Today is
Friday July 24, 2026
TYLER – Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Tyler is looking to hire a veteran, a Gold Star family member or an active-duty spouse to serve as an aide in one of his offices. According to our news partner KETK, this opportunity comes via the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program which was created to provide opportunities in Congress to veterans, Gold Star family members and spouses of those on active-duty in the military.
Congressman Moran said in a release, “I am proud to announce that my district office will participate in the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program. This program provides employment opportunities for veterans, Gold Star families, and active-duty spouses within the House of Representatives. These individuals have sacrificed in service to our country, and it is a privilege to provide employment opportunities to those who have answered the call to serve.”
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MARSHALL – A man was arrested for DWI after an injury-causing collision in Marshall on Wednesday. According to our news partner KETK, police grabbed a fleeing 22-year-old Pablo Villa after his involvement in a car accident on East End Blvd South near Highway 59. Officers charged Villa with driving while intoxicated and causing a collision with injury. After posting a bond of $12,000, he was released from the Harrison County Jail.
HARRISON COUNTY – Two people are behind bars after a search warrant was conducted in a Harrison County house on Friday as part of a drug trafficking investigation. According to our news partner KETK, the Joint Harrison County Violent Crime and Narcotics Task Force arrested 59-year-old Bobby Treece of Karnack, for the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. Also arrested was 37-year-old Amber Watson, from Marshall. Watson was charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
During the search, officers found more evidence, leading to a second charge of manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. MPD said both Treece and Watson are being held in the Harrison County Jail.
LONGVIEW – The Longview Trade Days is returning to its original location at the Longview Exhibit Center this weekend after renovating the building and installing new heating and air conditioners. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Trade Days Coordinator Billy Clay said that everyone is excited to be back in their original location.
“Everyone is proud to back supporting East Texas vendors while proving locals with some much needed finds,” said Clay.
Longview Trade Days will run Saturday from from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
TYLER – The University of Texas at Tyler will co-host the 2025 East Texas Big Event, Saturday, Feb. 22, at Bergfeld Park in Tyler. Held in partnership with the city of Tyler and Tyler Junior College, the East Texas Big Event is a day of service for students and employees of UT Tyler and TJC. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. with service projects starting at 10 a.m. Read the rest of this entry »
LINDALE – 
Lindale High School Speech and Debate teacher, JP Fugler, was selected by the National Federation of High Schools as a recipient of the Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Award. Fugler was one of only eight section award winners across the country out of the pool of nominees. “An award like this is never expected,” said Fugler. “When the Director of Speech and Debate at UIL called me in November to say that I was the Texas nominee, that alone was surprising. It still feels so early in my career to receive this kind of national attention for my teaching.”
The UIL selected Fugler as the Texas nominee for the award. NFHS will select a section winner for the eight sections across the country. Section six includes Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Colorado. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – 
East Texas Baptist University continues to see strong enrollment for the Spring 2025 semester, marking the second-highest Spring enrollment in the University’s history. The Spring 2025 enrollment stands at 1,612 students, following last year’s record-setting Spring enrollment of 1,657 students. This marks the first time in ETBU’s history that Spring enrollment has exceeded 1,600 students in consecutive years. “We are grateful for the continued strength of our enrollment and the confidence students and families place in ETBU,” said President J. Blair Blackburn. “These numbers reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff and the unwavering mission of our University to provide a transformative Christ-centered educational experience. We celebrate how God is working in the lives of our students as they grow academically, spiritually, and professionally.” Read the rest of this entry »
Tyler – Tyler ISD Fine Arts is hosting the Carnegie Hall Link-Up Wednesday February 5 at 9:30 a.m in the Caldwell Arts Academy. All Tyler ISD 4th and 5th-grade students will perform with their voices and recorders from their seats. A partnership with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra (ETSO) gives nearly 4,000 students the experience to perform with the ETSO. The Tyler ISD District Honors Choir, student actors , Tyler High Drumline and Tyler ISD Recorder Choir will all be on the stage with ETSO. For more information, please contact Jennifer Hines at 903-262-1064.
