Marshall approves Airport Park improvements

MARSHALL – The Marshall City Council approved $2.68 million towards phase one of capital improvements to Airport Park. According to a release, the park will receive upgrades to all 11 of its baseball and softball fields, as well as sitework, subgrade, concrete, drainage systems, athletic equipment and synthetic turf upgrades, according to our colleagues at KETK. The City of Marshall said that the park will be closed when construction begins on Monday. (more…)

Kilgore College names health science education center

KILGORE – Our news partners at KETK report Kilgore College has named its new science building the Torrence Health Science Education Center thanks to a substantial donation from the Torrence family. It is located at 1610 S. Henderson Blvd. in Kilgore, next to the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health Center. The college held an unveiling ceremony Tuesday for the naming reveal, attended by community leaders and students alike. (more…)

Gov. Abbott appoints UT Tyler student to state education board

TYLER – Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Lucas Schwartz, a student at The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine, to serve as the student representative on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Schwartz’s one-year term began on June 1. The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is a state agency that oversees higher education institutions and policies. The board works to ensure Texas higher education goals are aligned with economic and talent needs.

Dr. Brigham C. Willis, UT Tyler School of Medicine dean said this of Schwartz in a release, “Lucas Schwartz embodies the spirit of leadership and dedication that we strive to cultivate in our students. His commitment to serving both the state and East Texas is commendable. We are confident that he will represent the interests of Texas students with great passion and integrity on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.”

Schwartz graduated with an associate degree in biology from Tyler Junior College before completing his Bachelor of Science in Nutrition at Texas A&M University. He served as a medic in the Air Force and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine from the UT Tyler School of Medicine and an Executive Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from UT Tyler.

ETBU merger announced

MARSHALL – East Texas Baptist University and B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary are pleased to announce their official merger, following approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The SACSCOC Board of Trustees approved ETBU’s Substantive Merger/Level Change prospectus, endorsing the integration of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary into ETBU. With this approval, ETBU expands its status as a Level VI institution of higher learning with no further reporting required. (more…)

SFA art professor named Fulbright Scholar

NACOGDOCHES – Our news partners at KETK report that an associate art professor from the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art has been selected to be a Fulbright Scholar and will be conducting research in France. According to a release, Candace Hicks has been selected for fellowship as a part of the Fulbright program in which “scholars play a critical role in U.S. public diplomacy, establishing long-term relationships between people and nations” by conducting research and engaging the communities of different countries, regions and cultures. (more…)

Convicted Longview murderer gets new hearing

AUSTIN – An East Texas man who is currently serving 99 years in prison for the 2013 shooting death of a teenager was granted a new sentencing hearing on Wednesday by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, according to our news partner KETK. In 2015, Coby Hudgins, now 33, was sentenced to 99 years in prison in 2015 in a Gregg County court after being found guilty by a jury of shooting and killing his girlfriend’s bestfriend while drinking with her, his cousin and his girlfriend’s sister. The concurring opinion issued by the court of appeals states that because now Hudgins brings expert evidence showing that he suffered from PTSD at the time of the offense, a new punishment hearing has been granted. (more…)

State court finds Kerry Max Cook innocent of 1977 Tyler murder

AUSTIN – Kerry Max Cook is innocent of the 1977 murder of Linda Jo Edwards, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals found, citing stunning allegations of prosecutorial misconduct that led to Cook spending 20 years on death row for a crime he did not commit, that according to an article in the Texas Tribune. Cook was released from prison in 1997 and Smith County prosecutors set aside his conviction in 2016. The ruling Wednesday, by the state’s highest criminal court, formally exonerates him.

“This case is riddled with allegations of State misconduct that warrant setting aside Applicant’s conviction,” Judge Bert Richardson wrote in the majority opinion. “And when it comes to solid support for actual innocence, this case contains it all — uncontroverted Brady violations, proof of false testimony, admissions of perjury and new scientific evidence.”

