Man arrested in connection to shooting in Marshall

MARSHALL — Several people were involved in an altercation at a Marshall gas station. After the confrontation, it is believed that Terrikk Tyrel Roberts drove to another party’s home where he shot at the residents in front of the house. No one was hit by the gunfire. Marshall police say Roberts was arrested on the charge of deadly conduct – discharging a firearm. At the time of his arrest, Roberts also had an outstanding warrant from Gregg County for Possession of Marijuana over four ounces and under five pounds. Roberts was transported to Harrison County Jail.

Shreveport man pleads not guilty in shooting death of Panola Deputy Dickerson

PANOLA COUNTY — The Shreveport man accused of killing a Panola County Sheriff’s Deputy pleaded not guilty to capital murder this week. According to our news partner KETK, Greggory Newson, 48, did so in a zoom meeting. Newson is accused in the shooting death of Deputy Chris Dickerson. During a traffic stop, Deputy Dickerson was shot 6 times, before Newson drove away. He was later caught and arrested in Louisiana.

Marshall police arrest suspected child predator

MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department was assisted by DPS in the arrest of Dayton Shai Bonner of Longview. According to MPD Bonner was arrested on a second degree felony charge of criminal solicitation of a minor. Bonner was arrested at Kidsview Park in Longview and placed in the Harrison County jail. Police say the mother of a 13-year-old female, initialy complained that Bonner was sending sexually explicit messages to her daughter. Continue reading Marshall police arrest suspected child predator

Rangerette Christmas Extravaganza announces new dates and venue

KILGORE — The Kilgore Rangerette’s announced Tuesday, they will host their tenth annual Christmas show Dec. 12-13 at the LeTourneau University Belcher Center in Longview. The Broadway-style show, “Christmas Extravaganza 2020,” is being moved to the Belcher Center this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will maximize attendance and allow for social distancing guidelines to be observed. The Rangerette Christmas Show began in 2011 and has quickly become an annual tradition. Continue reading Rangerette Christmas Extravaganza announces new dates and venue

Hundreds in line for meal give-a-way from GABC and ETFB

TYLER — A free drive-thru distribution took place Monday at the Green Acres Baptist Church parking lot in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, 1,152 boxes of food were distributed to families were served in less than 2 hours in partnership with the East Texas Food Bank. There were 90 volunteers that were a part of the give-a-way, that had some cars lining up hour before it began, with cars at times in a line over a mile long. The East Texas Human Needs Network said nearly half of all families in our area have to choose between buying food and paying bills. Continue reading Hundreds in line for meal give-a-way from GABC and ETFB

Longview Police seeking public’s help locating person of interest

LONGVIEW — A to Z Mart was robbed earlier this month. On Tuesday the Longview Police Department asked for the public’s help in the Nov. 6th robbery, where the person of interest, displayed a firearm. According to the departments post on their facebook page, the person wanted in connection is a Hispanic male that 5′ 6″, between 220 and 250 pounds. and was last seen wearing a blue hoodie, black mask, black pants, shoes, and backpack. Anyone with information should contact Longview Police at 903-237-1199 or Detective Heath at 903-237-1145. Callers can also remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by contacting Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

Woman indicted of fraud charges totaling nearly 5 million dollars

TYLER — An indictment has been levied on Shreveport woman in federal court for allegedly defrauding a Bullard woman out of $4.85 million. According to the press brief, 44-year-old Monica Ruiz enlisted a variety of “false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises in a scheme to defraud an elderly victim.” Ruiz allegedly created multiple false personas with the victim in order to scheme her out of nearly 5 million dollars. Ruiz is facing a long line of alleged schemes including: Continue reading Woman indicted of fraud charges totaling nearly 5 million dollars

Palestine woman dies after she’s struck by a hit and run driver

ANDERSON COUNTY — A Palestine woman has died after being struck by a vehicle in Anderson County. According to our news partner KETK, DPS Troopers were called to a crash involving a pedestrian just after 11:30 Sunday night. The incident happened on US 175, just west of Frankston. Tara Lydy, 26, was walking or standing in the inside west bound lane of US175 when she was struck by an unidentified vehicle that left the scene of the crash, according to DPS. Lydy was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.

