Today is
Thursday July 23, 2026
GILMER — The community of Gilmer was in mourning on Saturday as funeral services were held for sisters Mandy Ray and Shakerrie Waters, our news partner KETK reports. The two were killed at a home off Highway 271 South near Bluebird Road on Saturday Nov. 4. A suspect in their murder 41-year-old Alvin McKnight Jr. was arrested in California on Wednesday night, according to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office. “Big loss, big loss to our church, big loss for our community, you can see the crowd that was here, they touched the lives of so many people,†said Pastor Forrest Curry with Moses Chapel CME Church Gilmer. Many community members and many of the sisters’ family members and friends came out the service to pay their respects. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A march through downtown Tyler was held in support of the former Bishop of Tyler, Bishop Joseph Strickland on Saturday morning. Bishop Strickland was removed as the Bishop of Tyler by the Vatican last Saturday on Nov. 11. According to our news partner KETK, Bishop Strickland had become a “fierce critic of the pontiff and has come to symbolize the polarization within the U.S. Catholic hierarchy.†Earlier in the year, the Vatican sent two other Bishops to investigate the governance of the Tyler Diocese. Saturday’s march was organized by the Knights of The Republic and it started at 10 a.m. in downtown Tyler. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Jacob Ledbetter of Rockwall is the pioneer graduate of the state’s first of its kind master’s degree at UT Tyler. UT Tyler’s Masters of Science – Cybersecurity and Data Analytics program was fully established last year as an effort to aid the shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This program is the first of its kind in the state of Texas to combine both cybersecurity and data analytics, according to UT Tyler and our news partner KETK. Ledbetter had always had an interest in computer forensics, deciding to change his career path after receiving his bachelor’s in criminal justice. “I made some sacrifices this past year to get to this point, and it has been a rewarding experience. Having no prior knowledge, I am thankful my professors and adviser were understanding and patient while providing me guidance.†Ledbetter said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler ISD held their annual “State of the District†where school officials discussed safety measures on their campuses. According to our news partner KETK, the event was held during the monthly Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon, where the superintendent of Tyler ISD, Marty Crawford, recognized the importance of school safety and said that a student cannot perform well if they don’t feel safe. “You know, our school system employs a police officer to put in every campus, and that’s unheard of across the state almost. That’s one thing that’s a challenge every day, but we think we’re seeing some success there because we have a solid safety and security department to keep our kids and our teachers safe,†said Crawford. The event honored first responders with the 2023 Community Partner of the Year Award where they presented plaques to 10 different agencies from the local, county and federal level in recognition of their commitment to creating a secure environment. Read the rest of this entry »
CHEROKEE COUNTY — A Cherokee County constable was indicted by a grand jury on an assault charge. According to our news partner KETK, the indictment stated James “Jamie†Beene is accused of hitting another man with his vehicle, causing serious bodily injury. Beene is the Precinct 4 Constable for Cherokee County. The indictment states that the incident happened on Oct. 26, 2021. Beene is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony. Records show that Beene was booked into the Rusk County Jail on the charge from Cherokee County on Nov. 9 and has since been released on a $25,000 bond.
SMITH COUNTY — On Wednesday, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office announced they are searching for a 17-year-old female last seen a week ago. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement on missing person, Raelyn “Ollie†Smith, 17, who went missing on Nov. 7. Officials said she was last seen wearing a black shirt, shorts, black rim glasses and a black beanie. She has two tattoos, a moth and flowers on her left wrist and a seeing eyeball on her left forearm. Smith reportedly suffers from anxiety and depression but does not take medication at this time. She was last seen in the company of a 16-year-old. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-566-6600.
TYLER — A Tyler man was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to injury to a child. According to our news partner KETK, Lasabien Ford, 26, was arrested in January after an 8-month long search in the case where he was accused of hitting his infant son. According to his arrest warrant, Ford had held down the infant’s mother while she was holding the child and “continued to swing at her†resulting in the child being struck in the head with his fist. The warrant said the child went to the ER where a skull fracture was discovered.
