Today is
Friday June 19, 2026
HOUSTON (AP) – A legendary college coach, who was born in Smith County, has died. Former University of Houston men’s basketball coach Guy V. Lewis, who was born in Arp, has died at the age of 93. The school said Thursday he died Thanksgiving morning. Lewis coached the Cougars for 30 years but was best known for leading the Phi Slama Jama teams in the 1980s. He guided Houston to back-to-back NCAA title games in 1983 and ’84 but never won the national championship, losing to underdog N.C. State in the 1983 final on Lorenzo Charles’ last-second shot. Lewis won 592 games and reached five Final Fours. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.
KILGORE – A Kilgore coach is out on bond after being charged with having an improper relationship with a student. Arrested Wednesday was Brian Bird, 33. His residence is listed as Gladewater. Besides being the boys and girls golf coach and assistant boys basketball coach at Kilgore High School and is also a geography teacher. His bond was set at $50,000.
NACOGDOCHES — A Mount Enterprise man is behind bars after an ongoing crime spree in several different counties. According to KETK, Nacogdoches County Sheriff Jason Bridges says Bobby Stein, 58, was identified as a suspect in the case on Tuesday morning. Bridges says that happened after officers from Shelby County and Nacogdoches County were able to use information from two different videos. Investigators say they found Stein late Tuesday hiding in a remote part of Rusk County. Nacogdoches County deputies were able to locate stolen property at a Rusk County deer camp. Investigators were also able to determine more stolen property had been taken to Angelina County. Those items, which had been sold, were recovered on Wednesday. Stein was arrested and charged with seven counts of theft. He was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail.
More than $30,000 of stolen property was recovered. Bridges said the property also included items from Dallas County. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office has recovered the following property:
Six flatbed bumper pull trailers
One cargo Trailer
One Horse trailer
Five all-terrain vehicles (ATV)
One tractor with implements
Deputies are still investigating the theft of two flatbed trailers and a zero turn mower stolen in Nacogdoches County. It is believed the suspect took these items and sold them in the Lufkin Area within the last two weeks. Stein is believed to have committed numerous thefts of four wheelers and trailers over the course of the last month in several different counties. Bridges said any recently purchased items from Stein have a high probability of being stolen propety. If you purchased property from Stein, you’re urged to contact your local law enforcement agency. The case is still under investigation and more charges are expected to be filed.
LONGVIEW — A Longview woman who sustained injuries during a house fire in October has died. That word came Wednesday from her family, according to KETK and the Longview News-Journal. The Longview Fire Department sats a home near Idylwood Drive and 12th Street caught fire October 19. Officials at the scene said Phylis Bridges suffered burns and was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. An 18-year-old man reportedly helped save the woman and called for help. Another man and a 3-year-old were also inside the house at the time of the fire. Assistant Fire Chief Curtis Shaw says Bridges was placed in the intensive care unit. The other adult and child were treated for smoke inhalation. Shaw said a firefighter suffered minor burns and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Bridges’s death is the only known fire-related death Longview has had this year, said Fire Marshal Johnny Zackary. Though the cause of the fire remains undetermined, Zackary said all residents should double-check their fire alarms to ensure they are properly installed and have fresh batteries. “A few seconds more could have been the difference in her surviving that fire,” he said. “She did get out, but by then she had already sustained severe burn injuries.”
HENDERSON — A Rusk County murder suspect on the run since Monday night has been caught in Shelby County. According to KETK, authorities said Demetrius Terrell Bennett was captured Wednesday by Shelby County constables and has been taken to the Shelby County Jail. Bennett, 19, is accused of killing Eugene Bryant, 53. Bennett will be charged with murder. At 10:17 p.m. on Monday, deputies responded to reports of shots fired and a person wounded on County Road 3281. When officials arrived at the scene, Bryant was found dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported seeing the gunman leave the scene in a car headed south. The vehicle was found abandoned near Rusk County Road 3285.
PALESTINE — A gag order has been issued in the murder of six people at an Anderson County campsite. According to KETK, 87th District Judge Deborah Evans issued the order Tuesday in the case of 33-year-old William Mitchell Hudson. Records show the order was made to preserve the defendant’s right to a fair trial by ensuring no jurors hold prejudice from pretrial publicity. All attorneys, attorney staffs, and law enforcement officers involved in the case are prohibited from discussing the case with media. Hudson faces six capital murder charges. He is accused of killing Carl Johnson, 77; Hannah Johnson, 40; Kade Johnson, 6; Thomas Kamp, 46; Nathan Kamp, 23; and Austin Kamp, 21. The suspect allegedly murdered the families November 15 at a location on CR 2217.
