Today is
Sunday July 26, 2026
LONGVIEW – According to our news partner KETK Pine Tree ISD is asking voters to pass a proposed $55 million bond on the Nov. 7 election ballot. The proposed bond would fund numerous projects throughout the district. Full list can be found here. The school board called for the bond election at their meeting on Aug. 14. To learn more about their projects visit the Pine Tree ISD Bond 2023 website online.
SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK Smith County has completed a Road Bond Project for County Roads 1125, 1140 and 1141, west of Tyler. This reconstruction of the roads included widening, stabilization and asphalt of overlay of almost 5 miles of road. The projects were contracted out to Texana Land & Asphalt Inc. and cost $1,757,194. According to county engineer Frank Davis, one section of road had needed to have increased asphalt thickness because of heavy truck traffic. These projects were a part of Phase 2 of the Road and Bridge Strategic Planning Project. Phase 1 of County Road 1125 included the reconstruction of 1.7 miles of the road from Highway 155 to Lake Placid Road completed in 2021. Phase 1 improvements to CR 1125 also included the replacement of a concrete bridge at Butler Creek by Stateline Construction LLC.
KILGORE – The City of Kilgore has announced that they will temporarily be switching from chloramine to free chlorine as their water disinfectant. Our news partner KETK reports that public water system customers may notice a change in the taste and smell of their water after the switch happens on Nov. 1. The change will only last for 45 to 60 days, according to a press release. This change is being made because over time “prolonged use of chloramine coupled with other factors that can affect water quality, such as high temperatures or stagnation of water, may result in the growth and/or persistence of organic matter within the pipes of the distribution system,†the city said. To learn more about the Chlorine conversion visit the City of Kilgore online. Read the rest of this entry »
TEXARKANA — Three teenagers were arrested early Monday morning in Texarkana for burglary and evading arrest. According to our news partner KETK Demarkes Tucker, 17, and two 15-year-olds were arrested after a business was broken into. Officials said they responded to a call in the 4700 block of Texas Boulevard from a store owner who reported he was looking at a live feed video from the store and could see three males breaking into the business. While officers were on their way to the location, the store owner informed dispatch that the three had left. A sergeant responded to the area and patrolled the street on foot where officials said he encountered three people dressed in dark clothing at the intersection of 46th Street and Walnut Street. Read the rest of this entry »
UPSHUR COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK a 13-year-old male has been arrested on a charge of terroristic threat in Upshur County. Allegedly, the charges are “based on evidence of threats made toward students and a faculty member at Bruce Junior High School in Gilmer.†The Upshur County Sheriff’s office said the juvenile was transported and remains in the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center in Longview. The school officials provided the sheriff’s office witness statements and video evidence to support that the teen made threats to harm others when school resumed after the Yamboree school holiday.
GUN BARREL CITY – The Gun Barrel City Fire Department said that they freed a driver who was trapped in their vehicle after crashing into a tree on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened around 9:25 p.m. in the 300 block of Legendary Lane when the vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree. According to Gun Barrel City Fire Department, the speed of the crash trapped the driver inside and they had to use Hurst Jaws of Life Rescue Tools to free the driver. The driver was transported to a hospital in Tyler by helicopter, officials said. Gun Barrel City Fire and Police Departments, the Seven Points Police Department and the Texas Highway Patrol responded to the scene.
TYLER– Tyler Junior College hosted a homecoming tailgate and solar eclipse watch party at the W.T Brookshire Conference Center in Tyler on Saturday according to our news partner KETK. Everyone wore their eclipse glasses and safely watched the spectacular astronomical event unfold. “With the annular eclipse, which is what we had today, the moon is further away from the sun and so, we wouldn’t see a total eclipse like we will in April,†said Jean Fuller, a TJC educator. “I’m more excited about it, although this one was cool.†During the eclipse in April, Fuller said it will be a total solar eclipse where you’ll have two minutes where you can look directly at the eclipse without hurting your eyes. Fuller added that East Texas won’t have another total eclipse in until the next millennium.
