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SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man has been taken into custody following an investigation that uncovered the theft of over $96,000 in hay and connected revenue. According to our news partner KETK, in February, Brandon Wiginton was arrested on charges of misapplication of fiduciary property and two counts of theft. He was subsequently booked into the Smith County Jail.

The investigation began in August 2022, initiated by the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association after they received a report about a business partnership that allegedly led to the theft of hay and revenue. The offenses were found to have occurred in Cherokee County and Smith County.
Continue reading Man arrested on hay and cash theft

SMITH COUNTY — A man was sentenced to prison on Tuesday after admitting to murder in connection with a deadly crash in Smith County. Jeremiah Munoz was sentenced to 37 years in prison following his guilty plea. Munoz was charged with murder on October 15, 2025, after a crash in Smith County resulted in the death of one woman.

According to officials and our news partner KETK, Munoz had stolen a Ford-250 truck he was driving before colliding with another vehicle, driven by Brandi Carter, on the intersection of FM 2015 and FM 16. When deputies arrived at the scene, they observed the truck facing south and the vehicle driven by Carter in a ditch. Carter was found dead beside her car.

Deputies conducted a sobriety test after detecting a strong odor of alcohol coming from Munoz. Munoz failed the sobriety test and stated he had a couple of beers. Munoz was arrested for intoxicated manslaughter, unauthorized use of a vehicle and three counts of possession of a controlled substance and transported to the Smith County Jail.

LONGVIEW – The Longview Kite Festival has been postponed until Friday because of expected storms moving through East Texas this week. The 5th annual Longview Kite Festival was originally scheduled to start at 12 p.m. on Wednesday at the Lear Park but will now be held on Friday to avoid a chance of severe storms on Wednesday.

The annual family-friendly festival welcomes thousands of East Texans to Lear Park for free kites, arts and crafts, games, live entertainment, food vendors and more. Longview Parks and Recreation said they would share any updates about the festival online.

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a 31-year-old man accused of shooting a woman on Monday night. Deputies were dispatched on Monday at around 10:19 p.m. to Highway 69 near Joe Mea Road. They found a woman shot in the leg by Christopher Hatfield. The woman was taken to a local hospital and remains in stable condition, the sheriff’s office said.

Hatfield allegedly fled before law enforcement arrived. Investigators believe he may have been picked up by someone in a vehicle or may have made his way to a different area. He was last seen wearing all white and is considered to be armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information regarding Hatfield is urged to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.

SMITH COUNTY – Records have revealed that a man was arrested in Smith County after he allegedly had sexual relationships with a 15-year-old girl and provided her with illegal drugs.

According to our news partner KETK and an arrest affidavit, the victim was found on Feb. 24 inside a vehicle in a parking garage in Tyler. After being found, the victim, who had run away from home, was returned to her grandmother by the Tyler Police Department. Following her return, officers with Tyler PD began an investigation after the victim had admitted to using illegal drugs and engaging in sexual intercourse inside a motel room with a man later identified as James Brummett.

While investigators spoke with the victim’s grandmother, she stated that while her granddaughter was missing, she received text messages starting on Feb. 22 from an unknown phone number that was later revealed to be Brummett’s. The texts were believed to have been sent from the victim, who had told her grandmother that she was safe and an hour away from Tyler in Canton, according to the affidavit.

On Feb. 26, detectives arrived at the Relax Inn in Smith County, which was the motel that they believed Brummett had taken the victim to. A motel employee told detectives that Brummett was still checked into a room and typically returned to the motel in the evening after work. The employee also provided officials with Brummett’s phone number and license plate. Continue reading Sexual assault of 15-year-old

TYLER – ‘Texas Original’ is opening a new medical marijuana pickup location in Tyler this week.

Texas Original, the state’s leading medical cannabis provider, opened their first East Texas store in Nacogdoches in 2022. The new Tyler pick-up site is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays on 11980 State Highway 64. Medical marijuana can be used in Texas to treat 150 conditions. Some of those include: epilepsy, cancer, PTSD and Crohn’s Disease. East Texans can apply for the Compassionate Use Program, which was significantly expanded during the 2025 legislative session.

