Today is
Sunday July 26, 2026
COFFEE CITY – Chris L. Moore, who served as Chief of the Coffee City Fire Department,has died. According to our news partner KETK, Moore died Saturday Jan. 6. CCFD said that Chief Moore had been the Coffee City Fire Chief since 2008. He had previously served with the Southlake Fire Department and the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department. The Coffee City Fire Department also said, “Chief Moore mentored and inspired many firefighters in his career and will greatly be missed. Rest easy Chief we have the watch from here.â€
COFFEE CITY — Former Coffee City police officer Lonnie Hicks was arrested on four counts of tampering with government records on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Hicks’s arrest comes after the former Coffee City Mayor, Police Chief and other officers were also recently arrested for tampering with government records. According to Henderson County Jail records, Hicks was released on Friday after posting a total $400,000 bond. Coffee City Police Department was deactivated back in September of 2023 and now the town is being covered by the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office. In December, following the arrest of former Mayor Frank Serrato, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse explained that anyone with concerns can contact them. “We will continue to cover the city,†Hillhouse said. “If they have any concerns or anything the sheriff’s office is always here, and we will always be here. Just a phone call away.â€
TYLER – Tyler Police say six people, a woman and five juveniles were hurt in a car accident Sunday. According to our news partner KETK, the crash occured at Broadway Avenue and Front Street. The adult woman and two juveniles were treated at a local hospital, while the other three minors were transported to Dallas for treatment. Authorities also say that 27-year-old Kylee Johns of Arp was charged with intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily harm. Johns is in the Smith County Jail on a $100,000 bond.
KILGORE – The City of Kilgore said the city’s water system is experiencing low pressure after an “extreme water loss†that happened on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, city workers have found and isolated a large water main break under a creek near Highway 31. Officials say water pressure should be returning to normal levels and are asking residents to conserve water until that time.
GREGG COUNTY — A medical technician is in the Gregg County Jail after investigators found discrepancies in documents of an inmate’s death. According to our news partner KETK, Sonja Sheree Jones was arrested for tampering with government records. This is in regards to the death of 64-year-old John Edward Anderson, an inmate at the Gregg County Jail. Anderson was found unconscious Dec. 12 of last year. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died. Officials initial autopsy report “showed Anderson to have hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, pulmonary emphysema with no evidence of significant acute mortem trauma.†The exact cause of death of is still to be determined.
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CANTON – During a visit Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz made to East Texas on Friday morning, the senator shed light on big issues facing our state and the nation. He said the biggest concern once again this year is the southern border. The stop by Senator Ted Cruz comes just two days after House Republicans took a trip to Eagle Pass and witnessed the overwhelming situation at checkpoints, processing centers for migrants, and for small Texas border towns. Cruz told those assembled, “We are so badly off track nationally. I’ll tell you in Washington the Democrats have lost their minds. This is modern day human slavery, this is leg irons. You look at the southern border, what is happening there. I promise you as bad as you may think it is, it’s worse. Every day Texas farmers and ranchers are finding dead bodies on their properties.â€
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LONGVIEW – The World Series Champion Texas Rangers winter caravan will be stopping in Longview on Friday Jan. 12 . According to our news partner KETK, Reliever Josh Sborz, who pitched the World Series final outs and Rangers radio voice Matt Hicks will appear at the Kroger grocery store on West Marshall Avenue in Longview from 3:30 to 5 p.m. On display will be the Commissioner’s Trophy. The Commissioner’s Trophy is presented to the World Series winner. To see the full schedule of the Texas Rangers winter caravan, click here.
WHITEHOUSE – One person is dead after an officer-involved shooting Friday afternoon in Whitehouse. According to our news partner KETK, the shooting happened at the Pecan Woods Apartments on W. Main Street in Whitehouse around 12:15 p.m. as police answered a call about a disturbance. Officials say the shooting involved a Whitehouse Police Officer and a suspect in that disturbance.
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VAN – The City of Van has removed mandatory restrictions on the use of non-essential water Thursday. This according to a city official talking to KTBB. The stage five water restrictions had been in place since January 4. Stage five meant that except for health, sanitary and safety needs, water use was not allowed.
LIVINGSTON – 
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced that one person is dead and two were life-flighted after a shooting on Tuesday night according to our news partners at KETK. Officials said they are investigating a shooting at a residence in the Kickapoo Marina subdivision around 11:25 p.m., and on the scene they found one man dead and two others with multiple gunshot wounds. The sheriff’s office said that the two men were life-flighted to receive care for their injuries. Authorities said there is no immediate danger to the public or residents of the area. Read the rest of this entry »
POLK COUNTY – Our colleagues at KETK report that a second person was arrested for murder after a body was found in a Polk County driveway in early December. Officials said Polk County detectives, with assistance from the Texas Rangers, obtained an arrest warrant for Shawn Anthony Thor, 24, of Livingston, on Dec. 28. The arrest was part of an extensive investigation into the murder of Jacob Timothy Neal, 29, according to authorities, who was found in a private driveway on Duff Road. 24-year-old Toby Wayne Ford was arrested soon after Neal was found, and the death was determined to be a murder. Thor was booked into the Polk County Jail with a bond of $250,000.
