Today is
Thursday July 23, 2026
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SMITH COUNTY – Smith County residents can take one free trip to the landfill during the annual Smith Countywide Cleanup, which runs from March 30 through May 1, 2026. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office Environmental Crimes Unit and Commissioners Court are once again offering the yearly program, which allows residents to take one truckload of bulky items (3 cubic yards of solid waste) to the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free.
During National County Government Month in April, one voucher per resident is available in-person only at the Smith County Courthouse Annex, the Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office/EOC or any of the Justice of the Peace/Constable Offices throughout the county. The City of Whitehouse is also a voucher pickup location again this year. The vouchers are available beginning March 25, and can be used beginning Monday, March 30, through Friday, May 1, 2026.
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TYLER – Smith County District Clerk Penny Clarkston resigned from her position on Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Clarkston said in a letter to Smith County Judge Neal Franklin, the resignation is due to personal family reasons. The resignation takes effect immediately. Earlier this month, Clarkston lost in the Republican primary elections for district clerk. Gaye Boynton won the candidacy with 67.12%.
Clarkston was previously booked into the Smith County Jail for civil contempt of court on two accounts. In July 2024, she allegedly did not hand over information related to a capital murder case. In October 2024, Clarkston reportedly yelled at jurors and physically blocked exit doors.
TYLER — A wanted sex offender out of Cass County was arrested on March 20 in Tyler following a coordinated search involving multiple state and federal law enforcement agencies. According to our news partner KETK, the Hughes Springs Police Department said that, Travion Holloman was previously convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child but failed to comply with annual sex offender registration requirements.
A warrant for Holloman was issued in July 2025 out of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
On March 4, the police department contacted the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division (DPS CID) to assist in locating Holloman. DPS CID coordinated with the DPS Homeland Security Division, the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Apprehension Task Force, who were able to locate Holloman in Tyler and take him into custody without incident.
Holloman also had additional outstanding warrants from several counties for probation violation related to the sexual assault case, evading arrest and possession of marijuana.
PALESTINE — The Palestine Police Department is warning residents about a fraudulent document circulating in the community that falsely claims to be a court notice and attempts to collect payments.
According to our news partner KETK, officials said the fake “Notice of Default” appears to come from a municipal court and may include a QR code directing recipients to submit payment. Authorities emphasized that the document is a scam designed to create urgency and pressure individuals into sending money or sharing sensitive information.
Police urged residents not to scan the QR code, send payments or provide any personal or financial details in response to the notice.
“These notices are not legitimate,” the department said, adding that scammers are relying on fear and confusion to exploit victims.
Officials advised anyone who receives such a document to disregard it and instead verify any court-related matters directly with their local court. The department encouraged residents to report any suspicious documents to local law enforcement.
SMITH COUNTY -The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a resolution Tuesday, proclaiming March 24, 2026, as “Grace Community School Girls’ Soccer Day” to recognize the team winning the state championship.
The soccer team won the TAPPS All-Around State Championship on March 4, 2026. It was the second time in three years that they brought home the state title.
The girls were joined by dozens of family members and friends for the recognition in Commissioners Court.
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WASKOM – Interstate 20 eastbound has reopened after it was blocked due to an 18-wheeler crashed in Waskom on Monday. The Waskom Police Department said an 18-wheeler and a vehicle crashed on I-20 eastbound near mile marker 633 at around 3:26 p.m. According to Waskom PD, all eastbound traffic is currently being directed onto the exit 633 on-ramp.
Tyler – Where Tyler police officers will train to serve and protect East Texas is about to be on full display. On Thursday, April 9, at 4 p.m., the Tyler Police Department will host a grand opening for its new Police Training Facility, located at 2520 East Commerce Street. The event will give the public an opportunity to explore the space and connect with Tyler police officers.
The Tyler Police Department, which includes 204 sworn officers, has developed a culture of expertise, with nearly half of its officers serving as certified trainers. The department launched its in-house police academy in 2021 to expand training capabilities.
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HOPKINS COUNTY — Months after a video surfaced of an East Texas breeder shooting a dog, a federal investigation revealed deplorable conditions at her unlicensed facility — charges that could send her to prison for up to 20 years. According to our news partner KETK, an indictment delivered from a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas on Monday names Kristine Michelle Hicks, 51, of Cumby and charged her with acting as an unlicensed animal dealer and four counts of wire fraud.
Hicks’ appearance in federal court comes after being arrested on Dec. 21, 2025, for a social media video depicting her allegedly shooting at a dog three times and leaving it for dead, spurring an investigation into her breeding facilities.
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SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Sheriffs Office has issued a Scam Alert. The White Collar Crime Division of the Smith Couty Sheriff’s Office is actively monitoring and documenting impersonation and Bitcoin scams targeting families of jailed inmates.
