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HOUSTON (AP/Staff) – Authorities say 24 people, including alleged members of a white supremacist prison gang, have been indicted in federal courts in Texas, Kentucky and Mississippi on charges related to shootings, stabbings and killings. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is among the agencies listed as investigating the case. Indictments unsealed on Wednesday allege that members of the Aryan Circle committed a variety of crimes in at least 11 states, including Texas, Arkansas, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The gang members face charges of racketeering conspiracy, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, drug conspiracy and unlawful firearms trafficking. All but one are in custody. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is part of an ongoing operation against the Aryan Circle.

TYLER – DPS Troopers responded to a two vehicle fatal crash on SH-155, 2 miles north of Winona Wednesday morning in Smith County. According to a press brief, the preliminary report indicates that a pick-up truck traveling South, drifted into the opposite lane and collided with a Cubcadet flatbed truck, heading North. Jeffrey Dale Jones, 36, of Larue, was pronounced dead at the scene. Christopher Lee Bundrant, 43, of Quitman, was transported to UT-Health- Tyler in serious condition. The crash remains under investigation.

KILGORE — Starting Friday, Kilgore College Risk Management Institute will distribute safety supplies, including hand sanitizer and face coverings, to students and faculty. In a press release from the school on Thursday, the school says this is an attempt to demonstrate the college’s commitment to helping East Texas employees stay safe. The distribution is part of TxDOT’s Energy Campaign, which launched earlier this week. The safety supplies were purchased and provided by Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurance provider, who has partnered with TxDOT on this campaign in order to further its mission of building a stronger, safer Texas. Continue reading KC Risk Management Institute to distribute COVID-19 safety supplies

KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments announced the appointment of the City of Kilgore Councilwoman Merlyn Holmes as Chairwoman. ETCOG announced Thursday that Holmes will serve as Chairwoman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. The ETCOG Executive Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors and is responsible for carrying out the policies, programs, and services established by the Board on behalf of the 14-county region. Councilwoman Holmes has served as a member of the ETCOG Board of Directors and Executive Committee since October 2016.

MARSHALL– East Texas Baptist University has been selected to host the National Softball Championship for the 2023 NCAA Division III . According to Thursday’s press brief, this will be the first time ETBU will host a National Championship. However, Tiger Softball is no stranger to NCAA championship success, winning the title in 2010. More recently, ETBU went 15-0 last Spring in the program’s first-ever undefeated season. The NCAA sports committee made the selection of host sites based on criteria including the ability to create an outstanding experience for student-athletes, along with adherence to NCAA sport-specific bid specifications.

RAINS COUNTY — Point police are looking for a Rains County man who is listed as missing and endangered. David Matthew Day, 45, received a head injury that could be life threatening. Family members say Day walked away from a residence in Point several days ago and has not been heard from or seen since. If located, contact the Point police department Facebook via messenger immediately or contact the rains county sheriffs office.

TYLER — NET Health CEO George Roberts gave an update to the Tyler City Council on Wednesday. Part of that presentation included an explanation of the new formula being used to compute COVID-19 cases. “Confirmed is a PCR lab test, that is a test that we have been running pretty much from the start. The probables are what’s called antigen tests. This test really started in May or so and it’s a faster test. You are seeing more and more people doing that. In the antigen test, if it hits positive, the reliability is good. But if it hits negative, the reliability is not as good. So we basically are now combining them.” Continue reading NET Health addresses new data computation for COVID-19

TYLER — Tyler Fire and Police responded to a structure fire at a Valero gas station Wednesday morning. According to a media release, the first arriving unit reported smoke showing, forced entry into the structure and quickly gained control of the fire. However, the business sustained significant damage to the interior. All units were clear from the scene around 7:20 a.m. Investigators with the Tyler Fire Marshal’s Office determined the fire originated in a concealed space containing lighting fixtures. The occupants stated they had recently been having issues with breakers tripping out and had noticed a light smell of smoke the day before. Investigators believe the cause of the fire was unintentional due to an electrical issue. No injuries were reported. The Valero gas station is located on Southeast Loop 323 near the intersection of HWY 64 and Loop 323.

TYLER – D.P.S. Troopers were called to the scene of a three vehicle crash on SH-64 E and Wolf Lane near Chapel Hill late Wednesday morning. According to a news brief, preliminary reports indicate a driver heading west on SH-64 stopped to make a left turn onto Wolf Lane and was struck from behind by a second vehicle, also traveling westbound. The impact caused the struck vehicle to travel into the oncoming lane where it was then hit by a gasoline tanker that was eastbound. The driver of the tanker, the driver of the Toyota and an infant passenger were transported to an area hospital.

