Today is
Tuesday July 21, 2026
TYLER — As summer temperatures reach a high in East Texas, it’s important to stay safe and keep yourself protected in extreme heat. Our news partner KETK has put together a guide to staying safe and cool in these hot temperatures. Extreme heat is defined as a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days, according to Ready, a U.S. government campaign designed to educate the American people. Children, those older than 65, and people who are sick or overweight, are at a greater risk of heat-related illness. Humidity helps to increase the feeling of heat, experts say.
UT Health Sports Medicine physician, Dr. Robert French, said to prevent heat cramps, “Hydrate in the morning, hydrate during activity, hydrate after activity. Having that pre-hydration part down before you start practice is the more important thing.” Dr. French said. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – As the City of Tyler celebrates the completion of phase one of their downtown revitalization plans, the intersection of North College Avenue and West Erwin Street will remain closed until further notice. “Due to a construction delay over the weekend, the streets originally scheduled to reopen on Monday, June 1, will remain closed temporarily,” the City of Tyler said. “The contractor was unable to complete the work as planned, which has delayed the final steps needed to safely reopen the area.” Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A 5-year-old child is currently in critical condition at a hospital in Dallas after they were shot at an apartment in Tyler on Friday night. The FBI is now offering up to $4,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect involved in the shooting. People are urged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. The Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers is also offering up to $2,000 through June 5, which can be submitted anonymously by calling 903-597-CUFF (2833) or online at CUFF903.org.
The Tyler Police Department said the case is still under investigation.
According to the Tyler Police Department, officers responded to a reported shooting in an apartment complex at 2700 N. Grand Avenue at around 10:45 p.m. on Friday. The officers arrived at the scene and found that a five-year-old had been shot. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — As Downtown Tyler continues their improvement project, several roadways that have been closed throughout the construction were expected to reopen on Monday, but will be forced to remain closed due to delays.
“Due to a construction delay over the weekend, the streets originally scheduled to reopen on Monday, June 1, will remain closed temporarily,” the City of Tyler said. “The contractor was unable to complete the work as planned, which has delayed the final steps needed to safely reopen the area.”
According to our news partner KETK, once the roadways are reopened, drivers should be cautious due to new traffic patterns issued across downtown.
The intersection of North College Avenue and West Erwin Street was originally slated to reopen on Monday, but is now uncertain when the street will reopen as the city enters phase two of its downtown improvement project. After reopening, West Erwin Street will operate as a two-way road, allowing drivers heading north on North Broadway Avenue to turn left onto West Erwin Street. Read the rest of this entry »
MARSHALL – A quick response and some enterprising investigative work by Marshall Police Department patrol officers led to the recovery of stolen property and the arrest of a suspect after a reported theft Friday afternoon, May 29.
At approximately 2:46 p.m., Friday, officers responded to the Wingwood Terrace area regarding the theft of a weed trimmer that had been taken from a resident’s driveway. Officers obtained surveillance footage from the victim’s security camera and were able to identify a vehicle believed connected to the theft.
While following up on the investigation, an officer began checking local pawn shops and located the suspect vehicle at one of the businesses. The suspect was found inside the pawn shop attempting to pawn the stolen weed trimmer. During the investigation, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and recovered a chainsaw believed to be stolen. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – The first phase of Tyler’s Downtown Revitalization Project is now complete, as city leaders celebrated the reopening of Erwin Street and College Avenue to two-way traffic on Friday.
Construction on Erwin Street and College Avenue started in September, during which detours, barricades, and limited access made it harder for customers to reach local businesses. Rick’s manager, J. Wright Witcher, said Rick’s and neighboring businesses have experienced a 30% decrease in profit since September. However, with Erwin Street opening back, Witcher is viewing it as a silver lining due to the street’s accessibility to Rick’s.
“It’s a lot more walkable, so we’re going to have some parking spots, and it’s going to be a lot better, you’ll be able to drive through Erwin,” Witcher said.
Phase two of the project began Monday, and no parking will be allowed on the south side of West Reguson Street, while Broadway and Erwin will have a protected left light. An increase in police presence will also be in the area to help facilitate the traffic change.
TYLER – Jury selection for the trial of the man accused of the 2023 murder of an 18-year-old Tyler woman will begin in September. Jamaurea Jermaine Britton is accused of capital murder in connection with the September 2023 beating, strangling, and stabbing death of 18-year-old Dejah Hood, according to the police.
