Today is
Friday June 19, 2026
TYLER — The Tyler ISD Board of Trustees Monday voted to approve the District and Boshears calendars for the 2023-2024 school year. The first day of school for students will be Wednesday, August 16, 2023, and the last day of school will be Friday, May 24, 2024. Officials say that fulfills a prominent request among families and District staff to wrap up the school year before Memorial Day. The first day of school for students in the Boshears Center for Exceptional Programs will also be Wednesday, August 16, 2023, and their last day will be Friday, July 12, 2024. The newly adopted district calendar continues to feature the nine-week grading periods. Click this link for more information.
TYLER — Longtime Smith County employee Ralph Caraway Jr. took the oath of office Tuesday after being appointed by the Commissioners Court as Smith County Precinct 1 constable. The appointment followed the resignation of Curtis Traylor-Harris. Caraway was appointed and sworn in as interim constable July 8, 2022, while Harris was awaiting trial on felony charges. He has since been convicted and is awaiting appeal, according to a county news release. Since Traylor-Harris sent a resignation letter to County Judge Neal Franklin and it was approved by the Commissioners Court Tuesday, Caraway will now serve as Precinct 1 Constable until the 2024 Primary and General Elections are held. Click here to read more.
TYLER – Sonic Drive-In on South Broadway Avenue is closed until further notice after a fire started in the kitchen early Monday morning, according to Tyler Fire Marshal Paul Findley. First responders arrived on the scene around 5:30 a.m. According to our news partner KETK, the fire caused traffic delays, with one lane of traffic blocked by first responder vehicles and fire officials. Findley says the fire started at the deep fryer in the kitchen and spread to the attic and through the roof. Initial 911 calls revealed that flames were coming from the roof of the building, and first responders confirmed the claim upon arrival. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The University of Texas System and UT Tyler Monday hosted a groundbreaking ceremony Monday in Tyler’s midtown medical district for a $308 million Medical Education Building, which will house UT Tyler’s new School of Medicine. Governor Greg Abbott Greg Abbott headed the list of dignitaries offering remarks. He was joined by UT System Chairman Kevin Eltife, UT Chancellor James Milliken, and UT Tyler President Kirk Calhoun. As heard on our news partner KETK, among other things, Abbott said the new medical school “inspires generations of people,” with the groundbreaking ceremony “making a generational change.” Read the rest of this entry »
GRAND SALINE – There is “no imminent danger†to any Grand Saline ISD students after a middle schooler allegedly said he would bring a gun to school, the district’s superintendent said. According to our news partner KETK, Superintendent Micah Lewis said the situation, in which the student allegedly said over the weekend “he might bring a gun to school to protect himself,†is under investigation. According to Lewis, this serves as a reminder to parents to caution their children about what they say on social media. Anyone with questions is asked to call their campus principal or Lewis.
NACOGDOCHES – A second student-athlete at Stephen F. Austin State University has died following a wreck. According to our news partner KETK, officials announced the death of football player Graylan Spring, earlier listed in critical condition. They had previously shared news of the death of baseball player Micah McAfoose. A candlelight vigil in their honor was scheduled for Monday evening at Homer Bryce Stadium on campus. McAfoose, 18, and Spring, 19, died after the Friday wreck just north of Corrigan. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW — Beginning the week of Jan. 23, TxDOT and contractor crews will begin construction of a new bridge on High Street in Longview. The construction will require a change in traffic in the area. According to a city news release, traffic will travel in both directions on only one side of the bridge while demolition and construction are underway on the opposite side. Traffic flow will then switch to the other side so the project can be completed. The project is scheduled to last approximately two years. Signs warning motorists of the construction project were due to be put into place before the construction begins.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Members of the U.S. Congress, including incoming freshmen, have received their committee assignments. Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Texas District 1 talked to KTBB about the committees he’ll be serving on and some of the issues at hand. Moran said he’s fortunate to be named to the judiciary, foreign affairs, and educational workforce committees, not least because most freshmen only get two assignments. He said it means he’ll be working extra hard, but that that’s what he was elected to do. Moran highlighted the judiciary committee, pointing to the Biden document revelations, Department of Justice oversight issues, and concerns about Hunter Biden. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — TxDOT schedules another week’s worth of roadwork in the Tyler District for the week of January 23. In Gregg County, Longview maintenance will continue mill and inlay operations on FM 2207, from FM 1252 to SH 135. In Smith County, Tyler maintenance will have a crew completing base failures on FM 2493 inside Loop 323, from Sunnybrook to Broadway in the northbound lane. This crew will then move to FM 850 to do profiling, just off SH 31 towards Overton. Expect lane closures with flaggers controlling traffic at all of the above locations. Click here for a complete rundown of roadwork around the district.
