Today is
Sunday July 26, 2026
KILGORE – The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two thefts that appear to have been committed by the same suspects. The first occurred shortly before 7:00pm on December 31st at Zippy J’s Convenience Store on Highway 31 West in Kilgore. The second occurred about an hour later at the Zippy J’s Convenience Store on Old Highway 135 in Kilgore. The suspects stole various items from the two stores. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Weather service records show Tyler set a record low maximum temperature for December 2nd. The temperature of 28 degrees beat the 29 degree temperature for December 2nd, 1928. Also 2017 was Tyler’s 4th warmest year on record. The mean temperature was 68.7 degrees, which is 3.1 degrees above normal. The previous warmest years on record were 1921, 1998 and 2016.
SARDIS – A man found hunting on a road in Cherokee County is facing a variety of charges. Around 2:00 Monday morning, A Cherokee County Sheriff’s deputy took a Rusk resident into custody for evading. He was near the Sardis community, south of Rusk, when a report came in of shots being fired. It took about two miles before the man finally stopped for the deputy. The driver told the deputy, and a game warden who had responded to the call, he had shot at a hog along Farm Road 1857 with a 12-gauge shotgun. After searching the area, a deer was found in the road with a shotgun blast to the head. When the game warden interviewed the man at the jail, he admitted to killing the deer. In addition to charges related to shooting a deer from the road at night and the initial stop, he also faces a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. The man’s name was not released.
PALESTINE – The 4th person sought in a Palestine burglary has been arrested. Armando Ortega, 26, of Palestine, (pictured) was arrested on Monday after Palestine Police received an anonymous tip on his location. Ortega had an active arrest warrant in connection with the burglary as well as numerous warrants from other agencies. Previously arrested the case were Tomas Rosa, 30, Josephine Gonzales, 34 and Jennifer Turner, 46. All three are from Palestine. They were booked into the Anderson County Jail last week on the charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. Read the rest of this entry »
MARSHALL – The 1400 block of Warren Drive in Marshall is closed due to ice concerns linked to a water leak that is running across the road at Republic Industries. Repairs are expected to be made today. Police public information officer Kelly Colvin reminds you that speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions. Motorists are urged to slow down and drive carefully.
TYLER – The City of Tyler Streets Team would like to remind businesses and residents to turn off automatic sprinklers when temperatures drop below freezing. Sprinkler systems left on when temperatures drop below freezing may cause sheets of ice to form on streets and on sidewalks. This can create hazardous driving conditions, as well as hazardous walking conditions on both sidewalks and at crosswalks.
NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Department is alerting residents to an ongoing warrant scam. These con artists are advising residents that they have missed a court date and have a warrant for their arrest. They are demanding payment, or are threatening to have the person arrested. And their technology has even improved. They are using a call back number of 936-253-6030 that has an automated recording system. It identifies itself as the Nacogdoches County Warrant Division. In that recording it gives you a list of names to choose from, including the name of Sheriff Jason Bridges. Read the rest of this entry »
JACKSONVILLE – The investigation continues after two people were injured in a shooting New Year’s Eve night on Crockett Street in Jacksonville, reportedly after an altercation at an outdoor gathering — and KETK reports one suspect is still on the loose. Arriving officers say they were met with a “chaotic and uncooperative group of people” and requested backup, with several area law enforcement agencies responding. Both victims were taken to local hospitals; their conditions weren’t immediately known. Witnesses identified the shooter as Carlton “Hammer” Johnson, 27, but police say other people may have been involved. Johnson is wanted on multiple warrants. Read the rest of this entry »
GLADEWATER – Gladewater police are looking for the man who robbed the Valero gas station on East Broadway shortly after 11:15 Tuesday morning. He left with an undisclosed amount of money. No injuries were reported. He is described as a black male, thin build, about 6 foot tall and is believed to be in his early 20’s. He was wearing white gloves, a blue Superman hoodie and had a blue bandana over part of his face. If you can identify the man, you are asked to call the Gladewater Police Department 903-845-2166. You can also send any tips, anonymously, to https://local.nixle.com/tip/city-of-gladewater or text tip 75647 “your tip” to 888777.
MARSHALL – There is a change in the school zone hours near two Marshall Schools. The change is for the school zone on South Washington near Travis Elementary and Marshall Christian Academy. Beginning next Monday, the school zone hours in this area will begin at 7:00am and end at 4:00pm on days school is in session. The Marshall Police Department says it will have patrol officers monitoring the school zone frequently, not only during the times of heavy school traffic, but while students are at school.
LONGVIEW – Longview is reporting a drop in homicides in 2017. Ten homicides were recorded in Longview last year. That is five fewer homicides than reported in both 2015 and 2016. Before that, only 5 homicides were recorded in Longview in 2014 and 8 were reported 2013. Last year, the first four homicides were all recorded in February. The police department’s Kristie Brian tells the Longview News Journal they stepped up patrols in “problem areas” in town. And she says that will continue in 2018.
TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Department is looking for kidnapping suspect Austin Ray Bowers, 26, whose last know address was in Whitehouse. He is wanted for aggravated kidnapping and endangering a child. The sheriff’s department says on its Facebook page, Bowers has threatened to buy high powered rifles to kill anyone who stands between him and his ex-girfriend. He has also said he would be “racking up” felonies before he goes back to prison. If you know where he can be found, you are asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. Jail records show Bowers has been booked into the Smith County Jail 17 times since 2009. He was first arrested by the Bullard Police Department for possession of marijuana. His last arrest was last month when he was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance.
PALESTINE – Three persons have been arrested and a 4th is being sought in connection with a Palestine burglary. Arrested were Tomas Rosa, 30, Josephine Gonzales, 34 and Jennifer Turner, 46. All three are from Palestine. The three were booked into the Anderson County Jail on the charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. Still being sought is Armando Ortega, 26, of Palestine.(pictured) Ortega has an active arrest warrant in connection with the burglary as well as numerous warrants from other agencies. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – The City of Longview’s emergency warning siren located at Stamper Park is temporarily out of service until maintenance can be completed on Tuesday, January 2. Maintenance on the siren will be conducted to repair the battery system. The city’s 19 other sirens are not impacted and are still operational. Fire Chief JP Steelman is quoted in a city news release as saying, “We expect to have the siren back online very soon. With the possibility of severe cold weather in the forecast, we encourage anyone who has not done so yet to sign up for our free CodeRed Emergency Warning service so you can receive notifications by phone call or text.â€
TYLER – You will see a bright yellow decal on some area gas pumps, compliments of the Smith County Sheriff’s Department. The sheriff’s department fraud detectives are putting out the decals as a proactive measure against gas pump skimmers. They are to remind you to be aware of this type of credit card fraud. It also serves as a caution to any would be suspects that the detectives check many gas pumps throughout Smith County on a daily basis. They encourage you to report any suspicious activity at gas stations to the sheriff’s office. Also, be sure to check your credit card statements for potential fraud. And, should you become a victim of fraud, contact the sheriff’s office or your local law enforcement agency.
TYLER – With the possibility freezing drizzle coming to the area, the Texas Department of Transportation crews are preparing Interstate Highway 20 and other major roadways for winter conditions forecast for the area New Year’s Weekend and into next week. Pre-treating operations using a brine solution began Thursday and will continue through Saturday, targeting roadways and elevated structures that have the potential to freeze during winter conditions. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – Once again this year, Longview Transit, in partnership with R&K Distributors, are providing a “Safe-Ride-Home†on New Year’s Eve. For the tenth consecutive year, Longview Transit will give free rides to anyone within the Longview city limits. This is on New Year’s Eve between 8:00pm and 3:00am. The curb to curb service will be available to any destination within the city limits of Longview. The service is for persons who that have had a couple of drinks or those that simply do not want to drive that evening. To get more information about Safe-Ride-Home, or to schedule a reservation, you can visit the website at http://www.longviewtransit.com or call 903-753-2287 ext. 10.
DALLAS (AP/STAFF) — Two men have been taken into federal custody on charges of trafficking a Texas middle-school student for sex. Federal prosecutors in Dallas said in a statement Thursday that Shenandoah West Moneypenny, 34, of Gladewater, and Shawn Dale Sanders, 43, of Dallas, each face one federal count of conspiracy to use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The 13-year-old victim told law enforcement she met Moneypenny online earlier this year. Using a Craigslist ad, Moneypenny arranged for the girl to have sex with men, including Sanders, who sent pictures to Moneypenny as payment. The two were arrested December 18 and are being held at the Kaufman County jail without bond. Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN – All three suspects wanted in a Lufkin murder are now in custody.The Lufkin Police Department and the U.S. Marshal Service on Thursday morning arrested two of three men wanted in the shooting death of a Lufkin man earlier this month. Taken into custody following a raid on an Orange County home, were Jermaine Gray, 34, and Clifford Gray, 32. The third suspect , McClendon Harrison, 29, turned himself in Thursday afternoon in Shelby County. The three are accused of the murder of Jerone Jones, 38. He died at a Lufkin hospital December 18, following an argument with the men in the front yard of a home on 1819 Spence Street.
TYLER – A Nacogdoches man has been charged with a Tyler robbery. Arrested by Tyler police Thursday morning was Christian Dean Jolley, 20. He is said to have robbed the Shamrock station on the East Southeast Loop around 10:45am. Armed with a silver revolver, he is said to have taken money from the cash register and then ran away. Police saw a man running north across the loop and, throwing down a back pack as officers chased him. He was arrested in a parking lot on the Troup Highway. A silver revolver was found in his backpack. He said the cash in his pockets came from the gas station. Jolley was booked into the Smith County Jail on charges of aggravated robbery and evading arrest.
