Today is
Sunday July 26, 2026
TYLER – A man in Smith County was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday for aggravated sexual assault of a child. Hunter Tadlock-Bearden, 25, pleaded guilty on April 27 and was sentenced to prison on Thursday.
In October 2020, he was wanted by the United States Marshal’s Service and Smith County District Attorney’s Office in connection to an aggravated sexual assault of a child. According to Smith County Judicial Records, the offense took place in March of 2016. Tadlock-Bearden was indicted on February 27, 2020. He has 376 days of jail credit that will be applied to the 10 year sentence.
TYLER – Tyler Police Department identified the man who was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in downtown Tyler as Randy Daniels, 61. Officials said that Daniels and the victim knew each other and that this was an isolated incident.
Our news partner KETK reports that a man was cut with a box cutter in downtown Tyler on Friday afternoon according to Tyler Police Department officials. The victim’s arm was treated with a tourniquet and the alleged attacker was arrested for aggravated assault. Identities have not been released but officials said that the attack did not seem random.
TYLER- U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran was back home in East Texas for a fundraising event in Tyler. Our new partner KETK caught up with Moran before the event and he had a lot to say about the recent debt ceiling deal and his priorities for East Texas moving forward. After only five months in D.C., Congressman Nathaniel Moran believes major policies have already been tackled on Capitol Hill to further improve life in East Texas.
“We’ve heard that without question that border security and spending were the two largest issues, so we dealt with that border security issue and passed that out of the house. We hope we will get support in the Senate and from the president,†said Moran. “I know that bipartisanship is hard and unity is hard, but we can never stop trying. There’s no other way. No matter how tough our politics gets, we see each other not as adversaries but as fellow Americans,†said Biden. Moran was not for the deal, and said he voted no. He said while there are some good parts to the plan, he ultimately believes East Texans needed more from the deal that would benefit them.
He says one of the best ways as far as reducing spending and reducing our deficit is to become more energy independent. “We need to unleash oil and gas industries across this nation and become more independent so that we can be a world leader not just economically, but with foreign policy and a military standpoint,†said Moran. He added that his work in D.C. is just getting started.
TYLER — Three cheetah cubs were born to mother, Orchid, and father, Flap, at the Caldwell Zoo. Their birth is a significant milestone for the zoo and for the conservation of the species. The first cub of the litter was born around 7:38 p.m. and the third arrived just before midnight on May 31. The Caldwell Zoo said that the mother is being very attentive and the cubs are nursing comfortably as they would hope. Caldwell Zoo is a member of the Cheetah Breeding Coalition and works closely with accredited zoological organizations to breed the felines. Caldwell Zoo says they are dedicated to conservation and education, “striving to instill a sense of awe and respect for the natural world in all who visit.†The birth of the cheetah cubs reinforces their commitment to protecting endangered species and raising awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.
MINEOLA – According to our news partner KETK the Collins Field Airport, in Wood County, opened a new apron expansion on Thursday. “After COVID, we had a big increase in small jets coming into the airport because the airlines were a mess, and it was hard for them and so it’s easier for businesses and personal travel to be done with personal aircraft, light twins, single engine aircraft like this one behind me, and a lot of bizjets were moving into the area,†John Wisdom, Airport Manager said. The added space and newly-painted stripes will allow for greater jet traffic and greater safety during bad weather.
MINEOLA – Mini ‘S’ Exotic Zoo is closed to the public now but offered encounters with nearly one-hundred animals. Recently, they have been dealing with federal officials investigating conditions at the zoo. An April inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture revealed what they described as filthy and unsafe conditions for dozens of animals. “There’s always another side to another story,†said Mandy Miller, who works for the zoo.
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MARSHALL – 43 kilograms of cocaine were seized on Sunday by Marshall police after a traffic stop. According to our news partner KETK, a semi-truck was stopped around 3:30 p.m. in the 1500 block of South East End Boulevard. A search of the truck found 39 plastic-wrapped bundles of cocaine that police said is estimated to have a street value of $4 million. The driver, identified as Ariel Martinez, 34 of Elgin, Ill., was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail before being released on a $100,000 bond. The investigation is ongoing.