TYLER — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed an arrest is expected in an October fire at the home of Johnny Manziel’s grandfather. According to KETK, Lt. Gary Middleton says a burglary did occur the night of the fire, which is being investigated as possible arson. The homeowner is not a suspect in the investigation. The two-story Lake Tyler house was destroyed in the early morning hours of October 7. When firefighter arrived shortly after 1:30 p.m., the home had already begun to collapse. The fire was deemed suspicious not long after the home had burned down. According to the Smith County Appraisal District, the property was valued at $408,438.
TYLER — The Salvation Army is gearing up for its traditional Thanksgiving meal. According to a news release, the agency plans to serve “many who would otherwise be hungry and alone.” It’s all set today for 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Center of Hope Dining Room at North Broadway Avenue and Bow Street.
TYLER — Tyler police are getting into the spirit of the holiday season with a special thank-you. According to a news release, on October 24, motorcycle officer Ryan Gummer went home to Lafayette, Louisiana, to visit his mother in the hospital. While visiting her he became ill and was admitted into the hospital for eight days due to pancreatitis. Due to the poor health of his parents, Ryan was alone and without the help of his brothers and sisters in blue from Tyler. Fellow motorcycle officer Bill Steinmiller realized that Ryan was not going to be able drive back to Tyler on his own when he was released from the hospital on November 2. Steinmiller contacted Randa Conner with Tyler Jet Center and explained the circumstances surrounding his co-worker.
Randa immediately started calling her contacts to fly Steinmiller down to Lafayette. On November 5, Randa called Steinmiller and advised that she had a pilot and a plane to take him to Lafayette that afternoon. He went to the Tyler Jet Center that afternoon and met pilot Herb Sharp. Sharp said that Charles Jaggers owned the airplane and that he’d donated the plane to Herb to fly Steinmiller down to pick up his fellow officer, and Tyler Jet was going to pay the fuel cost for the airplane.
The Lafayette Sheriff’s Office also met Steinmiller at the airport and escorted him to Gummer’s parents’ home. The original plan was to fly Gummer home, with Steinmiller driving his vehicle back. Gummer was not able to fly, so they returned to Tyler by vehicle, with Steinmiller at the wheel. Gummer’s parents expressed their gratitude for everyone’s generosity in helping Ryan get through a very difficult time.
On Friday November 20, Gummer, Steinmiller, and other officers went to the Tyler Jet Center and presented tokens of the police department’s appreciation to Conner, Sharp, and Jaggers. According to the news release, “This is the true meaning of ‘We Got Your Back’ for one of our own.”
(Pictured, left to right: Officer Bill Steinmiller, Randa Conner, Officer Ryan Gummer, Herb Sharp.)
TYLER — The FBI is the latest agency to begin an investigation of the Smith County Commissioners Court. The Texas Attorney General’s Office had earlier announced it was looking into the commissioners’ executive session where the commissioners approved purchasing traffic cameras for some school zones. KETK reports commissioners Cary Nix and Terry Phillips confirm the FBI is looking into the matter. Both could not discuss the matter on advice of the county’s attorney.
Smith County commissioners first announced the plan back in April. County Judge Joel Baker said, “Smith County is focused on public safety and limited enforcement to ensure the safety of the community’s school children,†Baker said at that time. “I believe it is a more efficient way to enforce laws that are already in place.†The program was suppose to include five cameras rotating in county school zones. The cameras were then delayed in early May following an uproar from the public.
Judge Baker went on to say, “As county judge I should have done a better job of public outreach and education regarding this program. As the presiding officer of the commissioners court, I take full responsibility for not leading a more robust public discussion on this topic prior to entering into the program. I am sorry for this error in the process. Therefore, I have asked the School Safety program vendor, ATS, to pause and delay the start of the program to allow us to do a better job with communication and outreach. ATS has also agreed to survey school zones around the county and to provide data regarding speeding in those locations. It’s now important that we restart the public conversation with facts.”
A few days after Baker made those comments, Grassroots America – We The People, a Smith County watchdog group, filed a formal complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.
BEREA, OHIO (AP/STAFF) – The Browns have benched quarterback Johnny Manziel because of his off-field behavior. Coach Mike Pettine said former Jacksonville Indian Josh McCown will start Monday night’s game against Baltimore in place of Manziel, the Tyler native, who was recently given the starting job but has now been demoted to third string. Manziel’s benching comes in the wake of a video surfacing of him partying last weekend in Texas. He had promised not to bring any embarrassment to the team during its bye week, but Pettine said he was both disappointed and frustrated by Manziel’s actions. Pettine said owner Jimmy Haslam and general manager Ray Farmer support his decision. In a statement, Pettine said “everyone in this organization wants what is best for Johnny just like we do for every player in our locker room. I’m especially disappointed in his actions and behavior because he has been working very hard.” Manziel spent 70 days during the offseason in a rehab facility specializing in treatment for alcohol and drug addiction.
