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TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that school choice may soon pass it’s final hurdle in the Texas House of Representatives. Governor Greg Abbott said that for the first time in our state’s history, a school choice proposal has enough backing from representatives.

“I think House Bill Three is going to be one of the finest, if not the finest, school choice bill in America,” said State Rep. Brent Money (R) Greenville.

Money, who represents Hopkins and Van Zandt counties in Austin, said the bill will allow parents another option for education and should only affect the students and families who apply for the program.

“There are strong protections, legal protections, the strongest in the state that say that this program cannot be used to change the way homeschoolers homeschool, private schoolers private school and it’s not going to change the public schools either,” Money said. Continue reading East Texas Rep says school choice will pass in State House

HENDERSON – Our news partner, KETK, reports that during a search of a Henderson home on Thursday, authorities reportedly found illegal narcotics and a firearm.

The Henderson Police Department said multiple agencies conducted a joint operation, executing a state search warrant at a home on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at around 7 a.m. The police department said they found methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a pistol. One person was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The police department has not released the identity of the person arrested.

Henderson PD was joined by the Kilgore Police Department, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office and the North East Texas Regional SWAT Team.

WHITEHOUSE- A 35-year-old man was injured on Thursday while pouring gasoline on a controlled burn in Whitehouse.

The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the 17000 block of Forest Lane in Whitehouse at around 1:41 p.m. According to our news partner, KETK, officials said the man was burning plastic household items, a toaster and aerosol cans. He was transported by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment after being issued a Class C Misdemeanor citation for illegal burning.

“Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reminds residents to never use ignitable liquids when conducting controlled burn,” the Smith County Fire Department said.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a traffic stop in Van Zandt County led to the arrest of a Canton woman for multiple drug related charges on Wednesday. While officers were searching the vehicle they reportedly found what was suspected to be marijuana along with suspected methamphetamine and a firearm inside of the car. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Terry Lawson of Canton. Lawson was arrested and charged for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Lawson was booked into the Van Zandt County Detention Center and has been released on bond. The case is still being investigated and officials said that Lawson is considered innocent until proven guilty.

“We have a renewed emphasis on stopping illicit drugs in Van Zandt County and having a Drug Interdiction Team is just the first step,” Van Zandt County Sheriff Kevin Bridger stated.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – One person was flown to a local hospital on Thursday after a high-speed chase started in Van Zandt County and ended in a crash according to our news partner KETK.

Delta County Sheriff Marshall Lynch said the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office started a pursuit but then lost the vehicle they were chasing down. The Rains County Sheriff’s Office reportedly found the vehicle and started the pursuit which then entered Delta County where deputies joined in the chase. According to Lynch, the chase continued on Texas State Highway 154 heading west at high speeds when the vehicle crashed near FM 1529.

The driver was removed from the vehicle by Delta and Hopkins County deputies along with local first responders. The injured driver was then flown by an Air Evac flight to a local hospital.

TYLER – Congressman Nathaniel Moran had the opportunity to meet with President Trump and Vice President Vance to “increase liberty and prosperity for all Americans.”

According to our news partner, KETK, Congressman Moran was in the Oval Office this week discussing the emphasis of joint efforts between House Republicans and the White House to “secure the border, slash government waste, unleash American energy production and increase liberty for the American people.”

“It was an honor to visit the White House this week to speak with President Trump and Vice President Vance,” Moran said. “During our meeting, President Trump laid out his vision to increase liberty and prosperity for all Americans – and House Republicans are hard at work to deliver on that vision.”

