Today is
Sunday July 26, 2026
TYLER – Love Thy City took over the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center on Saturday, to help out the East Texas community. According to our news partner KETK, Marvin Methodist Church pastor and Love Thy City board of directors’ member Doug Baker stated, “400 volunteers from various churches, nonprofit organizations and 55 or more churches represented the community.†This was the first year for the event and lines were wrapped around buildings as more than 4,200 people received counseling, supplies and food vouchers. Everything was free for the community to get the assistance they needed. “It is just simply showing up and signing up and registering and then allowing us to do what we want to do, which is love on the community of Tyler,†St. James CME pastor and Love Thy City board of directors’ member, Brian Lightener said. Guests also enjoyed messages from local pastors as they enjoyed time with other community members. Love Thy City is already planning for next year’s event and said they hope it will be bigger and better.
GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Police Department said that they’ve arrested a 74-year-old man in connection to a shooting that happened on Saturday at 220 S. Ferry Street. According to our news partner KETK, Gladewater PD officers responded to the scene after a 911 call reported the shooting at around 11:16 p.m. on Saturday. Upon their arrival, Sheri Shanell Evans was found at a South Ferry Street residence with a gunshot wound. The Gladewater Fire Department and Christus EMS provided medical assistance to Evans, but she died at the scene. The Gladewater Criminal Investigation Division then responded to the scene to start their investigation. Jonie Mack Bowser, 74 of Gladewater, who was at the scene when officers first arrived, was arrested in connection to the fatal shooting. He’s currently being held at the Gregg County Jail on a charge of murder. “The loss of Sheri Evans is a tragedy, and our hearts go out to her family and loved ones during this difficult time. We are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this incident,†said Gladewater PD interim police chief, Kyle Ready. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Gladewater Police Department at 903-845-2166 or the Crime Stoppers at 903-236-7867.
HENDERSON – The Henderson Police Department is searching for a suspect in connection to a shooting that happened in the 1200 block of US Highway 79 North on Saturday. According to our news partners KETK, Henderson PD officers responded to the scene after they got reports of a shooting at around 1 a.m. on Saturday. Crime scene detectives were called out to the scene and determined that a shooting did happen but luckily no one was reported as injured.
Witnesses described a potential suspect as a black male with short hair who wore a red Kansas City Chiefs jersey, white Air Jordans and blue jeans. Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call the Henderson Police Department at 903-657-3512.
CHEROKEE COUNTY — The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office said 42-year-old Katherine Renee Sawyer has been arrested after transporting her children in the cargo area of a U-Haul truck. Sawyer was reportedly driving the truck along with a 3-year-old and a 4-year-old in the cargo area, along with a 17-year-old in the passenger seat. Read the rest of this entry »
RUSK – Our news partner KETK is reporting that over the past seven months, the Wisconsin-based “Freedom From Religion Foundation†(FFRF) sent three letters to Rusk ISD, asking the district to stop their student-led prayers before football games, claiming they are unconstitutional. FFRF is a national non-profit that advocates for atheists, agnostics, and non-theists. However, the district’s superintendent said no laws are being broken.
The FFRF said they were contacted by two Rusk community members, filing complaints about the student-led prayers before district football games. The Rusk ISD superintendent, Grey Burton, recently posted to his personal Facebook page addressing the foundation’s request. The post read, “If we want America to be great again then we can’t let groups or individuals continue removing God and Jesus from the fabric of our society.†The post went on to say “We want protections and blessings for our students, staff and community.†Read the rest of this entry »
TEXARKANA — According to our news partner KETK, Texarkana High School band instructor has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison on Tuesday after coercing students to participate in sexual activities. Officials said Sams communicated with several students through social media and messaging applications where he persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced them to participate in sexual activity.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Texas said Brandon Neil Sams, 48, pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor while being a band instructor at Texas High School in Texarkana. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A Tyler woman has been sentenced to prison for driving while under the influence causing her 9-year-old daughter’s death. According to our news partner KETK, Krystle Medeiros, 38 of Tyler, was sentenced to 40 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to murder and two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury. Medeiros’ daughter succumbed to her injuries the following day.
