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TYLER — The former bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tyler, Joseph E. Strickland, is set to appear Tuesday at a Grassroots America – We the People meeting, a prominent constitutional conservative organization based in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, the event, titled “Closing Out 2025 with Conviction, Hope, and Perseverance,” will be held at the Holiday Inn in Tyler. A food-and-fellowship buffet is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6:25 p.m., with the meeting set to run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Organizers say book signings and additional speakers may continue until 9 p.m.

Strickland’s appearance marks one of his most public returns to the East Texas community since his removal as head of the Diocese of Tyler on Nov. 11, 2023. Continue reading Former bishop to speak at Grassroots America

RAINS COUNTY — The criminal case against Rains County Judge Linda Wallace has been dismissed, according to newly released documents from the Rains County District Clerk’s Office and our news partner KETK.

The dismissal comes after months of developments connected to the investigation and prosecution of Rains County Justice of the Peace Jenkins Franklin. A full timeline of events is below:

MAY 1: Rains County Justice of the Peace Robert Jenkins Franklin was arrested and charged with official oppression and witness tampering. According to a federal lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Rains County Justice of the Peace Robert Jenkins Franklin allegedly threatened a defendant to plead guilty in a case over which Franklin had no jurisdiction. Continue reading Charges dropped against another Rains County judge

TYLER – Thanks to the Texas Resilient Landscapes Initiative, Texas landowners can now earn up to $80,000 by reforesting their land. Landowners with 10 to 150 acres of land are being invited by the initiative to reforest their land through a number of different methods including: shredding or mulching for tree planting at $168.75 per acre, prescribed fire burns at $37.50 per acre, direct seeding of trees at $337.50 per acre, planting live cuttings at $375 per acre, planting bareroot or containerized seedlings at $5.60 per seedling and providing temporary browsing protection for seedlings at $4.90 per seedling.

Non-federal, non-industrial and tribal or local government forest landowners can apply to the initiative by Jan. 23, 2026 and another application period will open in the summer or fall of 2026.

To apply or learn more, visit the Texas A&M Forest Service online.

ALBA — Alba-Golden ISD has announced its new regulations after Senate Bill 8, also known as “Bathroom Bill,” went into effect on Dec. 4. According to our news partner KETK, to meet these new regulations, the school district said locker rooms will be designated “NON-PRIVATE” during specific times: 15 minutes before the start of pregame activities, 8 minutes during halftime, 10 minutes after the conclusion of a game and 20 minutes after the conclusion of a practice.

The school district stated that this will enable coaches to manage their responsibilities with teams, such as during pregame, halftime and postgame meetings, while respecting students’ privacy.

Commonly referred to as the Texas Women’s Privacy Act or the “Bathroom Bill,” Senate Bill 8 seeks to limit transgender individuals’ access to specific restrooms in the state. Continue reading Alba-Golden ISD announces ‘non private’ lockers

BULLARD — The suspect in Monday’s hour long Cherokee County SWAT standoff is dead. According to our news partner KETK, the suspect is identified as 53-year-old Shawn Turner Sr. of Bullard, who was firing a gun from the front porch of his home. When deputies responded, Turner allegedly opened fire immediately, wounding one deputy with shrapnel. Deputies returned fire but did not strike Turner, the sheriff’s office confirmed. At around 11:10 a.m., authorities entered the home and found Turner dead from what officials determined to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The injured deputy was treated at the scene by EMS and is expected to make a full recovery. A second deputy experienced a medical issue during the incident and was assessed by medical personnel; that deputy is also anticipated to return to duty within the week.

Nearby law enforcement activity caused all Bullard ISD campuses to go into a brief secure status that was lifted at around 11:20 a.m.

KEMP – A 54-year-old Kemp man was arrested on Saturday after the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said they found suspected methamphetamines during a search of his RV according to our news partners at KETK. At around 11:39 p.m. on Saturday, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigators and deputies executed a search warrant on a recreational vehicle parked in the 1300 block of Pritchett Lane in Kemp. Rodney Blake Bryant, 54 of Kemp, allegedly owned the RV and was wanted for violating his parole, according to the sheriff’s office. During the search of the RV, two large bags of suspected meth were found, along with other alleged drug paraphernalia like a digital scale. Bryant was arrested during the search for his parole warrant and he’s also been charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance. He’s currently being held in the Henderson County Jail on $100,000 bond.