TYLER — A federal magistrate has rejected a motion from Shanna Peek Tidwell and Jeremy Chad Tidwell to release about $63,000 seized by the government so they could pay state and federal taxes. KETK and the Longview News-Journal report the two are former owners of the Glass Dragon stores that allegedly sold synthetic cannabinoids in East Texas. The Tidwells, along with brother Brian Tidwell, are charged with multiple drug, fraud and money laundering violations. They were arrested last December in a raid that involved forces from numerous local law enforcement agencies and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. U.S. Magistrate John Love of Tyler ruled that the Tidwells did not cite any authority “supporting the release of these funds at this stage of the proceedings.”
In an opinion on the issue, Love said,”Defendants must make some showing that the money or accounts seized were actually that which was collected and held in trust for the payment of sales and payroll taxes. Second, Defendants should make a showing that they did not undertake any acts which would have violated their trust obligations — i.e. that their actions are consistent with those of a person acting as a trustee for the state or federal government.” Love’s opinion went on to say that the Tidwells did not show that the funds seized by the government included any money they had set aside to pay state and federal taxes.
TYLER — Three people have been arrested in Smith County in a case involving drugs, a weapon, and child support. Sheriff Larry Smith says a deputy was dispatched around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday to CR 2152 in southeast Smith County in reference to a suspicious vehicle call. The caller said a pickup was seen driving slowly through the area and was possibly spotlighting deer. The deputy conducted a traffic stop after finding a vehicle matching the description. The driver was identified as Willie Earl Calley, 34; the two passengers are named as Rebeca Cook, 26, and Patrick Trent Kemp, 23. All are Smith County residents.
Calley was placed into custody after it was learned he had an outstanding warrant for child support. After another deputy arrived to assist, the deputies reportedly found a loaded .38 caliber revolver on the floorboard that allegedly belonged to Calley. Deputies also discovered Calley was a convicted felon, so he’s also charged with felon in possession of a Firearm. Smith says the law officers additionally discovered 3 grams of methamphetamine in the truck, and all three suspects were arrested for that. Once at the jail it was reportedly discovered during the book-in process that Cook and Kemp were in possession of a controlled substance. Both are charged with possession of a controlled substance in a correctional facility.
TYLER — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith says a burglar has been jailed after being caught in the act — and found with some stolen credit cards. Smith reports a deputy and his K-9 partner answered a call around 9:30 Tuesday morning to a residence on CR 463 in northern Smith County regarding a suspicious vehicle complaint. The dog found a man hiding under items in the garage. Smith says 35-year-old Jason Bowers of Lindale immediately surrendered and was taken to a hospital, where he was treated and released for minor injuries resulting from contact with the dog. Bowers was reportedly found with several credit cards which were reported stolen in Henderson County. Bowers is currently charged with burglary of a building. Smith County deputies are said to be in contact with Henderson County investigators regarding possible additional charges.
LONGVIEW — Longview police officers are stepping up their social media presence in an effort to engage more with their community. KETK reports officers are posting more pictures and video content in order to connect. In the past five weeks, the Longview police Facebook page has increased its followers by the thousands. Longview Police Public Information Officer Kristie Brian says, “Social media is one of the main ways that people communicate now. So for us to be able to reach a bigger audience, I mean we could do a wanted poster, but you don’t really reach a lot of people. With social media, you reach a lot at one time.” Since engaging with the community on Facebook, the Longview Police Department has identified suspects and solved crimes a lot faster.
DALLAS (AP) – Experts say an invasive plant that can clog boat motors and block sunlight from reaching lakes has turned up in another East Texas waterway. The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department confirms giant salvinia at Lake Fork Reservoir, 60 miles east of Dallas. Spokesman Larry Hodge said Tuesday that crews are removing the fast-growing plants from the Chaney Branch. Several boat ramps are closed. A floating boom warns boaters to stay clear. Hodge says chemicals are being used to kill the floating fern that’s native to Brazil and reproduces by budding. Giant salvinia, which can be transported by boats and trailers, was found earlier on Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir and Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Some Louisiana lakes have giant salvinia, which can form dense mats on water and also hamper fishing.
KILGORE — The new president of Kilgore College will be Dr. Brenda Kays. The school’s board of trustees unanimously voted Monday night to appoint Dr. Kays as the 9th president of the college and the first woman president of the school. She will succeed Dr. William M. “Bill” Holda who has served as president of Kilgore College since July 2, 1992. He will retire as president at the end of January.
Dr. Kays is a former Vice President of Student Learning and Success at Guilford Technical Community College North Carolina and former Chief Academic Officer and Dean of Instructional Services at Vernon College in Texas. She earned a Master of Education in counseling from Midwestern State University and a Doctorate of Education from the University of North Texas in Denton. She will start work at Kilgore College the first part of January.
TYLER — There won’t be a new owner of Brookshire Grocery Company’s supermarkets. A statement released Monday reads, “Brookshire Holdings, Inc., parent company of Brookshire Grocery Company, today announced that the process in which it has been engaged to explore a possible sale of the company has been terminated. The company will continue to provide a great food and shopping experience for its customers and will have no further comment on this matter.” Speculation had swirled in recent weeks following reports that the longtime Tyler-based company was looking into the possibility of a sale.
