Today is
Tuesday June 09, 2026
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KILGORE – A former Kilgore ISD choir teacher has been sentenced to 10 years in jail in connection to an improper relationship with a student in 2022. According to our news partner KETK, 38-year-old Phillip Nix of Seymour was arrested in July of 2022, after the Kilgore Police began an investigation of him based on information given to them by the district.
Kilgore ISD told police about an improper relationship between Nix and a teenage student in March of 2021. Nix reportedly worked at Kilgore High School as their choir director from the fall of 2019 till the end of the 2021 school year when he resigned.
Gregg County court records reveal that Nix pleaded guilty to one count of an improper relationship between educator/student on Monday. His 10-year sentence began Monday at the Gregg County Jail.
SMITH COUNTY – 
Our partners at KETK report the Smith County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is currently investigating a murder that took place on Sunday evening. At approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday deputies of the sheriff’s office responded to a shooting in the 8900 block of CR 4136. Smith County Communications had reportedly received information that a man had been shot multiple times and was not breathing. Officials said that when the deputies arrived, they found the man in a bedroom of the residence and he confirmed that he had been shot. Deputies began lifesaving measures until EMS arrived, however the man, identified as 21-year-old Kelly Torrez, was pronounced dead shortly after. The sheriff’s office identified Melvin Guevara, 21 of Tyler, as the suspect. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – 
Tyler Animal Services is partnering with Special Olympics of Texas to raise funds for the nonprofit. During the month of July, adoption fees for dogs and cats will be waived with proof of a donation to the Special Olympics of Texas. Donations can be made in person at the Tyler Animal Shelter located at 4218 Chandler Hwy Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read the rest of this entry »
ATHENS — The Athens Animal Services said on Monday that their shelter had been broken into and vandalized. According to our news partner KETK, the shelter said all three buildings were broken into, causing several thousands of dollars in damages. Officials from the shelter provided a link for those wanting to help. Those who wish to make a monetary donation can do so at Athens City Hall. For donation items such as newspapers, towels, blankets, toys and food, people can drop them off at animal services.
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TYLER – The Tyler City Council authorized the filing of applications to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for grants to develop a new park and renovate another on the Legacy Trails. According to our news partner KETK, the city plans to build Stewart Park, which would be the city’s 29th park and the first time a new park has been added since 2004.
City officials added that their parks and recreation department applied for a $500,000 grant for the development of the park. If granted, the funds will be awarded through a grant matching program. The release also said, “T.B. and Gladys Stewart donated the nine acres alongside Frankston Highway, where the future park will be developed, to the City of Tyler in 2012. The donation included the Stewart home, which Mr. Stewart built from scratch. Parts of the home will be salvaged to create a pavilion, and a historical marker will be added.â€
The City said that the master plan of the property also includes becoming a trail head for the second phase of Legacy Trail, which was funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.
Tyler – 
Tyler ISD announceS that Layne Fumo, a 5th-grade math teacher at Caldwell Arts Academy, was named one of six Texas finalists for the prestigious Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST). Mrs. Fumo is one of three math educators chosen for this honor. This recognition marks Mrs. Fumo’s exceptional contributions to K-12 STEM education and underscores her commitment to inspiring students in the field of mathematics. Read the rest of this entry »
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LONGVIEW – 
Our news partners at KETK report a Gilmer man was charged with capital murder in connection to Wednesday’s Longview shooting that led to the death of a Taco Bell employee. The Longview Police Department said they arrested Brent Leslie DeLuca, 31 of Gilmer, on Thursday, and also charged him with unlawful possession of metal or body armor by a felon. The police department said DeLuca was taken into custody without incident and is being held on a $75,000 bond for a separate warrant. He is awaiting arraignment on the capital murder charge.
HARRISON COUNTY – 
Our colleagues at KETK report officials in Harrison County said they are looking for a wanted fugitive. According to the sheriff’s office, Kyler McBride, 28, is wanted for the following charges:
Engaging in organized criminal activity
Burglary of a building, two charges
Criminal mischief
Theft of material alum./copper/brass, less than $20,000
Theft of property between $2,500 and $30,000
Criminal Trespass Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – The Longview Police Department have arrested a Gilmer man in connection to an early Wednesday morning shooting. According to our news partner KETK, 31-year-old Leslie DeLuca of Gilmer was charged Thursday with capital murder of an unnamed person, during an attempted robbery in the parking lot of a Judson Road Taco Bell. DeLuca was also charged with unlawful possession of metal or body armor by a felon. He is being held on a $75,000 bond. The victim has not been identified.
TYLER –
What: Starting on Monday, July 8, Hoar Construction will be closing multiple streets in Downtown Tyler to begin construction on the Smith County Courthouse.
Where:
Erwin Street, from Spring Avenue to Fannin Avenue, will be completely closed.
Fannin Street, from Erwin Street to Ferguson Street, will be completely closed.
Ferguson Street, in front of the Smith County Annex Building, will remain open to drivers, but the parking spaces will be inside the construction fencing. No parking will be available in front of the Annex on Ferguson Street.
Most of Spring Avenue, between Erwin and Ferguson, will be blocked off and closed, but one lane will remain open for people driving around the courthouse.
Spring Avenue, next to the Smith County Jail, from Erwin Street to Elm Street, will reverse southbound only for driving and parking.
When: Monday, July 8 until July 31, 2025. Please note this is a year-long closure.
SMITH COUNTY – 
Smith County officials awarded volunteers with Texans on Mission Disaster Relief Team with a Smith County Community Hero Award on Thursday, after the group helped more than 100 residents clean up their properties damaged by the severe weather in late May and early June. Texans on Mission Disaster Relief Team, historically called Texas Baptist Men, has worked all over Smith County for the past three weeks. Read the rest of this entry »
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