Bullard – The Bullard Independent School District (BISD) Board of Trustees has officially called for a
school board election to be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025. This election will determine the representatives for
Place 6 and Place 7 on the Board, as the current terms for these positions are set to expire. The election was
called at the regular monthly board meeting on February 10, 2025. Continue reading Bullard ISD calls school board election for May Third

TYLER — The Texas Department of Public Safety Tyler District reported a 22% decrease in fatal accidents in 2024. According to TxDOT and our news partner KETK, since Nov. 7, 2000, 87,000 people have died on state roadways and there hasn’t been a single day without a fatal accident since. TxDOT is working to end that streak and said the results are paying off. The report focused on five of the top factors found to contribute to accidents. The top two factors include drivers who fail to drive in a single lane and speeding.

“There were 164 total fatalities. Although that number went down from 209 in 2023, it’s still too many fatalities,” TxDOT Tyler District Public Information Officer Jeff Williford said.

TxDOT hopes to see fewer fatalities but said 2025 is already off to a bad start.

“Unfortunately, 2025 is starting off worse than 2024 did so far. Through the first 50 days, we’ve seen a handful of more fatalities so far and more crashes than we did in 2024 at this time of year,” Williford said.

MARSHALL, Texas (KETK) – A traffic stop in Marshall led to the arrest of two residents on Tuesday where police recovered drugs and stolen checks.
According to our news partner KETK, the traffic stop occurred in the area of East Grand Avenue and Bolivar Street. The individuals in the vehicle were identified as Amber Nicole Wage, 36, and LaMarcus Bernard Clayborn, 43.

While officers were searching the vehicle, they reportedly found a debit card and several checks in Wage’s possession that were not under her name. One of the fraudulent checks was made out to Clayborn. Authorities also found a white substance that was later identified as methamphetamine.

Following the investigation, Wage and Clayborn were arrested and transported to the Harrison County Jail. Continue reading Stolen checks found during Marshall traffic stop

CHEROKEE COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office jail was found in noncompliance with Texas jail standards.

According to Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson, medication distribution, restraint, recreational procedures and failing to do a proper face-to-face observation at the time of an inmate’s death were reasons for the failure. The sheriff’s office identified the inmate as Mason Tanner Johnston of Jacksonville, who was arrested for serious crimes against a child in 2021.

The sheriff said that these infractions are from a lack of documentation by the jailers when they perform their duties. “As a result of this inspection, I have taken the proper and necessary disciplinary actions against several jailers who failed to document their actions correctly during their shifts,” Dickson said. Continue reading Cherokee County jail found in noncompliance

TYLER – Tyler City Council approved Municipal Court Presiding Judge Amy McCullough’s appointment of Attorneys Kristina Ross and Tab Beall as alternate judges. Following their approval Wednesday, both were officially sworn in. According to a release from the city, Kristina Ross is an attorney at Beard & Harris, PLLC in Tyler. Her practice focuses on estate planning, probate, and sports agency and management. She has been licensed by the State Bar of Texas since 2011 and is a member of the Smith County Bar Association. Tab Beall is a lifelong Tyler resident and attorney with over 40 years of legal experience, including serving as a partner at Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, LLP. He has been a member of the Smith County Bar Association since 1981 and served as president from 2002-2003.

LONGVIEW — According to our news partner KETK, the Longview Fire Department was sent to a house after a dog fell down a well under a house on Monday . However, with the help of Longview fire and animal control, the dog was quickly brought to the surface. The dog was a little shaken but officials said it was was unharmed. One of the rescuers has since chosen to adopt him, since the owner can not be located.

“Thank you to everyone who played a part in this miraculous rescue. It’s a true reminder of the incredible bond between humans and animals, and how a community comes together in times of need,” a spokesperson from Longview animal control center said.

TYLER – Investigators with the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) have identified a sophisticated new criminal method that uses multiple steps to defraud consumers by impersonating law enforcement.  The criminals send a fraudulent text alert to a victim, saying there have been suspicious transactions on their financial accounts and asking the victim to confirm that the transaction is indeed suspicious.

The criminal then contacts the victim while impersonating a bank representative and tells the victim that the suspicious activity is part of an FBI investigation. The criminal persuades the victim to withdraw and deposit funds into a “new account” via an ATM that is controlled by the criminal. Sometimes, these are video calls where the victim is on the phone with the criminal, who has their video turned off.

