Today is
Sunday July 26, 2026
MARSHALL – The Marshall campus of the Texas State Technical College has received a $637,000 grant that will fund several new natural gas courses. The Natural Science Foundation Advanced Technical Education grant will fund around four or five new courses in the college’s Process Operations Technology program. The application process for the three year grant began in 2021 and the courses are planned to start being integrated in the Fall of 2024.
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SMITH COUNTY — The suspect wanted in a Saturday night stabbing at the Flamingo Club on FM 14 in Smith County has been arrested. According to online records, Abiel Correa, 61, of Tyler, was booked into the Smith County Jail Sunday on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His bond has been set at $300 thousand dollars. The victim of the stabbing, whose identity has not been released, is said to be in stable condition following surgery at a local hospital.
MINEOLA – According to our news partner KETK the city of Mineola has found a time capsule in the post office. A local history buff came across a newspaper that referenced pieces of history being placed in a cornerstone vault. Postal employees said there had always been rumors of a time capsule but they thought it was all a lie. So the city of Mineola hired a company to find out. Saturday morning, surrounded by community members, the container was pulled from the vault but no one was expecting to find what they did. A treasure of historical artifacts was found inside the capsule.
An expert has been called in to restore pieces that need to be humidified. “We have newspapers from Tyler, from Longview, obviously the old Mineola Monitors, things like that and documents that we can’t quite open all the way yet and read everything that they have to say,†said Tiner. Once they can read them all, the fun of learning about this hidden treasure left behind from 1936 begins.
JACKSONVILLE – According to our news partner KETK the Jacksonville College board of trustees named Dr. David Erickson as the new college president during a meeting on Friday. Erickson’s family were founding members of the Baptist Missionary Association, which runs the BMA Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, according to a press release. He graduated from Central Baptist College in Conway, got his master of divinity degree from BMA Theological Seminary and a PhD in Baptist Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Erickson has been a professor of Theological-Historical Studies at BMA Theological Seminary and was the seminary’s associate dean for eight years. He has also served as a trustee of the Texas Baptist Home for Children. Erickson’s plans as president include finding new resources for the school from the JC alumni association and the local business community. Erickson also hopes to find additional support for BMA of Texas churches.
LUFKIN – The City of Lufkin has announced that Twiga, who held the record for the oldest giraffe in captivity, died at Ellen Trout Zoo on Friday night. Twiga was 31 years, nine months and 7 days old, a record for giraffes which typically only live for about 25 years, according to our news partner KETK. She was born at the Los Angeles Zoo on Oct. 1st, 1991 and came to the Ellen Trout Zoo in 2008 from the Racine Zoo in Wisconsin. “Twiga helped our other two giraffes, Kellen and Luna, feel comfortable in their new home in Lufkin,†Ellen Trout Zoo director Gordon Henley said. “She will be greatly missed.â€
RUSK – The Rusk Police Department said on Saturday that several local citizens have been targeted by Medicare card scams. According to our news partner KETK, a caller asks if you have received your new Medicare card and then asks to verify your information. Officials stressed that you should not give out any of your personal information because the caller could subject you to identity theft. Rusk PD said that government agencies never ask for money or personal information. Scam calls can be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online.
POINT – According to our news partner KETK two individuals were arrested after a water meter investigation led to the seizure of methamphetamines. On June 29, the Point Police Department said they were notified that a resident had removed a lock on a water meter and bypassed the city-fed water line. After speaking with city officials, authorities said it was discovered that someone had removed and replaced the city water meter with one that did not belong to the city. An investigation began and it was determined that the replaced water meter belonged to the City of East Tawakoni. After police collected witness statements, officials said they issued warrants for two individuals. Authorities then conducted field interviews with those individuals and deployed K9 Merica which officials said led to the discovery of meth in their vehicle. Both individuals were arrested and booked into the Rains County Jail.
“This is current, and still being investigated. We will continue efforts in cleaning up our city. I am proud of the teamwork between departments and thank the public for their support.â€
Point Police Department
CHEROKEE COUNTY – An East Texas man was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison on Thursday for his part in a meth trafficking operation. According to our news partner KETK Darrell Horace, Jr., 29 of Crockett, pleaded guilty to selling meth in Cherokee County, as well as possession of meth and a firearm. Horace was indicted on his charges in November 2021. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Jacksonville Police Department. Read the rest of this entry »
GREGG COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK State Rep. Jay Dean (R-Longview) announced Thursday that he will seek reelection next year for District 7. He has held that seat since 2017, serving Gregg, Harrison and Marion counties. Up until 2022, District 7 encompassed Gregg and Upshur County. He previously served as Mayor of Longview for a decade.
