Today is
Saturday July 25, 2026
PALESTINE – The City of Palestine said they’re planning a temporary water outage for a part of West Reagan Street this Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, the outage is being done for utilities work and will impact West Reagan Street from South Durrance Street to South Fulton Street on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience,†the City of Palestine said.
To learn more, visit the City of Palestine online.
UPDATE: Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace identified James Robert Belcher as the worker who was found dead at a cell tower in Trinity on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Wallace said that Belcher’s next of kin has been notified.
TRINITY COUNTY — A man was found dead after he apparently fell off a cell tower he was working on near State Highway 94, Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said.
According to Wallace, the sheriff’s office got a call at around 7:15 a.m. on Tuesday from Mastec Network Solutions. The company asked them to do a welfare check at a cellphone tower located at 7587 State Highway 94 after worker assigned to that tower didn’t return home on Monday. When deputies arrived, they found the man dead after he seemingly fell off a platform raised about eight feet in the air, Wallace said.
The sheriff’s office is currently investigating the worker’s death.
CANTON – The Elmo Fire Department confirmed that one person was injured in a crash involving three 18-wheelers on Interstate 20 west of Canton on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the driver of one of the 18-wheelers was flown to a hospital in Tyler after being extracted from the truck cab.
WINNSBORO– Our KETK news partner reports that a 74-year-old East Texas man has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison after a 2020 murder in Winnsboro.
According to the Wood County Criminal District Attorney, police arrested Billy Dwaine Cotten, 74, of Winnsboro, on May 13 of 2020 after they found him covered in the blood of Steven Wayne Lancaster. Officers were responding to reports of a stabbing at Bob’s Garage on East Carnegie Street, Albers said.
They found Lancaster on the floor of the garage and he was rushed to the where he later died, according to a press release. Cotten was still at the scene and he reportedly told the officers “he kicked me and I stabbed him.â€
Cotten also reportedly told law enforcement that he and Lancaster were arguing about a scooter battery when the argument got physical. Cotten is quoted by officials as saying he “had to kill [Lancaster] or [Lancaster would] stomp me in the ground.†Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that a 37-year-old Tyler man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison with out parole for sexually abusing two children. The Tyler Police Department investigated the case into Saldierna.
Jorge Perez Saldierna, 37 of Tyler, was convicted and sentenced for continuous sexual abuse of of two children under 14 on Wednesday in the 114th District Court of Smith County, according to a press release.
The district attorney’s office said that Saldierna “subjected his two victims to various types of sexual abuse over several years†and was “mostly emotionless when the jury sentenced him to 50 years confinement without parole.†The prosecutors in his case, Emil Mikkelsen and Catherine McQueen, had the victims, their families and an expert from the Children’s Advocacy Center in Tyler testify at trial.
According to a press release, the expert testified about how children speak out about abuse and the barriers that can prevent them from coming forward after abuse happens. “The Children’s Advocacy Center is an invaluable partner in the fight against child abuse,†said Smith County District Attorney, Jason Putman.
TEXARKANA – Our news partner, KETK, reports that the Texarkana Police Department has arrested a man for unauthorized use of a vehicle after a chase on Tuesday.
According to Texarkana PD, an officer saw a car that matched the description of a stolen vehicle at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday morning. Officials said the officer then reportedly turned to follow the vehicle.
“As soon as he went to turn around, the driver hit the gas and tried to make a quick getaway—speeding through alleys like he was in a high-speed chase scene from a movie. Unfortunately for him, real life doesn’t come with a stunt coordinator,†Texarkana PD said.
Officials said the driver tried to onto West 6th Street and lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a fence in the process. After crashing, the driver got out and fled into the woods nearby. Texarkana PD officer Cole Bredenberg and K9 officer Thor arrived on the scene and reportedly found the driver within minutes, Texarkana PD said in a post on Thursday.
Johnny Washington, 63 of Texarkana, Arkansas, was arrested and jail records show he was booked into the Bi-state Jail on a total bond of $20,000 for the charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and fleeing or attempting to allude a police officer.
HENDERSON COUNTY – Our KETK news partner reports that baggies of marijuana and suspected methamphetamine, individually packaged for distribution, were found in a shoebox during a Wednesday night traffic stop.
According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, investigators stopped Robert Martel Moreno, 55 of Mabank, who was driving a black sedan, shortly after 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of East Quanah Road and Spearman Street. A deputy and his K-9 were called to scene where a positive alert for narcotics was given, HCSO said.
