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TYLER – Ahead of the upcoming election, East Texans in Tyler Junior College’s appraisal district are voicing their concerns over a possible rise in property taxes stemming from the college’s $167.3 million bond. The proposed $167.3 million seeks to upgrade three existing facilities — workforce and academic building, student success center and student safety and the IT center — but the number is a major concern for many East Texans.

TJC said that for the average homeowner, the cost breaks down to about $84 a year on a $252,000 home, which is less than a streaming subscription, but it’s still an increase not everyone is sold on. State Republican Executive Committeewoman Christin Bentley argues that for many families, this isn’t just spare change; it adds up.
Continue reading Voters anxious over May college bond

TYLER — A pedestrian has died after being involved in a vehicle crash on Highway 31, between Tyler and Kilgore, Thursday morning. According to Smith County Emergency Services District 2 and our news partner KETK, the roadway was closed between FM 757 and FM 2908 as crews responded to a vehicle accident around 6:35 a.m. TXDot reports that the roadway is back open to traffic.

A pedestrian was found dead at the scene when first responders arrived.  The driver of the vehicle was transported to the hospital with minor injuries, ESD 2 confirmed. No further details were available.

PALESTINE — A Palestine man is facing a third-degree felony after allegedly stealing several horses from a Montague County livestock auction earlier this year. According to the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and our news partner KETK, the investigation began in January after Jordan Rivera, 18, purchased four horses from an online auction using PayPal to complete the purchase.

Rivera reportedly disputed the purchase charges after the horses had been released, and an investigation was opened. A special ranger obtained evidence and witness statements indicating Rivera’s involvement, including text messages to associates about the horses and his PayPal account.

After a warrant was issued out of Montague County, Rivera was arrested in Anderson County on April 9 for livestock theft. Rivera was released on April 10 after posting his $75,000 bond.

KILGORE — Kilgore College is one step closer to naming its next president, as two finalists are to meet with students, staff and the public during a series of forums this week, according to our news partner KETK.

Dr. Staci Martin, the college’s interim president, spoke during a public forum Wednesday morning, outlining her leadership philosophy and vision for the campus. The second finalist, Dr. Tracee Watts, is scheduled to meet the public during forums on Thursday, with the first session beginning at 10 a.m. The search follows the retirement of former president Dr. Kay, after which Martin stepped in as interim president.

College officials say the forums are designed to give the community an opportunity to interact with each candidate and provide feedback before a final decision is made.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Cherokee County is mourning the loss of longtime constable Eddie Lee, who recently died. According to our news partner KETK, Lee dedicated over 50 years of his life to working in law enforcement and serving his community and was known for his commitment and integrity, according to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

“His legacy of service will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him,” the sheriff’s office said.

SMITH COUNTY – Two men were arrested in Smith County on Tuesday after being accused of hanging a dog from a tree, leading to its death. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of animal cruelty at a property off in rural Tyler on March 13. Once on the scene, deputies spoke with the property owner, who said he had found a white dog hanging from a tree in his yard after two unknown men had illegally entered his premises.

Deputies later spoke with residents in the area who confirmed they observed the same two men two or three days earlier and claimed they had the same dog in their possession. After opening an investigation, the sheriff’s office identified the suspects as 17-year-old Jay Stansberry and 33-year-old Billy Perry, both of Tyler. Both men were arrested on Tuesday and charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals. Their bonds have been set at $100,000 each and they are currently being held in the Smith County Jail.

Tyler – Workforce Solutions East Texas (WSET) is pleased to announce the relocation of its workforce center to the Midtown Centre. The new Tyler workforce center location is now open to the public and operates at the Midtown Centre shopping center on 1421 South Beckham Avenue. The business hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Workforce Solutions East Texas is a community partnership providing no-cost recruitment and employment services to businesses and job seekers in the East Texas area. The chief elected officials in the region, the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board, and the board’s administrative agency, the East Texas Council of Governments, elected to lease the 28,500-square-foot facility. The boards approved entering a seven-year lease term with three three-year extension options.

Additional assistance is available to veterans, individuals with disabilities, and people who have been dislocated from a job. Details on workforce center locations and service hours can be viewed here.

MOUNT VERNON — A former NBA player and current East Texas resident is looking to make a transition in politics by running for mayor of Mount Vernon in the upcoming May election.

Greg Ostertag and his family moved to Mount Vernon in 2015 and he has since been an active member of the community. He has also been an active member of the school district, volunteering to coach local sports, officiate high school basketball games and serve as a substitute teacher.

Prior to Ostertag and his family moving to East Texas, he spent over 10 years playing in the NBA, including a nine-year stint with the Utah Jazz. Ostertag ended his playing career in 2012 following a brief stint with the Texas Legends.
Continue reading NBA vet runs for mayor

RUSK – A Dallas woman has been arrested in connection with a terroristic threat that placed Rusk ISD on a secure hold on Wednesday morning, Rusk officials confirm. According to our news partner KETK, Rusk ISD went on a secure lockout on Wednesday following a reported threat to the primary school. The lockout, which prohibited anyone from entering or leaving the school, has since been lifted, the district said.