KEMP – Our news partners at KETK report that two people were arrested in Kemp on Sunday morning after bags of suspected methamphetamines, a firearm and a large amount of cash were found during a traffic stop. According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, two of their office’s narcotics investigators were in the 1300 block of Pritchett Lane in Kemp at around 1:19 a.m. when they conducted a traffic stop on a silver Kia sedan. During the stop, investigators spoke with the driver of the Kia, who was identified by the sheriff’s office as Krayton Lavelle Williams, 26 of Athens. The investigators then contacted a K9 unit to come sniff the vehicle and when the unit arrived the K9 alerted near the Kia. The sheriff’s office said investigators then searched the Kia and found a loaded firearm, a large amount of cash and prepackaged bags of suspected meth that were allegedly found in a concealed compartment of the Kia’s dashboard. Continue reading Suspected meth, gun, cash found in traffic stop

TYLER — David Stein announced his intention to run for re-election as Smith County Republican Party Chairman, seeking a fourth term. According to our news partner KETK, Since 2020, Stein and Smith County Republicans have worked diligently to keep the Party strong and relevant. During that time, Smith County has remained heavily Republican and a model for counties across the state. The Party has recruited more Precinct Chairs, kept finances in great shape, elevated its presence in the community by being visible at events in all areas of the county, and continued to elect strong conservative Republicans to local, state, and federal offices. Continue reading Stein announces re-election campaign

EAST TEXAS — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching for a missing 78-year-old man who was last seen leaving his home on Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to a report of a missing person in the 8600 block of County Road 384 near Tyler at around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.

A family member told deputies that Emiliano Valle, left his home on foot, heading in an unknown direction at around 6 a.m. on Sunday. Valle is described as a 5’01” Hispanic man with grey hair, who weighs around 250 pounds and is possibly wearing a black suit jacket.

Valle has lymphedema and frequent UTI’s that cause him to get confused and have issues with his memory. He also has trouble walking and requires bandages on his legs. Continue reading Officials searching for missing 78-year-old man

MARSHALL – According to our news partner KETK, U.S. Senator for Texas John Cornyn spoke to graduating students at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall on Saturday. He’s currently running to be reelected to the Senate in 2026 against fellow Republican Primary candidates Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt.

Cornyn discussed several issues on Saturday like the economy, healthcare, education and Affordable Care Act healthcare premiums, which he said are going up by 18% for Texans. He also said that one solution could be to start hospital-based insurance coverage for operations and hospital stays. If Cornyn wins the 2026 Republican Primary in March, he’d face the winner of the Democratic Party Primary in the November election. Several Democratic candidates have already declared for their party’s primary, including Colin Allred and State Rep. James Talarico.

RUSK – UPDATE: The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said that a $25,000 reward is being offered for anyone who provides information leading to the location of James David Blount, a 57-year-old man who was last seen in Rusk on Dec. 2.
ORIGINAL STORY – The Rusk Police Department is currently searching for a missing man after his vehicle was found stopped on Highway 84 near the Neches River on Saturday. James David Blount is a 57-year-old white man who’s 5’09”, weighs around 200 pounds and has brown hair and blue eyes. Rusk PD said Blount was last seen on Tuesday.

Blount’s vehicle was found on Saturday on Highway 84 west at the Neches River near the Cherokee and Anderson County line. Anyone with information about his disappearance is asked to call 911 or Rusk PD at 903-683-2677.

JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association (JCPAAA) will donate $42,000 to the Jacksonville Police Department during the Dec. 9 City Hall meeting. The contribution will help fund new pistols outfitted with red-dot optics, as well as expanded firearms training for officers. The JCPAAA raised the money through ongoing community events, including several raffles and its annual April BBQ festival.

