Today is
Friday July 24, 2026
CROCKETT — A man was arrested by Crockett Police Department on Wednesday on a charge of alleged indecency with a child. According to our news partner KETK, Crocket Police Department received a tip from a child on Nov. 28 and began investigating 59-year-old Terry Kenneth Taylor, of Crockett. After an investigation, a warrant for Taylor’s arrest was issued for indecency with a child by contact. Taylor was arrested and taken into custody on Wednesday with his bond set at $80,000.
CASS COUNTY — 
Our news partners at KETK report a Hughes Springs police officer was suspended after being arrested in November on a charge of misuse of official information. According to Cass County jail records, Hollie Cates, 42, was arrested Nov. 17 on the charge and released the following day after posting bail. Hughes Springs Police Department said they were contacted by Texas Rangers and made aware of an incident that occurred in September, which alleges that Cates accessed and released confidential information to an individual. Read the rest of this entry »
KILGORE — Kilgore College announced the death of its Executive Vice President of Internal Collaboration & Strategic Initiatives, Dr. Mike Jenkins, on Sunday following a battle with lymphoma.According to our news partner KETK, Jenkins had spent 35 years of service to Kilgore College.
“Mike truly had a servant’s heart and will be greatly missed,” Interim President Dr. Staci Martin said. “Please keep Mike’s family and those of us who worked closely with him in your thoughts and prayers during these difficult days.”
According to the college, a Wake of Remembrance will be held in his honor on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Trinity Baptist Church in Longview, featuring refreshments, music, laughter and shared stories. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday at 10 a.m., also at Trinity Baptist Church.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bipartisan tax reform bill on Monday, that was co-authored by East Texas Congressman Nathaniel Moran. According to our news partner KETK, The Tax Court Improvement Act proposed four major reforms aimed at benefiting American taxpayers. Those reforms are modernizing subpoena rules, reducing case backlogs, strengthening judicial ethics and restoring fairness through equitable tolling. Read the rest of this entry »
VAN ZANDT COUNTY – The Hawk’s Eye publication reports that a Van Zandt County commissioner has been arrested following allegations that he impersonated a public servant during a dispute involving a man firing guns on his private property. Mitchell James Curtis, 57, was taken into custody Wednesday morning by the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.
He is charged with impersonating a public servant and official oppression. His total bond was set at $15,000. Van Zandt County Jail records show Curtis was released after posting bond at around 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers conducted the investigation into the allegations. Curtis was booked into the Van Zandt County Jail in accordance with state law and established SO procedures. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is currently working a major traffic accident on Highway 69 North, near Harris Nursery. At this time all Southbound lanes of travel are shut down and only one Northbound lane is open. Official ask that you consider other routes.
TYLER – CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Foundation proudly announces Lilli Halifax as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) Miracle Child, representing CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. During the announcement, Tyler Mayor Don Warren presented Lilli with a key to the city, symbolizing the start of her year-long role as an advocate for pediatric health care and a beacon of hope for children across the community.
Born with Goltz Syndrome, Lilli has faced numerous tests and surgeries with courage and support from the CHRISTUS CARES pediatric team. Affectionately known as “Silly Lilli,” she embraces life with curiosity and resilience. Passionate about content creation, she is building her YouTube channel, Lilli’s World, to inspire others with positivity and strength. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — 
The Oil Palace in Tyler is up for sale with a listing price of $6.9 million, according to our news partners at KETK. Listed on Staples Commercial Group, the East Texas venue is described as one of the region’s most iconic entertainment venues with 44 acres, seating for 7,000 to 9,000 and comes with all original operating equipment, including audio equipment, lighting and kitchen equipment. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The City of Troup is alerting residents of a prominent fundraiser they may receive in the mail, calling it a scam. The fundraisers are sent by an organization known as the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association (USDSA), which presents itself as a non-profit dedicated to supporting local law enforcement and the community. In recent mailings, the group requests donations for their Troup Area 2025 Fund Drive, claiming that they provide police agencies in Troup with bulletproof vests, helmets and other lifesaving equipment.
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Update: KTBB received an email from from Sergent Pedro Maya of the Tyler PD, informing us the accident has been cleared up.
TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is currently working a Major Traffic Accident at East Front Street and South Porter Avenue. At this time, all west bound traffic on East Front Street is being re-routed onto Old Henderson Highway, all east bound traffic is being re-routed onto South Palmer Avenue. East and West bound lanes on East Front Street are currently closed between Old Henderson Hwy and South Palmer Avenue. Officials said the scene remains active and officers are on-site directing vehicles. Drivers are urged to find alternative routes and use extra caution due to poor weather conditions.
TYLER — With the Christmas season here, so are the parades! But incoming weather has caused multiple parades to be postponed. Our news partners at KETK, have provided a list of Christmas parades in east Texas. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — A tanker truck stalled on Troup Highway, causing temporary traffic delays on Monday morning. According to our news partner KETK, officials with Smith County ESD2, the truck stalled along Troup Highway near Toll 49, blocking traffic. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the tanker’s stoppage was not immediately released
TYLER — The Christmas season is here. And so are the Christmas parades. Our news partners at KETK, have a running list for you. You can see it here.
