Today is
Thursday June 04, 2026
TYLER — The Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council has awarded more than $1.1 million in grants to East Texas organizations that are helping to fight the opioid epidemic. According to our news partner KETK, the grants are a part of $21.2 million in funds that the council distributed to organizations across the state. Officials called the statewide grants a milestone in the fight against opioid abuse.
“Today represents a significant milestone,” Texas Comptroller and council chair Kelly Hancock said on Sept. 17. “For the first time, the Council has awarded grants to communities in every region of our state. We look forward to seeing how these resources will change lives, as local organizations put them to work supporting individuals and families impacted by the opioid crisis across Texas.”
The following five East Texas organizations were awarded $1,198,845 in grants to help support their opioid recovery and treatment work: Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN — The Lufkin Police Department has arrested a man who was wanted for allegedly leaving several marijuana-filled Easter eggs in Lufkin parks earlier this year. According to Lufkin Police and our news partner KETK, Avante Nicholson was arrested after the Texas Rangers searched a home on Scott Street. Texas Rangers were searching the house to find a suspect in the Sept. 13 murder of 26-year-old Shelby County man, JaMichael Phillips.
The suspect was not staying at the home but Nicholson was found in the bathroom. Lufkin PD said the Texas Rangers also wanted to question Nicholson as a potential witness to the murder of Phillips.
Nicholson was wanted on three warrants for delivery of marijuana in a drug free zone and another warrant for delivery of marijuana. Lufkin PD said Nicholson’s warrants stem from the April discovery of five Easter eggs filled with marijuana at Morris Frank Park, Winston Park and Grace Dunn Richardson Park and near a Motel 6. Read the rest of this entry »
HENDERSON COUNTY — Judge Dan Moore retired after 20 years of service, celebrated by friends, family, and colleagues in the 173rd District Courtroom on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, the retirement event was marked by stories, laughter and gifts from those who worked with Judge Moore during his tenure.
Moore’s staff honored him with a framed flag that had flown over the Texas House of Representatives, symbolizing his dedication to public service. The courtroom was filled with people, reflecting the high regard in which Moore is held by the community. “It was a packed courtroom and a fitting send-off for a man who spent 20 years serving Henderson County from the bench,” Henderson County officials said.
TYLER — Ambetter Insurance may no longer be accepted by UT Health East if an agreement is not reached between the two companies by November. According to UT Health and our news partner KETK, UT has been working with Ambetter to reach a new agreement that would ensure that their members continue to have in-network access to their facilities. If a new deal is not reached by Nov. 1, UT Health East Texas facilities will be out-of-network for Ambetter customers.
Additionally, if an agreement is not reached by the start of the new year, UT Health physicians and providers will also be out-of-network for Ambetter customers starting on Jan. 7, 2026. However, UT Health does state that those under Ambetter can still access emergency services at in-network rates. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Office in Troup said they are receiving calls from concerned citizens about a scam text. According to a social media post on the county’s Facebook page, the fraudulent text appears to be from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TxDMV) and claims the person has an outstanding ticket. The text reportedly threatens that if the person does not click a link to pay a fine, their vehicle registration and driving privileges will be suspended. The victims are calling the JP 3 Office, which offers auto-registration services.
Officials remind the public that neither Smith County nor the State of Texas’ DMV would ever text anyone about a ticket or demand payment. Do not click on any link, and immediately delete the text. If you ever question whether a text, call or email is legitimate, it’s probably is not. Always call the department or organization it appears to be coming from directly.
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Emergency Services District 2 recently purchased land to relocate several fire stations in order to reduce fire response times. Our news partner KETK spoke with Eric Greaser, Chief of Operations for Smith County Emergency Services District 2 (ESD2), on Tuesday about the new land the district has purchased to relocate fire stations near Dixie, Noonday, and Winona.
“These stations that were located here from the volunteer fire departments oftentimes were on donated land or the best that they could do at the time,” Greaser said. “It didn’t necessarily address access on major roadways or where the call volumes have evolved to. So this is a more strategic plan for acquiring these properties and making sure that we can have great access to those calls and reduce response times.” Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — A student who made a threatening post on social media has been arrested, according to Whitehouse ISD, and our news partner KETK. The district said they were notified by law enforcement on Tuesday that the student who made the threat is in police custody and will face legal consequences. Due to the threat, the district said that students may see an increase in officers on and around campus over the next week as a precaution.
Parents and students who hear of any further threats have been advised to report them directly to school staff or local law enforcement.