Longview Cable recipient of $5.5 million investment

LONGVIEW — Longview Cable Television revealed that they will receive a $5.5 million investment to provide Longview community homes and businesses a better internet experience. According to our news partner KETK, the city of Longview said that they wanted to make their city become more like a Gig City like that of a Tennessee town called Chattanooga. Becoming a Gig City means Longview could provide 20 to 200 times the maximum speed available than in other communities. Continue reading Longview Cable recipient of $5.5 million investment

BGC to offer COVID vaccine for free when approved and available

TYLER — Brookshire Grocery Company announced Monday they will offer COVID-19 vaccines for free when they are approved and available. According to our news partner KETK, Brookshire’s and Super 1 Foods pharmacies will offer it to the public in keeping with their goal of keeping their communities safe. “Our company is committed to supporting our communities and providing for our customers’ daily and essential needs,” said Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO for Brookshire Grocery Co. Continue reading BGC to offer COVID vaccine for free when approved and available

Local authorities urge residents to flatten the curve by avoiding ‘super spreader events’

TYLER — Tyler City Hall was the backdrop where various East Texas health officials provided an update on the coronavirus pandemic Monday afternoon. In unison health care officials felt like “COVID fatigue” was a major reason in the “dramatic increase” in COVID-19 cases across the region. George Roberts, NET Health CEO said, “The trend line on hospitalizations shows East Texas patients in Smith County hospitals the peak was 214 on Nov. 17, Today we are at 221, so we are at a peak level on Monday Nov. 23, 2020.” Continue reading Local authorities urge residents to flatten the curve by avoiding ‘super spreader events’

Christmas tree coming to Butler Plaza

TYLER — The City of Tyler Parks and Rec Department will be bringing a 20-foot Leyland Cypress tree to the Downtown Square on Tuesday. The tree will be decorated and displayed for Christmas at T.B. Butler Plaza in downtown Tyler. This year’s tree will be from Merkert Tree Farm in Beckville, Texas. The tree and other holiday decorations on the square will remain up until the new year for residents and visitors to enjoy.

East Texas health leaders to give update on ‘dramatic increase’ in COVID-19 infections

TYLER — Several East Texas health officials will be providing an update Monday afternoon on what is being called a “dramatic increase” in COVID-19 cases across the region, according to the city, the update will begin at 1 p.m. “COVID-19 infections have dramatically increased in our area. We need everyone to help control the spread, especially with the upcoming holiday seasons,” George Roberts, NET Health CEO. Roberts also wanted to remind East Texans that the flu season is upon the area and that the same measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 are similar. Continue reading East Texas health leaders to give update on ‘dramatic increase’ in COVID-19 infections

Troup Public Works Director dies after battling COVID-19

TROUP — The City of Troup announced Saturday that John Phillips, the Troup Public Works Director, has died. According to our news partner KETK, Phillips had been fighting COVID-19 for more than a month. He was an employee for the city for almost 13 years and the Public Works Director for the past 10 years. Phillips had also been named the City of Troup employee of the year for 2020, but the annual Chamber of Commerce banquet was cancelled due to COVID-19. City officials said they are thankful for Phillips’ years of service to the community. “His laugh and smile and calming presence will be sorely missed each day by all of us in his City of Troup family. Continue reading Troup Public Works Director dies after battling COVID-19

Registration underway for Kilgore College Fire Academy

KILGORE — Registration is underway for Kilgore College Fire Academy. The deadline to apply for the Basic Structural Firefighter program is Jan 5, with classes starting Jan. 19. Classes will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays with a possibility of evening and/or weekend classes. The 12 week academy is a total of 474 hours and runs through April 20. The program is physically demanding as well as academically challenging. To apply for the academy, download and fill out the Basic Fire Academy application located at http://www.kilgore.edu/fire-academy. Send the completed application to KCFA@kilgore.edu.

Tyler releases reminder of holiday schedule

TYLER — The city of Tyler announced that city offices will observe the following schedule Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition, all non-emergency City offices will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 25. Tyler ISD begins observing their Thanksgiving Break on Monday. Students in TISD will be out of class until the following Monday. If you have questions regarding Tyler ISD, click the link. https://www.tylerisd.org/. If you need more information regarding the city of Tyler, click the link. https://www.cityoftyler.org/. Continue reading Tyler releases reminder of holiday schedule

Blue Santa toy drive in full swing in Palestine

PALESTINE — Palestine Police Department’s Blue Santa initiative is continuing to collect toys in partnership with the Crisis Center of Anderson and Cherokee County this Christmas season. Unlike previous years where multiple fund raisers were held, the department says due to COVID restrictions, money’s have not been generated through-out the year. As a result, Blue Santa will be counting on more help from the public than in past years. Various blue wrapped boxes with the Santa logo are set up in businesses around Palestine. Continue reading Blue Santa toy drive in full swing in Palestine

Holiday schedule announced for Longview

LONGVIEW — Heading into the weekend before Thanksgiving, Longview city officials are reminding residents their offices will be closed Nov. 26, and Nov. 27, in observance of the Holiday. All city offices will resume regular business hours Monday, Dec. 2. Officials said, while sanitation services will not run Thanksgiving Day, Thursday customers will be collected next Friday. The Compost Facility will reopen Saturday, Nov. 28. Continue reading Holiday schedule announced for Longview

Man dies from gunshot wound in Longview

LONGVIEW — Longview Police are investigating a shooting that left one dead Thursday night. Authorities say the homicide took place in the area of 15th and Young streets about 6:45 p.m. A man was shot to death Thursday night in Longview. The police department is investigating the death as a homicide after the victim died at the scene. The victims identity has not been released. Anyone who has information about what happened can contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1199 or Detective Powell at 903-237-1157. Citizens can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward by contacting Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP or online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.

