2024 is predicted to be great for homebuyers

TYLER – Officials said the effects of inflation are beginning to dwindle in the market. This year’s chair for the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors, Shannon Franzen, said inventory is up in most counties surrounding Tyler. According to our news partner KETK in previous years, there was only a 1 month supply of homes. This number tells you how many months it would take for all the current homes for sale on the market to sell, given a monthly sales volume. “We’re at a 4.4, so it’s just in a much healthier place,” Franzen said. On top of that, interest rates are lower now than they were in 2023, and Franzen said they could get even lower this year. (more…)

Tyler elementary receives $100k donation from former student

TYLER – Douglas Elementary School has started plans to transform their outdoor space into an extension of the classroom following a $100,000 donation from former student Jack Benson. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler ISD announced last Wednesday that the funds will be used for new playground equipment as well as a covered learning space. The outdoor learning area is planned to incorporate scientific concepts with microscopes and other tools for experiments and hands-on learning. Benson hopes that through his donation others are encouraged to give back. “The vision for the outdoor learning area is to have an outdoor extension of the classroom, something I think children at any elementary grade level will benefit from,” Benson said.

Three arrested in Longview for drugs and weapons

LONGVIEW — Three people have been arrested after the Longview Police Department found multiple drugs and weapons during search. According to a release, the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit and  SWAT team executed a narcotics search warrant on Texas Street. During the search, they reportedly seized methamphetamine, ecstasy, Xanax, crack cocaine, and marijuana. They also recovered a pistol, magazine and ammunition. Three people were arrested and taken into the Gregg County Jail without incident. The identified suspects are Delaina Pruitt, 50 of Longview, Austin Young, 56 of Mount Pleasant and Kristina Kelly, 32 of Longview. Pruitt was charged with four counts of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Young was arrested for possession of a controlled substance less than one gram and possession of marijuana less than two ounces. Kelly was arrested for four outstanding city warrants.

David Rancken’s App of the Day 12/28/23 – Acorn!

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Longview Transit offering free rides on New Year’s Eve

LONGVIEW – Advance registration for Longview Transit’s “Safe Ride Home” service will open soon. According to our news partner KETK, starting on Wednesday anyone within Longview’s city limits can pre-register to get a free ride home on New Year’s Eve between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m. the following morning. Rides can be scheduled by calling Longview Transit at 903-753-2287 ext. 10 and riders are encouraged to schedule trips in advance. The curb-to-curb service is available to any destination within Longview’s city limits. The service is open to people who have had a few drinks and to those that simply don’t want to drive that evening. “Longview Transit has been providing Safe Ride Home transportation on New Year’s Eve for several years now, and it continues to be a great service for the community,” said Longview Transit Director of Operations Tequita Dudley. The service is made possible through financial help from R&K Distributors.

Dexter Floyd announces candidacy for Tyler City Council District 2

TYLER – A local educator and pastor announced his bid for a seat on the Tyler City Council. Dexter Floyd, Principal of Tyler ISD’s RISE Academy and pastor for Designed for Worship Church of God in Christ, is running for Tyler City Council District 2. Election Day is May 4. Floyd said his campaign will focus on the key issues of his district, which include fostering affordable housing, bridging healthcare gaps, facilitating more community policing strategies and revitalizing neighborhoods. District 2 covers West Tyler and has been represented by Broderick McGee since 2018. Floyd’s campaign will start with a series of listening tours and community events for residents in his district. “I want to hear from you, understand your concerns, and work together to find solutions that will benefit our community,” Floyd said.

Pilot identified in plane, home crash

VAN ZANDT COUNTY – One person is dead after a small plane crashed in a Van Zandt County neighborhood on Tuesday night. According to our news partner KETK and Sgt. Adam Albritton with the Texas Department of Public Safety, a small plane crashed into the side of a house off CR 3119 around 6 p.m. near the Tailwind Airpark. The home is on Private Road 7005 and was unoccupied at the time of the crash. Sgt. Albritton identified the pilot who died at 60-year-old Roger D. Turner of Edgewood. Federal Investigators are at the crash to find the cause of it.

David Rancken’s App of the Day 12/26/23 – BusyKid!

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Use caution when you throw out Christmas trash

TYLER – After all the holiday fun, getting rid of the empty packages of your new gifts can be a chore but Tyler Police Department said that boxes out on the curb can make you a target for a potential break in. “That tells anybody who wants to come and take advantage of people not being home for Christmas or leaving after Christmas or anything like that or just being gone during the day that they can go in there and they know what’s in your house,” said Andy Erbaugh, the Public information officer for Tyler PD. According to our news aprtner KETK, taking your trash to recycling centers can keep thieves from knowing what you got for Christmas, and fitting everything into your garbage will help. “Break it down as much as possible and get it in that trash can,” said Erbaugh. Erbaugh also said to not leave new Christmas gifts out in your car or in your front yard. (more…)

Longview seeking donations for Homeless Resource Day

LONGVIEW – The City of Longview is asking the community to help various non-profits collaborating with the city for Homeless Resource Day on Jan. 25. According to our news partner KETK. Mayor Andy Mack’s Task Force on Homelessness is asking residents to help with Homeless Resource Day by giving directly to a local organization, giving to the Mayor’s Go Giver Fund or by donating items for Homeless Outreach Bags. The city is also asking for volunteers to work directly with local homeless service organizations and on Homeless Resource Day. The city also suggested that people could help by get others involved in volunteering and by encouraging local businesses to take part in the Homeless Work Program.Visit the of Longview online to see a full list of organizations to support, information about the Go Giver Fund and a list of items needed for Homeless outreach bags.

Former Van police officer indicted

VAN – A former Van police officer was indicted after an investigation into allegations of official oppression. Santos Rodriguez was indicted on Friday for one count of official oppression. According to our news partner KETK, Van Police Chief Melissa Davis “received information regarding the conduct of an officer” on July 10. After gathering information on the incident, Davis confronted the officer about the allegation. “He immediately resigned from the Van Police Department, and although the complainant requested that the discipline be minimal, all information collected to that point was turned over to the Van Zandt County District Attorney’s Office by Chief Davis,” according to Van The investigation is ongoing. Official oppression, a Class A Misdemeanor, carries a punishment range of a fine up to $4,000 and/or one year of jail for those found guilty.

Congressman Moran to run uncontested for re-election

TYLER – Nathaniel Moran will be running for re-election uncontested, but in a release said he still plans on traveling across the district to meet with voters. According to a release, no other candidates have filed to run for election for Congressional District 1 on either party side for the upcoming primary election on March 5, 2024. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve East Texans in Washington, D.C., for another term,” Moran said. “Even though I don’t have an opponent, this is no time to rest. (more…)

Tyler man threatens hospital with grenade

TYLER – A Rusk County man was arrested after officials said he threatened workers at UT Health hospital in Tyler with a “dummy” grenade. According our news partner KETK and Tyler PD, John Lambeth, 60 of Henderson, was visiting his wife who was a patient at the hospital Thursday afternoon. Lambeth allegedly said he was upset he couldn’t take his wife out for a smoke break and pulled out a grenade. Officials say he then threatened the hospital workers with it. Officials said the grenade was later found to be not functional and did not contain explosives. Lambeth left the hospital and was later arrested for misdemeanor hoax bombs and booked into the Smith County Jail.

David Rancken’s App of the Day 12/15/23 – All Trails!

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David Rancken’s App of the Day 12/14/23 – Imprint

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