Cook, now 68, became an advocate against the death penalty after his release. The ruling ends, as Richardson wrote, a “winding legal odyssey” stretching 40 years that was “marked by bookends of deception.”
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Concerns over restricted access at First Monday Trade Days

CANTON – First Monday Trade Days vendors and visitors voiced their opinions at Tuesday’s Canton city council meeting. The city owns part of the grounds and the Lewis family has owned the other side since 1979. Vendors and citizens are against a change concerning the vendor entrances and exits on the Lewis side. “It would prevent older vendors from getting to the basics of pavilion one to be able to set their booth and have their restock trailer on Lewis property because you have to cross about a 25 to 30 feet section of city property,” Vendor for 30 years Robert Shumate said. Under this change, the city will put bollards along their property line, not allowing Lewis vendors in through city entrances. (more…)

Henderson school board accepts resignation of superintendent

HENDERSON – The Henderson ISD school board accepted the resignation of Superintendent Dr. Thurston Lamb on Tuesday night at a special called meeting. Lamb joined the district as superintendent in 2019, and in 2022, was named the Region 7 Superintendent of the Year. In a statement, the school district said Lamb submitted his resignation effective July 8, and said he was leaving to be closer to his family. (more…)

50 year prison sentence for over 9,000 gallon diesel fuel theft

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County District Attorney’s office says a 37-year-old man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison, for stealing more than 9,000 gallons of diesel fuel from gas stations across Texas. According to our news partner KETK, Duniesky Gonzalez was sentenced for engaging in organized criminal activity. The DA said the charge stemmed from stealing diesel from gas stations across nine different counties in Texas by using fraudulent credit card information.

Gonzalez was arrested alongside Ramon Perez-Torres and Camila Cruz Concepcion who were also charged with engaging in organized criminal activity.
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Nonprofit visits Smith County to honor fallen deputy

SMITH COUNTY – A Washington nonprofit, dedicated to honoring fallen officers, stopped in Smith County Monday with a travel memorial. According to our news partner KETK, the organization is called, Beyond The Call of Duty. The Spokane, Washington based group has one mission. To honor men and women across the United States who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice in serving their communities. Their travel memorial is called “End of watch, ride to remember.”

During this year’s memorial, Lorenzo Bustos, a Smith County deputy that was killed while conducting a traffic stop in 2022, was honored. Bustos is one of 245 peace officers that died in 2022.
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FEMA continues to help Smith County residents with storm damage

SMITH COUNTY – Since the first round of severe storms pummeled East Texas on May 13, Smith County emergency officials have fielded more than 1,000 calls for help. During this time, the county has had the services of two volunteer groups to assist residents with personal property damage: Team Rubicon and the Texas Baptist Men. Both groups helped in cleaning up damage.

Smith County and FEMA are working to open a Disaster Recovery Center. This will located downtown, at The Hub. There FEMA representatives will be able to help those in getting resources in person. County officials say they will announce when FEMA is ready to open the center.

Smith County Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore said in a release, “Recovery will take some time due to personnel constraints and the amount of debris accumulated. Citizens with damaged homes are encouraged to participate with FEMA personnel to apply for potential assistance.”

You can get more information by visiting http://www.disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA’s helpline: 800-621-336.

Hawkins selects a new police chief

HAWKINS – The city of Hawkins approved a new police chief at a council meeting on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, he is Paul Holland. Holland has been in law enforcement for 32 years. Holland previously served at the Wood County Sheriff’s Office, Allen Police Department, Collin County Sheriff’s Office and the Dallas Police Department.

Hawkins has seen a lot of turnover in it’s city government recently. The mayor and mayor pro-tem resigned in January. In March, the municipal court judge, the police chief and two police officers resigned.

The Kigore Rangerettes 85th line is announced

KILGORE — Kilgore College announced their new freshman, the Rangerettes of the 85th line. The group chosen will join 36 sophomores to make a team of 68. According to our news partner KETK, the new selection announcement was made at Kilgore College’s Dodson Auditorium.

The Rangerettes will be under the direction of Dana Blair, Shelley Wayne and Angela Aulds, and they welcomed these new members: Bethany Plog, Addison Schmidt, Karsyn Guillory, Ashlynn Hines, Samantha Foughty, Jordan Reynolds, Rosie Adams, Alyssa McBain, Hallayah Hayes, Chloe Bonner, Brooklyn Hunter, Rachel Holcombe, Maddi Riley, Jillian Curtis, Halle Moore, Hailey Pitman, Brinly Lewis, Karissa Kinnon, Grace Stephens, Emily Landry, Ashlee Pham, Kailey Adams, Darcy Macmanus, Penelope Robles, Laynie Taylor, Molly Gajeske, Codi Keng, Emma Summers, Ella Byers, Mallory Craft, Lynzee Walker and Blair Davis

The Rangerettes are known for their high kicks and jump splits. The organization is known worldwide, as they’ve entertained millions. As part of their 85th anniversary, the Rangerettes will perform at London New Year’s Parade Day Parade.

For more information you can visit the Rangerette website.