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TYLER — The Athena Alert is now a law. Our news partner KETK reports that the new law is meant to speed up the law enforcement response time when a child goes missing. House Bill 3556, known as the Athena Alert, became law on June 13. Unlike other laws that were just recently passed, DPS said it is in effect immediately. Amber Alerts have to meet four strict rules before the public is notified. The Athena Alert is named after 7-year-old Athena Strand who was killed after being abducted in Wise County.
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RUSK COUNTY – Rusk County Officials have located Jasmine Wheat, who was reported missing on Wednesday, safe and sound. According to Sheriff Johnwayne Valdez, she appears to be in good health and will be medically evaluated. According to our news partner KETK Wheat was reported missing in Rusk County on Wednesday, she allegedly experienced a mental health episode and walked off. Several agencies were involved in the search, including officials utilizing ATVs and horses. TDCJ bloodhounds also assisted in the search.
TEXARKANA – According to our news partner KETK on July 3rd Texarkana officers responded to a store in reference to a theft that had taken place. An employee of the store told police that after some quick talking to confuse a clerk at the store, two woman managed to walk out with more than $1,600 in stolen gift cards. An officer on the scene was able to get pictures of the alleged thieves and the vehicle they left in through surveillance video and sent them out to other officers. Read the rest of this entry »
BULLARD – Bullard ISD named their new director of safety and security and police chief. According to our news partner KETK, Pat Hendrix, a man who has spent almost 40 years dedicated to law enforcement, was approved for hire at a special meeting on July 5. He will take the place of Chief John Jones, who accepted a regional position with the Texas Education Agency as an Assistant Chief of School Safety and Security. Hendrix brings 20 years of service with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, working as jailer, patrol officer, patrol sergeant, SWAT officer, narcotics officer, major crimes detective and supervisor of the Criminal Investigation Unit. After retiring in 2006, he became the Chief of Police for the Troup Police Department. He stayed for 17 years working to grow the school resource officer program, K9 officer program, student tours of TPD, annual security audits and training exercises and more. Read the rest of this entry »
CROCKETT – Our news partner KETK reports that a man has been arrested after robbing a truck stop convenience store with a gun in Crockett on Tuesday at around 6 a.m. Crockett police responded to the Xpress Truck Stop located at 1409 East Loop 304 in reference to an armed robbery. Officials said an investigation unveiled that the suspect had allegedly entered the store pointing a handgun at employees and stole money from the cash register. According to the release, the suspect was seen leaving the store in a blue SUV and police said they were able to locate the vehicle nearby at the Cole Creek Apartments and determined which apartment it belonged to.
Officers said they talked to occupants of the apartment who identified the owner of the vehicle as 38-year-old Curtis Randle. Police then obtained a search warrant for the apartment and the release stated that they found “the stolen money, the handgun believe to have been used in the robbery, as well as other evidence.†Randle was arrested and charged with aggravated robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
BULLARD – The city of Bullard hosted their annual Blast Over Bullard July 4th celebration on Saturday. The event included activities for all ages like their Kids’ Bike Brigade bicycle decorating contest, food and live music. They had a beautiful fireworks show, which lit up the skies and brought the community together. “We just had Zach Mayberry here and we did our little Bike Brigade and we’re about to have Sarah Gamble. We’re blessed to have local talent here in Bullard to come out and enjoy the day with us and celebrate with us. Their music is just phenomenal,†said Shirley Coe, Mayor of Bullard.
GLADEWATER – Gladewater Police responded to a shooting near Highway 135 and Highway 271 on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, EMS transported a 31-year-old man to a hospital in Tyler for medical treatment. The man was said to be in stable condition. A felony arrest warrant was issued for Robert Daniel Smith, 25. Smith is described as six foot tall, hazel eyes, brown hair and weighs 175 pounds. He was last seen reportedly driving a white Nissan Altima 4-door sedan with Texas license plate STP5900 and is considered to be armed and dangerous. Contact police with any information.
GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Police Department said that a man has died after witness said he dived headfirst from a 40 foot high embankment into four-foot deep water on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, a 9/11 call came in around 4:20 p.m. on Saturday about an unresponsive man and emergency services were dispatched to 1602 Lakeshore Drive at Gladewater Lake. Gladewater Fire Department, Christus EMS and Gladewater Police attempted to resuscitate the 34 year-old man but he died, according to Gladewater PD. Gladewater PD said their initial investigation “revealed that alcohol may have been a contributing factor in this unfortunate incident.†Upshur County Justice of the Peace Wyone Manes responded and held the inquest in this case.
CENTER – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office is asking for public assistance in locating a man who has an active warrant for burglary of a habitation. According to our news partner KETK 31-year-old Therrin Keele out of Tenaha is described as a white male that weighs around 165 pounds, has brown hair and green eyes. According to the release, Keele has an active warrant for burglary of a habitation.
“If you have any information regarding his whereabouts, please contact Investigator Aaron Jones at 936-572-7559 or the SCSO (936) 598-5601.â€
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office
CHANDLER – The Chandler Police Department said that an officer was injured during a pursuit of an allegedly stolen vehicle on Friday night. According to authorities, a vehicle that was reported stolen from Barron Road was observed by officers who then tried to stop the vehicle before they were lead on a pursuit. Our news partner KETK reports that the pursuit went into Tyler and then down to Lake Palestine. The vehicle’s occupants eventually ran away from the vehicle and lead officers on a foot chase and that’s when Officer Passons sustained minor injuries, according to a Facebook post.
Officer Passons was then reportedly treated and released from UT Health Athens. The occupants of the vehicle are juveniles and Chandler PD said they will be charged after their investigation is completed.
TYLER — The Tyler Police Department has identified a man who was taken into custody after being barricaded in a house for four hours on Saturday. Our news partner KETK reports, Jerry Jamies, 29, who reportedly assaulted a female resident of the home, eventually came out and was subdued by officials using OC spray. Jamies was transported to a local hospital by EMS and will next be transported to Smith County Jail, according to a Tyler PD press release. Detectives have a obtained a warrant for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for Jamies and the warrant has a $750,000 bond .
JOAQUIN – The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said they arrested a Joaquin man on Saturday around 7 a.m. after a gun and drugs were found during the search of a Faulkville Road home. According to our news partner KETK the sheriff’s office responded to the scene after they received reports of a man with a gun at the Faulkville Road home. Nickolas Shane Matthews, 22 of Joaquin, was arrested and charged with delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance felony 2, possession of a controlled substance felony 3, unlawful carry of a weapon by a felon, delivery of marijuana and assault, according to the sheriff’s office.
Officials said that the homeowner let them search the home where the following items were allegedly found: 271 grams of Xanax, 7 grams of methamphetamine, 5.8 ounces of marijuana, 1 gram of ecstasy packaging materials for narcotics distribution and a gun.
SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Professional Firefighters Association Local 5300 said that two of their firefighters were deployed to fight wildfires across Texas on Friday. According to our news partner KETK Captain Michael Van Winkle and Firefighter Joshua Bardwell were deployed to west and central Texas as a part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). This TIFMAS deployment was done in conjunction with other resources across the Eastern Branch, Local 5300 said in a Facebook post.
“As some may know our firefighters and officers that are selected to go on these deployments, experience fire conditions and behavior that are not as common in our area of operation. This in turn can help us mitigate difficult situations in a more efficient manner. We are proud to be able to help serve other regions of Texas when called upon!â€
Smith County Professional Firefighters Association Local 5300
CLEVELAND (AP) — A man accused of killing five neighbors in Texas after some of them complained that gunfire was keeping a baby awake has been indicted for capital murder of multiple persons. The Friday charge allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Prosecutors said Wednesday they do not know whether they will seek it against 38-year-old Francisco Oropeza. He was charged with five counts of murder in May. Police say Oropeza stormed into his neighbor’s house on April 28 and shot and killed five people. Oropeza evaded capture for days as a manhunt grew to more than 200 officers outside Houston. He was eventually arrested about 20 miles from the home where the shooting took place.
LONGVIEW — More than a week later, East Texans are still recovering from severe storms. Some may wonder what to do with the debris in their yard or overflowing trashcans of food that went bad. Our news partner KETK checked in with the City of Longview and Upshur County to get some answers about post-storm cleanup.