TYLER — The Goodman-LeGrand Museum, on North Broadway in downtown Tyler, will be closed for annual maintenance from Jan. 24 through Jan. 28. During this time, the house and museum, including all the artifacts, will be cleaned and polished for necessary preservation, according to a news release. Officials say some pieces will undergo refresh and restoration work to conserve for future generations. For more information, call Goodman Museum Supervisor Debbie Isham at (903) 531-1286.
CORRIGAN – Stephen F. Austin State University has announced that former SFA baseball player Micah McAfoose was killed in a Friday afternoon crash that left Graylan Spring, an SFA football player in critical condition. According to our news partner KETK, SFA head football coach Colby Carthel said in a Saturday tweet that the crash involved a semi. “Prayers needed for one of our own, Graylan Spring, a freshman WR for @SFA_Football. He was involved in a terrible accident yesterday, involving a semi,†Carthel said. “He is now fighting for his life and needs all of our prayers! Please pray for him, his family, and his entire medical team.†Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful has unveiled a new restroom mural at Noble E. Young Park. The park is currently being renovated and will be reopening later this year, according to a news release. The mural, completed in December, was painted by local artist Jamie Robinson and features the phrase “Good things happen here.” Robinson is also working on a special companion piece that will be unveiled during the park’s grand opening. Other restroom murals are currently in progress at Pollard Park, Lindsey Park, and P.T. Cole Park. It is the goal of Keep Tyler Beautiful to cover all Tyler area park restrooms with murals in the next few years as part of their ongoing mission of beautification, according to the release.
TYLER — The City of Tyler said the old St. James CME church is a hazard, filled with asbestos, and needs to be demolished. According to our news partner KETK, the church building in downtown Tyler hasn’t been in use for 20 years but has been a pillar in the Black community for 102 years. “A sad ending for a building that had a great history,†said church member Malcolm Jackson. It has been a pillar in the community dating back to 1870, five years after slaves were freed. “They listened to the community for a larger facility to have worship as well as other community events and so in 1920, they built this church,†said Pastor Brian Lightner. The church that is active today was built next door in 1982. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — King’s Academy Christian School in Tyler has announced the death of its head of school, Dr. Wayne McEntire. That’s according to our news partner KETK. “Please pray. Wayne went to Heaven to be with our Lord today. He will be missed by so many. Please pray for those he left behind,†the school said in a Thursday Facebook post. McEntire started his journey as an educator at age 28, teaching the Bible to high school students in Houston. He was also a pastor and worked in other church staff positions, according to King’s Academy. McEntire leaves behind a wife, five children, and four grandchildren.
LONGVIEW — Two candidates have filed for terms on the Longview City Council as the May elections approach. Incumbent Wray Wade hopes for a return to office in District 3. Loan oficer John Nustad has filed in District 4, where incumbent Kristen Ishihara can’t run again due to term limits. Candidates may file an application for a place on the ballot for District 3 and District 4 until Feb. 17. Click this link for more details.
