Today is
Friday July 24, 2026
KILGORE– Over the past two weeks, five men have been arrested for online solicitation of a minor after a sting operation in Kilgore. According to the Kilgore Police Department and our news partner KETK, multiple departments have been working together in an online solicitation of a minor investigation.
All but one man drove into Kilgore to meet up for sex with a minor and were arrested by detectives. Marshall Anthony Knapik, 27 of Longview, is being held on a $25,000 bond. Dale Edward Shelton, 34 of Tyler, is being held on a $25,000 bond. Alvaro Andres Rosas-Delgado, 23 of Longview, is being held on a $50,000 bond. Ryan Hampsten Jacks, 34 of Troup, is being held on a $40,000 bond.
Casey Stinson of Bowie had planned to make a trip after his girlfriend went to work, but couldn’t change his flat tire, so he was arrested by the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office after Kilgore PD learned he would not be making the trip.
PALESTINE — Many roads across East Texas have been closed due to heavy rains and flooding.
Our news partner KETK has compiled a list of roads and highways currently closed or flooded to keep residents safe and informed. To view the full and updated list, click here.
BULLARD – Our news partner KETK reports that one person is dead after an alleged drunk driver’s vehicle flipped over onto a fence on Wednesday night in Bullard.
According to the court documents, around 8 p.m. a trooper responded to an one vehicle roll-over on County Road 3601 where a man was by the road saying “his passenger was missing.”
The trooper said the man, identified as 30-year-old Cordale Rayshon Graham, smelled of alcohol and kept saying “he was the passenger because he was drunk.”
Bullard Fire Department located the other person who was dead on the passenger side of the vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that several wrecks involving 18-wheelers are causing delays on Interstate 20 for drivers. Officials say that traffic delays could last into early Friday morning.
According to a crew on the scene, at least two crashes involving tractor trailers have caused traffic to be backed up near Mile Marker 560 which is near Farm-to-Market Road 14 and Lavender Road.
TxDOT cameras show heavy traffic in the westbound lanes. Updates will be given as they become available.
To check for wrecks, and traffic conditions on TxDOT’s “Drive Texas”, click here.
RUSK – Our news partner KETK reports that the execution date has been set for an East Texas man who helped murder his girlfriend’s baby with a hammer in 2008.
According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), 35-year-old Blaine Milam of Gregg County is set to be executed on September 25 for his involvement in the murder of his girlfriend’s 13-month-daughter during what they described as an “exorcism.”
On Dec. 2, 2008 in Rusk County, Milam and his girlfriend, Jessica Carson murdered the infant by using a hammer to beat her. They also attest to biting her on the chest, arms, throat, feet and lower back. In confession, the couple told authorities that they were trying to “beat the demons out” of the baby. Read the rest of this entry »
TEXARKANA – A truck driver was arrested for DWI on Wednesday night after crashing his 18-wheeler in Texarkana causing parts of the city to not have power and the road to be temporarily closed, according to our news partner KETK.
The Texarkana Police officers responded to a crash around 11:30 p.m. involving an 18-wheeler at New Boston Road and Taylor Street.
Officials said the truck left the road and took out a major electrical transmission pole, causing about third of the city to be out of power for a little while. The truck was also carrying a full load of lumber, which ended up all over the roadway.
The driver, Fredrick Beal, 39 of Texarkana, wasn’t injured. He was, however, arrested for DWI with an open container and unlawfully carrying of a weapon. He is currently being held in the Bi-State Jail.
The department said people are encouraged to avoid this area, since they are still working to clear the scene and New Boston Road is closed.
TYLER – According to a statement released from The City of Tyler, the City of Tyler Water Utilities is temporarily closing all public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East due to heavy rainfall .
Ramps are being closed due to boating hazards resulting from debris washed into the lakes, and to reduce damage from shoreline erosion caused by boat wakes. In addition, the lakes are closed to boat traffic from lake residents.
The ramps will be closed until further notice. The ramps are anticipated to reopen once the water levels recede.
LUFKIN – A former Wells ISD math teacher was arrested again on Tuesday for a new charge of indecency with a child sexual contact, according to a report from our news partner KETK.
