Today is
Saturday July 25, 2026
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — In Van Zandt county, a public swearing in ceremony was held at the courthouse for Sheriff Joe Carter. According to our news partner KETK, Carter has been in law enforcement for more than three decades and says he is excited to continue serving Van Zandt county in this new and now permanent role. “I’ve been in law enforcement for 38 years, just trying to catch up on what’s going on over there, what direction we need to go, what needs to be worked on and trying to make sure everything gets covered,†said Sheriff Joe Carter. Carter stepped into this position following former Sheriff Steve Hendrix’s resignation after being indicted on charges of providing false statements to police. Those charges were dismissed Friday morning.
UPSHUR COUNTY — A man was sentenced to 99 years in prison in Upshur County. On Tuesday, a jury of five men and seven women found Taylor guilty of retaliation against a witness from Jan. 2021, according to our news partner KETK. Charles Lance Taylor, 45, broke into the house of a woman that he previously dated on June 23, 2020 and assaulted and strangled her, according to Upshur County District Attorney, Billy W. Byrd. “The assault was so bad it required the victim to be hospitalized for a brain bleed,†said Byrd. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — A 35-year-old man who had special needs died in a house fire Wednesday night, according to Smith County Fire Marshal Jay Brooks. The victim has been identified as Jack McKenzie Ross. Our news partner KETK reports the fire started around 8:00 p.m. on County Road 1113. 26-year-old firefighter Cameron Franks was taken to the hospital for observation after being injured by a power line on the scene but has since been released. No one else was injured in the fire. The Smith County, Noonday and Red Springs Fire Departments assisted with the fire. The cause of the fire has not been determined. Officials are asking the community to pray for the family affected by this tragic fire.
ANGELINA COUNTY — One woman has been released after a man was shot several times early Wednesday morning in Deep East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, Diboll Police were called to a home on the 500 block of N. 3rd Street, a neighborhood just off Highway 59. When officers arrived, they found a Hispanic male who “had been shot several times during a domestic dispute,†according to a release from the department. The victim’s name was not released, but investigators said he was approximately 30 years old. The suspect was identified as Cynthia Zamora Ramos. She has been charged with aggravated assault-family violence and was initially held at the Angelina County Jail before her release per a judge’s order.
MARSHALL — An East Texas native has been named as the doctor who heroically charged the California church shooter Sunday, sacrificing his life to save others. The doctor killed in Sunday’s shooting has been identified as a former Marshall High School graduate, class of 1987. doctor John Cheng is being called a hero for giving his life to stop the gunman who opened fire at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California. Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes says Dr. Cheng was killed charging the gunman, giving others time to jump in and disarm the killer and hold him for police. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The latest Dallas Morning News, UT Tyler Poll shows a close Governor’s race here in Texas. The poll shows Governor Abbott still leading his Democratic Opponent Beto O’Rourke by 7 points. However, the poll finds voters, by a very slim margin, trust Beto more than they trust the Governor. The poll also shows most Texans, 55%, support Governor Abbott’s decision to spend billions on “Operation Lone Star Program” his border security plan that’s deployed hundreds of law officers and Texas military members to help slow illegal immigration.
WINNSBORO — Dozens of people in Winnsboro are frustrated. They say a chicken fertilizer plant regularly lets out plumes of smoke causing people to feel unsafe outside. According to our news partner KETK, the Wood County courthouse was packed with Winnsboro residents focused on one thing, fighting for the health of their community. One resident said their COPD has become worse and that they are having a hard time breathing. “It makes me so sick, so I can’t even enjoy outside because the smell is so strong,†said a resident. According to attorneys, the toxic fumes have been coming from the Texas Sigma Partners plant for almost a year, leading to a lawsuit. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — It was another busy Wednesday for Tyler’s City Council, with two key projects topping the list of action items. The Council authorized the city manager to execute two contracts associated with a consent decree the city entered in 2017 with the Environmental Protection Agency. The purpose is to address what’s termed the city’s aging wastewater collection system and resulting discharges. Work done under the contracts will rehabilitate 387 deteriorated sanitary sewer manholes and make 373 needed repairs to sewer main lines, according to a news release. The council also approved a contract for the 2022 asphalt enhancement project. Officials say the work will improve 25 lane miles of roadways, curbs, and gutters and restripe and place reflective markings. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — Just one day after setting a record for its highest gas prices ever, the Tyler metro area passed another dubious mark on Tuesday: the average cost for a gallon of unleaded fuel is more than $4 for the first time. According to our news partner KETK, AAA reported Tuesday morning that the average price for unleaded gasoline in the Tyler area was $4.04, a five-cent increase from the $3.99 mark on Monday. Diesel fuel is also at its highest point ever, averaging $5.19 per gallon. Fuel costs have spiked over the last 30 days. In Tyler, the average price just 30 days ago was $3.65. That marks a jump of nearly 40 cents. One year ago, gasoline in the Rose Capital was around $2.70 a gallon. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Commissioner’s Court approved the appointment of Joe Carter as Van Zandt County sheriff in an emergency special session. According to our news partner KETK, the motion to appoint Carter passed unanimously during Monday’s meeting. This comes after former Sheriff Steve Hendrix resigned following a grand jury indictment on the charge of providing false statements to a peace officer. Hendrix’s resignation is set to be effective on May 14.