BALTIMORE (AP) — U.S. bishops inside a Baltimore hotel approved materials on how Catholics should vote in 2024 elections. Soon after, their recently ousted colleague and dozens of his supporters rallied outside the annual fall business meeting. Bishop Joseph Strickland is a conservative cleric who was recently removed by Pope Francis as head of the diocese of Tyler. His ouster followed his increasingly severe criticisms of the pontiff. Strickland prayed the rosary with dozens of supporters along the waterfront. Inside their conference room, the bishops approved a document about how Catholics should rely on the church’s teaching when making their ballot choices. The document restated many longstanding positions like opposition to abortion. Read the rest of this entry »
UPSHUR COUNTY — Upshur County officials said capital murder suspect Alvin Charles McKnight Jr. is in custody as of Wednesday night at 11:30 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, Upshur County Sheriff Larry Webb is expected to provide more information Thursday morning at the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office Training Center. McKnight Jr. had been added to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List Tuesday. He was wanted after two sisters were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds on Nov. 4. McKnight’s sister was arrested for allegedly helping him flee Upshur County.
WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse ISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran was named the lone finalist for superintendent of San Angelo ISD on Monday by their board of trustees. According to San Angelo ISD and our news partner KETK, Moran will replace Dr. Carl Dethloff as superintendent, who plans to retire at the end of December 2023. The board of trustees is set to vote on Moran after a state-mandated 21-day waiting period. “It is a joy and honor to be named lone finalist of San Angelo ISD,†Moran said. “The Moran family is looking forward to joining a wonderful community in West Texas with strong values and a love for every student. We are committing our very best every day for the entire San Angelo community.†Moran is a 32-year veteran educator, and became superintendent of Whitehouse ISD in 2016. Whitehouse ISD said they are working with Moran to develop an interim plan until a new superintendent is hired. Read the rest of this entry »
BALTIMORE (AP) — Catholic leaders called for peace in a war-torn world and unity amid strife within their own clerical ranks on Tuesday, as U.S. bishops gathered in Baltimore for their annual fall meeting. The meeting came soon after two actions by Pope Francis that illustrated the divisive challenges facing the Catholic Church – removing one of his harshest conservative critics from his role as bishop of Tyler, Texas, and releasing a document conveying a more welcoming stance to transgender people than the official positions of the U.S. bishops. In his opening address Tuesday, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, expressed empathy for those in conflict zones, from Myanmar to the Middle East. “We recognize and defend the right of Israel to exist and to enjoy a place among the nations,” said Broglio, who heads the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA.” At the same time, we know that the Palestinians … have a right to a land that is their own. The Holy See has long advocated for that right.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler Police are investigating a fatal hit and run accident involving a pedestrian. It happened just before 10:00 Monday night at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and Haynie Avenue. Arriving officers said the victim was severely injured and transported to a local hospital where he later died. His identity is being withheld pending notification of family. The vehicle that struck the victim left the scene. It’s described as a maroon or burgundy Yukon or Tahoe that will likely have front end damage. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Chamberlain at 903-531-1058.
LONGVIEW — A woman was arrested in Longview Friday night in connection to a pedestrian crash left one person dead. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Police are investigating the crash that happened on Pine Tree Road around 11:45 p.m. Officials said Candice Gearhart, 50, of Longview, was driving north in the outer lane and struck someone on a motorized scooter. The victim was taken to a local hospital and later died from injuries. Police said Gearhart was arrested for intoxication manslaughter. She was booked into the Gregg County Jail where she was later released after posting a $25,000 bond. Anyone who witnessed or has information about the crash is asked to contact the Longview Police Department Traffic Division at 903-237-1188.
