Today is
Tuesday July 21, 2026
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Deputies responded to a deadly conduct call on CR 2194 near Whitehouse around 1:00 Sunday afternoon. According to officials, Luis Arredondo-Villalobos was waving and pointing a firearm at his neighbors. Deputies were able to speak with several individuals who were able to confirm the behavior of Arredondo-Villalobos and his intoxicated state. Deputies also contacted the brother of Arredondo-Villalobos who confirmed the presence of firearms inside the residence.
Deputies attempted to coax Arredondo-Villalobos out of his residence by using the PA speakers but were unsuccessful. Smith County SWAT responded to the location and continued to try and coax the suspect out of his residence. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The former bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Tyler, Joseph E. Strickland, is set to appear Tuesday at a Grassroots America – We the People meeting, a prominent constitutional conservative organization based in East Texas. According to our news partner KETK, the event, titled “Closing Out 2025 with Conviction, Hope, and Perseverance,” will be held at the Holiday Inn in Tyler. A food-and-fellowship buffet is scheduled from 5 p.m. to 6:25 p.m., with the meeting set to run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Organizers say book signings and additional speakers may continue until 9 p.m.
Strickland’s appearance marks one of his most public returns to the East Texas community since his removal as head of the Diocese of Tyler on Nov. 11, 2023. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is currently searching for a missing 78-year-old man who was last seen leaving his home on Sunday morning. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to a report of a missing person in the 8600 block of County Road 384 near Tyler at around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.
A family member told deputies that Emiliano Valle, left his home on foot, heading in an unknown direction at around 6 a.m. on Sunday. Valle is described as a 5’01” Hispanic man with grey hair, who weighs around 250 pounds and is possibly wearing a black suit jacket.
Valle has lymphedema and frequent UTI’s that cause him to get confused and have issues with his memory. He also has trouble walking and requires bandages on his legs. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Several days after the SPCA of East Texas issued an urgent plea for donations, East Texans responded with overwhelming generosity, allowing the organization to continue caring for and sheltering animals as they move into the new year. According to the SPCA of East Texas executive director Emily Heglund and our news partner KETK, the organization received over $130,000 in donations over the past two days, with most of the contributions coming from Giving Tuesday.
The donations came shortly after the SPCA released a statement on Sunday stating that the organization is in dire need of contributions to allow them to continue caring for animals in East Texas. Read the rest of this entry »
MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department said that a sinkhole caused part of East Grand Avenue to collapse on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Marshall Police are asking drivers to avoid the area where the roadway collapsed in the 900 block of East Grand Avenue. Officials said that Marshall Public Works Crews are working with the Texas Department of Public Transportation to asses the damage to the road.
TYLER — A pedestrian was struck by a train in downtown Tyler Thursday. According to the Tyler Police Department and our news partner KETK, the individual was hit on the tracks near Goodwill and the intersection of Bonner Avenue and Locust Street. The person has transported to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not released details about what led to the crash or provided an update on the victim’s condition.
ANGELINA COUNTY — A member of the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, Captain Alton Lenderman, who has dedicated the past 48 years of his life to law enforcement, will be retiring on Wednesday.
According to our news partner KETK, Lenderman has served the people of Angelina County as a captain for nearly 13 years. Before accepting his current position, Lenderman served with the Lufkin Police Department for over 34 years, rising to the rank of lieutenant.
“During Lenderman’s 48 years, he tackled just about everything a law enforcement career can throw at you and helped foster a higher level of trust between law enforcement and the community,” the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office said. “Alton was a K-9 officer, shift supervisor, trained many officers in firearms, tactics, SWAT and other assignments as well as serving on boards and committees in the community.” Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a feasibility study on Tuesday to evaluate necessary improvements for the county’s animal shelter. According to our news partner KETK, the proposed agreement calls for Fitzpatrick Architect to assess the shelter’s condition. The proposal includes bringing in engineers to assess site improvements, utilities, drainage, spa access, mechanical and plumbing issues and other recommended enhancements.
Following the evaluation, American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds would be used to create a dog park and shaded green space. The city will also evaluate the current facility for potential upgrades that would address interior exhaust and drainage problems.
Research will be required to ensure compliance with local site regulations, Smith County officials said. The ARPA-funded grant was amended in July to ensure that current funding covers the animal shelter.
