Today is
Sunday July 26, 2026
KILGORE – A man was arrested after leading police on a chase that resulted in the seizure of 16 grams of methamphetamine. According to our news partner KETK on Tuesday night, the Kilgore Police Department responded to a disturbance call and as they arrived, officials said they saw a man running from the scene leading police on a foot chase. According to the release, police witnessed the man “throw a package under some wood as he was trying to flee.†Police said they caught the man quickly and collected the bag which contained 16 grams of methamphetamine.
Edwin Mumphrey was identified as the suspect attempting to run from police and he was charged with a felony drug possession charge. “Edwin is known to us and his business has affected the city. We will make sure Edwin doesn’t continue to deal on the streets of Kilgore,†said the Kilgore Police Department.
GILMER — Storm recovery in Upshur County is ongoing according to our news partner KETK. Thousands are still without power, and trees are still down. The county is doing what they can to provide support to anyone who needs it. Some folks in Upshur County have gone days without power, meanwhile, temperatures are high and it’s humid. The county is providing support. “We’ve got places for folks to go, we’ve got plenty of water, plenty of ice, plenty of MRE’s,†said Nichols, of the Upshur County Emergency Management.
Upshur County is offering several cooling stations throughout the areas affected, it’s important to come inside to cool off and recharge. Adding that linemen are working extra hours to get everyone’s lights back on. “Just trying to get everybody back up as fast as they can,†said Nichols. A reminder to everyone to stay cool and hydrated through this summer weather. Upshur Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation said they have brought in more than 170 contract linemen and one of their main priorities is restoring as many outages as possible.
LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University opened its doors and dorm rooms for over 250 linemen to rest overnight according to our news partner KETK. Workers would normally stay in hotels, but they are booked up due to local families not having power. “The other option is they sleep in a cot, in a truck or they sleep in a tent. Where else are we going to put them?†said Robinson. Afraid of the alternative, SWEPCO turned locally and the timing was perfect in coordination with the university. After their 16-hour shift in the scorching heat, every lineman can rest comfortably.
“Because of previous camps all of our spaces were full and so, since the storm happened right around the time then all of those campers left and left us with the availability to have five open dorms in the first place,†said Marty Lane, Director of Conference and Event Services at LeTourneau University. This is the first time in Lane’s 15 years at the university to do something like this.
Kindergarteners who are at a summer camp on campus left letters of thanks for the linemen’s hard work. “They realize and understand ‘Hey! There’s these workers doing this and that’s why we have air conditioning,’ so they’re getting it and understanding it,†said Lane.
SWEPCO said 100 more workers are on their way Wednesday night to continue working on the damaged areas.
GREGG COUNTY – Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt gave an update on power restoration as more than 40,000 people are still without power in East Texas. On Tuesday, Stoudt told KETK News they’re down to less than 15,000 outages from the high of around 60,000 on Friday morning. According to our news partner KETK Stoudt went on to thank the crews who are working to get the lights back on and said 3,000 SWEPCO employees had to be brought in from nearby states to help repair the historic damage.
“Probably in the 40 year history, we’ve never seen the infrastructure damage like it has been through this last storm. We’ve got poles that were just broken in half and big trees that had fallen over on transmission lines and it just takes a lot of personnel.†Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt
Stoudt added that the plan is to have all power restored no later than Friday.
SHREVEPORT – Power outages caused by Friday’s storms persist across East Texas as we move into the week. Our news partner KETK reports that crews are working extra shifts to restore service across the region. Click here to see the current SWEPCO estimates on when your power may return.
TYLER – The Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM) is hard at work across the state according to our news partner KETK, Chief of Texas Emergency Management Nim Kidd is out surveying damage and talking with storm victims. They have resources in place to speed up recovery efforts but right now, their biggest concern in our area is keeping the lights on.
“Chief Kidd wanted to make sure that he had an opportunity to see firsthand the extent of the damage. There’s always something to be said for having those first person interactions with local officials and with regional partners and with members of the community. It’s really important that the community knows that they have the support of the state of Texas,†said Wes Rapaport the communications officer for the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
TDEM officials are urging those impacted to survey their homes and to report all damages by using their iSTAT damage survey. They say the sooner that’s done, the faster you will get help.
