Today is
Saturday July 25, 2026
WOOD COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, nearly 8,500 Wood County Electric Co-Op customers are without power as of Wednesday night. The co-op said they were working to identify what caused the transmission outage that affected five substations. However, as it is dark and the transmission lines run through rugged terrain, a representative said it will take time to identify the cause.
People are asked to report an outage at 866-415-2951 and follow the steps found on their website. Read the rest of this entry »
WHITE OAK — According to our new partner KETK, the White Oak Police Department has announced a new chief of police who will take office in April 25.
Brannon Robertson is the current patrol lieutenant and has been a police officer since August 1996. Robertson’s first job was at the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy. He then transferred to the Gladewater Police Department in October 1996. During his time in Gladewater, Robertson was promoted from reserve to animal control, to dispatch and then ultimately to patrol officer. Robertson was awarded Officer of the Year in 2004, 2012 and 2024. During his time in White Oak, Robertson was promoted from patrol officer to sergeant, to lieutenant and soon chief of police.
Chief Terry Roach announced his retirement earlier this year. Robertson claimed that stepping into the position was a “difficult decision made easy.”
JACKSONVILLE – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the City of Jacksonville has a new chief of police, however, he is no stranger to the department. Steven Markasky is a 12-year veteran of the Jacksonville Police Department and has been the assistant police chief since April of 2024.
Markasky was required to complete the multiple-step interview process, including written and oral portions, which involved the input of dozens of professionals. Every member of the police department was invited to help select the best candidate. Once the city narrowed the candidate selection, Markasky was among the finalists and moved on to the next portion of the interview process—an assessment conducted by the city manager and police chief from separate outside organizations. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDOCHES – Advanced Practice Registered Nurses could soon have full practice authority in rural East Texas according to our news partner KETK.
Rep. Joanne Shofner filed HB 2532 on Feb. 6 that would allow APRNs to practice as independent practitioners. The bill will give APRNs the ability to treat health problems and prescribe medications (including controlled substances).
APRNs’ tasks include treating and diagnosing illnesses, manages chronic disease, advising the public on health issues and engaging in ongoing education to remain ahead of any developments. APRNs have a master’s degree, or higher, while a registered nurse only has standard education and licensing. In order to qualify, APRN’s must apply to the Texas Board of Nursing and pay an application fee. The deadline for the fee will vary by program and school. An advanced practice registered nurse can assess patients, diagnose conditions and prescribe medication, but Curran believes a patient’s safety can still be compromised. Read the rest of this entry »
TEXARKANA – The Texarkana Police Department is currently searching for a driver who was involved in a hit and run that left a woman critically injured on Friday. According to our news partner KETK the woman pedestrian was critically injured after she was hit by a white SUV in the 2300 block of New Boston Road at around 10:20 p.m. on Friday night. Officials are searching for the driver and are asking anyone who lives near the hit and run scene to check their security cameras for a white SUV in the area near that time.
“We’ve been working non-stop all weekend to track down the driver, but we still haven’t been able to identify the vehicle. If you live or work in the area, please check your security cameras! If you see anything that might help—no matter how small—please reach out to us. It could well be the break that we need.”
Texarkana PD
Anyone information can contact Texarkana PD by phone at 903-798-3876 and any video can be submitted to the Texarkana Police Department online through their new online evidence portal.
PALESTINE — Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas man was arrested for multiple drug and firearm charges after a homeowner reported a person was shining a flashlight near their home.
According to the Palestine Police Department, around 4:32 a.m. officers responded to a report of suspicious activity at 2102 Martin Luther King Blvd where they found Lucas Dane Stevens, 31 of Winona, who has multiple felony convictions.
Officials said during the investigation officers found multiple firearms, illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia in Stevens’ truck. Officers discovered over 380 grams of suspected meth, 97 grams of suspected Oxycodone, marijuana, THC vape cartridges and multiple items commonly used for drug trafficking. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that an East Texas State Representative filed a bill on Thursday to position Texas to become a “global leader in advanced nuclear energy”.
State Rep. Cody Harris (R-Palestine) filed House Bill 14 with hopes of it strengthening America’s position as a top exporter of nuclear technology. Harris spoke about the global implications that nuclear technology has on America, and how it is imperative that the U.S. continue to make advancements to avoid being surpassed by rival countries.