Rusk Police Sgt. Jeremy Farmer told KETK News that the threat was found to be non-credible, but because of the large police response, Trinishia Sandles was arrested with the third degree felony of terroristic threat. During the investigation, authorities were able to locate Sandles in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, who allegedly made the initial call. Sandles is believed to have been facing a “mental health-related concern.”
Continue reading One jailed in school threat

HENDERSON COUNTY – After almost two years since he was last seen, a Brownsboro missing man was found dead in an abandoned house in Henderson County on Monday. According to our news partner KETK and Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, authorities received a call about what appeared to be a dead body in a vacant house on County Road 3606. The man was identified as Brady Booth, who was last seen in Brownsboro in 2024.

The body was found “heavily decomposed,” but no physical trauma was reported in the preliminary autopsy. Foul play is not suspected at this time, Hillhouse said.

Located on the scene were the same clothing Booth appeared to be wearing in camera footage of his last known appearance, Hillhouse said.

The case is still under investigation as authorities wait for a toxicology report, which could take up to 12 weeks.

TYLER — A popular retail shop has unexpectedly closed its doors after the corporation recently filed for bankruptcy. The Painted Tree, which has several stores across the country, opened at the Village at Cumberland Park in 2024 and has since been a staple for residents looking to purchase home decor, gifts and a variety of different clothing options. According to our news partner KETK, the boutique provided a venue for small business owners to sell their merchandise and receive consistent profit.

The store announced on Tuesday that it has decided to cease all business operations and will no longer conduct any further sales at the location.

“We understand the impact this has on you and your business, and we are truly sorry,” the Painted Tree said. “We know many of you have invested significant time, energy, and resources into building your spaces at Painted Tree, and this is not the outcome any of us hoped for.” Continue reading Painted Tree abruptly closes its doors

TYLER — Members of Indivisible Smith County and the East Texas Organizing Coalition rallied outside Congressman Nathaniel Moran’s office Tuesday, demanding he back a War Powers Resolution to halt what they called an unauthorized march toward conflict with Iran. The demonstration came after Moran publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy “an entire civilization.”

On our weekly In Focus program, Moran said while he backed efforts tied to U.S. national security, including targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities, he believes certain language being used goes too far. “Certainly, I do not agree with and do not support the notion of destroying a civilization,” Moran said. “That goes beyond where we need to go as a nation.”

The protesting organization is urging the congressman to invoke a War Powers Resolution, which would check the president’s authority to engage the nation in armed conflict without Congressional approval. Continue reading Protesters rally outside Moran’s office

HENDERSON — One East Texan just got a million dollars richer, claiming the top prize ticket of a Texas Lottery scratch ticket game. According to the Texas Lottery, an anonymous Henderson resident claimed the winning ticket of the Million Dollar Loteria game purchased at Green Top C Store at 1203 Kilgore Drive.

The store is eligible for a $10,000 bonus under the Texas Lottery’s Retailer Bonus program. The claimed prize was the sixth of 10 top prizes worth $1 million, Texas Lottery said.

MARSHALL – Traffic delays are expected on Interstate 20 in Marshall following a crash on Tuesday afternoon involving two 18-wheelers. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), said the crash occurred on I-20 going westbound near FM 3251 and involved two 18-wheelers and an SUV. Both westbound lanes of I-20 are currently closed, and the DPS is advising drivers to seek an alternative route until the roadways reopen. A DPS spokesperson could not confirm if any injuries were sustained during the crash.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – County officials released a statement regarding the arrest of a jailer: Jonathan Mendez, 28, of Jacksonville. Mendez was arrested after Sheriff Brent Dickson was made aware of Mendez allegedly falsifying his timesheet. Detectives developed evidence indicating that Mendez had falsified his Cherokee County timesheet for personal financial gain. After a warrant was obtained, Mendez was subsequently arrested and booked into the Cherokee County Jail the same day on a tampering with government records charge . His bond was set at $10,000.

EAST TEXAS — Law enforcement officials responded to a potential threat reported to Troup ISD via phone call Monday. The school was placed on lock-down. According to a statement from the Troup Police Department, all three campuses were secured, allowing only emergency personnel access. At the same time, Troup Police began an investigation into the reported threat.

After a thorough investigation, it was determined that the reported threat was a hoax intended to prompt an emergency response from law enforcement and school officials. Once it was confirmed that there was no credible threat to students or staff, everyone was released in accordance with school safety procedures.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Officials say they have developed several leads.

“Rest assured that the individual(s) responsible will be identified, arrested, and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. The safety of our students, staff, and community remains our highest priority. We appreciate the swift response and cooperation from all agencies involved, as well as the patience and understanding of parents, students, and staff during today’s events.” – Troup Police

ATHENS – Athens City Council has hit the pause button regarding potential zoning changes around a data center. Data Center developer Data Factory has leased land in the city. Their website says they plan to open with 10 megawatts of power this year, along with bitcoin mining operations.

