Today is
Thursday June 18, 2026
LONGVIEW – One person has been killed in a late afternoon wreck in Longview. It happened at the intersection of Marshall Avenue and Enterprise Street. Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Tim Bryan identified the driver as Martha Blazek of Longview. He said Blazek had been a nurse at Pine Tree Middle School since 1990. Longview police report she was making a left hand turn from northbound Enterprise Street. A Dodge pickup involved in the crash was traveling eastbound on West Marshall Avenue when the collision occurred. At this time the investigating officer has not completed the crash report.
TYLER — The public is invited to the final public Rose Garden Complex meeting Tuesday at 6:00pm, at the Rose Garden Center in the Rose Room. A comprehensive presentation on the new Rose Complex Master Plan will be given. Officials say it will include a review of the parking and safety improvements, a public park as the new “front door” to the Rose Complex and a new, improved Harvey Convention Center. Tyler Parks and Recreation entered into an agreement with Halff Associates in September 2016 to create a master plan of the Rose Complex area. This includes Harvey Convention Center, the Rose Garden and Rose Garden Center, the East Texas State Fairgrounds, Tyler Independent School District’s football and baseball facilities, Windsor Grove Park and the surrounding areas.
CANTON – All four victims of the weekend tornadoes in Van Zandt County have been identified. County Judge Don Kirkpatrick had earlier identified two of the victims as Lucretia Yvette Sykes, 49, of Ft. Worth and James Clayton Young, 39, of Alba. Both were in their vehicles when the tornado hit. Sykes was found near her vehicle and Young was found inside his vehicle. The Judge later identified the other two victims as Kenneth Hughes, 57, of Canton and Russell “Rusty” Barlow, 51, of Corsicana. According to a news release, Barlow was found in a building and Hughes was found in a residence.
AUSTIN – After visiting Van Zandt County following the severe weather and deadly tornadoes over the weekend, Governor Greg Abbott, on Monday, declared a State of Disaster in three counties. In response to the significant damage, the Governor has issued a Disaster Declaration for Henderson, Van Zandt, and Rains counties. “The recent severe weather across our state has had a devastating impact on the people of East Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “Texans by their very nature are resilient, and I am confident we will remain steadfast in our response to this disaster. I ask that everyone keep those impacted in your prayers as we come together to rebuild in the aftermath of these storms.” Read the rest of this entry »
East Texas – From now through May 20, several relief agencies are staffing a free hotline for debris removal and home cleanup after the recent severe weather. This hotline will connect survivors with reputable and vetted relief agencies that will assist in chainsaw work, debris cleanup, and mucking out, as they are able. All services are free, but service is not guaranteed due to the overwhelming need. Survivors needing assistance with home cleanup may call 1-800-451-1954. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A professor at the University of Texas at Tyler has been named a Fulbright Scholar. He is Dr. Ali Azghani, a biomedical researcher and a professor of biology. The Fulbright Program is a prestigious international exchange initiative created in 1946 that awards grants to American scholars each year to teach or conduct research in the more than 125 participatory nations throughout the world. With the award, Azghani will travel next spring to Azerbaijan, where he will study antimicrobial resistance in certain bacteria affecting the lungs. His appointment is for the 2018 – 22 academic years.
EAST TEXAS – State health officials have a reported a slight increase in confirmed rabies cases in Northeast Texas. The Department of State Health Services, Zoonosis Control for regions 4 and 5 reported 14, confirmed rabies cases in the first quarter of the year. This compares to 12 confirmed cases in the 35 counties in the first quarter of last year. Besides skunks, there have been one dog, one cow, and three bats testing positive for rabies. And four persons have been treated for possible exposure to the disease.
LINDALE – A preliminary report from the National Weather Service indicates the weekend storms produced a tornado north of Lindale. The report said the storm was an EF-1 tornado. This type of storm produces moderate damage, including significant roof damage, windows broken, exterior doors damaged or lost and mobile homes overturned. Winds in an EF-1 tornado run between 86 and 110 miles an hour. The weather service says they will release additional information when the survey is completed.
CANTON (ABC/Staff) — The cleanup continues in Canton following the weekend’s devastating tornadoes. Mayor Lou Ann Everett says they’ve been getting utilities back up and running. Everett said Monday that power has been restored to the city of Canton. She added that crews hoped soon to resolve issues with people who weren’t able to receive power, possibly due to some limbs down. Specifically, the power at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances HealthPark in Canton has been restored. A news release says the facility will be open to see patients Tuesday during normal business hours. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A Medication Cleanout Event hosted by the Tyler Police Department and Brookshires turned out to be a big success. The “No Question’s Asked” cleanout event was held Saturday. According to police spokesman Don Martin, the total amount of medications dropped of weighed in at 741.80 pounds. This beat last year’s amount which came to 482.2 pounds.
CANTON – Among those supporting the first responders and those involved in search and rescue following the powerful tornadoes in East Texas are units of the Salvation Army. While the Tyler Salvation is on standby by, awaiting a call, three Salvation Army mobile kitchens and a Rapid Response Unit have been on the scene. The Salvation Army EDS team from Lewisville has been serving meals. The Rapid Response Unit from Granbury, operated by members of the Women’s Service League of Hood County, provided roving support in addition to two other mobile kitchens. One staging area was at a Canton car dealership where The Salvation Army disaster teams distributed meals and snacks. Monday was supposed to be an exciting day for the dealership as they were scheduled to open a brand new showroom. Instead, the buildings were torn apart by the tornado with cars and trucks tossed around the property.
TYLER – Following the East Texas tornadoes, the focus is now on rebuilding and healing. The Better Business Bureau of Central East Texas warns the aftermath of a crisis also brings out contractors who take advantage of those who have already been victimized. BBB reminds homeowners to be on the lookout for storm chasers, individuals who follow severe weather hoping to get business from victims whose homes have been damaged by storms. You are warned to be on the lookout for, not only dishonest contractors, but also bogus charities. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Smith County sheriff’s deputies are looking for the two men who robbed nearly a dozen persons at a home north of Tyler. The two armed men are said to have broken in a back door to a home on County Road 485 shortly before 4:45 Monday morning. Ten persons, including several children were in the house. During the robbery, one round was fired, but there were no injuries. The men took money, jewelry and cell phones and then fled. The suspects were described as Hispanic males wearing ski masks, gloves and dark clothing.
EAST TEXAS — Van Zandt County officials are asking for volunteers and peace officers following devastating tornadoes that ripped through East Texas Saturday night. Volunteers will begin meeting at 7:00 a.m. daily at the Canton Senior Citizen Center, 200 Groves Street, Canton. Volunteers are asked to bring their own tools, chainsaws, tractors and other equipment. Bring your own lunch/drinks, as well. A volunteer check will be utilized for safety and accountability, according to KETK. Peace officers are also being asked to help the community. Uniformed officers, patrol, or POV with lights are asked to meet at the Law Enforcement Command Post, located at the TxDOT facility at FM 1255, just south of Interstate 20. Briefings will take place every 12 hours at 5:30 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — Several schools affected by recent tornado damage will be closed on Monday. According to KETK, Fruitvale ISD, Eustace ISD, Martins Mill ISD and Canton ISD will not be open. Canton ISD will work with local officials on the status each day. Eustace ISD says they will resume classes on Tuesday, however, the library will be open until 4 p.m. on Monday to allow for recharge of devices or access to the internet.