Tyler – 
Tyler ISD invites students, staff, families, and community members to join in the district-wide celebration of Black History Month. Throughout February, campuses will host various events to honor the legacy, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black Americans. This year’s celebrations promise to be an enriching experience filled with education, reflection, and unity. These campus celebrations will feature student performances, interactive exhibits, guest speakers, and historical showcases that highlight the invaluable contributions of Black Americans. Through these activities, students and staff embrace the opportunity to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Black culture. Read the rest of this entry »
NACOGDOCHES 
— An East Texas woman was found guilty on Thursday of murdering her 19-month-old son. According to our news partner KETK, Hanna Ruth Moses was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole.
A release from the Nacogdoches Assistant District Attorney’s Office said the toddler, Thomas Blake Rogers, was born prematurely and was developmentally delayed. He was removed from the care of Moses in June 2021 for medical neglect and was underweight. The boy was returned to Moses in March 2022 and a few weeks later suffered a displaced femur fracture despite being unable to roll, crawl, or walk.
Thomas remained under the care of his mother, and on May 30, 2022, a 911 call was made by Moses who said her son was not breathing and attempted to do CPR for 30 minutes before making the call to 911. When first responders arrived, they found him unresponsive, wet and with his ankles “bound tightly” with a shoestring. Life-saving measures were performed on Thomas until they reached the Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital where they reportedly found bruises developing from his head to his toes on both sides of his body. He also had significant bleeding in his brain. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – 
Earlier this week, a Smith County jury convicted Claude Eugene Montgomery Jr. of Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Deliver (a 1st Degree Felony). The jury ultimately sentenced Montgomery to 60 years in prison. Smith County Prosecutors, Emil Mikkelsen and Kasey Sirianni, presented evidence that Montgomery possessed over 100 multicolored methamphetamine pills in the shape and likeness of various super-hero logos and common prescription pills such as Xanex. Prosecutors proved that Montgomery intended to sell said narcotics on the streets. During the sentencing phase of the trial, the State brought forth Montgomery’s extensive criminal history—including two 2016 drug dealing convictions for which Montgomery had received a 45-year prison sentence. The jury learned that Montgomery had been released on parole after servicing just 6 years of that sentence. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The Texas Agriculture Commissioner has reappointed a Tyler man to the Texas Agriculture Finance Authority (TAFA) Board on Thursday. According to our news partner KETK, Ted F. Conover will continue serving as the board’s chairman and agricultural lending representative.
Conover was the president and chief executive officer of Heritage Land Bank from 1985 to 2005 and the held the same positions at the Bank of Tyler from 2005 to 2010. Conover has served on the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors Board of Directors, the State Advisory Board for Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership and the Advisory Committee for the Dean of Agricultural Sciences at East Texas A&M University.
Conover received a master’s degree in general agriculture from East Texas A&M University in 1973 and graduated from the Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 1999.
TAFA is a public authority designed to provide financial assistance to expand products, production, processing, marketing and exporting in Texas agriculture.
HALLSVILLE – 
Two Hallsville ISD employees were taken to the hospital Wednesday morning after a school bus was involved in a wreck, according to our news partners at KETK. According to the district, around 5:50 a.m. a bus was in a three-vehicle accident that left two employees injured. The school explained that at the time of the accident, there were no students on the bus. The driver and the bus monitor have been transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries, HISD said.
Tyler – 
More than 400 junior and senior Career and Technical Education (CTE) students at Tyler ISD sharpened their career readiness skills at the district’s annual CTE Student Resume Workshop. The workshop gave students the opportunity to meet one-on-one with representatives from more than 30 local businesses. Industry professionals offered feedback on students’ resumes, helping them refine their presentation of skills and experience. The event served as a crucial step for students as they prepare for the upcoming Opportunity Fair in April, where they will present their polished resumes to potential employers. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – 
The Smith County Commissioners Court accepted a donation of nine LIFEPACK CR2 Defibrillators to be placed in county buildings. Smith County Judge Neal Franklin thanked UT Health EMS for the generous donation of Automated Externa Defibrillators (AEDs), worth $21,000. The funds come from a First Responders Fund, he added during Commissioners Court on Tuesday, January 28. Franklin said UT Health EMS gave Smith County six AEDs last year and are helping the county greatly. The goal is to get an AED in every one of Smith County’s 29 buildings. “They are truly a lifesaver,” he said. “They are easy to use, with clear instructions … We are very thankful.”