ATHENS — A Eustace woman has been sentenced to ten years in prison for dealing meth in Henderson County. KETK reports Monica Worthy, 33, had pleaded guilty to a charge of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. Worthy was indicted based on a July investigation and search warrant executed at a home north of Eustace. Officials say the search turned up drug paraphernalia, methamphetamine, numerous clear plastic baggies, and digital scales used in the packaging and sale of narcotics.
LONGVIEW — A gunman injured in a shoot-out with Longview Police is reportedly awake. According to KETK, Nathan David Lanicek, 35, of Longview, reportedly woke up Sunday. He was shot in the neck last Tuesday after he reportedly broke into the Academy Sports Center on Forest Square. When officers arrived they found that the glass door had been broken and it appeared someone had gained entry into the store. Officers located the suspect at the rear of the building. Police say the suspect, armed with an M-4 rifle, exchanged gunfire with the three Longview police officers. The three officers were placed on routine paid administrative leave as a part of this ongoing investigation.
TYLER – Five suspects have been arrested following a reported home invasion. Tyler Police were responding to the residence on Lindsey Lane near the Kennedy intersection around 2:00 Monday morning when they spotted the alleged robbers in a black Tahoe. Following a traffic stop, officials found evidence linking the suspects to the alleged crime scene. The suspects were identified as Dexstell Murphy, Kevron Jackson and Kevin Nelson, all three 20-years-old and Randrick Duncan (pictured) and Kendrick Phillips, both 21. Murphy is from Henderson and all the others are from Tyler. All five have been charged with burglary and booked into the Smith County Jail.
ANGELINA COUNTY – There is still no trace of a car involved in a hot and run accident in Angelina. Two were injured while riding a horse on Farm Road 2251 around 6:15 Saturday evening. KETK identified the injured as Jamari Hodges, 19, and Keon Taylor, 11, both from Lufkin. Taylor is in stable condition at a Houston hospital. Hodges was treated at the scene and released. The horse survived the accident. The Department of Public Safety says vehicle that fled the scene a 2007 to 2011 silver Toyota Camry with possible front end damage.
KILGORE – We could learn tonight who the new president of Kilgore college will be. School trustees have scheduled a meeting this evening at 6:30. They are scheduled to go into executive session to discuss a successor to retiring President Bill Holda. The lone action item on the agenda is “to consider the appointment of a new college president.” Holda is scheduled to step down at the end of January.
The four finalists for the position were interviewed earlier this month. They are:
Kyle Wagner, vice president of instruction and economic development at Coastal Bend College in Beeville.
Mark Smith, vice president of educational services at Temple College in Temple.
Brenda Kays, president of Stanly Community College in Albemarle, North Carolina.
Lynn Moore, president of Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College in Cumberland, Kentucky.
LONGVIEW — A Longview man has received a ten year prison term after pleading guilty to three counts of indecency with a child. The Longview News Journal reports Daniel Shane Andrews, 28, was charged with two counts of indecency with a child by contact and one charge of indecency by exposure. The child indecency charges stem from a may 2014 offense. The sexual abuse is said to have occurred at least 10 times with two boys younger than 12. Because of the conviction, Andrews must register as a sex offender for life.
TYLER – Here’s a look at work planned in the district during the Weeks of November 23, and November 30. These schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues.
TxDOT offices will have minimal staff on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of Thanksgiving. No roadway work closures are planned in the Tyler District Wednesday through Sunday.
SMITH COUNTY – Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct a moving patching operation around the county to address potholes. A second crew will be using a street sweeper to clean various roadways around the area as well. This too will be a moving operation. The week of Nov. 30, asphalt milling work resumes at various locations around the county. Expect lane closures during this work with flaggers and arrow boards providing direction through the work zones.
Smith County construction projects updates:
Farm Road 1253 Widening Project
*Limits: From County Road 462 south, 1.3 miles north of FM 857 south to FM 1805; FM 1804 from Wood County line to US 69; FM 2015 from CR 313 to FM 16
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview
*Cost: $7.5 million
This contract contains three project locations, including the widening, sealing and resurfacing of FM 1253. Currently, drainage work continues on FM 1253 from County Road 462 S, 1.3 miles north of FM 857 southward to FM 1805. No closures expected on FM 1804 or FM 2015.
Loop 323 West Widening
*Limits: Tyler’s West Loop and SH 31
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview
*Cost: $12 million
Temporary detours remain in place as work on the retaining walls, drainage and the new bridge continues. Bellwood West temporarily closed for drainage work. Motorists should use caution when traveling through this work zone as crews and heavy equipment are working close to the travel lanes. Expect lane closures. Motorists are encouraged to take alternate routes to avoid delays.
