Today is
Tuesday July 21, 2026
SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith announced Thursday evening that he will seek another term, according to our news partner KETK. He shared the news during his 70th birthday celebration surrounded by family, friends, law enforcement officials and community members. Larry Smith is a veteran of more than three decades in law enforcement, beginning his career with the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office in 1976. During his eleven years there, he advanced from Criminal Investigator to Lieutenant and ultimately Captain of the Criminal Investigation Division.
He continued his service at the federal level as a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration before joining the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 1989. Over the next 22 years, he served as a Criminal Investigator specializing in fire, explosives and forensic mapping, and worked as a Task Force Team Leader on national and international response operations. Throughout his career, Smith completed more than 8,200 hours of advanced investigative training in areas such as fire, homicide, explosives, sex crimes and management. He also provided over 1,200 hours of instruction to state, local, and federal agencies, teaching explosives post?blast procedures, fire investigation, interview techniques and clandestine drug investigation.
LONGVIEW – New guidelines for youth supervision have been added to the Longview Mall’s updated Code of Conduct. According to the mall, anyone under the age of 17 must always be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult who is at least 21 years old on Fridays and Saturdays after 4 p.m. During the summer and holidays, those hours could change. The Longview Mall Code of Conduct states that unsupervised youth shoppers must either leave the mall by 4 p.m. or have a parent or other responsible adult join them right away. Proof of age, such as a state-issued driver’s license or ID card, a military ID, a school ID card, or a passport, may be requested from minors or supervising adults. A photo and the date of birth must be included, and the identification must be impenetrable.
TYLER – The City of Tyler announced that Old Bascom Road in Tyler will be closed starting May 22, until June 25. The closure will allow for construction of the roadway and drainage improvements, the city said in release. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and should expect delays near the intersections of Old Omen Road and Old Bascom Road and Kent Drive and Old Bascom Road.
SMITH COUNTY – After entering a guilty plea, a man who was detained along with others for several alleged sexual assaults on a teenage girl in Tyler was given a 16-year jail sentence Tuesday.
In connection with crimes against a 15-year-old girl that took place last year, Lamarcus Hambrick, 32, entered a guilty plea to two charges of sexual assault of a child in the 475th District Court. According to arrest records, he was given a 16-year sentence for each offense, and his prior probation was overturned, meaning he would spend an additional two years in a state prison. The sentences will be carried out consecutively. Hambrick was discovered at a motel in September 2025 with the 15-year-old child. It was discovered by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper that Hambrick and the child had been having sex for around a week. Then after, Hambrick was taken into custody. Read the rest of this entry »
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.
These polls are open for the Primary Runoff Election Day:
*Arp Community Center: 108 E. Longview Street, Arp
*Bethel Bible Church: 17121 Highway 69 South, Tyler
*Cameron J Jarvis Library: 102 S. Georgia Street, Troup
*Chapel Hill Fire Department: 13801 CR 220, Tyler
*First Christian Church (Christian Life Center): 4202 S Broadway Ave., Tyler
*Glass Recreation Center: 501 W. 32nd Street, Tyler
*Greater Life Church: 2751 FM 344 East, Bullard
*Heritage Building: 1900 Bellwood Road, Tyler
*Hideaway Members Services Building: 101 Hide-A-Way Lane, Hideaway
*The Hub: 304 E. Ferguson Street, Tyler
*Lindale Kinzie Community Center: 912 Mt. Sylvan Street, Lindale
*&Noonday Community Center: 16662 CR 196, Tyler
*Old Tyler Airport: 150 Airport Drive, Tyler
*St. Louis Baptist Church: 4000 Frankston Highway, Tyler
*St. Violet Baptist Church: 14129 FM 2767, Tyler
*Three Lakes Middle School: 2445 Three Lakes Parkway, Tyler
*Tyler Senior Center: 1915 Garden Valley Road, Tyler
*Whitehouse City Center: 109 E. Main Street, Whitehouse
*Winona Community Center: 520 Dallas Street, Winona
For more information about voting locations, times and what is on the ballot, or to use our interactive map, go to the Smith County Website.
RUSK — A former corrections officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is awaiting a sentencing hearing after pleading guilty to conspiracy to assault an inmate in custody.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice and our news partner KETK, in his plea agreement, Samuel Thomas acknowledged that while he was on duty as a correctional officer, he opened the door of an inmate’s cell and allowed others to strike and injure the inmate. The inmate suffered bodily injury as a result of the actions, the DOJ said.
After pleading guilty on Tuesday, Thomas can now face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and could be forced to pay a fine of up to $250,000. Thomas’ sentence will be determined by a federal judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Read the rest of this entry »
GRAND SALINE — Following citizen concern about water issues, the City of Grand Saline announced they are aware of much-needed improvements for water system infrastructure and is seeking a grant.