“WISD and our law enforcement partners take every report seriously, and the safety of our students and staff is always our top priority,” Whitehouse ISD said.
BULLARD — East Texans honored local veterans and Medal of Honor recipients on Saturday with a military vehicle show and parade. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Veteran’s Military Show started at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday when over 40 military vehicles, including helicopters, arrived at Steward Funeral Home. Then the vehicles were loaded up with veterans for a parade into Bullard, where a ceremony was held before lunch.
The days events included a World War II airplane flyover, a mock-shooting range, a military swap meet, drawings for prizes, a car and motorcycle show and plenty of opportunities to learn about military history. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Starting Tuesday, Sept. 16, College Avenue will be closed between Ferguson Street and Erwin Street. According to a news release from the City of Tyler, traffic can still travel east and west on Ferguson Street and Erwin Street. Fencing along Erwin Street will be shifted to reopen the parking spaces. The Fair Plaza and Smith County Parking Garages are also available for free parking.
LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department is currently investigating a fatal shooting at an apartment complex on Bostic Drive around 10:30 Friday night. According to our news partner KETK, responding officers found two male victims who had been shot. Jonathan Lee, of Lakeport, was pronounced dead at the scene. The other victim was taken to a local hospital to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.
A suspect in the shooting left the apartment complex before officers arrived. Officials are investigating the shooting, which is thought to have been an isolated incident that started as a disturbance.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Longview PD at 903-237-1199.
UPDATE: The Longview Police Department said Vanessa Daisy Neal has been found after she was reported missing this week.
LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department is searching for a 63-year-old woman reported missing. According to our news partner KETK, Vanessa Daisy Neal, 63 of Longview, is around 6 feet tall, weighs around 215 pounds, has braided hair and brown eyes. Neal was was wearing grey sweatpants and a dark blue shirt with purple writing. Anyone with information about Neal’s location is asked to call Longview PD at 903-237-1199.
AUSTIN — In the wake of the assassination of conservative political speaker Charlie Kirk on Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has announced new committees that will study freedom of speech on college campuses. According to our news partner KETK, the new Texas House and Senate Select Committees on Civil Discourse & Freedom of Speech in Higher Education were announced by Patrick and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows on Friday. The committees are tasked with studying and issuing reports on “bias, discourse, and freedom of speech across Texas college campuses.”
Patrick said those who’ve celebrated Kirk’s death at a college speaking event cannot be tolerated on college campuses. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Multiple U.S. Military veterans were greeted at the Tyler Pounds Regional Airport on Thursday ahead of a big weekend where they will receive the Medal of Honor. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Veterans’ Military Show (TVMS) has made its way to Tyler once again and a new class of veterans are getting ready to receive the Medal of Honor. The veterans were greeted by Tyler Junior College Apache Belles, Rose City Young Marines and the Patriot Guard.
The TVMS’ is coordinated by Mike Balfay as a way to honor those that served our country. Once the veterans arrive at the airport, they are transported to a local hotel for the weekend which includes a hero dinner and a parade.
One Medal of Honor recipient, James Taylor, served 24 years in the U.S. Army and is being recognized for his actions while in Vietnam. Read the rest of this entry »
GILMER — The Gilmer Police Department is warning residents about an increase in thieves targeting Kia vehicles. According to our news partner KETK, Gilmer police, along with surrounding agencies, have recently responded to multiple reports of vehicle thefts and break-ins specifically targeting Kia models.
“In the past week, Kia vehicles have been stolen or burglarized in several areas,” the Gilmer Police Department said.”These crimes remain under investigation, and we are working closely with other agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible.”
The department has provided tips to Kia owners to keep their vehicles protected. Some tips include: Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler is celebrating yet another record-breaking enrollment year, reaching its highest total enrollment to date. UT Tyler’s fall 2025 preliminary enrollment as of the Sept. 8 census date is 11,602 students, which is a 10.07% increase over last fall, according to a news release from UT.
“This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work of so many across our campus community,” said UT Tyler President Julie V. Philley, MD. “Our focus continues to be on meeting the needs of our students and our region. We are committed to giving them our best so that they can reach their full potential.”
First-time-in-college freshman enrollment made up 1,561 of the total preliminary enrollment, which is a 9.47% increase over the previous fall. UT Tyler continued enhancing retention rates among graduate/professional students. Graduate enrollment saw its largest enrollment ever, with a preliminary enrollment of 3,264. Read the rest of this entry »