“Narcotics investigators conducted a search of the vehicle and located a white shoe box with a large amount of suspected methamphetamine that was individually packaged for distribution,†the sheriff’s office said. “Also located inside the white shoe box were two Ziploc baggies of marijuana.â€
Moreno was placed under arrest and taken to the Henderson County Jail. He was charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
MOUNT SELMAN – Our KETK news partner reports that authorities responded to a two-vehicle crash on Highway 69. According to Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson, deputies were on the scene responding to the crash around 8:30 a.m. “This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is available,†DPS Sgt. Chris Williamson said.
Brayden Siau, KETK morning meteorologist, said fog occurs because temperatures and dew points are very close together causing air to become saturated and condense. “We could have fog around the next few mornings as we’ll have pretty mild temperatures in the mornings,†Siau said. “But as we go into next week we should start to see some cooler air, so the fog won’t be a problem anymore.â€
KETK crews on the scene saw at least two people taken by ambulance. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
TYLER– Our news partner, KETK, reports that a middle school student is in the hospital after a Thursday morning pedestrian crash near Tyler Junior College, officials said. Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said officers responded to South Clayton Avenue and East Fifth Street in front of TJC around 7:30 a.m. for a pedestrian vs. vehicle crash.
According to Jennifer Hines, Tyler ISD director of communications, the student was trying to cross a street when they were hit by a vehicle. The child did not have major injuries but Hines said they were hospitalized and is in the company of their parent. Erbaugh said the driver cooperated and stayed at the scene.
Tyler ISD officials want drivers to always be cautious but especially during their morning and afternoon commutes and when they are in school zones and crosswalks.
ANGELINA COUNTY — A Canadian national is in custody following an Angelina County traffic stop that led deputies to believe she was “engaging in multi-national arms smuggling.†According to our news partner KETK, deputies on patrol on US 59 near the north side of Lufkin witnessed a 2024 Toyota Corolla speeding and conducted a traffic stop on Wednesday evening. Officials identified the driver as a “Lyft ride sharing driver from Houston.†When speaking to the driver, deputies allegedly smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and conducted a probable cause search for contraband.
Deputies reportedly located marijuana in the car and two large bags in the trunk. The Lyft customer, later identified as Canadian national Jahtaya O’Day Jah-Kiara Hamilton of Leamington, Ontario, stated the bags belong to her.
When officers opened the bags, a large quantity of handguns with a short barrel rifle, magazines and ammunition were found. Deputies determined there were 20 semi-automatic pistols. The sheriff’s office said a number of these pistols were reported stolen out of the Houston area. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — One person is dead following a deputy-involved shooting in Lindale. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a threat call at a business in Lindale on Tuesday at around 12:50 p.m. The caller said Jonathan Layton had recently been terminated and had made threats that “he was going home and would return to the business to kill them.â€
Before officials arrived, Layton had left the business and a description of his vehicle was released. A responding deputy noticed the suspect vehicle headed south on US 69 prior to receiving the information. Officials attempted to contact Layton at the 13200 block of CR 4109 east of Lindale, and found his vehicle in the front yard of a residence.
“When deputies attempted to contact Layton at the residence, he turned around holding a handgun pointed in their direction. One of the deputies fired at Layton with his duty weapon incapacitating him,†Smith County officials said. Read the rest of this entry »
WINNSBORO — According to our news partner KETK, a traffic stop led to the arrest of a Winnsboro woman after officers found and seized methamphetamine, mushrooms and cannabis concentrate. The Winnsboro Police Department said officers conducted a traffic stop for speeding in the 900 block of Gilmer Road. The officer reportedly smelled marijuana coming from the car and the driver, Jamie Abbott, allegedly admitted to having narcotics inside the vehicle.
“Officer Hanner was able to recover over 20 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle as well as psilocybin mushrooms, multiple controlled substance medications, THC wax and drug paraphernalia,†the police department said. Abbott was then arrested for possession of a controlled substance and taken to the Wood County Jail where she’s being held on a $25,000 bond.
TYLER – It’s just hours before voting locations open on election day and work doesn’t stop for poll workers. According to our news partner KETK, they spent the day loading up equipment and moving it out to voting locations. “We are also, we’re finishing counting absentee ballots, our mail ballots,†Smith County election administrator Michelle Allcon said.
Before walking in and casting your ballot, there are a few things you need to remember.
“You can’t wear any paraphernalia campaigning, electioneering t-shirts, hats, buttons, things like that,†Allcon said. Firearms are not allowed and absolutely no electronic devices are allowed in when you come to vote.
“If you have your notes on which candidates you want to vote for or against write it on a sheet of paper, bring that sheet of paper in because you won’t be able to use your cell phone with your notes on it,†Allcon said.
Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – Smith County party chairs said they hope Tuesday’s early morning showers don’t deter anyone from making their voice heard. Just hours away from Election Day, our news partner KETK reports that both the Smith County Democratic and Republican parties believe local, state and national races are going in a positive direction.