During a hearing on Monday, the state, defense and judge discussed scheduling ahead of the trial in the 114th District Court. Jury selection is scheduled to begin Sept. 14. The jury summons for a panel of jurors will be sent out in August. The trial is set for Oct. 5. Read the rest of this entry »
LAKE CHEROKEE – An elderly person was found dead in Lake Cherokee on Saturday after they were reported missing, according to the Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department and our news partner KETK. Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department firefighters were sent out to the south part of Lake Cherokee at around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday to help look for a potential missing person.
After they arrived at the scene, they learned that an elderly person may have entered the lake. The Longview Fire Department Water Rescue Team, the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens, the Lake Cherokee Lake Patrol and Christus EMS were then brought out to the lake to help search for this missing elderly person.
The Longview Fire Department Water Rescue Team started looking for the person underwater and a short time later, they found the missing elderly person dead in the lake. Their body was recovered from the lake and officials are currently waiting to release their identity to the public.
“The Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this tragic loss,” the Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department said.
LAKE CHEROKEE — An elderly person was found dead in Lake Cherokee on Saturday after they were reported missing. According to our news partner KETK, Elderville-Lakeport Fire Department firefighters responded to the south part of Lake Cherokee around 3:45 p.m. on Saturday to help look for a potential missing person. The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office identified Kenton Brandon as the 70-year-old man who was found.
After they arrived at the scene, they learned that an elderly person may have entered the lake. The Longview Fire Department Water Rescue Team, the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens, the Lake Cherokee Lake Patrol and Christus EMS were then brought out to the lake to help search for this missing elderly person.
The Longview Fire Department Water Rescue Team started looking for the person underwater and a short time later, they found the missing elderly person dead in the lake. Read the rest of this entry »
TENNESSEE COLONY — The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting Friday night. According to our news partner KETK, arriving deputies found Joni Williams, 54 of Tennessee Colony, dead from an apparent gunshot wound. Judge Tammy Lightfoot responded to the scene of the shooting to pronounce Williams dead and she also ordered an autopsy. Authorities are apparently attempting to contact her ex-boyfriend for questioning.
On Saturday, at around 5:45 p.m., the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office was notified that Williams’ ex-boyfriend Bruce Kenton Jeffers, 65 was arrested by an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper on Interstate 10 near Benson, Arizona. Read the rest of this entry »
UPDATE: The Rusk Police Department announced that Alexander Reign Ramirez was found safe and is back with a parent.
RUSK – The Rusk Police Department is currently searching for missing 10-year-old Alexander Reign Ramirez, who was last seen on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, Ramirez is a 10-year-old Hispanic boy who weighs around 80 pounds and is 4-foot 10-inches tall. He was last seen at his home in Rusk at around 9 p.m. on Friday. He was wearing black basketball pants, a black t-shirt and grey On Cloud tennis shoes when he was last seen.
Rusk PD is also trying to contact Ramirez’s mother Maritza Marquez, as they continue to search for her son. Anyone who sees Alexander or has information is asked to call Rusk PD at 903-683-2677 or the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office at 903-683-2271.
SMITH COUNTY — Tyler Police are investigating a Friday night shooting that left a 5-year-old in critical condition. It happened around 10:45 at an apartment complex on north Grand Ave. Arriving officers found the child with an apparent gunshot wound. The child was taken to a local hospital, then flown to Dallas and is in critical condition. No other injuries were reported. Police found multiple shell casings at the location. The suspect is at large and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000 or for a cash reward of up to $1,000, tips can be submitted 100% anonymously to Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers by calling 903-597-CUFF (2833), through the P3 Tips app (available on Android and Apple), or online at CUFF903.org. Tips must be submitted through Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers to be eligible for a reward.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $4,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this individual. If you have any information concerning this investigation, please call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. You can also submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.
SMITH COUNTY — As Smith County election crews prepare for another election on June 13, workers are doing their best to fight fatigue, according to our news partner KETK. For the third time in less than a month, Smith County election officials are setting up polling locations.
“Actively working on the May 2 election, the May 26 election and the June 13th election all at the same time,” Smith County Elections Administrator Michelle Allcon said.
The June 13 runoff election will see Tyler residents choose their new mayor, and with early voting starting on Monday, people like Charlie Coleman are working behind the scenes. Read the rest of this entry »
TRINIDAD — Tension ran high Thursday evening as the Trinidad City Council met before a packed room of frustrated residents. From the start, the meeting moved through an agenda that the mayor openly said he did not support. One of the most contentious actions came when the council voted 3–1 to dismiss Municipal Judge Shella Bievens. Moments later, the council voted 3–1 again — this time to remove the city attorney. That was followed by another vote approving the hiring of outside legal counsel for upcoming litigation matters.
