Today is
Sunday July 26, 2026
HENDERSON – Henderson ISD announced that all security lock downs and holds have been released after it was determined there was no immediate danger to students or staff. According to our news partner KETK and a release from the school district, the “information was relayed through a third-party agency that was in contact with the person making the threats.†Henderson ISD said the phone being used to send the threat was located in Europe and not near an HISD campus. Henderson ISD had announced on Wednesday that two of their campuses are under lock down as a precautionary measure due to “an unconfirmed report regarding a potential threat to our schools.â€
“While this was very inconvenient for our staff, students and their families, our top priority remains the safety of the HISD family. We appreciate everyone’s efforts today which helped ensure the day went smoothly in spite of the many obstacles that arose. We also appreciate the Henderson Police Department and our campus SROs for their unwavering dedication to the safety and protection of our staff and students,†the school district said. Read the rest of this entry »
GILMER — A man accused of killing his ex-partner and her sister has been indicted on capital murder. According to our news partner KETK and the Upshur County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Alvin “Pookie†Charles McKnight, Jr., 41 of Gilmer, was indicted on capital murder after being arrested in November 2023 when investigators found two sisters dead on Nov. 4. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that the shooting happened at a house in the 2800 block of U.S Highway 271 South. When deputies arrived at the scene, they reportedly found Mandy Ray, 35 of Gilmer, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37 of Gilmer, dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Officials said that McKnight and Waters lived with each other until recently. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office revealed that the two victims were sisters and that McKnight has a child with Waters. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – Additional charges have been filed against two women, formerly employed by Longview ISD, in connection to alleged abuse at an elementary school. According to our news partner KETK, Cassandra James, 49, and Linda Lister, 62, were both originally indicted for endangering a child in June 2022. The women are two of six total facing charges in connection to abuse allegations stemming from a Longview ISD elementary school. The four other former district employees indicted for charges related to the mistreatment of students are: Paula Hawkins Dixon, Priscilla Johnson, Cecilia Gregg and Cynthia Talley. The latest indictments, filed at the end of 2023, charge the women on one count of endangering a child and 16 counts of injury to a child for dates that occurred in September and October 2021. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – 29-year-old Harley Morris has been missing from Tyler since Jan. 21. Crimestoppers is offering a reward up to $1,000 for information on Morris’ location. According to our news partner KETK, his family is now offering a reward of $10,000 for any information on his whereabouts. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833.
Police said he was last seen wearing a black jacket with grey sleeves, black pants and a black Prime 102 baseball style hat. He is described as 6’3, 160 pounds with blond hair and brown eyes. He was last seen on Jan. 21 at 3 a.m. walking north in the 2100 block of North Grand Avenue alone after leaving the 50 Grand Club. Police are asking residents and businesses north of Gentry Parkway to North Loop 323 to check cameras or doorbell cameras from Jan. 21 between 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. and report to them if you see anyone walking. Police also ask that people check their residence or business for items Morris was wearing when he went missing: a Prime 102 cap, black shoes and a black/grey hoodie.
TEXARKANA — The Texarkana Police Department arrested four young men in connection to multiple robberies on Feb. 2. Texarkana PD arrested Vincent Threadgill, 18, Jamarjay Williams, 17, Jaqaveyies Williams, 17, and Kaderies Williams, 23, for organized retail theft and booked into the Bi-State Jail. A $10,000 bond was set for each of them. According to our news partner KETK officers received a call of four men stealing ammunition from Academy Sports before leaving in an older model gold Chevrolet sedan. Officers reportedly searched for the vehicle in the area, but could not find it. An hour later, police were dispatched to Ross Dress for Less, where an employee reportedly told dispatchers that they had seen four guys in red hoodies stealing items from the store and were leaving in a gold car.
Authorities said police were close by and saw the car as it drove across the parking lot. Police were able to stop the vehicle and an officer recognized the four guys from the surveillance video at Academy Sports. Inside the car, police officers reportedly found new clothing items with tags from Ross, Burlington Coat Factory and another store. Officials said police found new gun magazines and two boxes of ammo. Police later spoke to workers at Burlington and discovered that the four men could be seen on video stealing items there between the time they were at Academy Sports and Ross.
