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LONGVIEW — A Longview doctor has pleaded guilty to a 2022 charge of sexual assault against a child, according to our news partner KETK.

The Texas Medical Board issued a suspension order after two of Matt Hipke’s former patients, both male under 17, accused him of sexual assault. This led the board to investigate Hipke and suspend his license. They then learned that Hipke had been previously accused of sexually assaulting another patient in 2018. Records show that neither child provided specific details to their parents or guardians regarding the scope or extent of the alleged inappropriate touching. After interviewing the two victims, police obtained a search warrant for Hipke’s office where they located inappropriate images of children on his computer.

Following this investigation, Hipke was arrested in August 2020 on two counts of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and was released on a $1 million bond. Continue reading Longview physician pleads guilty to sexual assault of child

LONGVIEW – A Longview officer has received an award from the police department after saving a teacher’s life last year.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that in September 2024, Josh Marrs took action after a teacher at Spring Hill ISD became unresponsive during class. After being alerted by the school’s nurse, Marrs quickly arrived in the classroom and began chest compressions and guided the team in using the AED prior to EMS arriving.

According to the police department, the teacher was stabilized and transported to the hospital. Marrs was credited by the school nurse with saving the teacher’s life, and believes she would not have been able to manage the situation without his support.

Due to Marrs heroic actions, he was bestowed the Lifesaving Award by the police department on Thursday afternoon.

RUSK – The Rusk Police Department’s chief has been placed on leave pending an active city investigation.

According to City Manager Bob Goldsberry, Rusk’s Chief of Police Scott Heagney was placed on administrative paid leave Wednesday after a complaint was filed against him.

Goldsberry said Sgt. Jeremy Farmer will be in charge of day-to-day operations while investigation is active.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that officials have not released details of the investigation, however, Goldsberry said the city will provide details once it has concluded.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an 80-year-old man was arrested on March 30, after he allegedly admitted to sexually assaulting two children in his 18-wheeler. According to the arrest affidavit obtained through the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, on Jan. 14 deputies requested investigators to interview a suspect who sexually assaulted a five and eight-year-old more than once “over a period of time.”

On March 18, investigators interviewed the suspect, Randall Tee Tidwell, 80 of Kemp, at the Henderson County help center office in Athens, Officers advised Tidwell he was free to leave and was not under arrest. During the interview, Tidwell reportedly said he participated in the sexual assault of a five-year-old and eight-year-old, more than once, in an 18-wheeler he drives for work. Continue reading Elderly man confesses to the sexual assault of two children

ATHENS – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a cyber tip submitted to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has led to the arrest of a 20-year-old, who allegedly confessed to being in possession of child pornography.

According to the arrest affidavit obtained from the sheriff’s office, around 9:24 a.m. on Feb. 26, a Henderson County officer was assigned a CyberTip for an investigation by the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Two minutes later, that tip escalated due to the risk of new child sexual abuse material being produced.

The report listed a total of 17 files including, eight which appeared to be self produced and four that were listed “as an AI classification.” Eleven of those files were listed as “pubescent minor engaging in a sexual act”, and one file was listed as a “pubescent minor in lascivious exhibition”. Continue reading CyberTip leads to arrest of Athens man for child porn

GRAND SALINE – According to a report from our news partner, KETK, a suspect is still at large after a high-speed motorcycle pursuit Thursday morning in Grand Saline.

Around 1 a.m., officers were notified by the Mineola Police Department about a blue sports motorcycle heading west on U.S. Highway 80 towards Grand Saline at speeds of 122 mph.

At around 1:10 a.m., officers located the bike entering city limits on U.S. Highway 80 near east city limits headed westbound at a speed of 120 mph. Officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the bike accelerated and continued westbound at speeds over 140 mph. After a short pursuit, the motorcycle turned back north on Main Street from U.S. 80 where officers lost sight of him. Continue reading Police still in search of suspect after high-speed chase

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the East Texas State Fair announced Wednesday morning that PRORODEO will be coming to the 2025 fair in September.

