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VAN ZANDT COUNTY – An Edgewood man was arrested after deputies reportedly found illegal narcotics inside his vehicle. According to the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office and our news partner KETK, on March 17, a Van Zandt County criminal interdiction deputy saw a vehicle committing multiple moving violations and initiated a traffic stop.

The deputy saw multiple indicators that the people in the vehicle were possibly concealing something illegal. A Wills Point PD K9 unit performed a search around the vehicle, and officers were alerted to the presence of illegal narcotics. During the search, officials said suspected meth was located on Timothy Dwayne Henson of Edgewood. Continue reading Van Zandt County man arrested for meth found in vehicle

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the fourth annual “Sources of Strength” Retreat is expected to host over 200 students from 11 different high schools from all over East Texas this week.

Next Step Community Solutions, a Texas-based nonprofit, will host this retreat on Wednesday at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center in Tyler. Sources of Strength is a peer-led suicide prevention program. The evidence-based conference-style retreat will feature different groups and adult leaders that will rotate through sessions.

“Each year we are able to bring more students together and celebrate all that they’ve accomplished over the past school year while also teaching them new ways to grow,” Sources of Strength program manager Adriana Gonzalez said. Continue reading Retreat to educate students on suicide prevention

RUSK – The Good Samaritan Food Pantry and Thrift Store is used to giving to people but over the past few weeks the nonprofit said they’ve had several thefts from the donation center in Rusk. Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Rusk Police Department has posted several photos of nine different thieves, and seven of them have been identified with assistance from the public.

“The donations are sold here in the thrift store, and then the proceeds are used to buy food for our food pantry and that feeds the community,” Good Samaritan Public Relations, Lana Z said. “So, when those donations are being stolen, it’s taking the funds that we are able to buy food for.” Continue reading Food Pantry in Rusk dealing with thefts

HENDERSON COUNTY – A $2 million bond has been set for an East Texas man arrested for allegedly killing his sister Monday in Henderson County. According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the shooting of 30-year-old Samantha Moore in the Bonita Point subdivision just outside of Gun Barrel City. Moore was transported to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries.

According to our news partner KETK, deputies learned Moore’s brother, John Tyler Clague, 37 of Mabank, had shot her and fled the home. Investigators learned that Clague had been taken to a home in the Harbor Point subdivision. Continue reading East Texas man accused of killing his sister

GREGG COUNTY — The Greater Longview United Way, LANFest and CableLynx Broadband are teaming up to host the inaugural East Texas Gamer Con this Friday and Saturday, according to our news partner KETK.

“Gaming has the power to bring people together, and through ETX Gamer Con, we’re channeling that connection into meaningful community support,” said Dr. Evan Dolive, the executive director of the Greater Longview United Way. “When you participate in this event, you’re not just playing games – you’re helping provide meals to families in need, supporting after-school programs for our youth, and ensuring our neighbors have access to vital health services.”

The convention’s lineup consists of the following exciting activities: Continue reading First ever East Texas Gamer Con coming to Longview

SMITH COUNTY – A Smith County couple has been arrested after a 9-year-old girl accused her stepfather of sexually assaulting her, according to our news partner KETK. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the case on March 12 after a CPS worker reported a 9-year-old girl was reportedly being touched inappropriately by her stepfather, Damian Francisco.

The incidents were reported to have occurred in the family’s home in Tyler. The CPS worker was alerted to the case after the victim, records indicate, told teachers at her school that her stepfather had touched her inappropriately.

Following the report, the victim was taken to the Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) where a forensic interview was conducted. The affidavit stated that the victim cried for the first portion of the interview and claimed that her mother told her that it was her fault they had to do the interview. The victim said the mother threatened she and her siblings may not see her again. Continue reading Couple arrested after stepfather accused of sexually assaulting stepdaughter

GUN BARREL CITY – According to our news partner KETK, the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man wanted in connection to a fatal shooting that happened near Gun Barrel City on Monday. The shooting happened near Bonita Point which is just outside of Gun Barrel City in Henderson County. Officials identified the man they were searching for as John Clague. The sheriff’s office reported that the body of Clague’s sister was found dead on Monday.

Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said Clague was in a travel trailer on a property in the Harbor Point subdivision. The tactical team responded to the property to try and contact Clague. He then allegedly tried to run from the trailer but was apprehended by a K9 unit. Hillhouse said that EMS was checking out Clague for injuries before he gets transported to the Henderson County Jail.