TYLER — After Pope Francis’ decision to remove Joseph Strickland as Bishop of Tyler, people in the Catholic community continue to react to the news. According to our news partner KETK, this comes just two days after Strickland refused a request from the pope to resign and a months-long investigation by Vatican investigators, including a visit to Tyler. The Catholic community in East Texans continue to react to the news with no precise consensus, some advocating for the now relieved bishop and others agreeing with the pope’s decision. Fred Simon, who is connected with the Catholic organization across the country, said the move was anticipated but was still alarming. “I think everyone is pretty much devastated and pretty much fed up with the things that are happening with the Vatican,†said Simon. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Tax Office is mailing out 213,369 property tax statements. According to a news release, payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement — it will take you directly to the payment page on your account. “It has been a game changer in how people pay their property taxes,†Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber said of adding the QR code. Most Smith County residents should have received their property tax statements last week, and Barber said residents living in the Lindale and Whitehouse areas should receive them this week. Wednesday, January 31, 2024, is the deadline for paying property taxes. Taxpayers can make their payments online, in person, through the Tax Office’s drop-box outside of the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Transportation Policy Committee will meet on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Tyler Development Center. According to our news partner KETK, the committee is tasked with coordinating transportation plans for the Smith County area. Members of the Committee include people from Smith County, Tyler, nearby cities, the Texas Department of Transportation and the Northeast Texas Regional Mobility Authority. Read the rest of this entry »
UPSHUR COUNTY — The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said that a woman was arrested on Saturday for allegedly hindering the apprehension of a suspect in a recent double homicide case. According to our news partner KETK, Laquesha Monique McKnight, 38 of Longview, is reportedly the sister of 41-year-old Alvin “Pookie†McKnight Jr, a suspect wanted in connection to the murder of Mandy Ray, 35 of Gilmer, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37, of Gilmer. Officials said Laquesha helped Alvin to escape from the Upshur County area on the night of the murders. According to a the sheriff’s office, Laquesha was confronted with the evidence of her having helped Alvin but she did not cooperate. Laquesha was booked into the Upshur County Jail for hindering of apprehension and her bond has been set at $500,000, according to jail records.
GILMER — A bank account was set up to support the families of two sisters that were murdered in Upshur County. According to our news partner KETK, Mandy Ray, 35 of Gilmer, and Dermetrica Dashaunda Waters, 37 of Gilmer, were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds on Saturday in Upshur County. Credit Union of East Texas set up an account to assist the Waters family, which people can donate to online. Gilmer ISD Superintendent Rickey Albritton took to Facebook to share the link, saying they have received a lot of requests for information about helping the families during this tragedy. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns have officially started. According to our news partner KETK, the start of the iconic bell-ringing fundraiser kicked off Thursday. The organization said donations to the red kettles stay local and will help East Texans. This year’s fundraising goal is $400,000, with money going to their nonprofits programs like housing assistance, their shelter addiction recovery program and soup kitchen. Captain Jeremy Walker said he has no doubts they’ll meet that goal. “I think we live in one of the best communities in the world,†Walker said. “We love East Texas, we love Smith County, and every time that there’s a need, fine media partners like you help us put that word out there. This community always seems to rally behind us.†You can also adopt an angel from their Angel Tree. Angels on the tree represent local children who need clothing and toys for Christmas.
VAN ZANDNT COUNTY — A woman pleaded guilty on Thursday after stealing money from a Canton church. According to our news partner KETK, in March, Donna Cory Drake was indicted on a second-degree felony charge of theft from Lakeside Baptist Church where she was accused of taking between $30,000 to $150,000 between October 2018 and September 2022. Drake pleaded guilty to the second degree felony on Thursday. 294th District Court Judge Chris Martin sentenced her to five years community supervision and she was ordered to pay a restitution of $137,386.35. Martin said as part of her plea agreement, Drake cannot apply for non-disclosure of her criminal records. According to Van Zandt County District Attorney Tonda Curry, if Drake violates the terms of her plea agreement, she can face up to 20 years in prison.
TYLER — On Wednesday, Nov. 8, the City Council accepted a donation of $67,000.00 to erect a new memorial heart bell pavilion with a bench and plaque on the south end of the Rose Rudman/South Tyler Trail System. The Lella family donated the funds to erect a memorial pavilion in honor of a beloved family member who passed away from heart disease. The structure will be similar to the existing Tyler Cancer Bell pavilion located at the north end of the Rose Rudman Trail System. “Part of planning for our future is honoring our past,” said Director of Parks and Recreation Leanne Robinette. “We’re honored that the Lella family wants to remember not only their family member but other patients, families, and caregivers on our trails.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Smith County Clerk Karen Phillips and her son Derek were indicted last week for interfering with public duties. According to our news partner KETK, the charges stem from an incident in March where officials said Karen and Derek tried to interfere with the traffic stop of Derek’s friend. Bodycam footage captured the incident, showing a long dispute before their arrests. Derek was additionally indicted for resisting arrest or transport and evading arrest/detention. The indictments were handed down by a grand jury on Nov. 2. Interfering with public duties is a Class B Misdemeanor and is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.