KILGORE – Kilgore Police are searching for the person allegedly responsible for a Saturday evening forgery incident in Kilgore. According to our news partner KETK, KPD said the crime occurred at the Walmart on Stone St. around 7 p.m. Authorities ask if you recognize the person in the picture shown, to call the Kilgore Police Department at 903-218-6904 and ask for Detective Justin Murphy or email Justin.Murphy@cityofkilgore.com.
TYLER – A Rusk County Game Warden was recognized by Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission during its January meeting for his contributions to the agency. According to our news partner KETK, Game Warder Kirk Clendening was named the 2024 Fish and Wildlife Agencies Texas Officer of the Year.
The TPW Commission said in a release, “A hardworking and proactive officer, Clendening consistently excels in marine patrol operations, investigations and public outreach. Both locally and for wardens across the state, he leads by example through his work ethic and teamwork on a daily basis.”
Clendening is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a bachelor’s degree in criminology in 2010 and began his tenure with TPW Department when he was accepted into the 56th Texas Game Warden Academy in 2011. He has previously served in Val Verde County, Smith County and was a full-time member of the Marine Tactical Operations Group in Corpus Christi. Clendening then moved to Rusk County and has served there for over seven years.
VAN ZANDT COUNTY – Officials said three men were arrested in Kaufman in connection to an early Sunday morning feed store burglary in Van Zandt County, according to our news partner KETK. The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the scene of a burglary at a feed store on State Highway 243 at around 3 a.m. on Sunday. While at the scene, deputies were reportedly notified that a vehicle matching a description they were given was stopped in the city of Kaufman by the Kaufman Police Department and the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office.
A Van Zandt County deputy went to Kaufman and identified three people stopped in the vehicle with people seen in video footage from the crime scene in Van Zandt County, according to a Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office press release. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – 
The deadline to pay your Smith County property taxes is Friday, January 31, 2025. The line at the Smith County Tax Office is very long today so Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber is urging people to pay their property taxes online. Payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement — it will take you directly to the payment page on your account.
“It has been a game changer in how people pay their property taxes,” Barber said of adding the QR code.
Those who pay online will immediately receive a receipt. For taxpayers who are mailing, go to the post office to make sure payments are postmarked on or before January 31. If they are dropped in the mail and are not postmarked, they most likely will not make it to the Tax Office in time to avoid late penalties, Barber said. The Tax Office mailed out 183,312 property tax statements in early November. Read the rest of this entry »
Tyler – More than 30 local businesses are lending their expertise to help more than 400 junior and senior Career and Technical Education (CTE) students prepare for the future. The Career and Technology Center is hosting its annual Student Resume Workshop with one-on-one resume review sessions, Tuesday, January 28 at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held at the Career & Technology Center at 3013 Earl Campbell Parkway. Students will present their resumes to human resources professionals from various industries to receive valuable feedback in preparation for the upcoming Opportunity Fair in April. For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.