A new problem that’s risen up and could affect voting in East Texas is the weather. Even though rain is expected to linger into the first hours of Election Day, Democratic Party chair, Hector Garza said its still important to get in line.
“It’s important enough to weather the storm. It’s important enough to take an umbrella if it’s raining. This is this is your right, this is something that you do,†said Hector Garza, the Smith County Democratic Party Chair. Read the rest of this entry »
SULPHUR SPRINGS – Sulphur Springs ISD is in mourning after the district said that two first graders and their father died in a crash on Saturday. The Texas Department of Public Safety said the crash happened at around 7 p.m. on Saturday when a GMC Yukon heading east on State Highway 49 in Morris County failed to stay in one lane and hit two oncoming vehicles.
The first vehicle hit had three people in it who DPS said were taken to a local hospital to be treated. The second vehicle hit also had three people in it, two who were pronounced dead at the scene and another victim who died later that night at a local hospital, according to DPS. DPS added that the driver of the GMC was taken to a local hospital where they are in critical condition. Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN – Lufkin ISD said the Lufkin High School cheerleading squad was heading to a competition in Rosenberg on Sunday morning when their bus crashed. According to our news partner KETK, three students were taken to receive medical attention at a local hospital after the bus was involved in a crash in Houston. 36 students and several adults were reportedly on the bus when it crashed. Two of the three students taken for medical attention have been released while one is still being held for observation, the district said. The rest of the team is being transported back to Lufkin.
“Lufkin ISD appreciates the support and assistance of first responders, staff and parents who arrived on the scene,†said Lufkin ISD.
NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, Nacogdoches County Sheriff deputies were dispatched to do a welfare check in the 16000 block of U.S. 59 North at around 7 a.m. on Sunday morning. Shortly after the call for the check came in, more calls came in about shots fired. NCSO SWAT officers, the Nacogdoches Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety and Nacogdoches County EMS were all dispatched to respond to the reports of shots fired.
The man was eventually contacted and taken into custody at around 8:30 a.m. without any incident or injuries reported. He was then taken to a local hospital to be evaluated, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials said an investigation into the standoff is underway.
TYLER – The Tyler Police Department said that one person was taken to the emergency room after a shooting on Saturday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, officials received a report of a suspicious noise or gunshots around 4:50 from the area of West 5th Street and South Englewood Avenue. Arriving officers learned that one person had been shot and was taken to a local emergency room. The victim reportedly suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound after a disturbance between several people. The investigation is ongoing.
HENDERSON COUNTY – An 83-year-old Crockett man was charged with promoting child pornography into Henderson County and arrest documents allege he was in the process of downloading the material when an investigator stopped by. According to our news partner KETK, an investigation began on Oct. 2 when a device successfully downloaded files that contained child porn and later the IP address was traced back to a Crockett home.
On Oct. 24 an investigator stopped by the home and made contact with Bert Franklin Burris, 83 of Crockett, who was sitting at his computer in the living room, documents said. “The suspect stated that he does download and watch child pornography on a regular basis and the youngest child that he remembers seeing in child pornography is approximately 5 years of age,†the affidavit said.
Burris then told the investigator that he was downloading the material onto his computer when he made contact with him and that he had been viewing child pornography since he was about 50-years-old, the arrest documents said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – For the past two weeks people have been able to get out and vote early before Election Day on Nov. 5. But as we get into the final hours some counties are seeing fewer people turning up to the polls. Smith County is worried about what election day will look like after getting a low turnout on Friday, according to our news partner KETK.
“Early voting started out really very, very strong,†but the last few days had been slow, so we’re hoping to pick up because our goal is to beat 2020, That is extremely low for the last day of early voting†Smith County election administrator Michelle Allcon said.
Polling locations have run across a few issues this year and are reminding people to follow the Texas election code when voting. “Please don’t wear your hats or your t-shirts or your buttons, keep your flags in the car,†Allcon said.
End of Daylight Saving Time: Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour! It’s time to fall back! Sunday, Nov. 2 at 2 a.m., clocks are set back one hour as daylight saving time ends.
MINEOLA — WorldAtlas listed the top nine most comfortable towns in Texas for seniors, deeming them as charming towns ideal to settle down due to their slow paced life, cozy natural setting and outdoor activities. Both Mineola and Hawkins represented East Texas on the list. You can view the entire list here.
TYLER – Cumberland Academy announced layoffs to many staff members in an email sent to Cumberland parents and the Tyler community this week according to our news partner KETK. In the message, superintendent Charles Pulliam explained the private school is facing a shortfall of $2 million.