Working with engineers, the city if pursuing a new Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) grant opportunity that could provide up to $5 million for critical water infrastructure improvements, the city said.
According to our news partner KETK, if obtained, the grant would fund a new water well, additional water storage and the replacement of aging water lines.
The grant would be obtained through a new program created by House Bill 500, which is expected to be fast-moving. Applications for the program are due by July 30 and funding decisions are expected to be made in September. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A man was arrested in Tyler early Wednesday morning after driving his car through a building on the Grace Community High School campus while he was allegedly intoxicated. According to the Tyler Police Department and our news partner KETK, Jaydien Williams struck the front of the administrative building on campus at around 4 a.m. No injuries were reported following the incident.
Williams was arrested following the crash and was charged with driving while intoxicated and possession of marijuana. The portion of the building hit by Williams’ car has been boarded, and repairs are expected to begin this week.
WINNSBORO — As storms rolled through East Texas on Tuesday night, a tragic strike of lightning left five horses at a Winnsboro equine refuge dead. The Hooker Ranch Equine Refuge is home to a herd of up to 100 horses, rescuing and rehabilitating the equines with veterinary care and a place to stay. On Tuesday night, the non-profit lost five horses after a lightning strike hit the property.
Our news partner KETK is reporting that among the five horses were two draft mares, two Standardbreds and a quarter horse. The Standardbreds — Lucy and “Look Don’t Talk” — were just put up for adoption while Freya, the quarter horse, was pending adoption.
To avoid any issues arising from burying the large animals on the property, community members lent the refuge a tractor to move the horses. Each horse was respectfully tarped and prepared for a proper burial, the refuge said.
The refuge, which operates as a shelter for surrendered horses across the state, focuses on keeping the animals out of the slaughter pipeline.
SMITH COUNTY – All non-emergency Smith County offices will be closed for business on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Offices will reopen for normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26, and Commissioners Court will be held at the normal time, 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Find the meeting’s agenda here. Offices and services from City of Tyler are also altering schedules and hours in observance of Memorial Day. Read the rest of this entry »
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. According to our news partner KETK, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies had been searching for Ronny Medford since May 12 after he was accused of killing his father inside their family home in Payne Springs.
An arrest warrant for murder was issued by a district judge for Medford following the death of his father.
“We have been working closely with the community and law enforcement agencies to locate Medford and it worked,” the sheriff’s office said.
SMITH COUNTY – Early voting for the May 26 Primary Runoff Election runs Monday through Friday, May 18-22, 2026.
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.
There are five early voting locations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Read the rest of this entry »
HENDERSON COUNTY – A narcotics search warrant in Henderson County led to the arrest of two sisters and the discovery of several illegal drugs on Tuesday.
According to our news partner KETK, Henderson County Sheriff’s Office investigators conducted the search warrant in the 500 block of Williams Street and 3rd Streets in Athens at about 11:13 p.m. During the search, two sisters, Robyn Lynnette Dewberry and Unshella Reene Dewberry, were taken into custody.
Deputies found a quantity of suspected cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana while searching the house. Multiple digital scales and plastic baggies, which are commonly used in narcotics distribution, were also located.
Robyn was arrested for manufacturing, delivery of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance and Unshella was arrested for possession of a controlled substance. The sisters were transported to the Henderson County Jail and are awaiting arraignment.
LONGVIEW – The Longview Independent School District band program is preparing for an international spotlight after the Longview High School Lobo Band was selected to perform in the prestigious London New Year’s Day Parade in 2028. The invitation-only event features thousands of performers from around the world and winds through the streets of Westminster in central London. More than 300 students from the Big Green Marching Machine, along with the Viewettes and Majorettes, are expected to represent Longview and East Texas on the international stage.
District officials announced on Tuesday during a surprise gathering at the Mickey Melton Performing Arts Center for current students in grades 7 through 10, who will be eligible to participate in the trip. Longview ISD Director of Bands and Director of Instrumental Music Rhonda Daniel said the opportunity reflects the dedication and discipline students have demonstrated for generations.
Daniel said performing in London will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a recognition of the band’s long-standing tradition of excellence. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — Four East Texan firefighters were sent up to the Panhandle this week to provide support ahead of potential wildfire outbreaks. Three firefighters from the Lufkin Fire Department were deployed with an ambulance and command vehicle with the Emergency Medical Task Force at the request of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. They’re joined by several EMTF partners across the state in Plainview to help assist local agencies with wildland fires and severe weather.
A firefighter from Athens, Tyler Reed, was sent to Dumas along with an engine boss from Smith County Emergency Services District 2. He is pre-positioned for potential wildfire outbreaks as part of the Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System.
According to the National Weather Service in Amarillo, dry windstorms with lightning have started up fires across the panhandle.