TYLER — The city of Tyler has been commemorated for excellence by the Texas Municipal League. City Manager Ed Broussard addressed the Tyler City Council Wednesday. “We are recipients of the public works award for our work on Hillside Park renovations, and then also, for the city communications programs for our “Friendly Community Thief” video series. We are very honored to be the recipients of those. Essentially, we kind of look at these as the ‘Oscars’ of city government awards.” Three years ago, the City of Tyler Parks Department began work to create a new opportunity for the community by transforming Hillside Park into a city-wide and regional attraction. Continue reading City of Tyler wins statewide excellence awards

TYLER — Tyler Council members have approved nearly $8.5 million dollars for a construction project on Cambridge Road. On Wednesday, the Council handed off the initiative to Reynolds & Kay Ltd. for capital improvements to Cambridge Road from Broadway Ave. to Jeff Davis Drive. The project will include expansion of the existing pavement width, adding curb and gutter, sidewalks, a new underground storm drain system and installation of a 12-inch water line and miscellaneous water and sewer system improvements. Also, drainage issues adjacent to the project on Oxford Drive will be addressed. The project is funded through the Half-Cent Sales Tax program. Construction will start in January 2021. Continue reading Council approves construction improvements for Cambridge Road, and Partnership with Habitat for Humanity

TYLER — A 16-year-old fled from officials and crashed a vehicle in Tyler Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the driver of a Ford F-150 truck with an Oklahoma license plate ran a red light around 12:45 a.m. and was seen by a deputy, according to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. The SCSO deputy attempted to make a traffic stop when the truck sped off. The teenage driver ran numerous red lights and eventually ended up on North Broadway Avenue where she  lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the Salvation Army sign. Continue reading Teen girl crashes truck in Tyler following brief chase

TYLER — Three East Texas school districts are suspending virtual learning. According to our news partner KETK, Yantis ISD, Grand Saline ISD and Harmony ISD, became the latest schools to suspend remote learning Tuesday. Leadership sent home letters to parents that students must return to face-to-face instruction by next week. Harmony Superintendent Dennis Glenn wrote that 126 students were currently using online schooling for the first nine weeks. This is roughly 11% of their student population. Of that number, nearly 70% were failing classes. Continue reading More East Texas school districts to suspend online learning

WINONA — The city of Winona announced a boil water notice on Tuesday, citing conditions that have occured in the water system. Residents should bring water to a vigorous rolling boil and then continue for two minutes and then cooled before consuming it, to ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and microbes. Resident may wish to purchase bottled water or find another suitable source. For questions contact Glenn Trimble or Deana Powell at 903-877-3381. A notification will be placed once it is no longer necessary to boil the water.

MARSHALL — Marshall ISD will have free COVID-19 tests available for students and staff when the district returns from Fall break Oct. 20. According to our news partner KETK, trained district personnel will give tests to students and employees exhibiting symptoms or those who have been in close proximity with those that have tested positive. Test results are ready in minutes. For positive results, the district’s COVID-19 mitigation protocols will go into effect. Parental permission must be obtained before tests can be administered to students. The rapid COVID-19 tests have become very popular with professional sports leagues and NCAA athletic programs, boasting a 97% rate of accuracy. Testing is being made possible through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act.

TYLER — The Park of East Texas presents two events each year, the East Texas State Fair and Academic Rodeo. Proceeds from the ETSF in September fund the collection of 14 contests occurring over several weeks each November, January, and February. Although The Park of East Texas found it necessary to cancel this year’s Fair event, plans are moving forward for the 31st presentation of Academic Rodeo. Schools and Groups can register through October 15th. Approximately 1,800 to 2,000 students have competed in past years, representing approximately 100 schools or groups. For more information, click the link https://www.etstatefair.com/p/academic-rodeo, or contact The Park of East Texas, East Texas State Fair at 903-597-2501.

TYLER — Dating back to 1859, the Goodman-LeGrand Museum is one of Tyler’s oldest historic properties and was the first property in Smith County to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. On Tuesday, Historic Tyler’s Ashley Washmon, told KTBB why they chose to donate a $1,500 grant to the exterior restoration project. “It is one of the oldest homes in Tyler, they came to us in the beginning of the summer and were in the middle of getting bids for all of the exterior restoration work that was needed. So, we just chose the Goodman-LeGrand Museum as one of our projects for this year.” Continue reading Historic Tyler makes donation to spur others alongside The Goodman-LeGrand exterior restoration project

TYLER — Early voting began Tuesday in Texas. Election day is November 3. This is the first time that straight-ticket voting will not be permitted. This year voters will have to allocate a vote for each office of the candidate that you are voting for. Officials expect this and voting during a Presidential election year, along with COVID-19 safety precautions bringing fewer machines at polling places, will make lines longer. So officials are urging people to take advantage of early voting. You can get more information for Smith and Gregg County by clicking the links. https://www.smith-county.com/government/departments/elections/current-election-information. https://www.greggcountyvotes.com/upcoming-elections/november-2020-presidential-election/.