The pattern used centers on fraudulent claims of bond?related ankle monitor fees, directed payments through Bitcoin ATMs, and the misuse of Smith County law enforcement identities, Smith County Sheriff’s Officials reported on Monday. Victims receive unsolicited phone calls and/or text messages from individuals claiming to be with Smith County Pretrial Services, the Smith County Jail, or a lieutenant or deputy with the Sheriff’s Office. Read the rest of this entry »
LUFKIN – A man was arrested on Sunday after more than 11 pounds of marijuana were found during a traffic stop in Lufkin. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), said a DPS trooper did a traffic stop on a 2021 Kia at around 1:30 a.m. in Lufkin on U.S. Highway 59. The officer searched the vehicle found around 11.5 pounds of marijuana in bags during the stop.
An unidentified 27-year-old man from Moulton was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana. He is in the Angelina County Jail. The investigation is being continued by DPS and local law enforcement.
TROUP – Troup City Council has decided to call off their May 2 elections, calling two city council seat elections and the mayor’s race. The city council unanimously decided to declare Mayor Jeff Hale, Council Place 2 Nelson Darden and Council Place 4 Susan Adams as the winners in their individual races since they’re all running unopposed following the recent primary elections.
Since the three candidates are running unopposed, the council decided there would be no need to go ahead with the May 2 election. The City of Lufkin also recently cancelled their May 2 election for similar reasons.
JACKSONVILLE – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed David Broom to serve as the new District Attorney for the 2nd Judicial District in Cherokee County. Before being appointed, Broom served as an assistant district attorney in the Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office and is a member of the Texas State Bar and the Cherokee County Bar Association.
Broom was appointed to the position after Abbott named the now former Cherokee County District Attorney, Jonathan Richey, to be judge of the 369th Judicial District Court. Broom holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from UT Tyler and a law degree from the University of North Texas at Dallas College of Law.
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SMITH COUNTY – One person is confirmed to have been injured following a crash in Smith County on Wednesday afternoon involving an ATV. The crash occurred in rural Tyler at around 4:40 p.m. and involved an ATV and a Honda. Smith County ESD 2 confirmed that one person was injured in the crash but could not confirm whether they were the driver of the Honda or the ATV.
HENDERSON COUNTY – A Mabank man has been found guilty and sentenced to three life terms for multiple child abuse-related crimes, according to Henderson County District Attorney Jenny Palmer. Accord to our news partner KETK, Palmer said that 40-year-old of Mabank, received the sentences last week after being convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a young child, aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child.
The charges stem from April 2023, when a mother brought her 13-year-old child to a hospital for medical concerns. The child told medical staff she had been sexually abused by Henley, a family member.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. Authorities said DNA evidence confirmed Henley had sexually abused the victim. During the investigation, the victim’s sibling also reported she had been abused by Henley, beginning when she was 9 years old.
Henley’s life sentence for continuous sexual abuse is without parole, making him ineligible for release.
TYLER – The City of Tyler will welcome a delegation from its sister city Yachiyo, Japan, from March 25 through March 30, marking the 30th official trip in a partnership that has spanned more than three decades and resulted in over 780 community members collaborating across the Pacific.
The visit celebrates a relationship first established by twinning ceremonies in 1992, with ties strengthened through educational, cultural, and business exchanges that continue to enrich both communities.
The delegation of 15 representatives will receive an official greeting at Tyler City Hall on Thursday, March 26 at 8:30 a.m. A welcome ceremony and gift exchange will be led by Mayor Don Warren, members of the Tyler City Council, and City officials.
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HENDERSON – A corrections officer was arrested on March 12 following the discovery of burritos containing tobacco being smuggled into the Bradshaw State Jail. According to an arrest affidavit and our news partner KETK, Investigator Daniel Johnson from the Office of Inspector General responded to the Bradshaw Unit on March 12 after tobacco was reported to be found in a bathroom trash can.
Immediately before locating the contraband, unit staff reported that James Thibodeaux, a correctional officer, was observed exiting the restroom. Investigators were able to make contact with Thibodeaux, who agreed to speak to them. Thibodeaux reportedly admitted to investigators that he received payment to drop burritos containing tobacco into the bathroom trash can, with the intention of an inmate receiving them. Thibodeaux was booked into the Rusk County Jail with the charges of prohibited substance/item in a correctional or civil commitment facility. He had a $15,000 bond and was released two days later.
UPDATE: The deceased truck driver has been identified as Tammy Lee Asher, a 59-year-old female from Beaumont, Texas. Her family has been notified. All lanes of Loop 49 are open. The scene has cleared, and traffic can resume on Loop 49. This case remains under investigation, according to Tyler Police Department Public information Officer Andy Erbaugh.