TYLER – A Dallas man faces several charges following a Smith County chase. DPS reports that around 10:30 p.m. this past Monday, a trooper tried to stop a car for a traffic violation on CR 164. Officials say the driver did not stop and a pursuit ensued. The vehicle chase ended at the Village on Broadway apartment complex, where the driver fled on foot, according to a news release. Officials say the trooper chased the suspect on foot and captured him. The suspect is identified as Wilbert J. Brown, 47. Authorities say a search of Brown’s vehicle revealed 77 pounds of marijuana. Brown was charged with evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle, possession of marijuana, and fail to identify-fugitive from justice. The news release says Brown also had four warrants for his arrest out of Tarrant County. Brown was booked into the Smith County jail. Officials say an open investigation continues.
TYLER – The Women’s Fund of Smith County (WFSC) awarded seven grants totaling $369,320 to seven local nonprofit agencies during its 2023 Grants Announcement Event held at Hollytree Country Club on Thursday. Since the collective giving circle was founded 2007, the Women’s Fund has awarded $2,929,384 to over 30 Smith County nonprofits, according to a news release. This year’s recipients are the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County, the East Texas Food Bank, the East Texas Symphony Orchestra, Camp V, The Fostering Collective, PATH, and Starbrite Therapeutic Equestrian Center. Read the rest of this entry »
BULLARD – On Wednesday, officials confirmed that an SUV crashed into the Bullard Post Office. According to our news partner KETK, the driver went to the hospital but reportedly did not suffer any major injuries. The post office is closed, and the Bullard Fire Department was boarding up the hole in the wall caused by the crash. While the office is closed, residents can drop off mail at the mailbox in the parking lot. According to the Bullard Police Department, the vehicle crashed into the building around 1:30 p.m. and a wrecker was called around 2:05 p.m. to remove the vehicle from the building.
KILGORE – A bald eagle was spotted on a derrick near the Kilgore Police Department on Wednesday. “This magnificent fellow was spotted checking out their favorite perch,†the city of Kilgore said in a prepared statement. According to our news partner KETK, BJ Owen, a wildlife enthusiast and the city’s director of special services, took the photos. A group of buzzards fled the area when the eagle arrived and went downtown. “So…next time you think you see a buzzard on the derrick, look a little closer to make sure,†city officials said. The bald eagle is a national symbol for the United States. They have strong vision that they use to hunt their prey, said the Smithsonian.
TROUP — On Wednesday afternoon, Troup High School hosted their Hoop for Coop fundraiser to support Cooper Reid and his family. According to our news partner KETK, basketball team reps say the effort involves shooting free throws to make money, with flat donations also accepted. Reid, a junior at Troup High School, had a significant head injury in early September during his football game. Since his injury, the community has rallied around him and his family. While Reid is still recovering in Houston, fellow Tigers are always looking for ways to support him. Boys basketball coach Darin Harley said that they are working on another event to help support the Reid family. The Troup community is hopeful for Cooper’s full recovery and asks East Texans to continue praying until he can come back home.
PRICE – A Carlisle ISD administrator was arrested for allegedly failing to report a possible sexual assault on the junior high campus. According to our news partner KETK, Carlisle ISD Superintendent Michael Payne says that the incident involved “one student’s conduct toward another†and that the district is cooperating with law enforcement. The district did not immediately release the name of the administrator who was arrested. “Student safety is of paramount importance,†Payne said. “The offending student was disciplined which included removal from CISD campuses and elimination of any threat to students.†Payne said on Wednesday the district is hopeful that with “additional evidence and clarification†the matter will be resolved.
KILGORE — The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) announces $4.5 million in grants from the Governor’s Public Safety Office awarded to East Texas jurisdictions and nonprofits. According to a news release, the Governor’s Public Safety Office administers federal and state grant funding to promote strategies that improve public safety, support victims of crime, prevent terrorism, and prepare communities for the threats and hazards that pose the greatest risk to Texans. ETCOG’s Public Safety Division assists jurisdictions in applying for these funds annually. Click here for a more complete report.