TYLER — Gas prices in the Tyler area hit their highest all-time mark Monday morning after averaging $3.99 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline, according to AAA. According to our news partner KETK, prices have spiked over the last few days after slowly coming down over the previous two months. According to AAA data, the average price for unleaded gasoline in the Tyler area was $3.66, which was 33 cents cheaper. The previous record was $3.97, which was set back in July 2008 during the Great Recession. The $3.99 record does not factor in inflation for past prices. When adjusted for inflation, the most expensive year for gas nationally was 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) is asking drivers to be aware of a ramp closure on Toll 49. According to NET RMA, the ramp closure at Toll 49 and Farm-to-Market Road 16 began May 2 and will continue through May 5, from 9 p.m. – 5 a.m., as crews install new tolling system equipment. Daily text messages will be sent updating road closure information while this work is in progress. In order to receive these messages, motorists will need to text Toll 49 to 444222 or visit this link.
SMITH COUNTY — One woman was arrested and a man is on the loose following a police chase Wednesday night in Tyler, according to our news partner KETK. Sgt. Larry Christian, with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, said the chase started in the Hill Creek boat area near Lake Tyler. Officials said that a deputy recognized the 1999 4-door Mercury and noticed that there were active arrest warrants for the driver, Kelsey Ann Sanders, 20. Deputies attempted to pull over the vehicle but she allegedly did not stop and started on FM 346 around Lake Tyler. Read the rest of this entry »
DALLAS — The former dress designer for the Texas Rose Festival for almost 40 years has died. According to our news partner KETK, Winn Morton died at his home on April 22 at the age of 93. Born in Lancaster in December of 1928, Winn worked with every top costume workroom in New York, designing for Broadway and off-Broadway Productions. In 1975, Winn became the art director for Six Flags Show Productions. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — An Arlington man who was charged with murdering his boyfriend near Tyler State Park after finding child porn on his phone died of natural causes before his trial. According to our news partner KETK, 52-year-old Robert Price died March 20, a few months after his case was halted due to his deteriorating health. In November, Price’s attorney filed the motion after he had been quarantined twice due to COVID-19, which led to further complications involving his kidneys and liver. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler man charged with capital murder from a shooting that killed a teenager last year will await the results of DNA testing before his case can continue. According to our news partner KETK, 20-year-old Andres Urrutia is one of two men charged with killing 17-year-old Jesse McNeely. He was shot at a home on Omega Drive, a neighborhood near downtown Tyler last June. Urrutia was arrested days later along with 21-year-old Lorenzo Martinez in Galveston. They are being held on bonds of more than $1 million. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — East Texas Giving Day was Tuesday April 26 and supported almost 300 local nonprofit organizations by raising $2.8 million, according to our news partner KETK. It is an annual 18-hour online event hosted by the East Texas Communities Foundation that provides critical funding for East Texas area nonprofits. $2,896,721 was raised by Tuesday, April 26. 2022 marked the seventh annual East Texas Giving Day hosted by ETCF. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A Tyler man was charged with intoxicated manslaughter for a wreck early Sunday morning that killed an 18-year-old girl. According to our news partner KETK, the report says Justin Pierce,29, was traveling west on Highway 64, roughly two miles west of Tyler, just after 1:30 a.m. Marissa July-McCuin, of Tyler, was attempting to cross the road in the outside lane when she was allegedly hit by Pierce’s SUV. July-McCuin was taken to a Tyler hospital where she died a few hours later from her injuries. The DPS report alleges that Pierce left the scene of the crash, but was found not long after. Pierce was treated and released from the hospital, then booked into the Smith County Jail with bond set at $500,000. According to online records, Pierce has a pending charge of assaulting a peace officer in Smith County from April 19, 2021.
