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Category: Local News Archive

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Property tax due

Property tax dueTYLER — Smith County property taxes were due Saturday, January 31. Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber is warning taxpayers that changes at the post office mean you should drop your payment in the mail as soon as possible. Officials say the easiest and fastest way to pay your property tax bill is online. Payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement — which will take you directly to the payment page on your account.

“If you want to skip the long lines at the Tax Office, I highly recommend you pay online,” he said.

Taxpayers can also make their payments in person, through the Tax Office’s drop box outside of the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail. The U.S. Postal Service recently changed how postmark dates are determined.

In the past, the postmark reflected the date you dropped your mail in a mailbox or at the post office. Now, the postmark will show the date your envelope is first processed by an automated postal service sorting machine. This could be later than the day you mailed it, which could mean that your tax payment is past the deadline, Barber said. Read the rest of this entry »

Crash ruptures gas line, evacuations underway

Crash ruptures gas line, evacuations underwayTYLER — Tyler Police and fire crews are working a crash on Highway 31 W and Whiteside Drive. A vehicle reportedly struck a natural gas pipeline causing the main line to rupture. It’s estimated to take hours to shut off and repair the pipeline. Centerpoint Energy was able to close several remote valves to slow the leak but not able to shut it off completely. Centerpoint Energy crews are in the area measuring gas concentration.

Residents were advised to evacuate.

Tyler Police and Tyler Fire personnel are on scene directing traffic. Drivers are urged to seek an alternate route that avoids Hwy 31 W between Eisenhower Dr and Loop 323.

Tyler, UT Tyler to partner

Tyler, UT Tyler to partnerTYLER – The City of Tyler is investing in smarter infrastructure by tapping into the community’s local talent. Through a new partnership with the University of Texas at Tyler, the City is connecting classroom learning with community needs to build safer and smarter transportation systems. On Wednesday, January 28, the City of Tyler and University of Texas at Tyler Department of Civil and Construction Engineering and Management formally established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen infrastructure planning, transportation systems and real-world learning opportunities in Tyler.  

“This will help us bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application,” said City Engineer Cameron Williams. “Over the past few years, we’ve welcomed five UT Tyler interns who worked side by side with our Traffic Engineering Department, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful projects that serve our community.” 
Read the rest of this entry »

Boil water notices

Boil water noticesRUSK – The City of Rusk has issued a boil water notice for some of their residents after a 10-inch water main broke on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, residents on the City’s water system who live in the following areas are required to bring any water to a vigorous rolling boil for at least two minutes before any cleaning or consumption:

US Hwy 84 East, starting at the intersection of Guinn Hill, only affecting 227, 305, 318 Quinn Hill Drive. All City of Rusk water customers heading east along US Hwy 84 and north of US Hwy 84 East. All City of Rusk customers south of US Hwy 84 East, inside of the Rusk City limits from the intersection of Park St. and Euclid St. north to US Hwy 84 East. Read the rest of this entry »

DPS offices closed

North Texas – Due to ongoing icy conditions in parking lots and public areas, additional Texas Department of Public Safety offices will remain closed on January 28 in the following counties. Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Ellis, Denton, Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Johnson, Marion, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Panola, Parker, Rusk, Rains, Smith, Somervell, Tarrant, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wise and Wood county. If you had a scheduled appointment on January 28, you will be contacted by the email you provided to reschedule your appointment.

Kidd and Downing get upgrades

TYLER – Kidd and Downing get upgradesThe city of Tyler reports that progress continues on the City of Tyler’s 2025 Structure Flooding Project, with design and pre-construction work underway for drainage improvements on Kidd Drive and Downing Street. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the City Council awarded a $587,169.20 construction contract to W.M. Miller Construction Company, Inc. for improvements on Downing Street and Kidd Drive. This phase of the project will deliver long-term flood relief for residents and address aging stormwater infrastructure in the area. Read the rest of this entry »

Theater vandals sought

Theater vandals soughtKILGORE — Officials are seeking help in identifying individuals who are suspected of having committed property damage on a historic Kilgore theater in December. According to our news partner KETK, the Kilgore Police Department seeks public assistance in identifying four individuals caught on video who may have damaged the Crim Theater in downtown Kilgore around midnight on December 30, 2025.

