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RUSK – Our news partner KETK is reporting that over the past seven months, the Wisconsin-based “Freedom From Religion Foundation” (FFRF) sent three letters to Rusk ISD, asking the district to stop their student-led prayers before football games, claiming they are unconstitutional. FFRF is a national non-profit that advocates for atheists, agnostics, and non-theists. However, the district’s superintendent said no laws are being broken.

The FFRF said they were contacted by two Rusk community members, filing complaints about the student-led prayers before district football games. The Rusk ISD superintendent, Grey Burton, recently posted to his personal Facebook page addressing the foundation’s request. The post read, “If we want America to be great again then we can’t let groups or individuals continue removing God and Jesus from the fabric of our society.” The post went on to say “We want protections and blessings for our students, staff and community.” Continue reading FFRF sends letters to Rusk ISD to stop student led prayers

UPSHUR COUNTY – A former bail bondswoman was arrested on drug and gun charges on Tuesday. According to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and our news partners at KETK, Shannon Rosser of Diana was arrested on two counts of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and one charge of possession of a stolen firearm. Deputies also confiscated more than 20 other firearms in a detached storage building, with their ownership status still pending. Rosser’s bond was set at $320,000. Police also arrested John Sartor Jr., who lives at the home with Rosser, with one count of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. His bond was set at $150,000.

TYLER – The City of Tyler posted on their Facebook warning of a scam advertising to be an application for the Housing Choice Voucher. According to our news partner KETK, in the post, the city showed an example of the scam posted, which advertised a link to fill out an application for the waiting list of Tyler’s new affordable housing program, which they referred to as HUD, or Housing and Urban Development.

City officials said in a release, “Our HUD waiting list is NOT yet open. Please be aware the advertisement shown is a scam. Multiple versions of this have been found on various social media platforms and websites, typically with slight changes in verbiage and dates. The City of Tyler will be the ONLY one to announce our waiting list opening. We appreciate your patience.”

DAINGERFIELD – Our news partners at KETK report a Daingerfield man is being charged with 30 counts of possession of child pornography. Eddie Carroll Dollgener, 58, was arrested last Friday for 10 counts, and 20 more counts were added the following Tuesday as Sgt. Susan Laake secured more warrants. Authorities said the investigation is in its early stages and it will take time to process all evidence. “We want to assure parents in the community that no local child has been identified in any inappropriate evidence as of this date,” police said. If any child is identified during the investigation, police will notify parents immediately.

VAN – In July alone, the city of Van lost its police chief, city manager, mayor and a council member. According to our news partner KETK, the changes stem from the controversial firing of their police chief by the city manager. Now, people who live in Van say they just want things to go back to normal. Community members gathered at city hall, Wednesday night all eager to learn who will temporarily lead their city. The council members voted unanimously to appoint, Ernie Burns as mayor pro-tem.

“It’s a tough place to be right now, but I feel like the city council has done a wonderful job at being open and transparent. I think they’re doing a wonderful job with what they have,” Ivy Lopez, Van resident, said.

July 1st, there was an uproar from residents after the police chief, Tammy Huff was fired by the city manager. Many people who live there stood by the chief, but others believed it was time for her to go. Continue reading Van residents react to sudden changes in city leadership

LONGVIEW — Following an hours-long standoff at a Longview gas station, a man who barricaded himself in a bus was found dead of a “self-inflicted injury.” According to our news partner KETK, around 3:30 Thursday morning, officers responded to the CEFCO gas station on South Eastman Road for a subject refusing to leave. Officers contacted the male occupant of the bus and learned that he had a handgun. A family member of the occupant in Florida told police that they have experienced similar behavior in the past and that it could have been a “mental episode.”

Police said that they continuously attempted communication throughout the morning, both by police and family members, but found no progress was being made. Officials said that around 8 a.m. Thursday morning, Longview SWAT deployed non-lethal gas in an attempt to have the suspect exit the bus, however there was no response. Officers entered the bus and found the occupant dead from an apparent self-inflicted injury. his identity has not been released.

The store has since reopened.

MARSHALL – The Marshall Police Department have arrested a man in connection with a fatal shooting that happened Tuesday morning. Detectives arrested 18-year-old Curtis White, Jr., of Marshall. He was charged in the death of 20-year-old Markel May. Officials say the shooting took place on East Grand Avenue in Marshall, near the Cajun Tex Restaurant. Reports indicate that Markel, stopped at red light in a maroon vehicle, pulling beside a white vehicle and opened fire into it. Markel, a passenger in the white vehicle, was shot and died at the scene.

Marshall PD has determined the shooter and the deceased knew other. Charges against White are aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, deadly conduct discharge of a firearm, and murder.

The Marshall Police Department is continuing their investigation into this case. If you have information, your asked to call them at Department at 903-935-4575.

