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HEMPHILL — A Texas father has been arrested after he confessed to killing his son and “cremating” him. According to our news partner KETK, a Sabine County deputy was contacted by Michael C. Howard who said he had “accidentally” shot his son, Mark Randall Howard, who he had mistaken for an intruder on his property the night before. The sheriff’s office said Mark had down syndrome. Michael allegedly told officials he had taken his son’s body in the “front-loading bucket of a backhoe tractor and carried it to a remote area on his property and placed the body on a wood/trash pile which had been previously set up and then ‘cremated’ his son.”

According to the State Bar of Texas, Michael is a lawyer and had a private law practice out of Houston.

When authorities arrived to the Howard’s property at 2505 Mount Sinai Road near Fairmount, Michael told deputies the murder was a “horrible accident.” He also showed deputies the shotgun that he claimed to have used.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Authorities are seeking the public’s help with identifying suspects in a Wednesday morning armed robbery near the Van Zandt and Smith County line. According to our news partner KETK, the robbery occurred at the Skill Zone Game Room at 4573 State Highway 64 in Ben Wheeler at around 6 a.m. Two men robbed the game room at gunpoint, violently assaulted the manager before they fled toward Tyler.

Prior to the robbery a woman was seen briefly entering the game room multiple times before leaving. Another woman was also briefly seen entering the establishment and then leaving. In security camera footage both women could be seen leaving in a 2018 Kia Forte compact sedan moments before the two masked men entered the game room.

Officials said the woman pictured is a person of interest in connection to the robbery and anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-567-4133.

SULPHUR SPRINGS – On Wednesday, CHRISTUS Health broke ground on a new 11,000 square-foot multi-specialty clinic in Sulphur Springs. According to our news partner KETK, the new Clinic will be located next to the CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital on Airport Road. The $25 million expansion will house specialists in gastroenterology, interventional pain and orthopedics along with laboratory and imaging services.

“We have seen unbelievable growth in our hospital, clinics, and the overall need for specialized care in our community,” Hospital President Paul Harvey said. “This new facility allows us to expand our reach, see more patients in a timely manner and provide access to quality care close to home.”
Continue reading CHRISTUS Health breaks ground on new clinic

EAST TEXAS — The Texas Education Agency has released a list of 102 teachers that have been flagged in an investigation into educator certification fraud and four of those teachers are in East Texas. cording to our news partner KETK, the NBCDFW, these teachers are under investigation to determine whether or not they took part in an alleged Houston-area scheme to falsify certifications for over 200 teachers.

The educator certification is an official recognition indicating that an individual has met all the requirements to work as a certified teacher. With an educator certification, people could potentially receive higher pay and allows them to work at public schools. Continue reading East Texas teachers named in TEA certification fraud investigation

TYLER – The Children’s Park of Tyler is having its annual “Christmas in the Park” on Saturday, December 14th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 110 East Dobbs Street. This free event will feature light displays throughout the park and Christmas carols around a decorated tree. Also featured, will be craft activities, a photo booth, and s’mores by the fire. The park will also provide its signature Snowman Soup and a bounce house for children to enjoy.

“We are honored to host this event and welcome the community to share in the warmth and meaning of the season,” said Jennifer Carson, Board President for The Children’s Park. “Our hope is that everyone who attends experiences a deep sense of connection and peace as we gather to celebrate together.”

For more information, visit childrenspark.org/christmas or call 903-372-3234.

TEXARKANA – Our KETK news partner reports that a Texarkana driver is behind bars for leaving the scene of a pedestrian crash where two people sustained serious injuries, authorities said. According to the Texarkana Police Department, a man and a woman were trying to cross at the 4800 block of Stateline Avenue on Wednesday night when they stepped into the path of a southbound vehicle.
The police department said both pedestrians were hit and seriously injured. The driver of the vehicle reportedly fled the scene and parked behind an Arkansas business nearby.
The driver, identified as 34-year-old Kyle Clark, returned to the crash scene after some time and was then arrested, officials said. Texarkana PD said Clark is now facing charges that include leaving the scene of a crash. He is being held at the Miller County Jail with a pending warrant in Texas. “We don’t yet have any information on the couple’s names or conditions,” the police department said. “Our thoughts are with them as we continue to investigate the incident.”