TYLER – Brookshire Grocery Company said they are giving away a bags of ice to people with out power at several Brookshire’s stores across East Texas. They will start giving out bags of ice while supplies last at 8 a.m. at the following stores:
Brookshire’s in Winnsboro: 212 E Coke Rd., Brookshire’s in Hawkins: 1477 N Beulah St., Brookshire’s in Mt. Vernon: 306 Hwy 37 S and Brookshire’s in Jefferson: 404 E Broadway St.
According to our news partner KETK their Community Kitchen will be serving free hot meals starting at 11 a.m. while supplies last in the parking lot of their Mt. Vernon store.
“At Brookshire Grocery Company, we are focused on building greater communities by being there for our neighbors not only during times of celebration but also during times of need.â€
Brookshire Grocery Company
TYLER – Gov. Greg Abbott has issued a disaster for Franklin, Harrison, Marion, Upshur and Wood counties after East Texas was hit by severe weather this week according to our news partner KETK. Abbott’s proclamation was originally issued for Ochiltree and Cass counties but was later amended to say the following:
“WHEREAS, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, issued a disaster proclamation on Friday, June 16, 2023, certifying the severe weather and tornadoes that began on June 14, 2023, and included severe storms, large hail, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, tornadoes, and hazardous wind gusts caused widespread and severe property damage, injury, or loss of life in Ochiltree and Cass counties; NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 4 18.014 of the Texas Government Code, I do hereby amend the aforementioned proclamation and declare a disaster in these additional counties: Franklin, Harrison, Marion, Upshur, and Wood counties.†Gov. Greg Abbott
This comes after several individual counties like Upshur, Marion and Morris counties had local disaster declarations issued by county judges.
RUSK COUNTY – Rusk County officials are looking for two suspects after a reported home invasion and assault.
According to our news partner KETK Rusk County Sheriff’s Office said the incident took place on Wednesday at an address located off of Highway 79 East. Officials said they currently have, “a patrol shift, investigators and a TDCJ search team on scene conducting an investigation.†The release stated that the possible suspects are described as two males wearing dark clothing.
“Anyone with information pertaining to this incident are urged to contact the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at (903)-657-3581 or Rusk County Crime Stoppers. No further information will be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation.†The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office
The $1 million project will provide a more comfortable, private and quiet space to care for patients, according to the release. “We’re really proud of the fact that where we are and that we’re basically what that means is we’re equipped to take care of just about anything that may come in through our doors. We are acute stroke ready, which means we can take care of strokes. We are also E.R. pediatric ready, which means we have the people, the talent, the technology to take care of even the smallest of patients,†said Administrator Barry Loftquist. The newly expanded ER renovation started about a year ago and is now open for all emergency needs.
TYLER – Severe thunderstorms came through East Texas Tuesday bringing severe thunderstorm warning across East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, A total of 10,199 outages were reported by Oncor, SWEPCO, Upshur County Rural Electric and Wood County Rural Electric. Some counties experienced flood advisories and many saw large hail. KETK’s Chief Meteorologist Carson Vickroy said historically, June is a month East Texas will see hail storms. “All of that potential energy from those warm temperatures results in large hail stones from strong updrafts, as we know can create a lot of damage,†said Vickroy. After the storm left Tyler, people and businesses checked every vehicle and rooftop for damage. Vickroy said to stay weather aware and get you and your cars to safety ahead of the storm. “We have all modes of severe weather pretty much year-round in East Texas and the best thing to do when there is a big hail threat in the forecast is asking ‘How am I going to protect first my life? and if the storm is going to be a threat to my property?,’†said Vickroy.
