Today is
Thursday July 23, 2026
SMITH COUNTY — The Republican Primary for the Smith County Precinct 1 Commissioner is officially heading for a recount after the race came down to only 101 votes. According to our news partner KETK, Pam Frederick, the incumbent, has petitioned for the manual recount since the 101 vote difference is less than the 10% of the total vote legally required for a recount. According to a notice from the Smith County Republican Party, only the votes for Commissioner Precinct 1 will be recounted. Smith County election results show that challenger Christina Drewry is currently ahead with 4,636, beating Fredrick’s 4,535 votes by 101 votes. The only people allowed to be there for the recount will be the recount chair, recount members, candidates, up to two watchers per recount team, the custodian of the voted ballots, the recount supervisor and state or federal inspectors. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — A number of East Texas school districts announced they will cancel classes for the total solar eclipse on April 8, according to our news partner KETK. In early March, Bullard Independent School District shared calendar adjustments and said April 8 was changed to a school holiday. Bullard ISD said the date was originally an employee workday but adjusted it so staff can experience the eclipse with their friends and family.
Canton Independent School District said time was built into their calendar year and it was decided that the eclipse day will be a day off. “We hope our families are able to take advantage of this opportunity and experience this event with their children,†the school district said. Canton ISD said they will provide eclipse glasses for each of their students prior to the event. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — Two men have been charged in connection to a weekend kidnapping. Our news partner KETK reports, according to an arrest affidavit, on March 17 at around 4:06 p.m., the Smith County Sheriff’s Office 911 emergency dispatch received a call from a woman claiming two men in a red Honda passenger car had put a gun to her husband’s head and forced him to get in their car before driving away with him. The woman told police two of her husband’s sons followed the Honda car and pulled over at a donut shop on Highway 271. Officials said both sons were told to leave and were shown guns as a threat. During this time, the sons were reportedly told the kidnappers wanted $10,000 ransom to get their father back. The suspects also allegedly called the victim’s wife demanding money for his return. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The 65th Annual Azalea & Spring Flower Trail is set to kick off with a ceremony beginning at 10am, on Friday, March 22nd at the home of Joan Pyron, located at 212 West Dobbs. Shannon Dacus, Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce Board Chair, and Mayor Don Warren will also be present to give opening remarks at the ceremony. The ribbon cutting is free and open to the public. The Azalea & Spring Flower Trail will run for three weekends, March 22-April 8. Read the rest of this entry »
BOWIE COUNTY — A Texarkana woman and Tyler man are dead after a crash Tuesday night on U.S. Highway 59, four miles south of Texarkana. According to our news partner KETK, a preliminary DPS report stated a 2024 Kia Telluride SUV was traveling southbound on the highway around 9:50 when it crossed into the northbound lane and struck a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. The driver of the Kia was identified as Natasha Brewer, 48 of Texarkana. The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as Jason Foster, 56 of Tyler. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said the investigation is ongoing.
TYLER — The City of Tyler said drivers can expect detours and delays on Wednesday due to construction on two roads. According to our news partner KETK, the city asks motorists to steer clear of the construction to take place on a portion of West Cumberland Road and Golden Road. Construction crews will be laying asphalt on Golden Road between Troup Highway and Old Troup Highway on Wednesday, officials said.
“Some driveways will be inaccessible during the construction. We ask motorists to use alternate routes or use caution while traveling on this road, as workers will be present,†the city said. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — Thousands of people will travel to East Texas for the total solar eclipse on April 8 as some parts will be in totality. According to our news partner KETK, officials expect the City of Tyler to triple in size with thousands of people using major roads to come into East Texas.
“Just keep in mind that we’re expecting traffic to increase. Obviously, this is going to be one of the hot spots to be in, so just keep that in mind plan for more time to travel where you’re going,†Jeff Williford, with the Texas Department of Transportation, said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The University of Texas Board of Regents announced on Monday that Julie Philley, Executive Vice President for Health Affairs and Vice Provost at UT Tyler, is a finalist to be considered for the position of UT Tyler’s president, according to our news partner KETK. According to a release, following a special called meeting of the UT board of regents, they unanimously voted for Philley to be a finalist in their search for a president following current president Kirk Calhoun’s retirement in May. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a Sunday night fire that resulted in the deaths of a mother and daughter in Lindale. Smith County Fire Marshal Chad Hogue said the call came in at 10:18 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2024, that a brick home on north College Street was on fire. The Lindale Fire Department responded and requested that the Smith County Fire Marshal assist in the investigation. Hogue identified the women who died as Ruby Martinez, who would have turned 84 on March 20, and her daughter, Gloria Clark, 67. Autopsies have been ordered on both women.
Two engines and a battalion chief from Emergency Services District 2 also responded to help put out the fire, which resulted in a total loss of the home. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office.
TYLER — Tyler Police are working an auto/pedestrian crash in the 1800 blk of W. Front Street. All eastbound traffic is closed from Lyons Ave to Peach Ave. Police and emergency personnel are in the roadway and ask that drivers avoid this area if possible. The pedestrian was transported to UT Main with life threatening injuries. The vehicle that struck the pedestrian remained on scene. The accident did not occur at a crosswalk or intersection. This case remains under investigation.