TYLER — Tyler police Tuesday issued an updated advisory to drivers about a busy intersection. Police say at 12:20 Tuesday afternoon, officers responded to McDonald Rd. at Loop 323 regarding a crash involving an 18-wheeler. A power pole was struck and lines went down in the roadway. As of 2:30 p.m., one northbound lane of Loop 323 at the intersection had reopened for traffic. Two were still closed as Oncor worked to repair the pole and lines that were down. Police urged you to avoid this area if possible. Click here for the latest information.
MARSHALL — Marshall police are seeking leads as they continue to investigate a weekend shooting at Jucy’s Taco on Victory Drive. Officials said that two people were injured in the shooting around 5:30 p.m. Sunday and that a possible suspect is still at large. According to our news partner KETK, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office says the two victims were transported to a hospital in Marshall. Deputies from Harrison County assisted Marshall PD in attempting to locate the possible suspect. Marshall PD now says detectives and Task Force Officers are working on the case using all resources. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A longtime local church leader is moving into a new role after four decades of service. Rose Heights Church in Tyler will be celebrating Lead Pastor Doug Anderson’s 40th year in ministry on Sunday, January 22, at 10 a.m. Pastor Anderson accepted his first position at the church in 1983 and has served as lead pastor for the past 20 of those years, according to a news release. Alongside his wife, Gina Anderson, Pastor Anderson shared with the church on January 15 that he will now be transitioning to pastor emeritus. “Words cannot express the emotion we feel and the love that we feel for this church and this community,†said Anderson as quoted in the release. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners Court voted Tuesday to approve the retirement of Precinct 5 Deputy Constable K-9 Hunter and allow him to live with his longtime handler. According to a news release, Deputy Constable Kevin Petty has been working with K-9 Hunter since 2016, when the dog was donated to the office by a nonprofit organization. Recently, Petty has noticed that Hunter is having a hard time with some activities that are considered normal for a Dutch Shepherd breed. He believes that after more than six years of service, he should be retired from active duty, Precinct 5 Constable Wesley Hicks said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Keep Tyler Beautiful invites local artists to submit artwork for the Hillside Art Wall by Friday, Feb. 28. According to a news release, the Keep Tyler Beautiful Board will be selecting art pieces that spark creativity, happiness, and hope while still representing the Tyler community, East Texas or Texas. The board will announce the winning art pieces on Friday, March 10, and artists will begin painting the panels in early April. The 200-foot wall, built in 2019, currently features 19 original art pieces painted by local artists. The wall was repainted by 19 new artists in 2021 and will continue to feature new artwork every other year. The art can be viewed on the southeast side of Hillside Park, on E. Erwin St. Read the rest of this entry »
MARSHALL – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office said officials continue to investigate after the Marshall Police Department responded to a shooting at Jucys Taco on Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, officials said that two people were injured and that a possible suspect is still at large. According to HCSO, the two victims were transported to a hospital in Marshall. Deputies from Harrison County assisted Marshall PD in trying to locate the possible suspect, described as a black male wearing black clothing and possibly driving a silver Nissan Murano.
TYLER – The Better Business Bureau Serving Central East Texas announces a call for nominations for the 2023 BBB Awards for Excellence. Officials say the awards honor businesses and charities who demonstrate superior integrity, reliability, and trustworthiness. All BBB Accredited Businesses and Accredited Charities who have a physical location within the 19 counties served by BBB Central East Texas are eligible to be nominated and to receive an award. Nominations for businesses are due February 12.  Any Accredited Business or Accredited Charity operating in BBB’s service area is eligible to be nominated. The East Texas community will select this year’s recipients via online vote. The awards will be announced May 7. Click here for more details.
TYLER — Retired attorney, veteran, and community volunteer Beverly Russell takes the podium as guest speaker at Tyler’s annual interfaith service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Russell says she wanted to know and communicate who Dr. King really was and why he did the things he did — so she did some studying of her own. Russell told KTBB, “He was a man that…from his life experiences decided that…love was the way to break down barriers…make people reflect on their thoughts and their behavior — and that love ultimately could overcome all.” Read the rest of this entry »