Today is
Saturday April 19, 2025
TYLER — The City of Tyler said that street repairs on East Dawson Street will block the west entrance of CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital’s Dawson parking garage this week. According to our news partner KETK, East Dawson Street to Clinic Drive will be closed from Monday, Oct. 14 to Friday, Oct. 18. The city of Tyler said to use South Fleishel Avenue to get to the emergency room entrance or the parking garage.
TYLER — Tyler Junior College is hosting a summit with legislators on ways to implement programs to create a smooth transition after graduation. According to our news partner KETK, Tuesday was the reception for all 50 presidents from every community college in Texas to talk with the U.S. representatives who are in the House Education and Workforce Committee. Community college leaders want to see creativity and innovation take place on their behalf in Congress.
“We’re excited about the opportunities and the dialog that we can have between legislative champions and leaders of community colleges,†said Juan Mejia, TJC president .
On Wednesday, the legislative summit will begin with a dialogue on how to bring more money in for programs that will tie directly to jobs in their area. Read the rest of this entry »
CHEROKEE COUNTY — Law enforcement officials are searching for a man who reportedly stole a dump truck Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Cherokee County Sheriff Brent Dickson says a man in a gray t-shirt stole a dump truck and trailer from a county work site on CR 4211 out of Jacksonville. The man went north to Highway 110 and reportedly forgot to release the vehicle’s air brakes, which led to the tires of the truck smoking and catching fire. He reportedly bailed out of the dump truck in front of the Whitehouse Volunteer Fire Department on Highway 110 and ran away from the scene. TDCJ dogs were unable to find the person and the search was called off, according to Sheriff Brent Dickson.
LUFKIN — The Ellen Trout Zoo has announced that their director, Gordon Henley, is retiring after 48 years of service to the Lufkin-based zoo, according to our news partner KETK. “Serving as the director of Ellen Trout Zoo has been a true honor,†Henley said. “I have cherished every moment spent creating a magical experience for our visitors, and I am profoundly grateful for the support of our community.â€
Henley’s journey with the zoo started back in 1976 after moving to Lufkin with his wife Charlotte from Oklahoma where he worked at the Tulsa Zoo.
“After an amazing 48-year journey, Gordon will be seeking new adventures. We want to take a moment to reflect on the cherished memories created at Ellen Trout Zoo,†the zoo said. “Join us in celebrating his remarkable legacy and the magic he’s helped cultivate for generations. Here’s to new adventures, Gordon!†Read the rest of this entry »
WINNSBORO — The Winnsboro Police Department announced the passing of one of their own Thursday morning.According to our news partner KETK, the police department said Assistant Chief David Scott Sewell passed away early Thursday and shared that he was a beloved member of the community. Sewell who joined Winnsboro PD in 2016 also served the Northeast Texas region for 39 years.
“Please keep his family, friends and the department in your prayers as we navigate this difficult time,†the police department said.
ANGELINA COUNTY — A 21-year-old man caught on surveillance camera robbing a convenience store on Wednesday in Angelina County has been arrested. According to Sheriff Tom Selman and our news partner KETK, a convenience store in the Pollok area on U.S. Highway 69 between Lufkin and Wells was robbed at around 9:00 a.m. when a man entered the store and approached the cashier with a handgun. The sheriff’s office said the man took the money and left toward Wells in a green Ford Expedition. The cashier was able to take a picture of the vehicle and partial license plate number which was then shared to local law enforcement.
The Lufkin Police Department was then able to get the full license plate and alerted the sheriff’s deputies that the vehicle was registered off Quarles Road in the county. Read the rest of this entry »
UPDATE: As of early Wednesday afternoon, the Lindale Fire Department has cleared the roadway.
LINDALE — A major traffic issue this morning on west-bound I-20, just past Highway 69/mile marker 556. An overturned 18-wheeler is blocking the westbound lanes of traffic. Drivers are being diverted off the Interstate at the Hwy 69 exit. Drivers can also exit at FM 14 or Lavender Road. Expect lengthy delays.
TYLER — The City of Tyler Police Department is seeking stuffed animals for children “going through tough times.†They are accepting donations of new or gently used stuffed animals. According to our news partner KETK, the police department says they use the stuffed animals to comfort children in times of need. People can drop off their donations at the Faulkner Park or Ferguson police stations.