TYLER – Severe thunderstorms came through East Texas Tuesday bringing severe thunderstorm warning across East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, A total of 10,199 outages were reported by Oncor, SWEPCO, Upshur County Rural Electric and Wood County Rural Electric. Some counties experienced flood advisories and many saw large hail. KETK’s Chief Meteorologist Carson Vickroy said historically, June is a month East Texas will see hail storms. “All of that potential energy from those warm temperatures results in large hail stones from strong updrafts, as we know can create a lot of damage,†said Vickroy. After the storm left Tyler, people and businesses checked every vehicle and rooftop for damage. Vickroy said to stay weather aware and get you and your cars to safety ahead of the storm. “We have all modes of severe weather pretty much year-round in East Texas and the best thing to do when there is a big hail threat in the forecast is asking ‘How am I going to protect first my life? and if the storm is going to be a threat to my property?,’†said Vickroy.
ATHENS – A 17-year-old pedestrian died after being hit by a car in a crash on FM 317 around 2:37 a.m. on Sunday, according to our news partner KETK. Haylie Grimes, 17 of Gun Barrel City, was speaking to the driver of a vehicle stopped partly in the westbound lane of FM 317 when a 2008 Dodge Charger drove into the eastbound lane, disregarding a no passing zone and stopped , officials said. According to a Texas DPS report, Grimes was crossing the westbound lane to be picked up by the Dodge when a 2021 Kia Rio failed to control its speed and hit the Dodge and Grimes. Grimes was declared dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Tonya Norris, DPS reported. The driver of the Dodge was treated for injuries at the scene and released. Officials said the driver of the Kia, Chance Tyler Barnhart, 19 of Athens, was arrested and had his blood voluntarily drawn. Barnhart was charged with intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle and booked into Henderson County Jail.
TYLER – According to our news partner KETK more than 9,239 power outages have been reported by various East Texas electric companies and cooperatives, after severe weather moved through the area on Saturday.
Here is a partial list of customers in our area without power.
Smith County – 4
Cherokee County – 156
Gregg County – 2,459
Henderson County – 15
Rusk County – 12
Upshur County – 6
NOONDAY — According to our news partner KETK an invasive species called hammerhead flatworms are found in several areas in Texas and have been a cause for concern for some residents, but experts say there is no reason to panic. You may have heard that they are highly toxic to pets, but the Texas Invasive Species Institute says that’s not completely true. “It’ll make your animals feel sick for a day or two, it doesn’t cause anything more severe than that,†said Ashley Morgan-Olvera, Director of Research and Education at Texas Invasive Species Institute.
The worms are also not harmful to people unless you are allergic, then you may have a reaction like you would with poison ivy. Experts say if you do come in contact with the hammerhead flatworm to wash your hands immediately and get rid of it. You can seal it in a bag with salt, or spray it with vinegar but never cut it in half. “They will regenerate so you can just end up creating more creatures instead of less,†said Morgan-Olvera.
We may not hear about the hammerhead flatworm often but they have been known to be in northern, central and eastern Texas since 1901. If you find a hammerhead worm, let someone know, send a picture and the place you found it to Texas A&M AgriLife or the Texas Invasive Species Institute so they can keep track of the population.
LONGVIEW – Longview police are investigating a homicide after finding a body while working a structure fire early Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Fire Department responded to the scene in the 100 block of East Avalon Avenue around 1:15 a.m. Firefighters extinguished the fire and found a body. “Upon initial investigation foul play is suspected, and Longview Police Department is currently investigating this as a homicide,†officials said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Longview Police Department at 903-237-1110 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-7867.
RUSK – A historic psychiatric hospital in Rusk has a new $200 million state-of-the-art patient complex and administration building, and officials say they hope it will be a model for future builds in the state. The new three-story, 227,368 square-foot patient complex includes a 100-bed non-maximum security unit and expanded their maximum security unit from 40 beds to 100, and features single-person rooms, natural light in rooms and common areas, outdoor spaces and a variety of therapeutic, recreational and social experiences to prepare patients for life outside the hospital.
State Sen. Robert Nichols, State Rep. Travis Clardy and State Rep. Cody Harris took on the job to get it done. Construction began in 2017 and $200 million was raised.
“Not only is this newest, state-of-the-art, it is one of a series that follows, so it kind of lays the formula for the rest of the state on how to do it,†Nichols said.
Gov. Greg Abbott sent a message to local officials saying the new Rusk State Hospital is just the start of making mental health a priority in our hospitals.