Smith County temporarily closes portion of CR 2110, South of Arp

SMITH COUNTY — County Road 2110 has been closed in Smith County. The road, south of Arp , is shut down between Texas Highway 135 and CR 2160 and will remain out of service through the weekend. Expectation are that bridge repairs will be completed and the road re-opened before Thanksgiving. Engineer Frank Davis said, “A large amount of debris from previous rains caused erosion to the bridge head-wall, where the bridge ties into the road and creek bank.” Drivers in the area are asked to find alternate routes.

Gunman sought following nightclub shooting

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is searching for the gunman involved in an early morning shooting that left one man injured. It happened just after 1:00 Friday morning at the Country River Club off Hwy 271 in Tyler. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, a male victim had been shot in the leg and the male suspect fled the area in a black four-door vehicle. The unidentified victim was transported to UT Health in Tyler for treatment and is currently in serious condition. Additional details were not available.

Travelers should use caution before traveling this holiday season

TYLER — Coronavirus case numbers have been on the rise in East Texas the last few weeks. On Thursday, NET Health’s George Roberts told KTBB, “If you are planning on traveling for Thanksgiving be careful about that. Check travel restrictions before you go for various places. But, don’t leave home if you’re sick. If you are sick, or maybe you think you have COVID-19, please don’t travel. Number 2, if you haven’t had a flu shot yet, now is a great time to do that, please get a flu shot. Remember to social distance…wear a mask when you’re out in public in potentially with people that you don’t always live around.” Continue reading Travelers should use caution before traveling this holiday season

No in-person shopping for Mistletoe and Magic due to coronavirus

TYLER — The Junior League of Tyler announced a big change to this year’s Mistletoe and Magic event. On Thursday, Susanne Mackintosh told KTBB, “We had been really hopeful that we would be able to move forward with the in-person market. However, the past week or so, as you know, the [coronavirus] numbers have just sky-rocketed. We felt that it was the right move to pivot and move everything online. We really wanted to create a way to continue this fund-raiser because it is so vital to our community, but to do it in a safe way.” Those online items will go live in the next few days. Continue reading No in-person shopping for Mistletoe and Magic due to coronavirus

Former Smith County paramedic sentenced to 60 years

TYLER — A former Christus EMS worker was sentenced Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Matthew Clearman, 43, of Lindale, was sentenced to 60 years in prison in regards to numerous charges for child porn. Clearman pleaded guilty to three of the crimes he was charged with, waving his right to appeal. Clearman received 20 years for each charge. Reports indicate investigators received 88 files on an Instagram account and hundreds more at his home, with victims ranging in ages of 7 to 16.

ETCOG awarded $1.2 million to be distributed in corona relief

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments announced $1.2 million in grants on Thursday, from the Office of the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division. ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assisted local jurisdictions in applying for these funds after Governor Greg Abbott announced last July, that $41 million had been made available in Texas. Of the 12 East Texas entities receiving money, Smith County will get $246,000 and Gregg County will receive $164,000. Continue reading ETCOG awarded $1.2 million to be distributed in corona relief

UT System Board of Regents names Rod Mabry President Emeritus of UT Tyler

TYLER — The UT System Board of Regents unanimously voted to name Rodney H. Mabry, Ph.D., President Emeritus of UT Tyler in recognition of his leadership and vision that elevated the university through growth in enrollment, academic programs, and facilities. “Dr. Mabry led UT Tyler through an evolution from a primarily commuter college to a comprehensive university that plays a significant role in the education and economic growth of the East Texas region,” said Kevin P. Eltife, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents. When Mabry became UT Tyler’s president in 1998, there were approximately 3,000 students enrolled. Upon retiring from the presidency, enrollment had almost tripled.

2020 Rose City Christmas Festivities Feature Azalea District Trail of Lights

TYLER — Tyler is preparing to celebrate the season with a series of events during “Rose City Christmas.” Sights and sounds of the season will take place throughout November and December in Tyler. Historically, families come together to participate in annual holiday favorites including…

Azalea Trail District Trail of Lights Continue reading 2020 Rose City Christmas Festivities Feature Azalea District Trail of Lights

BGC awards $25,000 to KC as part of $1 million scholarship endowment

KILGORE — Brookshire Grocery Co. has announced a $25,000 gift to the Kilgore College Foundation to create an endowed student scholarship fund. This is part of the “Focus on the Future” scholarship program, in which the Tyler company has committed $1 million to create student scholarships for more than 40 colleges and universities in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. This program is designed to reward students in BGC’s market areas for their dedication, hard work and outstanding academic achievements. Continue reading BGC awards $25,000 to KC as part of $1 million scholarship endowment