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a woman who was reported missing. Courtney Taylor Martin, 34, was reported missing by her family on May 24. Martin was last seen near County Road 42 and FM 724 on May 18. She is described as a white female, about 5’5″ and 250 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Officials said Martin is reported to have a mental illness and is not taking her medication for the illness. According to the sheriff’s office, she has been known to hang out in the area of “tent city†near the Super 1 Foods store on East Gentry Parkway. Anyone with information on Martin’s whereabouts is asked to call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.
LONGVIEW – Two people are dead and nine others are injured after a five-car crash in Longview on Monday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, a white Chevrolet Sonic with one passenger was traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on South Eastman Road when the car “failed to stop and struck another vehicle.†Longview police responded around 5 p.m. to the scene in the 3100 block of North Eastman Road and Fourth Street. The driver of the Chevrolet Sonic, identified as Callie Bearden, 19 of Longview, was taken to a local hospital where she later died of her injuries. Shelby Partain, 32, a passenger of a separate car, was taken to a local hospital where she died of her injuries. Nine other people were taken to a local hospital for treatment, and police said they are continuing to investigate the crash.
TYLER – A Tyler man was charged with manslaughter in connection to the April 2022 death of a 17-year-old. According to our news partner KETK, 27-year-old Billy Bernard Maddox, Jr. was indicted for manslaughter in the overdose death of Preston Hawley. In September 2022, Maddox was charged with tampering/fabricating with intent to impair evidence and bonded out the same day. He was later arrested on a manslaughter charge on May 26 in connection to the same case. According to an arrest warrant, Hawley used to live with Maddox. The warrant states that detectives were told Maddox was “a known drug dealer.†On the afternoon of April 23, 2022, Tyler police detectives were called to a hospital in response to a patient who died of an apparent overdose, identified as Hawley. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – “Property taxes are suffocating Texans,†said Abbott. “We must fix that this session.†It’s been Governor Greg Abbott’s message from the very beginning. Even though the 88th legislative session is now over, lawmakers are still working around the clock to pass legislation according to our news partner KETK. This time they have two tasks: property tax relief and border security. Abbott called a special session Monday after republican leaders in the house and senate could not pass laws on his top priorities. Number one on the list in this special session is property tax relief for Texans. “Hard-working Texans produced the largest budget surplus in Texas history,†added Abbott. “That money belongs to the taxpayers. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The district attorney’s office elected to seek the death penalty for one of three men charged with capital murder in the June 2021 death of a Tyler 17-year-old. According to our news partner KETK, Andres Urrutia, 21 of Tyler and his two co-defendants were indicted for capital murder by terroristic threat in September 2021 after Jesse McNeely, 17, was found shot at his home on Omega Drive. Two of the men charged in this case, Urrutia and his co-defendant Lorenzo Martinez, 22 of Tyler, were arrested days after the shooting in Galveston County before being transported back to Tyler and booked into the Smith County Jail. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER– The East Texas Food Bank announced on Tuesday CEO Dennis Cullinane will retire at the end of their fiscal year on June 30. “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as the CEO of such an incredible organization since 2010,†Cullinane said. According to our news partner KETK, the food banks board of directors formed a search committee and hired a firm to help recruit candidates for the CEO position. Chair of the ETFB board, Jeff Johnson, said the new CEO will start in June in order to train with Cullinane before his depature. “The ETFB board is very thankful for the 13 years of service Dennis has provided,†Johnson said. “During his tenure, ETFB doubled its meal distribution where today we are providing 27 million meals to 117,300 households in 26 counties in East Texas. He led us through the pandemic where ETFB saw tremendous need with long lines of people seeking food assistance, some for the first time.â€
MOUNT PLEASANT – Our news partner KETK reports that a local bowling alley and activity center in Mount Pleasant caught fire early Monday morning. According to Mount Pleasant Deputy Fire Chief Brad Eubanks, the call came in around 5:56 a.m. and they responded to a fire at the MP bowling alley. State investigators are at the scene as of 10 a.m., looking into the fire and the cause of the fire is not known at this time. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
EAST TEXAS –Hundreds of East Texans gathered at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home to honor fallen members of the United States Armed Forces on Memorial Day. Several speakers and performers were there to pay tribute, including Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith and the Marine Corps League who gave a 21-gun salute. “We gather here today once again on this hallowed ground, to honor those men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving out country,†Sheriff Larry smith said. Musical performances included the National Anthem by the East Texas Men in Harmony and Taps by Tyler Police officer John Weaver. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A child was hit and injured by a vehicle driving on West Morris Street in Tyler around 6:46 p.m. on Sunday. Tyler Police Department confirmed that it appears as if the child step out into the road before being hit. They were then taken by EMS to be treated at a local hospital. Officials said that the child was awake and alert. According to our news partner KETK, the vehicle driver stayed on the scene after the child was hit and no criminal charges are being pursued at this time.