One dead, two injured after shooting inside pickup truck

CASS COUNTY – Our colleagues at KETK report one person is dead and two others are injured after a shooting inside a pickup truck in Cass County. According to the sheriff’s office, on Friday night the shooting was reported around 9 p.m. on US 59 near Linden. There were a total of four people in the white Ford pickup truck traveling southbound on the highway, and officials said it is alleged that “one of the occupants pulled out a gun, resulting in a fight over the weapon which led to several shots being fired.” Three people in the backseat were injured from the gunfire, and according to authorities, Christopher Escobar, of Elsa, was pronounced dead at the scene. (more…)

Wills Point man gets 25 years for mother’s murder

WILLS POINT – Our news partners at KETK report a Wills Point man who was accused of murdering his elderly mother pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced to 25 years of incarceration on Thursday. According to the Van Zandt County District Attorney’s office, Gerald Wayne Powell was sentenced to 25 years on Thursday with 1,144 days credit that he’s already served. In April of 2021, Van Zandt County law enforcement was notified by Powell’s sister that he had killed a family pet and that he was planning to kill their mother. Law enforcement reported that they surrounded Powell’s home and began negotiations with him using a bullhorn and phone.

According to the former Van Zandt County Sheriff Steve Hendrix, Powell claimed that he was heavily armed and would harm law enforcement. Hendrix said that during the negotiations they learned that lived with his mother, was a veteran and claimed to be suffering from PTSD.

Law enforcement reported that Powell eventually surrendered himself and they discovered his 91-year-old mother shot to death in the home afterward.

Smith County offices closed for Juneteenth

SMITH COUNTY – All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Wednesday, June 19 for Juneteenth. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Thursday, June 20.

Kilgore recycle center fire could burn for days

KILGORE –

UPDATE: The City of Tyler said on Friday that curbside recycling will be paused beginning June 17 until further notice and accounts will not be charged for the duration of the pause. “Rivers Recycling was the current material recovery facility used by the City of Tyler to accept and repurpose curbside recycled materials,” city officials said.

After Wednesday night’s massive fire in Kilgore, officials explained that the flames are still burning and will continue to burn for the next five to seven days according to reporting by KETK. The fire broke out at Rivers Recycling just north of Kilgore, near Interstate 20 on FM 1252. The flames broke out Wednesday evening around 6 p.m. after everyone at the site had left for the day. “No workers or anybody was present when we were out. Tremendous amount of fire load in the building because it’s a recycling plant, so they have a lot of cardboard, plastics,” Kilgore Fire Marshal Ryan Riley said. (more…)

Anti-gang operation in Smith County leads to 11 arrests

TYLER – The East Texas Anti-Gang Center – Tyler (TAG) conducted a “proactive investigative enforcement operation” in the Tyler area on Wednesday according to our partners at KETK. According to a release, the operation was proactive enforcement intended to target “criminal street gang activity.”Eleven people were arrested as a result of the operation. (more…)

Local reaction to SBC rule on women pastors

TYLER — The nation’s largest evangelical community, the Southern Baptist Convention, ended a two-year fight on Wednesday night rejecting a proposal that would ban women from becoming pastors in the church. Our news partners at KETK report that Lindale’s First Baptist Church Pastor Tom Buck said the 20 year doctrine is true to scripture, that women can lead ministry but not hold the pastoral office in any capacity. (more…)

Smith County honors Team Rubicon for helping with storm damage  

TYLER – Smith County Officials awarded veteran volunteers with Team Rubicon with the Smith County Community Hero Award Thursday after the group worked for nearly a week helping a dozen residents cleanup storm damage. County Judge Neal Franklin and Emergency Management Coordinator Brandon Moore presented the group with the award Thursday morning before they left to return to their various homes around Texas and other states.

About 15 volunteers from Team Rubicon worked Saturday, June 8, through Wednesday, June 12. The team helped 12 residents clean up large tree debris in the Tyler, Flint and Chapel Hill communities.Team Rubicon is a nonprofit, veteran-led disaster response and humanitarian organization.

Team Rubicon’s services were free to the homeowners. They are funded by donations and grant funding. For more information about Team Rubicon, visit their website.