The East Texas State Fair is partnering with Cavender’s to bring a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned rodeo to Tyler, welcoming PRORODEO athletes across the country to East Texas. The rodeo will take place during the first weekend of the fair, Sept. 19 through Sept. 21 and will feature events including bull riding, barrel racing and team roping, along with entertainment for all ages. The Texas founded western store and fair sponsor, Cavender’s is also excited to be apart of this major milestone for the East Texas community. Continue reading First PRCA rodeo coming to the East Texas State Fair

UPDATE: An Oncor representative said that as of 1:35 p.m., all power has been restored.

TYLER — According to our news partner KETK, multiple traffic signals are without power throughout the city including several on Broadway Avenue. The traffic operations department has deployed generators however some intersections will remain without power. According to an Oncor representative, a transformer fell at a substation at the intersection of Grande Boulevard and Broadway Avenue.

“Drivers should treat a ‘dark’ traffic signal as a four-way stop—each vehicle comes to a complete stop and takes its turn to proceed through the intersection,” city officials said.

Oncor said power should be restored at around 1:30 p.m. and about 6,300 customers have been affected.

TYLER — A reminder from our news partner KETK, Texans have until April 3 to register to vote for the upcoming May elections. Early voting begins April 22 and runs through April 29 while Election Day is May 3.

How to check if you’re registered to vote: Residents are encouraged to contact their county voter registrar since voting in Texas is county-based and Texan residents can go to Am I registered? to see if they’re eligible to vote. Residents who have recently changed their name can update their registration status here.

How to register to vote: To register to vote in Texas, residents must be U.S. citizens, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and a resident of the county in which they plan to vote. They must also not be convicted of any felonies, unless their rights have been restored.

Voters can register by completing a voter registration form online through the Texas Secretary of State’s website or by obtaining a form from their local county voter registrar’s office. Once completed, the form must be mailed to the registrar’s office. Continue reading How to register for May elections in Texas

UPDATE: An Oncor representative said that as of 1:35 p.m., all power has been restored.

TYLER – The City of Tyler informs KTBB that because of a power outage, multiple traffic signals are without power, including many along Broadway. The Traffic Operations Department is sending out generators, but, some intersections may be without power. Travelers should regard any “dark” traffic signal as a four-way stop. With each vehicle stopping completely before proceeding through the intersection. Oncor expects power to be restored as soon as possible.

GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Police Department is seeking information after residents reported gunshots and damage to their properties on Tuesday night.

According to our news partner, KETK, around 10:50 p.m. officers responded to a report of gunfire in the 200 block of W. Gay Avenue and spoke with residents who heard gunshots and found damage to their homes.

Officials said there was no reported injuries but they found multiple shell casing on the walkway near the intersection of W. Gay Avenue and Canfield Street and “apparent bullet holes” in a fence running parallel to the walkway.

After officers searched the area and talked to residents, officials said the incident appears to be connected to an earlier disturbance involving a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses. Continue reading Gunshots and property damage reported by Gladewater residents

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a special event was held at Moore Middle School in Tyler on Tuesday to warn kids about the danger of using tobacco products.

The event was held on Take Down Tobacco National Day of Action to celebrated the recent Healthy Bodies Tobacco Prevention $1,500 grant the school received from the National PTA. The grant will go towards enhancing the school’s outdoor courtyard space including adding a pickleball court, storage space, and healthy recreational opportunities.

“We want our students to understand the risks of tobacco use and empower them to make decisions that support their well-being,” Ballard said. “This grant allows us to provide positive, enriching activities that keep our students engaged and active.” Continue reading Tyler middle school warns against tobacco use

HAWKINS — According to our news partner KETK, an East Texas man has been arrested for murder after he allegedly shot and killed another man while dropping off his son with the son’s mother. Witnesses say the man was carrying his son during the shooting.

On Friday at around 11:52 a.m., Texas Rangers arrived to the scene of a shooting in the 1000 block of N. Beaulah Street where they found a man laying in the dirt driveway with a white sheet covering him. When the Hawkins Police Department arrived to the scene prior to the Texas Rangers, they found a man, later identified as Shawn Moore, standing in the driveway with a black handgun in his holster.

