Today is
Monday July 27, 2026
TYLER – The family of fallen Smith County deputy Lorenzo Bustos had their mortgage paid in full by an organization that supports the families of first responders and veterans. It was announced Thursday by The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, this according to our news partner KETK. The foundation began after 9/11, with the purpose of providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children. Lorenzo was struck and killed by a drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop on his last day of training with the Smith County Sheriff’s Department. That was July 29, 2022. Lorenzo Bustos is survived by his wife Gloria and their four young children.
TYLER – Here is the traffic information for the upcoming Rose City Airfest scheduled for Friday, June 30th. This year, all general admission and VIP parking will be located at 2535 Dixie Dr, Tyler, TX 75704. This is a large open field. Busses will take people from the back areas of the parking lot to a drop off area near the front gates of the event. All VIP are asked to display or have their special entry permit readily available. Signage will be displayed on Hwy 64 about parking. There are message boards about the air show for both east and westbound traffic about a mile in each direction from Airport Dr. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is proud to announce the launch of a new reporting system designed to combat illegal dumping and keep East Texas clean. The system, called RID – Report Illegal Dumping, is a simple and convenient way for residents to report instances of illegal dumping in their neighborhoods and communities. Illegal dumping is a persistent problem in many communities, creating health and safety hazards, detracting from the beauty of neighborhoods, and negatively impacting the environment. The new online system provides a convenient solution to this problem, allowing residents to quickly and easily report incidents of illegal dumping with just a few clicks. Read the rest of this entry »
PALESTINE – A man has been arrested after leading police on a chase that ended in a crash and a seizure of drugs and a firearm according to our news partners at KETK. On June 26, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office alerted the Palestine Police Department that a Nissan Altima driven by a Black male in a white shirt had been involved in an assault on a peace officer that led to a pursuit. An officer found the reported vehicle by confirming the license plate number and attempted to stop it on East Palestine Avenue near Gardner Drive. The release stated that the vehicle did not stop and a pursuit continued down Highway 155 before the driver left the roadway after trying to turn onto North Loop 256 at a high speed and crashed. Read the rest of this entry »
KILGORE – Wednesday morning all the work paid off as the 84th Kilgore College Rangerette Line was revealed. According to our news partner KETK, 32 freshmen have earned a spot on this years team. With 9 of the Rangerette’s hailing from East Texas. The new freshmen for the 84th line are:
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MARSHALL — The cause of a train derailment at Marshall Depot Wednesday morning, involving a Union Pacific train carrying a cargo of vehicles remains under investigation, officials said. No one was injured and no environmental issues were reported when eight freight cars of a train derailed Wednesday morning, according to the City of Marshall via the Marshall News Messenger. Union Pacific officials said the derailment occurred about 8 a.m. “At about 8:00, an estimated eight rail cars on a Union Pacific train derailed in Marshall, Texas,†Robynn Tysver with Union Pacific media relations told the Marshall News Messenger. “The incident occurred west of the intersection of Van Zandt Avenue and N. Franklin Street,†she said. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – Our news partners at KETK are reporting that a pedestrian is dead after being struck by a truck on SH 110 Monday night just north of Tyler. According to a DPS report, Harold Hagler, 52, of Longview, was walking across the road around 9:30 p.m. when he was struck by a Ford F-150. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver of the truck was reported to not have been injured. The crash remains under investigation.
TYLER – The City Council approved new regulations to manage utilities in the City’s Right-of-Way (ROW) and easements on Wednesday, June 28. The updated Chapter 15 Code of Ordinance Article VI includes provisions for ROW cleanliness, removing old and abandoned facilities, and insurance and bonding requirements. The amendments are needed to reduce resident complaints and ensure the removal of unused poles and boxes and set more permitting requirements. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — It has been years in development, a food truck park will be in Tyler. According to our news partner KETK, the plans for the park were started in 2016, but when the downtown project was put on hold, so was the park. In January, city officials approved the South Broadway location for the food truck park. It will be in the parking lot of the old Shogan restaurant. The current plan has this location for up to eight food trucks. Food truck owners can use the Shogun kitchen for food prep. Lot planners say they feel having all the trucks in the northwest corner of the location will give better parking to customers on the property. Special use permits will be available for one year and subject to renewal for all food trucks participating. At this time, there is no set date when the Tyler food truck park will be opening.
