Today is
Saturday June 20, 2026
TYLER — Tyler police seek leads as they investigate a homicide. On September 27 at around 9:00 a.m., police responded to the intersection of N. Fannin Ave. and E. Valentine St. on a report of an assault. Upon arrival officers located a female, later identified as Teri Furgerson, 38, of Pampa, lying in the roadway unconscious. Police say it appeared that she had been assaulted and had trauma to her head. She was transported to UT Health on Beckham, where she later died. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or call Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers at 903-597-2833.
EAST TEXAS — All counties in the NET Health survey area are now in the minimal spread range according to the health district’s latest COVID-19 dashboard. NET Health Monday reported 62 new cases of coronavirus in Smith County, where there are currently 5,445 active cases. In Gregg County, there were 29 new cases posted Monday, while the currently active total stands at 2,411. Tyler hospitals are now treating 40 coronavirus patients, the same number shown on the last report. For more information on COVID-19 in East Texas, click here.
MARSHALL — The Marshall Police Department wants area drivers to be aware of a change to the intersection of Highways 59 and 80. The outside lane of the intersection, marked by the diagonal white lines as shown in the accompanying photo, is now closed to northbound traffic. Officials point out that the white truck seen in the photo has failed to notice the white lines. The Texas Department of Transportation recently added these lines to indicate that drivers are not to use this area. Those who ignore the white lines and proceed northbound in the outside lane may be ticketed. The change was made to facilitate traffic flow and improve safety at this intersection, according to a news release.
LONGVIEW – Longview police say they apprehended a middle school student Tuesday evening on a charge of terroristic threat after a threat was made against Judson Middle School. According to our news partner KETK, officials said an investigation found a Longview Police school resource officer responded and removed the student from their classroom after determining they had made the threat. The resource officer then involved police detectives. The student was taken off school grounds and transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center. “The Longview Police Department will continue to investigate any and all threats at our school campuses to the fullest,†officials said in a prepared statement. “The appropriate charges will be filed.â€
TYLER — The Tyler Police Department will be replacing their in-car camera systems, body-worn cameras, and Tasers. The City Council approved a $2,604,499.50 Statement of Work to provide similar equipment to all personnel and allow continuity of training with the new equipment, according to a news release. Officials say the agreement provides the police department with updated in-car cameras that have integrated license plate reader abilities, new body-worn cameras for each officer, unlimited video storage capabilities, upgraded Tasers for each officer, along with associated software, hardware, services, and warranties. Municipal court and fire department personnel will also be getting new equipment. Click this link for more details.
TYLER — The 2023 Tyler Cattle Barons’ Gala, benefiting the American Cancer Society, will be held on Saturday, June 10th, at the Texas Rose Horse Park. The event will be chaired by Sara and Ryan Nash. Organizers point to awareness and fundraising as two aspects of the event, saying the Tyler community hosts one of the top galas in the state. The gala is entering its 35th year. To date, over $17 million has been raised locally to support both local and national cancer support services including cancer research, according to a news release. Click here for more information.
LONGVIEW — The City of Longview and the Longview Metropolitan Planning Organization will host a public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27, to update residents on an ongoing study of the East Loop 281 Corridor from Tryon Road to Page Road/Delia Drive. The meeting will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Texas Builders Association and Event Center on Alpine Road. Planners with Fort Worth-based Freese and Nichols will present their recommendations for the corridor and engage the public for additional feedback, according to a news release. Click here for further details.
TYLER – The local Rotary International clubs are continuing to accept entries from public organizations, bands, and other groups to participate in the 2022 Rotary Clubs of Tyler Christmas Parade. The parade will be held in downtown Tyler and begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 1. The Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Square will serve as the finale. This year’s parade theme is “Imagine Rotary†and winners will be selected in six categories. This year parade organizers are asking each entry to pay a small entry fee to offset expenses. If you have questions about parade registration, contact Tiffany Damskov at [email protected] or 903-266-0376 or visit this link.
TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will be performing mill and inlay operations on LP 323 from Commerce to the Loop 323 extension intersection. The work will include work in the intersection at Loop 323 and the Loop extension. Expect lane closures along with detours while working the intersection. Longview maintenance will continue mill and inlay operations on FM 2207 from SH 135 N to SH 135 S. Expect lane closures with flaggers and a pilot car controlling traffic. Click here for the complete rundown of roadwork around the district.
LONGVIEW — Weather permitting, beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, Spring Hill Road, between McCann Road and Bill Owens Parkway, will experience temporary lane closures to allow for the installation of LED Chevrons Safety Improvements. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes. This project consists of the installation of LED Chevrons along Spring Hill Road at three locations. Lane closures are anticipated to last off and on for two weeks. Lanes will be fully open to traffic by 2 p.m. of each day of work. Click here for additional details.