Dozens of citizens showed up to Monday night’s city council meeting, with many waiting outside the council chambers. Every resident who spoke in the public comment session of the meeting spoke against the data center. Athens City Council members were set to vote on several potential zoning changes, including codifying what is classified as a data center. Officials say previous zoning laws did not account for this project.

Right now, it’s unclear how much water the center would use. City council unanimously voted to table all zoning items related to the data center. Officials plan to review and research those changes.

TYLER — What began as public backlash over library leadership has now escalated into a federal lawsuit, with former director Ashley Taylor accusing the City of Tyler of violating her constitutional rights and bowing to outside political influence. In the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas last week, Taylor claims she was retaliated against for protected speech and targeted by false attacks from an outside advocacy group. She argues city officials violated her First Amendment rights and allowed Grassroots America – We the People (GRA) to interfere with her employment through what she describes as defamatory public campaigns.

Taylor alleges in the lawsuit the following legal violations: first amendment retaliation, viewpoint discrimination, tortious interference with existing employment relationship.

Count 1: First Amendment Retaliation
The complaint alleges that as director, Taylor’s work involved protected expressive activity such as curation, programming and signage. Yet, the lawsuit claims the GRA launched a multi-year pressure campaign against the library and Taylor. Continue reading Group responds to former library director’s suit

ATHENS – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the City of Athens has been named as a Music Friendly Texas Certified Community.

“Congratulations to the City of Athens on earning the Music Friendly Texas Certified Community designation,” Abbott said. “With support from the Texas Music Office, the Texas music industry accounts for more than 196,000 direct and indirect permanent jobs and generates over $31 billion in annual economic activity statewide. Together, we will continue to work alongside communities in every region of our state to create good-paying jobs and boost economic growth.”

The Texas Music Office is a part of the governor’s office which works with communities who are interested in bringing more music to their area by creating a Music Friendly Texas Liaison position in their city government.
Continue reading City called music friendly

LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) – A Huntington man was sentenced to a total of 110 years in prison on Thursday after he was found guilty of sexually abusing three young children over a span of several years.

According to a statement from Angelina County District Attorney Amy Wren and our news partner KETK, the first two victims in this case where helped by another child to tell their mother and their aunt about inappropriate behavior from Andrew Jacob Shortt, 30 of Huntington, in the year 2012.

“The victims were instructed by their mother not to tell their father and also, that ‘what happens between these four white walls, stays between these four white walls’. Shortt then
moved into the victims’ home and began sexually abusing them more frequently, perpetrating acts that constituted aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child on a regular basis,” Wren’s statement explained.

Three years later in 2015, the victims were able to report Shortt’s abuse of them to their father and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office. Shortt was arrested that summer but the charges were dropped in 2016 after the victims’ family intervened. Continue reading 110 years for sexual abuse of children

NACOGDOCHES – Texas lawmakers gathered at the Lone Star Legislative Summit at Stephen F. Austin State University on Friday to talk with East Texans about the area’s ongoing groundwater issues.

2026 marks an interim year for the Texas Legislature, but that’s not stopping leaders from fighting for East Texans and the regions’ natural resources, according to our news partner KETK. The Lone Star Legislative Summit in Nacogdoches brought State Representatives, State Senators and other politicians to the rural community to discuss these issues and more.

Groundwater is held underneath land, and surface water is found in bodies of water. With the Pineywoods holding a lot of resources representatives like Alders feel our water is best kept at home. While retiring State Senator for District 3 Robert Nichols suggested that sharing with other Texans may end up pumping more than what’s needed. He wants to protect East Texas counties from giving too much water to other communities.

Several East Texas communities are still working to create their own conservation districts. Next year, lawmakers will meet to continue debating this issue in the 90th Texas Legislative Session.

TYLER – A Smith County judge will review evidence in Robert Roberson’s case to see if the previous Dallas-based Shaken Baby ruling would warrant a new trial. The state and the defense met on Zoom with Smith Co. judge, Austin Reeve-Jackson, on Friday for a status hearing. Judge Jackson ruled to move forward to re-evaluate evidence from the 2003 trial, 2004, and 2005 appeals.

Roberson is challenging his 2003 conviction for the killing of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki. This hearing stems from an early 2000s Dallas-based case that let Andrew Roark go free because new scientific discoveries debunked the shaken baby theory that convicted him to 35 years in prison.

“I do feel a bit morally affronted that the state’s answer seems to be about trying to inject bias against Mr. Roberson based on a completely bogus representation of record when this is supposed to be about science,” Roberson’s attorney, Gretchen Sween, said. Continue reading Court to review Roberson’s case

SMITH COUNTY — A former Chapel Hill ISD educator is currently under investigation by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). According to an official record of certification obtained by CBS19, Joseph Hewitt is currently under review by the TEA Educator Investigations Division. Hewitt served as the Chapel Hill ISD Fine Arts Director for several years, but has since left the district before the end of the Spring 2026 semester.

The district has removed his listing from their staff page, and Assistant Band Director William Ross is serving in his place. Click here for the original article. Investigative journalist, Sarah J. Fields, was first to report the story.