TYLER – It is being reported that an investigation has initiated into the The Catholic Diocese of Tyler and Bishop Joseph Strickland. According to our news partner KETK, the National Catholic Reporter talked to a spokeswoman from the Diocese on Monday, who confirmed there was an apostolic visitation last week. A reason was not given for the visitation. A apostolic visitation is when a papal rep travels on assignment to investigate a situation. A report is then submitted to the Vatican at the conclusion of the investigation. The Pope then decides is any action is deemed necessary. There is speculation from some Catholic news agencies that the papal visitation is due to Bishop Strickland’s strong on-line presence. However, some say it could be the Vatican having questions about management of the Tyler diocese.
TYLER – A Jacksonville, Texas man has been convicted of federal sex trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs Tuesday. Desnique Deshawn Herndon, 27, was convicted of six counts of sex trafficking of children and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children. Herndon was found guilty of all counts by a jury following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker. Read the rest of this entry »
WINONA- Winona ISD announced Tuesday the hiring of a new principal for Winona High School. According to our news partner KETK, Mark Hageman is the new principal. He has been an educator for 18 years and comes to Winona from Chapel Hill ISD. Upon his hiring Hageman said, “I am excited about the opportunity to lead such a vibrant and dynamic school community. Winona High School has a tradition of excellence, and I am committed to continuing that tradition while also promoting innovation and growth.†Hageman, earned his Bachelor Of Science at Stephen F. Austin University and is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard.
TYLER – The Junior League of Tyler supports Tyler area nonprofits on an annual basis through grant requests voted on by Junior League of Tyler members. Starting now through September 1, 2023, eligible non-profits can apply for grant-based funds from the Junior League of Tyler. The service-based organization has given more than $8 million back to the community since its founding in 1960 and will continue to provide to selected community projects and endeavors. Throughout its history, the Junior League of Tyler has awarded grants to over a hundred community organizations and was instrumental in founding The Discovery Science Place, The Tyler Museum of Art, and Hospice of East Texas, among others. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A Tyler man pleaded guilty in the 2022 murder of his roommate and is sentenced to 40 years in prison. According to our news partner KETK, 27 year-old Timothy Jones was arrested a short time after the body of 53 year-old Anthony Wilson was found in a North Tyler woods. Police say Jones girlfriend told them that Jones and another person moved the body from a house to a car. Edna Jones and Christian Whitney-Polk have been indicted with evidence tampering and intent to impair a human corpse. Timothy Jones pleaded guilty to murder and received his sentence the same day.
PAYNE SPRINGS – Payne Springs Fire Rescue are trying to find an SUV that hit a house late Friday night. According to our news partner KETK, officials say after the SUV collided with a house, the driver fled the location. An occupant at the residence had a minor injury and with no treatment needed. The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating this as a hit and run.
TYLER – State officials say that replacement SNAP benefits are available to those who lost food due to the recent power outage. According to our news partner KETK, to get replacement benefits you need to fill out and submit form H1855 to the local Texas Health and Human Services Commission office within ten calendar days of discovering food lost or destroyed. To get more information from the Texas Health And Human Services Commission, click here.
TYLER – A Smith County grand jury has indicted 19-year-old Nicholas Hudson in a double homicide at a Tyler apartment complex March 23. Hudson is charged in the shootings of 19-year-old Donovan Dodd and 17-year-old Ladarius Jackson. They were at the Royal Crest apartments , inside their vehicle, when police found them dead from several gunshot wounds. According to our news partner KETK,the initial investigation had two other defendants involved, but the grand jury declined to go forward. Hudson is currently in the Smith County Jail with bonds totally $2 million.
TYLER – An additional round of severe thunderstorm activity hit East Texas Friday evening. According to our news partner KETK, over 1,597 power outages have been reported. To find the report listed by electric companies and cooperatives click here.
TYLER – The City of Tyler said at least ten different intersections were without power as of 8 p.m. on Friday. This according to our news partner KETK.
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LONGVIEW – Recycling will not be collected the week of Monday, June 26, to allow residents to use their recycling carts for trash due to large amounts of food waste caused by the recent power outages. Recycling services are now expected to resume the week of Monday, July 3. Also, sanitation crews will continue to collect storm debris. During this time, collections will not count against residents’ four free annual bulky item pickups. Residents with yard waste to be collected should contact the Public Works department or submit a ticket through CitySend. In order to be collected, debris must be between 3 feet and 10 feet in length. Branches less than 3 feet in length should be bundled. If you need more information go here.
KILGORE – Kilgore College has named Amber Williams as head softball coach for the 2023-24 season.
She’s the third softball coach in the program’s 11-year history, having served most recently as head softball coach at Marshall High School.
An official press conference welcoming Williams as KC’s new coach will be held at Noon on Tuesday, June 27, in the Devall Room (Kilgore campus) in the Devall Student Center.
