Today is
Saturday July 25, 2026
MT PLEASANT — According to our news partner KETK, six Mt Pleasant Chapel Hill ISD students on a field trip were reportedly injured after a vehicle crashed into a Cicis Pizza restaurant in Mt Pleasant on Thursday. Four adults were also injured.
At around 11:20 a.m. officers were dispatched to a vehicle that struck a building at the Cicis Pizza restaurant on Jefferson Avenue. When officials arrived, they found a Toyota 4-Runner had struck the front of the restaurant and several people were injured. Emergency personnel began rendering aid. Six students and four adults were injured, the police department said, and they were transported to an area hospital. Of the 10 injured, six received minor injuries, three had moderate injuries and one victim received critical injuries.
“There were others that received minor injuries who were evaluated and treated on the scene,” the police department said. Read the rest of this entry »
CANTON – The 294th District Court Judge Chris Martin has issued a restraining order against Finnish company Taaleri Energia, who was preparing to build a battery storage facility in Van Zandt County.
According to out news partner KETK, Van Zandt County petitioned Martin’s court for a temporary restraining order against Taaleri Energia North America LLC., BT Amador Storage LLC., Amador Bess Holdings Inc., Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. and Belltown Texas Power 2 LLC. for allegedly violating parts of the fire code. The court found that the evidence in Van Zandt County’s petition showed that the companies have violated the applicable fire code and have “threatened additional violations” at their battery storage facility work site at 32021 FM 47.
According to Van Zandt County Judge Andy Reese, the temporary order will last 14 days and then the county will have to apply for a permanent injunction that bars the companies from work until they comply with National Fire Protection Association codes. Read the rest of this entry »
NEW BOSTON – Our news partner, KETK, reports that seven correctional staff at the New Boston state prison were arrested on Wednesday after allegedly engaging in organized criminal activity.
According to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), seven arrests were made in connection with an ongoing investigation of alleged conspiracy among correctional staff and others to bring in contraband into the Barry B. Tedford Unit of the TDCJ.
“Corruption is not and will not be tolerated in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice,” Texas Board of Criminal Justice Chairman Eric Nichols said. “We appreciate the hard work of the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) team and our outstanding law enforcement partners in pursuing this investigation…” Read the rest of this entry »
NEW BOSTON – The New Boston Police Department assisted in putting a Northeast Texas man who was on the Texas Top 10 Most Wanted list behind bars.
On Tuesday, New Boston PD was notified that Rondarrius Davon Idae Evans, a man on the Texas Top 10 Most Wanted list, was last seen in Mesquite. Officers arrived at the apartment complex Evans was believed to be staying at in Mesquite and found Evans and another individual fleeing the complex. Evans was later pulled over in Dallas and was placed under arrest.
Evans was wanted for his involvement in a double homicide shooting that took place in July 2024 and led to the deaths of Nicholas Webster and Princeton Washington. Following his arrest, Evans will be charged with two counts of capital murder. Read the rest of this entry »
MT PLEASANT – Chapel Hill ISD sixth grade students on a field trip were reportedly injured after a vehicle crashed into a Cicis Pizza restaurant in Mt Pleasant on Thursday.
According to the school district, emergency personnel are on site and the district is working with them to ensure all students are accounted for and safe. Our news partner, KETK, reports that students who are not injured will be taken back to campus once the scene has been secured.
“We will share confirmed updates as they become available,” the district said. “Out of respect for emergency responders, we ask families not to go to the scene.”
The Mt Pleasant Police Department said the district has notified all parents whose children were involved. Parents or guardians can contact the junior high campus office at 903-572-9096 EXT 497.
MT PLEASANT – Chapel Hill ISD sixth grade students on a field trip were reportedly injured after a vehicle crashed into a Cicis Pizza restaurant in Mt Pleasant on Thursday.
According to the school district, emergency personnel are on site and the district is working with them to ensure all students are accounted for and safe. Our news partner, KETK, reports that students who are not injured will be taken back to campus once the scene has been secured.
“We will share confirmed updates as they become available,” the district said. “Out of respect for emergency responders, we ask families not to go to the scene.”
The Mt Pleasant Police Department said the district has notified all parents whose children were involved. Parents or guardians can contact the junior high campus office at 903-572-9096 EXT 497.
LONGVIEW – The Women’s Center of East Texas is seeking donations this week to help stock their shelves.
The shelter is looking for donations to provide to survivors of sexual violence. Some items requested include diapers, baby wipes, body wash and feminine products. Hollie Bruce CEO of the Women’s Shelter, emphasized how much these donations help victims of sexual abuse get back on their feet.