The project includes widening Loop 323 from SH 31 to Shaw Street. The speed limit on Loop 323 in the work zone has been reduced to 45 mph from SH 64 to Shaw Street. Construction is in full swing with an expected completion date in early 2016.
Loop 323 Northeast Project
*Limits: From American Legion Road (@ the Loop 323 Extension to US 271) south to Commerce St.
*Contractor: Reynolds and Kay, LTD.
*Cost: $3.4 million
Work continues to place the final surface on this portion of Loop 323. The project includes culvert extensions, base repair, level-up and placing an overlay. Expect lane closures. Completion expected later this winter.
State Highway 31E Widening Project
*Limits: From FM 757 to FM 2012
*Contractor: Reynolds & Kay, LTD
*Cost: $7.8 million
The contractor continues cleanup activities. Expect shoulder closures as excavation and embankment work continue on the north side of this project designed to add passing lanes for multiple sections of roadway in both the eastbound and westbound directions. Once the widening is complete, a seal coat and final surface will be applied. A daily construction speed limit of 60 mph is in place when work is being performed on this 18-month job.
State Highway 31E Widening Project
*Limits: From FM 850 to FM 757
*Contractor: East Texas Bridge, Inc.
*Cost: $3.4 million
Final inspections continue on this project to widen SH 31 east of Tyler includes adding passing lanes for multiple sections of the roadway in both directions. The new passing lanes are open to traffic. Expect shoulder closures.
State Highway 64
*Limits: from Chapel Hill to Arp
*Contractor: Drewery Construction of Nacogdoches
*Cost: $3.9 million
A new hot mix surface is being applied. This job is adding passing lanes between FM 2607 and Arp. Motorists are urged to use extra caution and expect lane closures when traveling through this area.
GREGG COUNTY – Longview crews plan to clean roadways and perform routine maintenance activities around the county. The week after Thanksgiving, crews will resume asphalt mill and inlay work on US 271 through Gladewater. Expect lane closures in NB and SB lanes.
Gregg County construction projects updates:
Interstate Highway 20 Total Maintenance Contract
*Limits: Gregg, Smith and Van Zandt counties
*Contractor: Fireman Excavating
The contractor has completed laying hot mix asphalt in Gregg County and is preparing to work the eastbound and westbound mainlanes in Smith County. Expect lane closures and delays during this work.
State Highway 31 Landscape Project
*Limits: 0.3 miles north of FM 2205 (Grace Creek) to 0.2 miles south of U.S. 80 (Cotton) in Longview
*Contractor: South Texas Illuminations, LLC
*Cost: $281,249.70
Final work continues for this project which comes as a result of the city winning one of 10 Governor’s Community Achievement Awards presented by Keep Texas Beautiful in partnership with TxDOT which allocates $2,000,000 a year as landscape incentives to competing communities based on population and efforts in litter prevention and cleanup, public awareness, beautification and property improvement, solid waste management, illegal dumping and enforcement, and education. No traffic impacts.
Farm Road 2275 George Richey Extension (Segments II & III)
*Limits: McCann Road to US 259
*Contractor: East Texas Bridge, Inc.
*Cost: $12.8 million
This project is constructing a new roadway from McCann Road to US 259. Clearing between Judson and Airline roads continues with excavation, embankment, bridge construction, subgrade treatment, storm drain and other work between McCann and Judson roads. The contractor recently began paving operations. While this is a new location project that generally doesn’t impact traffic motorists should plan to take other routes to get around Airline Road which is closed through March 2016.
Farm Road 449
*Limits: US 259 to FM 2751
*Contractor: Madden Contracting Company, LLC
No work planned this week on this project to widen the road and add shoulders.
Loop 281 at Farm Road 2087 Overpass
*Limits: SH 31 to approximately one mile south of SH 31
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview.
*Cost: $13.2 million
This project to build a new overpass is in Phase III of construction with traffic moved off the existing loop onto the detours. Work on the bridge approaches is ongoing. Expect delays during the peak evening hours. Caution advised in detour areas.
State Highway 42
*Limits: From SH 31 north to I-20
*Contractor: Reynolds & Kay, Ltd.
*Cost: $3.7 million
The contractor is starting to lay hot mix asphalt. The project is constructing a left turn lane at Hillcrest Road along with storm drain and curb and gutter. Current work includes installing guardrail and other amenities. Project completion expected in late fall. Expect lane closures with flaggers directing traffic.
Interstate Highway 20 PFC Project
*Limits: SH 31E to the Harrison County line
*Contractor: Madden Contracting Company, LLC
*Cost: $5,584,277
Motorists should expect delays Monday and Tuesday during the day as the contractor applies asphalt to the I-20 mainlanes going both directions. The week of Nov. 30, the contractor plans to lay asphalt on the ramps at Estes Parkway/SH 322 and Eastman Road/US 259. The ramps will be closed. Expect lane closures. Alternate routes are recommended when possible.
