Today is
Tuesday November 26, 2024
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.
WHITEHOUSE — The City of Whitehouse is under a boil water notice after a company working to install fiber hit a water main Wednesday evening. The city released the following statement Thursday: “Crews completed repairs to the damaged water main at approximately 1 a.m. We are currently flushing water lines and anticipate delivering water samples to the lab for testing today. That testing process takes approximately 24 hours before we will receive results. ” They said they expect an update at some point Friday. Read the rest of this entry »
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.