LONGVIEW – A shooting early Wednesday morning in Longview has hospitalized a man with life-threatening injuries. According to our news partner KETK, the unnamed man was found in the backyard of a home on East Lynnwood Lane around 5:45 a.m. Wednesday. Emergency personnel transported the individual to a local hospital for treatment. Detectives continue their investigation in the case. Longview Police ask if you have information to call them at 903-237-1110. Or contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP or online to give anonymous tips.
CANTON – 
Texas DPS said that a crash on Dec. 27 has left one dead near Canton, according to our news partners at KETK. Officials said that a 2002 Nissan was traveling east on SH 64 when it left the roadway and struck a concrete culvert. DPS said that the driver of the vehicle, identified as Michael Miller, 65 of Canton, was pronounced dead at Christus Mother Francis in Canton. Officials said the investigation is ongoing, however there is no additional information available at the moment.
PALESTINE – Authorites in Palestine made an arrest Tuesday for the sexual assault of a minor. According to our news partner KETK, 50-year-old Joseph Lee Zeleny of Palestine is charged with two counts of sexual assault of a child. Palestine PD received the complaint of the sexual abuse that allegedly occurred over several years. In a search of Zeleny’s home on N. Mallard Street, investigators discovered “several evidentiary items†and they expect more charges to be filed. Zeleny was given a $600,000 bond when he was arrested.
HOPKINS COUNTY — 
Our news partners at KETK report that two men have been arrested for delivery of fentanyl and charged with the murder of a man. According to a release from Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office, on Dec. 26 Braden Wooten, 21, was reportedly found dead in his residence. During the initial response, pills were allegedly found and believed to contain fentanyl. An investigation conducted by deputies began to determine who had provided Wooten the contraband. Two suspects, Xavier Hill and Bryson Lacey, have been arrested for delivery of the substance and have been charged in the death of Wooten. Their bonds have been set at $1 million.
NACOGDOCHES — Our news partners at KETK report that a man has been sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty of murder in an August 1, 2021 shooting. According to the Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s Office, Elmer Williamson Jr. was found guilty of the murder of Javinsky “Mucci†Lampkin and three aggravated assaults for causing serious bodily injury with a deadly weapon to Ladarvis Nelson, Adam Shepherd and Dontavian Sterns. After the five-day trial, the jury assessed Williamson’s punishment and gave him a term of 20 years confinement for each of the three counts of aggravated assault, in addition to the life sentence for murder. He was also fined $10,000 for each of the four counts. These sentences are reportedly the maximum punishment that Williamson could receive.
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TYLER – 
Our news colleagues at KETK report that the City of Tyler announced that the solid waste department alongside Keep Tyler Beautiful (KTyB) will provide two Christmas tree drop of locations for community members. According to a release, residents will be able to drop off their non-flocked, undecorated, natural Christmas trees to be recycled, starting the day after Christmas until Jan. 14. The City of Tyler said the drop off locations will be at Golden Road Park at the intersection of McDonald and Golden Road and Fun Forest Park in the 900 block of North Glenwood Boulevard. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – A woman in the Smith County Jail is dead after reportedly losing consciousness on Wednesday at 12:05 p.m. According to a release, a medical emergency was called to the Smith County Jail. Susan Taylor, 58, an inmate, reportedly lost consciousness in the day room and was non-responsive. Authorities said Smith County medical personnel responded and immediately began lifesaving measures, and UT Health EMS arrived shortly after and took Taylor to the ER. Taylor died at the hospital. Precinct One Justice of the Peace Derrick Choice arrived at the hospital and ordered an autopsy. Taylor was then transported to Forensic Medical in Tyler. Texas Rangers will investigate Taylor’s death per Smith County Sheriff’s Office’s protocol.
SMITH COUNTY — An 11-year-old boy is dead after crashing into a tree early Wednesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, a DPS preliminary report says the boy was six miles west of Tyler on CR 220 when he lost control of his vehicle and hit a tree. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. Officials also say an investigation is ongoing.
TYLER – One person has died after a crash Tuesday afternoon on Old Jacksonville Highway in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police said an occupant in that vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident at Old Jacksonville Highway and Fairmont Drive. Tyler PD is continuing to investigate the cause of the accident.