GLADEWATER – Our news partners at KETK report the Superintendent of Gladewater ISD resigned at a school board meeting earlier this week. Sedrick G. Clark’s resignation is effective Dec. 31. The school district did not provide additional details around the circumstances of his resignation. A school board agenda from July 15 revealed the board would deliberate the “voluntary resignation agreement with Superintendent Dr. Sedric Clark” in closed session. Under Clark’s leadership, the district moved to a four-day school week earlier this year.

TYLER – Tyler City Council has unanimously approved an agreement with Bass Pro Outdoor World, LLC, to develop economic and infrastructural resources within the community. This partnership represents a significant investment in Tyler’s future as a key retail destination between Dallas and Shreveport. As part of the agreement, Bass Pro Outdoor World will receive a sales tax rebate, provided they meet the following performance criteria: $22 million in sales during their first year and 2% growth in sales annually for seven years. The rebate incentive will be capped at $1.5 million over seven years. This will create an economic environment that promotes growth and sustainability for both parties involved. Continue reading Tyler City Council partners with Bass Pro

MARSHALL – Our news partners at KETK report that Cabinetworks Group announced it is closing two plants, one in Marshall and the other in Jefferson. The two plants combined employ around 350 people, with the Marshall plant employing the most. Both plants will cease operations on Sept. 13. The company has offered severance and outplacement support to those being let go. Continue reading Cabinetworks closing two east Texas facilities

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report a 22-year-old is dead after a wreck between a motorcycle and a car on Wednesday morning. Tyler Police and UT Health EMS are on the scene at the 500 block of WSW Loop 323 and Brookside Drive. A preliminary investigation by TPD indicates the motorcycle was going west on the Loop while a Volkswagen was turning left onto Brookside from the Loop, and turned in front of the motorcycle. The motorcyclist was identified as 22-year-old Abimael Marino from Tyler and his family has been notified of his death. The driver of the Volkswagen was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries. The case remains under investigation.

LONGVIEW — Tuesday evening, the Longview Animal Shelter Advisory Committee, along with the public, discussed ways to resolve the question of public safety when it comes to stray animals, according to our news partner KETK. The meeting comes after a man was found dead in February after being attacked by a dog, according to the Longview Police Department.

“The mayor said we have got to look at everything we are doing. We need to figure out if there’s anything we need to put in place to make sure our residents are safe as it relates to unrestrained animals,” Richard Yeakley, public information officer for the City of Longview, said. Continue reading Longview officials address stray animal concerns

TYLER — Brookshire Grocery Company (BGC) announced on Tuesday that they will be reopening the Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store in 2025. According to our news partner KETK, the announcement stated BGC will be reopening the museum and store at a new location on Arbor Ridge Drive, next to FRESH in Tyler. The company said that they plan for the museum to open in early 2025 and it will feature “reimagined storytelling of dozens of exotic animals from around the world, along with the unique history of BGC.”

According to BGC, the museum first opened in 1975, dedicated to Brookshire Grocery Company’s founder, Wood T. Brookshire, and his wife Louise and their love for outdoors, wildlife and traveling. Continue reading Brookshire’s to reopen wildlife museum in 2025

TEXARKANA — According to our news partner KETK, Texarkana High School band instructor has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on Tuesday after coercing students to participate in sexual activities. Officials said Sams communicated with several students through social media and messaging applications where he persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced them to participate in sexual activity.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Texas said Brandon Neil Sams, 48, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor while being a band instructor at Texas High School in Texarkana. Continue reading Texarkana band instructor sentenced for grooming students

TYLER – Our news partners at KETK report that Brookshire Grocery Company (BGC) announced on Tuesday that they will be reopening the Brookshire’s World of Wildlife Museum and Country Store in 2025. According to the release from BGC, they will be reopening the museum and store at a new location, next to FRESH, on 6970 Arbor Ridge Drive in Tyler. The company said that they plan for the museum to open in early 2025 and it will feature “reimagined storytelling of dozens of exotic animals from around the world, along with the unique history of BGC.” Continue reading Brookshire’s to reopen wildlife museum

MARSHALL — One person is dead and another injured following a shooting on Tuesday, the Marshall Police Department said. The shooting occurred on Lafayette Road and East Grand Avenue where one person has succumbed to their injuries and another remains in the hospital. Marshall PD is investigating the case and asks anyone with information to contact them at 903-935-4575. “Please respect the privacy of the grieving families as they navigate this heartbreaking loss. We ask our community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or relevant information to the police department,” Marshall PD said.