According to an arrest warrant, on Jan. 4 a red Chevrolet Trailblazer SUV “was driving on the wrong side of the roadway†causing a head-on crash on SH 64. Both occupants of the Trailblazer, Medeiros and her daughter, were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Read the rest of this entry »
JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville police are looking for a man they say is armed and dangerous after a shooting early Tuesday morning on Elm Street. According to our news partner KETK, Damian Charles Smith, 28, has several warrants including one for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He’s the primary suspect in a Tuesday morning shooting that left one man injured. He’s described as 5’11†and 150 pounds. Cherokee County Crime Stoppers are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
DIANA — According to our news partner KETK, Amy Marzano, a soon-to-be junior at New Diana High School, died on Wednesday following a medical emergency, Superintendent Marshall Moore said. Marzano was a dedicated majorette in the high school band and during practice Wednesday morning, she experienced a medical emergency that was reportedly not related to the activity.
“She was immediately transported by ambulance to Longview Regional Hospital, where the medical staff worked tirelessly to stabilize her condition,†New Diana ISD officials said. “Despite their best efforts, Amy was placed on life support and tragically passed away at 2:53 p.m.â€
The district said to provide support during this difficult time, the band hall will be open on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for anyone wishing to speak with counselors and support staff.
LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, a female victim with two gunshot wounds was found by Longview Police and a suspect was arrested on Wednesday, the department said. Detectives identified 21-year-old LaQualon Hale, of Longview, as a suspect and arrested him on Wednesday for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and family violence, a release said.
According to Longview PD, they were called to a shooting at around 6:20 p.m. on Monday in the 300 block of Margo Street when they found the victim. The victim, whose identity was not been released, was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Longview PD said the event was a domestic shooting and want to remind people that resources for those in abusive relationships are available.
“Resources available in the area include the Women’s Center of East Texas in Longview, Texas at 1-800-441-5555 and the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE (7233),†Longview PD said.
TYLER — According to our news Partner KETK, SWEPCO released estimated restoration times as they work to restore power to East Texas cities affected by severe damage from Beryl. The electric company said as of 7 p.m., power has been restored to nearly 36,000 customers so far. You can find the SWEPCO estimated restoration times for areas impacted by the storm here. Or sign up for email or text alerts for direct updates on estimated restoration time at their home or business. To sign up, customers can visit the SWEPCO website. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, a 19-year-old killed in a July 4 fatal shooting in Tyler was shot with an AK-47 style rifle after his friends car made a U-turn behind Bautista Auto, an arrest affidavit showed. The affidavit describes how Rawly Sanchez, 19, and his friends had to do a U-turn when they realized Old Gladewater Highway wouldn’t take them to Montgomery Gardens. When they turned behind Bautista Auto the driver reported seeing a person in a building with an AK-47-style rifle who started shooting at them.
Rawly was hit by the rifle and his friends took him to be treated at a local hospital where he died. Around the same time a Tyler Police Department officer was driving by Bautista Auto when he saw white Ford Explorer with bullet holes in the side. When the officer came back later the Ford was gone and then Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene. Read the rest of this entry »
NEW BOSTON – The New Boston Police Department is searching for a suspect in connection to a shooting that left one victim dead and another in critical condition on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to a reported shooting in the 300 block of N. Lindsey St. around 5:42 p.m. on Saturday. When New Boston PD officers got to the scene they found one victim who had been shot in the lower chest and back and another victim who was shot in the right shoulder and upper chest. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene and the other is in critical condition at a local hospital, according to a New Boston PD press release.
According to the press release, officials have already detained one person in connection to the shooting and now they’re searching for another. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN – According to our news partner KETK, Melissa Davis, the chief of police at Van Police Department, was fired on Monday, according to the mayor of Van, Tammy Huff.
The City Council held a closed session at 7 p.m. on Friday to discuss “the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of the Police Chief.†The council voted unanimously to table the matter until their next meeting on Thursday, July 11. “The status right now is she was terminated by our city manager, John Desha, on Monday, July 1,†Huff said. “That’s really all I can talk about, because it’s a personnel matter.â€
According to Clint McNear with the Texas Municipal Police Association, Davis was fired by the city manager John Desha via letter on Monday after Davis reportedly didn’t want to fine victims of graffiti and instead organized the community to help clean the graffiti.
HENDERSON COUNTY – A 40-year-old drowned on Independence Day near Mabank. According to our news partner KETK, authorities said that at 8:34 p.m. they were alerted to a drowning incident in Hidden Hills Harbor where callers said a man went under and never resurfaced. Payne Springs Fire Rescue and the Texas Game Wardens arrived on scene and were assisted by Gun Barrel City Fire and Long Cove Fire for their boats. The side scan sonars on the boats helped locate and recover the victim.
