Today is
Tuesday July 21, 2026
TYLER – On Wednesday, an East Texan was given a 20-year prison sentence for allegedly distributing illegal substances, namely crack cocaine. In the 475th District Court, Derrish Graydon, 44, entered a guilty plea to participating in organized crime. According to court documents, he was subsequently given a 20-year term for the offense. In relation to the alleged crack cocaine ring that operated in buildings close to nearby daycare centers and schools, Graydon is the third person to enter a guilty plea and get a term. On May 7, Samatraus Forge, who was found to be the leader of a criminal organization with others serving as his drug salespeople, was given a life sentence after entering a guilty plea to three charges of organized crime. Read the rest of this entry »
Tyler – This week, 361 Tyler ISD teachers were surprised with the prestigious TOP (Tyler Optimal Performance) Teacher designation, resulting in $4,365,127 in additional compensation from the state. The designation is part of Tyler ISD’s Approved Local Designation System under the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA), created by House Bill 3 to attract and retain highly effective educators.
To earn a TOP Teacher designation, educators must meet rigorous criteria, including student growth metrics, attendance, teacher observation data, and student surveys. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Friends and colleagues of fallen Tyler Fire Department Driver/Engineer Scott Starkey will pass through Tyler on Wednesday as part of a funeral procession in his honor.
According to our news partner KETK, Starkey died from cancer on May 16 after serving as a firefighter for the Tyler Fire Department for over 25 years. His funeral service will be held at Flint Baptist Church at around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday and will be followed by the procession.
The procession will make its way north from Flint Baptist Church, pass through the city of Tyler on Loop 323 and end at the Bascom Cemetery. The City of Tyler said drivers could see some traffic delays as the procession passes through.
SMITH COUNTY – The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) will host virtual and in-person public meetings to share information and gather input on the proposed extension of Toll 49 from State Highway 110 to US Route 271, part of the Tyler Outer Loop. The proposed project is currently undergoing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) study. The environmental study will follow the requirements of federal and state law.
The public meetings are open to anyone interested in learning more about Toll 49 Segment 6 and the EIS process. The project team will be on hand to answer questions. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – There will be a funeral procession through parts of south Tyler on May 27, in honor of the late Tyler Fire Department Driver/Engineer Scott Starkey. The route will begin at Flint Baptist Church in Flint. And end at Bascom Cemetery, in Tyler. Traffic could be briefly affected during this time. The funeral will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by the procession.
TYLER – A man accused of shooting and killing a 29-year-old Marine veteran during a road rage incident in February was given a trial date by a judge on Tuesday. Dayton Alexander Morgan, 23, of Ben Wheeler, is accused of murdering Trevor Julian, 29, of Whitehouse, who died on February 13 at the Tyler intersection of East Grande Boulevard and Paluxy Drive. His bond has been set at $1 million since his arrest. He entered a not guilty plea and asserted self-defense. Read the rest of this entry »
HENDERSON COUNTY – Following a small plane crash at a private airpark Tuesday morning, airpark officials announced that one person had died. The aircraft crashed on the landing strip at Frankston’s Aero Estates Subdivision at approximately eight in the morning, according to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse. The pilot was testing one of his aircraft when he tried a “impossible turn,” which resulted in the crash and his death, according to Wagenaar, the airpark manager and president of the POA. Wagenaar stated that witnesses apparently observed the pilot make a few passes before making the difficult maneuver and “[…] did not have enough altitude to perform a proper landing,” despite the fact that he was not present when the incident occurred. Read the rest of this entry »
CHAPEL HILL – Chapel Hill ISD is deeply saddened by the recent and sudden loss of 2026 graduate Vanessa Vazquez. Vanessa was a valued member of the Bulldog family, and her passing is heartbreaking for our students, staff, and community. The school extends their heartfelt condolences and prayers to her family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved her.
During this difficult time, we ask our community to keep the Vazquez family in your thoughts and to respect their privacy as they grieve. Counseling support will be available for students and staff members in need.
Vanessa will always be remembered as part of the Bulldog family.