“These are for them to come in and get and take to their homes where they live permanently.” Bruce said. “We’re really, really grateful for that and hope people will participate in the drive. We’ll be stocking that in the next couple of weeks with whatever they bring in.”
Donations can be dropped off at the shelter which is off of Hollybrook Drive in Longview for the remainder of the week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
QUITMAN – The City of Quitman will hold a funeral procession in honor of a local fallen hero who died on April 2, according to our news partner, KETK.
Quitman Mayor Randy Dunn issued a proclamation to lower all U.S. flags to be at half mast on Thursday in honor of Senior Airman Fabian Roman. Roman was a member of the 2016 Quitman High School class. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in several countries around the world, including the Republic of Korea and Germany. In 2022, Roman received the Air and Space Achievement Medal. According to the Air Forces Personnel Center, the medal is bestowed to a member of the Air Force for either an outstanding achievement or displaying meritorious service. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Tyler will be moving forward into year five of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Main Plan according to our news partner KETK.
Since 2019, 85 of Tyler’s 150 signalized intersections have been retimed, covering more than 29 miles of roadway. The City of Tyler said the retimed signal system provides smoother, more consistent travel for Tyler residents. The Tyler City Council approved a $133,188 contract with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to carry out the remainder of the plan. The city will focus on retiming and fine-tuning 14 different intersections. The project is funded by the Half-Cent Sales Tax.
In accordance with the five-year plan, the city will evaluate several previo Read the rest of this entry »
WOOD COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, an on duty Wood County Sheriff’s deputy has died after a Wednesday morning crash involving an 18-wheeler. Deputy Melissa Pollard was taken to a local hospital in Quitman around 10 a.m. after the accident, but she did not survive her injuries, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
“Please pray for the Pollard family, Wood County Sheriff’s Office family and all other parties involved in this tragedy,” the statement said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the accident.
LONGVIEW — According to our news partner KETK, a driver died on Tuesday after experiencing a medical emergency that caused a multi-vehicle wreck. Longview Police Department Officers responded to a crash at the intersection of Hollybrook Drive and Judson Road on Tuesday at around 12:20 p.m. and learned that a black vehicle was being driven by a person who was experiencing a medical emergency and was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed to a medical center.
“The driver ran a red light at the intersection and collided with two other vehicles,” the police department said. “The driver of the black passenger car was transported to a local medical facility and was later pronounced dead.”
Another individual was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The police department said no charges are pending in this investigation.
ATHENS – Our news partner, KETK, reports that three people were arrested Tuesday afternoon after a large amount of marijuana and other illegal narcotics were discovered in a home near Athens.
According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, around 2:50 p.m. narcotics investigators searched a home in the 2300 block of County Road 3718 near Athens and found seven different types of illegal drugs, five firearms with two being stolen from Arlington and Grand Prairie and a large amount of cash.
The different illegal drugs that were found by investigators were marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl pills, morphine pills, xanax pills, and bottles of promethazine that are labeled for RX only. Read the rest of this entry »
JACKSONVILLE – According to a report from our news partner, KETK, a man has been arrested by Jacksonville police officers after firing three rounds at his neighbor’s house on Tuesday before barricading himself in his own home.
Police responded to the 200 block of Ivy Street on Tuesday and secured the area before requesting backup from the Cherokee County SWAT Team which included Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department personnel. The suspect, 24-year-old Isaias Mena Sandoval of Jacksonville, barricaded himself inside his house for about an hour until law enforcement took him into custody. No injuries were reported, the police department said.
A search warrant for the residence will be issued and additional charges may be filed pending the investigation.
LONGVIEW – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a driver died on Tuesday after experiencing a medical emergency that caused a multi-vehicle wreck, the Longview Police Department said.
Officers responded to a crash at the intersection of Hollybrook Drive and Judson Road on Tuesday at around 12:20 p.m. During the course of the investigation, officials learned that a black vehicle was being driven by a person experiencing a medical emergency, and was traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed to a medical center.
“The driver ran a red light at the intersection and collided with two other vehicles,” the police department said. “The driver of the black passenger car was transported to a local medical facility and was later pronounced dead.”
Another individual was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. The police department said no charges are pending in this investigation.
NACOGDOCHES – According to a report from our news partner, KETK, a former Nacogdoches ISD teacher received minimum two-year sentence after sexually assaulting a student in 2023.
Annaleigh Andrews, 26 of Nacogdoches, pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault of a child and three counts of online solicitation of a minor back in August 2024. Nacogdoches County Assistant District Attorney Amy Wren, said that Andrews was sentenced to a total of two years for all counts.