TYLER – As crowds celebrating Independence Day at Lake Tyler start arriving, residents in the area ask that people practice safety and do their part to keep the lake clean. Residents want visitors to know that they are welcome to celebrate but want to remind them that it is their home, and they want to keep it beautiful. According to our news partner KETK, a nonprofit in the area is also helping keep the area clean.
Although keeping the lake clean is one priority, another is safety to prevent anyone from getting hurt while on the water. People in the area said law enforcement will be patrolling Lake Tyler so it’s a great place to bring the family. Read the rest of this entry »
PALESTINE — Two people were arrested on Friday in Palestine after reportedly holding a woman against her will at a Palestine motel. According to our news partner KETK, the Palestine police officers were dispatched to a motel in Palestine after receiving text messages from their 911 system from a woman claiming she was being held by a man and asked for help. Officers knocked at the door of the motel room and got no answer. Hotel staff told officers that the room was rented by a woman identified as Cesilia Salinas. Salinas was wanted on felony warrants from Smith County and had a bond totaling $500,000.
“The texts indicated that the victim was in the room with the male and a female who were drunk and using methamphetamine. The victim claimed she was being thrown to the bed when she tried to get up to leave and she stated she was scared,†Palestine PD said. The victim reportedly said Salinas was flushing methamphetamine while officers were attempting to breach the door. When officers entered the room, they found Salinas hiding in the bathroom. Read the rest of this entry »
CUSHING – Our news partner KETK is reporting that one driver was injured after being ejected in a rollover crash on FM 225 near Cushing on Sunday. The crash happened on Sunday afternoon at around 2:19 p.m. in the 7900 block of FM 225. The Lilbert-Looneyville Volunteer Fire Department said that the rollover happened when the truck’s front left tire blew out and the driver lost control before being ejected from the vehicle. The driver was then taken by Nacogdoches County EMS to be treated at a local hospital. The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS also responded to the scene.
KILGORE – Kilgore officials have said that a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 shutdown east bound traffic on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened near the 589 A exit and involved multiple vehicles and reported livestock. Law enforcement will continue to be on the scene for a while as they clear vehicles and livestock from the roadway.
The Kilgore Police Department reported that Interstate 20 was shutdown at Highway 42 and diverted on to FM 1252.
NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches Police Department said that a man drowned at Lake Nacogdoches on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to the west side park at the lake at around 7:11 p.m. after getting reports of a man who possibly drowned. Nacogdoches PD, Nacogdoches Fire Department, Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Game Wardens all searched the area for the man. The Nacogdoches Police and Fire Rescue Dive Team were then called in to help and they found the man hours later, reportedly near where he last went under the water.
Preliminary Information gathered from the area showed that Caleb Arthurs, 37 of Nacogdoches, was swimming at the lake with friends and family when he was last seen, a Nacogdoches PD press release shows. Justice of the Peace Pct. 1 has requested that an autopsy be done and Nacogdoches PD said more information will be released when available.
The City of Nacogdoches Parks and Recreation Department announced that the swimming area at Lake Nacogdoches West will be closed until further notice.
LAKE LIVINGSTON – The Trinity River Authority declared a “potential failure watch†for the Lake Livingston Dam spillway on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the dam’s spillway was reportedly “adversely impacted†by the heavy rainfall that recently hit the area and caused flooding across Trinity and Polk counties. Officials said that while there is no immediate danger of the dam failing, there is a potential remote chance that the dam could fail. The dam will continue to operate as necessary but the dam’s spillway will be monitored, evaluated and repaired as needed.
To learn more about the declaration, call 877-352-3247 or visit the Trinity River Authority online. Read the rest of this entry »
SHELBY COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, the Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative has announced that there will be a planned power outage near Huxley on Wednesday. The outage will last from around 1:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. while crews perform substation maintenance. The following areas will reportedly be affected by the power outage: FM 417 to around the 4000 block, north on FM 3172 to the FM 139 bridge, Huxley, Huxley Bay, Ragtown, Rolling Hills and Doyle English.
The cooperative said that affected customers will get a call on Tuesday. To learn more call 866-392-2547 or visit Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative online.