For many residents, the decisions felt like a step backward.
What wasn’t on the agenda?
Anything addressing the ongoing water problems that have plagued Trinidad residents for years. As the meeting ended, attendees said they were deeply disappointed, not only by the actions taken but by the issues left unaddressed by the people elected to represent them.
“I truly believe we need to start over with a new city council,” Gray said. “They are not for us. They are for themselves — not for the residents of Trinidad.”
BULLARD – The City of Bullard announced on Friday that it will raise water rates for all customers on its water system by 15%, starting in June. In a letter posted on social media, the city says data from a 2024 comprehensive review of its entire water system helped officials determine the true cost of every water connection. They also learned what revenue level the city would need to maintain the reliability of its current water system and to begin building adequate water reserves for future growth in water demand. The Bullard City Council then reviewed and discussed its comprehensive review.
The City Council found that increasing water system expenses and high demand meant that they would have to raise water bill rates for city water system customers. The council has now unanimously voted to approve a 15% increase in water and wastewater rates, which will take effect on June 1 and be reflected on July water bills. Read the rest of this entry »
PALESTINE– A criminal investigation in Palestine led to 14 people being arrested for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine and guns. According to the Palestine Police Department and our news partner KETK, the investigation was conducted through a joint partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security investigators and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The investigation was launched to address drug and gun trafficking in Palestine and concluded with 14 people being arrested for drug-related charges. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – After receiving a grant worth over $300,000 from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in the 2025 cycle. According to our news partner KETK, the TWC presented TJC staff and state and local officials with the $325,293 grant in a ceremony on Friday. The funding will support students training to be veterinary technologists and technicians and the purchase of medical training equipment for the program.
“These grants will provide students in East Texas the real-world training and technical education they need to have a successful career,” Gov. Greg Abbott said. “The future of our state is in good hands because of the education we are providing to young Texans today.” Read the rest of this entry »
Tyler – Early Voting for the City of Tyler mayor runoff election is set for June 1-9. Stuart Hene is currently serving as a Tyler City Councilmember and John Nix is a former City Councilmember are running for the position.
Early voting hours will be:
*8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, June 1-5
*9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6
*8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, June 8-9. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — A man who is hard of hearing narrowly escaped out of a window when his home caught on fire in the early Thursday morning. According to a county press release, the Smith County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call just before 1:00 a.m., reporting a house fire on County Road 35, north of Tyler.
The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire, and no foul play is expected, Fire Marshal Chad Hogue said. One adult resident was inside the home and escaped out of a window with minor injuries. He was transported to a local hospital by a family member, was treated and released. Two dogs perished in the fire and the home was damaged to the point where it was considered a total loss, Hogue said.
“No functional smoke alarms were located inside the residence and could have provided advanced warning,” he said. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — A former Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) correctional officer was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday after attempting to bring illegal drugs into the prison last year. Diamond Dunn was arrested in August 2025 after she had agreed to meet with an undercover officer at a CEFCO gas station.
During the encounter, authorities said Dunn took $2,500 and around 71 grams of methamphetamines from the undercover cop with the purpose of bringing the drugs to the TDCJ Boyd Unit, where she worked. Dunn was later charged with bribery and the manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. In April, Dunn was found guilty of bribery and was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday by the 175th Smith County District Court.
TYLER – On Wednesday, a Longview man was taken into custody in Smith County on suspicion of sexually abusing a young girl and sending her explicit messages. Longview resident Nakerey Gardner, 27, is accused of both online solicitation of a minor and aggravated sexual assault of a child. On Wednesday, he was booked into the Smith County Jail. A mother claimed in an arrest affidavit that her daughter had sex with a man she first thought was 17 years old. Read the rest of this entry »
HARRISON COUNTY – After receiving calls Tuesday evening, Harrison County Sheriff’s deputies were initially sent to a shooting at 165 Pine Valley Road in Harleton. They discovered that Jamail Boer, 38, was dead and that his brother had been shot. According to reports, Boer’s brother filed a report alleging that Boer had stolen multiple firearms, which led to the altercation. Then Boer went into the tiny bedroom and declared his intention to murder his brother. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of their former K9 Lobo, who died earlier this month. According to the sheriff’s office and our news partner KETK, Lobo and his handler, Deputy Constable Jose Terrazas, retired from the force earlier this year after nearly a decade of service.
During his time on the force, the sheriff’s office said Lobo was an exceptional dog and a trusted companion, a courageous protector and a devoted partner to Terrazas. He will also be remembered for faithfully serving his community with strength and commitment.