The police department was then able to remove the handgun and detained him. EMS then checked on the victim, identified as Mitchell Wayne Palmer, who was dead. Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Jerry Parker then officially pronounced Palmer dead at 11:58 a.m. Texas Rangers observed the victim to have two entry wounds in his chest and another wound over his right collarbone. Continue reading Man charged with murder after reportedly shooting victim during son’s drop-off

TERRELL – Trinity Valley Community College confirmed a potential measles exposure on their Terrell campus Tuesday afternoon.

According to a report from our news partner, KETK, on Tuesday a TVCC student reported to administration that they have been exposed to a confirmed case of measles. After receiving this information, TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison, Ed.D and adminstration worked together to develop a plan to prevent further exposure.

“Our top priority is the health and well-being of our students, staff, and faculty,” Morrison said. “We are working closely to monitor the situation and take necessary precautions to protect our campus community.” Continue reading TVCC confirms potential measles exposure on Terrell campus

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that Governor Greg Abbott has appointed a Lufkin man to the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Council, a term lasting until Feb. 1, 2029.

Andrew Polk earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Leadership and Development. His experience includes vice chair of the Natural Resources Committee and partner of Polk Land & Cattle Company. The council assists the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program with administration and accepting grant applicants. TFRLCP’s goal is conserving working lands with an abundance of water, fish, wildlife and agriculture production.

TYLER – The Tyler Morning Telegraph reports that a bill in the Texas Legislature aims to crack down on puppy mills, with a goal to bring stricter regulations to an industry criticized by animal advocates. Locally, East Texas advocates hope to see the bill pass. What are puppy mills? Large-scale commercial breeding operations are often referred to as puppy mills, and advocates argue this type of operation prioritizes profit over animal welfare.

Dogs are reportedly kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, sometimes even deprived of adequate food, clean water, or veterinary care. Breeding dogs, particularly mothers, produce multiple litters each year. Advocates say these dogs are often abandoned, sold, or euthanized once they are no longer deemed “useful.” Continue reading Tylerites speak in support of “puppy mill” bill

UPDATE: The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office said Freddie Britt has been found.

GREGG COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man that went missing on Saturday morning after leaving a bar in Kilgore.

According to the sheriff’s office, Freddie Britt was last seen on Saturday around 2 a.m. at the City Limits Bar and Grill in Kilgore. Britt mentioned that he was heading to Tyler and was riding a 2024 Harley Davidson FXBR, license plate number 902D9W.

Officials said Britt has not been seen or heard from since. If anyone has any information about Britt’s whereabouts, contact the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office at 903-236-8400.

RUSK COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a man has been arrested after allegedly sexually assaulting a child family member, multiple times a week for almost two years in Rusk County.

According to the arrest affidavit, on March 24 deputies took a report from a woman that her daughter had been sexually assaulted by a family member starting when she was eight and reportedly stopped in February 2023.

The document said during a forensic interview the child explained that the abuse started when she was eight but almost nine which would have been around the summer of 2021, and that the acts took place two or three times a week.The affidavit said February 2023 was the last time the child remembered it happening because it was at another family members home in Price. Continue reading Man accused of sexually assaulting child

RUSK – Our news partner, KETK, reports that two people were arrested after SPCA of East Texas discovered several dogs emaciated or dead at a property in Rusk.

According to SPCA of East Texas, in March they received a report of numerous dogs abandoned, left without food or water for more than 10 days with many of them chewing through the front door to escape to the yard.

Officials said the SPCA team arrived to find four small emaciated dogs begging for treats, a malnourished pit bull tied to an abandoned truck with no food or water, and three more small dogs trapped inside the home. On the other side of the yard, the SPCA team found a pen tucked into weeds where several dogs were found dead. Continue reading Two arrested in Rusk for animal cruelty

NACOGDOCHES – According to reports from our news partner, KETK, an East Texas man was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to the shooting of a Nacogdoches police officer.

According to the Nacogdoches Police Department, on Dec. 29, 2023 a officer attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 1700 block of S. Fredonia and South Street when a passenger shot multiple rounds at the officer before the vehicle fled the scene.