NACOGDOCHES – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the University of Texas System Police Department at Stephen F. Austin State University has received a $150,000 grant to fund equipment and training.

The Nacogdoches Law Enforcement Foundation, a nonprofit that assists agencies serving in Nacogdoches, awarded the grant. The $150,000 grant will cover at least 30 duty tourniquets with carriers, along with two automated external defibrillators for new patrol vehicles.

Korey Kahle, a lecturer of computer science at SFA, has been the head of the foundation since it began in March 2022. Recently, the foundation also helped Cason Snider, who was injured in a Nacogdoches County two-vehicle crash in 2017.

WOOD COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Wood County woman was sentenced to 30 years in prison after “repeatedly striking” a woman with a metal pole.

According to the Wood County District Attorney’s Office, around 10:30 p.m. on April 6, 2023, Ruby Dee Isaacs and three other people arrived at the victim’s home uninvited, holding weapons including a knife, machete, pepper spray and a homemade metal pole with a sprocket attached to the end.

Officials said that after a verbal dispute, Issacs repeatedly struck the victim in the face and body with the metal pole. The attack caused serious injuries to the victim’s face, requiring several stitches in her chin and staples in her forehead. Continue reading Wood County woman sentenced to 30 years for assault

CENTER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a 12-year-old from Center ISD accomplished an impressive feat during the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo this week by selling a market barrow pig for a record $501,000.

Dallas Martinez, who is currently in the sixth grade, was named Junior Market Barrow Grand Champion and sold his championship market barrow pig for $501,000, which breaks the previous record by over $100,000.

Martinez has been competing in major stock shows since he was 9-years-old. The student’s father, Berto Martinez, is a member of the Center ISD faculty working for the maintenance department.

TYLER — The University of Oxford Somerville College Choir concert at Marvin Methodist Church in Tyler Tuesday night has been canceled. Due to the fire at Heathrow Airport last week, the group was not able to make their flight.

NEW LONDON, Texas – The West Rusk County Consolidated ISD is once again looking at voters to pass a proposed bond totaling $23,404,459. The funds would be used to build a new elementary school. This bond comes after voters rejected the district’s last two attempted bonds which aimed to fix aging or broken infrastructure, including mold and water damage, in the district’s schools. The district’s bond page breaks down what the new elementary school campus would feature, including a new music room and a multi-purpose gymnasium with a stage.
Continue reading West Rusk CCISD proposes bond for new school

SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a contracted medical employee working at the Smith County Jail for allegedly bringing pills to an inmate according to our news partner KETK. Jessica Riley, 41 of Tyler, was working in the jail as a medication tech when she was arrested at around 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Officials said an investigation was started after investigators were given information claiming that Riley had been illegally dispensing controlled substances to an inmate.

The sheriff’s office said that investigators were able to review video that allegedly showed Riley passing something to an inmate from her medical cart.

Officials then searched the cell of Tyirese Ladale Dews, 24 of Tyler, who was arrested for the unrelated charge of promoting prostitution on March 6. Two tablets of Seroquel were found inside the bunkbed in Dews’ cell, according to a press release. Continue reading Smith County Jail medication tech arrested for delivering pills

UPDATE: The Carthage Police Department has arrested the suspect accused of hitting a 5-year-old child with their car on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, the suspect, Jhavorry Crayton, was found in Longview on Thursday afternoon and was arrested. Crayton was taken to the Gregg County Jail and charged with collision involving injury, evading arrest and tamper or fabricating with physical evidence.

The child injured in the crash was identified to KETK as 5-year-old Jude Brown. Jude is now out of the hospital but will need surgery. Continue reading UPDATE: Suspect in hit-and-run that injured child arrested

MARSHALL (AP) — George Foreman, the fearsome heavyweight who lost the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Muhammad Ali before his inspiring second act as a 45-year-old champion and a successful businessman, died Friday night. He was 76. Foreman’s family announced his death on social media.

“A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand- and great-grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility and purpose,” his family wrote.