The criminals give the victim a debit card number linked to the criminals’ accounts to add to Apple pay or other third-party apps. Once the transactions are completed, the criminals instruct the victim to delete the debit card number and throw out receipts – which prevents law enforcement from tracing the fraudulent transaction. Continue reading New fraud attacks Texas consumers

TYLER – To improve efficiency, Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) will replace aging variable-frequency drives (VFDs) at the Lake Palestine Water Treatment Plant and the Lake Palestine Raw Water Pump Station. VFDs are crucial as they control the volume of water pumped from Lake Palestine for treatment at the water treatment plant and subsequently distributed through the system. Without functional VFDs, the plant would not be operable.

“The replacement of these VFDs is essential for maintaining the reliable operation of our water treatment and distribution system,” said Utilities Director Kate Dietz, P.E. “By upgrading this infrastructure, we are reinforcing our commitment to investing in modern solutions that meet the community’s water needs now and in the future.”

The design process is anticipated to be completed by May, and construction is scheduled to begin in July. The expected completion date is August 2026. 

TRINITY — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a man has died after being struck by a vehicle on Tuesday night in Trinity.

According to Trinity Police Department, around 9:14 p.m. officers responded to a vehicle and pedestrian fatality crash on the 1866 block of Robb Street at the south end of Trinity city limits. Officials said that the male pedestrian died on scene after being hit by the vehicle, but the crash is still under investigation.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all involved,” Trinity PD said.

MARSHALL — According to our news partner KETK, a dad and son were arrested after illegal narcotics and items connected to an aggravated robbery were recovered inside a Marshall home on Tuesday.

Marshall Police officers searched a home in the 1600 block of N Fulton Street where they found illegal narcotics, cash, multiple firearms including a stolen handgun and items connected to a previous aggravated robbery. Officials said that evidence at the scene was consistent with the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. Cruz Alonso Rodriguez Sr., 45 and Cruz Angel Rodriguez Jr., 18 both of Marshall were arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail.

Cruz Jr. was arrested on 10 counts of possession of a controlled substance, possession of a dangerous drug and theft of a firearm. Cruz Sr. was arrested on one count of possession of a controlled substance.

Anyone with information related to the ongoing investigation can contact Marshall PD at 903-935-4575.

MARSHALL – On February 25, 2025, the Joint Harrison County Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant in the 1600 block of N. Fulton Street. The operation, conducted with assistance from the Marshall Police Department Special Response Team (MPD SRT), the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Response Team (HCSO ERT), and the Marshall PD Crime Scene Unit led to significant findings. During the search, investigators recovered illegal narcotics, a substantial amount of cash, multiple firearms, including a stolen handgun, and items connected to a previous aggravated robbery. Evidence at the scene was consistent with the sale and distribution of illegal drugs. As a result of the investigation, Cruz Rodriguez, Sr., 45, and Cruz Rodriguez, Jr., 18, were taken into custody and booked into the Harrison County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.

OVERTON — Our news partners at KETK report an Overton man was arrested Saturday evening after allegedly attempting to shoot at children. According to Smith County arrest documents, officers responded to 23410 CR 3199 at around 7:12 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from children that a family member “had come into the home with a rifle and was acting aggressively.” The children identified the family member as Keith Lamar Mills, of Overton, who attempted to fire the gun but it malfunctioned. Authorities spoke with one of the children who said when they arrived home, the front door was unlocked and saw Mills yelling obscenities. Mills was reportedly about to hit a child when he “dropped his hand.” Mills smelled of alcohol and his demeanor had scared the children, records show. The document stated Mills left and went back to his shed where he lived on the property. Three of the children then went to the shed and began to play music when Mills reportedly came out of his room and started cussing at them to shut up. After the children walked out of the shed, they saw Mills walk out holding a brown rifle. Continue reading East Texas man arrested after attempting to fire gun at child

TYLER- According to our new partner KETK, Tyler ISD’s longtime athletic director will be leaving to take a position with Rockwall ISD. Greg Priest, who has spent the past decade in Tyler, will be joining Rockwall ISD as their new executive athletic director this spring.