WOOD COUNTY – At least three burglary suspects took firearms from unlocked vehicles Sunday night near FM 17 and CR 1600, the Wood County Sheriff’s Office said. According to our news partner KETK, several unlocked vehicles were burglarized in the area as well as in Van Zandt County. The sheriff’s office is asking residents to lock their vehicles and to not leave those kind of items inside.
“The suspect vehicle appears to be a Ford F-150. If you recognize any of these suspects or suspect vehicle please give the Wood County Sheriff’s Office a call or Wood County Crime Stoppers,†the sheriff’s office said.
TYLER — The City of Tyler was named the best in the nation for retirement, a recent study said. According to our news partner KETK, a USA TODAY research team ranked 329 cities to determine which offers the best retirement experience based on factors like tax friendliness, housing costs, healthcare availability and number of leisure activities. “Tyler is the best city for retirees, featuring affordable homes, no income tax and prices 7.7% lower than the national average,†Kristina Zagame, a contributor for USA TODAY said.
Not only does Tyler top the list of best cities for retirees but a March-released study of the best cities to move to in Texas.
Researchers at USA TODAY Homefront found per 1,000 residents, Tyler has a crime rate of 28.7, and 9.9 senior-relevant care providers. The typical Tyler home is valued at $257,181 and the city is considered a most tax friendly. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — Education was front and center on Wednesday during the state of the workforce hosted by Longview chamber of commerce. According to our news partner KETK, East Texas business owners, high schools and economy experts attended the meeting and they focused on discussing education and the role it plays in building up local industries. One topic was especially discussed, looking for qualified people to fill critical roles.
“What we’re still hearing from businesses and industry in the East Texas community, that they don’t have the number of workers that they need nor the skill that those workers actually need to have in order to be successful.†Brenda Kays, president of Kilgore college, said.
Representatives from Kilgore college, public think tank Texas 2036 and the national skill coalition updated local businesses on the current employment landscape. Read the rest of this entry »
PANOLA COUNTY — The search for a missing Tatum man is over after authorities found his body near a pond. The Panola County Sheriff’s Office said Danizy Arthur, 43, was dropped off by family members off Highway 43 on Sunday morning to go fishing. According to our news partner KETK, Texas Search and Rescue, as well as K9 teams assisted in the search for Arthur. Arthur was found dead at a pond around 10:15 a.m.. The sheriff’s office said an autopsy has been ordered.
KILGORE — Kilgore is known for the world’s richest acre and the World Famous Rangerettes and on Tuesday night the city added a new honor to that list. According to our news partner KETK, Kilgore is now recognized as a Purple Heart City in a ceremony at the city hall. The city’s new title carries a lot of weight for long time resident and veteran Daniel Abram, because he understands the sacrifice veterans have made for their country.
“We think it’s wonderful,†Abrams said. “I think it should be respected, men paid an awful price for that.â€
The Kilgore mayor said resident Vickie Raymond brought this idea to the city and immediately had full support. The designation comes from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 1513, to honor veterans who live in Kilgore and make sure they feel appreciated. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted to appoint a new Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5 after the retirement announcement of Judge Jon Johnson. According to a release, Danny Brown was unanimously voted to be appointed as JP 5 for Smith County on Tuesday morning. The county said that Brown has served as Tyler ISD Police Chief for the past 12 years and is looking forward to serve his community of Lindale.
“I have always driven to Tyler to work,†Brown said. “I want to serve in Lindale where I have lived all these years.â€
According to the release, Brown worked for the Tyler Police Department for 21 years, then for Child Protective Services for five years before becoming the chief for the Tyler ISD Police Department. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A 62-year-old woman reported missing September 19 has been found dead. According to our news partner KETK, the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office said that Lisa Adams was found dead during a search performed by law enforcement on Saturday. According to the sheriff’s office, the Adams’ body was found in a field west of Canton near Highway 243. Justice of the Peace, Don Ashlock, has ordered an autopsy to determine how Adams died.
Officials said she was reported missing on Thursday, Sept. 19 but was last seen in the area of Canton on Sept. 12. Read the rest of this entry »