TYLER — 
Our news partners at KETK report East Texas nonprofits are raising awareness during National Human Trafficking Prevention month this January. Local nonprofits including Unbound Now, Selah Life Choices and 4Kids4Families all share the same mission to help human trafficking victims in a time of need. According to Unbound Now, human trafficking occurs when a person is forced, tricked or manipulated into providing labor or sexual service for someone else’s financial gain. Unbound Now Advocacy Coordinator Maria Villarreal said 50 million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking with Texas being second for most cases reported. Read the rest of this entry »
GLADEWATER –
Our news partners at KETK says the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said they have one person in custody after Union Grove High School received “extensive damage” last night. According to the sheriff’s office, surveillance camera footage from the school shows someone dressed in black damaging the building and a trophy case at around 11:30 p.m. on Friday. Union Grove ISD said several exterior doors, trophy cases, televisions, a set of restrooms and water fountains were also damaged. Read the rest of this entry »
HAWKINS – 
Our news partners at KETK report that a Hawkins man has turned himself into the Wood County Jail after he allegedly posted the cellphone number of a Hawkins city council woman on Facebook. Todd Eddington runs the Crooked Wood County “Justice” System Part III page on Facebook. On Dec. 10, arrest documents allege that he used the page to share the cellphone number of Hawkins city councilwoman Eleta Taylor. Taylor then reportedly requested that Eddington take the number down from the page because of safety concerns. Eddington’s response to her request was quoted in an affidavit for his arrest that was obtained by KETK. Read the rest of this entry »
Tyler – Tyler Independent School District announces that students in the Advanced Animal Science/Livestock Production class at the Career & Technology Center will construct their own anaerobic digesters in an engaging hands-on activity designed to demonstrate how organic waste can be converted into renewable energy. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – 
The Tyler Parks and Rec is hosting a public meeting on Feb. 1 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. regarding the development of Stewart Park, located at 2713 N. Frankston Hwy. This meeting’s purpose is to display the proposed amenities and address any concerns or questions that residents may have. Read the rest of this entry »
HENDERSON COUNTY – 
Our news partners at KETK report that an East Texas man was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Thursday for aggravated assault against a public servant. During Jacob Brian Williams’ hearing, the court heard testimony that on Sept. 30, 2022 Gun Barrel City Officers were dispatched to America’s Best Value Inn and Suites after a man was reported entering rooms at the hotel. Once officers arrived, they found Williams hidden behind a dumpster who appeared to be under the influence. When approached, Williams answered yes when asked if he had weapons in his possession. Officials said when officers attempted to pat Williams down, he became aggravated and eventually got into an altercation with the officers. Williams reportedly began to kick and hit an officer before ripping the body cam off one officer and causing serious injury to him after hitting him over the head multiple times. Read the rest of this entry »
GLADEWATER — 
An East Texas teacher has resigned after statements she made at 17-years-old resurfaced, according to our news partners at KETK. Gladewater ISD announced on Thursday that Hollie Tefteller, an AG teacher, is no longer employed with the school district as the statements made when she was a student in 2015 “were perceived as racially insensitive, understandably caused concern among members of our community.” Tefteller granted permission for the district to share this context to promote transparency. The school said she deeply regrets her past actions, taking full responsibility and acknowledged the impact these statements had. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY —
Our news partners at KETK report that though Smith County is not under a burn ban, Smith County Emergency Services District 2 is now advising residents against any outdoor burning following an increase of grass fires. According to Nikki Simmons with Smith County ESD2, firefighters responded to six grass or wildland fires on Thursday and nine on Friday not including any structure fires. Due to wind conditions, officials now advise against any outdoor burning. Read the rest of this entry »
CHEROKEE COUNTY – 
On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call involving an Assault in progress on County Road 3308. Two (2) victims were identified, one being sexually assaulted and both being robbed at gunpoint. The suspect was identified as Michael Deshon Thompson, who fled into the woods upon the Deputy’s arrival. THOMPSON was located and taken into custody by Deputies on the scene. Read the rest of this entry »
CHEROKEE COUNTY – 
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call involving a Sexual Assault of a child. The suspect in the incident was identified as Irving Charles Williams Jr. On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, a warrant was issued by 2nd District Judge Chris Day. Williams was taken into custody by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office CID and SIU divisions for the offense of Sexual Abuse of a Child-Continuous Victim under 14. During Williams Jr arrest, he was found to have two (2) firearms in his possession and an additional charge of Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon. WILLIAMS is currently being housed in the Cherokee County Jail. Williams was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Brenda Dominy setting his bonds at $1,000,000 for sexual assault to a child under 14, and $20,000 for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.