Andrews was a reading interventionist at McMichael Middle School. During the summer break following the 2022-2023 school year, Andrews starting communicating with the victim and took the victim to what they described as a “mansion.” The victim was sexually assaulted multiple times at this “mansion” and at Banita Creek Park. Andrews also asked the victim to meet her at selected locations and used marijuana with the victim, the DA’s office said. Read the rest of this entry »
LINDEN – A man who fled from police following a disturbance involving a weapon on Monday afternoon has been apprehended, according to the Linden Police Department.
Our news partner, KETK, reports that officers responded to the scene at the Thomas Street Apartments, where they quickly secured the area. The suspect, later identified as Jacorey Birmingham, allegedly fled before officers arrived but was eventually located and detained. The weapon involved was also recovered and secured.
Birmingham has been arrested on charges of unlawful restraint, deadly conduct and burglary of a habitation with intent to commit additional felonies, the Linden Police Department confirmed.
“We thank our officers for their swift response and dedication to ensuring safety in our community,” the police department said.
CHEROKEE COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a Rusk man attempted to flee from deputies Tuesday morning during his court ordered probation hearing, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said.
According to the sheriff’s office, Krystopher Michael Free, 26 of Rusk, was at a court ordered probation hearing in the 369th District Court in Rusk when the presiding judge ordered Free to be taken into custody. Officials said Free attempted to run from the courtroom as a Cherokee County Bailiff tried to take him into custody. Deputies and the bailiff were able to take Free into custody after a brief struggle with one of the bailiffs receiving minor injuries.
Free was taken to a local hospital for minor injuries, and once discharged, he was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on charges of assault of a public servant and evading and resisting arrest.
LINDEN – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a man was arrested on Monday after he threw a bag out the window of a vehicle at Family Dollar in Linden filled with a “white crystalline substance”.
According to the Linden Police Department, an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle with a headlight out in the parking lot of Family Dollar at 604 W. Houston St. As the vehicle parked, the officer noticed what appeared to be trash thrown out the window.
Officials said that upon further investigation the officer discovered that the “trash” was actually illegal narcotics that had been thrown out. The officer found that the illegal narcotics consisted of a bag containing smaller bags filled with a white crystalline substance. Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN – A five-year-old was reportedly left in a car for nearly five hours after the driver and family members went to a Houston sporting event, the Lufkin Police Department said.
According to reports from our news partner, KETK, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of N. Timberland Drive at around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a report of a child behind left in a vehicle.
“The officers could not get the child to respond to knocks on the window, so they broke the driver’s side window and removed the child, who was taken to a local hospital to be examined,” the police department said. Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN – A Nacogdoches minor was hospitalized on Sunday night after being shot from a vehicle in the 600 block of Kurth Drive according to a report by our news partner KETK.
The minor told Lufkin Police officers he was walking home after a night out with friends when a suspicious vehicle pulled up and fired twice. LPD Detective Cody Deal said one of the shots struck the minor in abdomen. He then hid behind a building across the street and contacted his friends for help. Once he arrived at a hospital in Houston, a nurse reported the shooting to Lufkin police. The minor’s condition is not available and the shooting is still being investigated.
UPDATE: The Bullard Police Department say they have identified the individuals involved in the tire slashing spree, according to our news partner KETK. The next few steps will include completing arrest warrants and “initiating the formal processing of the individuals identified.”
BULLARD — Those living near Bullard Middle School are asked to check their security cameras following a tire slashing spree that occurred overnight Sunday.
Man accused of attempted murder at Nacogdoches law firm, documents show
The Bullard Police Department received several reports of slashed tires and are now actively investigating the case. Residents are asked to check their security cameras from Sunday night into Monday morning, especially those living near West Ridge, Bullard Creek Ranch and The Mosley additions.
“Your help is vital in keeping our community safe,” the police department said. “Thank you for your vigilance and continued support.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Bullard PD at 903-894-7788.
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, a Tyler man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for the July 4, 2024 fatal shooting of 19-year-old Rawly Sanchez, according judicial records.
Seferino Bautista-Renteria, owner of Bautista Auto Sales in Tyler, was found guilty of murder before 114th District Court Judge Reeve Jackson on Thursday. On Monday, Renteria was sentenced to 60 years in state prison and was given a 277-day jail credit, judicial records show. Renteria was arrested after Sanchez was shot in the back of the head while riding in the backseat of a truck on the night of July 4, 2024, according to an arrest affidavit.
The truck was turning behind Bautista Auto Sales when the affidavit said the driver reported seeing a person with an AK-47-style rifle who started shooting.
Sanchez was then driven to a local hospital where he died. An affidavit for Renteria’s arrest said his wife and son were interviewed at the scene by law enforcement and they reported losing sight of him during the shooting. Read the rest of this entry »
BULLARD – Those living near Bullard Middle School are asked to check their security cameras following a tire slashing spree that occurred overnight Sunday, according to a report from KETK.