Williams was a standout softball player at Kilgore High School and KC, and was an assistant softball coach at the college. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The City of Tyler will host the annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration at Lindsey Park, located at 12557 Spur 364 West, on Tuesday, July 4. The fun kicks off as the gates open at 3 p.m. and the fireworks show will begin after dark (around 9 p.m.). The park gate, located off Spur 364, is the only entrance, and admission is free.
Live entertainment will include music from Complete Weddings & Events. Vendors and Food Trucks can still register to be a part of the event until June 29. Read the rest of this entry »
LONGVIEW – The Longview City Council unanimously approved John Ross Albertson as Director of Parks and Recreation during its meeting on Thursday, June 22.
Albertson, who currently serves as the Director of Putnam County Parks and Recreation in Cookeville, Tennessee, was selected by City Manager Rolin McPhee after a months-long, nationwide search. Director-level positions in the City of Longview are recommended by the City Manager and approved by the City Council.
TYLER — The Better Business Bureau says to be on alert for less-than-honest contractors should you need one after severe weather in our area. According to our news partner KETK, scammers will try to prey on your emotions so you will make a quick decision.
What do you need to watch for? Low job bids. No brick and mortar locations and demanding cash. What can you do to tilt the scales in your favor? Take photos of the damage. Then call your insurance company, and get an adjuster to survey the damage. Get everything in writing from the company doing the work and never pay the full fee until the job is done.
The BBB adds it is good idea to take pictures of the license plates of vendor vehicles that are coming to your home.
Do all this and you’ll get a project done and make a valuable contact for future work at your home.
To get more information from the Best Business Bureau go here.
WOOD COUNTY – Wood County authorities arrest a man after he admitted he admitted drowning his daughter’s nine puppies. 66 year-old Jerry Lynn Thompson of Hawkins said to Wood County Sheriff deputies via phone that his daughter was threatening to burn his house down. When they arrived, they found out that Thompson had killed nine of his daughters 12 pups. Which is why she threatened to burned his house down. Deputies then arrested Thompson on nine counts of cruelty of non-livestock animals. He is in the Wood County jail on a $135,000 bond.
SHELBY COUNTY – Wednesday Gov. Greg Abbott added two more East Texas counties to the state’s disaster declaration. According to our news partner KETK, Morris and Shelby counties were included due to widespread electrical infrastructure damage. They join Franklin, Harrison, Marion, Upshur, Wood, Camp, Gregg, Hopkins, Panola, Smith and Titus counties on the state disaster declaration list. By having the disaster declaration, the counties will get more state resources, personnel and equipment to help deal with last week storm damage.
Tyler — UT Health Tyler has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR (National Cardiovascular Data Registry) Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. UT Health Tyler is one of only 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.
The award recognizes UT Health Tyler’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that UT Health Tyler has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations. Read the rest of this entry »
EAST TEXAS — The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) will distribute fresh produce and emergency food boxes at multiple locations in East Texas this week to assist East Texans impacted by the power outages. Last week’s severe weather storm caused widespread power outages and damage, with several East Texas counties being part of the state’s disaster declaration. The emergency boxes contain shelf-stable food including cans of food and personal hygiene items. The distributions are open to the public while supplies last. No ID or paperwork is required. To find the schedule for this and other East Texas Food Banks events click here and select “find food.”
HARRISON COUNTY – A 35-year-old lineman has died after working in the heat trying to restore power to East Texans. Harrison County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Judge John Oswalt told our news partners at KETK that on Monday, the 35-year-old lineman told co-workers he was feeling overheated and not well. Oswalt said the worker was taken back to his hotel for a medical evaluation to rehydrate and take a cold shower. After the evaluation, Oswalt said the heat exhausted lineman told co-workers and evaluators that he was feeling better so they left him to recover and rest for while they went back out to work. When the lineman’s roommate return to the hotel later that day, Oswalt said the lineman was found on the floor unresponsive and called for medical help. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A Bullard man was indicted for impersonating a public servant in Smith County. According to our news partners at KETK, Jason Fears, 35, was arrested in January after officials said he flashed red and blue lights and made a hand signal at someone to pull over. The incident happened in Chandler, and the man Fears attempted to pull over called law enforcement. According to officials, the caller followed Fears to Tyler and he was later pulled over for speeding. After learning about the incident, Fears was arrested for impersonating a public servant, and booked into Smith County Jail. Fears was indicted on May 4 for exercising a function of a public servant without legal authority by performing “a traffic stop using emergency flashing lights,†according to the indictment. Fears was booked into Smith County Jail on Saturday following his indictment, and was released the same day after posting a $75,000 bond.