HENDERSON COUNTY – The Henderson County Fire Department and the Emergency Management team said they are now stepping up enforcement. Our news partner KETK spoke with Henderson County Fire Marshal Shane Renberg who said he believes his county is growing exponentially. He said with more people living in the county, it’s limiting space for concerned folks and junk just builds up on their property. “Basically keeping out trash, debris, junk, tires, old appliances, couches furniture,†said Renberg. “If it doesn’t belong outside in your yard, it needs to be inside or in your property.†Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A portion of the South Tyler Trail system will be closed for almost two weeks later this month. The trail segment between Rieck Road and South Donnybrook Avenue will be closed for tree maintenance and cleanup starting next Monday June 12 through June 23. Out of concern for public safety, that part of the trail will not be accessible to the public during that time. The South Tyler Trail is four miles of looped concrete trail. All city trails are open daily from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. For more information on Tyler trails you can visit their website.
SMITH COUNTY — One person is dead and three were injured after a crash in Smith County on I-20 on Tuesday evening. According to our news partner KETK, the crash happened around 8 p.m. near mile marker 549 going westbound toward Lindale. Sgt. Adam Albritton with the Texas Department of Public Safety said a semi-truck tractor with a trailer was traveling westbound in the right lane while a pickup truck was traveling at a “high rate of speed†behind the trailer. The pickup truck reportedly struck the left side of the trailer, went into the center median and rolled across the lanes of traffic. All four occupants were ejected from the pickup truck, Albritton said. Three persons are hospitalized in critical condition. DPS continues with their investigation.
LONGVIEW – In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the owner of Dudley’s Cajun Cafe announced it’s permanent closure after years of health battles. Dudley’s Cajun Cafe has been a staple in Longview for the past 30 years, being voted the best Cajun food for 28 years in a row. The restaurant has also been in Texas Monthly four separate times and owners Dudley and Sheryl Lang it is, “all thanks to our loyal customers.â€
According to our news partner KETK the restaurant will be closing its doors permanently on June 10 at 8 p.m. due to the owners personal health reasons.
TYLER — Special session one is still in progress with Gov. Greg Abbott’s two top priorities being property tax relief and immigration.
Monday, our news partner KETK was able to talk with State Sen. Bryan Hughes about the 88th Legislative Session and his thoughts on the current special session. “So, we’ll be coming back in the special session, in the regular session, a whole lot of good stuff got accomplished, sometimes that gets overshadowed when we have to come back for a special,†Hughes said. He mentioned that he’s particularly proud of House Bill 4 passing. He also shared the progress on property tax relief, saying the details are still being worked out.
Another potential change from the state capitol could be the end of requiring vehicle state inspections. “The evidence has shown it doesn’t do much for safety, most traffic accidents are based on other factors, alcohol, drugs, distracted driving,†Hughes said. “We don’t see the elements covered by the inspection process, so we’re excited about getting rid of that process in the state of Texas.â€
According to the Legislative Texas Library website, the limit to special sessions is a maximum of 30 days but imposes no minimum. The 88th Legislature’s special session was called on May 29, and June 28 will mark 30 days out.
TYLER – A Tatum man was arrested for murder on Monday after the missing person case of a 51-year-old Tyler woman was reclassified as a homicide. According to our news partner KETK, Paula Belonga was last seen on April 7 leaving her apartment complex, her Chevrolet Impalla was found on April 12 in Zavalla. Tyler police said after obtaining evidence, the case was classified from a missing person to a homicide, and an arrest warrant was issued for Jesse Williams, 40 of Tatum, for murder. Williams was arrested on Monday by the U.S. Marshal’s Joint East Texas Fugitive Task Force and was booked into the Smith County Jail. His bond was set at $750,000.
TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank introduced its sixth Chief Executive Officer, David Emerson. According to our news partner KETK, Emerson has more than 20 years of leadership in Arkansas where he served as the Executive Director at the Midwest Food Bank. With financial struggles and high inflation making it harder for people to afford the prices at the grocery store, he plans to utilize his experience to address food insecurity in rural areas. David Emerson said he wants to try and find a solution to the higher costs. A Federal Reserve report showed that only 63% of adults can cover an unexpected $400 expense. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A 22-year-old Tyler man has been indicted for intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle in connection to a September 2022 fatal crash. According to our news partner KETK Darrell Lewis, 22 of Tyler, was indicted for driving while intoxicated on Sept. 24, 2022, and caused the crash that killed 53-year-old Eric Elitel.