A native Texan, Foreman began his boxing career as an Olympic gold medalist who inspired fear as he climbed to the peak of the heavyweight division by stopping Joe Frazier in 1973. His formidable aura evaporated only a year later when Ali pulled off one of the most audacious victories in boxing history in Zaire, baiting and taunting Foreman into losing his belt in one of the greatest fights ever staged. Continue reading Marshall native and heavyweight champ George Foreman, dies at 76

TRINITY – According to a report from our news partner, KETK, a 71-year-old man died on Friday morning in a fire that burned a mobile home in Trinity.

Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said James Barber, 71 of Trinity, died in a mobile home fire that happened on Clemons Street at around 5 a.m. on Friday.

According to Wallace, Trinity County law enforcement is investigating the cause of the fire.

HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that several counties across East Texas are seeing a higher risk of fires due to recent high winds and dry weather.

“Some of this is from people either just burning trash or trying to do controlled burns that get out of control with the current wind conditions that we’re experiencing,” South Van Zandt Volunteer Fire Department Deputy Chief David Birdsong said. He says the high call numbers are already putting a strain on their crews and resources.

“We’re doing what’s called emergency staffing. What that means is we have individuals that are willing to come in and staff the stations and be ready at a moment’s notice.” Continue reading East Texas fire departments taking extra precautions

NACOGDOCHES -Our news partner, KETK, reports that charges have been upgraded for a 17-year-old accused of shooting a man in Nacogdoches on Thursday.

Nacogdoches PD said officers responded to N. Popp Street at around 1 p.m. on Thursday after residents reported hearing the sound of gunshots. When they arrived, officers found a man who had been shot at least two times in the front yard of a home. The man was able tell them about the shooting before he was taken out of town by EMS for treatment. The victim, now identified as Gerber Panteleon-Palencia, 33, of Nashville was taken to a Tyler hospital for surgery, but passed away from his injuries. He was visiting family in Nacogdoches when the shooting took place.

Hernan Cuarenta, 17 of Nacogdoches, was originally charged with aggravated assault and theft of a firearm. Those charges have now been upgraded to first-degree murder.Cuarenta being held at the Nacogdoches County Jail. Continue reading UPDATE: Nacogdoches Teen charged with first-degree murder

JACKSONVILLE – The City of Jacksonville was held a public pinning ceremony for their new police chief Steven Markasky. On Thursday, Markasky was sworn in as the 10th Jacksonville Police Chief by Mayor Tim McRae. Markasky replaced former Chief Joe Williams who was relieved of his duties in January.

Markasky is a 12-year veteran and has been the department’s assistant chief since April of 2024. One family friend said he was a shoe-in for the position. Markasky said he wants to continue to shape the image of the department in his time as a chief.

LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, Longview firefighters have been helping to put out fires all across Texas this past month. Those firefighters that were in Lubbock, helping to extinguish the wildfires in West Texas, have returned home while a new group has been sent to Amarillo to help put out the fires still burning near there as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS).

Longview also sent a crew to Amarillo on that same day to help put out the Windmill Fire in Perryton fire which has burned over 23,000 acres of land. The crew is currently positioned in Plainview and are expected to remain their for the next two weeks.

“The Longview Fire Department would like to thank the community for all the support and prayers that have been given to our crews at home and away fighting fires,” the department said.

MARSHALL – According to our news partner KETK, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man after firearms and marijuana were found during the search of a home on Pamela Drive on
Thursday. The sheriff’s office said that Justin Alshun Jones, 38 of Marshall, was found inside the the home and arrested for felony arrest warrants. According to a post from the sheriff’s office, investigators then requested another search warrant in order to look for drugs at the residence.

Officials reported finding the following items during their second search: 2.5 pounds of marijuana, 71 grams of cocaine, $1,535 in cash, a Diamondback AR-15 5.56 rifle and a 9mm Ruger handgun

Jones was charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance between 4 and 200 grams, possession of marijuana between 4 ounces and 5 pounds and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He’s currently being held in the Harrison County Jail on a $100,000 bond, according to jail records. The sheriff’s office said the drug charges Jones is facing could be upgraded since they allegedly happened in a designated drug-free zone.

WOOD COUNTY – The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a man in Hainsville they consider armed and dangerous. According to our news partner KETK, officials say Walter Hall allegedly led officers on a vehicle chase after was was reportedly caught breaking into a home. Officers said that Hall reportedly crashed his vehicle near the intersection of FM 778 an FM 49 in Hainsville, near the Old Hainsville Baptist Church.