TYLER – Smith County Jail records show that Patrick Mahomes Sr. was arrested for driving while intoxicated in Tyler on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the Tyler Police Department arrested Mahomes his alleged third DWI or more. Mahomes Sr. is the father of Patrick Mahomes II, the quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes Sr. was arrested for his second driving while intoxicated charge in 2018. His 40 day sentence was served on weekends through Feb. 2019 to Feb. 2020. In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Mahomes Sr. played for several MLB teams as a pitcher. Mahomes bond was set at $10,000 and he was released on Sunday, according to jail records from Smith County.
TYLER — According to our news partner KETK a Tyler man was sentenced to life in prison for the violent murder of a mother of four on Friday. David Thompson, 51, was found guilty for the murder of Jaci Wilkerson, who was found dead at The Lodge Apartment Complex on South Broadway on May 25, 2022. According to the affidavit, Willison’s body was found in a pool of blood inside of the apartment and authorities believed she was killed with a machete. A machete was reportedly found on Thompson’s bed inside the apartment with a “significant amount of blood.â€
Authorities said an investigation with Thompson’s roommate revealed that he was in the apartment at the time of the murder, according to officials but said he did not heard anything because he was on muscle relaxers. The roommate said when he woke up for the second time to use the bathroom, walked up to Thompson’s door and found Wilkerson on the floor, but said he never heard any struggle. The roommate said Thompson was “crazy†and was in “a violent relationship†with Wilkerson. Police also spoke with the upstairs neighbors who said she heard a woman yell, “Oh my God! Please stop!†followed by a loud thud. The neighbor said the commotion scared her awake, and they recalled hearing the sound of doors closing and a vehicle starting.
GLADEWATER – According to our news partner KETK Upshur County Sheriff’s Office conducted a raid on a residential compound that led to several arrests. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU) lead a raid on a residential compound in the 9000 block of Bob-O-Link Road in Gladewater. Officials said the raid was the culmination of the nearly two-year-long drug distribution investigation. Members of the SIU, Upshur County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigators and patrol deputies raided the compound on Friday “just after daybreak.â€
Authorities said that during the raid they found a malnourished dog chained to a dog house in a cage with no food or water, and the dog has reportedly been transported to a veterinarian for evaluation. During the raid, a deputy was injured after being bitten by another dog, and the deputy was treated at a medical facility and released. That dog is being quarantined due to no evidence of rabies immunization, authorities said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Texas A&M AgriLife released a crop and weather report on Wednesday that Texas hay supply is near a 50-year low, and prices near record highs. “There’s just no hay,†said Peter Sorensen, Midway Package & Feed Frankston employee. According to our news partner KETK and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, hay supply remains low and prices rise as Texas cattle ranchers try to feed their herds through winter. “Outside of fertilizer costs, then the actual cost of producing hay so it just depends on, it’s a lot different things that have accumulated over time that have influenced our shortages as well as our prices,†said Vanessa Corriher-Olson, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Professor & Forage Extension Specialist. “A lot of the farmers and ranchers around here are having to go out of state to get it. Prices are way up and it’s a vicious cycle what’s happening through the country though with the economy, it’s affecting the small guys, the farmers, the ranchers,†said Sorensen. Sorensen is optimistic about the upcoming East Texas weather for crops. Read the rest of this entry »
KILGORE – Kilgore ISD announced on Thursday that they were awarded a $1.5 million grant to replace older diesel buses with new electric buses. According to our news partner KETK, Kilgore ISD was awarded the grant by the Environmental Protection Agency as a part of their Clean School Bus Program. The grant allowed for up to $375,000 per bus for replacement and $20,000 per bus for charging infrastructure. The new electric busses have a range of 120 miles between charging and will be able to reliably provide transportation throughout the district.
Kilgore ISD said that with the grant they were able to replace 2010 or older year model diesel buses with 2022 or newer year model busses that have little to no emissions, as well as two charging stations capable of charging two buses each. “We are thrilled to introduce these electric buses to our fleet, and we are very grateful to receive the grant funding to make this transition possible,†Brady Wheeler, Director of Transportation for Kilgore ISD, said.