SMITH COUNTY – The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a contractor Tuesday for the Animal Shelter project. Casey Slone Construction was one of six bids received. Construction will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by the end of November. The shelter upgrade will cost about $1.8 million, including architect’s fees, and will be paid for by ARPA funding.
The project cost came in above what was planned, partially because of the amount of work that will need to be done underground, including a new sewer system. The project will include renovating the Animal Shelter building and the building next door, which previously housed the Facility Services Department. Read the rest of this entry »
MARSHALL — An educational aide has been terminated from Marshall ISD after being arrested for allegedly swinging a student by her feet last week. The Marshall ISD Police Department was made aware of an incident involving former educational aide Rachel Kirspel and a student at the Marshall Early Child Hood Center on May 14.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by our news partner KETK, Kirspel had hung a 5-year-old student upside down by her feet and “had swung her side to side and then up and down,” hitting her head. Kirspel told investigators that she was trying to help get the kids on their mats for nap time but one student did not and instead was “playing around.” Kirspel put the student over her shoulder but when that didn’t work, she hung her upside down.
The student told investigators that Kirspel had pulled her nap mat from underneath her and flipped her over before picking her up by her feet, swinging her, and calling her “ugly.” Read the rest of this entry »
CHEROKEE COUNTY – A woman has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly shooting her boyfriend twice in the head near Alto on Monday. According to our news partner KETK , Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a residence in rural Alto at around 7 p.m. Sheriff Brent Dickson said the shooting was initially reported as an accident.
33-year-old Alanna Bilbo, and her boyfriend were in an argument about their relationship when her boyfriend started “yelling at her to shoot him,” the affidavit said. Bilbo then reportedly shot him between the eyes with a .22 caliber revolver and then again in the back of the neck after he turned to the left. After being flown to a Tyler hospital, the victim remains in stable condition as of Tuesday morning, Dickson said.
Bilbo was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, family violence and is being held at the Cherokee County Jail with a $150,000 bond.
Biblo and her boyfriend were allegedly using narcotics, Dickson told KETK News.
PALESTINE – Three teenagers were placed under arrest on Sunday after driving a vehicle stolen from Jacksonville. According to our news partner KETK and the Palestine Police Department, officers on Sunday observed a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle recently reported stolen being driven near North Sycamore and West Pine Streets.
While the officers attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver sped off, prompting a police chase. The vehicle pursuit ended after the vehicle struck a curb, leaving it disabled.
The suspect, who was identified as a minor, and two other teenage boys proceeded to exit the car and attempted to leave the scene on foot. Two of the boys were located and arrested shortly after the incident on Sunday, while the third was taken into custody on Monday morning. Read the rest of this entry »
Bullard – Bullard has announced that Kristen Haynes will be the new principal of Bullard Elementary School. Mrs. Haynes currently serves as assistant principal and testing coordinator. She will step into the role following the retirement of the current principal, Amy Bickerstaff, this summer.
Mrs. Haynes has served in education since 2009 and has held teaching and administrative roles in Bullard ISD since 2015. Before becoming assistant principal of Bullard Elementary School in 2022, she served as a 6th-grade English Language Arts and Reading (ELAR) teacher and team leader at Bullard Intermediate School and dean of students (grades 3-5) for summer school. Mrs. Haynes has also held teaching and administrative roles at Tyler ISD and Cumberland Academy.
Mrs. Haynes earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and a Master of Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University.
FLINT – The Faith Lutheran Church congregation gathered in Flint on Sunday to mark the very beginning of construction for their new church building. According to our news partner KETK, the congregation’s groundbreaking was held in Flint on Sunday between Wells Marble and Apache Glass off of Old Jacksonville Highway. The groundbreaking is a milestone for their church, which has been trying to grow its presence into Smith County for decades.
“It’s important because our church body, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, has been trying to establish roots in the Tyler area for 60 years now, and over the last ten years, God has blessed us to be able to do that,” Faith Lutheran Church pastor Joseph Koelpin said on Sunday.
The congregation is currently housed at their main church building on FM 346 in Tyler. Their new Flint church is expected to be completed in 2027.
TYLER — A Tyler man has recently been reindicted by the state on 10 counts of possession of child pornography, for which he was first served with in 2021. According to our news partner KETK, In a Smith County arrest affidavit from 2021, a Texas Department of Public Safety special agent developed probable cause that an IP address in Smith County possessed and distributed child pornography.
The investigation found that several electronic devices that were connected to the IP address had a peer-to-peer file sharing software. The IP address was registered to a residence where Eddie Willis lived and a search warrant was obtained from the county judge. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – Currently South Bois D’Arc Avenue is closed from the Tyler Public Library parking lot entrance to West Woldert Street for street improvements. The intersection of West Woldert Street and South Bois D’Arc Avenue will remain open through the end of the school day on Friday, May 22.
