TYLER — According to our news partner, KETK, a new bill has been introduced in Texas which will require public schools to charge tuition to undocumented students.
At the beginning of Trump’s term, the president signed an executive order that ensures that the federal government protects the American people by executing the immigration laws of the United States. Texas Sen. Bill Hall (R-D2) filed S.B. 1205 that coincides with this executive order and requires undocumented students to pay tuition.
S.B. 1205 will “charge a student…tuition to an amount equal to the districts average cost of providing educational services to students of the same grade level; and document the student’s immigration status in the district’s records, and report that information to the agency.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Our news partner, KETK, reports that CHRISTUS Health has opened a new, multi-provider family medicine and internal medicine clinic in Tyler.
The clinic located at The Village at Cumberland Park in the former BuyBuy Baby building will provide “comprehensive primary care including preventative services, chronic disease management and physical exams for all ages.” The clinic has 30 exam rooms with full-service lab and onsite imaging.
“This is a growing area in Tyler and an area that we saw as an opportunity to expand our footprint and access to care for the community,” Chief Medical Officer for CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic Dr. Brent Wadle said. “This new location provides more visibility and accessibility to our providers, ensuring we reach as many people as possible. Read the rest of this entry »
Spring Forward – Daylight Saving Time has begun! – Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour as daylight saving time is here.
TYLER – A man was arrested for injury to an elderly individual on Thursday after an elderly woman was brought into a Longview emergency room with serious injuries, according to a press release.
Smith County Sheriff’s Office deputies started an investigation after an elderly woman in Smith County was brought into a Longview emergency room on Feb. 4, following a hospice referral.
Officials said the woman had been sitting in a chair in her own waste for two weeks, and that her clothing had to be removed from her skin, causing further injury. Our news partner, KETK, reports that he woman has been put under the care of Adult Protective Services, and is being treated for several serious medical conditions resulting from this neglect. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A Mineola man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Bobby Wayne Land, 48, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle on March 7, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on February 28, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search of Land’s residence in Van Zandt County which resulted in the discovery of approximately 205 grams of methamphetamine. Land admitted that the methamphetamine was his and possessed if for the purpose of distributing to others. Co-defendant, Preston Mitchell Wilson, was sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 120 months in federal prison. Danny Lynn Nabors was also sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 96 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Grand Saline Police Department; the Canton Police Department; and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
PANOLA COUNTY – Our news partner, KETK, reports that more than $50,000 of timber was recovered and given back to its owners in Panola County following an investigation.
The Texas A&M Forrest Service Law Enforcement began the investigation in January after Panola County landowners filed a timber theft complaint after they believed that they were given an unjust deal during their negotiations with a timber harvesting company. The harvesting company paid $21,167 for their timber, which landowners believed was significantly lower than what the volume of timber was worth. Investigators determined that the company owed the timber owners an additional $41,655.
On Feb. 21, the harvesting company sent the landowners a full payment, which was valued at $50,240. Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Law Enforcement Officer Jarred Lemmon spoke about the case and how his department’s top priority is protecting the integrity of timber owners and the sales process. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — An East Texas man was arrested after being pulled over twice in three months where authorities reportedly found illegal drugs.
According to our news partner, KETK, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a vehicle on Jan. 9 for alleged equipment and moving violations. The driver was identified as Jerrick Munns, of Wills Point. When officers spoke to Munns, he reportedly admitted to having illegal drugs ensuing a search of the vehicle.
Officials found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and a large sum of money.
He was arrested and taken to the Van Zandt County detention center, where he had a medical episode that required attention, officials said. “As a result of Munns’ condition, he was released to medical personnel and a warrant was requested and issued for his arrest for the methamphetamine,” the sheriff’s office. Munns was arrested again on March 3, after he was pulled over for equipment and moving violations. The warrant from the previous encounter was implemented and the Interdiction Team`s K9 arrived to search the vehicle.
“The Interdiction Team`s K9 arrived and alerted to the presence of illegal items in the vehicle,” the sheriff’s office said. “A subsequent search located, suspected methamphetamine, scales, as well as pills suspected of being Trazadone. Marijuana and additional drug paraphernalia were also located.”
Munns was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and manufacturing/delivering of a controlled substance. He is being held at the Van Zandt County Jail on a $200,000 bond.
ANGELINA COUNTY – More than thirty people have been sentenced to federal prison for their connection to an Angelina County methamphetamine distribution ring, according to the Department of Justice. On Monday, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas Abe McGlothin, Jr. announced the sentences of 34 people from Lufkin, Houston, Louisiana and Florida who were targets of a five-year long investigation into the trafficking of methamphetamine in East Texas.