TYLER – In the Texas Lottery® scratch ticket game Casino Millions, a Tyler resident won a $1 million top prize ticket. The ticket was bought at Tyler’s Travel Center, located on 407 E. Northeast Loop 323. The claimant chose to keep their identity anonymous. Under the Texas Lottery’s Retailer Bonus Program, the retailer may receive a $10,000 bonus for selling the ticket that won the prize. This was the second of ten $1 million top prizes that could be won in this game. The total prizes offered by Casino Millions exceed $195.3 million. Including break-even prizes, the overall odds of winning any prize in the game are one in 3.45.
EAST TEXAS – With the polls closed across East Texas and beyond, and the votes tallied, the Texas Secretary of State’s office has updated election results for both Republican and Democratic Primary Elections. This election includes the major runoff for U.S. Senate between incumbent John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. You can find those updated results here.
TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) kicks off the free Summer Food Program for children on Tuesday, June 2, at 43 East Texas locations with a special event at the Glass Recreation Center in Tyler from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. featuring food, activities and more. The PepsiCo Foundation’s Food for Good sponsors the event.
“It’s so important to make sure children do not go hungry in the summer just because school is out,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “Here in East Texas, 1 in 4 children are food insecure so it’s up to our community to make sure we fill that meal gap when the school year ends and kids lose access to free and reduced-price meals they depend on.”
Food for Good is helping transform food access in rural and underserved communities by using PepsiCo’s logistical expertise to deliver nutritious meals year-round. Read the rest of this entry »
GUN BARREL CITY – Firefighters and and Gun Barrel City Police Department officers were sent out to Tom Finely Park on Cedar Creek Lake at around 1:34 p.m. on Monday after a swimmer was reportedly injured in the water. According to Gun Barrel City Fire Department and our news partner KETK, officers found the swimmer in shallow water at around 100 yards away from the park’s swimming area. The patient was stabilized in the water and then floated back to the shore by firefighters.
The swimmer was then transported to a local hospital for treatment. The extent of the swimmer’s injuries has not been reported by Gun Barrel City Fire Department.
SMITH COUNTY – A vehicle is currently stuck inside a house in Smith County after crashing into the home on Monday afternoon.
According to officials with Smith County Emergency Services District 2, the crash occurred at around 5 p.m. after the driver of a Jeep crashed into a home located off Highway 271 in the Eagle Creek subdivision.
Firefighters are currently on the scene working to remove the vehicle from the house. No injuries have been reported following the crash and all the residents have been removed from the home. It is unclear at this time how the crash occurred.
TYLER – On Monday, a drive-by gunshot on Tyler’s North Grand Avenue resulted in one injury. The Tyler Police Department reports that at approximately 1 p.m. on Monday, officers responded to a reported shooting in the 3100 block of N. Grand Avenue. Our news partners at KETK report that one individual was hurt after being struck by falling debris during the gunfire, according to the officers who arrived at the site. To receive treatment for non-life-threatening injuries, the injured person has been taken to a nearby hospital. It is believed that a white Mercedes that was discovered close to the area was utilized in the shooting. Tyler PD emphasized that no suspect has been taken into custody as of yet and that the shooting was not an isolated event.
EAST TEXAS — East Texans head back to the polls for the primary runoff election and every county in the region has its own set of decisions to make. Our news partner KETK has put together a guide; whether you’re double?checking where to vote or previewing the races on your ballot, this guide keeps the essential details in one place so you can cast your vote with confidence. Always confirm final voting information with your county’s official election office. You may view the guide here.
SMITH COUNTY – Following an SUV and an 18-wheeler collision on Sunday, FM 14 in Smith County, south of Hawkins, was closed. At approximately 5:12 p.m. on Sunday, an 18-wheeler and an SUV collided in the 16000 block of FM 14, trapping one passenger, according to Smith County Emergency Services District 2. One passenger needed to be removed from the SUV in order to be transported to a nearby hospital for treatment after it was flipped onto its roof during the collision. The severity of the passenger’s injuries is unknown to Smith County officials. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not hurt in the collision. In order to clear the road, Smith County officials announced that FM 14 would be closed until further notice at the time of the crash.
SMITH COUNTY – Smith County will have 19 voting centers open for the Primary Runoff Election from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.
