HARRISON COUNTY — A woman was arrested after authorities said that she ran over her ex-boyfriend with a vehicle. According to our news partner KETK, on Sunday, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call from a man who said his ex-girlfriend arrived at the residence while he was trying to move out. The ex-girlfriend, who was identified as Elizabeth Reyes, 23, reportedly believed another woman had brought him to the residence he was trying to move out of. Authorities said that Reyes then “proceeded to run him over with the vehicle.†Reyes was arrested and booked into the Harrison County Jail for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon family violence on a $75,000 bond.
TYLER — In the first half of the year, Texans have lost more than $4 million to scams, our news partner KETK reports. The team in charge of preventing and investigating many of these fraud cases is the state agency, Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center, which is based in Downtown Tyler. Director Adam Colby (pictured) said criminals move from city to city and they come into connect the crimes. After opening in January of 2022, FCIC has worked around 1,800 cases and some of them are linked. “We saw the need, because one agency may be working a case while another agency may be working the same case completely parallel of the other investigation, so that’s what we do. We are connecting all of this up,†said Colby. 
TYLER — Tyler Junior College said on Tuesday that they are mourning the death of their athletic director. According to our news partner KETK, officials with the college said Athletic Director Kevin Vest had lost a lengthy battle with melanoma. “Our prayers are with his family and all of the lives he touched during his illustrious career,†officials said. Vest was the fifth athletic director in TJC’s 92-year history, and came from Waubonsee Community College in Illinois in 2019.
TYLER — Tyler Parks and Recreation will host, for the second time, Pawchella at Fun Forest Pool, located at 900 N. Glenwood Blvd. The event is B.Y.O.D. (Bring Your Own Dog) and will take place on Saturday, Aug. 19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The facility will be available for pups to use to play and cool off. Admission is free. Click 
SMITH COUNTY — The body of a Smith County man, who had been reported missing around midnight, has been found in a field early Tuesday morning. According to the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Gilbert Lay, 60, was found about 100 yards from his residence on CR 3140, near Tyler State Park. Officials said they were contacted by family members around midnight Monday to report Lay had been missing for an extended period of time. Lay had a Corgi dog with him. They described him as legally blind, suffers from PTSD and high blood pressure. Lay was considered to be in grave danger. His body was found around 3:15 Tuesday morning. Lay’s Corgi dog was located alive near his owner. An investigation is underway.
TYLER — Officials are seeking information related to a February murder in Tyler. Warren Edward Rogers, 61, was found dead with a gunshot wound in a residence in the 1600 block of West Mims Street on Feb. 6, our news partner KETK reports. Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers is offering up a $1,000 reward for information, and the family and friends of Rogers are providing a supplemental reward of $1,000. “Rogers was a U.S. Army Veteran and loved by many friends and family,†Crimestoppers said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Tyler Police Department or to remain anonymous, contact Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-2833. Only tips submitted directly to Crimestoppers are eligible are eligible for the cash reward.
TYLER — TxDOT is getting ready to begin a major project on Old Jacksonville Highway and they’re already in the process of clearing trees along portions of the roadway. According to our news partner KETK, it’s all to expand the road to accommodate busy traffic, improve safety and mobility. “Section from FM 346 in Flint stretching south toward Bullard and U.S. 69 will extend that roadway from a two-lane into four lanes, it will have a continuous left turning lane,†said Jeff Williford, Tyler TxDOT district public information officer. 
TYLER — A dedication ceremony for a memorial called the “Hope Monument†was held in Tyler on Wednesday morning, our news partner KETK reports. The monument serves as a memorial to children who were lost due to miscarriage, accident or other circumstances. Dr. Lourell Sutliff and his wife Lynda donated the funds for the purchase of the memorial. “The loss of a child is such a sad situation that the physical depiction of a mother talking to Jesus while he’s comforting her child just sends a powerful message that there is hope, even in a sad and tragic situation,†said Dr. Lourell Sutliff. Dr. Sutliff said that it is a blessing for him and his wife to be an integral part of the monument. The monument is on display at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler at 800 East Dawson Street.
MARSHALL — Three adults and two juveniles were arrested in connection to the shooting death of a 16-year-old. According to our news partner KETK, on June 7, just after 1:30 a.m., officials were notified of a person lying in the roadway on Alexander Street. Upon arrival, officers found a young black male dead as the result of a single gunshot wound to the chest. An investigation found that the teen was lying in the road for more than an hour and a half before the police were called. Individuals reportedly drove around the body and took photos and video recordings of the body in the road. Two juveniles were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity for robbery. 
JACKSONVILLE — A woman is dead after being hit by a train in Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK, on Wednesday around 1 p.m., Jacksonville police and fire departments responded to an accident in reference to a train hitting a pedestrian west of US 69 on the Union Pacific rail Line. The pedestrian was identified as 65-year-old Guillmerina Vera Perez of Jacksonville. 