SMITH COUNTY — A former Whitehouse ISD employee pleaded guilty Monday to a charge of indecency with a child by exposure. According to our news partner KETK, William Henry Aldridge, 29, of Tyler, was sentenced to eight years of deferred adjudication. Aldridge, a former equipment manager, was accused of molesting a football player back in 2010 and 2011. According to an arrest warrant obtained by our news partner KETK, he was also accused of sexually abusing a fourth-grader. The district was contacted by police in October of last year and placed Aldridge on immediate leave before eventually firing him.

KILGORE — The Kilgore Police Department is warning local residents about a new scam involving your email. According to our news partner KETK, KPD says residents have received emails claiming they’ve been caught by a speed camera in Kilgore and that they owed around $875 in fines. The fake email includes a link that officials say, “under no circumstances should be clicked.” The department said, “This most likely allows them into your computer where they have access to your data…we don’t know how the scam works completely since we won’t click that link, but Texas doesn’t have speed cameras.” Governor Abbott signed a bill in May of 2019 that banned the use of red light cameras in Texas.

TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in the identification of a suspect in a rash of burglaries in the Lindale area. According to a press brief, these recent residential thefts have been occurring primarily in the area of Smith County east of Lindale. The unidentified suspect has been entering into unlocked residences during nighttime hours, while homeowners have been asleep inside. The suspect is described as a white male, 18 to 30 years of age, 5’8” to 6’0”, slender build with short hair. Continue reading Authorities searching for man wanted for burglaries in Smith County

TYLER — A beautification project will launch on Wednesday to benefit The Tyler Animal Shelter. The organization is appealing to local artists to help them with the new look. The shelter opened their doors to the public in 2017, caring for 103 dogs and 65 cats. The City’s shelter includes “get acquainted” rooms for people to come in, meet with shelter staff and their potential pet for some time to “get to know each other.” Last year, 482 pets were adopted, 492 were reunited and 349 animals were transferred to 110 different rescue organization partners. Over 1000 people come through the doors annually. Continue reading Animal shelter in Tyler looking for artists for redecoration

TYLER — A Tyler business is closing their doors after nearly 6 decades in operation. According to a post on Mary V’s facebook page, the contemporary women’s boutique will close after 57 years in business. Owner Shelby Burkett says, “This is something that was not decided over night, and with the events of this year, it just made our decision a little easier, having to go to quarantine and COVID-19.” Burkett worked at the store for many years, before purchasing the business in 2008 at the age of 23-years-old. Continue reading Mary V’s to soon close their doors

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization and Tyler Transit are evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of transit service in and around Tyler as part of the Transit Route Study. Residents are invited to share their input in hopes of improving bus service within the city. Officials will consider future improvements to routes, schedules and other elements, based on those comments, and other criteria. Residents who want to share their thoughts can take a survey by clicking the link. http://sgiz.mobi/s3/Tyler-Area-Transit-Survey. The survey portion of this study will end Friday.

TYLER — Emergency crews responded to the second fire in two weeks at Coker Enterprises in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, there were a minimum of 30 first responders. The call came in just after 6:00 a.m. on Monday. “Due to circumstances right now, we do deem that the fires are suspicious.” Fire Marshal Jay Brooks went on to say, “We are processing this as a crime scene. That’s just protocol at this point. We don’t have enough to say that this is an arson attempt, or an incendiary fire. However we are going to treat it as such.” A fire on Sept. 30 destroyed the office and parts room of Coker Enterprises.

SMITH COUNTY — A 26-year-old woman who is accused of leaving a baby abandoned and strapped in a baby bouncer for about three hours is now at the Smith County Jail. According to our news partner KETK, a child was left in a garage apartment on County Road 2249 on October 3. The suspect was identified as Kelsey Paige Frazier from Tyler. Frazier was babysitting a child under the age of 1. At approximately 9:30 am, Kelsey left her garage apartment but did not take the child with her. Instead, the infant was left strapped in a baby bouncer located in the bathroom closet of the garage apartment, a news release said. Continue reading Babysitter accused of leaving infant unattended in bathroom closet