An affidavit from the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office revealed that an underage family member reported that Hillary Danielle Williams, 34 of Lufkin, inappropriately touched her on February 19.
The affidavit stated that Williams slept in the middle of the bed with her boyfriend on one side and the victim on the other. The victim explained that she woke up to Williams inappropriately touching her over her clothing. The victim said Williams never mentioned the incident, but she had recently found out that “Williams had been taking nude pictures of her while she was in the shower,” which upset her. Read the rest of this entry »
PAYNE SPRINGS – Our news partner, KETK, reports that Payne Springs Fire Rescue units found one motorcycle rider after a collision.
According to Payne Springs Fire Rescue, a motorcyclist was flown to a local hospital on Monday after colliding with a deer in Hidden Hills Harbor. Their condition is unknown.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, an East Texas man is among the 244 people arrested in connection to the FBI’s Operation Soteria as they combat the exploitation of children in the digital space.
The Grand Saline Police Departmet received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about suspected child sexual abuse material uploaded on the internet.
During an investigation, officers discovered a suspect’s residence and conducted a search warrant in April that resulted in several electronic devices being seized. Walter Lynn Baird was arrested on April 14 and charged with possession of child pornography, then charged with indecency with a child sexual contact on May 15, according to the police department. Read the rest of this entry »
WINONA — According to our news partner KETK, Winona residents were left outraged after a town hall meeting was held on Tuesday, where they discovered the reason for high water and sewage rates costing them hundreds of dollars
The Winona City Council brought in Texas Rural Water Association wastewater specialist Louis Booth to discuss why several residents are seeing an increase in their water and sewage bills. After a rate study was conducted by the association, it was proposed that water and wastewater rates should see increases to generate more revenue for the companies. During the meeting, Booth told residents that their water rate would see a $14.16 increase and their wastewater rate would see a $17.75 increase. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – Our news partner KETK reports that one firefighter was injured after a house fire in Longview early Wednesday morning.
According to the Longview Fire Department, around 12:45 a.m. firefighters responded to a fully involved house fire at 101 Harlem Avenue where one firefighter was treated and released for an injury after performing roof operations. Officials said crews found the structure to be vacant and the fire caused around $68,000 in damage.
NACOGDOCHES – According to our new partner KETK, a Union Pacific Railroad worker died on Monday while working near the South Fredonia Street railway crossing in Nacogdoches.
The Nacogdoches Police Department said officers responded to reports that a someone had been struck by a train at around 3:28 p.m. on Monday. In a statement obtained by KETK, Union Pacific Railroad said they were saddened by this loss.
“We are saddened by the loss of a Union Pacific employee in Nacogdoches, Texas. The incident, which occurred around 4 p.m. CDT on June 9, is under investigation. Our sincerest sympathies are with his family, friends and co-workers.”
Union Pacific Railroad
PALESTINE – Our news partner KETK is reporting that the future of the NASA’s balloon launches at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine is coming into question due to proposed budget cuts for 2026. According to a NASA 2026 budget technical supplement released on Tuesday, cuts are being made to the the NASA Astrophysics Research program to align with President Donald Trump’s Budget Request for 2026.
These cuts include the Balloons, Astrophysics Data Analysis Program, which would have it’s 2026 budget eliminated entirely. In a statement shared with KETK by a NASA scientist at the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Palestine, NASA officials urged calm because they are still in the budget negotiation process.
The Palestine facility launches 15 scientific balloons for NASA each year and is a NASA funded federal facility that would close without federal funding.
TYLER – Starting on July 1, Texas will no longer be issuing paper license plates. Gov. Greg Abbott signed House Bill 718 into law back in 2023 which will now require dealers to issue metal plates to buyers at the time of sale according to our news partner KETK.
On Tuesday, the Smith County Tax Office hosted a free training for vehicle dealers regarding the new law. Paper tags issued prior to July 1 will remain valid until expiration. The different types of tags that will be provided are as follows: buyer’s temporary tags, dealer’s temporary tags, 30-day & one-trip permits, dealer agent tags, dealer vehicle specific tags and internet down tags.