TYLER — Tyler Parks and Recreation will host the 39th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Downtown Tyler Square following The Rotary Club of Tyler’s Rose City Christmas Parade Thursday, Dec. 5. The parade begins at 6:30 at 110 N. College Avenue. The tree will be lit by 9-year-old Luna Cruz, the 2025 local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Miracle Child representing CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Tyler. The event will also include performances by SOJO Orchestra, Caldwell Singers and Candy Crocker School of Dance. Santa will be available to take pictures with children after the program is finished.

This year’s parade theme is “The Magic of Rotary.” The parade will line up on W Gentry Pkwy and go South on N. Broadway Avenue.

TYLER – Holiday shopping is happening simultaneously with deer hunting season and it’s no surprise firearms are a popular Christmas present.

Safety and security should be the highest priorities when choosing the perfect firearm for a loved one. Although many people enjoy giving surprise gifts, a Tyler firearms instructor said the element of surprise should not be an option with guns.
“Spend some time with them and let them figure out what gun fits. That to me is the biggest thing, for them to feel comfortable. If they don’t feel comfortable with that, they won’t shoot and they won’t practice with it,” Chris Fiegel, firearms trainer and range manager at Vault Arms in Tyler, said.On top of feeling comfortable with a gun, Fiegel said new gun owners need to know the basics when it comes to gun safety. Continue reading Should I give a firearm as a Christmas gift?

CUSHING – Authorities worked to restore power and clear roads Wednesday night after a car crashed into an electric pole at the intersection of FM 225 and CR 854 in Cushing. According to our news partner, KETK, and the Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department, shortly before 7 p.m. first responders were called to a one-vehicle crash involving an electric pole. The driver of the car was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, officials said.

Due to low hanging power lines, FM 255 was shut down for some time. Customers with Oncor and Cherokee County ECA were affected while officials worked to place a new pole, Lilbert-Looneyville VFD said. Fire fighters were relieved at around 1 a.m. when TxDOT arrived and the fire department said Oncor officials estimated power would be restored and roads reopened at around 3:30 a.m. on Thursday.

LONGVIEW — A former Longview ISD employee has plead guilty to charges stemming from an investigation of abuse against special education students that occurred from August 2019 to October 2021.  According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday, 56-year-old Cynthia Talley pleaded guilty to unlawful restraint of a minor and three counts of injury to a child with intent to cause bodily injury. Talley is one of six women arrested in 2022 after Longview ISD officials reportedly saw video footage of J.L. Everhart Elementary employees and campus administration mistreating special education students.

Talley’s sentencing hearing will be held on Jan. 1, 2025. The other former LISD employees also charged for mistreatment of students are Paula Hawkins Dixon, Cassandra Renee James, Linda Kaye Brown Lister, Priscilla Johnson and Cecilia Gregg. Continue reading Former school employee pleads guilty to mistreatment of students

POLK COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, five Polk County inmates and a woman have been charged in connection to the exploitation and assault of a disabled inmate.

On Nov. 11 the jail captain alerted county narcotic detectives of an alleged exploitation and physical assault of a disabled inmate by a group of inmates. Following an investigation, officials issued 14 felony warrants for six individuals after it was concluded they conspired to manipulate and financially exploit the disabled inmate.

“The inmates forced the victim to release personal property, including his debit card linked to his Supplemental Security Income and disability funds, to an outside accomplice—one of the inmates’ girlfriends—who was not incarcerated,” the sheriff’s office said. “This woman then drained the account, using the funds to make unauthorized purchases for herself and to place money into the commissary accounts of several inmates within the jail.” Continue reading Disabled inmate reportedly abused, financially exploited

LONGVIEW– The Longview Police Department reports one person is dead after a multi-vehicle crash that happened on West Loop 281 at around 11:50 Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, a Longview PD crash investigation revealed that a silver SUV failed to yield the right of way while coming out of a private driveway, and was hit by another vehicle. That crash allegedly caused the SUV to head into oncoming traffic where it was then hit by a dump truck.

Officials said the driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene and one other person was taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

LONGVIEW – The former head boys basketball coach of Cumberland Academy has been arrested for having an improper relationship with a student and possession of child pornography. According to our news partner KETK, 26-year-old Devin Anderson of Manor was arrested by Kilgore Police on Dec 2. Anderson, was the head boys basketball coach of Cumberland Academy in Tyler last season. He is currently listed as varsity assistant basketball and head cross country coach at Elgin High School. Anderson was released from jail on Tuesday, Dec. 3 after he posted a $55,000 bond.

