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LUFKIN — Lufkin residents spoke out at Tuesday night’s city council meeting, successfully blocking a proposed replacement electric substation from being built near their neighborhoods.

Following more than an hour of public comment, the Lufkin City Council voted 6–1 to deny a special permit that would have allowed Oncor to build a replacement substation on Brentwood Drive, adjacent to the existing facility. The site is near apartment complexes, Anderson Elementary School and the Crown Colony neighborhood.

Lufkin Fire Chief Scott Moody told council members the proposed substation would not pose a safety risk, noting it would use mineral oil for cooling instead of traditional fluids.

Oncor representatives argued the replacement is necessary to keep up with Lufkin’s growth. Attorney Jaren Taylor said the existing substation is expected to reach 117% of its capacity by this summer, limiting the system’s ability to provide backup power during peak demand. Continue reading Council denies special permit for Oncor

KILGORE — The criminal case against the former head football coach at Poteau High School, accused of embezzling from another Oklahoma high school, has been dismissed, according to court records.
Forrest Mazey, 44, was accused of one count of embezzlement out of Pittsburg County in July 2025. He had pleaded not guilty. Court records show the case was dismissed on Jan. 26 following a preliminary hearing.

A felony information sheet said Mazey was accused of “fraudulently appropriating the sum” of more than $4,600 that belonged to McAlester Public Schools.

A probable cause affidavit said that the McAlester Public Schools Campus Police Department was notified of missing funds from one of the school’s athletic programs on June 3, where Mazey previously served as a football coach.

The head football coach at McAlester Public Schools alleged that he logged into the football team’s Adidas sportswear account, which was supposed to have $6,000 in it, but the account was missing $4,676.75.

The money in the account was a credit given to the McAlester football team for purchases, including gear for players and coaches. The affidavit said that the account was only to be used by the head coach of the football program and the athletic director. Continue reading Case dismissed against former coach

LONGVIEW — After nearly three decades of service, the assistant fire chief of the Longview Fire Department is retiring. Steven Green was the assistant fire chief of Longview for more than 28 years and the fire department announced his retirement on Wednesday.

The fire department celebrates Green, saying he served the department throughout many changes and transitions while contributing in various roles.

“Thank you for your years of commitment and we wish you all the best in what comes next,” the fire department said.

(SMITH COUNTY) – A house fire on Hill N Dale Road west of Tyler Tuesday night started in an outdoor kitchen area and spread to the home. Our news partner KETK and Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reported that the residents had just cooked in the covered outdoor kitchen area. Soon after, it caught fire and spread to the home. Both the residence and the outdoor kitchen area were a total loss. Four adults and six children lived at the home and were assisted by Red Cross. No injuries were reported.

Tyler — As millions of Americans prepare for Super Bowl LX, Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) Texas calls all football fans to make a winning move before kickoff by planning a safe ride home. With celebrations planned nationwide, Super Bowl Sunday remains one of the most dangerous days of the year for impaired driving crashes. According to the latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 48% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities on Super Bowl Sunday in 2023 involved drivers with some level of alcohol in their system, and 42% involved drivers who were legally impaired (BAC .08 or higher). Alcohol consumption increases during major sporting events, particularly around pre-game, halftime, and post-game gatherings, contributing to elevated roadway risk during and immediately following the Super Bowl. Continue reading MADD: plan for Super Bowl

EAST TEXAS — Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed two people with roots in our region to the Early Childhood Education and Care Task Force. The task force was launched Jan. 20 to improve the quality, access and affordability of child care for families. According to our news partner KETK, Jeff Austin III of Whitehouse and Nancy Windham of Nacogdoches, were among 11 others named to the task force.

Austin received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Business as well as a Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas at Tyler. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program, SMU’s Southwestern Graduate School of Banking, Banking Leadership Texas and Leadership Tyler. Austin is currently the chairman of the Board of Austin Bank Texas N.A. and Austin Bancorp.

Windham attended Stephen F. Austin State University and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute, and also studied basic industrial development at Texas A&M University. Currently, she is the Regional Economic Development Advisor of the Texas Forest Country Partnership.