Business booming in Gregg County

LONGVIEW – The Longview Chamber of Commerce hosted their state of the economy on Wednesday. The main topic of discussion was that business in Gregg County is booming, according to our news partners at KETK. “Progress that we’re seeing in Gregg County some of the growth that we’ve seen from projects and what we’ve been looking forward to in the future,” Kilgore Economic Development Corporation executive director Lisa Denton said. (more…)

Keep Tyler Beautiful receives Gold Star

TYLER — The Keep Tyler Beautiful staff presented the 18th Gold Star Affiliate and Sustained Excellence awards to the City Council during Wednesday’s meeting according to our colleagues at KETK. Keep Texas Beautiful awarded the City of Tyler after they reached the Gold Star affiliate status because of its continuous efforts in beautification, litter reduction, maintaining public-private partnerships, the city said. (more…)

Texas Women for the Arts awards grants

TYLER – Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) awarded $319,169 in grants across Texas to increase children’s access to art, including two East Texas organizations. According to our colleagues at KETK, the statewide organization awarded grants across Texas, including money for the East Texas Symphony Orchestra and Young Audiences of Northeast Texas. (more…)

Smith County pets can get free microchips in June

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Animal Control and Shelter is offering free microchips throughout the month of June for pets in the county according to our colleagues at KETK. June is National Microchipping Month and it can help owners ensure their pet always finds their way back home. From 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, people can stop by the shelter located at 322 E. Ferguson St. with no appointment needed. “The fourth of July will be here sooner than you realize, so now is the perfect chance to make sure your animals are taken care of before any firework scares,” a release said. For more information, people can contact the Smith County Animal Control and Shelter at 903-266-4303.

Sabine River flooding still impacting East Texas

GLADEWATER – Our colleagues at KETK report that the National Weather Service (NWS) said the Longview and Gladewater areas along the Sabine River are in the ‘major’ flooding category Tuesday morning. The category is reached when water levels reach 36 feet deep in this area, putting houses and secondary roads at risk. “That’s the highest level at which a river is going to rise, but we’re not seeing record-breaking levels along the Sabine,” KETK Chief Meteorologist Carson Vickroy said. On Sunday, the river crested at nearly 38 feet and has slowly receded since then. Nicholas Bruton, a Sabine River fisherman, said it looks to be well over the normal water level. (more…)

Gladewater FD seeks donations to purchase rescue boat

GLADEWATER – The Gladewater Fire Department is seeking help to purchase a rescue boat after identifying a need during the recent flooding of the Sabine River and surrounding areas, according to our news partners at KETK. According to a release, the fire department water rescue team received several calls for help and are now trying to secure funding for a Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC). Gladewater FD said the boat would allow crews to work in narrow fast moving water and to be used in extreme rescue situations. “We have put in for grants to possibly help with this purchase, but these take time and may or may not be funded. We are asking for your help and support in acquiring a RDC ASAP,” the fire department said. To donate, people can contact the fire department at 903-845-2484.

Shelby County fisherman’s body found in Toledo Bend area

SHELBY COUNTY –Our colleagues at KETK report that authorities in Shelby County have found the body of a fisherman who went missing in the Toledo Bend area Sunday. According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, John Martin, JR. of Joaquin took a boat out on the water in the Huxley Bay area Sunday and did not return. The SCSO and Texas and Louisiana Game Wardens searched the north part of Toledo Bend on land and water to find him. SCSO Chief Deputy Chad Hooper and Game Warden Sam Anderson located Mr. Martin’s body and discovered his boat in the waters of Toledo Bend. “While this isn’t the outcome anyone had hoped for, we are grateful to be able to bring him home to his family,” wrote Sheriff Kevin Windham on Monday evening, SCSO stated that they are forever grateful for the assistance of the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Office

Disaster Recovery Center opens in Henderson County

ATHENS – FEMA opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Henderson County June 11 to provide help to East Texans affected by severe storms that happened April 26 through June 5. The center is located in Athens at the Henderson County Senior Center on Highway 31 East. The center will operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Please note, you don’t have to visit the Disaster Recovery Center to apply for FEMA assistance. You can either call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m, or go to the FEMA website. The deadline to apply for FEMA benefits is July 16.

Chapel Hill ISD Awards over $13,500 for Teaching Grants

TYLER — The Chapel Hill Independent School District Education Foundation announces the recipients of this year’s Teaching Innovative Grants, totaling over $13,500 in funding. These grants will empower 12 dedicated teachers and staff members across the district to bring their innovative ideas to life and enhance the educational experience for students.

The Innovative Teaching Grants are designed to encourage, facilitate, recognize and reward innovative and creative instructional approaches to the accomplishment of the program’s objectives. Chapel Hill Education Foundation offers teachers and administrators the opportunity to apply for grants to support innovative programs or projects to support higher levels of student learning. (more…)

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