The project consists of applying a porous friction course (PFC) surface overlay, shoulder texturing, and pavement markings as well as work on the I-20 on ramps. Porous friction courses (PFC) consist of placing hot mix asphalt mixtures at the surface of a pavement structure in a thin layer to produce benefits for the traveling public such as safety, economy and the environment.
Landscaping Projects
*Limits: Intersection of SH 31 at SH 42
*Limits: Intersections of I-20 at Estes Parkway; and I-20 at Eastman Road
*Contractor: South Texas Illuminations, LLC
*Cost: $400,000
This is a landscaping project to enhance various intersections throughout Gregg and Rusk counties. Crews are working at the intersections of SH 42 and SH 31, and I-20, Estes Pkwy and Eastman Road. The majority of the work is outside the travel lane in the median and should have little impact on traffic. The travelling public should be cautious of construction vehicles entering and leaving the project sites.
ANDERSON COUNTY – Palestine crews this week plan to monitor roadways and conduct routine maintenance around the county. The week of Nov. 30, level up operations return to Farm Road 319. Expect lane closures when work resumes on FM 319.
Anderson County construction projects updates have no significant changes.
U.S.Highway 79 New Lane Construction
*Limits: 1.6 miles southwest of Loop 256 in Palestine south to .4 mile southwest of FM 645
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview.
*Cost: $42,740,365.19
The project continues to progress with the contractor performing flex base on the south end of the job. Work in the southbound lanes includes concrete paving south of FM 645 and surface mix. Sanderson Blvd. remains closed for the next few weeks with traffic detoured to Florence Street. Expect lane closures.
State Highway 19 Widening in Anderson County
*Limits: 3.6 miles north of FM 837 (Henderson Co. line) south to .4 mile north of FM 321 at Montalba
*Contractor: Big Creek Construction of Hewitt
*Cost: $12,487,715.87
Work is ongoing to widen SH 19 in this area. Lane closures and delays are to be expected as flex base and cement treat operations progress. Flaggers and a pilot car are providing traffic control.
Off-System Bridge Replacement Project
*Limits: County Road (CR) 471 at Box Creek and County Road (CR) 4801 at Indian Creek
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview
*Cost: $817,412.15
CR 471 at Box Creek is closed to through traffic as a new bridge is built. Completion set for this month. CR 4801 at Indian Creek is now closed to through traffic with right-of-way work underway in preparation for building a new bridge.
CHEROKEE COUNTY – Jacksonville and Rusk crews plan to conduct winter preparation activities this week. Crews will be performing base repairs on roadways throughout the county starting Nov. 30. Expect lane closures during that work with flaggers providing traffic control.
TxDOT contractor, Striping Technology, Inc., crews adding striping and buttons on roadways in Cherokee County as part of the district-wide safety project to add centerline rumble strips. Expect lane closures.
Farm Road 22 and Farm Road 23 Widening Project
*Limits: From US 69 south of Jacksonville going SW to 1.5 miles west of FM 768 (Gallatin area); FM 23 from FM 343 to FM 1857
*Contractor: Madden Contracting Company, LLC
*Cost: $8.5 million
No work is planned this week. This is a safety project designed to widen the roadway from 20′ to 24′ along a 4.2 mile section.
U.S. Highway 69 Widening and Resurfacing
*Limits: From Loop 456 in Jacksonville going south to just north of Loop 62 in Rusk
*Contractor: Madden Contracting Company, LLC
*Cost: $11.5 million
The contractor continues work in the median on this project to add 2′ edge treatment and resurfacing the roadway.
U.S. Highway 69 Widening and Resurfacing
*Limits: From 0.028 mile south of FM 343 in Rusk southward to just north of SH 21 in Alto
*Contractor: Madden Contracting Company, LLC
*Cost: $9.7 million
No work is currently scheduled for this project.
HENDERSON COUNTY – Athens crews this week plan to conduct edge repair work on Farm Road 607 between State Highway 31 and Farm Road 317 in the Leagueville area, and address maintenance issues such as potholes and debris. The following week, work returns to Farm Road 607 to complete edge repairs before moving to Farm Road 317 between Farm Road 314 and Farm Road 315. Crews also plan to address maintenance issues around Loop 7. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control in these work locations.
Henderson County construction projects updates:
State Highway 31 Repair Project
*Limits: .09 miles west of FM 317 eastward to .34 miles west of FM 773
*Contractor: Big Creek Construction, Ltd., of Hewitt
*Cost: $3.6 million
Work is underway on this project that calls for milling the existing surface and placing a new overlay on the roadway. Expect lane closures on this job which is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
U.S. Highway 175 Widening Project (Phase I)
*Limits: 0.1 miles southeast of FM 804 near Baxter southeast to 1.1 miles east of Loop 60E at Larue
*Contractor: A.L. Helmcamp, Inc. and Big Creek Construction
*Cost: $39.2 million
The project expands US 175 from two lanes to a four-lane divided with a depressed median. A traffic switch now has eastbound motorists driving on the new detour. Drivers should expect one lane carrying two-way traffic throughout the project limits as well as occasional day time lane closures. Drivers on adjacent county roads and FM 804 should anticipate a change in traffic flow due to the detour now requiring two-way traffic on US 175. Dirt and drainage work around Loop 60E in Larue to near Baxter is ongoing. The speed limit in the construction zone has been set at 55 mph so slow down because traffic fines double when workers are present. Phase I construction started April 6, 2015 and has an anticipated completion date in
November 2018.