“The U.S. must win the nuclear renaissance, we cannot allow Russia or China to dominate the future of nuclear technology,” Harris said. “By stimulating advanced nuclear reactor deployment in Texas, we will deliver safe, reliable energy to Texans”
TYLER — According to our news partner, KETK, a new bill has been introduced in Texas which will require public schools to charge tuition to undocumented students.
At the beginning of Trump’s term, the president signed an executive order that ensures that the federal government protects the American people by executing the immigration laws of the United States. Texas Sen. Bill Hall (R-D2) filed S.B. 1205 that coincides with this executive order and requires undocumented students to pay tuition.
S.B. 1205 will “charge a student…tuition to an amount equal to the districts average cost of providing educational services to students of the same grade level; and document the student’s immigration status in the district’s records, and report that information to the agency.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that CHRISTUS Health has opened a new, multi-provider family medicine and internal medicine clinic in Tyler.
The clinic located at The Village at Cumberland Park in the former BuyBuy Baby building will provide “comprehensive primary care including preventative services, chronic disease management and physical exams for all ages.” The clinic has 30 exam rooms with full-service lab and onsite imaging.
“This is a growing area in Tyler and an area that we saw as an opportunity to expand our footprint and access to care for the community,” Chief Medical Officer for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Dr. Brent Wadle said. “This new location provides more visibility and accessibility to our providers, ensuring we reach as many people as possible. Read the rest of this entry »
Spring Forward – Daylight Saving Time has begun! – Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour as daylight saving time is here.
TYLER – A man was arrested for injury to an elderly individual on Thursday after an elderly woman was brought into a Longview emergency room with serious injuries, according to a press release.
Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies started an investigation after an elderly woman in Smith County was brought into a Longview emergency room on Feb. 4, following a hospice referral.
Officials said the woman had been sitting in a chair in her own waste for two weeks, and that her clothing had to be removed from her skin, causing further injury. Our news partner, KETK, reports that he woman has been put under the care of Adult Protective Services, and is being treated for several serious medical conditions resulting from this neglect. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A Mineola man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Bobby Wayne Land, 48, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle on March 7, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on February 28, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search of Land’s residence in Van Zandt County which resulted in the discovery of approximately 205 grams of methamphetamine. Land admitted that the methamphetamine was his and possessed if for the purpose of distributing to others. Co-defendant, Preston Mitchell Wilson, was sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 120 months in federal prison. Danny Lynn Nabors was also sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 96 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Grand Saline Police Department; the Canton Police Department; and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
PANOLA COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that more than $50,000 of timber was recovered and given back to its owners in Panola County following an investigation.
The Texas A&M Forrest Service Law Enforcement began the investigation in January after Panola County landowners filed a timber theft complaint after they believed that they were given an unjust deal during their negotiations with a timber harvesting company. The harvesting company paid $21,167 for their timber, which landowners believed was significantly lower than what the volume of timber was worth. Investigators determined that the company owed the timber owners an additional $41,655.
On Feb. 21, the harvesting company sent the landowners a full payment, which was valued at $50,240. Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer Jarred Lemmon spoke about the case and how his department’s top priority is protecting the integrity of timber owners and the sales process. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — An East Texas man was arrested after being pulled over twice in three months where authorities reportedly found illegal drugs.
According to our news partner, KETK, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle on Jan. 9 for alleged equipment and moving violations. The driver was identified as Jerrick Munns, of Wills Point. When officers spoke to Munns, he reportedly admitted to having illegal drugs ensuing a search of the vehicle.
Officials found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and a large sum of money.
He was arrested and taken to the Van Zandt County detention center, where he had a medical episode that required attention, officials said. “As a result of Munns’ condition, he was released to medical personnel and a warrant was requested and issued for his arrest for the methamphetamine,” the sheriff’s office. Munns was arrested again on March 3, after he was pulled over for equipment and moving violations. The warrant from the previous encounter was implemented and the Interdiction Team`s K9 arrived to search the vehicle.
“The Interdiction Team`s K9 arrived and alerted to the presence of illegal items in the vehicle,” the sheriff’s office said. “A subsequent search located, suspected methamphetamine, scales, as well as pills suspected of being Trazadone. Marijuana and additional drug paraphernalia were also located.”
Munns was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and manufacturing/delivering of a controlled substance. He is being held at the Van Zandt County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
ANGELINA COUNTY – More than thirty people have been sentenced to federal prison for their connection to an Angelina County methamphetamine distribution ring, according to the Department of Justice. On Monday, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Abe McGlothin, Jr. announced the sentences of 34 people from Lufkin, Houston, Louisiana and Florida who were targets of a five-year long investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine in East Texas.