TYLER – Officials said the effects of inflation are beginning to dwindle in the market. This year’s chair for the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors, Shannon Franzen, said inventory is up in most counties surrounding Tyler. According to our news partner KETK in previous years, there was only a 1 month supply of homes. This number tells you how many months it would take for all the current homes for sale on the market to sell, given a monthly sales volume. “We’re at a 4.4, so it’s just in a much healthier place,†Franzen said. On top of that, interest rates are lower now than they were in 2023, and Franzen said they could get even lower this year. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDOCHES — Our news partner KETK is reporting that the campaign manager for Gov. Greg Abbott has sent a cease and desist notice to Texas House Rep. Travis Clardy, saying he is falsely claiming the governor has endorsed him for re-election. Clardy currently represents in District 11 including Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Rusk, Sabine and Shelby counties. Abbott endorsed Clardy’s opponent, Joanne Shofner, in December, stating she is the new conservative voice needed in Austin to help secure key republican victories.
According to Clardy’s website, Abbott released the statement in Dec. 2020. Clardy has held the position for 11 years and has been in several committee assignments including House Higher Education Committee and International Relations and Economic Development Committee. “It is unfortunate that you would misrepresent Governor Abbott’s position on your race on your website, which serves only to confuse voters about who is the actual conservative candidate in the race. Which begs to question, what other matters have you tried to confuse voters on,†said in the letter. Read the rest of this entry »
JACKSONVILLE – According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) awarded $20.6 million to local parks and $735,590 of that has gone to three East Texas communities. In a release, TPWC said the grants are awarded to “to help create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities.â€
The Lincoln Park in Jacksonville was awarded a $150,000 grant. The Cherokee County park will undergo renovations, “project elements include a seven-foot-wide concrete trail, a playground, site amenities and exercise equipment with shade,†a TPWC press release said. The 10 acre park currently has a covered pavilion, basketball and tennis courts, restrooms and a playground, according to the City of Jacksonville. According to TPWC, local park grants are funded by sales tax on sporting goods. Read the rest of this entry »
UPSHUR COUNTY – Dalton Brewer has been located and is safe with his family. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office thanks everyone for their assistance. Additional details were not available. (Previous story) – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office released a statement on Friday about Dalton Brewer, who has gone missing. According to the statement, Brewer is 26 and was last seen wearing blue jeans, boots, a black t-shirt with a white Polo logo and a zip-up black hoodie. The sheriff’s office said that Brewer lives in the Diana area.
TYLER – Sad news from our news partner KETK, after more than 20 years at KETK/FOX51 in Tyler, Neal Barton is stepping away from the anchor desk. Neal has experience being the driving force behind a newsroom and being the face of the organization, serving as both news director and anchor. For more than 20 years, the people of East Texas welcomed Neal into their homes with the good news and the bad, all delivered with his classic Piney Woods wit. Outside of the regular evening newscasts, Neal also worked to put together weekly episodes of East Texas In Focus, an hourlong program that deep dives into topics that matter. You could also see him speaking his mind on regular segments of Neal Barton’s Point of View, or even see him going live in your town–with a KETK microphone and a cowboy hat, of course– for Small Town Salute Live segments.
He created a holiday initiative, Neal’s Wheels, which regularly brings in bike donations for local children in need. Last year, thanks to the generosity of locals, Neal’s Wheels brought in a record-breaking 206 bikes, scooters and skateboards for kids in need.
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK a man pleaded guilty to capital murder on Monday for the deaths of two dentists in Smith County. Steven Alexander Smith, 42, of Tyler, was charged with capital murder of multiple persons and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for killing Dr. Blake G. Sinclair, 59 and Dr. Jack E. Burroughs, 75, after shooting them at Affordable Dentures & Implants on Highway 31 in March 2022. According the Smith County District Attorney, Jacob Putman, Smith pleaded guilty to capital murder and will be imprisoned for life without the possibility of parole.
Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith said Steven was a patient at the clinic who got in an altercation about work on some dentures. According to the sheriff’s office investigation, Smith got angry at the clinic staff and went to his pickup truck. He later went back to the lobby of the clinic with a handgun and shot the two doctors inside.
TYLER – A man was arrested for murder after a man was fatally stabbed in Smith County on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene in the 400 block of CR 34 near Tyler after a 911 call reported a stabbing around 5:15 p.m. When the deputies arrived they found the victim, identified as Noe Luna, 43 of Tyler, had already been taken to a local emergency room by family. Luna reportedly succumbed to his injuries a few hours later.
Letierus Drew, 23 of Tyler, was identified as a suspect during the preliminary investigation, according to authorities, and witnesses told them Drew was not welcome inside the home but had allegedly forced his way in and got into a physical fight with Luna. Drew was booked into the Smith County Jail where his bond was set at $500,000. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — According to out news partner KETK the Tyler Police Department is investigating the scene where a person was shot in the leg and another wounded. According to Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, on Thursday at around 4:49 p.m., Tyler PD was dispatched to a shooting in the 2900 block of North Grand Avenue. One victim was reportedly shot in the leg and taken to a hospital and a second person was reportedly also shot but taken to a local hospital by a private vehicle. Erbaugh said the two victims appear to be from the same incident that police believe was between them and a possible third person. The investigation remains active and police officers are still on the scene. Erbaugh said more information will be shared as it becomes available.
MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department has issued a warning of a man described as wearing “army gear†and carrying a rifle who reportedly fired one shot in the air. According to our news partner KETK, Marshall PD is actively searching in the West Rusk and Adkins area but have not located the man at this time. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to 911. They ask people to remain indoors if they are in the vicinity and to avoid the area if possible. Authorities said they will update the public as more information becomes available.
TEXAS — Both the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas are encouraging Texans to conserve as much energy as possible, amid freezing temperatures statewide. The PUCT and ERCOT are calling for conservation efforts “due to continued freezing temperatures, very high demand and unseasonably low wind,†PUC leaders said in a Sunday release. The National Weather Service has a hard freeze warning in effect for our region until 11 a.m. Wednesday.
ERCOT is asking both businesses and residents to conserve electricity use, officials said on social media. Those experiencing and outage can report it to the PUCT by emailing consumer@puc.texas.gov or by calling 1-888-782-8477. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – As East Texas is struck with cold weather, about 1,193 customers in East Texas are without power as of 3:00 p.m. on Monday. Our news partner KETK has compiled a list of counties with power outages from ONCOR and SWEPCO’s power outage maps, as well as several electric co-ops. You can find that list here.
TYLER – Roads all across East Texas are starting to get icy leading to crashes and road closures throughout the area. According to our news partner KETK TxDOT Tyler is reporting that ice is accumulating on the bridges at State Highway 135 over I-20 and State Highway 31 over I-20. In Brownsboro, at FM 314 and the New Hope Church curve, a vehicle flipped because of ice in the roadway, according to Brownsboro Fire Rescue. They said that at least 10 other crashes were prevented because Brownsboro Fire Rescue members were standing in the road to slow people down. The Lindale Police Department said that Perryman Road at Main Street and Wood Springs Road is closed due ice conditions. They added that all Lindale public bathrooms are closed until Wednesday. The Mount Pleasant Police Department said that their officers are working crashes throughout Mount Pleasant as ice starts to build up on their roadways. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – Even though the current winter weather cycle is diminishing, the Smith County Office of Emergency Management is offering tips and information to keep residents safe and informed. Our news partner KETK spoke with Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore. He outlined resources and tips available to residents. For example, Tyler and Smith County have a Cold Weather Response Plan, which serves as a guide to provide useful information to the public. It includes tips on avoiding exposures, recognizing the signs of cold-weather related emergencies and highlights resources available to residents. “If your power goes out, we do have options,†Moore said. “So Tyler and Smith County created a winter preparation plan, and you can just Google Tyler winter weather plan and it identifies warming centers and also warming shelters. If the need arises, the cities and/or county will open centers or shelters depending on the need.†Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK TxDOT started winterizing East Texas highways on Friday. “Most traveled roads, and so I20 is one of those, so we hit that in Gregg County, Smith County, Van Zandt County,†Jeff Williford, TxDOT Tyler District Public Information officer. TxDOT officials also assisted with Toll 49, despite it not being their roadway. Officials were treating streets with a saltwater solution.