U.S. Highway 175 Widening Project (Phase II)
*Limits: 1.1 miles east of Loop 60B to 0.85 mile east of FM 315
*Contractor: Sundt Construction, Inc., of San Antonio
*Cost: $37.8 million
Construction is underway on this Phase II project to expand US 175 from two lanes to a four-lane divided with a depressed median. Drivers should anticipate two-way traffic throughout the project limits which stretch 3.4 miles ending just east of FM 315 in Poynor. The speed limit has been set at 55 mph. A portion of this phase will be built on new location around the south side of Poynor. This like Phase I, is a mobility project to add capacity and improve safety, and includes adding one lane in each direction. It is a two-year project.
Farm Road 315/Farm Road 1616 Widening Project
*Limits: From FM 314S to CS End at County Road 4325, 4224, etc.
*Contractor: Big Creek Construction, LTD, of Hewitt, Texas
*Cost: $3.07 million
Work is set to start this month to add shoulders on FM 315. Drivers should anticipate two-way traffic throughout the project limits with daily lane closures. Completion expected in summer 2016.
Farm Road 316 Widening Project
*Limits: From FM 1256 south to FM 3080
*Contractor: Big Creek Construction, Ltd., of Hewitt
No work is planned this week on this widening project.
Off-System Bridge Replacement Project
*Limits: Cardinal Drive at Little Duncan Creek in Murchison
* Contractor: Hartbeat Construction of Tyler
*Cost: $314,919.44
Cardinal Drive is closed to through traffic as a new bridge is built. Completion set for December.
RUSK COUNTY – Henderson crews plan to continue edge repairs on Farm Road 839 between Farm Road 1662 and U.S. Highway 84 for the next couple of weeks. Expect lanes closures with traffic control provided by flaggers and a pilot car.
TxDOT contractor, Striping Technology, Inc., crews adding striping and buttons on various roadways in Rusk County as part of the district-wide safety project to add centerline rumble strips. Expect lane closures.
Rusk County construction projects updates:
Farm Road 3135
*Limits: County Road 222 to County Road 262
*Contractor: Madden Contracting Company, LLC
This project consists of widening the road and adding shoulders. Contractor will be installing safety end treatments on driveways and extending cross culverts. Little impact to traffic at this time but motorists are reminded to use caution. There could be periodic delays as this job gets underway.
Farm Road 95
*Limits: FM 1798 to SH 315
*Contractor: Madden Contracting Company, LLC
This project consists of widening the road and adding shoulders. Contractor will be installing safety end treatments on driveways and extending cross culverts. Traffic can expect some delay. Motorists are reminded to use caution in this and all work zones.
U.S. Highway 79 Repair Project Night Operations
*Limits: From FM 225 going north to the Traffic Star (intersection of US 79/SH 64/SH 43/US 259)
*Contractor: Madden Contracting Company
*Cost: $5.2 million
Daytime work continues with striping of the mainlanes Monday and Tuesday, Thanksgiving Week. Expect lane closures and delays. The following week normal schedule returns with daytime closures and delays as work is conducted Monday through Friday. Watch for flaggers providing traffic control. The resurfacing project is expected to be completed this fall providing motorists a smoother, safer ride.
Stgate Highway 64 Widening Project
*Limits: 0.173 miles west of BU 64E (N. Marshall St.) east to 0.2 miles west of U.S. 79 (Traffic Star)
*Contractor: Lonestar Equipment Company, Inc.
*Cost: $2.1 million
Motorists should expect periodic delays on this job to widen SH 64 through Henderson. Construction of the retaining wall and widening of the roadway continues adjacent to the travel lanes with no impacts to traffic. Use caution through this work zone. The project started in August 2013 and consists of widening the existing two-lane roadway and constructing a four-lane facility along with a continuous Left Turn Lane with the majority of work being performed outside the existing travel lanes.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Canton crews plan to spend the next couple of weeks addressing maintenance issues around the county including ditch work, patching potholes, mailbox requests, and other activities.
Van Zandt County construction projects updates:
State Highway 64 Widening Project
*Limits: From FM 858 near Ben Wheeler to FM 314
*Contractor: A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., of Buffalo
*Cost: $7.4 million
The new passing lanes are open to traffic but crews continue to apply the final hot mix surface to the roadway. This work is expected to take another three weeks to complete, weather permitting, so motorists should be prepared for daily lane closures. This project to improve safety and mobility on SH 64 should be completed in December.
State Highway 198 Widening Project
*Limits: from SH 243 in Canton southwest to 0.4 miles northeast of FM 316 near Phalba
*Contractor: Big Creek Construction, Ltd., of Waco
*Cost: $5 million
Work continues to extend the structures on the east side of the roadway. Expect lane closures.
Farm Road 314 Widening Project
*Limits: from I-20 to the Van Zandt/Henderson County line
*Contractor: A.L. Helmcamp, Inc., of Buffalo
*Cost: $11.9 million
Erosion control activities continue south of Edom. No lane closures planned.
Interstate Highway 20 Project
*Limits: From 1.6 miles east of FM 16 to 2.9 miles east of FM 314
*Contractor: APAC-Texas, Inc.
*Cost: $2.4 million
Cleanup and striping work continue in the eastbound and westbound lanes. Expect daily lane closures. No project work occurs on Friday’s.
Purtis Creek State Park Road Improvements Project
*Limits: Within Purtis Creek State Park to just off FM 316
*Contractor: Construction Companies Group, LLC
*Cost: $90,549.00
Cleanup work is ongoing on this project to upgrade Park Road which runs .573 miles inside the park. It should be completed soon.
WOOD COUNTY – Mineola crews plan to address routine maintenance issues next week that do not require lane closures. Work the week of November 30 includes, shoulder work on Loop 564; drainage work on Farm Road 2088 at Richards Street; ditch work on U.S. 80 east of Mineola near the American Legion Hall and FM 49 near Loop 564. Expect lane closures at all locations with flaggers providing traffic control.
Wood County construction projects updates:
State Highway 37 Roadway Repair
*Limits: from FM 2088 in Quitman to 0.4 miles south of FM 515 in Winnsboro
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview
*Cost: $7.7 million
Cleanup work is ongoing from 0.4 miles south of FM 515 in Winnsboro southward to FM
2088. No lane closures expected.
Farm Road 2869 Project
*Limits: From FM 852, south of Winnsboro going south to FM 2088
*Contractor: Longview Bridge and Road, Ltd., of Longview
Surface work on driveways and other activities continue in the NB and SB lanes within the project limits. Expect lane closures.
KILGORE – A man armed with a gun is said to have robbed the Hampton Inn on U.S. Highway 259 in Kilgore. The robbery happened early Saturday evening. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a black male wearing a gray hoodie baggy black cargo style sweat pants.
LIBERTY CITY – Gregg County Authorities have confirmed that a body found in a creek was that of a missing 39 year old man, Tommy Dale Beason. The man’s dad, Tony Beason, had earlier said the body was that of his son. The body was pulled from Little Caney Creek Wednesday afternoon. The man’s dad told the Longview News Journal that he used cellphone coordinates to find the body. His son was last seen on October 27th. He was reported missing a few days later. The body, which appears to have been in the water for some time, was badly decomposed. The body was sent to Tyler for autopsy.
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct Four Constable John Smith and his deputies are on the search for two people who reportedly tried to abduct two children west of Winona. KETK reports that around 5:30 Thursday evening, a brother and sister walked down to the end of their driveway to wait for their father to get home from work. “It’s something that they do all the time, but it was 5:30, so it was starting to get dark,” said Constable Smith. While the siblings were waiting, a black passenger car pulled up to them. That’s when a Hispanic woman and a man tried to lure the children into the vehicle. “Fortunately the mom was sitting on the front porch and ran down to them, so the driver of the car took off,” explained Constable Smith. Read the rest of this entry »
PALESTINE — Anderson County officials have released additional autopsy results in a mass murder last weekend at a local campsite. The victims were Carl Johnson, 77; Hannah Johnson, 40; Hannah’s 6-year-old son, Kade; Thomas Kamp, 46; Nathan Kamp; and Austin Kamp. According to KETK, District Attorney Allison Mitchell says the Kamps and Kade Johnson died from gunshot wounds. Carl Johnson was killed from blunt force trauma and gunshot wounds. Hannah Johnson died from blunt force trauma. Carl Johnson’s wife, Cynthia Johnson, was able to escape and call for help. William Mitchell Hudson, 33, allegedly killed the six at a location on CR 2217. Hudson is facing six counts of capital murder. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — A 41-year-old Winona resident has been arrested in Longview on felony gun and drug charges in a three-pronged raid just before 6:30 Thursday night. Officials say Longview police joined the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit, the Longview SWAT team, and the Department of Public Safety Special Response Team in the raid. They served two warrants on two rooms at the American Dream Inn motel on East Marshall Avenue and another on a Harrell Street residence. During the searches, officers say they recovered a large quantity of cocaine, methamphetamine, and assorted pills with a street value of over $6700. Police also reportedly located 3 handguns, 1 shotgun, and numerous rounds of what appear to be armor piercing ammunition. Read the rest of this entry »