TYLER – A Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for counterfeit documents scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs. Juan Carlos Rodriguez, Sr., 50, pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on December 4, 2024. Continue reading Smith County man sentenced for producing counterfeit identification

PALESTINE — Safe Haven held a blessing ceremony for the first baby box in East Texas on Tuesday, providing an anonymous way for parents in crisis to surrender their children to first responders.

However the road to get the baby box at Fire Station 1 in Palestine took nearly a year according to our news partner KETK. Sue Tingle, an East Texas grandmother, said her now 2-year-old granddaughter was surrendered in a baby box in Indiana hours after her birth with her umbilical cord still attached. Tingle raised thousands of dollars in the past year to have the baby box installed, and on Tuesday, it became fully functional.

“Without Myah, there would be no Safe Haven box,” Tingle said. Continue reading East Texas’ first Safe Haven Baby Box now ready

MARSHALL – Marshall Police Department officials said since the beginning of the year they have received more than 40 reports of hit-and-runs, with one of two last week leading to an arrest.

According to our news partner KETK, the “troubling statistic” isn’t just illegal but a serious issue of safety and responsibility. 48 weeks have passed since January meaning there has been about one hit-and-run case every week in the City of Marshall. Marshall PD said a recent hit-and-run investigation led to the arrest of a 23-year-old Marshall woman who was charged with accident involving damage greater than or equal to $200. Authorities said leaving the scene of class B misdemeanor could lead to six months in jail or a fine of up to $2,000.

“Texas law requires drivers involved in a collision to stop, exchange information, and assist anyone who may be injured,” Marshall PD said. Continue reading Marshall PD speaks on ‘troubling’ hit-and-run statistic

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue was reappointed Tuesday to another two-year term. The Commissioners Court voted to approve his additional term, which will take effect on December 20, 2024. He will be sworn in to office for the second term on that date. Hogue was initially appointed to serve as Smith County Fire Marshal on September 19, 2023. He worked at the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office as assistant emergency management coordinator and deputy fire marshal since January 2017.

From 2015-2017, Hogue worked as a Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy, and from 2012-2015, he served as the Gregg County Fire Marshal. From 2010-2015, he instructed Fire Academy Cadets through the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, and he served as an airport firefighter, deputy and EMT sergeant for the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office from 2008-2012, and as a lieutenant firefighter and EMT for the Gladewater Fire Department from 1999-2008. He has also served as guest instructor at the Texas A&M University Municipal Fire School

TYLER – Dr. Ricardo “Rico” Allen II, a UT Tyler adjunct instructor of saxophone and jazz studies, and the members of his saxophone quartet, Lotus, played saxophone on the album “Impossible Dream,” which is nominated for a Grammy in the best traditional pop album category. “Impossible Dream” was recorded by Broadway star Aaron Lazar and features duets with Broadway stars including Josh Groban, Neil Patrick Harris, Leslie Odom Jr. and Kristin Chenoweth. “Receiving this Grammy-affiliate nomination was something that I would have never thought possible, but it is truly a dream come true,” said Allen. “I am so very thankful to Christina Giacona for asking me and my saxophone quartet to play on Aaron Lazar’s wonderful album.”

PALESTINE – An 18-year-old and a 22-year-old from Oklahoma are behind bars in the Anderson County Jail after being found in a stolen car and leading Palestine police on a chase Thursday afternoon, authorities said.

According to our news partner, KETK, the Palestine Police Department was told that two people were at a Starbucks in a stolen vehicle, around 1 p.m. an officer was called. The officer reportedly saw a silver Hyundai occupied by two men in the Starbucks parking lot and confirmed that the car had been stolen out of Oklahoma. The officer then stopped the car and tried to detain Jimmie Payne, 18 of Palestine, officials said.
Continue reading Two arrested in Palestine for Oklahoma car theft

TYLER — NET Health observes National Influenza Vaccination Week by providing flu vaccines in their main offices at 815 N. Broadway, on the corner of North Broadway and Gentry Parkway. The hours of operation for the NET Health Immunizations Clinic are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. On Wednesdays, the clinic remains open until 6:00 p.m.