According to the police department, the suspects kicked in the door and possibly entered the theater. They fled the scene in a black pickup truck.

Anyone with information regarding the suspects’ identities or the incident is asked to contact Detective Justin Murphy at 903-218-6904 or [email protected]. The reference case number is 2512-1719.

 

Marshall water is safe

Marshall water is safe MARSHALL – The City of Marshall cancelled their water distribution for Wednesday. This was because of a water line leak.

City officials posted this statement on facebook, “The City’s water system is stable, with no new leaks identified and all previous leaks repaired. Water service is not shut off, and the water supply is safe and not compromised. Today’s water distribution is purely a precautionary measure to stay ahead of any potential issues. There is no current problem with the water system. Crews will continue monitoring the system, and updates will be shared as information becomes available. ”

You can get further information on the City of Marshall Facebook page and website.

City offices have reopened

City offices have reopenedTYLER – City of Tyler non-emergency offices resumed operations on Wednesday. As travel conditions continue to improve, the City urges drivers to exercise caution. Please be aware that shaded areas on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots may remain icy or slick, as these spots take longer to thaw than areas exposed to direct sunlight. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and to remain alert for lingering hazards.

Use the MyTyler App to report non-emergency street damage and downed trees. The app is free to download. Residents can report blocked roads to the Street Department at (903) 531-1393 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, please contact the Tyler Police Department’s non-emergency line at (903) 531-1000. Read the rest of this entry »

No Classes for Kilgore College

Update: After continued monitoring of weather/travel conditions, and area school district closures, Kilgore College administration has decided to close all KC campuses on Wednesday. You can view all the closings and delays here.

No Classes for Kilgore CollegeKILGORE – Kilgore College will resume regular business hours Wednesday, following the weather-related closure this week. All campuses and classes will return to their normal schedules. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use caution while driving as conditions continue to improve.

Second arrest in murder

Second arrest in murderJACKSONVILLE – On January 22, 20-year-old Randarriuz Dewberry, of Jacksonville, was found and arrested during a traffic stop conducted by the Texas Highway Patrol on FM 346 outside of Bullard. Dewberry was wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for his alleged role in a fatal shooting that occurred on February 14, 2024, in rural Jacksonville, which left Jayden Polk dead.

Dewberry is charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as well as additional charges of evading arrest or detention and failure to identify. He also faces failure to appear charges related to the evading arrest or detention charge and the failure to identify charge. Dewberry’s bonds total $1,085,000, along with $10,000 cash bonds for the failure to appear charges. Dewberry is the second person arrested in connection with this homicide.

Woman dies in house fire

HENDERSON COUNTY –Woman dies in house fire Our news partners at KETK report that the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said a woman died after she went into a house that was on fire near the Moore Station area. According to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, dispatch got a report of a fire on County Road 4305 at around 4 p.m. on Monday. District 8 Fire Rescue responded to the scene to fight the fire. Hillhouse said that while the home was still burning, a woman went inside the structure but couldn’t get back out and died in the fire. The fire was eventually contained and extinguished. The Henderson County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading an investigation to the cause of the fire with assistance from the sheriff’s office.

Greg Abbott says ICE needs to ‘recalibrate’ mission after Minnesota shooting

HOUSTON (AP) – Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday said the White House needs to “recalibrate” Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s mission to rebuild public trust after immigration agents shot and killed a second protester in Minnesota over the weekend. Abbott said immigration officials should “get back to what they wanted to do to begin with — and that is to remove people from the country who are here illegally.” “In general, we need to have respect for law enforcement officers in the country. ICE, they are law enforcement officers,” the Texas Republican said on conservative radio host Mark Davis’ show Monday morning. “So they, being the White House, need to recalibrate on what needs to be done to make sure that that respect is going to be reinstilled. And that’s not an easy task, especially under the current circumstances.”

He said he believes the administration is working on a “game plan” for immigration agents to “go about their job in a more structured way to make sure that they are going to be able to remove these people, but without causing all the kinds of problems and fighting in communities that they are experiencing right now.” Abbott’s comments come as a growing number of Republicans are pressing for a deeper investigation into federal immigration tactics in Minnesota after a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was protesting in Minneapolis. But Abbott largely blamed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for the unrest in the state. He accused Walz, a Democrat, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of “literally inciting violence” in their condemnation of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown there. Abbott said the “fights on the streets” are “fomented by the governor up there, by the mayor up there.”

