Today is
Friday June 19, 2026
EAST TEXAS — The National Weather Service has released a preliminary report on four tornadoes which touched down on Saturday. One twister’s path of destruction was a mile wide. The one west of Canton has been upgraded to an EF-4 storm. According to KETK, a National Weather Service survey team began to survey the damage associated with at least four tornadoes that occurred in Henderson, Van Zandt, Rains and Hopkins Counties. Two of the four tornadoes were given a preliminary EF-0 rating while the other two were long-tracked tornadoes with more significant damage, leading to at least EF-3 ratings. Several survey teams will head out during the day Monday to continue to assess the damage. Read the rest of this entry »
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott Sunday visited Van Zandt County following the severe weather and deadly tornadoes that struck Texas overnight. During his visit, the Governor surveyed the damage and received updates from local officials. Following the briefing, the Governor held a press conference where he called on Texans to come together to rebuild and help those affected, as well as pray for those who were lost and their families. “Today is a difficult day for the people of Canton and the surrounding region,” said Governor Abbott. “In response to the devastation, I’m confident Texans will come together to rebuild and help their neighbors in need. I would like to express my deepest sorrow to the families of those lost, and thank the first responders for their preparedness and efforts to keep Texans safe.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Hundreds turned out as the City of Tyler’s Innovation Pipeline, a facility for budding entrepreneurs, hosted its Launch Party Saturday evening. That followed what organizers called a day of fun and innovation with the Maker Faire, hosted by the Discovery Science Place. The new space showcased what it has to offer — 3D printing, laser cutting, screen printing, embroidery, and more. The event also included music, demonstrations by local makers, food trucks, and many ways for guests to learn how the Innovation Pipeline could help them reach the next level in their innovative endeavors. The Innovation Pipeline is housed in a newly-renovated building on East Oakwood Street, across from the Old Cotton Belt Depot. Go to http://www.cityoftyler.org/Government/MayorandCouncil/TylerInnovationPipeline.aspx to learn more about the Innovation Pipeline.
TYLER – Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) crews continue to assess damage from yesterday’s tornadoes. While no damage to roadways occurred, employees are working to remove trees and debris, and assisting with county roadway issues. FM 17 closed north of I-20 to allow pole trucks to work. Employees worked throughout the night to remove fallen trees and debris to get roadways open and continue to assess the situation. Once downed powerlines and poles are attended to, crews will perform additional necessary work. Crews are also assisting with clearing county roads to allow access to impacted areas for wellness checks of citizens. TxDOT currently has crews and equipment working in Van Zandt County and will remain on active duty until no longer warranted. Read the rest of this entry »
CANTON — CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health Park in Canton will be closed for several days, due to power outages caused by Saturday’s storms.
“Due to the severe weather, CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances HealthPark – Canton is without power and cannot see patients. Crews estimate several days before power will be restored and the HealthPark will be able to receive patients. Patients who had previously scheduled appointments at this location have been contacted and rescheduled to nearby CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System facilities. Until power is restored at the Canton HealthPark, patients who wish to seek treatment from Urgent Care or Primary Care providers should call 903.606.DOCS, and they will be scheduled at a nearby CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System facility. Patients in need of emergency care should call 911.” Read the rest of this entry »
CANTON — Following devastating storms yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott will today travel to Canton, where he will receive a briefing and survey the damage. Afterwards, the Governor will hold a media availability conference at the Canton Police Department at 3:00.
