Today is
Wednesday June 03, 2026
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.
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.