The wreck took place on State Highway 155 North one mile north of Winona, and DPS reported at the time that Lewis was driving south on the road when his car moved onto the wrong side of the road and crashed head-on into another car. Elitel was pronounced dead at the scene, and Lewis was taken to a Louisiana hospital for treatment. He was indicted for intoxication manslaughter on April 20.
HENDERSON COUNTY – A woman was arrested on Sunday in Henderson County after officials found she had an outstanding felony arrest warrant and suspected drugs in her backpack. According to our news partner KETK, she was at the jail visiting an inmate when they made the discovery. Tiffany Karavites, 35 of Colorad, Colo., was arrested on the outstanding warrant and while searching a backpack she had with her at the jail, officials said they found suspected meth. Karavites was booked for one charge of possession of a controlled substance in addition to the outstanding warrant.
HAWKINS – Hawkins ISD is mourning the loss of student Jaykob Dodd, who died over the weekend in a two car collision, according to our news partner KETK. Hawkins ISD shared the following statement on Facebook:
“We send our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Jaykob Dodd. We stand by you during this difficult time, and our hearts go out to everyone in his family and our HISD school family. HISD will have counselors on hand tomorrow for any student and staff in need. Whether you need someone to talk to or just someone to listen, we are here for you. The Middle/High School will postpone summer school tomorrow. We will resume our summer learning program on Tuesday. Once again, our thoughts and prayers go out to you.â€
Hawkins ISD
The district said that Middle School and High School summer school will resume on Tuesday. They added that Region 7 crisis counselors will be on campus from 9:00 a.m. to noon Tuesday for students and staff.
The Department of Public Safety says the accident happened around 1pm Saturday on FM 14. The couple in the other vehicle were taken to the hospital, but their conditions are unknown.
TRINITY COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK Trinity County Sheriff Woody Wallace is asking for the public’s help identifying the truck used to allegedly steal a RV trailer in Trinity County on Friday. According to authorities, the truck is a white late model Ford Super Duty 4D FX4 and the trailer is a 2015 Keystone Outback 33’ Bumper-Pull with the license plate number: 8198894. Officials said that a 6.5 Savage Bolt Action Rifle with a scope and synthetic black stock was stolen as well.
Anyone with information can call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 936-642-1424.
TYLER – Our news partner KETK reports that UPDATE: 105 power outages were still listed as active by East Texas electricity companies and cooperatives on Sunday morning after storms moved through the area on Saturday. Tyler Police Department confirmed that officers are conducting traffic at multiple intersections that are down because of power outages. Officials said the intersections are being worked while crews try to restore power.
Below is a partial list of customers without power from ONCOR, SWEPCO and various electric cooperatives. Full list on KETK’s website
Smith County – 17
Cherokee County – 4
Gregg County – 6
Henderson County – 4
Rusk County – 7
Upshur County – Fewer than 5
TYLER – A Tyler man was sentenced to 18 years in state prison on Friday in relation to a 2022 crash that killed David Lewandowski of Hewitt, judicial records show. According to our news partner KETK Nicholas Ray Agustin, 20 of Tyler, pleaded guilty to intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and intoxication assault with a vehicle on Friday, according to judicial records.
Agustin’s judicial records show he was sentenced to 10 years for possession of a controlled substance and intoxication assault. His ten year sentences will be served concurrently with his 18 year sentence which will start immediately. In 2022, DPS reported that Agustin was heading south on Highway 110 when his Ford Crown Victoria lost control and entered the northbound lane and hit the 2012 Honda Civic carrying Lewandowski. After the crash Agustin, who was allegedly not wearing a seatbelt, was taken to a local hospital with non-incapacitating injuries. The driver of the Civic was taken to a different local hospital with incapacitating injuries. Lewandowski was pronounced dead at the scene.