SMITH COUNTY — A Waco man was sentenced to 45 years in prison on Tuesday for charges related to the 2020 shooting death of a man in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, Joshua Tibbits, 32, was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity in connection to the 2020 shooting death of a motorcyclist. Smith County officials at the time said 33-year-old Brandon Edwards was riding his motorcycle when he was shot and three men, including Tibbits, were arrested and identified as gang members. According to an arrest warrant, Edwards was wearing a jacket that depicted him as a member of the Cossacks Motorcycle Club and security footage showed a truck chasing Edwards near where he was killed. Tibbit’s trial began on Oct. 30, and he was convicted of engaging in organized criminal activity on Tuesday. Later that same day, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison.
LONGVIEW — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced that a Longview man pleaded guilty to two felony charges brought after he attended the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. According to our news partner KETK, Ryan Taylor Nichols, 32, of Longview, plead guilty to obstruction of an official proceeding and assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers, according to a press release. U.S. District Judge Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth has reportedly accepted the plea and Nichols has been remanded into custody of law enforcement. The plea agreement hearing took place Nov. 7. Nichols had rejected previous plea deal offers from government prosecutors. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — The unofficial results from the November 7 election are in. More than a dozen proposed Texas constitutional amendments were on the ballot Tuesday, addressing laws on everything from property taxes and water projects to preventing what some call “wealth taxes.” Read the rest of this entry »
HENDERSON — On Monday, the Eastex Telephone Cooperative was awarded $25,000,000 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand broadband in Cherokee county. According to our news partner KETK, the award is expected to connect more than 1,200 homes and around 200 farms. “Our mission is to make sure every rural American is served. That’s the place where our emphasis is,†said Andy Berke, administrator, USDA Rural Utilities Service. Under the federal reconnect program, Eastex will be able to install and provide fiber infrastructure. “You can sell the goods you’re making in Chicago or New York from East Texas. You can study wherever you want from East Texas, or go see a doctor from this. There’s so much opportunity open to you by this,†said Berke. The fiber network monthly cost will be kept low for anyone who qualifies. Read the rest of this entry »
ATHENS — The Athens Police Department arrested a man after a money dispute reportedly led to the death of another man. According to our news partner KETK, on Nov. 3, APD officers were dispatched to a disturbance on the 900 block of East Lane Street where people were calling for help and pointing to an unconscious man laying on the ground. Officers then rendered CPR until the EMS arrived. Officers reportedly interviewed witnesses who described the disturbance that began when the suspect, Brayan Castro Castellanos, 28, walked over to a residence to collect money. Police said an argument began between the two men that led to a physical fight. The victim “was knocked off the porch onto his head, which was the unconscious male APD found upon arrival,†according to police. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The Justice Department announced Monday that Smith County was one of four Texas counties found to be in violation of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, stating that their elections website is not accessible to people with certain disabilities. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County received a public letter dated Nov. 6, one day before Election Day, along with Colorado County, Runnels County and Upton County, detailing the DOJ’s findings. The DOJ said they found the websites “are not accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision, or who cannot grasp a mouse, and use screen readers, keyboards or other assistive technology.†The investigation was launched in response to a complaint about accessibility of the website. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — ampV’s flagship building will now be known as the Campbell and Snow Veterans Resource Center following a ceremony on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the building was renamed in honor of Susan Campbell and Jim Snow, who co-founded CampV in 2017. In the past four years, CampV had more than 16,000 appointments aiming to help service members and their families. “It was Jim Snow and Susan Campbell that came together in a Starbucks parking lot, in a Starbucks of all places, and wrote down on a napkin a one-stop shop idea for veteran services here in East Texas,†said Jim Gladhill, CampV executive director. Campbell and Snow said there were a lot of resources for veterans to navigate but they wanted to be an organization that was easily accessible and online. “There are a lot of sources but it is hard for veterans to navigate all that goodwill online to be able to have a trusted resource and I think that’s what we are representing,†said Campbell. Their goal now is for CampV to serve more veterans and for their program to be redone across the state and nationwide. Click here for more details.
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said that a man was found dead in Lake Tyler on Monday around 6:30 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, Kendrick Young, 27, was last seen by his mother around 10 p.m. on Sunday. His fishing gear was reportedly spotted by a witness at Lake Tyler. Officials said that Young’s mother went to the lake looking for her son and found his car parked nearby. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office was contacted and Young’s body was found in the lake, near the intersection of CR 230 and Gordon’s Landing Road. Young was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace precinct 3 Judge James Meredith. An autopsy has been ordered.