The investigation was started by Angelina County law enforcement in 2019, according to McGlothin. Our news partner, KETK, has compiled a complete list of the 34 people that have been sentenced for various crimes, including conspiracy to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Read the rest of this entry »
SULPHUR SPRINGS – Cross Spur Cowboy Church is trying to get back on the saddle after Tuesday’s morning storms destroyed their arena.
Pastor Mike Eason heart sank as he pulled up to the gate and saw half the roof in a tangled mess. The arena has been open for 10 years now and has been used to hold events for the Sulphur Springs community and for the last seven years it has been home for the Elite Youth Rodeo Association. Trees are littered across the property and pieces of their buildings are among the horses. The church already had to cancel a rodeo event but they aren’t letting this setback stop their momentum. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A Tyler man has been convicted of federal firearms violations. According to a release from the Eastern District of Texas Public Affairs Office, Francisco Martinez, also known as Cisco, 23, was found guilty by a jury of selling a firearm to a person intending to use it in drug trafficking crimes and possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The verdict was reached following a trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on March 4, 2025.
“This verdict continues to demonstrate how relentless the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office and its FBI and ATF partners will work to combat violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “As promised, my office and our law enforcement partners will find drug and illicit gun dealers and take them off the streets.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is searching for Adisen Anne Daniels, 16, was reported as a runaway on February 24 from an apartment complex on Kinsey Drive in Tyler. Daniels is described as 5’02, 140lb with blue eyes and naturally brown hair dyed red. She also has tattoos of stars on her right hand. She is possibly in the West Tawakoni, Quinlan Texas area.
Police ask that any information be referred to the Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer, Andy Erbaugh.
Authorities say it is a violation of the Texas Penal Code to harbor a runaway child and can lead to up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
TYLER — President Trump held his first Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday night, which garnered various replies from Texas politicians. The address discussed many topics ranging from the president’s plans on enacting tariffs in Mexico and Canada, which has started a trade war in North America, as well as immigration and border control.
East Texas Congressman, Nathaniel Moran, supported Trump’s remarks, noting that the President is “delivering on his promises at an unprecedented pace.”
“My fellow East Texans, thanks to President Trump, America is strong again. In tonight’s joint address, President Trump delivered a clear message of increased liberty and a promise of an abundant life for every American,” he said. “His vision is simple: return power to the people and ensure that all Americans can pursue life, liberty, and happiness. In short, he made clear that the American Dream is still available.” Read the rest of this entry »
WHITEHOUSE — With tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico and China one East Texas business owner is sharing advice on how to avoid the price increase on products.
According to our news partner, KETK, East Texans may be worried about the prices of certain goods, but Wimberly Farm and Ranch in Whitehouse Store Owner, Steven Wimberly, said shopping local is a good way to get around price increases.
Wimberly said the tariffs will have no impact on his business since all of his products are made in Texas. The store gets products from local chicken, horse and cow feed mills across the state made by Texas families. The newly imposed tariffs by the Trump administration could increase prices on certain goods, but Wimberly said the tariffs could level the playing field for certain businesses. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to the National Weather Service, three East Texas counties were hit by tornadoes on Tuesday but no fatalities or injuries were reported.
Our news partner, KETK, reports that in Tyler County, a tornado hit on Tuesday evening. It originated 0.5 miles west of Highway 287, leaving several trees and a few buildings damaged. The tornado moved northeast where it damaged a home and destroyed an outbuilding. Several pine trees were snapped at the trunk and 30% of a roof was peeled off of a home. Further east towards Highway 287, it damaged several trees before it ended near Little Cypress Creek. Following the severe weather, the county issued a Declaration of Disaster on Wednesday. County officials claimed that populated areas could be impacted by flooding, property damage, short-term electrical power and utility outages. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDCOHES COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a Houston man was arrested on Tuesday morning after more than 17 pounds of ecstasy was found in the back of his car.
Donte Demond Brown, 44, was confronted by deputies at a gas station in the 3500 block of South Street after he was seen speeding through a construction zone on U.S. 59 South. Officials said they could smell marijuana as they were approaching Brown’s vehicle, although Brown claimed he did not use drugs. Once deputies searched the vehicle, they reportedly discovered drug paraphernalia and a bag containing pills that were later identified as ecstasy. In the trunk, officials said they found an additional 17.36 pounds of ecstasy, 11.2 ounces of meth and 1.11 pounds of cocaine.