Texans buying a vehicle from a dealer will receive metal license plates at the time of delivery, allowing them to immediately display the plates while awaiting their registration window sticker. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made a brief appearance in Tyler to discuss several pending bills, including Senate Bill 3, which would ban THC from Texas. According to our news partner KETK during the press conference, Patrick said more than 8,000 smoke shops have opened in Texas and that these shops are statistically located near high schools to lure students. “We have to take care of our young people and our schools; this is an organized assault on the State of Texas by the cannabis industry,” Patrick said.
When asked if regulating the usage of THC, Patrick said it would never be possible:
“You can’t regulate 8,000 to 9,000 shops. We don’t have enough law enforcement for that,” Patrick said. “Our number one issue as elected officials is public safety it is up to us to protect the public, and this has the potential to destroy this entire generation of young people coming up.”
While Patrick believes that SB 3 will have a positive impact across the state, several East Texas business owners spoke about the potential negative implications. Co-owner of Dragon’s Breath in North Tyler said a full THC ban will do more harm than good. Read the rest of this entry »
TEXARKANA – According to our news partner KETK, the Texarkana Police Department, with the help of their K9 Gator, arrested a woman who had escaped from a community correctional facility on Sunday afternoon.
Around 4:50 p.m. Olivia Alexandria May, 32 of New Boston, escaped from the Bowie County Substance Abuse Treatment Facility for women but she was soon tracked down by their K9 “Gator” and several officers. Officials said May was found in the woods behind Highland Park Baptist Church and was arrested for unauthorized absence of a community correction facility. She is currently being held in the Bi-State Jail on a $30,000 bond.
CAMP COUNTY – A man was killed after a tree fell through his mobile home on Sunday night near Pittsburg, according to our news partner KETK.
Deputies responded around 11:48 p.m.to a mobile home on Farm to Market Road 556 where a fallen tree left 55-year-old Kevin Ford dead and his mother injured. Officials said the residence was almost split in half due to a tree falling down the middle and the man was found crushed under it. The man’s mother was found trapped inside the house but was eventually taken to a local hospital for her injuries, the sheriff’s office said.
“When they arrived on the scene, they found an oak tree, big tree that had fallen over right in the center of the motorhome,” Camp County Sheriff John Cortelyou said.
Pittsburg Mayor David Abernathy said they had trees and powerlines down but no injuries have been reported within city limits.
TYLER – Lance Phillips, who was recently convicted for assaulting a peace officer while being removed from a Smith County Commissioners court, has filed a federal lawsuit against Smith County officials.
According to a report from The Tyler Morning Telegraph, Lance Phillips claims that his constitutional rights were violated while attending commissioners court meetings. The meeting in question is the same one where the assault occurred.
Prior to his trial for that charge, Phillips filed the federal lawsuit on May 4th against Smith County , Smith county Judge Neal Franklin, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, and the Smith County Courthouse Head of Security, LT. Matt Lazarine. The complaint claims Phillips’ constitutional rights, including the First Amendment and the Fourth Amendment, were violated. He alleges that this infringement happened when he was told to stop talking during the public comment section of multiple commissioners court meetings, due to his going off topic and when he was physically removed because he refused to get back on topic. Read the rest of this entry »
CAMP COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports a man was killed after a tree fell through his mobile home on Sunday night near Pittsburg.
According to the Camp County Sheriffs Office, around 11:48 p.m. deputies responded to a mobile home on Farm to Market Road 556, where 55-year-old Kevin Ford was found dead, and his mother injured.
The residence was almost split in half due to a tree falling down the middle and the man was found crushed under it.
Ford’s mother was found trapped inside the house and was eventually taken to a local hospital for her injuries.
Pittsburg Mayor David Abernathy said they had trees and power lines down but no injuries have been reported within city limits.
FLINT – According to our news partner KETK, demolition has started for the Lakewood Church building on Sunday, after a fire in April had caused irreparable damage.
The demolition began on the day of Pentecost, and church members said that the day marks a new beginning for their church.
“Today is the day of Pentecost and it just so happens that it’s all starting today and that’s the day of fresh beginnings, the day God started a new thing on the day of Pentecost, 50 days after Jesus died. And so that is also a new thing for us, that we’re starting this new building,” Lakewood Church pastor Raymond Graham said. “God will make all things new.”
