SHELBY COUNTY — Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for seven East Texas counties that were impacted by severe storms and flooding from the past week. According to our news partner, KETK, a statement from the governor said that Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Panola, Shelby and Tyler counties continue to be affected by last weeks rain and flooding.
Throughout East Texas, authorities are continuing to access the damage as flood waters recede. Residents are asked to report damages to homes and using the he Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool, or iSTAT. Governor Abbott said the information in the iSTAT reports will help indentify disaster assistance and resources needed. To find iSTAT, click this link.
TYLER — On Tuesday, Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith announced that through DNA testing, skeletal remains discovered in 1985 had been identified as Sindy Gina Crow, a 27-year-old from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. According to our news partner KETK, a mowing crew discovered the skeletal remains in a brush-covered gully 75 feet from I-20 east of Highway 69 in October 1985. The crew then contacted the Lindale Police Department who got in touch with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. During a search of the area, officials reportedly found a lady’s shirt, earrings and a watch.
The remains were then reportedly taken to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for an autopsy. There, officials believed the body belonged to a white or Hispanic female approximately 25 years of age with reddish-brown hair tied in a ponytail. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Drivers can expect traffic delays on Loop 323 near Troup Highway after a mobile home fell over on Tuesday afternoon. According to the Tyler Police information officer Andy Erbaugh, westbound lanes are closed on Loop 323 near Troup Highway after a mobile home overturned across from Texas Roadhouse.
TYLER – The Smith County Sheriff’s Office announced that they will be sharing new information regarding a cold homicide case from 1985. According to our news partner KETK, Sheriff Larry Smith announced that there will be a press conference on Tuesday at 2:45 p.m. concerning “positive identification of skeletal remains†that were found in 1985 on I-20. The sheriff’s office said that the remains were initially identified as a female homicide victim, but she remained a Jane Doe until recently.
AUSTIN – A Palestine resident claimed a top prize winning ticket worth $3 million in the Texas Lottery scratch ticket game Maximum Millions. The ticket was purchased at JJ’s Fastop, located on East Palestine Avenue. The lucky winner has decided to remain anonymous.
TYLER – The Tyler Junior College Apache Cheer squad won their second national championship on Friday after their first ever championship last year. According to our news partner KETK, the team competed in the National Cheer Association championships in Daytona, Florida. The TJC cheer team won first place in the intermediate large coed junior college category.
TYLER – Jack Benson, a former Douglas Elementary School student visited the campus Friday to celebrate his recent donation of $100,000 to the school. The staff and students made it special for for Mr. Benson, welcoming him with a special “Thank You†parade. According to a release from Douglas Elemetary, school personnel took Mr. Benson on a tour of school grounds and showed him the areas in which his generous donation will be used. The plan is to install new playground equipment and create a covered outdoor learning area for students.
As the tour progressed Mr. Benson said that, “Douglas holds a special place in my heart,†Benson said. “It shaped my childhood, and I always knew I wanted to give back.â€
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TYLER – Chapel Hill ISD announced on Friday the current high school principal will be assuming the role of assistant superintendent. According to our news partner KETK, Matthew Strode will start those new duties July 1.
Strode said in a release from CHISD, “I am immensely grateful for the trust and support extended to me by Chapel Hill ISD as I transition into the role of Assistant Superintendent. I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to contribute to our district’s continued success and am eager to collaborate with our dedicated team in serving our students, staff, and community.â€
Strode has been with the Chapel Hill school district for five years.
TYLER – All public boat ramps on Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East are open. But, Tyler Water Utilities advises all lake users to remain cautious on the water. There may still be floating debris from the recent rain, which can pose safety risks to boaters and watercraft. There is also a chance for high wakes, which can impact not only boaters but can also affect properties along the shoreline. TWU asks that boaters to be mindful of their speed and the wakes they create as a courtesy to others and to prevent erosion or damage to shoreline properties.
SMITH COUNTY – A part of Smith County Road 294 is closed for repairs because of a washout due to heavy rainfall. Smith County officials received a report that part of the road had been washed away. County Engineer Frank Davis said he expects repairs to be completed by Friday April 19. In the meantime, closure and barricade signs have been placed at the affected part of CR 294. This section is about 1.25 miles east of State Highway 135 in Arp. Those driving in this area are asked to seek a different route.