BEAUMONT – Customers of Jason’s Deli are being warned that some of their credit card information had been for sale on the dark web. The problem was found by MasterCard security personnel. The information appears to have come from various Jason’s Deli locations. The company says they have activated a response plan to determine if there was a breach and if there is any continuing threat. They say customers should monitor their payment card accounts carefully and report any suspicious activity to their card issuer. With headquarters in Beaumont, it operates or franchises 266 restaurants in 28 states. Among the Texas locations are Tyler and Longview. You can go to https://www.jasonsdeli.com/security for a statement issued by Jason’s Deli.
LONGVIEW – Longview police have arrested two persons on burglary charges. Arrested Wednesday were Arthur Ray Delagarza Murphy, 25, and Nathan Ray Alexander, 21. Both are from Longview. They are said to have entered a storage building on Cole Drive and took bicycles, tools, and a compressor. Officers, who responded to an alarm at the home, found the suspects and the items they had taken. Both have been charged with burglary of a building. Alexander has also been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The Salvation Army began this season with a goal of $375,000 for their 2017 Red Kettle Campaign. The 37 locations around Smith County raised $385,408.42. Two gold coins were even found in one of the kettles Christmas Eve night.The money raised during this time is put into programs run by The Salvation Army 365 days a year including their community dinner, after school program, Reconnect, which is a drug and alcohol recovery program, as well as running their shelter.
KILGORE – Kilgore police are asking for the public’s help in locating a man named in a couple of warrants. He is Brandon Sheppard, 34. He was in a car stopped for a traffic violation on Newton Street late Tuesday night. The officer saw the passenger, a man wearing a grey jacket and jeans, run from the vehicle. Sheppard is named in two warrants in Gregg County, one for assault family violence parole violation and one for aggravated assault causes serious bodily Injury. If you know where he can be found you are asked to contact the Kilgore Police Department.
LUFKIN – A Publisher’s Clearing House scam has cost an elderly East Texas woman $15,000. She lost the money between June and October. She was first called and told she had won $3.5 million. The man said for her to send $8,000 to collect her money. She took out a loan for the money. Later, another man called her and told her to send another $7,000 to collect her prize money. She took out another loan. When she didn’t receive her money, she contacted Lufkin police it in hopes that no one else would fall victim to the scam. She is still making payment on the loans.
LONGVIEW – Funeral services are scheduled for a long time Longview businessman. According to Rader Funeral Home, services for Ernest James Stith, 75, will be held Friday at 2:00pm at the funeral home’s chapel in Longview. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Rosewood Park. Stith, who was born in Jacksonville, died on Tuesday. Stith opened his first Pizza Hut franchise store on East Marshall Avenue in 1967. According to the Longview News Journal, His company, Pizza Hut of East Texas, has a total of 15 restaurants, 740 restaurant workers and five people in the business office in Longview, with an annual payroll of about $3.5 million. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to a drug store chain, East Texas has been hard hit by the flu. According to the Walgreens flu index, the Tyler, Longview, Luikin and Nacogdoches areas rank tops in the country for flu activity. The company says the index is compiled using retail prescription data for antiviral medications used to treat influenza across Walgreens locations around the country. They say the Index is not intended to illustrate levels or severity of flu activity, but rather, illustrate which populations are experiencing the highest incidence of flu. Number two on the list is the South Texas area. And the top state with flu activity is Texas. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Tyler based John Soules Foods is announcing it is adding a third production facility. They have purchased of a 266,000 square foot facility in Valley, Alabama. According to a news release from the company, phase 1 of the expansion will see the company add 210 employees and invest $70 million into the new facility. Phases 2 & 3 will add an additional 300 employees and invest another $40 million. When all phases are complete, the purchase will increase fully cooked capabilities by over 100 million pounds annually. Besides the Tyler facility, the company also has a production facility in Gainesville, Geogia.
NACOGDOCHES – A Nacagdoches man was killed when the pickup he was a passenger in hit a horse. Killed in the accident around 1:00 Tuesday morning was Austin Blake Stewart, 20. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on U.S. Highway 259, about six miles north of Nacogdoches. The driver, Joseph Blankenship, 20, of Nacogdoches, is in serious condition in a Nacogdoches hospital.
HENDERSON – A Kilgore man remains jailed on a murder charge. Booked into the Rusk County Jail Monday morning was Marvin Durrell Sanders, 37. His bond was set at $1 million. He is said to have shot his cousin in the back of the head while the family was watching the Dallas Cowboys’ game on Sunday. No word on what lead to the shooting.