Thanks to House Bill 46, Texas Original is ready to grow and they’re opening a new pick-up site in Smith County near the Chapel hill area. The building is currently only used for pick-ups which are on Tuesdays since prescriptions have to be transported from their central facility in Austin ahead of time. Continue reading Marijuana pick-up facility opening

YANTIS – A man was arrested in Wood County on Sunday after metal weights were found in a bass he presented during the weigh in for the Lake Fork Lure Co. Tournament. According to the Texas Game Wardens, tournament organizers contacted game wardens in Wood County to investigate a bass that was flagged while being metal detected during Sunday’s weigh-in at the Caney Point Recreation Area on Lake Fork in Yantis.

According to our news partner KETK, after the alert for a foreign object was confirmed, game wardens conducted a necropsy on the fish and found three uneroded weights in the bass’ stomach. The same kind of weights were also found in the boat of the angler who allegedly submitted the bass for the weigh-in.

The angler was identified as, Curtis Lee Daniels of Willow Park. Daniels was arrested on Sunday and charged with violating fishing tournament law. He was booked into the Wood County Jail but was released on Monday after posting his $20,000 bond. Since the tournament had a $10,000 grand prize and more than $84,900 in hourly cash prizes, the charge against Daniels is a third-degree felony.

LONGVIEW – CHRISTUS Health Cancer Center in Longview, which is set to open later this year, named Steven J. DiBiase as its new medical director on Monday. DiBiase previously worked at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York as a senior academic and clinical leader. Earlier in his career, DiBiase was the chief of service and a member of the hospital’s executive committee at the Julia and Ned Arnold Center for Radiation Oncology.

In addition to serving as medical director, DiBiase will also lead the center’s expanding oncology program and serve as chief of radiation oncology. Throughout his career, DiBiase has contributed to cancer research with more than 40 peer-reviewed publications and presentations. DiBiase officially began his new role on Monday and will help guide the development of the Cancer Center before it opens this fall. Before the center is complete, DiBiase will see patients at the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Northpark oncology clinic.

“Bringing Dr. DiBiase to our community represents a major step forward in local cancer care,” Reid Dollahite, vice president for physician practice operations, said. “Patients will benefit from his experience and his commitment to treating the whole person.”

MARSHALL – Marshall PD announced that a juvenile is in custody after a shooting Saturday. Officers arrived to the scene of the shooting at a home on Melanie Street after receiving a call of gunfire. One victim was found with a gunshot wound, and the injury is believed to be non-life threatening. The department will not be releasing any information regarding the suspect’s identity due to their age, but the suspect is confirmed to be held in the Willoughby Juvenile Detention Center

OVERTON – The American Brahman Breeders Association has named the AgriLife Research Brahman cattle program in Overton as their Breeder of the Year for 2025. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Overton has operated a Brahman cattle breeding program since 1974 as a way to improve Brahman cattle through scientific research and testing.

The breeding program’s 200 Brahman herd helps AgriLife researchers collect long-term data on the Brahman breed’s reproduction, temperament, grazing, feed efficiency and carcass merit. The data they collect from the herd is then submitted to the Brahman Herd Improvement Registry, which shares their information with cattle producers and researchers around the nation.

TYLER — A Smith County court judge has extended the probation for Patrick Mahomes Sr. by two years on Monday. Mahomes Sr., was arrested earlier this year for allegedly violating his probation from a conviction for driving while intoxicated.

According to our news partner KETK, the defense said, Mahomes Sr. should be “out by today” after the state of Texas retracted the claim that he was drinking and driving during his probation. Instead, the state said it was only an event in his SCRAM device. Today meaning Monday.

The court approved the dismissal and the following changes have been granted to his probation: Continue reading Probation extended for Mahomes Sr.

SMITH COUNTY — A 28-year-old man was arrested early Saturday morning after authorities said he shot his wife while their three children were inside the home. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, deputies responded around 1:30 a.m. to a disturbance call in the 9200 block of Cityview Drive.

Dispatchers were told the suspect, identified as Adrian Lekindreth Scott Jr., was intoxicated and assaulting his wife.

While deputies were en route, Smith County dispatchers reported hearing gunshots and screaming during the ongoing 911 call. Deputies arrested Scott. Inside the home, deputies found his wife suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen and shoulder.

Deputies began providing lifesaving aid until emergency medical personnel arrived. Authorities said one deputy applied pressure to the wounds and placed a tourniquet on the woman’s upper arm before she was transported to the hospital for treatment. She is currently in stable condition.