TYLER — Governor Greg Abbott stopped in Tyler on Wednesday afternoon to discuss his plans to reduce property taxes and strengthen support for local businesses across the state. Abbott outlined a five-point plan aimed at lowering property taxes for Texans and emphasized his commitment to help small businesses by reducing government regulations and reducing costs.
The governor was joined by several East Texas lawmakers, including Rep. Daniel Alders, Rep. Jay Dean, Rep. Cole Hefner, Rep. Brent Money and Rep. Joanne Shofner, along with other local officials.
On Sunday, Abbott launched his campaign for a fourth term as governor, unveiling new proposals aimed at curbing local property tax increases. This comes shortly after Texas voters approved two constitutional amendments in the November election designed to provide additional property tax relief to homeowners. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — Non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed Tuesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day. According to a news release, Commissioners Court will not be held on Tuesday. There will be a Special-Called Commissioners Court meeting at 9:30 a.m. Friday, November 14, to canvass the results of the November 4 Special Election.
“Smith County closes for Veterans Day to honor all of the men and women who have served in the United States military,” the release stated.
Smith County has more than 100 employees who are veterans, serving the community through their positions in the Commissioners Court, Fire Marshal’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, Road and Bridge Department, Juvenile Services Department, IT Department, Facility Services Department, Veteran Services Office, County Court-at-Law 3, Precincts 1, 3 and 4 Constable’s Offices, Tax Office and Judicial Compliance/Collections Department. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office seized around 38 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, a deputy stopped a 2024 black GMC pickup truck on Friday while on Interstate 20. During the stop, the deputy discovered around 38 pounds of marijuana in bags inside the truck.
Malcom Hampton, 30, of Louisiana, was identified by the sheriff’s office as the driver of the truck. He was arrested and booked into the Van Zandt County Jail on a charge of possession of marijuana between 5 and 50 pounds.
The sheriff’s office connected the arrest with their criminal interdiction program. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Tax Office is mailing out 186,349 property tax statements. This week, 168,378 bills were mailed out, and another 17,971 statements will be mailed next week to residents who live in the Whitehouse Independent School District area. January 31, 2026, is the deadline for paying property taxes. 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. “If you want to skip the long lines at the Tax Office, I highly recommend you pay online.”
Taxpayers can click here to pay their tax bills with debit or credit card or e-check, which is the easiest and fastest way to pay.
The tax statements mailed and online reflect the new homestead exemptions that were approved in the statewide Constitutional Amendment Election. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — After protests were held in Smith County on Thursday afternoon regarding the county’s involvement in the Federal 287 (g) Immigration Enforcement Program, Sheriff Larry Smith released a statement defending his office and its policies.
In a statement, Smith reassured residents that the sheriff’s office has not changed its stance on immigration enforcement and public safety. Smith did, however, state that the sheriff’s office had joined the 287(g) program, claiming it strengthens their ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities and to ensure that those who commit crimes in Smith County are held accountable.
“This program not only provides the Smith County Sheriff’s Office with the ability to ensure the immigration laws are enforced within Smith County, but it also mandates we enforce the Federal Immigration Laws,” Smith said. Read the rest of this entry »
Update – Gabrielle Erin Toon of Tyler, was sentenced to five years in prison on Friday after pleading guilty to physically assaulting a disabled minor.
SMITH COUNTY — A 27-year-old Tyler nurse has pleaded guilty four months after a video surfaced of her physically assaulting a disabled minor. According to our news partner KETK, Gabrielle Erin Toon pleaded guilty on Oct. 30 to a third-degree charge of injury to a child following her July arrest, her defense team confirmed. While the state offered a straight probation sentence, the defense requested deferred adjudication. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday.
Toon’s case first came to light after the child’s grandparents reported to the Tyler Police Department that Toon, a live-in nurse, had been seen on video smacking and aggressively pushing their granddaughter while responsible for her care during evening hours.
According to court records, the child is immobile, non-verbal, dependent on nighttime oxygen, has a chronic lung disease and had a kidney transplant. The video, captured on July 1, shows Toon slapping the child multiple times and pushing her head onto a pillow while demanding she go to sleep. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Brookshire Grocery Company (BGC) is making a major impact in the fight against hunger with a $500,000 donation to local food banks, responding to growing community needs during the ongoing government shutdown and the pause on SNAP funding. According to our news partner KETK, the contribution underscores BGC’s deep and enduring commitment to caring for its neighbors and strengthening the communities it serves.