LONGVIEW – Authorities say a Longview pedestrian was struck and killed by an SUV while walking at the intersection of Neiman Marcus Parkway and Eastman Road. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Gregg County Justice of the Peace Precinct 4 Robby Cox says the driver did not notice that he had hit someone and only realized it when he saw the pedestrian sprawled out on the roof of the SUV after arriving at work. The identity of the pedestrian was not immediately known. He was declared dead at 8:04 Friday morning according to Cox.
TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank honored four recipients Friday with the third annual Hunger Hero Awards as part of Hunger Action Month. Honorees were Carroll Greenwaldt (Individual Supporter); the Junior League of Tyler, Inc. (Community Partner Organization); American State Bank (Corporate Partner); and the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System and CHRISTUS Community Impact Fund (Ministry Partner). Food Bank CRO Dennis Cullinane tipped his hat to the award winners, noting, “Record numbers of East Texans are seeking help to feed their families because of inflation,†as quoted in a news release. Click here for more on the recipients and other details.
TYLER — Tyler’s East Texas State Fair is underway, and the big event continues through October 2. Attractions include live music, exhibits, special events, carnival rides and games, the Livestock Show, the Academic Rodeo, plenty of food, and lots more. Hours are 2:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. weekdays and 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m on. weekends. Carnival hours are Monday-Thursday, 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Friday, 4:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.; Saturday, 12:00 noon-11:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:00 noon-10:00 p.m. Click here for a full look at this year’s fair.
TYLER — A Smith County jury Thursday sentenced 44-year-old Gabriel Johnson to life in prison for aggravated robbery. Prosecutors claimed Johnson robbed a manager at Tyler’s Razzoo’s restaurant after the restaurant closed in the early morning hours of November 19, 2018. They say Johnson ambushed the victim at gunpoint as he left the restaurant and forced him back inside. Once inside, he demanded the victim open the restaurant safe that contained about $2,500 in cash, according to authorities. Johnson then reportedly tied the victim up on the floor of the restaurant office and told him if he moved he would come back and kill him. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – A Longview man was sentenced to life in prison by a jury on Thursday for the murder of Lori Follis. According to our news partner KETK, court documents say Joshua Ross McCuller, 40, was previously charged and accused of assaulting the woman by hitting her with a hammer. The Gregg County District Attorney’s Office said he had fantasies of “becoming a serial killer.†He had a room in his apartment that was a “slaughter room†and had cutting instruments, saws and a video camera, said authorities. “His fantasies included strangulation, necrophilia and mutilation of women,†said the DA’s office. Read the rest of this entry »
GRAND SALINE – Grand Saline ISD said there will be more law enforcement at their campuses after a middle school student made threatening comments in class on Wednesday. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Officials said they are investigating the situation, and the student will not be allowed return to Grand Saline Middle School until authorities decide that there is no threat to everyone at the district. “Our first and foremost goal is to make sure students and staff are safe at school. Threatening speech will not be tolerated and will result in swift and severe consequences,†said Grand Saline ISD in a prepared statement. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreations Department is hosting a public meeting regarding the P.T. Cole Park renovations on Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. at P.T. Cole Park on S. Vine Ave. Officials say the park will be receiving new playground equipment, a new quarter-mile walking trail, a new spray ground, a new pavilion, two new half basketball courts, parking areas, and general upgrades to the restroom facility and grounds. They say the purpose of the meeting is to display renderings of the new amenities and address any concerns, questions, or recommendations. In case of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved to the Rose Garden Center. For more information about this and other Tyler Parks and Rec Improvement Projects, visit this link or call (903) 531-1370.
LONGVIEW — A middle school and a high school student in Longview were taken to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center on Monday after police were made aware of alleged threats made by the students to campuses in the city, officials said. According to our news partner KETK, Longview police say the allegations were investigated by members of two school districts and the police department, which resulted in the two juveniles being apprehended. Police said that on Monday morning, an officer working at Pine Tree High School was made aware of a “threat of violence toward the school†made by a student on campus. A school resource officer at Longview ISD responded to allegations of a threat of violence made by a student of the Judson Middle School campus, police said. Read the rest of this entry »
HARRISON COUNTY – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office has announced that someone died during an industrial accident at an oil well near Liberty and Baker roads. That’s according to our news partner KETK. During their investigation, deputies determined that the accident had happened around 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 20. The deceased was then taken to Good Shepherd Medical Center in Longview. Authorities say that they have ruled the death accidental after examining the evidence and conducting interviews. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, which investigates all industrial accidents, will now be conducting an administrative investigation of Tuesday’s accident.
VAN – Three people have been arrested after a high speed chase on I-20 ended near Van, according to officials from the Garland Police Department. According to our news partner KETK, officials said that they were alerted to a burglary in progress around 1:10 p.m. on Wednesday. While Garland police officers were responding to the call, they were told that shots had been fired by two males with weapons. The suspects fled the scene and police began pursuing them before they finally stopped near Van, according to Garland police. Further details were not immediately available.
JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville Police Chief Joe Williams has returned to the department after allegations against him were “deemed unfounded,†said the city of Jacksonville on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, officials launched an almost three-week long investigation. Williams returned to work on Sept. 20 after a third-party investigatory firm, Fee, Smith & Sharp, LLP, looked into the allegations. Attorney Darrell Noga spearheaded the investigation and said, “in summation, we [Fee, Smith & Sharp, LLP] are of the opinion that this investigation may be concluded and the allegations against Chief Williams be deemed unfounded. We see no reason Chief Williams should not return to work.†Williams was on paid leave from Aug. 29 through Sept. 19.
HENDERSON – The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is warning people that fentanyl is being distributed in East Texas, and they mentioned how dangerous this drug can be. According to our news partner KETK, officials say fentanyl can be used to treat patients with severe pain and can be highly addictive. Fentanyl can also result in death if it is mixed with other drugs like marijuana, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, according to officials. Deputies said they have received reports that fentanyl is being distributed in the area through alprazolam (Xanax bars) and oxycodone tablets. Law enforcement also shared some photos of items that contained fentanyl and were seized by officials in Rusk County in 2022. Read the rest of this entry »
WHITEHOUSE — In a statement released to Whitehouse ISD parents on Wednesday, the district said a sinkhole that developed at Whitehouse High School September 14 has been repaired and the main drive is open. That’s according to our news partner KETK. Normal student parking resumes Thursday. School officials also remind parents that students are only to be dropped off at the designated drop off at the front of the school and not in the student parking lot. The sinkhole developed on the Main Campus Drive just beyond the guard gate, and a detour became necessary.
LUBBOCK — A traveling memorial to those who died in Vietnam went on display Wednesday at Texas Tech’s Memorial Circle. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is based in Bullard. The organization has tributes to people who served in each war and conflict since World War I. The group says it’s a chance for people who have not seen the wall in Washington, D.C, to find closure and recognition. Texas Tech’s interim director of military and veterans programs says the tribute is a celebration of freedom and an opportunity to educate present and future generations on the sacrifice made by those whose names are on the wall. The wall stays on display at Texas Tech through Sunday, travels to other parts of the country, and then returns to Texas in November with stops in Kingsville and Denton.
BULLARD – The Bullard Police Department said their Facebook account was hacked early Wednesday morning and an “extremely explicit video†had been uploaded to their page. According to our news partner KETK, Chief of Police Jeff Bragg said immediate action was taken, and an investigation found “that an account manager’s account had been illegally hacked, and the video was uploaded by an outside source.†A thorough administrative inquiry is being conducted in an attempt to prevent this type of incident from happening again, according to the department, and they ask anyone who receives a suspicious request from the department’s Facebook to contact police immediately. “Cybercrimes are one of the fastest growing crimes in America,†Bragg said. “The Bullard Police Department will always strive to maintain the highest security regarding social media websites and platforms.â€
QUITMAN – A Quitman middle schooler was arrested by police after threatening to bring a firearm to school, according to the superintendent. According to our news partner KETK, Superintendent Rhonda Turner said the student made threats on Monday to bring a gun to school the next day and that the district immediately contacted law enforcement after hearing about the threats. “Let me be clear, there was no weapon on school property at any time,†Turner said. “However, we take each threat seriously.†Turner said an arrest was made Monday evening by Quitman police.
SMITH COUNTY – A safe full of family mementos, firearms, money, and more was stolen from a Smith County residence last week. According to our news partner KETK, the family is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspects in the case. Sheriff Larry Smith said items in the safe included firearms, a Rolex watch, two wedding rings, a 1984 Baylor class ring with emeralds and small diamonds, numerous James Avery items, and cash. According to Smith, the items carry a huge sentimental value to the family, since most of the stolen property belonged to deceased spouses. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Two pre-dawn shootings Tuesday in Tyler have left one man and a juvenile injured according to Tyler police, who are seeking leads in both cases. According to our news partner KETK, officials said police responded to a call at around 1:30 a.m. on N. Bois D’Arc Avenue near the 25th Street intersection, where they reported finding a juvenile male shot. There was evidence of multiple shell casings, and officials said it is believed there were multiple people involved. Police said they have no suspect information at this time, and the minor has undergone surgery to remove the bullet. He is expected to recover, according to officials. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — 29 Tyler ISD teachers have qualified to be nominated for a TOP Teacher Designation based on the 2021-2022 school year. According to a news release, a TOP (Tyler Optimal Performance) Teacher is a teacher at one the district’s current Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) campuses who has met stringent criteria such as student growth metrics, teacher observation data, attendance, and student surveys. Nine Tyler ISD teachers were approved for designations in the 2020-2021 school year. Click here for more details.
TYLER — Smith County is looking for a new fire marshal and emergency management coordinator. The Commissioners Court Tuesday accepted the resignation of Jay Brooks, who is wrapping up his second tour of duty in that post. Brooks (pictured) says he will be leaving to take a position as a software developer in the private sector. The court also accepted the earlier-announced resignation of Precinct 5 Constable Jeff McClenny, who will become police chief in San Augustine ISD. Both departures are effective October 1. Also stepping down: Smith County Law Librarian Kara Kennedy, effective September 30, due to health reasons.