TYLER — Beginning March 18, Tyler Water Utilities (TWU) crews will be checking customers’ water meter boxes to determine the water service line material. TWU staff will be out from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon on the weekends. Crews will be wearing TWU uniforms and driving TWU trucks. They will NOT need to enter homes or businesses. Signs will be posted in the neighborhoods where crews are working, and customers will receive a door hanger notice before fieldwork begins in their area. The notice will inform customers that TWU will be checking their water meter box and asks that the area around the box be clear and accessible. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The City of Tyler will have a busy schedule for the three weeks as they prepare for the total solar eclipse that is expected to boost the local economy. According to our news partner KETK, The Azalea and Spring Flower Trail is expected to open on March 22. The city will open the Azalea and Spring Flower trail with more than ten miles of residential gardens with azaleas, tulips, wisteria and dogwood.
“There’s many, many beautiful historic homes to see, there’s so, so many beautiful flowers and not just azaleas, but a lot of other spring flowers,†Susan Travis, Visit Tyler vice president of sales, said. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office conducted a series of compliance checks on 152 registered sex offenders. Sheriff Joe Carter says they were assisted by Homeland Security, Texas Highway Patrol and others. Numerous arrests were made, including 3 for alleged possession of child sex-abuse material, 6 on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child, 2 on charges of continuous sexual assault of a child and 3 on charges of indecency with a child. Three sex offenders were arrested for being non-compliant with registration and identification regulations.
TYLER — Investigators say a decomposed body discovered in rural part of the Rio Grande Valley this past weekend appears to be that of a missing Tyler woman. The woman has been tentatively identified as Laura McKeown, 52. Investigators are still waiting for a fingerprint match before making a positive identification. The body was found Sunday in a rural neighborhood north of Alamo. McKeown was reported missing by family members February 15th. She was known to be a carnival worker. Her death has been ruled a homicide. Authorities have not said how she died nor if there are any suspects in her death.
GLADEWATER — Robyn Bernard, famous for her work on “General Hospital”, is dead, according to TMZ. Riverside County Coroner tells TMZ they identified the actress’ body using her fingerprints after deputies responded to a death investigation call yesterday in the town of San Jacinto, CA. Robyn’s body was found in the early morning hours of March 12. The Riverside County Coroner says no cause of death has been determined yet. An autopsy is scheduled to be performed on Wednesday, but toxicology will take several weeks.
Robyn was born in Gladewater, Texas, and eventually carved out an acting career for herself with small parts in ’80s TV shows like “Diva,” “The Facts Of Life,” “Simon & Simon,” and “Tour of Duty.” Her big break came in 1984 on the soap opera “General Hospital” … playing the role of Terry Brock for 145 episodes until 1990. Her final credited acting role came in 2002, when she played a psychologist in the movie, “Voices From the High School.”
Since exiting the acting scene, Robyn kept a relatively private life, out of the spotlight. She was 64.
TYLER — USA TODAY has named Tyler as the best city to move to in Texas for its low unemployment rate, healthcare accessibility and low risk of damage from severe weather, our news partner KETK reports. According to the article, a research team ranked 52 Texas cities and Tyler rose above the rest.
“The top five cities may be a little unexpected, but low unemployment rates (3.5% or less), great medical care and safety are just some of the reasons they rise to the top,†Rachel Newcomb, contributor for USA TODAY, said. “Tyler is number one, followed by Laredo, New Braunfels, Cedar Park and Temple.†Read the rest of this entry »
RUSK COUNTY — The Rusk County Rescue Unit said they pulled a vehicle from the Angelina River on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the rescue unit said that Squad 1 responded to the river at FM 1798 between FM 225 and FM 839 and used a boat to assist in recovering the vehicle. The vehicle, which was found empty, was towed out of the water and has been turned over to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office for further investigation.
LONGVIEW — An arrest has been made in Gregg County after a death from a dog attack. Longview police have arrested 56-year-old Martin Rodriguez after an autopsy showed an unidentified 46-year-old man was killed by a dog. The man was found lying dead in a street beside a bicycle on February 1st with wounds that seemed to be from a dog attack. According to our news partner KETK, Rodriguez was being held without bond in the Gregg County Jail on multiple animal at large charges.
TYLER — Beginning Monday, March 11, crews will be repairing curb inlets along the outside northbound lane of South Broadway Avenue from 1st Street to Shaw Street. Portions of the northbound lane will be closed throughout the week. Drivers can expect delays. Motorists are asked to use caution while traveling on this road, as workers will be present.
MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department said that a card skimming device was recently found at a QuikTrip gas station off of Interstate 20 near Marshall. According to our news partner KETK, Marshall Police released the following statement:
“Attention, Marshall residents! A skimming device was recently discovered at a local gas station near I20 (QT), thanks to the vigilance of a community member. Skimmers can steal your card information when you pay at the pump, leading to unauthorized transactions and financial headaches.†Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler Police have arrested three suspects wanted in a reported carjacking Friday afternoon. According to officials, just before 12:30, officers were dispatched to the intersection of W. Queen St. and N. Ross Ave. in reference to an aggravated robbery that had just occurred. The victim told officers he was approached by a black male while sitting in his vehicle. The male pointed a handgun at him and demanded his vehicle. The victim complied and exited the vehicle, at which time the suspect got into the victims Chevy Tahoe and drove away. Additional officers flooded the area and began searching for the stolen vehicle. A short time later, an officer spotted the vehicle at a business located on Hwy. 31 W, near Patton Lane. When the driver of the vehicle saw the approaching officers, he fled the scene at which time officers pursued the vehicle. The pursuit was short lived, as the driver pulled over and stopped a short distance away. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — In 2023, factors such as “unsafe speed”, “failure to drive in a single lane” and “alcohol-related DUI” contributed to 184 fatal crashes and 209 total deaths in the Tyler District. The TxDOT Tyler District, which includes Anderson, Cherokee, Gregg, Henderson, Rusk, Smith, Van Zandt, and Wood Counties, released preliminary numbers revealing the top-five contributing factors of fatal crashes in 2023: Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The City of Tyler Solid Waste Department is doing away with the two free bulky item collection weeks each year. Starting March 4, residential customers who receive curbside collection services (excluding multi-family home communities and businesses) can request two bulky waste pick-ups each calendar year at no charge by using the online form found here. Customers will need to place their items on the curb before completing the online form.
Residents may request more than two bulky item collections within a calendar year, but the additional collections will be handled as a special collection request where a fee is charged based on the size and quantity of the items. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County has added additional polling locations for Primary Election Day on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Smith County registered voters can choose from any of the 38 locations throughout the county to cast their ballots. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Smith County has launched a new interactive map that shows all polling locations available. Users can input their address to see which voting precinct they are in and what will be on their ballot. The “Interactive Map of Smith County†link can be found here.
TYLER — Tyler Animal Services will waive adoption fees for dogs and cats with the donation of at least six bags of dog or cat food 15 lbs or less during the month of March. It’s an effort to help restock the Community Pet Food Bank. The Pet Food Bank was established in 2015 so families in need or those who could not afford to feed their pets would have a safety net to keep them in their homes. Many times, people who want to surrender a pet to the Tyler Animal Control and Shelter only need time to get over a short-term financial hurdle. The Pet Food Bank provides assistance through donated food and cat litter, and so far, 32,000 pounds of food and litter have been distributed over the years. All donated items go back into the community and are not used by the animals kept at the shelter. The standard dog adoption fee is $120 and $80 for cats. All animals adopted from Tyler Animal Services are spayed/neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. If you would like to adopt, see all pets available for adoption or submit an application, click here. The Tyler Animal Shelter is located at 4218 Chandler Hwy. For more information, call (903) 535-0045.
EAST TEXAS — Early voting for the March primary ends Friday. Our news partner KETK took a look at voter turnout in East Texas counties ahead of election day. Early voting started last week and Gregg County Elections Administrator shared that the turnout is lower than they’d like to see. “So far during early voting we had 4,372 check-ins, and in 2022 for the governor primary we had 6,762 for the entire early voting period,†Jennifer Briggs, Gregg County elections administrator, said. Briggs explained how they’re not the only Texas county experiencing lower turnout. “I have been conversing with other elections administrators for the state of Texas and they’re kind of saying the same thing. So the turnout is a little bit slower than it was in 2022 for the governor primary,†said Briggs. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department said that they’ve arrested two people in connection to four robberies that happened at stores between Feb. 8 and 20. According to our news partner KETK, Phillip Redwine, 53 of Longview, allegedly entered the stores, displayed a handgun and then demanded cash from the store’s clerks. Aggravated robbery warrants for Redwine (pictured) and McKenzie Wilson, 21 of Longview, were issued and Longview PD arrested them. According to jail records, Redwine was charged with having an expired driver’s license, evading arrest/detention, aggravated robbery and a blue warrant. Wilson was charged with aggravated robbery and is being held on a $50,000 bond at the Gregg County Jail. Redwine is being held at the Gregg County Jail on a total $185,000 bond.
DALLAS (AP) – A number of Americans are dealing with cellular outages on AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Verizon, T-Mobile and other service providers, according to data from Downdetector. AT&T had more than 64,000 outages this morning, in locations including Houston, Atlanta and Chicago. The outages began at approximately 3:30 a.m. ET. The carrier has more than 240 million subscribers, the country’s largest. Cricket Wireless had more than 13,000, the outage tracking website said Thursday. Verizon had more than 4,000 outages and T-Mobile had more than 1,900 outages. Boost Mobile had about 700 outages. So far, no reason has been given for the outages. Representatives for AT&T, Verizon and Cricket weren’t immediately available to comment.
MARSHALL — Marshall drivers were asked to avoid the intersection of Highways 59 and 80 due to an unusual road hazard Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Marshall police said a “chicken gut truck†left a “trail of blood and gore†on the roadway. Police asked drivers to steer clear of the bloody lane as a hazmat crew cleaned the scene. “Drive safe, watch out for feathers, and maybe… keep your windows rolled up for this stretch,†police said. “Thanks for your coop-eration!â€