“Our company was founded on the core value of serving others, and that mission remains at the heart of everything we do,” said Brad Brookshire, Chairman and CEO of BGC. “We know many families are facing difficult times, and we’re honored to support the incredible food banks working tirelessly to provide relief and hope.” Read the rest of this entry »
GREGG COUNTY — A man arrested for attempted kidnapping that happened on Paul Boorman Trail in Longview was sentenced to 5 years of probation on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Jelan DeAaron Armond Williams, 28 of Kilgore, was arrested for attempted commit kidnapping after an Aug. 2024 incident in which a woman reported that she was attacked on the Paul Boorman Trail in Longview.
The victim’s report was similar to another report that had come in earlier that day and Longview Police Department officers were able to locate a man matching the woman’s description. That man was later identified as Williams by law enforcement.
Williams was given deferred adjudication by 124th District Court Charles Alfonso on Thursday.
RUSK COUNTY — An East Texas Man has been sentenced to life in prison after he was found guilty of sexually abusing a member of his family every week for 10 years. According to our news partner KETK, Daniel Alton Flanagan, 51 of Mount Enterprise, was first arrested by the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 2 after one of his family members revealed that he was sexually assaulting her once a week from when she was 13 to 22 years old, according to his arrest affidavit.
After his arrest, Flanagan was interviewed at the sheriff’s office and admitted to sexually assaulting the victim. Flanagan was then charged with two counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child younger than 14, prohibited sexual conduct, and sexual performance by a child under 14 years old.
Assistant Rusk County and District Attorney Tiffany T. Conner said a jury found Flanagan guilty in this case on Oct. 23. According to Conner, Flanagan has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole or probation. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Tyler Police Department is warning citizens about scam phone calls using fear tactics to steal money. Scammers often pose as law enforcement officers or bank representatives, claiming victims have warrants or suspicious activity on their accounts.
According to a news release from the Tyler Police Department, in recent reports, suspects impersonated members of Homeland Security, Tyler PD, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, even using names of real employees and spoofed phone numbers. Victims were threatened with arrest unless they sent money for bonds, fines, or fees—often through gift cards, Green Dot cards, or cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) ATMs.
Other scams involve callers pretending to be from banks or credit card companies, asking for personal or account information and directing victims to transfer money to “secure accounts.” Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — Early voting continues this week at five polling locations throughout Smith County. Current totals as of Tuesday are, 5,381 in-person and mail-in ballots have been cast.
There are 17 Texas Constitutional Amendment Propositions on the ballot for the November 4 Election, as well as several city and school elections throughout Smith County. Smith County Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon is urging voters to do their research on the propositions before coming to the polls. Click here for that information.
CITY/SCHOOL ELECTIONS:
The City of Whitehouse and the East Texas Municipal Utility District, as well as the Arp, Troup and Whitehouse Independent School Districts will all be holding special elections on November 4.
Early voting is being held October 20-31, at five polling locations in Tyler, Lindale, Noonday and Whitehouse. Read the rest of this entry »
WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out Nov. 1, raising the stakes for families nationwide as the government shutdown drags on.
The new notice comes after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP, flowing into November. That program helps about 1 in 8 Americans buy groceries.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA notice says. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Karen Phillips, the current Smith County Clerk, announced she will seek re-election in the Republican Primary on March 3, 2026. According to our news partner KETK, Phillips announced during a gathering with family and friends that she intends to run for another term and continue to serve the citizens with accountability and conservative leadership. A county clerk is responsible for maintaining public records, administering elections, issuing licenses and certificates, and serving as the primary contact point between the county and its citizens.
Phillips has served as the Smith County Clerk for the past 15 years and claims to consistently deliver on her promises while operating with fiscal responsibility. She also said that during her first two years in office, she helped reduce the department’s budget by $150,000.
“I have worked hard to ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the County Clerk’s Office,” Phillips said. “It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Smith County, and I look forward to building on these successes in the years ahead.” Read the rest of this entry »
ANGELINA COUNTY — A Huntington man has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2022 murder of his wife on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, Christopher Marriott, 54, of Huntington, was first arrested for murder on May 24, 2022, after officials said he called 911 on May 19 and told law enforcement that he and his wife, Sandra Marriott, had both tried to commit suicide, but only she died.
Angelina County Sheriff’s Office deputies and investigators later found that he caused Sandra’s death. Christopher pleaded guilty to murder before 217th Judicial District Court judge Bob Inselmann on Monday and was sentenced to serve life in state prison.
His life sentence in state prison started on Monday.