CHEROKEE COUNTY — Authorities in Cherokee County are investigating an apparent homicide after finding a body early Wednesday morning. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office located a person of interest, Brandon Dale Fagan, 22, in the homicide investigation. According to our news partner KETK, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a dead person at around 2:20 a.m. When deputies arrived at the scene on CR 3429 near Mount Selman, they determined a homicide had occurred. The sheriff’s office requested assistance from the Texas Rangers. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 903-683-2271.
TYLER — A man was awarded $4.3 million by a jury in a lawsuit against Walmart after he was struck by a car in a 2020 incident. According to our news partner KETK, Arkansas native Scott Lacy was working as a subcontractor at a Walmart in Tyler in the lawn and garden center when in July 2020 multiple employees yelled for help in catching a shoplifter. “The employees and Mr. Lacy chased the shoplifter into the parking lot to retrieve the stolen merchandise, and then one employee instructed Mr. Lacy to release the suspect,†his lawyers said in a release. “Mr. Lacy was walking back toward the Walmart store when the shoplifter struck him with his vehicle and catapulted him into a pole, shattering his ankle, which later required multiple surgeries to repair. Mr. Lacy also suffered a traumatic brain injury.†
LUFKIN — Twelve members of Harmony Hill Baptist Church in Lufkin are currently stuck in Niger after a coup happened there last week, according to our news partner KETK. The church members arrived in Niger on July 21 and were scheduled to leave on July 30 but are still there as of Monday July 31, church officials confirmed. Todd Core, Lead Pastor Harmony Hill Baptist Church, said “We ask the public to join us in praying for the people of Niger, the safe and speedy return of our team, and for the families awaiting their return.†The church is holding a time of gathered prayer every night at 6 p.m. until their members return.
SMITH COUNTY — Fire officials continue to discourage outdoor burning, stressing caution as conditions worsen. Smith County Fire Marshal Paul Findley will give a report on current drought and fire conditions during Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday, August 1, at 9:30 a.m. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) moved into the low-600 range over the weekend for Smith County, and it will likely rise daily if the current weather pattern holds.
HENDERSON COUNTY — The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a man reported missing. Officials said Kevin Thompson, 34, was living in the Murchison area. He was last known to be driving a green 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee. If you have any information in reference to his location please call the Sheriff’s Office at 903-675-5128.
TYLER — The Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation is performing mill and inlay operations that will close several ramps on Interstate 20 near Loop 49 until Wednesday. The operations will be conducted daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. starting Monday, according to TxDOT. Officials added that crews will also be performing operations on I-20 near County Road 411. TxDOT asked motorists to buckle up, mind their speed and pay attention while driving through areas that crews are working in.
LONGVIEW — Longview ISD has announced the names of two new principals who will serve at Longview High School and Foster Middle School in the upcoming school year, according to our news partner KETK. Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. James Wilcox named Shameika Allen as the interim principal of Longview High School and Mary Taylor as the principal of Foster Middle School, a Longview ISD press release said. 
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin confirmed that Lance Phillips, the son of two Smith County officials, turned himself in to law enforcement on Saturday, according to our news partner KETK. Constable Joplin said that Phillips contacted him personally around 2 p.m. on Saturday to have him come pick him up to take him to jail. Phillips is the son of Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips and County Clerk Karen Phillips. He was wanted after allegedly running from officials after being held in contempt of court on Thursday. Phillips was booked into the Smith County Jail and charged with making a false report inducing an emergency response, evading arrest and contempt of court, jail records show. He’s being held on a total of $105,000 bond, according to jail records.
HARRISON COUNTY — A suspect has been arrested in connection to a murder that took place on July 4 in Ore City. According to our news partner KETK, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the homicide case after responding to a shooting in the Ore City/Lazy Lakes area. Authorities said Jeremy Vick, 35, had died at a local hospital from a gunshot wound. Investigators issued a warrant for Kristopher Dylan Ratcliff, 36, for the charges of murder, aggravated kidnapping with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Ratcliff was nabbed by the U.S. Marshal Services in Bangor, Maine and will be arraigned upon waiver of extradition, then transferred to the Harrison County Jail.
WINONA — Lance Phillips, the son of Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips and County Clerk Karen Phillips, is wanted after he allegedly ran from officials after being told he was in contempt of court on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, a pretrial hearing was held Thursday in Winona for Cody Voss, who was charged with failure to identify and arrested along with Derek Phillips following a traffic stop in March where Karen Phillips, Smith County Clerk, was also arrested for allegedly interfering with the traffic stop. According to Smith County Precinct 4 Constable Josh Joplin, Lance Phillips said he was going to speak on Voss’ behalf at the hearing, but he was told that he was not allowed to speak in the court because he is not an attorney. 
TYLER — The Tyler City Council recognized first responders for their combined, 175 years of service to the Rose City, at Wednesday morning’s city council meeting, our news partner KETK reports. “It’s amazing how quick 25 years has gone,†said Cordell Parker, Fire Battalion Chief. The City of Tyler recognized seven firemen who have served the city for 25 years. “We’re just here to serve them and what they need, you know they need something done, an emergency we’re here to take care of them,†said Parker. Mayor Don Warren presented honorary certificates to each first responder for their commitment over several years. 