EAST TEXAS — Early voting for the May 7 City/School and Constitutional Amendment Election begins Monday, April 25. Early voting in Smith County will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, April 25-30; and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 2-3. There will be eight early voting locations throughout Smith County. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Grapeland man and woman with federal solicitation of murder violations. Reynaldo Campos, Jr., 44, and Robin Pittman, aka Robin Hill, 42, were named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Tyler charging them with murder for hire and conspiracy to commit murder for hire; solicitation to commit murder for hire and conspiracy to solicit murder for hire; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence; and felon in possession of a firearm. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A Smith County jury has sentenced Jeffrey Hampton to life in prison for the death of Roberto Carlos Hernandez in a 2019 boating accident on Lake Palestine. Hampton was found to have used the boat as a deadly weapon, so he must serve 30 years of his sentence before possible parole. He has already spent nearly three years awaiting trial, so he will be first eligible for parole in 2049. The sentencing trial for the 34-year-old Hampton, of Tyler, began just days after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the teenage boy’s death. According to our news partner KETK, Hampton admitted guilt but elected to have a jury decide his fate. While manslaughter is normally a second-degree felony in Texas, the punishment range was enhanced to a first-degree felony due to Hampton’s prior criminal history.
TYLER –Senator John Cornyn participates in a roundtable discussion in Tyler today wto hear from regional leaders, health care providers, educators, and economic development officials at the CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital. The roundtable highlights the challenges of limited broadband access that many East Texas communities experience and how Sen. Cornyn’s current legislation would allow local leaders to use unspent COVID-19 relief funds for regional projects like expanding broadband and infrastructure. Roundtable participants are sharing how broadband access impacts education, health care, and economic development and emphasizes the importance of bridging the digital divide. The meeting is set for 10:00 with a press conference to follow.
TYLER — As of Monday, April 18th, the NET Health COVID Vaccine Clinic has relocated to NET Health’s Immunizations Clinic located on North Broadway Avenue, directly next to the Tyler Municipal Court. The clinic is located within the middle set of doors. It’s open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., and from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.; on Wednesdays, the clinic remains open until 6:00 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The City of Tyler is explaining why residents didn’t hear an outdoor siren when a tornado warning was issued in the area Tuesday night. The outdoor warning system seemingly failed to sound during 100 mph straight line winds that tore through Tyler and wreaked havoc on the city’s historic Azalea District. Officials say there was a “configuration problem†that caused the sirens to not sound. According to our news partner KETK, the warning system contains two layers of audio: the siren itself and the voiceover advising people to seek shelter. Authorities said when city staff went to activate the alarm, only the voiceover played. Authorities reportedly tried setting off the alarm a second time with no success. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The National Weather Service confirmed Thursday that it was 100 mph straight line winds that swept through Tyler Tuesday night, causing significant damage to the city’s historic Azalea District. According to our news partner KETK, the winds caused considerable damage, with many trees being uprooted or falling into homes. Charlie Woodrum, National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist, said there was initially a tornado warning because they had some initial indication of rotation in the air. “Based off what we saw on the radar, there was an area of rotation on the front edge of the line, which prompted the tornado warning,†Woodrum said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Tyler police responded around 10:00 Wednesday night to a major wreck on Grande Boulevard. Officers said the driver of Toyota RAV4 had been traveling eastbound when it struck the passenger side rear bumper of a Ford F150 that was making a left turn. The Toyota RAV4 lost control and flipped, ejecting the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. The driver, identified as Lamonte Martin, 24, of Tyler, was pronounced dead at the scene. The two occupants of the Ford F150 were uninjured. All lanes of traffic have since reopened.
SMITH COUNTY — A Tyler woman was sentenced to 35 years in prison on Tuesday for the 2020 murder of her husband. According to our news partner KETK, Debbie Bryant, 57, confessed to shooting her husband, 58-year-old Allen Ferguson in early 2020. Authorities said that they received a call early in the morning from a woman saying her husband had been shot. Officers went to the residence at 617 Maxwell and found Ferguson with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died several days later. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — A few East Texas school districts decided to cancel or delay classes following yet another round of severe weather Tuesday night — and at least one church has canceled an event. According to our news partner KETK, most of the listed schools have canceled due to a lack of power on their campuses. Among school districts that called off classes Wednesday were Alto, Rusk, and Union Grove. Tyler’s Good Shepherd School also decided to close Wednesday, in this case due to downed trees. Schools that notified us of delays have since resumed activities. Meantime, Tyler’s Trinity Fellowship Church has canceled its Love Indeed food distribution for tonight due to the weather.
BULLARD — Bullard ISD has announced that Wednesday classes will start two hours later than usual due to power outages at the four campuses.
TYLER — Presidents and provosts of Tyler Junior College and The University of Texas at Tyler signed an articulation agreement that allows TJC students to transfer to UT Tyler to complete baccalaureate degrees in multiple fields of study. According to a news release, those signing the agreement included TJC President Juan E. Mejia, UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun, TJC Provost Deana Sheppard and UT Tyler Provost Amir Mirmiran. The ceremony took place Monday at TJC’s main campus. The new partnership also establishes priority deadlines for admissions and scholarship notification by UT Tyler to TJC transferring students, and will help facilitate student services, scholarships and honors programs. Read the rest of this entry »