Deputies also checked on the three children who were inside the residence at the time of the shooting. According to a Smith County affidavit, the wife alleged that she was holding her infant in bed next to her two other children when the shooting occurred. Continue reading Woman shot, man arrested

TYLER — Goodwill Industries of East Texas is helping to put more money back into East Texans’ pockets with their free tax preparation services. According to our news partner KETK, Goodwill’s free tax preparation services are offered through their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program which is made possible by their IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers.

“This means MORE money back in YOUR pocket with no fees, fast e-filing, and direct deposit refunds. Perfect for low-to-moderate income households with simple tax returns,” Goodwill Industries of East Texas said.

All that’s required for those using VITA program services is to bring the following items: Continue reading Free tax prep for East Texans

TYLER — This year Tyler residents may notice some new bold messaging on the side of Tyler ISD school buses. Messages like “This Seat Changes Lives” and “Be the First Smile of the Day” or even “Not Just a Bus Driver. A Route Model” will now be displayed on Tyler ISD buses as the district attempts to attract 20 new bus drivers.

“We’re hoping it sparks interest to maybe be that water cooler conversation where somebody might be sitting at home thinking, ‘Oh, I might want a few extra hours or something that’s flexible’, and a bus driver might be the perfect job for them,” Jennifer Hines with Tyler ISD said.

Tyler ISD will pay for new drivers’ CDL training, the role’s starting pay is $18.36 and drivers will have flexible hours, including time off during the school day.

“Our bus drivers are often the first smile students see in the morning and the last smile they see at the end of the school day,” Hines said. “We wanted this campaign to capture the heart behind the role. When you think about it, this seat truly changes lives. Our drivers help students arrive safely, consistently, and ready to learn.” Continue reading Campaign to recruit bus drivers

EAST TEXAS — An overnight storm brought damage and fallen trees to the area on Saturday and electric company crews are working to restore power to customers.

At least two people were injured after a tornado that swept through parts of Marion County early Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. The tornado touched down in the northern portion of the county, from around Berea Way to the latter part of Hall Road. At one property, the storm ripped the roof off a century-old home and shifted the structure off its foundation.

A seven-day disaster declaration is in effect for the county because of injuries and damage.

The Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation shared pictures of fallen trees and damaged power lines in the Hall area on social media. The cooperative encourages customers experiencing service issues or power outages to report it through the SmartHub app or by calling 903-680-2100.

SMITH COUNTY – Jury duty for March 9, 2026 has been canceled. If you received a summons to report to the Smith County Courthouse for jury duty Monday, you do not have to report!

POINT — The City of Point will no longer have a police department beginning Friday after city personnel said they’ve struggled to cover costs while facing a debt of up to $500,000.

According to our news partner KETK, Angela Nelson, the city’s mayor, stated it would not be meeting all of its current payroll obligations following the discovery of a “substantial financial shortfall.”

Payroll tax payments to the IRS were not made or were “sporadically” made throughout the last few years, causing the city to be under a formal investigation. The debt, including penalties and interest, exceeds over $300,000 and the IRS may seek to seize city owned vehicles and real property.

The city also owes more than $200,000, which includes $80,000 accrued during 2025, to the Texas Comptroller after a former city employee allegedly misappropriated funds by apparently moving them into the general funds in order to make a payroll. Continue reading Police department eliminated in financial turmoil

KILGORE – Kilgore ISD shared on Friday that they will keep Lifetouch as their vendor for school photos despite allegations that one of their parent company’s executives was named in the Epstein files. Leon Black, the former CEO of Apollo Global Management, which acquired Shutterfly, the parent company of Lifetouch, was named in the recently released files on New York financier and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

The United States Senate Committee on Finance has alleged that Black made payments totaling at least $158 million to Epstein for “purported tax and estate planning advice.” The committee also alleged that those funds were then used to finance Epstein’s child sex trafficking organization, according to our news partner KETK.

Kilgore ISD had partnered with Lifetouch to take their upcoming Spring student photos but postponed that partnership in February so they could review concerns about the company after the allegations came to light about Black and Epstein. Continue reading ISD to continue with Lifetouch for photos

WILLS POINT — Several residents in Wills Point were evacuated early Thursday morning due to severe flooding from heavy rainfall in the area. According to our news partner KETK, The Wills Point Police Department, City Marshal’s Office and Fire Department conducted a high-water rescue at a residence on Pecan Avenue, near the veternary clinic. Floodwaters exceeded 4-and-a-half feet in depth with a strong current, the police department said.