Upshur County has four dumpster locations for people to throw out their rotten food. “Big Sandy, Ore City, Diana and one in Gilmer at the civic center,†said Nichols, Upshur County Emergency Management Coordinator. Those will be available for county residents until Wednesday, June 28. The City of Longview Sanitation and Recycling shared how they are working through the mess left behind. “Don’t panic, we are actually doing a city-wide sweep, we’re actually going down every street, one by one we will be cleaning up all of the debris from the trees that they put out.” The City of Longview is also taking the recycle bins to the landfill this week, they know many people needed to use them to throw away spoiled food.
HARRISON COUNTY — According to our news partner KETK on June 26, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a male identifying himself as Tyler Martin, an Investigator with Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office sent out a social media notification verifying that this information is false and Tyler Martin does not work for the Sheriff’s Office. The suspect is allegedly cloning the sheriff’s office phone number which is 903-923-4000. He is claimed to be informing individuals that they haven’t appeared to their civil court case that they were summoned for.
The sheriff’s office describes the scam on their Facebook: “In order for the individuals to not be placed in jail they have to deposit cash in a gas station “Bit K†Machine. Once all the cash has been deposited Martin will no longer contact you and you will not be able to contact him on the number he provides due to it being a false number.â€
The sheriff’s office would like the public to know not to fall for these tactics and to stay safe. “Please be aware that this is a scam and the Sheriff’s Office will not direct you to do such thing,†said the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office.
LONGVIEW — Two people reached out to our news partner KETK News to get help after they said they got bad gasoline at the Brake Time gas station on Judson Road in Longview across from Skinner’s. One said said it happened to him on May 18 and that it really messed up his car. Another person said it started after her May 3 trip to Brake Time, eventually having to pay more than $1,000 to get it fixed.
A complaint has been filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Agreement over the situation. So far there has been no response to the complaint. KETK News also tried reaching someone at the gas station’s headquarters in Houston several times and our requests were not returned. They told us the case is currently under investigation.
HALLSVILLE – According to our news partner KETK the Hallsville City Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to create “child safety zones†which limit where certain registered sex offenders may live, enter or loiter. “City Ordinance 2023-03 – Sex Offender Restrictions†creates the “child safety zones†and also makes it illegal to rent to an applicable registered sex offender, according to the city.
Hallsville said the new ordinance applies specifically to “adult convicted offenders involving a child victim sex crime.â€
“This ordinance serves to further protect our children and maintain these restrictions once the limitations end at the completion of the offender’s parole or probation. A big ‘Thank you’ to our City Council for taking up this measure of protection.â€
The City of Hallsville
For more information visit the City of Hallsville online.
LONGVIEW — Some East Texans have been without electricity for almost a week now. Power companies are still working through the extensive recovery process throughout several counties in East Texas. Adding that this recovery process, which started one week ago, has been extensive and widespread. “Most of the time you know you can go to one location and find 10-20 poles here we’ve been taken to 10-20 locations and find one pole. It’s been very widespread,†said Skeen. SWEPCO’s sister companies came out from Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Skeen estimated that there are still about 1,000 personnel on the ground.
Our news partner KETK spoke with Jimmy Skeen, a SWEPCO Base Camp Manager: “I tell people it took years to build the system, it’s destroyed in a matter of minutes.†He added that the linemen are grateful for the support and hospitality they’ve received from East Texans. “Everyone we’ve encountered has really been just super, I mean we have had the communities reach out wanting to know what they can do for us, which is amazing,†said Skeen.
TYLER – As you travel along Highway 155 South, a group of men can be found planting, harvesting and maintaining a garden. What you may not know is it’s run by Smith County Jail inmates to donate all their produce to the East Texas Food Bank. “They’re sitting in line at the jail, wanting to get out here and work,†said Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith. According to our news partner KETK they produce enough fruits and vegetables to fill about three to four truckloads a harvest. “That’ll be probably in excess of 160,000 pounds, so it’s a lot of meals for our neighbors here in East Texas,†said Cullinane.
Sheriff Larry Smith says it’s not just the inmates that help out. At times you can find community members and himself maintaining the crop.
WINNSBORO – Multiple services are being offered on Thursday to the Winnsboro community and the surrounding area according to the Winnsboro Fire Department. No proof of residency is required. You can view the entire list of disaster services are being offered to anyone who has been impacted by the storm by visiting our news partner KETK’s website here