Boil water notice issued

Boil water notice issuedMOUNT ENTERPRISE – A boil water notice has been issued in Mount Enterprise following a water line break. A notice has been issued to all Mount Enterprise Water Supply Corporation customers, asking them to boil water for at least 2 minutes and to let it cool before consumption.

“To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and making ice should be boiled and cooled to prior use,” Mount Enterprise Water Supply Corporation said. “The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two (2) minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.”

Water system officials will provide a notice when water is safe for consumption. For questions or concerns about the boil water notice, residents may contact the water office at 903-822-364.

Tips to prevent outages

Tips to prevent outagesTYLER — The Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is providing instructions on what residents should do when they regain power to prevent another outage. According to our news partner KETK, when power is restored after winter storms, it frequently goes off again because a large number of electric heaters come on at once, placing an unusually heavy load on the system.

To avoid another outage as power is being restored, the cooperative is asking residents to take the following steps, including: Turning off the breaker to your home’s electric heater or unplugging heaters, turning off the breaker to your hot water heater, unplugging appliances and electronics, and waiting 30 minutes to turn appliances back on after power is restored.

The cooperative also said that once power is restored, residents should turn off their furnaces and gradually bring their homes to a comfortable temperature.

Back to the Category List


Property tax due

Posted/updated on: February 2, 2026 at 2:34 am

Property tax dueTYLER — Smith County property taxes were due Saturday, January 31. Smith County Tax Assessor-Collector Gary Barber is warning taxpayers that changes at the post office mean you should drop your payment in the mail as soon as possible. Officials say the easiest and fastest way to pay your property tax bill is online. Payments can be made by scanning the QR code on your statement — which will take you directly to the payment page on your account.

“If you want to skip the long lines at the Tax Office, I highly recommend you pay online,” he said.

Taxpayers can also make their payments in person, through the Tax Office’s drop box outside of the Cotton Belt Building, or by mail. The U.S. Postal Service recently changed how postmark dates are determined.

In the past, the postmark reflected the date you dropped your mail in a mailbox or at the post office. Now, the postmark will show the date your envelope is first processed by an automated postal service sorting machine. This could be later than the day you mailed it, which could mean that your tax payment is past the deadline, Barber said. (more…)

Crash ruptures gas line, evacuations underway

Posted/updated on: January 29, 2026 at 9:26 am

Crash ruptures gas line, evacuations underwayTYLER — Tyler Police and fire crews are working a crash on Highway 31 W and Whiteside Drive. A vehicle reportedly struck a natural gas pipeline causing the main line to rupture. It’s estimated to take hours to shut off and repair the pipeline. Centerpoint Energy was able to close several remote valves to slow the leak but not able to shut it off completely. Centerpoint Energy crews are in the area measuring gas concentration.

Residents were advised to evacuate.

Tyler Police and Tyler Fire personnel are on scene directing traffic. Drivers are urged to seek an alternate route that avoids Hwy 31 W between Eisenhower Dr and Loop 323.

Tyler, UT Tyler to partner

Posted/updated on: January 30, 2026 at 11:06 pm

Tyler, UT Tyler to partnerTYLER – The City of Tyler is investing in smarter infrastructure by tapping into the community’s local talent. Through a new partnership with the University of Texas at Tyler, the City is connecting classroom learning with community needs to build safer and smarter transportation systems. On Wednesday, January 28, the City of Tyler and University of Texas at Tyler Department of Civil and Construction Engineering and Management formally established a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen infrastructure planning, transportation systems and real-world learning opportunities in Tyler.  