Statewide runoff races are on the ballot. U.S. Senator, Attorney General, Railroad Commissioner and Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 3, Judge are on the Republican ticket. The Democratic ballot will have runoff races for U.S. Representative, District 1, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General. The City of Tyler Mayor Runoff Election is not on the current ballot. That election is set for June 13, with early voting beginning June 1. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Crews have responded to a major crash involving an 18-wheeler on FM 14 , state park highway, Sunday. According to our news partner KETK and Smith County Emergency Services District 2, an 18-wheeler and an SUV crashed on FM 14 at around 5:12 p.m. on Sunday, leaving one passenger trapped.
The SUV was flipped on its roof during the crash and one passenger had to be extracted from the vehicle so they could be taken to a hospital for treatment. Smith County officials do not know the extent of the passenger’s injuries.
The 18-wheeler driver was uninjured in the crash. Smith County officials said FM 14 would be closed until further notice as they work to clear the roadway.
TYLER – Memorial Day is almost here and East Texans are preparing to host several events that will honor United States soldiers who’ve died while at war. The holiday was first nationally observed as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868, because Union General John A. Logan wanted to honor the Union soldiers who died in the American Civil War, which had ended just three years before.
To help East Texans find local events for the annual observance, our news partner KETK has put together the following list of Memorial Day events happening across East Texas.
TYLER – The Topps Pizza on Shiloh Road in Tyler is closed after a fire burned the restaurant over Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, the fire started at around 1 a.m. on Sunday but wasn’t noticed and called in until at around 6 a.m. or 7 a.m. Luckily, the Tyler Fire Department has a station directly next door to Topps Pizza and they were able to quickly put out the fire.
The fire has been ruled accidental and those at the scene speculated that it may have been started by an electrical fan left on overnight. Fire damage was reportedly contained to one area and most of the damage done to the restaurant was from smoke.
Topps Pizza at 3101 Shiloh Road Suite 131 Tyler is currently closed until further notice as the owner works to repair the restaurant. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the business cover repair costs.
JACKSONVILLE – Over the weekend, a man at the center of an hours-long standoff in Jacksonville turned on himself. At approximately 4:42 p.m., Jacksonville police officers arrived at the Sweet Union Apartments on Highway 69 North. Saturday. The 20-year-old Roy Patrick Hamilton Jr. was accused of assaulting a woman while carrying a weapon. After barricading himself, he eventually left the apartment and became at-large. Hamilton turned himself in to the Cherokee County Jail, according to Jacksonville Police Chief Steven Markasky on Monday. He is currently being held in custody.
JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville Police Department officer Elyse Hand has won the Department of Justice’s 2026 Hometown Hero Award after she was shot in Nov. 2025. Hand and a Jacksonville PD K-9 were injured while she was serving warrants for a then-wanted fugitive who opened fire as Hand called out to him at his home. Hand is now on the road to recovery with help from her young son and her husband, who’s a Texas State Trooper.
U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of the Eastern District of Texas announced Hand as their district’s recipient of the 2026 Hometown Hero Award on Friday. According to our news partner KETK, the awards are being given out to law enforcement members around the country this year as part of President Donald Trump’s Freedom250 initiative for the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Photo of Elyse Hand, courtesy of U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs’ Office. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – East Texas pet lovers gathered at Bergfeld Park in Tyler on Saturday for a Dog Days of Summer Festival where pet owners could get vaccinations and even adopt a new furry friend. On top of animal services like vaccinations, microchipping and deworming, pets and their owners also got to take part in dog races, a musical sit game and a best dressed pet contest. The festival also featured several local vendors and food trucks with donations benefiting the Pets Fur People Rescue Fund.
Pets Fur People, Angel Paws Advocates, Pawsitive Place Rescue and O’Malley Alley Cats all brought out animals to Saturday’s festival for loving East Texans to adopt. To learn more about each rescue or to adopt one of their animals, check out the following links: Pets Fur People, Angel Paws Advocates, Pawsitive Place Rescue and O’Malley Alley Cats
TYLER– The Texas Department of Transportation, alongside community leaders, held a demonstration Saturday at The Village at Cumberland Park to emphasize the life-changing importance of seat belts in the event of an accident. The event marks the beginning of an enforcement campaign by Texas law enforcement, focusing on seat belt and car seat violations.
Seat belt use is a requirement under Texas state law; however, officials report that approximately 10% of Texans still don’t buckle up. The enforcement initiative aims to increase compliance among drivers and passengers who fail to secure themselves or properly restrain children.