The investigation was started by Angelina County law enforcement in 2019, according to McGlothin. Our news partner, KETK, has compiled a complete list of the 34 people that have been sentenced for various crimes, including conspiracy to distribute, possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Read the rest of this entry »
SULPHUR SPRINGS – Cross Spur Cowboy Church is trying to get back on the saddle after Tuesday’s morning storms destroyed their arena.
Pastor Mike Eason heart sank as he pulled up to the gate and saw half the roof in a tangled mess. The arena has been open for 10 years now and has been used to hold events for the Sulphur Springs community and for the last seven years it has been home for the Elite Youth Rodeo Association. Trees are littered across the property and pieces of their buildings are among the horses. The church already had to cancel a rodeo event but they aren’t letting this setback stop their momentum. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A Tyler man has been convicted of federal firearms violations. According to a release from the Eastern District of Texas Public Affairs Office, Francisco Martinez, also known as Cisco, 23, was found guilty by a jury of selling a firearm to a person intending to use it in drug trafficking crimes and possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The verdict was reached following a trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on March 4, 2025.
“This verdict continues to demonstrate how relentless the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office and its FBI and ATF partners will work to combat violent crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “As promised, my office and our law enforcement partners will find drug and illicit gun dealers and take them off the streets.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is searching for Adisen Anne Daniels, 16, was reported as a runaway on February 24 from an apartment complex on Kinsey Drive in Tyler. Daniels is described as 5’02, 140lb with blue eyes and naturally brown hair dyed red. She also has tattoos of stars on her right hand. She is possibly in the West Tawakoni, Quinlan Texas area.
Police ask that any information be referred to the Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer, Andy Erbaugh.
Authorities say it is a violation of the Texas Penal Code to harbor a runaway child and can lead to up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
TYLER — President Trump held his first Joint Address to Congress on Tuesday night, which garnered various replies from Texas politicians. The address discussed many topics ranging from the president’s plans on enacting tariffs in Mexico and Canada, which has started a trade war in North America, as well as immigration and border control.
East Texas Congressman, Nathaniel Moran, supported Trump’s remarks, noting that the President is “delivering on his promises at an unprecedented pace.”
“My fellow East Texans, thanks to President Trump, America is strong again. In tonight’s joint address, President Trump delivered a clear message of increased liberty and a promise of an abundant life for every American,” he said. “His vision is simple: return power to the people and ensure that all Americans can pursue life, liberty, and happiness. In short, he made clear that the American Dream is still available.” Read the rest of this entry »
WHITEHOUSE — With tariffs imposed on Canada, Mexico and China one East Texas business owner is sharing advice on how to avoid the price increase on products.
According to our news partner, KETK, East Texans may be worried about the prices of certain goods, but Wimberly Farm and Ranch in Whitehouse Store Owner, Steven Wimberly, said shopping local is a good way to get around price increases.
Wimberly said the tariffs will have no impact on his business since all of his products are made in Texas. The store gets products from local chicken, horse and cow feed mills across the state made by Texas families. The newly imposed tariffs by the Trump administration could increase prices on certain goods, but Wimberly said the tariffs could level the playing field for certain businesses. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to the National Weather Service, three East Texas counties were hit by tornadoes on Tuesday but no fatalities or injuries were reported.
Our news partner, KETK, reports that in Tyler County, a tornado hit on Tuesday evening. It originated 0.5 miles west of Highway 287, leaving several trees and a few buildings damaged. The tornado moved northeast where it damaged a home and destroyed an outbuilding. Several pine trees were snapped at the trunk and 30% of a roof was peeled off of a home. Further east towards Highway 287, it damaged several trees before it ended near Little Cypress Creek. Following the severe weather, the county issued a Declaration of Disaster on Wednesday. County officials claimed that populated areas could be impacted by flooding, property damage, short-term electrical power and utility outages. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDCOHES COUNTY – According to our news partner KETK, a Houston man was arrested on Tuesday morning after more than 17 pounds of ecstasy was found in the back of his car.
Donte Demond Brown, 44, was confronted by deputies at a gas station in the 3500 block of South Street after he was seen speeding through a construction zone on U.S. 59 South. Officials said they could smell marijuana as they were approaching Brown’s vehicle, although Brown claimed he did not use drugs. Once deputies searched the vehicle, they reportedly discovered drug paraphernalia and a bag containing pills that were later identified as ecstasy. In the trunk, officials said they found an additional 17.36 pounds of ecstasy, 11.2 ounces of meth and 1.11 pounds of cocaine.
Although deputies said they were unable to confirm whether Brown had recently used drugs, he was charged with three counts of possession of a controlled substance.
“Each charge carries a possible punishment of five to 99 years of incarceration and a fine of up to $10,000. His bonds were set at $80,000 on each charge for a total of $240,000,” the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office said