Officials said that the officer returned fire and at least one bullet from the passenger struck the officer’s patrol car. Continue reading Second man sentenced after Nacogdoches police officer shooting

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the University of Texas at Tyler has earned the 2025-26 Silver Military Friendly School designation.

This places UT Tyler within the top 20% of participating schools nationwide in the Tier 2 Research Institutions category.

“This designation is a testament to our ongoing commitment to ensure the academic, professional, and personal success of our military-affiliated student population,” Coby Dillard, UT Tyler Director of Military and Veterans Affairs said.

A celebration hosted by the UT Tyler Military and Veterans Success Center will soon be announced. The center supports nearly 700 military-affiliated students. The Military Friendly Schools list is created each year based on research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide and from participating institutions.

Visit militaryfriendly.com to learn more.

TYLER – Senate Bill 16, which was filed by East Texas State Sen. Bryan Hughes on March 11, requires proof of citizenship when registered to vote. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs passed the bill and now it will head to the full Senate chamber for discussion.

“Senate Bill 16 says we’re going to require proof of citizenship when you register to vote,” Hughes, a Republican representing Mineola in the Texas State Senate, said.

The League of Women Voters stated that this proposal could hinder more than a million Texans by making it more challenging to vote. Continue reading Lawmaker files bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote

TYLER — A section of the Rose Rudman Trail in Tyler will be closed due to maintenance on Thursday and Friday. According to our news partner KETK, tree maintenance will be conducted on part of the trail that’s parallel to South Donnybrook Avenue next to Tyler Legacy High School. Until construction is completed, residents are advised to stay away from this part of the trail. Maintenance will begin starting on Thursday and will continue until midday Friday.

GILMER – According to our news partner KETK, the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a former jailer for alleged improper sexual activity with a male inmate. The sheriff’s office said they started an investigation into 29-year-old Dallas Mosley on Sunday after a male inmate told jail staff that Mosley “performed improper sexual conduct” with him. Mosley was immediately suspended during the investigation before being fired and arrested on Monday, according to the sheriff’s office.

Upshur County Justice of the Peace Lyle Potter arraigned Mosley and he was then booked into the Upshur County Jail for improper sexual activity with a person in custody. Mosley’s bond was set at $100,000.

TROUP – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Texas Department of Public Safety is currently searching for the driver of a GMC pickup truck that was involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash on Saturday.

A DPS official said the crash happened when a GMC pickup truck heading west on CR 4701 veered onto the wrong side of the road and hit a motorcycle head-on in the eastbound lane.The crash happened at 11:09 p.m. on Saturday just west of FM 856 on County Road 4701, northeast of New Summerfield in Cherokee County.

Cherokee County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace, Judge Brenda Dominy, responded to the scene and pronounced the motorcyclist dead. Dominy identified the deceased victim as David Pate, 57 of Troup.

The GMC truck was abandoned nearby and DPS said law enforcement is currently searching for the driver.

SMITH COUNTY – Apparently, the scammers are out again in East Texas. Sgt. Larry Christian, Public Information Officer with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, says it’s the same, tired old grift.

“We are getting an abundance of calls about telephone scammers,” Christian said. “This is the same old jury duty scam where the callers are telling the person they missed jury duty and that there is a warrant for their arrest. They are requesting payment from these individuals in some form or fashion. These suspects are using names of current Smith County Sheriff’s Office employees and are spoofing legitimate Smith County Sheriff’s Office phone numbers. Please let the public know that these are all scam phone calls and that no law enforcement agency will ever call anyone asking for money concerning any legal matter. If any phone calls such as these are received, simply hang up on them.”

LINDALE – According to reports from our news partner, KETK, a woman was arrested after allegedly striking an elderly woman in the face.

According to the arrest affidavit, around 2:45 p.m. deputies responded to a reported assault in progress on Stewart Street in Lindale. There, they found 64-year-old Tina Davis with bruising and redness on her face.

The document said that 30-year-old Avery Martinez showed deputies a video of the incident that occurred prior to their arrival. The video showed Martinez step onto Davis’ property and threaten to harm Davis. The deputies observed Martinez putting her hands on Davis, and then the fight falls out of view in the video. Continue reading Woman arrested after allegedly punching an elderly woman