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff’s Deputies are searching for a 14-year-old runaway. According to the sheriff’s office, Lincoln Legg ran away from his residence on July 10. He was subsequently located on July 24, although he ran away again after returning home. Lincoln is considered to be a chronic runaway and his welfare is of high concern. Officials believe Lincoln to be in circumstances and situations that would be considered dangerous for a child. Lincoln is described as a white male, blonde hair, blue eyes, 5’06, 130 lbs. Lincoln is reported to have recently shaved his head. He has been located in the past, within the city limits of Tyler and is known to frequent the East Loop 323 corridor area. 
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith was sworn in as President of the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas at an event in Fort Worth on Tuesday night, according to our news partner KETK. As president, Smith will represent sheriffs from all of Texas’ 254 counties and oversee day-to-day affairs at the association, which is said to be one of the oldest law enforcement associations in the nation and the host of the largest composite gatherings of officers in the Lone Star State. One of Smith’s top priorities is addressing mental health in Texas jails, stating “the largest mental health facility in most cities is the county jail.†Another of his priorities is addressing the border crisis and getting help to sheriff’s offices in those regions. 
LONGVIEW — A Community Meeting to discuss improvements to Rollins Park funded by the 2018 bond election has been postponed and will be rescheduled. Spring Hill, McWhorter, and Rollins parks are the second set of parks identified for improvements as part of the bond initiative. Lois Jackson, McWhorter, Patterson, Spring Creek, and Stamper parks were renovated as part of the first set of park improvements.
TYLER — Leaders from Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler signed an agreement Monday to create the TJC and UT Tyler Promise Transfer Scholarship, according to our news partner KETK. Beginning this fall, the new scholarship will enable TJC graduates who have been successful in one of the college’s Promise programs to further pursue their higher education at UT Tyler, according to TJC. In support of this partnership, the James I. Perkins Family Foundation announced a gift to fund an initial 25 scholarships at $8,000 each. During Monday’s event, the Perkins family made a surprise announcement of an additional 25 scholarships, for a total gift of $400,000. 
HARRISON COUNTY — A man was arrested after a traffic stop led to the seizure of several drugs, drug paraphernalia and a firearm. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday, a deputy with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle at Pinecrest and Highway 59. The driver was identified as Eduordo Garcia. While speaking with the Garcia, officials said the deputy received consent to search the vehicle. The search reportedly led to the discovery of 127 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 9.5 grams of cocaine, a firearm, a scale and a package containing small empty plastic bags. Garcia was booked into the Harrison County Jail on the charges of manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
CHEROKEE COUNTY — A man is dead after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle on U.S. Highway 69, four miles north of Jacksonville, according to DPS. According to our news partner KETK, on Saturday, DPS said that a 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling north on U.S. 69 when it struck 49-year-old Derrick Wayne Steele as he was also traveling north riding on a bicycle. Steele was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Brenda Dominey. According to DPS, the posted speed limit in the area was 70 mph and the driver of the Tahoe was not injured. No further information is available as DPS said this is an ongoing investigation.
LONGVIEW — The Longview Public Library will be changing it’s hours of operation starting on Monday, July 31, according to the City of Longview. According to our news partner KETK, the library is making these changes in order to better accommodate rising daily patron attendance. The press release added that some minor adjustments might be made to weekly youth and adult programs. In total, the library won’t be losing any hours, officials said. The library’s curbside pickup will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each week from Monday through Friday, according to a City of Longview press release. The library’s new hours of operation will be: Monday – Wednesday: 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Thursday – Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday: 1 – 5 p.m. Computers will shut down 30 minutes before the end of each day.
TYLER — A Tyler man was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, after allegedly shooting his brother. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened on McKenzie Drive in Tyler on July 15. Investigators were informed that the person found at the scene, who was later identified as Jaraine Johnson, had been shot in the backyard of the residence. The suspect, later identified as Lee Autrey Jodeci Morgan, who is known by his family as “Jody,†was not located at the scene when officers arrived on the scene. According to the affidavit, Johnson’s fiancé, who lived with Johnson, said Morgan came to the couple’s residence at 7 a.m. Morgan knocked on the door and she told Johnson that his bother was at their residence. 
SMITH COUNTY — Two individuals have been arrested after a search warrant led to the seizure of large quantities of illegal narcotics and cash. On Tuesday, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office along with members of the East Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG) and Smith County SWAT Team conducted a search warrant at 509 East Cedar Street. During the search, Smith County Public Information Officer Larry Christian said they seized the following illegal contraband, including approximately two pounds of cocaine, 13 grams of crack cocaine, one pound of marijuana, a handgun and over $10,000 in U.S. currency. Christian said that two traffic stops related to the residence were made during the operation on Interstate 20, in Canton, by Tyler and Canton Police Departments. The raid also resulted in two individuals being arrested on felony charges. No other information is available at this time as this is an ongoing investigation but Christian said other charges are expected.