NET Health provides the seasonal flu vaccine on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most simple and safest protection against the influenza virus (i.e., the flu) is vaccination. Flu vaccines are updated every year to better match the strains of the flu virus expected to be in circulation across the United States, and people who are at an increased risk for health complications from the flu should receive the flu vaccine before flu season arrives in northeast Texas. Continue reading NET Health offering flu vaccines

TYLER — Arrest documents shed new details on a man accused of sexually assaulting an employee in Irving and arrested in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Patrick Hoversten, of Sonoma, Ca., was arrested in November after the Irving Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest following an alleged assault in the 4000 block of West Airport Freeway in Dallas County.

According to arrest documents, on Nov. 10 at around 2 p.m., Hoversten allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened to hurt the victim if she did not comply with his sexual demands. During the assault, Hoversten would take the victim into different parts of the Irving store, after officials believe he saw surveillance cameras.

“During the assault, the defendant grabbed the victim forcefully by the neck and throat to move her and threatened to kill her or stab her eyes,” the arrest affidavit said. Continue reading New details on man accused of sexually assaulting employee

TYLER — Four restaurants in Tyler closed their doors at their South Broadway locations early Monday night, because of an electrical problem. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler FD Battalion Chief Cordell Parker said, Outback Steakhouse, Applebee’s, Olive Garden and Golden Corral closed after a call reported smoke detected at Applebee’s around 7 p.m. Crews from ONCOR concluded the HVAC unit at Applebee’s had the electric issue, which caused them to power down all four restaurants. While the four eateries closed Monday evening, KTBB confirmed, they all reopened Tuesday.

TYLER – The Tyler Economic Development Council Monday completed the purchase of 281 acres to develop a New Business Park.  The property was bought from the Wisenbaker family and will provide a competitive location for bringing new business to Tyler, leading to more jobs, and increased economic growth. The new property is located three and a half miles north of downtown Tyler, between State Park Highway 14 and U.S. Highway 271. 

“The Tyler Economic Development Council launched its Strategic Sites Initiative in early 2021 with the goal of developing real estate that meets the market demand for economic development projects. A fundamental element of any successful economic development program is having suitable real estate to attract new economic development projects. An economic development program without competitive sites is akin to Baskin Robbins not having ice cream,” said Scott Martinez, TEDC President and CEO.

The Wisenbaker property buy is the second major land purchase by the TEDC since early 2023. At that time, the council purchased 412 acres, which is being developed as the Tyler Interstate Commerce Park. More information about the development will be shared on the TEDC website as it becomes available.

TYLER – Tyler Parks and Recreations has extended the deadline for resident feedback on the Tyler Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan online survey until Tuesday, Dec. 31. The survey gathers community input on playgrounds, trails, athletic fields, and other available amenities to improve City parks, recreation areas and open spaces. Feedback on the master plan shapes how the Parks team prioritizes different projects for the next 10 years. Residents are encouraged to complete the survey available at City of Tyler Parks, Recreation and Open Space Survey 2025. All participants will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an Echo Dot. Continue reading Tyler Parks and Rec extends deadline for resident input

JACKSONVILLE– UPDATE: Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Jacksonville Police Department has arrested a man in connection to the Nov. 27, 2024 hit-and-run death of Tayedrian Baker.

Londedric Jayquell Taylor Sr., 30 of Jacksonville, was arrested for accident involving serious bodily injury or death and has been booked into the Cherokee County Jail.

“Our hearts go out to Mr. Baker’s family during this difficult time. The case remains under investigation, and no further details will be released at this time,” the Jacksonville Police Department said.

ORIGINAL STORY: Our news partner, KETK, reports that a 25-year-old East Texas cyclist died after being hit by a vehicle Friday night, now authorities are seeking help to identify the driver involved. Continue reading Man arrested after cyclist killed in Jacksonville hit-and-run

(TEXAS TRIBUNE) – A retired Texas judge who signed death row inmate Robert Roberson’s execution warrant earlier this year has recused herself from his case according to our news partner KETK. The court filing was signed on Monday by senior state District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans in Anderson County. No specific reason was given for her decision.

“I have not yet been served with this order and do not know anything about what prompted Judge Evans to sign this order soon before Thanksgiving,” Gretchen Sween, Roberson’s attorney, told The Texas Tribune.

Roberson was convicted of capital murder in 2003 for the death of his chronically ill 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. At his trial, prosecutors accused Roberson of shaking Nikki so violently that she died. But Roberson, who was diagnosed with autism after his conviction, has maintained his innocence. Continue reading Judge in Roberson’s death row case agrees to recusal