TYLER – Anderson, Henderson and Smith County Game Wardens responded to an anonymous call about alligator poaching along the Neches River and their investigations led to them discovering a suspect at the scene. According to our news partner KETK, they found an alligator shot with a compound bow behind the Lake Palestine spillway. The investigation also states that after the suspect allegedly injured the 4.5-foot alligator, he jumped into the river to retrieve the alligator. Two other accomplices assisted in dispatching the alligator with a knife before the trio began taking pictures and a video to post on social media. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDOCHES – The Nacogdoches Police Department said that one man is dead after a crash happened in the 2200 block of Southeast Stallings Drive around 4:34 p.m. on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK the driver may have been having a medical emergency while heading eastbound when the crash happened. According to Nacogdoches Police Department, the man was taken to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. A passenger in the vehicle only got minor injuries in the crash and officials are withholding the deceased until their family can be notified.
LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK a Lufkin High School student was detained on Wednesday morning after a gun was found in their backpack. According to the school district, a gun was reported to be in a student’s possession while on campus. An investigation of the report led to the weapon being confiscated from their backpack and the district said the student was detained. “Thank you to our students, staff and Lufkin ISD PD for responding in a timely and efficient manner,†the district said.
TYLER – On Wednesday at 1:20 p.m. central time, the nation will receive a practice emergency alert. Once every three years, FEMA partners with the FCC to test the efficiency of their system. According to our news partner KETK the message will be in English or Spanish and it will say the following on your devices: “This is a test of the national wireless emergency alert system. No action is needed.†Even if your phone is on silent or you’ve turned the settings off, you will receive the alert. The sound is alarming to most but it is to keep you and your family as safe as possible.
WASKOM — According to the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office, detectives have arrested a Texas woman for firing a weapon at a couple in Greenwood over the weekend. Our news partner KETK reports that Alicia Whitfield, 40 of Waskom, was arrested after an investigation revealed she fired a weapon at her ex-boyfriend and a woman at the Tobacco Country Bar on Highway 80 in Greenwood, Louisiana. CPSO detectives stated that Whitfield fired several shots from her vehicle after she spotted the couple in the bar’s parking lot on Saturday night. The shots that were fired then struck the victim’s car four times, leaving two bullet holes in the passenger side door, one in a rear tire and one in the back window that exited through the front windshield. No one was injured in this incident. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK the Smith County Precinct 1 Commissioner Pam Frederick announced on Monday that she is running to be re-elected in 2024. Frederick, who is running as a Republican, was elected to the position in 2022 to fill the term of Neal Franklin, who replaced Rep. Nathaniel Moran as Smith County Judge. Previously she served Bullard for 20 years as member of city council and then as mayor. Frederick said her work as commissioner on the mental health crisis has brought tangible results. Specifically, Frederick said she was proud of creating a mental health diversion officer position at the Smith County Jail. Frederick concluded her announcement by saying that it’s been an honor to serve the community as commissioner. Read the rest of this entry »
COFFEE CITY – On Thursday, the Mayor of Coffee City Jeff Blackstone gave an update in regards to citizens concerns over paying citations given by what they think were untrustworthy cops after the department was deactivated earlier this month. Blackstone told our news partner KETK that people still need to pay their citations and that many people haven’t had an issue getting that done as they can use a payment plan or take defensive driving. When it comes to tickets for going 10 or more mph over the speed limit, Blackstone said “people should do the right thing and pay.†Coffee City will be holding a city council meeting on Monday where Blackstone said they will clarify this information to all residents who are concerned about paying their citations. Read the rest of this entry »
LINDEN – The Linden Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that happened on Friday in the parking lot of a Crump Food Store in the 700 block of West Houston Street. According to Linden PD, the shooting happened around 3:30 p.m. when a store employee Larry Lawrence, 39 of Queen City, was helping put groceries in the back seat of a car. Officials said that there was a dog in the back seat and that Lawrence reportedly began to pet the dog when a .22 rifle in the back seat went off and hit him in the chest. According to our news partner KETK witnesses attempted to resuscitate him and when police and EMS arrived, they took over lifesaving procedures, but he was later pronounced dead at a helipad site. Linden Police Chief David Dulude said that the incident appears to have been accidental but that the case is still under investigation while they try to figure out how the rifle went off.