Their number one advice is to slow down. “Roads can still get slick when it’s on there, it does help slow the process down of freezing when that precipitation hits,†said Williford. Officials also suggest checking car battery life and tires. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK an Arctic front arrived Saturday night, bringing a light wintry mix late Sunday into Monday and around 50+ hours of consecutive hours of below freezing temperatures. Lows are predicted to fall into the teens both Tuesday & Wednesday morning. At this time, this will be the coldest air that we’ve witnessed in East Texas since the morning of December 23rd, 2022 when we fell to 10 degrees at Tyler Pounds Airport. The lowest we’ll get temperature wise will be Tuesday morning (13 degrees). Wind chills Tuesday morning may drop below zero, mainly north of I-20. Continually updated details on coming winter weather can be found here.
TEXARKANA — According to our news partner KETK two drivers have been arrested in connection to a fatal crash from Dec. 18, 2023. According to a release, the Texarkana Police Department arrested Christopher Daniel, 25, and Robert Culpepper, 23, and were both charged with racing on the highway involving death. They were booked into the Bi-State Jail and their bonds were set at $1 million each. Linda Reed, 66, died after her car was hit when she attempted to cross North Stateline Ave. from East 9th St. to Hazel St. around 7:20 p.m. Officials said evidence showed that Culpepper and Daniel were driving southbound on Stateline “at an extremely high rate of speed.â€
TYLER – Douglas Elementary School has started plans to transform their outdoor space into an extension of the classroom following a $100,000 donation from former student Jack Benson. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler ISD announced last Wednesday that the funds will be used for new playground equipment as well as a covered learning space. The outdoor learning area is planned to incorporate scientific concepts with microscopes and other tools for experiments and hands-on learning. Benson hopes that through his donation others are encouraged to give back. “The vision for the outdoor learning area is to have an outdoor extension of the classroom, something I think children at any elementary grade level will benefit from,†Benson said.
LONGVIEW — Three people have been arrested after the Longview Police Department found multiple drugs and weapons during search. According to a release, the Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement Unit and SWAT team executed a narcotics search warrant on Texas Street. During the search, they reportedly seized methamphetamine, ecstasy, Xanax, crack cocaine, and marijuana. They also recovered a pistol, magazine and ammunition. Three people were arrested and taken into the Gregg County Jail without incident. The identified suspects are Delaina Pruitt, 50 of Longview, Austin Young, 56 of Mount Pleasant and Kristina Kelly, 32 of Longview. Pruitt was charged with four counts of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Young was arrested for possession of a controlled substance less than one gram and possession of marijuana less than two ounces. Kelly was arrested for four outstanding city warrants.
ANDERSON COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK
woman is dead after a wreck on New Year’s Day on U.S. Highway 175 in Frankston. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 35-year-old Kristen Dehart of Pine Bluff was driving east on Highway 175 at 11:43 p.m. DPS said her 2023 Chevrolet Blazer crossed into the westbound lane and hit an oncoming 2018 Dodge Ram 3500 pickup. hild taken to hospital after wreck in Gun Barrel City A preliminary crash report indicates that Dehart was not wearing her seatbelt and died at the scene. The other driver was treated on site and released. DPS is still investigating the crash.
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK, the son of an elected Smith County official was arrested again for disrupting a Smith County Commissioners Court meeting. At a meeting on Tuesday, Lance Phillips, 40, participated in the public comment section, which is for comment about existing agenda items only. He was set to speak on the second agenda item, which pertained to overtime pay for the district attorney’s office, starting by saying “I don’t want to disrupt the court today.†Lance spoke for a short time about alleged corruption of the DA’s office, to which County Judge Neal Franklin reminded him he had to stay on the agenda topic. When Lance continued, Franklin told him, “Mr. Phillips, you’re through.†Read the rest of this entry »