BULLARD – The City of Bullard has issued a stage 3 water conservation notice in order to conduct emergency water well maintenance. The City decided to issue this notice and ration water following a declaration of emergency due to the needed “emergency water well maintenance. â€This notice puts the following water restrictions in place: Residents having even numbered addresses are permitted to water outside only on Sunday and Thursday. Residents having odd numbered addresses are permitted to water only on Saturday and Wednesday. Read the rest of this entry »
CHAPEL HILL — Chapel Hill ISD announced the distribution of nearly $40,000 to honor its long-serving staff members. $38,250 was given out to employees who have been with the district from five to 25 years during the district’s End-of-the-Year Ceremony on Friday. The district said it expresses deep appreciation for the staff’s exemplary service and lasting contributions to the district’s mission. “Chapel Hill ISD recognizes the unwavering commitment and valuable contributions of its staff. The loyalty stipends serve as a token of gratitude for their remarkable dedication in shaping the educational landscape of the district,†the district said in a release.
SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith announced on Thursday that he will be seeking reelection in 2024 setting the stage for a second Republican Primary showdown with Chris Green in March. Smith, 59, told a crowd of more than 80 supporters, including elected officials, friends and family inside the Smith County Courthouse, he would run on his three-year performance as sheriff and 39-year record in law enforcement. He started his career in the Gregg County Sheriff’s Department and later worked for the Drug Enforcement Agency before serving 22 years in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. If elected, Smith will begin his fourth term as sheriff. He said in 2022 that he will try to be sheriff as long as his health allows and as long as the people of Smith County want him to be.
LONGVIEW – The Longview Economic Development Corporation approved a $2.8 million expansion plan for the Dallas Plastics Jordan Valley Road facility on Thursday. Our news partner reports that the proposed expansion will invest $2.8 million into the facility by building material storage space and adding production equipment. On top of the new storage space and production equipment, the expansion will also create 19 full-time jobs, according to LEDCO.
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SMITH COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith announced on Thursday that he will be seeking reelection in 2024. Smith has served the county as sheriff since being sworn-in in 2013. If elected, Smith will begin his fourth term as sheriff. He said in 2022 that he will try to be sheriff as long as his health allows and as long as the people of Smith County want him to be.
LONGVIEW — One person is dead after a shooting in Longview on Thursday morning. Around 11:25 a.m., police responded to a shooting in the 1300 block of Twelfth Street. Upon arrival, police found a victim identified as 45 year old Martin King lying on the side of the road with a gunshot wound. Police said the Martin was pronounced dead at the scene. According to Longview Police, 42-year-old Michael DaShaun Jackson was booked into the Gregg County Jail.