The crash between two 18-wheelers occurred Wednesday morning when a westbound truck had careened into the eastbound lanes, colliding with another truck head on. The driver of the westbound truck was pronounced deceased on scene. Traffic at Old Jacksonville Highway and Highway 69 is being diverted and drivers are urged to take alternate routes.
QUITMAN – Following a severe water line break, all Quitman ISD campuses released early on WednesdaY, that according to our news partner KETK. The school announced on Wednesday morning that a broken main water line at the elementary campus was being worked on. A maintenance team assessed the situation and found that repairs would not be completed in a timely manner. Buses began their routes at 11:30 a.m, and parents needing to make arrangements for their child should contact the campus’s front office.
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SMITH COUNTY – When Smith County Sheriff’s Deputy and K-9 Handler Jose Terrazas retired earlier this month, he requested that his longtime partner, K-9 Lobo, be able to retire too. On Tuesday, Smith County Commissioners Court approved that wish, allowing the 9-year-old Dutch Shepherd who served for nearly eight years to go home and rest easy with his partner.
Deputy Terrazas served the Smith County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years. For the last eight, he has been a K-9 handler with the Criminal Interdiction Unit, along with Lobo. For six years, Lobo was assigned to the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team. He was responsible for many large narcotics seizures during his career, including a $250,000 cash seizure on Interstate 20, Lt. Hobson said.K-9 dogs typically work for six to eight years. During their service, they are exposed to a variety of high-stress situations.
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MARSHALL – The City of Marshall has issued a boil water notice for all residents following ongoing repairs to a major water main. Public Works crews have worked through the night to address the issue. A temporary patch has been installed; however, the system has not yet been fully re-pressurized.
Crews are currently testing for additional leaks and working to remove air from the lines. At this time, the water system does not have adequate pressure to support normal operations.
As a precaution, all customers are advised to boil water prior to consumption. This includes water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and making ice.
To ensure safety, residents should bring water to a vigorous boil for at least two minutes and allow it to cool before use. Alternatively, bottled water may be used. Water distribution efforts are being coordinated, and distribution sites will be announced once additional water supplies have been delivered to the city. Read the rest of this entry »
MARSHALL – Due to a 24-inch water main break Tuesday morning in the area of High and Spring Street in Marshall. Many areas across the city are are experiencing low water pressure while others are without water. This break is being described as a major transmission line. The City of Marshall has been declared a local state of disaster. The formal declaration allows access to assistance from other state and local agencies, according to Emergency Management officials. In the declaration signed by Marshall Mayor Amy Ware says “extraordinary measures must be taken to alleviate the suffering of people and protect and rehabilitate property.”
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LONGVIEW – The death of a City of Longview employee is being investigated following a “workplace accident” that occurred on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, the city said on Tuesday that they are mourning the loss of Buddy Powell, a valuable member of its Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection crew.
Powell died in what the city is calling a “profoundly shocking” workplace incident, which is being investigated. The city is coordinating with counseling services to provide support for staff and those impacted by the loss.
MARSHALL – A water main break in Marshall has impacted the city’s water pressure, prompting a Marshall ISD closure for Tuesday. According to our news partner KETK, Marshall ISD said parents may keep their students home or pick them up from the school if they are already there.
The school bus will be running the elementary bus routes at 11:30 a.m. and the junior high and high school bus routes at 12 p.m if parents are unable to pick up their student. The water main break occurred near Spring and Streets Tuesday morning, which crews are now working to repair, the city said.
LONE STAR — Local and state officials are continuing to investigate an oil spill that spread across much of the shoreline at Ellison Creek Reservoir, with inspectors identifying the source at a well site on U.S. Steel property. According to our news partner KETK, Morris County Judge Doug Reeder met with the Precinct 2 Commissioner and the County Attorney on Monday morning to review the status of the oil spill at Ellison Creek Reservoir.
Reeder also added, a Railroad Commission inspector is on site and continuing an inspection of the spill in coordination with a Texas Game Warden. The inspector determined the source of the unauthorized oil release was a reserve pit at a oil well site located on U.S. Steel property. Investigators with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are expected to meet with the Railroad Commission inspector Monday to continue assessing the scale of the spill, its environmental impacts and any possible next steps.
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SMITH COUNTY – One person has been injured following a head-on collision involving a day-care bus and a pick-up truck on Monday morning. According to our news partner KETK and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened in Tyler, on FM 2493, near Whataburger and Tyler Legacy Trails at around 8:20 a.m. Monday.
The driver of the pickup truck sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital, according to Nikki Simmons, the public outreach coordinator for Smith County Emergency Services District 2. No children were aboard the bus at the time of the crash and the driver had no reported injuries. However, both vehicles were heavily damaged.