The demonstration at The Village at Cumberland Park featured a powerful display, showcasing a car suspended mid-air by only its seat belts, according to our news partner KETK. This visual aimed to illustrate the protective strength of these restraints.
The increased enforcement will focus on ticketing individuals who do not comply with seat belt laws or fail to properly secure children in car seats. Texas law enforcement will continue this increased enforcement campaign until May 31.
UPSHUR COUNTY – The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of Upshur County Precinct 4 Constable David Thompson on Saturday. According to the sheriff’s office and our news partner KETK, Thompson died on Saturday morning. Thompson was first elected as Precinct 4 Constable in 2020 and was re-elected to his second 4-year-term in 2024.
“David’s dedication, service and commitment to our community will not be forgotten,” the sheriff’s office said. “Please keep his family and friends in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time. He will be greatly missed.”
Thompson had previously worked with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy before he was elected as constable. Details about who will take over the Constable’s office for the remainder of Thompson’s term have not been shared.
TOOL – On Thursday evening, Henderson County residents packed into the West Cedar Creek Municipal Utility District meeting, protesting a proposal from Diode Ventures, a Kansas?based company seeking to build a data center near Key Ranch Estates.
When the room filled beyond capacity, dozens stood outside in the rain, waiting for their turn to speak. Their message was unified and blunt: “Profit should be secondary to people’s welfare.”
Diode Ventures already has two solar projects sold in Texas, one in Fort Bend County and another in Hamilton County, and is developing a massive 900?plus?acre site in Red Oak, south of Dallas, called Weston Holladay Technology Park. The company says that the project will position it as a leader in data?center development in the state’s “growing digital market.” Read the rest of this entry »
KILGORE – Kilgore College has named Chris Clifton as its new director of bands and instrumental music, bringing a Ranger Band alumnus back home to lead one of the college’s most storied traditions. Clifton, a 2003 KC graduate and former member of the Ranger Band, returns to KC after nearly two decades of public school band leadership experience across East Texas, including serving as director of bands at Carlisle ISD from 2015 to 2026. His previous experience also includes leadership roles at Gladewater ISD and Nacogdoches ISD.
As director of bands and instrumental music, Clifton will oversee the KC band program, including the Ranger Band, while working to recruit and develop student musicians for the college’s instrumental ensembles.
“For me, this is a full-circle moment,” Clifton said. “Kilgore College played a major role in shaping my musical journey, and I’m honored to return to the place that gave me so many incredible memories and opportunities. My goal is to rebuild and strengthen the tradition of excellence that has long defined the Ranger Band while creating an exciting experience for a new generation of student musicians.” Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – On Thursday, May 21, at approximately 10:15 am, Smith County Deputies responded to a reported Deadly Conduct incident that occurred at County Road 46, Old Harmony Road near Tyler. When Deputies contacted the victim, she reported that two suspects, both residents of the location, had assaulted and robbed her. They also were told that the incident took place on the previous evening and continued into the morning. At this time, Patrol personnel notified the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).
The victim was taken to the downtown office to be interviewed. During the interview, the victim stated that sometime during the preceding evening , she was approached outside the residence by the suspects, who demanded money to purchase narcotics. When she refused, one of the suspects allegedly grabbed her and cut her arm with a knife. The victim was able to escape, retreat into the residence, secure herself inside her bedroom, and remain there for the remainder of the night. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A rollover crash on Highway 31 Friday morning resulted in the death of a woman and the hospitalization of a man. A truck overturned on the highway close to Surrey Trail and County Road 279 in Tyler, according to Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2. After the initial crash, the car veered off the road. One unidentified victim was brought to the hospital, while another was declared dead at the scene. The collision occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. According to Sgt. Adam Albritton of the Department of Public Safety, both victims were not wearing a seatbelt. The crash is being investigated into by DPS.
HENDERSON COUNTY — A Henderson County man who has been accused of killing his 84-year-old father was arrested in the Dallas area on Wednesday by U.S. Marshals. Ronny Medford was extradited to the Henderson County Jail on Thursday, with bond set at $2 million.
According to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies had been searching for Ronny Medford since May 11 after he was accused of killing his father inside their family home in Payne Springs.
“We have been working closely with the community and law enforcement agencies to locate Medford and it worked,” the sheriff’s office said.