MARSHALL – A man has been arrested after abusing his dog, according to the Marshall Police Department. Jacob Edwards, 30, was observed kicking his dog and then hanging it from a leash on a door of a business on East End Boulevard. Edwards was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail on the charge of cruelty to non-livestock animals and the dog has been taken to a local adoption center to be examined by a veterinarian. The dog is expected to recover but is not available for adoption at this time. “The swift action of the witnesses and the responding officers saved this animal from further suffering. We encourage people to call police if they see something like this,†Marshall Police Chief Cliff Carruth said.
TYLER – A Chandler man is dead after a hit-and-run crash with a truck as he was riding his motorcycle. According to our news partner KETK, on Tuesday, around 3:45 p.m., Tyler Police responded to a traffic crash involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle on Highway 31 W and Patton Lane. Charles Main, 55, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, later identified as Jeremy Cisneros, 20, reportedly drove away from the scene. Cisneros was located by officials and was interviewed and released. Detectives obtained a warrant on Cisneros for accident causing serious bodily injury or death, with a $75,000 bond. He turned himself in and was booked into the Smith County Jail.
TYLER – Authorities will be out in full swing this Memorial Day weekend. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), the Texas Department of Public Safety and Tyler Police Department have announced that they are ramping up public safety efforts for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. The TABC said in a release that they will be conducting operations throughout the state during Memorial Day weekend that include open and undercover inspections to deter violence and over service of alcoholic beverages and “will also include underage compliance operations (UCOs) to identify businesses selling alcohol to persons under 21.†The release also stated that businesses caught violating the state’s alcohol laws could face a fine or temporary suspension of their license to sell alcohol. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Keep Tyler Beautiful received a Gold Star Affiliate Award from Keep Texas Beautiful for the 17th year. According to our news partner KETK, that award along with their Sustained Excellence award, highlights their efforts on beautification, litter reduction, maintaining public and private partnerships and educating the community. Out of 300 affiliates, 82 were honored with a Gold Star status. “Our affiliates are the backbone of our organization,†said Suzanne Kho, Executive Director of Keep Texas Beautiful. “We are proud to honor those going above and beyond to keep their communities clean and beautiful. Our Gold Star Affiliates are educating and engaging community members, actively recruiting and managing volunteers, hosting cleanup and beautification events throughout their community, and so much more.†Keep Tyler Beautiful attributed their success to support from city leaders and dedication of board members and volunteers.
TYLER — With the school year coming to a close for Chapel Hill ISD, before they head out for summer break, seven teachers were surprised with grants for next year’s innovative projects. Our news partner KETK reports that the Chapel Hill ISD Education Foundation gave out nearly $9,000 in grants Thursday. The money is going to teachers throughout the district. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – Investigators are on the scene of an aggravated assault involving a gunshot in Smith County as of 8:35 p.m., according to Smith County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Larry Christian and our news partner KETK. Officials responded to a call on Red Bird Lane regarding an aggravated assault dispute between two adults. During their dispute, Christian said that someone in a pickup truck drove by and fired shots at the residence. This case is still under investigation.
MINEOLA – A three-part docuseries released on HBO Max on Tuesday is taking a look at a swingers club sex scandal that made headlines in Mineola in 2005. According to our news partner KETK, the documentary details the accusations, following trials and the aftermath the case left on the East Texas community. Six people were sentenced to life in prison after the children, who were under 7-years-old at the time, and others told a jury that they were made to attend a “kindergarten†where they learned to dance provocatively and were forced to perform at an alleged swingers club. Two of the men convicted in the scandal had their convictions overturned by a Texas appeals court, and the accusations became highly scrutinized over the years due to a lack of evidence beyond the children’s testimonies of what happened. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Two people were hospitalized after a crash on Sunnybrook Drive in Tyler on Tuesday morning. According to Tyler Police Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh, an SUV and a pickup truck were racing from Sunnybrook going north. A jeep that pulled out onto Sunnybrook was hit by the pickup, causing it to spin across the median into the southbound lanes, Erbaugh said. The single occupants of the Jeep and pickup were each taken to a Tyler hospital. The case is still being investigated.