“We are proud to support our police department and help provide tools and training that enhance officer safety and effectiveness,” said Dillon Rodriguez, JCPAAA president. “This donation reflects the dedication of our volunteers and the strong partnership between our community and law enforcement.”

“The generosity of the JCPAAA and our community makes a real impact. These upgraded pistols and additional training will ensure our officers are better equipped to serve and protect our city,” Police Chief Steven Markasky said.

TYLER – The Texas A&M Forest Service has awarded over $3.5 million in grants for equipment to more than 100 fire departments throughout East Texas, according to our news partner KETK.

For the second round of Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program grants for the next fiscal year, the Texas A&M Forest Service awarded around $17.6 million in funds to volunteer fire departments across the state.

“Texas fire departments are the front line of local response and their equipment capacity is vital to response time and effectiveness,” Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis said after the first round of funding was awarded in October. “This historic funding reflects the strong support of the Texas Legislature and governor. Their investment allows us to continue supporting and equipping firefighters who protect Texas’s lives and property.” Continue reading ETX fire departments awarded $3.5M in grants

SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, former Lindale police officer Michael Lazarine, 47, pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of restriction and confinement of another officer.

The charge was filed for an incident that took place Sept. 27, shortly after Lazarine had been honored by the Smith County Commissioner Court for saving a choking toddler. On October 17, he was terminated. Lindale Police Capt. Brent Chambers stated that the termination was unrelated to the incident, but added that Lazarine is not eligible for rehire due to it. He appeared in a Smith County courtroom on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty and received a six-month deferred adjudication sentence.

EDOM — Two people have been arrested after an armed bank robbery was reported on Friday morning in Edom according to our news partners at KETK. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office responded to the First State Bank of Ben Wheeler in Edom at around 9:30 a.m., where bank personnel described the suspects’ vehicle as a gray Nissan pickup with Texas plates. Inside the vehicle was a Black woman driving and a Black man as the passenger, both dressed in gray hoodies. After a bank teller memorized the vehicle’s license plate, the sheriff’s office, along with other local agencies were able to track down the vehicle at a registered address in Ben Wheeler. There, they found two individuals matching the description given by the bank personnel. The suspects were taken into custody and transported to the Van Zandt County Detention Center. The sheriff’s office assured the public that there is no immediate danger. The investigation remains ongoing.

WOOD COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report a man was arrested in Quitman on Wednesday after allegedly attacking a family member with chemicals, temporarily impairing her vision. According to a Wood County affidavit, the incident occurred on Sept. 16 in Quitman. A family member told officials she awoke to the sound of another relative calling for help on the front porch. When she went outside, she saw Brandon Nichols coming into her yard and running toward her. Nichols then poured an unknown chemical substance onto her face, hair and clothing, the affidavit alleges. The victim described the substance as sticky and painful, causing her eyelashes to stick together and impairing her vision. Continue reading Man arrested for chemical attack

NACOGDOCHES — Our news partners at KETK report one person is in custody following an investigation launched due to a threat against Nacogdoches ISD. The school district’s police department stated on Friday morning that there is no ongoing danger to any campus. The school district partnered with several agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the FBI, to ensure the proper steps were taken. “That collaboration allowed us to move swiftly, verify the credibility of the threat, and secure the situation before it could escalate,” the Nacogdoches ISD Police Department said. The department did not disclose the specific nature of the threat but stated that if further relevant information becomes available, they will update the public on their Facebook page. Continue reading One in custody after Nacogdoches ISD threat

TEXARKANA — A second suspect has been arrested for the 2014 murder of Xavier Rollins thanks to a recent DNA analysis according to our news partner KETK. Rollins was found dead from gunshot wounds outside an apartment on College Drive on June 17, 2014.

Texarkana Police Department officials said every lead brought investigators to dead ends when the case first begun. After decades, however, detectives didn’t stop looking for answers. In 2023, advancements in DNA technology led detectives to the arrest of Cameron Cheatham for capital murder in October 2024. Continuing their search, a tip led detectives to Demontre Collins, 30. Through updated DNA analysis, it was confirmed a match to evidence from the scene.