The intersection at South College Avenue and West Elm Street has reopened following previous improvements. The Tyler Public Library parking lot will remain accessible from the South College Avenue entrance, and full vehicle and pedestrian access has been restored to the Fair Plaza Parking Garage.
South Bonner Avenue has also reopened following its one-week closure that began May 11.
TYLER — The Tyler Fire Department is in mourning this week after one of their own died from cancer. According to the Tyler Professional Fire Fighters Association, Local 883 driver engineer Scott Starkey has died after fighting cancer. Starkey was honored by the City of Tyler last year for having served as a firefighter for over 25 years.
“Scott was one of a kind. Crafty, hardheaded, and the kind of firefighter who always found a way to get the job done. He was the brother who could make you laugh, frustrate you, and teach you something all in the same conversation. His grit, determination, and stubborn refusal to back down were part of what made him who he was, both on and off the fireground. More than anything, Scott loved this job and the people beside him. His impact on this department and the firefighters who served with him will not be forgotten.” – Tyler Professional Fire Fighters Association
The firefighter’s association asked for the community to keep Starkey’s friends and family in their thoughts while they grieve.
PAYNE SPRINGS – The body of a kayaker was pulled from Cedar Creek Lake in Henderson County on Sunday after they went missing on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, Payne Springs Fire Rescue were called out to Cedar Creek Lake to help search for a 22-year-old whose kayak had capsized.
The search continued until around 10 p.m. The kayaker’s body was discovered at around 10:20 a.m. Sunday morning.
Payne Springs Fire Rescue said this was the second drowning they’ve responded to on the lake this year and they urged everyone who uses the lake to wear a fitting life jacket or flotation device.
“This marks the second drowning incident on the lake that PSFR has responded to already this year,” Payne Springs Fire Rescue said. “We strongly encourage everyone enjoying the lake to wear a properly fitted life jacket or flotation device at all times while on the water. A simple precaution can save a life.”
TYLER — The Caldwell Zoo was evacuated Sunday after officials said the zoo received what appears to be a copycat bomb threat that was connected to a larger scheme nationally.
The anonymous threat said claimed that explosive devices were planted on zoo grounds. Zoo officials immediately evacuated the park out of caution. Tyler Police and Fire Department helped with a full sweep of the park.
In a statement from zoo officials, “No threats were found and the police department have given the ‘all clear.” They added, “is a shame that individuals would target an organization that does so much for the community, education and wildlife conservation.”
The zoo remained closed for the rest of of the day,
TYLER – U.S. Republican Congressman Nathaniel Moran stopped in Tyler on Saturday to congratulate five East Texas students who’ve been accepted into military academies across the United States.
“This is especially meaningful to me as the United States Congressman to have the opportunity to make sure that we are picking leaders of character for tomorrow, that we’re sending East Texans throughout the nation to be the leaders in the military and the nation for generations to come because I think East Texas makes the best leaders, and I think that our students need to have influence in all of these academies.” Moran said
Thanks in part to Moran’s nomination, Brooks Frans and James Thompson will join the United States Naval Academy, while Brock Sieber and Jayden Riley will serve in the United States Air Force Academy and Nora Ni will join the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The process to be admitted into a United States military academy often requires the applicant to get a nomination from a United States Congressman, like Moran, or a Senator, the Vice President or even the President, unless they’re applying to join the Coast Guard’s academy.
WILLS POINT – The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man for aggravated assault near Wills Point on Friday after an hours-long standoff.
According to our news partner KETK and the sheriff’s office, deputies were sent out to County Road 3832,on the western edge of Wills Point, after reports of a reported verbal disturbance. When they arrived, he reportedly already left. The man was identified as 32-year-old John Cooper of Wills Point. Deputies learned that Cooper had active arrest warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
At around 4:43 p.m. on Friday, the sheriff’s office said deputies found Cooper at a travel trailer north of Wills Point. Deputies attempted to contact Cooper for over two hours, but he wouldn’t come out. Read the rest of this entry »
SMITH COUNTY – Early voting for the May 26 Primary Runoff Election runs Monday through Friday, May 18-22, 2026.
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.
There are five early voting locations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Read the rest of this entry »
ARP – The Arp Police Department has released body camera footage from an officer who shot a resident’s dog on Friday while he was responding to a fire. According to our news partner KETK, and Arp PD, the officer was getting off of another service call at around 7:40 p.m. on Friday when he saw black smoke rising from a property a few streets away. When he got to the scene, he saw a 20-foot tall fire emerging from behind a residence and so headed towards the fire to see if the residence was in danger.
Arp Police Chief Joe Keegan said in a statement on Saturday that the officer was walking towards the property’s fence when two dogs approached from the other side of the fence and crawled under it. The officer feared for his safety as the dogs reportedly attempted to attack him so he fired two shots from his department issued pistol, hitting one of the two dogs. Read the rest of this entry »