HENDERSON – 
Our news partners at KETK report that a pedestrian is dead after being struck on US 79 in Henderson on Friday. According to Henderson PD, officers responded to the scene in the 400 block of U.S. Highway 79 South around 7:45 p.m. where they found the man and began life saving measures until police arrived. “The pedestrian was then transported to a nearby hospital, where the pedestrian succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased,†officials said. Officials said the driver of the car remained on the scene and cooperated with authorities. The crash is still under investigation, and police said they will continue to evaluate any potential leads
NACOGDOCHES – With the retirement Chief Sandra Murray, Nacogdoches ISD named their new police chief last week. According to our news partner KETK, the district has named Joel Barton Jr. as its police chief. Barton is a former officer with the Nacogdoches Police Department with nearly 20 years experience in law enforcement.
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WASHINGTON – A Carthage man last week waived his right to a jury trial and instead will have a bench trial for this participation in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. According to our news partner KETK, 36-year-old Alex Harkrider is facing multiple federal charges including civil disorder. He was arrested in January 2021, when he posted photos and videos to social media bragging about being at the Jan. 6 riots in Washington, D.C. A bench trial means a judge decides the outcome of his case instead of a jury. The bench trial for Alex Harkrider is set to begin Jan. 2 in Washington.
ANDERSON COUNTY – TOur news partners at KETK report that two people are dead after a crash Wednesday morning on US 287 north of Elkhart. According to a preliminary DPS report, a 2022 Toyota Tacoma towing a trailer was traveling south on the highway when it approached a curve and the trailer began to sway. Officials said this caused the truck to lose control and cross into the northbound lane, striking a 2018 Nissan Armada that was traveling north. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Tacoma was identified as Alfred Velma, 62 of Seagoville, and the driver of the Armada was identified as 32-year-old Celsey Lively, of Elkhart. Lively was reported by officials to not have been wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.
COFFEE CITY – Frank Serrato was booked into the Henderson County Jail Friday afternoon. According to our news partner KETK, the 53-year-old Serrato was charged with six counts of tampering with with government records with intent to seal, defraud or cause harm. He was held on a $900,000 bond. Serrato posted bond this afternoon. This comes after the recent arrest of former Coffee City Police Chief JohnJay Portillo and the deactivation of the Coffee City Police Department in September. Serrato resigned from his position of mayor in August of 2022 after the resignation of three Coffee City Council members and the city secretary.
COFFEE CITY – Henderson County Sheriff’s Department said that Frank Serrato, former mayor of Coffee City is wanted for tampering with government records. According to our news partner KETK, also wanted along with Serrato on the same charge is former Coffee City police officer Lonnie Hicks. Serrato resigned from the mayor’s office August of last year. In September of this year, the police department was dissolved and its Chief Of Police JohnJay Portillo was arrested.
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TYLER – The Tyler solid waste department in association with Keep Tyler Beautiful is providing two Christmas tree drop off locations for those in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the drop off locations will be at Golden Road Park and Fun Forest Park. Those dropping off trees are asked that the tree be non-flocked, not decorated, natural Christmas trees. The city asks that all lights, ornaments, tinsel and garland be removed as well.
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LONGVIEW — Our news colleagues at KETK report the Longview PD is investigating a shooting that occurred on Tuesday that injured one person. According to a release, Longview officers responded to a shooting at the Preserve Apartments located at 600 W. Avalon Avenue at around 6:24 p.m. When officers arrived, they reportedly discovered a juvenile male victim with multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was reportedly taken to a local hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials said the case is ongoing with detectives still gathering information. The public is asked if they have any information on this case to contact Longview PD at 903-237-1110 or Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP(7867) or online at greggcountycrimestoppers.org.
PRINCETON — Three children have reportedly been abducted in the Princeton area. According to our news partner KETK, an Amber Alert has been issued for 16-year-old Zainab Ali, 5-year-old Umar Ali and 8-year-old Ayesha Ali.
Princeton PD suspects 37-year-old Nazia Ali, the mother of the three, as the person taking them. She was driving a black 2017 Mercedes 300 with a Texas license plate NBV-5334. They say the three children left with Ali, their mother, who does not have the rights to the children because of bond conditions.
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HENDERSON COUNTY– A Henderson County Commissioner’s crew is accused of illegally dumping near the Trinity River. According to our news partner KETK, the Henderson County Fire Marshall received a complaint about County Commissioner Precinct 1 work crews dumping items on the property of the Trinity River Authority. The Trinity River Authority supervises the surface water resources of the Trinity River Basin. Due to the complaint, the Fire Marshall’s office and the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality are doing a joint investigation.
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