HENDERSON COUNTY – The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said that a man was arrested after suspected methamphetamine and fentanyl were found during a traffic stop on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, at around 3 p.m. on Thursday a Henderson County Sheriff’s Office deputy reportedly did a traffic stop on a white 2019 Dodge Challenger for an alleged traffic violation. A Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office K9 deputy also assisted in the stop, according to officials. K9 Vinnie did a “free air sniff†and reportedly alerted the deputies for narcotics. The Challenger was searched and suspected methamphetamines and suspected fentanyl were found.
Aaron Chase Calvert, 28 of Mabank, was then arrested for two counts of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance between four and 200 grams. He’s being held in the Henderson County Jail on a total $200,000 bond.
TRINITY COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a woman accused of hitting a motorcyclist and evading arrest is wanted in Trinity County, the sheriff’s office said. According to a release, the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to an accident in front of the Riverside Exxon on Thursday where a truck reportedly hit a motorcycle. Angela Fannin, identified as the truck driver, reportedly didn’t stop to give the motorcyclist aid.
“The Trinity Police Department responded to Fannin’s residence attempting to apprehend her. Fannin fled on foot to an unknown location at this time,†a release said.
Anyone with information on Fannin’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 936-642-1424.
TYLER – Smith County Emergency Services District #2 (ESD2) said one person died after a two-vehicle crash occurred on Old Jacksonville Highway near Toll 49 on Friday. Nikki Simmons with Smith County ESD2 said the crash occurred when a Jeep and an SUV collided. The driver of the Jeep reportedly died after being ejected during the crash. Smith County ESD2 responded to the scene along with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, DPS, the Smith County Fire Marshall’s Office and UT Health EMS.
According to our news partner KETK, the driver of the SUV was taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. The roadway was cleared as of 7:56 p.m.
HARRISON COUNTY – Officials in Harrison County said they are looking for a wanted fugitive. According to our news partner KETK, Kyler McBride, 28, is wanted for the following charges: engaging in organized criminal activity, two charges of burglary of a building, criminal mischief, theft of material alum./copper/brass (less than $20,000), theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000 and criminal trespass. McBride is described by authorities as a white male, 5’7″, about 190 pounds with brown hair and eyes.
Anyone with information on McBride’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Harrison County Criminal Investigation Division at 903-923-4000. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK, East Texas schools are urgently searching for applicants ahead of the new school year. Longview Independent School District is currently hiring more than 20 positions. LISD and Chapel Hill ISD are hiring transportation, child nutritionists and groundskeeper positions. Tyler ISD is also looking to add people to their team: principals, coaches, teachers and several other roles.
They want to bring in great people before the first bell rings in August so schools are ready to lead students into a new successful school year. All districts are looking for people who are passionate about shaping young minds.
UPDATE: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office said Spykes is in custody.
TRINITY COUNTY – The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a manhunt for a person that was reportedly involved in a shooting on Tuesday. Spykes was allegedly involved in a shooting, in which the victim’s condition is currently unknown. Spykes is described as 6 foot 1 inch, with brown hair and blue eyes. The sheriff’s office said he was wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans and white shoes.
According to our news partner KETK, officials are searching for Shyan Spykes who was last seen at around 12:30 p.m. at the Pine Crest subdivision. Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace said they have dealt with Spykes in the past. Read the rest of this entry »
GREGG COUNTY – The Gregg County Sheriff’s Office is looking to bring a teenage girl home safely after she was last seen on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, the sheriff’s office is seeking information on 17-year-old Halo Faith Bumstead’s whereabouts after being reported missing. Bumstead is described as 5 foot 7 inches, biracial, has ear and tongue piercings. She was reportedly wearing light blue shorts, white shirt with dark blue pinstripes. Officials said she was last seen near 100 Home Place Circle near Gladewater.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-236-8400 or local law enforcement and refer to the case #C24-08991.
UPDATE: A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened for Smith County on Saturday, June 22 at the R.B. Hubbard Center (The Hub) at 304 E. Ferguson St. in Tyler.
SMITH COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK, the center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Staff from the Small Business Administration, Lone Star Legal and Crisis Response Ministries will also be at the center along with FEMA to help residents, according to Smith County officials.
“We are here, we are your one-stop shop to come out and see how we might be able to assist you, we are trying to meet the survivor where they are in their situation,†said Nikki Gaskins Campbell, FEMA media relations specialist.
“If you’re uninsured or underinsured, please still reach out to us because you could be leaving money on the table and this is grant money from FEMA that does not have to be repaid,†said Campbell. Read the rest of this entry »