Today is
Friday July 24, 2026
TYLER — A tornado is believed to have touched down in East Texas. The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning just after 6:30 Thursday evening for Smith County. Residents are reporting damage to homes and businesses. There are also reports that the twister caused damage to Tyler Junior College. Reports that Lloyd James Funeral Home, on East First Street, was heavily damaged as well. So far, no injuries reported. The National Weather Service is expected to survey the area today for any damage the tornado may have caused.
TYLER — Billy Hibbs Jr., Chairman and CEO of Heartland Security Insurance Group of Tyler was inducted into the the Junior Achievement of Greater Tyler Business Hall of Fame last night at the organization’s annual hall of fame dinner. Hibbs became the first “father-son” inductee. His father received the award in 2004.
KTBB Owner and General Manager Paul Gleiser, who is a former Junior Achievement Board President and emcee of last nights event, said this about Hibbs, “Billy is the very embodiment of success under the American system of free enterprise, I can’t think of a better role model for students in school today.” Gleiser also said to those assembled that Junior Achievement provides business and financial programs for students from elementary thru high school on campuses throughout the greater Tyler area.
LONGVIEW — Longview police are investigating an overnight shooting that left one man injured. According to a Longview PD Facebook post, officers were called to a home on 13th Street around 10:00 Wednesday night and found a victim with a gunshot wound. The unnamed victim was taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Additional details were not available. Detectives continue to gather information and ask anyone with information to contact LPD (903) 237-1110.
TYLER — A bittersweet Wednesday for the St. James CME church community. The church has been a pillar in the Black community for 102 years was demolished. Many people lined up to see the 1920s structure one last time, according to our news partner KETK. It’s becoming more and more real as you see it come down and the walls fall down,†said Pastor Brian Lightner. Thanks to the generosity from the East Texas community, the church received the money that they needed to take down the building. “Due to the report from this TV station and going out into the community and the community responded in kind,†said Lightner. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — There has been a rise in train derailments nationwide lately. To be ready to respond to similar cases like what we’ve seen the past few months, crews from across the U.S. are in East Texas training. It’s run by the Longview Fire Department, which is one of just a few training courses in the nation to educate workers, according to our news partner KETK. “Trinity Industries is one of the largest tank car manufacturers in the world, and they have two manufacturing plants in Longview…so that kind of puts us as a unique school,†said training section chief for the Longview Fire Department Andy Parker. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A man died after a construction incident near the Hollytree neighborhood entrance in Tyler on Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley said a construction crew was building a retaining wall near 610 West Grande Boulevard when an excavator slid and fatally struck one of the workers. Fire officials responded to the medical call of a crush injury at 10:30 a.m. and cleared the scene by 10:50 a.m. Tyler Police Department also responded to the scene.
SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of aggravated assault of public servant. Jonathan Lizarraga-Romero was sentenced Wednesday in the 114th District Court of Smith County. The charges stem from a high-speed chase that Lizarraga-Romero led several law enforcement agencies on across Smith and Cherokee Counties in April 2022. After officials cornered Lizarraga-Romero in a Tyler apartment complex, he shot at police as they attempted to arrest him. Lizarraga-Romero was facing a life sentence and pleaded guilty to the charges. He asked the jury to determine an appropriate punishment. After a two day trial, the jury sentenced Lizarraga-Romero to 30 years in prison.
LONGVIEW — Longview Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person, Mark Horner, 63. Horner is described as approximately 300 lbs. and standing at 6′ tall, with brown hair, and a gray beard, and walks with a cane. He was last seen wearing an unknown-colored button-up shirt with a tie, slacks, and glasses. Horner was last seen leaving his home Tuesday morning. He’s said to be driving a black 2018 Nissan Rogue with Texas license plate RFJ2817. Contact Longview Police with any information (903) 237-1170.
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to approve adding three new election precincts and adjusting other precinct boundaries to comply with Texas Election Code. The proposed changes stem from population growth in some areas, other areas being annexed by the City of Tyler or City of Lindale, and changes needed after redistricting, Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon said. Smith County’s election precincts will grow from 72 to 75. All three precincts being split are Republican, Ms. Allcon said. The precinct boundaries are required to be reviewed every two years. The changes approved by Commissioners Court on Tuesday will become effective January 1, 2024. Read the rest of this entry »
HARRISON COUNTY — A 19-year-old man was arrested on Monday after attempting to flee Harrison County authorities during a traffic stop. The sheriff’s office said a deputy was at a stop sign at FM 451 and FM 9 when he observed a car with multiple traffic violations and conducted a traffic stop. According to our news partner KETK, when the deputy approached the car, the driver, identified as Dakota Stone, 19, of Waskom, “drove off reaching speeds over 100 mph.†According to officials, Stone drove to the driveway of his home and ran from the deputy before he was arrested. A search of Stone’s car found a .40 caliber Glock with an extender magazine. Stone was booked into the Harrison County Jail for evading arrest with a vehicle, unlawful carrying of a weapon and on two misdemeanor warrants that had been issued for his arrest.