First responders were successful in locating and rescuing a family of four and their household pets. Several additional residents in the affected area were also successfully rescued and no injuries were reported, according to the police department.

Anyone who has been affected by the storm or flooding is urged to contact the American Red Cross for assistance by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).

TYLER – U.S. Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) released a statement on Thursday in support of President Trump after it was announced that Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has been replaced. It was announced on Thursday afternoon that, after a little over a year as secretary of homeland security, Noem is being replaced by Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.). Noem will be transitioning to a new role as special envoy for “The Shield of Americas,” a new initiative that will focus on eliminating drug cartels from the country.

“I look forward to working with them closely to dismantle cartels that have poured drugs into our nation and killed our children and grandchildren,” Noem said Thursday.

Moran also praised Trump for the actions he and his administration have taken during his current term to limit drug trafficking from entering the country. Continue reading Rep. Moran backs Sen. Mullin

TYLER — A man who was arrested in early 2025 in connection to a Tyler apartment shooting that left a woman dead has been additionally charged with injury to a child by a grand jury on Feb. 26.

Jorian Jackson of Plano was arrested on Jan. 22, 2025, for allegedly murdering his ex-girlfriend, Cheyenne Russell, in a Tyler apartment shooting. According to our news partner KETK, on Jan. 6, 2025, two children found their mother’s body and alerted an adult after an apartment shooting on Bellwood Lake Road. Upon arrival, Tyler Police Department officers made contact with Russell’s roommate, who found her dead on a couch underneath a blanket with blood on her face.

According to arrest documents, Jackson was at the apartment that day to drop off some Christmas presents for a child of his and Russell’s. The roommate told officials that the victim and Jackson had a rough relationship. Continue reading Additional “injury to child” charge

SMITH COUNTY — A wreck involving a car and a motorcycle Thursday morning left the rider in critical condition. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County ESD2 said the wreck happened around 7:08 a.m. at the intersection of Highway 155 and FM 2868 near Noonday. The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital in critical condition following the wreck. Two people in the passenger car were not injured.

SMITH COUNTY — As part of the ongoing US 69 and FM 2493 improvement project, a traffic switch is scheduled to occur the week of March 9, weather permitting.

Traffic will shift to the newly constructed, realigned section of FM 2493 at US 69 in Bullard. Once the switch is in place, the existing portion of FM 2493 (S. Houston St), south of CR 3801, will be closed to thru traffic.

Motorists should use caution in the area and anticipate possible delays as crews continue work in the area.

BULLARD – East Texas drivers are feeling the pain at the pump in a place where fuel normally hovers around the two-dollar-a-gallon mark. The offensive launched against Iran happened just four days ago and drivers in Tyler are already feeling the effects. Zippy J’s on Old Bullard Road in Tyler had their regular gas priced at $2.44 a gallon last week. As of Wednesday, the price has jumped to $2.79.

Even though the U.S. doesn’t import oil from Iran, China and India and the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to open waters, is blocked, that sends a ripple effect throughout the world, even on countries that don’t heavily rely on oil from the Middle East. Continue reading Gas prices surge amid U.S.-Iran conflict

TYLER – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) confirmed there is no state-mandated deadline for removing campaign signs from roadsides following an election. The agency oversees signage within its highway jurisdiction but primarily focuses on placement rather than duration.

While the state agency does not enforce timing restrictions, officials noted that local governments may have their own specific requirements. Cities and counties retain the authority to set individual rules and time limits on how long political advertisements may remain in public view. Regulations on the duration of political displays vary by local municipality.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KETK. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KETK staff before being published.

SMITH COUNTY — A man was arrested in Smith County following a sting where he allegedly made plans for a prostitution operation involving someone he believed was a 15-year-old. The operation began on Feb. 27 when an undercover officer posted a commercial sex advertisement on a website known for prostitution and the exploitation of minors, according to our news partner, KETK. The officer was contacted by Christopher David Stevens, a man with a prior conviction as a sex offender, according to an arrest affidavit from Smith County.

In communications with the undercover officer, Stevens allegedly acknowledged he was interacting with a minor and expressed his intention to engage in sexual activities. He offered to secure a hotel room in his name for their meeting. As part of the arrangement, the undercover officer informed Stevens that she would be traveling from Abilene to Tyler. Continue reading One jailed in sting operation