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced that $68,042,000 in regional mitigation funds was approved for infrastructure projects across Deep East Texas on Friday. The funds were approved by the Texas General Land Office and will include over $42 million for broadband and interoperable radio communications infrastructure that will be administered by the Deep East Texas Council of Government (DETCOG). The money allocated by the land office is sourced from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Regional Mitigation Plan, a plan to help reduce risks and impacts of future natural disasters. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The East Texas State Fair is officially back. The event kicked off Friday morning with Senior Day to start the huge event and of course, the fair has all the essential fun you would expect. Plus your food favorites like giant turkey legs and don’t forget about the Ferris Wheel. The fair runs through Oct.1. For the daily schedule of the East Texas State Fair, click here
HENDERSON – Henderson ISD said that a juvenile has been taken into custody in connection to a recent social media post threatening Henderson Middle School. According to our news partner KETK, officials said that on Friday morning students reported the seeing the post which threatened to “shoot up†the school. Although administrators determined there was no imminent danger, an investigation was started by HISD and Henderson Police Department. With the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, officials discovered the person who made the threat to the school. The juvenile suspect was taken into custody for making terroristic threats and officials said there are no other threats at this time. “The safety of our students and staff remains Henderson ISD’s top priority and we are appreciative of both the students who quickly reported this threat to teachers and the Henderson Police Department for their efforts and ongoing commitment to protect the students and staff of HISD.â€
LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department has arrested a man and two juveniles in connection to a murder that took place in Longview back in April but are still searching for woman that was allegedly involved as well. Our news partner KETK reports that police arrested 41-year-old Andrew Thomas and booked him into the Gregg County Jail on a $500,000 and detained two juveniles Tuesday. Authorities have obtained a murder warrant for Shalonda Johnson, 41, in connection to the same crime. Police identified Johnson as a “black female, 5’5†and 190 pounds.†“If you know the current and exact location of Shalonda Johnson, submit a tip anonymously at Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP (7867), or visit greggcountycrimestoppers.org or contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1110.â€
UPSHUR COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, District Judge Jerald Dean Fowler II has received a public warning by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct for his DWI charge from 2022. Back on Sept. 9, 2022, Fowler was involved in a crash and was arrested for driving while intoxicated. Fowler pleaded guilty to the charge in February 2023 and was sentenced to one year of deferred adjudication probation. According to documents, Fowler admitted that he “drank a great deal†of alcohol along with taking two prescription sleep medications before operating his vehicle the night of the crash. The documents later state that Fowler also said he does “not recall†the accident taking place and only has “vague recollections†of the events that occurred after it. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler Transit is set to host an open house meeting to notify the public of proposed service changes. The next meeting is to be held at the Glass Recreation Center, located at 501 W. 32nd Street on Tuesday, Sept. 12. from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Our news partner KETK reports the proposed changes include a price increase for all fixed routes and paratransit route fares, route modifications and the discontinuation of all Saturday services, except for paratransit medical services. Proposed fare changes are: Adults 12 and older: $2 (previously $1), Children 6-11: $1 (previously $0.50), Children 5 and under: Free, Seniors (65 and older) and people with disabilities: $1 (previously $0.50) Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN – According to our news partner KETK a woman is dead after a pedestrian crash Monday night on Loop 287 at Denman Avenue overpass in Lufkin. According to police, the woman was attempting to cross the road just before the overpass around 9:10 p.m., and walked into the path of a southbound pickup truck. “The driver of the truck told officers he did not see the woman,†officials said. She was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the truck did not report any injuries. “Please keep the woman’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers,†officials said.