Abbott also said, “The real reason why we passed this bill, the real reason why we’re having this announcement today, is because of the importance of helping parents across the entire state be able to access quality and affordable early child care and child education for their children,” .

LUFKIN – More information has been released following the arrest of a Lufkin pediatrician, George Fidone, who killed one person in a car crash while driving intoxicated in January. According to his arrest affidavit and our news partner KETK, the crash occurred Jan. 17 on a two-lane road between the 3900 block and 4000 block of College Drive and FM 819. The crash involved a white Mercedes-Benz driven by Fidone and a black Kia Forte.

Lufkin police officers were dispatched after receiving a call stating there was a car crash and a potential fatality. Once on the scene, officers found Fidone’s car on the shoulder of the southbound lane facing northbound. His car sustained extensive damage to the front left side and multiple airbags were deployed, according to the affidavit.

After officers observed Fidone walking near his vehicle, they checked the Kia’s occupants and found the passenger slumped over and the driver, D. Marcus Hadnot, slumped over the steering wheel, motionless. A dog was also found inside the Kia, deceased, and was later picked up by animal control. Continue reading Pediatrician charged with manslaughter

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is investigating a Tuesday evening shooting at the Southwest Pines apartment complex on Walton Road. According to Tyler Police Department’s Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, and our news partner KETK, the victim reportedly tried to drive himself to the hospital but crashed. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. The condition of the victim is unknown. Additional details were not available.

TYLER — Crews responded to a house fire west of Tyler near State Highway 31 on Tuesday night, forcing a family of 10 to evacuate. According to Smith County Emergency Services District 2 spokesperson Nikki Simmons and our news partner KETK, the fire started on the back porch of a home in the 9700 block of Hill N. Dale Road. The flames quickly spread from the porch into the attic and firefighters were forced to take a defensive approach upon arrival.

Simmons said homeowners alerted first responders that a gun safe containing ammunition was inside the home, which is an important safety concern for firefighters on scene.

The family was able to move their vehicles away from the house before the fire spread further. No injuries were reported and crews were able to contain the flames.

The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office will investigate the cause of the fire.

ANDERSON COUNTY – The state has been granted a 60-day extension to determine the future of Robert Roberson’s case. According to court documents and our news partner KETK, the state requested a 60-day extension before returning to court, citing the trial’s unprecedented nature and that Roberson’s prior conviction was based on flawed science.

The state also requested the extension, claiming that the lead counsel has been unable to give the case their full attention because they are working on other capital cases with death sentences.

Roberson’s attorney, Gretchen Sween, is pleading with the Anderson County District Court to deny the state’s request, stating that it exposes the weakness of the plaintiffs’ position after they had months to file an answer.

“The state’s request for yet more delay does not make sense,” court documents said. “It relies on a mischaracterization of the history and posture of this case,” Sween stated. “The state has long been on notice of the basis of Mr. Roberson’s remanded claim and further delay is wholly unjustified.” Continue reading State granted 60-day extension

OVERTON — An Overton ISD coach has been taken into custody and is facing allegations of causing harm to a student during a basketball practice. According to a probable cause warrant from Rusk County, the victim allegedly performed a basketball play incorrectly, resulting in an injury inflicted by Head Girls Basketball Coach Zachariary Griffin.

Surveillance footage captured Griffin approaching the student, where he grabbed and twisted her ear, forcing her head to the left. While still holding her ear, he reportedly moved several feet around the basketball court and aggressively twisted both of her ears, causing the victim to stand on her tiptoes. A teacher, who witnessed the incident, approached the victim to see if she was okay, but the victim kept crying in pain. The document states that the girl then informed her parents that her ears were burning, appeared bloodshot and had experienced pain throughout the day. Continue reading Coach charged after allegedly injuring student

SMITH COUNTY – At approximately 12:20 a.m. on Sunday, Smith County dispatchers received a call reporting a residence on fire Valleyview Ridge near Dean Road in rural Smith County.
Fire crews responded to the location to extinguish the fire and the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate the origin and cause of the fire.

The home was occupied by four residents and the fire started in the attic space near the chimney, Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue reported. The fire was contained to the immediate area around the chimney, but significant damage was done to the home. The cause of the fire was accidental due to fire escaping from the chimney into the attic of the residence while the fireplace was being used, Hogue said.