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court ratified a resolution Tuesday, proclaiming April 13, 2023, as “John Sims Day” in Smith County, in honor of the veteran radio newsman who was laid to rest last Thursday. “This community was his family,” KTBB Account Executive Lonnie Johnson said in Commissioners Court. “It was always obvious but upon his death, it became even more obvious.” Since 1998, Sims served as news anchor and editor at KTBB radio. His career in radio spanned 46 years, with 43 of those in East Texas. He died March 31, 2023, after he was struck by a vehicle while walking near his home. His memorial service was held April 13, at First Christian Church. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — The Longview Police Department arrested a 24-year-old man in connection to a 2022 murder case. According to our news partner KETK, on Monday, Longview detectives served a murder warrant on Preston Wade Graham, of Gladewater. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail on a murder charge. Bond has not yet been set. On Oct. 10, officials responded to a call in the area of Baxley Lane regarding an assault. Arriving officers found an injured victim inside a residence. The victim was taken to a local hospital and died the following day. According to online records, Graham’s criminal history includes, evading arrest, theft of property and DWI.
TYLER — Elizabeth Gomez, assistant principal of Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School, has been named the new principal at Bonner Elementary School. “It means so much to me to continue to grow here at home in Tyler ISD,†Gomez said. “I have had the pleasure to meet many wonderful mentors on my journey from student to educator and administrator, and those experiences will guide me to create a positive impact at Bonner Elementary.†Gomez joined Tyler ISD in 2015 as a classroom teacher at Bell Elementary School. In 2019, she moved into an administrative role at the district, serving as a Bilingual/ESL Instructional Specialist. Gomez became assistant principal at Birdwell Dual Language Immersion School in 2020. Read the rest of this entry »
BULLARD — A new principal for Bullard High School has been named. Chad Bentley was approved by the Bullard ISD Board of Trustees during the April regular monthly board meeting Monday evening, April 17. According to a news release from the district, Mr. Bentley comes to Bullard from Canyon Lake High School in Comal ISD, where he has served as assistant principal and interim academic dean since 2020. Before his administrative role in Comal ISD, he served in Malakoff ISD as fine arts coordinator from 2013 to 2020 and head band director from 2012 to 2016. He has also served as head band director at Cayuga High School and assistant band director at Eustace High School. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The City of Tyler reopened Noble E. Young park on Saturday after making some upgrades. The grand opening was held on Saturday; visitors and the city celebrated the improvements. Changes include new restrooms, art murals, a new walking trail, outdoor gym, bike park, new picnic tables, benches and pavilions, according to our news partner KETK. “This is one of the things I wanted to do and I promised my constituents that when I got elected that this was one of the parks that I wanted to see renovated and I’m glad to see it finally come to fruition,†said Broderick McGee, City of Tyler councilman. The community development block grant program provided funding for the new park upgrades.
SMITH COUNTY — Congressman Nathaniel Moran gave an East Texas welcome to the group of 60 Christians from the Mayflower Church out of China Friday. According to our news partner KETK, the welcome event was held at the South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler. Pastor Chris Legg opened the event with a prayer before welcoming Moran to the stage. “It is a blessing to be here today and this is the most important thing I think we’re going to see happen in East Texas today, this week, possibly this month and year,†Moran said. After sharing scripture from the Bible, Moran wanted to leave the attendees of the event with three thoughts. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Contractors will replace a traffic signal pole at South Broadway Avenue and West Southwest Loop 323 on Sunday, April 16. The signal will be without power from 7:30 to 11 a.m. while crews work to replace the pole hit by a tractor-trailer on Tuesday morning. The Tyler Police Department will be on the scene to direct traffic. Southbound traffic on South Broadway Avenue will not be able to turn right onto West Southwest Loop 323. The westbound turn lane will be closed along with two westbound lanes of West Southwest Loop 323. Drivers can expect lane closures and traffic delays in the area. The City of Tyler urges drivers to use caution and obey the direction of the Tyler Police Department officers directing traffic. Motorists are encouraged to plan extra time into their drive and take an alternate route to avoid the area.