“This will help us bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application,” said City Engineer Cameron Williams. “Over the past few years, we’ve welcomed five UT Tyler interns who worked side by side with our Traffic Engineering Department, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful projects that serve our community.” 
(more…)

Boil water notices

Posted/updated on: February 3, 2026 at 10:45 pm

Boil water noticesRUSK – The City of Rusk has issued a boil water notice for some of their residents after a 10-inch water main broke on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, residents on the City’s water system who live in the following areas are required to bring any water to a vigorous rolling boil for at least two minutes before any cleaning or consumption:

US Hwy 84 East, starting at the intersection of Guinn Hill, only affecting 227, 305, 318 Quinn Hill Drive. All City of Rusk water customers heading east along US Hwy 84 and north of US Hwy 84 East. All City of Rusk customers south of US Hwy 84 East, inside of the Rusk City limits from the intersection of Park St. and Euclid St. north to US Hwy 84 East. (more…)

DPS offices closed

Posted/updated on: January 29, 2026 at 7:23 am

North Texas – Due to ongoing icy conditions in parking lots and public areas, additional Texas Department of Public Safety offices will remain closed on January 28 in the following counties. Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Ellis, Denton, Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Johnson, Marion, Navarro, Palo Pinto, Panola, Parker, Rusk, Rains, Smith, Somervell, Tarrant, Upshur, Van Zandt, Wise and Wood county. If you had a scheduled appointment on January 28, you will be contacted by the email you provided to reschedule your appointment.

Kidd and Downing get upgrades

Posted/updated on: January 30, 2026 at 3:03 pm

TYLER – Kidd and Downing get upgradesThe city of Tyler reports that progress continues on the City of Tyler’s 2025 Structure Flooding Project, with design and pre-construction work underway for drainage improvements on Kidd Drive and Downing Street. On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the City Council awarded a $587,169.20 construction contract to W.M. Miller Construction Company, Inc. for improvements on Downing Street and Kidd Drive. This phase of the project will deliver long-term flood relief for residents and address aging stormwater infrastructure in the area. (more…)

Theater vandals sought

Posted/updated on: January 30, 2026 at 11:06 pm

Theater vandals soughtKILGORE — Officials are seeking help in identifying individuals who are suspected of having committed property damage on a historic Kilgore theater in December. According to our news partner KETK, the Kilgore Police Department seeks public assistance in identifying four individuals caught on video who may have damaged the Crim Theater in downtown Kilgore around midnight on December 30, 2025.

According to the police department, the suspects kicked in the door and possibly entered the theater. They fled the scene in a black pickup truck.

Anyone with information regarding the suspects’ identities or the incident is asked to contact Detective Justin Murphy at 903-218-6904 or [email protected]. The reference case number is 2512-1719.

 

Marshall water is safe

Posted/updated on: January 29, 2026 at 3:41 pm

Marshall water is safe MARSHALL – The City of Marshall cancelled their water distribution for Wednesday. This was because of a water line leak.

City officials posted this statement on facebook, “The City’s water system is stable, with no new leaks identified and all previous leaks repaired. Water service is not shut off, and the water supply is safe and not compromised. Today’s water distribution is purely a precautionary measure to stay ahead of any potential issues. There is no current problem with the water system. Crews will continue monitoring the system, and updates will be shared as information becomes available. ”

You can get further information on the City of Marshall Facebook page and website.

City offices have reopened

Posted/updated on: January 29, 2026 at 3:41 pm

City offices have reopenedTYLER – City of Tyler non-emergency offices resumed operations on Wednesday. As travel conditions continue to improve, the City urges drivers to exercise caution. Please be aware that shaded areas on roads, sidewalks, and parking lots may remain icy or slick, as these spots take longer to thaw than areas exposed to direct sunlight. Motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to allow extra time for travel and to remain alert for lingering hazards.

Use the MyTyler App to report non-emergency street damage and downed trees. The app is free to download. Residents can report blocked roads to the Street Department at (903) 531-1393 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, please contact the Tyler Police Department’s non-emergency line at (903) 531-1000. (more…)

No Classes for Kilgore College

Posted/updated on: January 28, 2026 at 4:59 am

Update: After continued monitoring of weather/travel conditions, and area school district closures, Kilgore College administration has decided to close all KC campuses on Wednesday. You can view all the closings and delays here.

No Classes for Kilgore CollegeKILGORE – Kilgore College will resume regular business hours Wednesday, following the weather-related closure this week. All campuses and classes will return to their normal schedules. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to allow extra travel time and use caution while driving as conditions continue to improve.