SMITH COUNTY— An 18-wheeler rolled over on Highway 110 North, south of Swan, Monday morning in Smith County. According to our news partner KETK, crews were out clearing the scene as boxes from inside the 18-wheeler were also thrown alongside the road. Traffic delays have also happened.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY — A Thursday afternoon fire in Van Zandt County resulted in the loss of one of the Whitton Volunteer Fire Department’s brush trucks. According to our news partner KETK, the fire reportedly broke out between FM 316 and FM 3080 in Mabank as multiple departments worked to protect a nearby structure. Whitton VFD confirmed that one of their brush trucks was destroyed in the response, the largest equipment loss the department has experienced.
Equipment losses can significantly affect how small volunteer departments operate. Whitton VFD is funded through county stipends, community fundraisers and donations, which help support daily operations and future emergency responses.For more information about the department or how to donate, you can visit the Whitton Volunteer Fire Department online or call them at 903-848-0260.
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace Curtis Wulf has announced his intention to run for re-election in 2026. According to our news partner KETK, Judge Wulf leads one of the county’s busiest justice courts, handling a caseload that includes traffic violations, civil matters, evictions and Class C criminal offenses. His duties also require him to remain available around the clock for inquests and support for law-enforcement agencies.
“With more than two decades of experience in the justice system—including my earlier service as a peace officer—I recognize the importance of a court that is both fair and firm,” Wulf said. “My goal has always been to apply the law impartially, treat everyone with respect and help keep our community safe.”
During his first term Wulf said his court built a strong reputation for professionalism and dependability, providing officers with timely judicial decisions, clear communication and consistent application of the law. He also said he’s become known for setting appropriate bond amounts, particularly in cases involving violence or threats to public safety.
TYLER – In honor of Rosa Parks, a seat on each Tyler Transit bus will be reserved in her memory on Monday, Dec. 1. This day marks the anniversary of a milestone in the Civil Rights movement. In 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat in the “colored” section of the bus for a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. After refusing the bus driver’s order to move, she was arrested for civil disobedience.
Rosa Parks’ action sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted 381 days until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation on public transit systems was unconstitutional. The boycott helped end segregation of public facilities in the United States, and Rosa Parks became known as the “mother of the freedom movement.”
To more get information from the City of Tyler website, click here.
SULPHUR SPRINGS – The principal of Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center in Sulphur Springs, Sherry Sinclair has passed away, according to Sulphur Springs ISD. The district said that Sinclair died on Thanksgiving morning. As principal, Sinclair led the district’s Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center, a campus which focuses on head start and pre-kindergarten classes.
Deana Steeber Ed.D. Sulphur Springs ISD Superintendent said in a press release, “It is with a heavy heart that I share that Mrs. Sherry Sinclair, Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center Principal, passed away this morning. She never missed an opportunity to share the incredible work being done at Douglass. She was so proud of her staff and students. Mrs. Sinclair dearly loved her Douglass ECLC family, and she loved being a Wildcat. She demonstrated everything it means to be a Wildcat. Today, we are so very thankful for Mrs. Sinclair and the many lives she touched.”
Steeber asked the community to pray for Sinclair’s family and the students and staff of Douglass Early Childhood Learning Center.
TYLER — The Salvation Army of Tyler will serve a Thanksgiving meal from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, anyone is welcome to show up and receive a home cooked meal at the Salvation Army building on North Broadway. The drive-thru opens at 10:15 a.m. for first responders and 11:30 a.m. for the general public.
“It shows a community that is bound together through trials and adversity, lifting each other up,” said Robert Coriston, Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army of Tyler. “To me, this is the whole spirit of Thanksgiving.”
The organization has prepared about 70 turkeys and expects to serve between 600 and 1,000 meals.
TYLER — East Texas officials said new diplomatic pressure may finally accelerate the release of Hallsville native Caden Hawkins, who has spent nine months in a Juarez prison after accidentally crossing into Mexico with a firearm. According to our news partner KETK, for nine months, the family of 22-year-old Hallsville native Caden Hawkins has pleaded for help after he was allegedly jailed in Mexico for accidentally crossing the border with a firearm. Hawkins was returning from work in Arizona last March when GPS detours routed him toward a border checkpoint. According to his family, Mexican guards instructed him to pass through and then turn back toward the United States. When officers inspected his truck, Hawkins voluntarily disclosed that he had a pistol inside, leading to his immediate arrest.
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TYLER — Houston’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the oldest in the country, will celebrate its 76th year with a special performance by the Tyler Junior College Apache Belles.The Apache Belles, known for their high-energy routines, have been practicing a high-kick performance all season, which they will showcase as they march through downtown Houston. The Apache Belles will march along a parade route that spans more than 20 city blocks, culminating in a performance area in front of the grandstands.