TYLER — Tyler ISD announced its 2023 District Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year Thursday evening at the Tyler ISD Teacher of the Year Banquet. The Rookie of the Year award recognizes a teacher who demonstrates outstanding performance and superior instruction skills during their first year. The 2023 Rookie of the Year is Mallory Sims (pictured) at Andy Woods Elementary School. The 2023 Principal of the Year is Dr. NaTasha Crain, Principal at Jones Elementary School. “We are proud to honor our District Teachers of the Year, Principal of the Year, and Rookie of the Year,†Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The W.T. Brookshire Conference Center Grand Opening took place Thursday. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and fireworks, celebrating the building’s grand opening that is 30 years in the making. Mayor Don Warren and four former Tyler mayors came together to celebrate the momentous occasion, our news partner KETK reports. “The WT Brookshire Conference Center is the centerpiece and offers this community a conference experience like no other,†said Warren. From start to finish, Warren explained that the project wasn’t easy, but worth it for the City of Tyler. “Getting a project of this magnitude off the ground is challenging at anytime but doing it during a pandemic is a whole new ball game,†said Warren. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler Junior College was given the all-clear by law enforcement after issuing a shelter in place due to a “potential active shooter warning.†According to our news partner KETK, officials with the Tyler Police Department said the call came in around 10:30 a.m., and the caller reported multiple people had been shot at the technology building. Officials arrived at the scene within minutes, and no threats were found. Officials said similar active shooter calls had been made to other Texas colleges. “Anytime we get a call like that, you’re gonna see us come out in full force,†Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said. TJC was given the all-clear by 11:15 a.m., and the junior college’s West campus and Pirtle Technology Building were evacuated. Read the rest of this entry »
AUSTIN — The Texas Senate passes a bill targeting the use of critical race theory in college classrooms.Senate Bill 16 would ban college professors from compelling students to adopt certain beliefs on racial or political issues. Republican State Senator Bryan Hughes, of Mineola, thinks some college professors are excluding debate in their classrooms and suppressing conservative ideas. The bill does not specifically mention “critical race theory” but Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick issued a statement saying it would ban the teaching of critical race theory at Texas universities. He thanked Senator Hughes and other Republicans in the Texas Senate for passing it. The legislature banned critical race theory from public elementary schools, middle schools and high schools in 2021.
JACKSONVILLE — UT Health Jacksonville received a threat against the facility and issued a lockdown on Wednesday, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, the lockdown was issued as a precautionary measure. “Our security team and local law enforcement are aware of the threat and are working to resolve the matter,†UT Health East Texas said in a statement. The hospital system said, “The safety of the patients, team members and visitors is their priority.” Additional details were not available.
TYLER — For the first time in its 76-year existence, the Tyler Junior College Apache Cheer team has earned the title of national champion. TJC took first place in the Intermediate Large Coed Open Division in the National Cheerleaders Association’s College Nationals competition last weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida. “We work a whole year preparing for a routine that lasts 2 minutes and 15 seconds,” said Tammy Rose, TJC cheer head coach. “We started this journey last summer at NCA college camp at SMU in Dallas, where we earned a bronze bid to attend NCA College Nationals.” Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — On Tuesday, Smith County Constable Josh Joplin of Precinct 4 expressed concerns during the commissioners court meeting. He feels the scope of his job is being limited, according to our news partner KETK. Precinct 4 is the largest precinct in Smith County covering 322 square miles. Joplin said recent comments made to him and his deputies by some county commissioners are degrading to his badge. “We’ve received veil threats from certain commissioners that state that they don’t want us to do law enforcement work. They want us to do the bare minimum of our taxpayers serving papers and bailiff in court,†said Joplin. Read the rest of this entry »
WHITEHOUSE — TxDOT has announced that repairs to the sinkhole on FM 346, between Pecanwood and Crepe Myrtle Road in Whitehouse are scheduled to be completed by the morning of Thursday, April 13. Currently, the westbound lanes of FM 346 are being diverted through the center lane, which will continue until repairs are complete. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area if possible. If travel is necessary in this area, please reduce your speed and pay attention in the work zone.
TYLER — The Planning and Zoning Committee met on Tuesday, where they unanimously voted down the proposal to bring in a 35-unit residential property to a Tyler neighborhood. According to our news partner KETK, dozens of forms were submitted, 77 total, that expressed opposition to the potential housing development near the corner of Richmond Road and Timberwilde Road. “As one of 77 homeowners who submitted forms in opposition to this zone change, I am thrilled the planning and zoning commission unanimously denied this request,†Mitzi Rusk said. “Many of us presented information that prove R1A, the current zoning, can succeed and is best for our situation.†Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler Police are at the scene of a morning accident at Loop 323 and Broadway Avenue. Officers said an oversized load pulled down the intersection lights. All westbound traffic on the Loop at Broadway Ave is down to one lane only. Drivers should expect traffic delays as crews work to repair the lights, and are encouraged to take alternate routes and avoid the area while the repairs are made.
SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man was arrested in March for aggravated sexual assault in connection to a serial rape investigation in Smith County that dates back to 2003. Our news partner KETK reports, Vincente Zavaleta, 44 of Tyler, was arrested on March 21 by the Texas Department of Public Safety. According to his arrest warrant, three victims reported to have been sexually assaulted in Smith County and Tyler in 2003, 2012 and 2016. Two of the victims reported they were abducted by their attacker. The warrant said the three victims had been linked to an unidentified DNA profile. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — Longview ISD announced on Monday that Place 5 board member Shandreka “Shaun†Bauer has submitted her resignation effective June 1. The district said in her resignation letter, Bauer cited a new work opportunity that requires her family to relocate. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A group of more than 60 members of a Chinese Christian church will be starting a new life in Tyler after fleeing from China due to “extreme persecution,†according to Freedom Seekers International. According to our news partner KETK, the organization said that the Chinese citizens were previously in South Korea for more than a year, but will no longer be sheltered there due to political pressure from China to return them to “re-education camps.†According to ChinaAid, the group was granted humanitarian parole status by United States authorities. Read the rest of this entry »