At about 6 a.m. another emergency call was received, reporting the same residence fully engulfed with fire. The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated and determined this fire was a rekindle of the previous fire. The structure was a total loss and no injuries were reported, Hogue said.

The Red Cross was contacted and is assisting the displaced residents.

TYLER – Tyler Animal Control and Shelter is offering no-cost adoptions for dogs and cats throughout February with a donation of 12 new white towels. The standard adoption fee is $120 for dogs and $80 for cats. All animals adopted from Tyler Animal Services are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. If you would like to adopt, see all available pets for adoption, or submit an application, visit the Tyler Animal Services webpage.
 

ATHENS – An Athens ISD (AISD) teacher and basketball coach was arrested after marijuana and a firearm were found in his vehicle. According to a report from the district, the unidentified staff member was taken into custody on Monday morning and was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation. Our news partners at KETK had this excerpt from an AISD statement: “Athens ISD is committed to upholding the highest level of integrity as a matter of public trust,” the district said. “We appreciate the response of our staff and school resource officers and will continue to cooperate fully as the matter moves forward.”

TYLER – After violating his probation, Patrick Mahomes Sr., the father of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, was taken into custody and is currently being held at the Smith County Jail. Our news partner KETK reports that Mahomes Sr. was arrested after breaking his probation, according to the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. On February 3, 2024, he was arrested in Tyler for driving under the influence.

MOUNT PLEASANT – CHRISTUS Health held the grand opening of their new Mount Pleasant facility Monday, February 2. The 33,500-square-foot facility will feature a 15-bed emergency department with state-of-the-art imaging and onsite laboratory, along with full-service imaging and lab. It will also have a dedicated dedicated clinic space that will house providers in primary care, outpatient physical therapy, and cardiology with space designated for visiting specialists

OVERTON – The City of Overton is asking residents to contact the Overton Police Department if they see any packs of dogs after a woman was attacked on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK and the City of Overton, a young woman was attacked by a pack of dogs on Sunday evening near the Dairy Queen but luckily she was able to defend herself with pepper spray.

“Unfortunately these stray dogs have crossed a line and must go,” the city said in a social media post on Monday. City officials asked residents to report any sightings of dog packs to the Overton Police Department at 903-834-3145. The city reminded residents to not feed any stray dogs and to use caution when they pass nearby.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office apprehended a man on Monday who is suspected of being involved in multiple burglaries. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff’s office attempted to contact Skylar Maynard in Reklaw on Monday but he fled from law enforcement. According to the sheriff’s office, Maynard was eventually caught by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Beto pack dog unit.

Maynard was then arrested for evading arrest or detention. The sheriff’s office identified Maynard as a suspect in several burglaries that have happened across Cherokee County from Jacksonville to Alto and that more charges are pending against him. The sheriff’s office added that Maynard allegedly fled from law enforcement two times within the last week.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – It’s already been a big week. Congress has ended the partial government shutdown and approved 1.2 trillion dollars in spending.

But, with Minneapolis still engaged in demonstrations daily, the one thing some want is the identifies of ICE agent. Meaning, they want them maskless and with badges displayed. KTBB spoke with District 1 Representative Nathaniel Moran and asked him about ICE agents going mask less. He replied, “I fully support ICE agents wearing masks because we’ve seen ICE agents and other law enforcement agencies be targeted for doing their duty, and that is to arrest folks for breaking the law. And, in this case arrest and deport folks that are breaking the law. And, we do not want to see law enforcement men and women targeted. We don’t want to see them come under fire by anybody else, that would seek to do them harm. We know there are paid and organized agitators that are intending to interfere with the lawful performance of those duties. And so, I fully support continue to support them to hide their faces, so there is not an additional security measure that comes into play.”
Continue reading Congressman Moran on ICE

KILGORE – Chad Adamson, 43 of Tatum, involved in a fatal December wreck, was arrested this weekend. Adamson turned himself in to the Gregg County Jail on an intoxication manslaughter charge. His bond was set at $25,000 and he was released from the jail Monday.