Police secured a warrant and arrested Collins on Nov. 11 during a traffic stop. Collins, along with Cheatham, is currently being held in the Bi-State Jail on $1 million bonds for capital murder charges.

TYLER – U.S. President Donald Trump endorsed East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran in his bid for reelection on Thursday. Moran, a Republican and former Smith County Judge, was first elected as congressman for Texas’ U.S. House District 1 in 2022 and is currently running to be reelected for a second term in 2026.

“Congressman Nathaniel Moran is doing a fantastic job representing the Great People of Texas’ 1st Congressional District! Nathaniel has an incredible Record of Success, and strong support from his Community,” Trump said on Truth Social.

Moran is currently running unopposed in the March 2026 Republican Party Primary for his seat ahead of the general election in November. Several Democratic candidates, including Dax Alexander, Tracy Andrus, Yolanda Prince and Masika Akilah Ray, are running to be their party’s candidate for the November election.

TYLER – Tyler Parks and Recreation will host the 40th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on the lawn of the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center following The Rotary Club of Tyler’s Rose City Christmas Parade Friday evening. The tree will be lit by Lilli Halifax, the 2026 local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Child representing CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler. 

The event will also feature performances by the Caldwell Singers, and food and drinks will be available for purchase on site. Beginning at 5 p.m., Friday Dec. 5th, Front Street will be closed from Palace Avenue to Lyons Avenue, and Glenwood Boulevard will be closed from Erwin Street to Houston Street. 

CROCKETT — A man was arrested by Crockett Police Department on Wednesday on a charge of alleged indecency with a child. According to our news partner KETK, Crocket Police Department received a tip from a child on Nov. 28 and began investigating 59-year-old Terry Kenneth Taylor, of Crockett. After an investigation, a warrant for Taylor’s arrest was issued for indecency with a child by contact. Taylor was arrested and taken into custody on Wednesday with his bond set at $80,000.

TYLER — Several days after the SPCA of East Texas issued an urgent plea for donations, East Texans responded with overwhelming generosity, allowing the organization to continue caring for and sheltering animals as they move into the new year. According to the SPCA of East Texas executive director Emily Heglund and our news partner KETK, the organization received over $130,000 in donations over the past two days, with most of the contributions coming from Giving Tuesday.

The donations came shortly after the SPCA released a statement on Sunday stating that the organization is in dire need of contributions to allow them to continue caring for animals in East Texas. Continue reading Giving Tuesday boosts SPCA care efforts

SMITH COUNTY – A woman from Tyler was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to trafficking methamphetamine, according to our news partner KETK.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Texas, Laura Ann Messay conspired with others to distribute and possess at least 500 grams of meth in East Texas. After admitting guilt to a charge of conspiring to possess meth with intent to distribute, Messay received a 120-month prison sentence from U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant.

“This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, a man was arrested in Smith County on Tuesday for sexually assaulting a minor and having pornographic images of children on his phone. Police were dispatched to a Walmart in Tyler on Oct. 29 after a woman called claiming her 15-year-old sister had been assaulted. The victim had reportedly left her parents’ house to meet with a man she knew from Instagram as “Mike.”

Mike, later revealed to be Michael Rodas, had been messaging the victim on social media, where he told her that he was 17. Officers observed threads where the two discussed meeting up and Rodas asked for nude photographs and sexual favors if he picked her up. On the day of the incident, Rodas took the minor to a residence in Tyler, where he allegedly forced her to commit sexual acts on him. The victim managed to leave and contacted her sister for help and to be picked up. Continue reading Tyler man arrested for Instagram meetup with minor

CASS COUNTY — Our news partners at KETK report a Hughes Springs police officer was suspended after being arrested in November on a charge of misuse of official information. According to Cass County jail records, Hollie Cates, 42, was arrested Nov. 17 on the charge and released the following day after posting bail. Hughes Springs Police Department said they were contacted by Texas Rangers and made aware of an incident that occurred in September, which alleges that Cates accessed and released confidential information to an individual. Continue reading Hughes Springs officer suspended following arrest