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.
TYLER – The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office said an 87-year-old man is dead after his home caught on fire on Thursday night. According to our news partner KETK, Smith County fire crews were sent to the unidentified man’s home on FM 2908 and Old Kilgore Highway, east of Tyler around 8:45 p.m. on Thursday. The press release from the county said when firefighters arrived, flames already had gone through the roof of the man’s home. Fire crews extracted the 87-year-old, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Although the fire was put out, the house is considered a total loss. The Fire Marshall’s office said while they don’t expect any foul play, they will still investigate for the cause of the fire. The name of the decreased is being withheld until an autopsy can be performed.
TYLER – An East Texas man on Tuesday, was sentenced to 99 years in prison after several run-ins with the law regarding drug charges. According to our news partner KETK, Benjamin Clark was pulled over in a traffic stop by Upshur County Narcotics Officers, for not using a turn signal. Officers were informed Clark was on parole for dealing drugs in Diana. A K9 unit led police to hidden compartments in Clark’s vehicle. These compartments contained methamphetamine and mushrooms. He was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance. He was later released from jail on bond.
Because of Clark’s other convictions, the state filed a notice of enhancement forcing him to be given a life sentence or a sentence of 25 to 99 years. On Tuesday, a jury found him guilty of possession of a controlled substance as habitual offender the jury decided to sentence him to 99 years in prison.
In a release from the Upshur County DA, “The jury gave this sentence due to Clark receiving several opportunities of probation, county jail, prison and parole to fix his life decisions- nothing stopped him from continuing to break the law. The jury rejected the defense’s argument for the minimum sentence of 25 years.”
KILGORE —
Our news partners at KETK report that Kilgore College students, especially women, are asked to remain vigilant as a man who has exposed himself multiple times remain on the run, the Kilgore College Police Department said. In the past two weeks, a man has exposed himself twice on campus, officials said. He is reportedly targeting women who are walking on campus alone, usually in the evening hours.The suspect is described as a light skinned black male, 6 foot tall with medium build and looking like an average college student. Read the rest of this entry »
EDGEWOOD – Edgewood Superintendent Kristin Prater announced her retirement from Edgewood ISD on Tuesday, that will go into effect on June, 30. According to our news partner KETK, Prater said in a release, “Looking back on my tenure, I am filled with gratitude for the partnerships we have formed, the challenges we have overcome and the many successes we have celebrated.”
Prater said she is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for new leadership in the district.
UPDATE: The Longview Fire Department confirmed that a second person has died following the fire. As of now, officials have not released the names of the deceased.
LONGVIEW – One person is dead and another injured following a Wednesday morning house fire in Longview. According to our news partner KETK, Longview Fire Marshall Kevin May said in release, firefighters were called to a house fire around 4:30 a.m. at Garfield Street and Berry Lane. He said of the five persons in the house, one died due to extreme heat. One other person is in the hospital with severe smoke inhalation. Marshall May said the cause of the fire is under investigation.