The Bullard Police Department received several reports of slashed tires and are now actively investigating the case. Residents are asked to check their security cameras from Sunday night into Monday morning, especially those living near West Ridge, Bullard Creek Ranch and The Mosley additions.
“Your help is vital in keeping our community safe,” the police department said. “Thank you for your vigilance and continued support.”
GILMER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Union Hill ISD near Gilmer cancelled classes on Monday and Tuesday after the awning at the front of their elementary school collapsed during recent severe weather.
“I would like to say that it looks way worse than what it is,” Union Hill ISD Superintendent John Booth said on Monday. “… the front of the school was was damaged, but the structure of the elementary was not damaged.”
According to Booth, the district’s junior high and high school campuses were undamaged except for some damage to the roof of their gymnasium. Once class resumes on Wednesday, Union Hill ISD elementary school students will have their classrooms changed to rooms in the high school and junior high until the elementary school can be cleaned up. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDOCHES – According to our news partner KETK, an East Texas man was arrested Sunday morning after officers were alerted of a possible in-progress murder plot at a Nacogdoches law firm. The Nacogdoches Police Department said officers received a call Sunday morning from a concerned citizen that a person intended to commit a murder.
Officers were able to locate and secure the intended victim while also finding the suspect. Jessie Dale Cashion, 44 of Lufkin, was located, along with a firearm, at a Nacogdoches law firm.
During the investigation, officers developed a probable cause to make the arrest of Cashion for attempted murder. He’s being held at Nacogdoches County Jail.
HENDERSON COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that two men were arrested in Henderson County early Sunday morning after narcotics investigators discovered suspected meth underneath the frame of a car.
According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, around 12:33 a.m. narcotics investigators conducted a traffic stop on a black Cadillac inside the Bonita Point Subdivision near Gun Barrel City where they located a large gallon size bag of suspected meth concealed underneath the frame of the vehicle.
Officers said that the passenger, Cody Ray Harper, 32 of Arlington, threw a baggie with suspected meth out of the passenger window onto the roadway while the driver, Dustin Sky Reneau, 38 of Fort Worth, had three theft related felony warrants out for his arrest. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to our news partner, KETK, an arrest affidavit for three Tyler ISD staff members has shed new details on an incident in which a student’s hands were bound with tape, and they were forced to walk for hours.
Documents obtained from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office show that Tyler High School administration contacted the Tyler ISD police department to request camera footage from the Life Skills room on March 12. An administration staff member stated that the incident likely occurred in the afternoon, as the student’s hands were still red when he got off the bus. They also mentioned speaking with an aide in the room, who indicated that the incident occurred before lunch, but was unsure how long the student’s hands had been taped. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Storms that ripped through the area on Friday night left severe damage and flooding all across East Texas according to our news partner KETK. The City of Lindale had water overflowing into parts of downtown and multiple county roads. Lindale Candy Company’s building experienced flooding and closed their candy viewing area due to the extensive water in the back of the store. Lindale’s Lorraine Lake washed out after the dam broke due to the high rainwater.
Smith County was not the only one’s dealing with Friday night’s storms, another intense storm ripped through the town of Hawkins. The strong winds downed trees and powerlines blocking people from reaching their homes like Jay Boyce who had trees blocking his road.
“A tornado just passed through here and it knocked down everything,” Boyce said. “It blew off the roofs of houses, trees and knocked down 100-year-old trees. We’re just trying to get home to our houses.” Read the rest of this entry »
CANTON – The National Weather Service in Fort Worth has confirmed that an EF-0 tornado touched down in Van Zandt County on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, a NWS storm survey team found that the tornado touched down 9.5 miles east of Canton along CR 1321 and moved northeast passing Grand Saline. It crossed Highway 80 and then lifted north of Silver Lake.
A home along FM 1255 lost part of it’s wall and NWS said another home on FM 1255 near CR 1605 had roof and porch damage. According to NWS, tornado had an estimated peak wind speed of 80 miles per hour and a maximum width of 75 yards.
NWS added that the tornado may have passed into Wood County for a short time but they couldn’t confirm that it did because of a lack of roads. Read the rest of this entry »
LINDALE – Lorraine Lake in Lindale has been washed out by flooding that hit the East Texas community on Friday night.
Witnesses at the scene told our news partner, KETK, that the water in the lake had risen above the lake line, spilling over a dam on the edge of the lake.
The lake is connected to North Prairie Creek and is surrounded by many private properties with docks and piers on the lake off of Spring Drive and Hillside Lane.
The City of Lindale hasn’t commented on the lake washing out but on Friday Lindale Mayor Gavin Rasco thanked first responders for serving the community during the flooding. Read the rest of this entry »