HARRISON COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK a 60-year-old man was arrested on Sunday night on charges of driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance. According to the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy initiated a traffic stop on FM 134 for speeding. While speaking with the driver, identified as Lange Livingston, of Karnack, authorities said he “admitted that he had been drinking heavily.†Officials said a search of the car found that he was in possession of crack cocaine. Livingston was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail for driving while intoxicated and possession of a controlled substance less than one gram.
SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said a man is in the hospital after a shooting that happened in the 12500 block of Highway 31 near the Jungle Club on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK SCSO deputies responded to the scene around 3 a.m. on Sunday. The deputies were told that the victim had been shot and taken by private transportation to a local hospital. Officials said that the victim was unable to be interviewed by Smith County investigators because of his injuries which have left him in stable but serious condition. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing and according to the sheriff’s office more information will be released when it is available.
JACKSONVILLE – According to our news partner KETK the City of Jacksonville has revealed several items in their proposed 2024 budget including a proposed decrease in their tax rate. According to the city, the tax rate would fall 4.266 cents from $0.68065 to $0.63799 if their proposed tax rate is put in place. The average Jacksonville homestead increased in value by almost $14,000 from last year and the city said the average tax bill will only be going up by $3.07 a month because of the proposed decrease in the tax rate. Jacksonville noted that residents can save $3 dollars by signing up for paperless billing and automatic bank draft for their water bill. There will be a public hearing at City Hall on the proposed tax rate on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. To learn more visit the City of Jacksonville online. Read the rest of this entry »
TEXARKANA – According to our news partner KETK a man is dead Thursday morning after Texarkana police said a Western Waste Management truck did not see him while going to empty a dumpster. Officials said the incident happened around 5:45 a.m. near the intersection of Summerhill Road and New Boston Road, and the truck “pulled into the alley behind a business to empty the dumpster and did not see the homeless man who was lying asleep on the ground in front of the dumpster.†He was pronounced dead at the scene.
TYLER – The Tyler Police Department have confirmed that a dead body was found in the 200 block of SSW Loop 323 on Monday, According to our news partner KETK. The body was found in the woods near a Walmart in the area. Tyler PD is responding to the scene and this story will be updated when more information is available.
SMITH COUNTY — 17 men were arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail on Wednesday and Thursday on charges of solicitation of prostitution, according to Sgt. Adam Albritton, Texas Department of Public Safety. Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division, Rains County Sheriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations and the Texas Attorney General’s Office assisted with the operation. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDOCHES COUNTY – Our news partner KETK reports that an East Texas man was sentenced to serve 199 life sentences and two 20-year sentences on Wednesday for felony sexual offenses against children.
Clayton Paul Williams, 36 of Garrison, was indicted in August 2022 for aggravated sexual assault of a child, sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child. The district attorney’s office said in a release that the abuse spanned more than two years. “Although there were likely additional offenses committed, the defendant has had to answer for and has been held accountable for what we believe is a significant majority of the acts he perpetrated against the child and as such, it is unlikely that he will ever be able to harm another child,†the district attorney’s office said. “It is only through the quick action of the victim’s family member, the immediate response of law enforcement, the assistance of Harold’s House and the unwavering cooperation and support of the victim’s family that this significant prosecution was possible.†Read the rest of this entry »
CHEROKEE COUNTY – About 110 kilos of liquid methamphetamine were seized on Tuesday 500 feet from a school in Rusk according to our news partner KETK. The sheriff’s office said the seizure was a part of a joint investigation with Jacksonville police and Homeland Security Investigations. The meth carries a street value of about $500,000 and was found by investigators in a storage building on Eagle Drive in an investigation into a drug trafficking organization. The DEA and Lone Star Hazmat were contacted by the sheriff’s office to assist in the seizure and decontamination of the items. “This investigation is still ongoing at this time, and more information will be released on a later date,†Sheriff Brent Dickson said in a release.