EAST TEXAS — Smith County officials are aiding Van Zandt County in the rescue and recovery efforts following Saturday’s tornadoes. The Smith County Volunteer Fireman’s Association command trailer is set up at Canton High School as an emergency command unit. Smith County Fire Marshal Connie McCoy-Wasson and assistant Smith County fire marshals have been requested to assist the emergency management coordinator in Van Zandt County. Mrs. McCoy-Wasson said they have set up a strike team consisting of 15 fire apparatus units and about 25 personnel to relieve those who worked the ravaged area Saturday night. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS(AP) — According to a National Weather Service survey team, a preliminary report shows an EF-3 or EF-4 tornado hit the Canton area. The area the NWS team was surveying is located southwest of Canton. The NWS previously confirmed four tornadoes touched down during Saturday’s storms. The tornadoes were spotted in Caney City, Canton, Grand Saline and Eustace. Authorities in East Texas said at least four people have been killed as a series of tornadoes pummeled parts of three counties east of Dallas. They caution that the death toll, originally put at five, could rise again as search teams go through the extensive wreckage. Canton Mayor Lou Ann Everett says multiple tornadoes that began late Saturday afternoon left “heartbreaking and upsetting” destruction 35 miles long and 15 miles wide. Read the rest of this entry »
CANTON — Nicholas Pet Haven has been helping with injured and misplaced animals that were victims of the Canton Tornadoes. They are set up in the parking lot of Sears Home Store in Canton. Please send them a FB message if you need help. If you find an injured or stray animal, please contact Nicholas Pet Haven at 903-312-7585. According to their Facebook page, Dr. Gary Spence will be available to help the injured. If you would like to foster, please send them a private message. https://www.facebook.com/nicholaspethaven/?hc_ref=PAGES_TIMELINE&fref=nf
EAST TEXAS — The American Red Cross of East Texas is urging those in need of help following severe weather to contact them. A shelter has been opened at First Methodist Church Life Center, 600 S. Buffalo, Canton, and Emory City Center, 735 North Texas Street, Emory. Volunteers will begin damage assessment Sunday as it is safe to do so. The Red Cross encourages anyone affected by the storms their 24-hour emergency dispatch line at 866-505-4801. If you are looking for loved ones or want to let loved ones know you are ok, please feel free to use Safe and Well: https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php
SMITH COUNTY — Department of Public Safety Troopers responded to the scene of a two vehicle crash on Toll 49 just west of Hwy-155. Investigators preliminary report indicates that the driver of a small passenger car was traveling north on Toll 49 when, for an unknown reason, the vehicle went into the southbound lane. A truck tractor semi-trailer was traveling south on the same roadway and took evasive action to the left of the south lane in an effort to avoid the vehicle. The driver of the passenger car swerved back toward the north lanes, striking the rear right axle of the semi-trailer. The driver of the passenger vehicle was transported to ETMC-Tyler with unknown injures. There were no passengers involved and no other injuries reported. The crash remains under investigation and names have not been released.
LONGVIEW – Longview Police Chief Mike Bishop announced late Friday afternoon an arrest in a February murder. In the Harrison County Jail is Darrell Wayne Wilson, 58, of Marshall. He has been charged with the February murder of Ivory Nell Wilson, 57, Longview. On February 12th, officers were sent to a welfare check on Avalon Avenue. They were told that no one had been able to get in touch with the resident of the apartment for several days. Wilson’s body was found inside her apartment. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – A man, who is said to be a known gang member, has been indicted in a Longview shooting. He is Tyson Dixon, 22, who is said to be a transient from Tyler. He was indicted for aggravated assault in the the shooting last June of Victor Jessie, 21. He was shot twice outside a Pine Tree area duplex on Spring Street. He was taken to a Longview hospital by private vehicle. Jessie later told a Longview policeman he was shot as he, his brother, a woman and her infant had gone to the house to buy marijuana. He said the house was known as “Duck’s dope house.” He also identified Dixon as the shooter.
TYLER – Bulky item collection weeks starts in Tyler on Monday for residential customers. It’s a great time to get rid of those large items around the house you no longer need. The pickup of those large items is sponsored twice a year by Tyler’s Solid Waste Department and Keep Tyler Beautiful. It’s a great time to get rid of those large items that would normally require a special fee to pick up. Just place the items on the curb Monday and a city crew will pick it up. There is no need to call the Solid Waste Office when bulky items are placed at the curb. But you need to note that items may be collected on a different day from your usual scheduled garbage collection. Items that will be picked up include furniture, appliances, carpet, fence material, up to four non-commercial vehicle tires, old toys and other such large items. No liquid waste, limbs or brush will be picked up. Paint must be dried out with oil dry or kitty litter. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – East Texas Medical Center Regional Healthcare System is doing what other hospitals in the area and state have done. They are working with a management consultant to locate a strategic partner. The healthcare systems’ president and chief executive officer, Elmer Ellis said in a news release, the consulting firm of Kaufman Hall is heading the search. He said the strategic partner will provide additional capital for growth and expansion, as well as other resources to support the operation of ETMC hospitals, clinics and other services. He said in the past a healthcare system their size could remain independent. But, in today’s healthcare environment, he said regional health systems have come to realize that partnering with larger organizations is helpful in many ways.