Second arrest in murder

Posted/updated on: January 29, 2026 at 3:48 pm

Second arrest in murderJACKSONVILLE – On January 22, 20-year-old Randarriuz Dewberry, of Jacksonville, was found and arrested during a traffic stop conducted by the Texas Highway Patrol on FM 346 outside of Bullard. Dewberry was wanted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office for his alleged role in a fatal shooting that occurred on February 14, 2024, in rural Jacksonville, which left Jayden Polk dead.

Dewberry is charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, as well as additional charges of evading arrest or detention and failure to identify. He also faces failure to appear charges related to the evading arrest or detention charge and the failure to identify charge. Dewberry’s bonds total $1,085,000, along with $10,000 cash bonds for the failure to appear charges. Dewberry is the second person arrested in connection with this homicide.

Woman dies in house fire

Posted/updated on: January 29, 2026 at 3:48 pm

HENDERSON COUNTY –Woman dies in house fire Our news partners at KETK report that the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office said a woman died after she went into a house that was on fire near the Moore Station area. According to Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse, dispatch got a report of a fire on County Road 4305 at around 4 p.m. on Monday. District 8 Fire Rescue responded to the scene to fight the fire. Hillhouse said that while the home was still burning, a woman went inside the structure but couldn’t get back out and died in the fire. The fire was eventually contained and extinguished. The Henderson County Fire Marshal’s Office is leading an investigation to the cause of the fire with assistance from the sheriff’s office.

Greg Abbott says ICE needs to ‘recalibrate’ mission after Minnesota shooting

Posted/updated on: January 30, 2026 at 4:20 pm

HOUSTON (AP) – Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday said the White House needs to “recalibrate” Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s mission to rebuild public trust after immigration agents shot and killed a second protester in Minnesota over the weekend. Abbott said immigration officials should “get back to what they wanted to do to begin with — and that is to remove people from the country who are here illegally.” “In general, we need to have respect for law enforcement officers in the country. ICE, they are law enforcement officers,” the Texas Republican said on conservative radio host Mark Davis’ show Monday morning. “So they, being the White House, need to recalibrate on what needs to be done to make sure that that respect is going to be reinstilled. And that’s not an easy task, especially under the current circumstances.”

He said he believes the administration is working on a “game plan” for immigration agents to “go about their job in a more structured way to make sure that they are going to be able to remove these people, but without causing all the kinds of problems and fighting in communities that they are experiencing right now.” Abbott’s comments come as a growing number of Republicans are pressing for a deeper investigation into federal immigration tactics in Minnesota after a U.S. Border Patrol agent fatally shot Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse who was protesting in Minneapolis. But Abbott largely blamed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for the unrest in the state. He accused Walz, a Democrat, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey of “literally inciting violence” in their condemnation of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown there. Abbott said the “fights on the streets” are “fomented by the governor up there, by the mayor up there.”

Boil water notice issued

Posted/updated on: January 29, 2026 at 3:16 pm

Boil water notice issuedMOUNT ENTERPRISE – A boil water notice has been issued in Mount Enterprise following a water line break. A notice has been issued to all Mount Enterprise Water Supply Corporation customers, asking them to boil water for at least 2 minutes and to let it cool before consumption.

“To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking and making ice should be boiled and cooled to prior use,” Mount Enterprise Water Supply Corporation said. “The water should be brought to a vigorous, rolling boil and then boiled for two (2) minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source.”

Water system officials will provide a notice when water is safe for consumption. For questions or concerns about the boil water notice, residents may contact the water office at 903-822-364.

Tips to prevent outages

Posted/updated on: January 29, 2026 at 10:44 pm

Tips to prevent outagesTYLER — The Deep East Texas Electric Cooperative is providing instructions on what residents should do when they regain power to prevent another outage. According to our news partner KETK, when power is restored after winter storms, it frequently goes off again because a large number of electric heaters come on at once, placing an unusually heavy load on the system.

To avoid another outage as power is being restored, the cooperative is asking residents to take the following steps, including: Turning off the breaker to your home’s electric heater or unplugging heaters, turning off the breaker to your hot water heater, unplugging appliances and electronics, and waiting 30 minutes to turn appliances back on after power is restored.

The cooperative also said that once power is restored, residents should turn off their furnaces and gradually bring their homes to a comfortable temperature.

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