Despite the damage, they were successful in removing the church’s steeple. They plan to use the steeple for their new church building, which they hope to have open by Christmas.
TYLER – 8-year-old Abigail Vernon from Sulphur Bluff has dreamed of showing her Brahman Bull V6 Mr. Pickup Man in the show ring. Unfortunately, she was too young for the juniors catagory. According to our news partner KETK, she didn’t let that stop her, and set out to show Mr. Pickup man anyway – with the adults.
Along with Pickup Man, she has traveled all across the United States, winning banners, trophies and grand champion titles. Abigail is proving everyone wrong and showing that nothing can stop her from following her dreams. In December, Abigail asked her mother, Charli, if she could write a children’s book about her memories with Pickup Man. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – As severe weather continues to move through the area, around 13,000 East Texans have been left without power as of 8 a.m. Monday.
KETK has compiled the list of East Texas power outages from the Texas Power Outage Map – you can view that map here.
Airdate: 06/08/25
Guests: Tami Urias and Carol Whiteside of the Discovery Science Place
LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK, officials are currently investigating the death of a man found deceased in Lufkin on Sunday. According to the Lufkin Police Department, a man was found dead on Sunday morning on the train tracks between Abney Street and Angelina Streets. Lufkin PD said they are investigating his death and working to contact the man’s family.
The department asked anyone with information about his death to contact Lufkin PD at 936-633-0356.
LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department has arrested a 28-year-old man for murder in connection to a fatal shooting that happened on Melba Street on Saturday.
According to our news partner KETK, officers were sent to the 200 block of Melba Street at around 9:18 p.m. on Saturday to respond to a reported shooting. According to a Longview PD press release, officers found a man at the scene who had been shot. The victim, identified as Isaiah Ross of Longview, was taken to a local hospital where he later died. Investigators then identified a suspect and got an arrest warrant. According to Longview PD, Dominique Johnson, 28 of Longview, was then arrested in Kilgore by the Kilgore Police Department.
Johnson was booked in to the Gregg County Jail on Sunday for a charge of murder.
TYLER – As severe weather continues to move through the area, around 35,000 East Texans have been left without power as of 1:41 a.m. Monday.
KETK has compiled the list of East Texas power outages from the Texas Power Outage Map – you can view that map here.
TEXARKANA – An East Texas police officer was placed on administrative leave on Monday, shortly before he was charged with sexual assault of a child. According to our news partner, KETK and the Texarkana Police Department, Zackary Gilley, 32, had been employed by the department since 2018 and was arrested on Monday night.
The chief of police said both an internal and criminal investigation were started after allegations involving a 15-year-old girl came to light.
Investigators gathered facts from a forensic expert and consulted with the Bowie County District Attorney’s Office before requesting warrants be issued by a district judge.
Gilley was called to the police department Monday night and arrested for: Two counts of sexual assault of a child, one count of indecency with a child by contact, one count of indecency with a child by exposure. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDOCHES — Two men were arrested on May 30 by Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office deputies for allegedly using a wrecker company to transport 48 packages of hydroponic marijuana according to our news partner KETK.
A traffic stop was conducted on a tow truck hauling a vehicle on Loop 224 near University Drive for a traffic violation. The driver, identified as Jerome Brown, 30, and the passenger, Corey Roberts, 39, told authorities conflicting information.
A K9 was brought onto the scene, where it gave a positive alert, leading to a search of the vehicle. Authorities found 48 packages of suspected hydroponic marijuana in the trunk of the vehicle. Read the rest of this entry »
FRANKLIN COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, a 28-year-old man from Mount Vernon has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. According to information presented in court, Zachary Arzola met the victim through social media in September 2022 when she was 14 and eventually traveled to Ohio to meet her in December 2022.
While in Ohio, Arzola provided the victim’s family with a falsified driver’s license that presented him as a 16-year-old. Arzola later returned to Ohio in 2023, where he picked up the victim from her home and took her back to Texas with him.
After returning to Texas with the victim, Mount Vernon Police discovered Arzola and the victim at his house. Arzola later admitted in court documents that he persuaded the victim to have a sexual relationship with him. Read the rest of this entry »