“Although Lobo’s watch has ended, his legacy and impact will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and served beside him,” the sheriff’s office said. “His dedication to duty and love for his handler and community will never be forgotten.”
HENDERSON COUNTY — Deputies discovered burned human remains in a backyard barrel after a neighbor reported a strange odor, launching an investigation into a violent dispute between a Henderson County father and son. According to our news partner KETk and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, May 11, at around 8 p.m., officers were dispatched after a neighbor reported a strong, unusual odor and believed a body might be inside a burn barrel.
When deputies arrived, they found a brown barrel lying on its side containing burned human remains. Deputies searched the residence and located an individual in one of the bedrooms who said he did not know about the incident. The neighbors who contacted law enforcement told deputies that Johnny, the father, and Ronny Medford, his son, had been fighting the previous day and into the early morning hours of May 11. Ronny was later seen leaving the residence that morning, and Johnny had not been seen since. The reporting party also said Johnny had come to her home several times seeking help, fearing that Ronny would hurt or kill him. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — As the heat starts to settle in and children’s schedules free up for the summer, several youth camps are opening up their doors and stretching out their hammocks in the Piney Wood’s forests for the upcoming season. For 14 camps in East Texas, however, state approval hasn’t come through yet, leaving cabins empty and lake fun at a standstill.
According to our news partner KETK, as of May 22, 16 of 30 East Texas summer camps that have applied for licensing have been approved by the state, according to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services. The new licensing regulations result from Gov. Greg Abbott’s signing of several bills, including Heaven’s 27 Camp Safety Act, which enhances safety measures for summer camps after the tragic floods at Camp Mystic last summer. Under the bills, state officials require camps to comply with new safety measures, such as installing and maintaining emergency systems, to be eligible for licensing and operation. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – According to police, a man is incarcerated after a woman was threatened and held at knifepoint during the robbery of a Tyler Dollar General. Aggravated robbery is the charge against 62-year-old Richard Gerard Taplin. On April 25, an officer was dispatched to a Dollar General in the 2300 block of West Erwin Street. According to an arrest document, a store employee told the officer that a man, later identified as Taplin, had approached her behind the counter and held a knife up to her side. Taplin, she claimed, insisted that she open the register. The woman told the officer that she believed Taplin would stab her when he said, “If you tell them anything, I will work on you,” as two male customers started to enter the store, according to the affidavit. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – Tyler police officers arrested a man over the weekend for allegedly bringing two women into a house he did not own and sexually abusing them. A 911 text was sent by the women, leading to authorities finding and assisting the victims. An arrest affidavit states that an officer was sent to a Walton Road residence after receiving a 911 text that said “help.” Two women were “completely naked and appeared to be afraid,” according to what the officers saw through a window. When the officer asked the women if they were alright, they shook their heads and indicated a room where suspect Heath Butler was. Read the rest of this entry »
FRANKSTON – According to a Federal Aviation Administration report, the plane crash in Henderson County that left its pilot dead on Tuesday morning occurred “under unknown circumstances.” Around 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, a small plane crashed in the Frankston neighborhood of Aero Estates, killing a man who was flying it. The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that the Fokker Dr.1 Dreidecker plane crashed close to a private airstrip within the community. The pilot was identified as Frankston-native Mark Whiddon by Henderson County Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Milton Adams. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – K-9 Lobo, a devoted partner and protector, is being honored by the Smith County Pct. 1 Constable’s Office. Along with his partner, K-9 Lobo, Smith County Pct. 1 Deputy Constable Jose Terrazas, a proud K-9 handler, departed from the sheriff’s office in February. The news of K-9 Lobo’s death was released by the constable’s office on Wednesday. For almost eight years, K-9 Lobo bravely and devotedly fought beside his companion on the front lines. From September 2018 to February 2026, the Dutch Shepherd was employed by the Constable’s Office. According to a statement, during this trying time, they are praying for Terrazas, his family, and every member of the sheriff’s office.
TYLER – As the Downtown Improvement Project moves closer to completion, the City of Tyler will mark a major milestone with a celebration recognizing the reopening of North College Avenue, West Erwin Street, and the intersection connecting the two.
The milestone celebration will be held on Friday, May 29, at 10:30 a.m. at the intersection of North College Avenue and West Erwin Street. The event will highlight visible progress in the heart of Downtown and recognize this important step toward the final phases of the project. Guests are encouraged to stay in the area and support Downtown businesses following the celebration.
The reopening of this key intersection on June 1 restores a major connection for drivers and offers the public a chance to see how far the project has come. For more information about the Downtown Improvement Project, visit MyTylerTexas.com.