Although deputies said they were unable to confirm whether Brown had recently used drugs, he was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance.
“Each charge carries a possible punishment of five to 99 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. His bonds were set at $80,000 on each charge for a total of $240,000,” the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office said
CHEROKEE COUNTY – The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office conducted two search warrants and a traffic stop on Tuesday leading to the arrest of five people and recovered meth, cocaine, marijuana and firearms according to our news partner KETK.
The first arrest occurred during a traffic stop on Loop 343 in Rusk. During the stop, officials discovered 56 grams of methamphetamine inside the vehicle, officials said. The owner of the vehicle was identified as Joe Castillo, 56 of Rusk. Castillo was arrested and taken to the Cherokee County Jail and was charged with manufacture and delivery of a substance. His bail has been set at $50,000.
First Search Warrant
Following the traffic stop, deputies conducted a search warrant on a home on County Road 1817 in Maydelle. During the search of the property, officials said they recovered 198 grams of methamphetamine along with 12 firearms. The residents of the property were identified as Ronnie Goff, 56, and Lee Deshawn Cockrell, 47. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — Our news partner, KETK, reports that a pedestrian has died, the Longview Police Department said, after a pick up truck reportedly struck them on Tuesday night.
Longview police officers responded to the call on Tuesday at around 9:14 p.m. in the 200 block of West Loop 281. An initial investigation shows that a man was crossing the roadway “at an improper location” when a pick up truck traveling eastbound struck him.
Authorities said the pedestrian was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, and an investigation is still in progress.
RUSK COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office arrested five people on Feb. 28 after drugs were seized along with a firearm.
An investigation led county law enforcement to Henderson, where they carried out a controlled substance search warrant at the Woodlawn Hills Hotel on U.S. Highway 79. Authorities said they found 39 individual packages of suspected cocaine and a firearm in the possession of Cameron Horn, 23 of Henderson. She has since been charged with manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and received bonds totaling $65,500.
She was also wanted on a Harris County warrant. Officials said, Tamara Simon, 44 of Henderson, was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine. She was charged with possession of a controlled substance and received bonds totaling $10,000.Jayme Hogan, 20, and Aaron Yelverton, 22, were reportedly found in possession of suspected concentrated THC. Each were charged with the state jail felony possession of a controlled substance in penalty group two and received bonds of $10,000 separately.From Longview, Harold Holman, 31, had an outstanding Rusk County warrant for possession of marijuana and was given a $1,000 bond.
Future arrests are expected as the investigation continues and the sheriff’s office said no further information will be released at this time.
CAMP COUNTY– Our news partner, KETK, reports that two people had to be rescued from their RV’s following Tuesday morning’s intense thunderstorms.
The dangerous wind blew cabins into campers and overturned RV’s at Barefoot Bay RV Park on Lake Bob Sandlin in Pittsburg.
Vaia Hernandez was one of the people entrapped in her camper. Her RV was picked up by the intense winds and flipped it over on its side. A tree fell on her truck, leaving both properties a total loss.
“I don’t think you can repair this, I kind of don’t want to bother with it, I don’t want to look at it anymore, it’s just it’s traumatizing,” Hernandez said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — As much of East Texas was under a thunderstorm or tornado warning on Tuesday morning. Our news partner, KETK, has compiled pictures sent in from the community.
To view those pictures, click here.
TYLER – After severe weather hit East Texas on Tuesday morning, about 80,000 customers are reportedly without power as of 12 p.m.
Our news partner, KETK, has compiled a list of East Texas counties from the Texas power outage map and electric co-ops with power outages. To view that list, click here.
TYLER— As East Texas battles the storms, some roads have been shut down due to flooding, damages or car crashes.
Our news partner, KETK, has a full and updated list of road closures. To view that list, click here.
TYLER — Our news partner, KETK, reports that staff were evacuated at People’s Petroleum in Tyler Monday afternoon after smoke was coming from the building.
According to Tyler Fire Department Assistant Chief Kelly Adkinson, when firefighters arrived they found no smoke but made the decision to evacuate people to investigate the situation. Adkinson said after Encore arrived they determined it was an electrical issue with an underground transformer located under College Street. Due to a strong smell of smoke, firefighters performed ventilation to help clear the smell out.
Officials said there were no injuries reported and staff and patrons were allowed to reenter the building after around 30 minutes.