TYLER — After being notified this morning by the City of Tyler that the water would be shut off all day, the Cotton Belt Building is closed for the day, Wednesday, October 22.
The Smith County Tax Office, Record Services Department and Texas AgriLife Extension Agency are closed and will reopen for normal business hours on Thursday, October 23.
The Tax Office Substations in Noonday, Lindale and Troup remain open today and its online services are available.
RUSK — Rusk Rural Water Supply Company (RRWSC) has issued a boil water notice to several areas due to a main line leak, according to our news partner KETK.
Due to the leak, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the RRWSC to notify all customers in the following areas to boil their water prior to consumption: Read the rest of this entry »
LINDALE — A man is currently being held at the Smith County Jail after assaulting the Lindale Police chief on Saturday evening. According to an arrest affidavit and our news partner KETK, the incident occurred on 114 Cannery Row at around 7 p.m. as Lindale Chief of Police Dan Somes was directing traffic. While Somes was directing traffic, Andrew Hist was trying to turn down a street that was blocked off and proceeded to get out of his vehicle, walked over, and allegedly punched Chief Somes in his face.
Following the assault, witnesses helped Somes detain Hist until officers arrived on the scene. While witnesses and Somes attempted to detain Hist according to authorities, he tried to resist and was taken to the ground.
Hist was eventually placed under arrest after additional officers arrived on the scene and he was taken to the Smith County Jail. Following his arrest, Hist was charged with assaulting a peace officer and resisting arrest.
SMITH COUNTY — On the first three days of early voting, just under 1,400 people voted at five polling locations in Smith County. That’s according Smith County Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon. She also added that in comparing running vote totals, “That is under the 2023 numbers. By the end of the third day in 2023, we were a little over 2,100.”
There are 17 Texas Constitutional Amendment Propositions on the ballot for the November 4 Election, as well as several city and school elections throughout Smith County. For more information about the propositions, click here.
CITY/SCHOOL ELECTIONS
The City of Whitehouse and the East Texas Municipal Utility District, as well as the Arp, Troup and Whitehouse Independent School Districts will all be holding special elections on November 4.
Early voting is being held October 20-31, at five polling locations in Tyler, Lindale, Noonday and Whitehouse. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Texas Rose Festival’s Rose Queen is visiting Tyler ISD elementary schools to read the Queen’s Tea to students and will be attending the Queen’s Tea event on Saturday, where students of all grades can meet the Queen and her Court. According to our news partner KETK, the annual tradition connects the Texas Rose Festival with local schools, giving students the opportunity to learn about community traditions and meet this year’s Rose Queen, Avery Craft Armstrong.
The Texas Rose Festival Queen’s Tea is a beloved community event where guests of all ages can meet the Queen and her Court in the beautiful Tyler Municipal Rose Garden on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER (AP) — Millions of Americans with Affordable Care Act marketplace health insurance will face higher costs next year if Congress doesn’t extend enhanced premium tax credits that have made the plans more affordable. The tax credits are at the heart of the federal government shutdown, which has entered a third week with no end in sight.
That prospect is forcing Americans to make difficult decisions about their health care and what they can afford. Among the enrollees is Celia Monreal, a mother of five in Tyler, Texas, whose husband has cartilage loss in his knees. The couple won’t be able to afford their health insurance plan next year if the subsidies expire.
Monreal, 47, and her husband, Jorge, 57, rely on the Affordable Care Act marketplace for health coverage. If Congress doesn’t extend certain ACA tax credits set to expire at the end of the year, their fully subsidized plan will increase in cost, putting it out of reach. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — Officials in Smith County are asking residents to refrain from burning due to increased fire danger. Smith County is not issuing a burn ban. According to the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office and our news partner KETK, the increased fire danger is due to unusually dry conditions this month, which was caused by the county experiencing an abnormally wet spring, early summer and robust grass crop.
“Due to this year’s robust grass crop that is now becoming drought-cured and dehydrated, fire behavior and resistance to control will likely increase,” the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office said.
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County has seen a 25% increase in DWI charges from 2023 to 2024, largely due to enhanced enforcement efforts, according to a detective with the sheriff’s office. Ryan Edmonds, a DWI expert currently assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, explained to our news partner KETK that the rise in DWI arrests is attributed to increased training and the deployment of task forces during peak times for intoxicated driving.
“The biggest factor behind that increase is probably the enhanced enforcement that we’ve put into place,” Edmonds said. Read the rest of this entry »