“It has been an incredible honor to serve as the athletic director at Tyler ISD. The past decade has been filled with unforgettable moments, talented student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and a supportive community that has made a lasting impact on me,” Priest said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this journey and while I look forward to this next chapter at Rockwall ISD, I will always cherish my time in Tyler.”

Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford praised Priest for the positive impact he had on the athletic department during his tenure.

MT. PLEASANT — According to our news partner KETK, the recently sworn in U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins made a stop in East Texas Monday to hear from local farmers.

Controlling the virus outbreak that began in 2022 is a top priority for Rollins’ department. Bird flu is widespread amongst wild birds and has caused outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows. Recently, the virus has spread to humans. Rollins, however, is focused on the economic impact the virus continues to have in egg prices. As of date, the federal government has spent about $2 billion in response to the bird flu. Yet, the average cost of a dozen eggs in the nation is $8.03, more than $3 since early January.

This comes after more than 156 million birds across the nation have been lost to the bird flu in the past three years. Continue reading U.S. Secretary of Agriculture talks egg prices

TYLER — Bishop Gregory Kelly was installed on Monday as the Bishop of Diocese of Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Kelly was appointed as Bishop of Tyler on Dec. 20, 2024, by Pope Francis. Kelly will be the fifth bishop to ever be appointed to lead the Tyler Diocese since it was founded in 1986 by Pope St. John Paul II. Kelly’s appointment comes after Bishop Joseph Strickland was removed as Bishop of Tyler in November of 2023, following a months-long investigation by the Vatican.

GUN BARREL CITY — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a man was arrested after a woman was shot in Gun Barrel City Sunday afternoon.

According to Gun Barrel City Police Department, around 4:08 p.m. officers responded to 346 Flagship Lane regarding the shooting of Mackenzie Wisdom, 22 of Gun Barrel City. Wisdom was then transported to a local hospital where she died due to her gunshot wound. Officials said officers determined this was an isolated incident and arrested John David Bunch-Stiles, 23 of Gun Barrel City, for state jail felony criminally negligent homicide.

“The Gun Barrel City Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the Wisdom family,” the department said.

ANGELINA COUNTY — According to reports from our news partner, KETK, an East Texas teacher was arrested on Saturday after being accused of bestiality and possession with intent to promote child pornography.

According to Wells ISD Superintendent Friday Wright, Hillary Danielle Williams, 33 of Lufkin is currently employed as a junior high and high school math teacher and has been since the beginning of 2024. Williams is currently being held in the Angelina County Jail for charges of bestiality and possession with intent to promote child pornography with bonds totaling $350,000. Wright said they were made aware of the arrest on Saturday and are currently working with attorneys and police to address the matter. “The safety and security of our students at Wells ISD is our top priority,” Wright said.

Her partner Michael Scott McCary, 37 of Lufkin and also pictured, was arrested for possession of child pornography with a $250,000 bond.

According to the district, a retired math teacher will be coming in this week to help teach the students.

ANGELINA COUNTY — According to reports from our news partner, KETK, an East Texas teacher was arrested on Saturday after being accused of bestiality and possession with intent to promote child pornography.

According to Wells ISD Superintendent Friday Wright, Hillary Danielle Williams, 33 of Lufkin is currently employed as a junior high and high school math teacher and has been since the beginning of 2024. Williams is currently being held in the Angelina County Jail for charges of bestiality and possession with intent to promote child pornography with bonds totaling $350,000. Wright said they were made aware of the arrest on Saturday and are currently working with attorneys and police to address the matter. “The safety and security of our students at Wells ISD is our top priority,” Wright said.