“Due to the state’s five-year funding freeze, the end of federal COVID relief, inflationary pressures, and rising operational costs,†said Pulliam in the letter.
Because of these factors, the school district said its necessary to consolidate, reduce and realign staff.
“We were blindsided,†said Jennifer Blake, one concerned mother. Jennifer Blake is just one of many parents with students at Cumberland Academy who received the following email on Wednesday afternoon. She said that the teachers were given little to no notice and little severance pay.
CORRIGAN – Gov. Greg Abbott visited East Texas on Wednesday for a $211 million expansion of a timber manufacturing company. According to our news partner KETK, RoyOMartin is expanding its wood manufacturing efforts in the Piney Woods. Their Corrigan plant, Corrigan OSB, LLC is now the largest facility of its type in the nation.
Executive Vice President of Manufacturing and Product Sales Terry Secrest said the new development will create 300 new jobs for the area. “These are not low-level entry type jobs that people can create a career with, and they can continue with a lifetime employment here continuing to learn and grow and excel,†Secrest said.
While speaking to a crowed of more than 200 entrepreneurs and workers, Abbott assured the new plan will put out more products and help Texas build new homes. Read the rest of this entry »
CAMP COUNTY — On Wednesday, East Texans voiced their frustrations in a packed meeting all against a proposed reservoir that would force them out of their homes. According to our news partner KETK, the Marvin Nichols Reservoir project would flood at least 66,000 acres of land in the Region “D†area. The project is spearheaded by Region “C†within the Texas Water Development Board. Region “C†is the DFW area and Region “D†encompasses Red River, Lamar, Delta and Titus counties. The reservoir has been in the works for decades to pump water from East Texas to the DFW area. Generations of East Texans say they are fed up fighting for their properties since the 1960s.
Dozens of residents are opposed to the project that would flood land where their homes, businesses and schools currently exist. “We just don’t want the lake. We want it to go away and never be heard of again,†Red River County resident David Stewart said.
Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, Smith County election officials are reminding voters to leave their campaign gear at home when they head to the voting booth. The Texas election code is clear, stating a person can not wear political gear when heading to vote. The law prohibits political shirts, hats, signs or other campaign gear in a 100-foot area around polling stations. It’s a crime called electioneering. The any clothing worn can’t express preference for any candidate, measure or political party.
In the first week of early voting, Smith County poll workers said they saw a lot of people wearing political shirts and caps when they showed up to vote. Smith County voter, Craig Pearson believes people should wear what they want to the polls. “I don’t feel that’s right. I don’t think it is. What are they afraid of, that they’re going to actually see an opposing opinion? Not everybody’s the same, the world’s different,†said Craig Pearson, Smith County voter.
In San Antonio, things turned violent over the weekend. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — A grand jury found a Louisiana man guilty of murdering an East Texas deputy on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the prosecutors are now seeking the death penalty.
Gregory Newson, was accused of shooting and killing William Chris Dickerson, a Panola County deputy during a traffic stop on New Year’s Eve in 2019. Newson was accused of fleeing the scene, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash. The prosecutors asked the jury to look at the evidence in this case when making their decision. During closing statements, the state reviewed evidence, replayed body and dash camera video body which depicted the deputy being shot and Newson driving away.
“Your verdict today is not going to bring Chris Dickerson back,†Wes May, a state lawyer said. “It’s not going to fill the hole left in the shield that these men and women who testified in this case and who Chris himself represented, but it will be one step toward taking justice.â€
LONGVIEW– Our KETK News partner reports that A jury found Gregory Newson guilty for the murder of Panola County deputy William Chris Dickerson on Monday afternoon. Trial started on Monday.
Gregory Newson’s trial started in Gregg County on Wednesday morning.
It was moved out of Panola County, where the accused crime took place, after a judge determined that an impartial and fair trial could not happen there. The state is seeking the death penalty and Newson has pleaded not guilty.
Newson was charged and is accused of shooting and killing Panola County Sheriff’s deputy William Chris Dickerson. He is also accused of fleeing the scene, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a crash in Louisiana back in 2019.
Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – Charges are pending following a Friday night domestic shooting where a homeowner’s relative made forced entry and sustained life-threatening injuries, the Longview Police Department said. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to a domestic call shortly before 11 p.m. in the 600 block of Ridgelea Avenue where they found a 38-year-old man with a gunshot wound.
Investigators said the shooting was a result of a fight between family members. Police said the man who was shot made forced entry into a family members home and was seriously injured after the resident shot him. Police said the man was taken to a local hospital with life threatening injuries and charges are pending.
Airdate: 10/26/24
Guests: Jeremy Flowers and Nicole Henry with the East Texas Crisis Center