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Department is teaming up with the South Tyler Rotary Club to go door-to-door on Friday July 19 and 26 to check smoke alarms, replace batteries and install free smoke alarms in homes that need them. Firefighters will concentrate on houses near Woldert Park and the Caldwell Zoo due to a recent house fire with no smoke alarms. The Tyler Fire Department reports that the risk of dying in a home structure fire is approximately 50 percent lower in homes with working smoke alarms. They would also like to remind residents that if their smoke alarm sounds, they should get outside and stay outside. It’s important to respond rapidly. Continue reading Tyler Fire Department to conduct fire safety blitz

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK report that a man was found guilty on Monday of capital murder in the deaths of two people who were shot after a trail ride in Cherokee County. According to the district attorney’s office, a witness testified that Devon Harris, of Shreveport, La., was driving back to Louisiana from a trail ride in Cherokee County with friends when they began arguing. Harris, also known as “Nooney Bugg,” pulled the car over on Highway 79 North near Rusk County, officials said, before he grabbed a pistol and shot both Ronnie Pearson, 20, and Jakari Hogan, 23. Continue reading Man found guilty of capital murder in double homicide

TYLER — The Shreveport National Weather Service reported record-breaking severe weather events after last Monday’s tropical storm that impacted several East Texas counties, according to our news partner KETK. “The 13 tornadoes that we got across East Texas were actually part of a bigger outbreak when Tropical Storm Beryl moved across the region,” Chris Nuttall, Shreveport National Weather Service lead meteorologist, said. The NWS Shreveport team oversees East Texas, Northern Louisiana, and Southwest Arkansas.

“That night when Beryl moved through, we issued 67 tornado warnings in the space of, really, about nine hours,” Nuttall said.

The NWS is anticipating an active hurricane season ahead. “There is no way to tell at this point whether a hurricane or tropical storm is going to move through our area, but the season is pretty long, we’re just at the start of it, it’s going to go until late October, early November,” Nuttall said. Continue reading NWS looks ahead after 13 reported tornadoes in East Texas

PALESTINE — Palestine ISD announced on Monday that a longtime teacher and staff member, Carmen Davis, tragically died in an auto accident on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK and Palestine ISD, Davis had served their district for 20 years, serving as a para professional for six years before becoming a teacher. The school said that in her 14 years of teaching Davis “inspired those who were in her classes.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Let us come together to honor her memory and the lasting legacy she leaves behind in the hearts of all she touched.” – Palestine ISD

Davis taught sixth and fourth grade math and science.

TYLER — A Tyler woman has been sentenced to prison for driving while under the influence causing her 9-year-old daughter’s death. According to our news partner KETK, Krystle Medeiros, 38 of Tyler, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to murder and two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury. Medeiros’ daughter succumbed to her injuries the following day.

According to an arrest warrant, on Jan. 4 a red Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV “was driving on the wrong side of the roadway” causing a head-on crash on SH 64. Both occupants of the Trailblazer, Medeiros and her daughter, were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Continue reading Woman sentenced for drunk driving that killed daughter

TYLER – The Tyler Fire Marshals Office is asking for the public’s help in locating two possible arsonists. According to a release, Monday, around 2:30 a.m., two unknown persons are suspected of setting fire to a 2022 Ford F-250, at Texas Tire, on Tyler’s ESE Loop 323, across from the Tyler Fire Extinguisher Company.

Our news partners KETK, were provided a video of the arson incident. You can view it here.
 
If you can identify any of the suspects, please contact Tyler Fire Investigator Jay McClung at 903-595-7181, Tyler Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833 or Tyler Police/Fire Dispatch at 903-531-1000.
 

NACOGDOCHES COUNTY — Polk and Nacogdoches County residents are now eligible for FEMA assistance for damages related to Beryl. Homeowners and renters can apply for serious needs assistance, a one-time $750 payment per household that can help pay for essential items including water, food, prescriptions, first aid, infant formula and diapers.

Texans can also apply for displacement assistance, that provides money to those who have immediate housing needs and cannot return to their home because of the disaster. The money given can be used to stay at a hotel, with family and friends or for other options while they look for temporary housing. Continue reading FEMA assistance now available for Nacogdoches, Polk County

TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler will offer a new Master of Science in
marketing insights degree. Housed within the Soules College of Business, the graduate degree
program was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on
Colleges to launch January 2025. Registration is now open. Continue reading UT Tyler offers a new Master of Science in marketing

WHITEHOUSE – Our news partners at KETK report that Whitehouse Police Department Captain Jereld Frank Brewer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated on Saturday, the City of Whitehouse said. Brewer, 59, was arrested by Tyler Police Department for DWI after an accident on Saturday, according to the City of Whitehouse. Brewer is currently on administrative leave while an internal affairs investigation is being done, as city and police department policy requires. The City of Whitehouse offered no further comment until criminal and administrative investigations are completed.

Brewer was charged with driving while intoxicated and taken to the Smith County Jail. He was later released on Sunday after posting a $500 bond.

EAST TEXAS – Former President Trump was holding a rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday ahead of the upcoming Republican National Convention when shots rang out. According to the Associated Press, a reported gunman and at least one other person are dead. Several East Texas Representatives and other officials have come out with the following statements of support in wake of the shooting which our news partners at KETK have assembled:

“Praying for President Trump, his family, and our country after this horrific act. May God be with President Trump and with our nation,” Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Tyler said.

State Senator Bryan Hughes, who represents Mineola, asked for the public to pray for Trump after what he called a failed assassination attempt.

“Today at a rally in Pennsylvania, there was a failed assassination attempt on President Trump. Please pray for President Trump and all those who may have been injured,” said Hughes. Continue reading East Texas representatives react to shooting