Today is
Saturday June 06, 2026
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 »