Hall is described as a white man who was last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and white baseball cap. Officials remind homeowners that Wood County deputies, the Mineola Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and K9 units are currently searching the area. Anyone not living in the area is asked to stay away while the search is being conducted.

The Wood County Sheriff’s Office asks if anyone has information on Walter Hall, to please call them at 903-763-2201.

TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the University of Texas at Tyler has appointed a new athletic director who has over 25 years of leadership experience in college athletics.

Dr. Sam Ferguson, who has spent the past 15 years serving as the athletic director at Abilene Christian University, has been selected as UT Tyler’s next athletic director. Prior to his time at ACU, Ferguson worked as director of athletics at Averett University. Before beginning his professional career, Ferguson received his bachelor’s degree from Averett, where he was also a member of the school’s basketball and golf teams. He went on to earn his Masters in Sports Management at Nova Southeastern University along with a doctorate from East Tennessee State University. Continue reading UT Tyler appoints new athletic director

UPDATE: Wood County Sheriff’s Office has reported that Kennedy has been found. WOOD COUNTY – Wood County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a missing 82-year-old man who was last seen on Wednesday. According to Wood County Sheriff’s Office, a silver alert has been issued for Jerry Kennedy who was last seen near the 1600 Block of County Road 1560 in Alba at 6:15 p.m. Officials said Kennedy was last seen wearing a blue and white long sleeve shirt, blue jeans and black and red tennis shoes with a scar above his lip and on his forehead. Kennedy could be traveling in his truck.

Kennedy’s truck is a white, 2010 Ford F-150 with a Texas state License plate, number CFC9502. Anyone with information on Kennedy’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that officials are searching for a third suspect after a Van Zandt County home was burglarized twice on the same day.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to a burglary that had already occurred. Deputies took a report of items taken from a residence and while speaking with the homeowner, officials believed the suspects would return to the residence and steal more items.

The deputies who responded to the call remained in the area and were alerted when the victim called 911 again to report the suspects had returned again. The victim and an acquaintance attempted to restrain the suspects, officials said, but one ran away while others fled in a vehicle. Continue reading Officials search for suspect after home burglarized

HUGHES SPRINGS – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Hughes Springs daycare worker was arrested on Monday after investigators reportedly discovered a video of her sexually assaulting a child.

According to the arrest affidavit, the Hughes Springs Police Department began an investigation into the possible continuous sexual assault of a child by Benny Edward Littlepage. After searching Littlepage’s phone, officers found 4,000 nude photos and 1,000 videos of a girl under 18.

The document said that investigators discovered a video that occurring on Nov. 11, 2024, at 7:17 a.m. that showed a child while Samantha Michele Smith, 34 of Hughes Springs and Littlepage performed sexual acts on the child and with each other. Continue reading Daycare worker accused of sexually assaulting child

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Two people were arrested on Wednesday afternoon after methamphetamine and a firearm were found inside a home.

The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said deputies conducted a search warrant on a home off County Road 3816, where they discovered 9 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. Officials identified the people inside the home as Sara Jean Mulder and Dillon Austin Lambright.

According to our news partner, KETK, Lambright and Mulder were arrested and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon while engaged in criminal activity.

NACOGDOCHES – A man was sentenced to 50 years in prison on Wednesday after pleading guilty to shooting a Nacogdoches police officer.

The incident occurred in December 2023 when the officer conducted a traffic stop, pulling over Jose Iraheta, the driver, and Gabriel Ramirez, a passenger. Ramirez proceeded to open fire on the officer before fleeing the scene.

According to reports from our news partner, KETK, Ramirez and the driver were found a few days later, and were arrested for aggravated assault against a public servant. Following his arrest, Ramirez was transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail. Continue reading Man sentenced to 50 years in prison after shooting police officer

MOUNT PLEASANT – A cockfighting ring involving hundreds of people was discovered in Mount Pleasant and, animal organizations said local authorities did nothing to stop it.

According to Animal Wellness Action and Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK), over the weekend they presented to Titus County Sheriff’s Office with evidence of a cockfighting event, but deputies did nothing to stop it. The organizations said that representatives showed up to the cockfighting event, and took drone footage showing about 225 vehicles and people holding roosters. The groups claimed it was the biggest cockfighting event they have ever seen.

Our news partner, KETK, reports that four deputies showed up to the property after the organizations handed over evidence, but the groups said they feel more could have been done. Continue reading East Texas cockfighting ring discovered