TYLER — With Thanksgiving, here’s a look at the stores and restaurants that will be open for last-minute shoppers, travelers and anyone planning to dine out. Our news partner KETK has shared a list with us.
Stores Open on Thanksgiving
Brookshire’s: Open until 2 p.m.
Super 1 Foods: Open until 2 p.m.
Sprouts Farmers Market: Open until 2 p.m.
Fresh: Open until 2 p.m.
CVS: Hours vary by location; some stores open with pharmacies closing at 2 p.m.
Walgreens: 24-hour stores will remain open.
Kroger: Open until 5 p.m.; pharmacies closed.
Dollar General: Open until 10 p.m.
Dollar Tree: Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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TYLER — Caldwell Zoo announced on Tuesday that after a months-long effort to save Cricket the giraffe, their medical team was forced to euthanize her due to a complex infection in her feet. According to our news partner KETK, Cricket underwent several procedures, including four major interventions that focused on her hoof and lower limb health. In her last procedure, the medical specialist found that the infection had advanced despite efforts to treat the area.
Scott Maddox, President and CEO of Caldwell Zoo, said in a press releasee. “We always strive to provide the absolute best care for every member of our animal family, and we are all extremely saddened that we couldn’t save Cricket.”
RUSK – A boil water notice has been issued in parts of Rusk by the Rusk Rural Water Supply Company. According to our news partner KETK, Areas impacted by the boil water notice include: FM 241, Highway 69 South, County Road 2443 and Country Road 2446. Rusk residents are asked to boil their water before consumption, such as brushing their teeth or washing their hands. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil, then boiled for 2 minutes. Once the notice is no longer in effect, RRWS will alert all customers currently impacted.
Update: Smith County officials announced on Tuesday that the hearing scheduled for Wednesday to determine the fate of the dogs has been canceled. Instead, the involved parties reached an agreement to euthanize the two remaining pit bulls.
TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said a 23-year-old Madison Riley Hull was killed by three pit bull dogs that attacked her in Tyler on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, deputies responded to a call at a residence near Northwood Drive and Shadywood Drives in Tyler at around 4:15 p.m. The first deputy on scene saw Hull lying in the backyard of a home as three pit bulls attacked her. The officer was reportedly able to shoot and kill one of the pit bulls, which caused the other two dogs to run away. They were able to remove her body from the backyard, but she died because of her injuries from the dog attack.
A sheriff’s office release said the other two dogs were handled by Smith County Animal Control. Investigators said the woman was dog-sitting the pit bulls that attacked her, since the home’s owners were out of town. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the attack and an autopsy has been ordered. The deputy attacked also received minor injuries was treated.
TYLER – City of Tyler will have a Thanksgiving holiday schedule Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28. All City Hall offices will close at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 26, and reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 1. City officials have provided a comprehensive list covering items like, water utility payments, garbage service and Tyler Transit schedule. Read the rest of this entry »
MOUNT PLEASANT — 
Our news partners at KETK report that a man was taken into custody Friday following a stabbing at the Holiday Inn in Mount Pleasant. The Mount Pleasant Police Department identified the suspect as 54-year-old Ivory Miller. Officers responded to the hotel on Friday at around 6:40 p.m. after receiving reports of a man bleeding and another individual behaving aggressively. Police were informed that Miller had a knife and stabbed the victim. When officers arrived, they discovered the injured man lying on the lobby floor with a stab wound to his back, while Miller had already left the scene. Around 8 p.m., officers located Miller and placed him under arrest. He was booked into the Titus County Jail on a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Authorities said the two men did not know each other.
RUSK COUNTY — A Rusk County man has been sentenced to five years in state prison after allegedly making more than 70 threatening phone calls to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. According to our news partner KETK, Travis Andrew Halbert was arrested on July 1 after repeatedly calling the department over three days. He was charged with 4 counts of making terroristic threats against a peace officer and one charge of harassment.
Officials said Halbert threatened dispatchers and their families in several calls, and in one instance claimed he would “rain down hellfire” by firebombing the department. Halbert initially pleaded not guilty during his Nov. 17 jury trial but changed his plea to guilty, and received the five year prison term.
SMITH COUNTY — A Smith County officer is in the hospital after being severely assaulted by a juvenile inmate on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, deputies were sent to the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center after being informed that an inmate was assaulting an officer. Deputies arrived and were led to the officer, who was lying on the floor with significant head injury. The officer was taken a hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for critical head injuries.
Officials reviewed surveillance footage, where they saw the suspect repeatedly striking the officer with a handicap shower rail that was detached from the shower wall. The Smith County Sheriff’s Office said the officer is currently in stable condition following the surgery.
SMITH COUNTY – Non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, for Thanksgiving. County offices will reopen on Monday, December 1, for normal business hours. Smith County Commissioners Court will be held at its regular time, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, November 25.