. At both stops Cruz said this is a race unlike any other which makes East Texas vital for voter turnout.

“I worked hand in hand with Donald Trump to secure the boarder and we achieved incredible success, we produced the lowest rate of illegal immigration in 45 years,” Cruz said. Continue reading Ted Cruz campaigns in Nacogdoches, Tyler ahead of Election Day

LUFKIN – Since 1980, the Lufkin Mall has been a gem for deep East Texas shopping. Now, according to our news partner KETK, the building, along with the 32 acre property, is for sale. The estimated minimum bid is $1,028,811.78. Documents said beginning at 10 a.m. on Nov. 5, the county will sell to the highest bidder. The Angelina Tax Collector’s Office said the mall’s parent company owes several county entities taxes that total more than $1,000,000. Over 50 stores have called the building along with an AMC Theatre.

TATUM – Improvised explosive devices, firearms and suspected drugs were found in an East Texas home recently leading to the arrest of a Tatum man on Tuesday, according to our news partner KETK.

The sheriff’s office started investigating allegations, earlier this month, that improvised explosive devices were being made and stored at a Tatum property on County Road 2192. A search warrant was obtained and on Oct. 7, the sheriff’s office, Tatum Police Department and the Constable Precinct 2 Office searched the property. Officials said two improvised explosive devices were found during the search and the Tyler office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) was contacted to secure the devices. Several firearms, suspected marijuana and suspected methamphetamines were also reportedly found.

As a result of the search, arrest warrants were obtained for 65 year-old Ronald Martin for possession of prohibited weapons and controlled substances.

TEXARKANA – Our news partners at KETK report the Texarkana Police Department arrested two women on Thursday following accusations that they beat their roommate’s children. According to a release, Texarkana PD was contacted by the mother of three children who reported that she had left her children in the care of her roommates while she went to work. The mother reported that when she returned from work, her children told her that her roommates had beaten them with a belt and a stick, police said. Police said that “all three [children] had bruises and whelps on their buttocks and all down their legs.” Continue reading Two women arrested for beating roommate’s children

LIBERTY CITY — The Texas Tribune reports Zachary Carnes is a government professor at Kilgore College but these days, he says, he feels more like a “traveling preacher.” When he first started at the community college in East Texas, he stood in front of a wide array of adults, those who just graduated high school and those looking for a new direction in life. Now he finds himself driving in his pickup truck between high school campuses teaching a course on government to teenagers. Continue reading East Texas high schoolers transforming Kilgore College

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that Senator Ted Cruz (R-Tx) and his challenger Rep. Colin Allred (D-Tx) are making what could be their last East Texas campaign stops of the year on Friday. Allred will be stopping in Crockett at around noon on Friday near an oil well in town. Later that night, he’ll be campaigning with Presidential candidate Kamala Harris and Beyonce down in Houston. Cruz will be stopping at CC’s Smokehouse in Nacogdoches at 3:30 p.m. and then he’ll be in Tyler’s 1836 Restaurant at 6:30 p.m. To learn more, visit Ted Cruz or Collin Allred’s websites online.

LUFKIN– Our KETK news partners report that drivers are asked to avoid a portion of College Drive in Lufkin due to a wreck involving two 18-wheelers.

No injuries were reported in the wreck, but traffic delays are expected. College Drive from Daniel McCall Drive to South First Street will be closed for several hours Friday as officials clean up the scene.

According to the city of Lufkin, a car hauler and a commercial truck holding sand were in a wreck around 5:10 a.m. on the southbound side of U.S. 59 and South First Street. Due to the car hauler blocking the road, inbound traffic on College Drive is blocked. While traffic at the intersection of College Drive and South First is moving, the city said southbound traffic is reduced to one lane.

As the day goes on and cleanup continues, some lanes may need to be closed at various times, especially southbound lanes. Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible.