Today is
Friday July 24, 2026
TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler has announced the appointment of Dr. Neil Gray as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He has served as chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry for seven years and assistant chair for two years. Gray joined the UT Tyler faculty in 1998 as a professor of chemistry. He has received numerous awards, including Piper Professorship of Teaching Excellence, Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award and Chancellor’s Outstanding Teaching Award. Gray is a fellow of the UT System Academy of Distinguished Teachers, founding fellow of the UT Tyler Academy of Distinguished Teachers and immediate past president of the Texas Academy of Science.
TYLER – Tyler’s rainfall deficit has nearly disappeared. The National weather service shows the weekend rains, through 7:00 Monday night, had dropped 2.27 inches on Tyler. This brings our year to date rainfall total to 31.64 inches. Our normal rainfall total to date would be 32.32 inches. For the past 12 months, Tyler has recorded 43.43 inches. The normal total is 46.63 inches.
KILGORE – The East Texas Council of Governments has taken the first step in their planned housing services expansion. Until now, they have focused almost exclusively on minor home repairs for seniors. Now, they are launching a new housing program designed assist qualified individuals impacted by storms and other disasters in East Texas. ETCOG has been approved to administer TDHCA HOME Disaster Relief Program, a long-term housing program designed to serve income eligible households Leading and implementing the program will be ETCOG’s Director of Aging, Bettye Mitchell. Read the rest of this entry »
MINEOLA – The Mineola school district is in the process of creating a police department. School trustees, last week, approved hiring personnel and creating the department. Cody Castleberry will begin in the new role of Director of Safety until Texas Commission on Law Enforcement approval is completed and Mineola becomes a commissioned agency. Once testing and commissioning is complete, Castleberry will then assume the title of the Chief of Police for Mineola ISD. A second officer will also be hired for the department in the upcoming months. Castleberry is a Mineola native and attended Mineola ISD. He has over 6 years of experience in law enforcement, primarily at the Mineola Police Department, and has over 2,500 hours of training.
TYLER – The Terracon Foundation has given the University of Texas at Tyler a $10,000 grant. A news release from the school said the funds will be used to establish advanced geotechnical engineering research space and educational materials for civil engineering students. A subset of civil engineering, geotechnical engineering utilizes the disciplines of rock and soil mechanics to investigate subsurface conditions for the design and building of foundations, earth structures and pavement sub-grades. Terracon Tyler office manager, Clayton Carroll of Tyler, a UT Tyler civil engineering alumnus, submitted the approved grant application.
AUSTIN – There has been a slight drop in Tyler and Longview’s unemployment figure. Tyler’s unemployment rate fell to 3.7% in August. That’s better than Texas and the nation. It was 4% the month before and 4.1% in August of last year. Longview’s unemployment went from 4.3% in July to 4.2% in August. A year ago it was 5.1%. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.9% percent in August, down slightly from 4.0% in July. The nation’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.9% last month.
TYLER – A woman has entered a guilty plea, in state district court in Tyler, in connection with a fatal Smith County accident. Jessica Lauren Vass, 36, of Lindale, pleaded guilty Monday morning to two charges of intoxicated manslaughter. She decided to have a jury hear punishment testimony and assess her sentence; that process was scheduled to begin Tuesday. In April of last year, Vass was involved in a thee vehicle accident on Toll 49, just north of Highway 64. A car, driven by Annette Burkhart, 56, of Garland, was stopped southbound on the side of the roadway with a flat tire. A pickup truck, driven by Gary McCrary, 62, of Flint, was stopped behind the disabled car and McCrary was assisting Burkhart in changing the flat tire. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The 2018 Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant in Tyler Saturday night crowned a new queen. She is Peggy Rial of Mesquite. Twenty ladies from North and East Texas participated in the pageant. This marks the third straight year the pageant was held in Tyler after being held in the Metroplex for nearly 20 years. Other winners include 1st runner up Patsy Rabe of Arlington. She was also named most photogenic. Name Miss Congeniality was Barbara Price of Burleson. The Best Talent award went to violinist Ruth Elizabeth Morrow of Tyler. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – It was a guilty verdict and a prison sentence in a Longview murder trial. A jury Friday afternoon, found Kyron Delyn Adams, 39, guilty of murder in the shooting of Thomas Lynn Harper, 34, of Gladewater. Judge Alfonso Charles sentenced Adams to 75 years in prison. The shooting followed a fight outside J’s Place in Longview in February of last year. According an arrest warrant filed by Longview police, Adams shot Harper in the back after a fight. Adams claimed the shooting was in self defense.
TYLER – The Art of Peace committee has staged a series of events in Tyler this week to promote peace. On Friday, the United Nations International Day of Peace. a new 14 foot Peace Pole was unveiled. The Medal sculpture says, in Arabic, English, French and Spanish, “May peace prevail on Earth.” It can be found beside Rose Rudman Trail. It was designed and created by artists Kerian Massey and Diane Billingsley. It is the 5th peace pole in Tyler. The others can be found at Woldert Park, Bergfeld Park, the Rose Garden Center and St. Paul Children’s Foundation.
The city and county have a meeting in Tyler next week on having the two governments work together on city issues. The meeting is scheduled next Thursday afternoon at 3:30 in the county commissioners courtroom at the Smith County Courthouse Annex Building. It is something they have been working on since the first of the year. There are two focal points. First, discussing downtown Tyler revitalization. Second, discussing how to improve services provided by both the city and county. The County Seat Coalition will be co-chaired by County Judge Nathaniel Moran and City Manager, Ed Broussard.
KILGORE – Kilgore police are asking for the public’s help in identifying women in a cash scam. It happened on September 12th at Walmart. And elderly woman lost $9,000 in the scam. If you have information please contact Detective Stephen Goodson at 903-218-6903 or by email at stephen.goodson@cityofkilgore.com. You may also contact the Gregg County Crimestoppers at 903-236-STOP or text your anonymous tip to 847411+KILGORE+your tip. Refer to KPD Incident # 1809-0700. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – Longview High School students now have more freedom to use their cell phones on campus. The Longview News Journal reports the change comes as part of a new student code of conduct approved this week. Previously, high school students could only use their cell phones during lunch. Under the new rules, they can now be used before and after school, during lunch and between classes. They must be put away during class, unless a teacher tells a student they can use it. For the first offense, a teacher will fill out a form documenting the offense. After that, each offense will result in a $15 fine or in-school suspension. School officials say the outdated policy was changed because “times have changed.”
TYLER – The Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant is returning to Tyler for the third straight year. It had been held in the Metroplex for 20 years. But, when it lost it’s venue, the outgoing queen, Jo Anne McMeans of Tyler, invited them to come to the Rose City. The pageant’s state director Peggy Wagner has said, after their first year here, returning to Tyler was a no-brainer. She said the city opened their arms to the pageant and contestants. The current Queen is Patsy Roan Crist (pictured), who is from Hopkins County.The pageant, which is all about changing the image of aging, is for women ages 60 and over. It will be held Saturday night at 7:00 at the Holiday Inn on South Broadway. Tickets are $17.00 and will be available at the door.
MARSHALL – A Mexican national is heading to federal prison for drug trafficking in East Texas. In Marshall, U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap sentenced Benigno Guzman Ortiz, 20, to 58 months in prison. He had pleaded guilty back in May to possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Federal prosecutors say, when Ortiz was stopped for a traffic violation in Cass County in September of last year, he gave permission to search his vehicle. Officers found 15 bundles of methamphetamine concealed within the rear hatch of the van. He admitted that he had been recruited to drive the van containing the drugs from Houston to Texarkana, Arkansas.
TYLER – The Smith County AgriLife office is back up to full staff. The new 4H Youth Development Extension Agent is Skyler Shively. He was introduced to Smith County Commissioners at Tuesday’s meeting. Shively will undergo training for 30 days in Henderson County and begin work in the Smith County office on November 1. A graduate of Lindale High school, he comes to Smith County from Sabine ISD where he served as director of Agriculture Sciences.
TYLER – Two appointments have been announced at the University of Texas at Tyler. Dr. Kimberly Laird has been appointed as vice president of budget and finance and chief financial officer. Appointed as vice president of operations and strategic initiatives and chief operations officer is Jerry Stuff. Laird, most recently, has served as associate vice president and controller for a Dallas university. Stuff previously served as UT Tyler’s associate vice president of facilities management and capital planning.
TYLER – The East Texas State Fair begins its ten day run in Tyler on Friday. It starts with senior citizen activities. And each day there is a lot for families to see and do. There is a magician, sea lion splash and pony rides. Let’s not forget the carnival, the food and the market place. And then there’s entertainment on the main stage. The entertainment is free with your fair ticket. Motorists are also reminded about some traffic flow changes on West Front Street during the run of the fair. You can go to the fair website https://www.etstatefair.com to keep tabs on the daily activities. Read the rest of this entry »
KILGORE – Kilgore College is being named in a federal lawsuit. According to the Longview News Journal, former instructor Toledo Montgomery filed the lawsuit on Monday at the federal courthouse in Tyler. She claims the school racially discriminated against her and retaliated after she complained about the discrimination. Montgomery, who is black, accused the school of firing her after she complained that a co-worker refused to follow her instruction because of her race. She is seeking back pay, compensatory damages, equitable relief and court costs. No comment from the school on the suit. College spokesman Chris Craddock told the paper the college does not comment on pending litigation.
LINDALE – An animal rabies case has turned up in Smith County. The disease was in a skunk that was found near County Road 437 in Lindale. The Texas Department of State Health Services notified Smith County Animal Control of the positive test. Smith County reminds you not to handle bats, skunks, raccoons or other wild animals. Any youngster who comes in contact with any wild or sick animal, should tell their parents. If you know of someone who has been bitten by an animal, it must be reported to the local rabies control authority for proper investigation. Also, make sure your dogs and cats are currently vaccinated for rabies.
TYLER – The state appeals court in Tyler has upheld the murder conviction of a Houston man in a Tyler killing. Jared Eugene Wilson, 32, had been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Thomas Glen Wilson. He was also fined $10,000. Prosecutors had described Wilson as a known gang member, convicted drug dealer and pimp. The shooting occurred at a Tyler hotel on the West Northwest Loop in July, 2016. Wilson fled the scene. A state trooper found his vehicle in Anderson County and arrested him a few hours later.
TYLER – The 12th Court of Appeals in Tyler has upheld the murder conviction of a Smith County man. The appeal was from Joshua Adam Scales, 31. He was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the shooting death of Jordan Ladue, 30, in July of 2016. He was killed during a robbery in Troup. Scales was arrested a few days later in Reklaw at a relative’s house. He was caught as he was trying to crawl out of a back window of the house. Investigators say LaDue wasn’t shot where he was found. The initial investigation revealed he got into an argument at a house on North Noble Street and shots were fired. A woman then took him to the West Duval location and called police. Three others have been previously sentenced in the case.
LONGVIEW – The Longview Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with United Healthcare to offer small businesses health care plans. According to a news release from the Longview Chamber, It is for chamber members who have 50 or less employees. The businesses can pick from 20 Affordable Care Act-compliant plans. They say some of them will cost up to 15% less than Adjusted Community Rating equivalents in the market. The coverage is set to begin November 1st. The chamber started the program in 2009. Changes in the law forced the chamber to scrap it in 2014. But, under revised federal regulations, the chamber is making it available again. You can check out the Longview Chamber’s web site https://www.longviewchamber.com for more information.
TYLER – Over 150 students from Canton, Chapel Hill, Central High, Lindale, TISD, and Winona, attended the Pre-Health Conference Wednesday at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. High school students learned about possible career opportunities, including, medicine, public health, nursing, dentistry, agriculture health and safety, and veterinary medicine. They also met with health professionals, advisors, graduate health students, and other high school students.
TYLER – A Tyler woman has been arrested for drug violations. Rome Sheleese Hayward, 26, is facing two drug charges. Her Wednesday arrest came after Tyler police narcotics and SWAT units executed a search warrant at a home on West Trezevant Street. The officers found in the house marijuana, crack cocaine and Hydrocodone. Hayward remains in the Smith County Jail.
KILGORE – Kilgore College has been re-approved by the Department of Veteran Affairs to train veterans and other eligible persons. The re-validation means that all programs listed in the 2018-19 KC Academic Catalog and several continuing education courses are approved by the federal government for veteran education. KC is approved to offer courses to veterans through the following types of training: resident, independent study, practical training, cooperative training, open-circuit TV and developmental/remedial. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – With the opening of the East Texas State Fair on Friday, The historic Mayfair Building will host its first performance in over 20 years. The Mayfair Building was once the prime venue for events in East Texas, like performances by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash. Magician Sheldon Casavant will take to the stage each night at 8:00. The level of equipment being used for the production has never been seen in the Mayfair Building. And, while the building has undergone renovation, the original stage, that holds so much history, has not been touched. The Sheldon Casavant Show is one of six new attractions the Fair has added this year, alongside sea lions, lumberjacks, a chili cook-off and more.
LONGVIEW – A warrant scam has surfaced in Gregg County. Someone claiming to be Michael Jones with the Gregg County Warrants Division is telling people they owe $2,000 for missing grand jury. He them tells them to go get four Green Dot cards at various grocery stores in Longview. They are to stay on the phone until all cards are purchased. The Gregg County Sheriff”s Department says all of the reports, so far, have been in the Hunters Creek Addition. They also remind you, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office will never solicit money by phone.
NACOGDOCHES – A reward is being offered as a man with family in Tyler, the Dallas area, and Mexico remains wanted by Nacogdoches County authorities. It was initially reported last week that Jose Uriel Rendon, 52, is wanted for continuous sexual assault of a child. It is said that Rendon, who is a pastor in Nacogdoches County, used his position in the church to take advantage and sexually assault a child. It is believed he sexually abused the child numerous times in 2004 and 2005. Nacogdoches Crime Stoppers will pay a cash reward of up to $1,000 for the first, most accurate tip. The tip can be sent to their secure website, website at http://www.ncstips.com or called in at 903-560-INFO.
TYLER – The East Texas State Fair has modified it’s new security policies. The action comes in the wake of strong negative reaction they have received over the ban of permitted firearms. Fair officials now say visitors will be permitted to carry a concealed firearm with a state-issued license-to-carry. But the fair will not allow the open carry or open display of firearms and will post signs to that effect at all entrances. And, starting Friday when the fair opens for it’s ten day run, officers will be randomly checking certain large bags and will randomly use metal detecting wands at all entrances. They say this is an effort to prevent illegal items from entering the fairgrounds including non-licensed firearms.