According to the district, a retired math teacher will be coming in this week to help teach the students.

BULLARD, Texas (KETK) — According to our news partner KETK, the City of Bullard has announced a Stage 2 water conservation notice for all water customers, effective Sunday until further notice. Due to mechanical issues with a water well, water production across the system is expected to be impacted, city officials said.

The following restrictions will apply to all customers on City of Bullard utilities: Residents with even-numbered addresses are permitted to water outside only on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, residents with odd-numbered addresses are permitted to water outside only on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, outdoor watering will be allowed only between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., outdoor watering will not be allowed between 6 a.m. through 9 p.m., outdoor water use of any kind is prohibited on Friday.

Bullard officials said those caught violating these regulations will receive a written warning for the first offense. All offenses after that at the same location will be issued a citation.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — According to our news partner, KETK, a Montgomery man is behind bars following a Friday morning pursuit that ended on I-20 in Van Zandt County where authorities recovered suspected meth and hydrocodone.

The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to a call on Friday to a suspicious vehicle along VZCR 2142. Upon arrival, deputies found a man asleep in the driver’s seat of a running car. Despite repeatedly identifying themselves and attempting to communicate with the driver, the man reportedly fled the scene. Deputies pursued the vehicle and were assisted by DPS troopers, the Canton and Van Police Departments that helped bring the pursuit to a close.

Authorities stopped the driver, later identified as Steven M. Templeton, on the south service road of I-20 near the 533-mile marker exit. Officials reportedly found suspected meth and hydrocodone. Templeton has since been charged with aggravated assault against a public servant, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, a previous warrant and two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance.

He is being held at the Van Zandt County Jail on a $125,000 bond.

DE BERRY – After nearly 80 years without any payments, an East Texas church is finally receiving compensation for minerals being extracted from their land.

“Man, that was a long journey. That was a real long journey,” Deacon at Zion Hill Holiness Church of God, Anthony Price Sr. said.

Church historian and relative, Johnathan Matthews, said for 78 years, an unknown amount of money in mineral royalties have not been paid to Zion Hill Holiness Church of God. He said the money could have helped the church and family for generations. Continue reading East Texas church wins mineral royalties battle

LONGVIEW — People of all ages got the opportunity to meet the people behind the industries that power East Texas on Saturday in Longview, according to our news partner KETK.

As part of Career and Technical Education Month, businesses like HOLT CAT opened their doors to East Texans, giving children and adults the chance to see what they do everyday. This was a part of the Big Techs East Texas Industry Tours and Job Fair. Guests got a close up look at cutting edge local manufactures creating things like fighter jets to the world’s largest front-end loader. Though HOLT CAT service manager said there is always one thing that brings the crowds.

“The tractors is definitely the biggest highlight, the kids love them,” Jake Giebel, service manager, said. “It’s the kids allow us to kind of reengage with our childhood because they’re so excited to see us, so excited to see the tractors and get in play, and that just kind of reinvigorates what we do day in and day out.”

Other groups in attendance included East Texas Regional Airport, Genpak, INVISTA, Kilgore College Manufacturing and Industrial Technology and LeTourneau University Engineering.

SMITH COUNTY — An arrest warrant sheds new details on an East Texas man accused of sexually assaulting a child his wife was babysitting.

According to our news partner KETK, Smith County deputies responded to a medical center on Feb. 13 after a child had reported being sexually assaulted. Officers spoke with the mother who said her daughter confessed to her the previous day she had a secret, but the mother did not think much of it. The next day, Feb. 13, the child reiterated she had the secret that pertained to Brandon Darrell Couey, her babysitter’s husband.

During a forensic interview, the child described deviant sexual activity performed on her by Couey and gave detailed information by using male and female anatomy drawings. Continue reading Babysitter’s husband reportedly bribes victim with $5