A probable cause affidavit states that on December 9, while intoxicated, Adamson caused Christine Donley’s death in a two-vehicle collision on US 259 in Kilgore. According to the arrest report, Adamson struck Donley’s car after crossing the median and traveling south in the northbound lane. Continue reading Man charged with intoxication manslaughter

KILGORE — UPDATE: All lanes are now open after authorities cleared the scene

Westbound I-20 near mile marker 587, just east of State Highway 42, is completely closed until further notice due to an 18-wheeler that caught fire monday. According to our news partner KETK and the Kilgore Fire Department, significant delays on Interstate 20 westbound are expected while the department responds. Texas Department of Transportation cameras show that traffic on the westbound lane is backed up past State Highway 31.

TYLER — On February 1, 2003, 23 years ago, a doctor from East Texas and his wife stood outside, eagerly anticipating the return of the Columbia Space Shuttle to Earth following its 17-day mission focused on microgravity experiments. According to our news partner KETK, Dr. Scott Lieberman was photographing the shuttle. As they captured pictures and videos, Dr. Scott Lieberman’s wife inquired whether it was normal for the shuttle to break apart.

He described the ensuing moments as “a very loud envelope of noise,” an experience unlike any he had encountered before. At that moment, he scrutinized the photographs he had taken and realized the shuttle had disintegrated. The couple became witnesses to history, as seven astronauts tragically lost their lives just 15 minutes before their scheduled landing.

“It was a devastating moment,” Lieberman reflected. “These were my heroes growing up—astronauts in general. Their dedication and work ethic ended up being something useful to everybody.”
Continue reading Remembering Columbia

TYLER – Tyler Police responded to a call Saturday morning to a vehicle and pedestrian accident. Investigators arrived at Loop 323, just north of the Van Highway. They determined that 15-year-old Derrick Holt walked in front of a vehicle that was going northbound on the Loop in the inside lane. A notice to Tyler High School parents, guardians and staff identified the victim. The driver of the vehicle stayed and spoke to officers. Hold was sent to a hospital, where he later died. His family has been notified. Tyler ISD noted in their letter that additional counseling staff will be available to students and staff on campus.

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Emergency Services District 2 firefighters fought two fires that burned the same home. According to our news partner KETK, firefighters responded to call of a structure fire at Valleyview Ridge and Dean Road just after midnight on Sunday morning.

Firefighters extinguished this fire and officials said that they used a variety of tools, including a drone, to make sure it was totally put out. Hours later, ESD2 said firefighters were dispatched to the same address for another reported fire. When they arrived at the scene, the second fire had totally engulfed the home.

Firefighters were eventually able to put the fire out before it could spread. No injuries were reported from either of the two fires. The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the two fires.

TROUP – Troup ISD is in mourning this week after announcing that Troup ISD 6th grade student Easton Roper has died. According to our news partner KETK, school officials said counselors will be available to support students who need someone to talk to at Troup Middle School on Monday. The district also encouraged families to talk with their children and to contact the school if they need any extra support.

Donations for Roper’s family can be made to the Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville or at Troup Middle School. The district said they’ll share information about Roper’s funeral services when they can.

TYLER – The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has awarded a total of $638,659 in grants to help improve community parks in cities across East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, the cities of Center, Daingerfield, Gladewater and Kemp have all received local park grants as part of a record $21.2 million round of grant funding that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently awarded for parks across the state.

Center received a $250,000 non-urban outdoor grant through the TPWD’s Non-Urban Outdoor Recreation Grant Program to improve the city’s American Legion Park and the Community House grounds. Continue reading $600K for city park improvements

LONGVIEW – Pine Tree ISD High School’s Career and Technical Education program unveiled its brand new Skilled Trades Center on Friday. The new Skilled Trades Center has been in development for the past three years, following its funding by a $55 million bond measure in 2023. The center will enable Pine Tree High School students to develop skills in automotive repair, carpentry, welding, electronics, and more.

“We want them to be functional, contributive members of society. We just want to produce graduates that employers here in Longview and East Texas want to hire, and this building helps us accomplish that,” Pine Tree ISD Career and Technical Education program director Jacob Lusk said.

The new center is located on the Pine Tree High School campus behind the Pirate Center Gym. To learn more, visit the Pine Tree ISD Career and Technical Education program online.