LATEST NEWS

If you're a lover of all things tomato then you're going to want to hurry on over to Jacksonville, Texas just in time for their 39th annual Tomato Festival!. That's right, for 39 years, Jacksonville has hosted a huge tomato festival that always takes place on the second Saturday in June. Apparently, Jacksonville is known for having some of the best tomatoes on earth! This year, the all things tomato festivities take place on Saturday, June 10 and it looks like a fun time!

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – A Cherokee County bookkeeper was arrested on Friday after being indicted for theft by a public servant of more than $300,000, tampering with a government document and money laundering. The Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office said Gina Upshaw was indicted on May 22 after a 15-month investigation by the Texas […]

Jun. 3—Palestine's Municipal Court will be running a warrant resolution campaign from June 1 through June 30,. "This is an opportunity for those with active warrants to clear them up without going to jail and the additional expenses that go along with that," said Palestine Police Chief Mark Harcrow. "We strongly encourage folks to take advantage of this and to get their cases cleared up."

COFFEE CITY, Texas (KETK) – The Coffee City community is mourning the loss of a police officer. Officer Shaun Jackson passed away Thursday evening, according to the police department. Police Chief JohnJay Portillo took to Facebook to post about the loss of Officer Jackson, saying he had “an electrifying smile” and “lit up every room […]

JACKSONVILLE, Texas (KETK) — On May 21, three people were killed and three more were injured in a single-vehicle crash early that morning on FM 2661. A few days later a vigil was held for two of the girls who were students at Palestine ISD. Thursday, the third victim was honored by family and friends in Jacksonville. […]

Kyleigh Rampley, 14, was driving with an 8-year-old passenger when the vehicle went off the road, according to authorities

This past weekend East Texans celebrated Memorial Day, a day when Americans paused to think about and reflect upon those brave servicemen and women who gave their lives to defend our country, our freedom, and our way of life. While thinking about those armed service members, we were also trying to save some money and welcome the summer of 2023.

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The West Texas Warbirds lost at home to the Jacksonville Sharks 58-45 dropping their season record to 2-5. This is the Warbirds’ second loss this season to the Sharks after losing the season opener to Jacksonville 54-26. West Texas will be back at the Ector County Coliseum for their next week […]

Deputies charged Jason Keith Ashcraft, 50, of Tyler, with indecent exposure, possession controlled substance penalty grade 1/1-B between 1 gram and 4 grams, and burglary of vehicles. Ashcraft was in the Smith County Jail on May 21 and released Sunday on bonds totaling $6,500.

TYLER, Texas (KETK) — While many homes in East Texas have long, beautiful driveways with large trees and ornate gates, some driveways are not quite as accessible as they should be for emergency vehicles. Smith County Chief Deputy Fire Marshal, Chad Hogue explained that there are plenty of things to consider for larger emergency vehicles […]

LINDALE, Texas (KLTV) - The Lindale Police Department and Smith County Sheriff’s Office were involved in a high speed chase that ended with the suspect crashing out and fleeing on foot. According to the Lindale PD chief, officers attempted to conduct a routine traffic stop but the suspect refused...

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – A new law, if signed by the governor, will increase the criminal penalty if you do not pull over or switch lanes properly for emergency vehicles around the state.  It’s called “HB 898” and if the pen hits the paper, it’ll make the penalty more severe to not pull over or […]

Elkhart Mayor Jennifer McCoy presents a proclamation declaring May 24, 2023 as Elkhart Elks Esports State Champions Day. The Esports team, known as “Rollin,” was made up of students Roberto Gomez, Brice Flynn, Kollin Peiffer and Sean Carr. This was the first year for the esports team which brought home the state championship.

SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a woman who was reported missing. According to SCSO, Courtney Taylor Martin, 34, was reported missing by her family on May 24. Martin was last seen near County Road 42 and FM 724 on May 18. She […]

The Municipal Court will be running a warrant resolution campaign from June 1st - June 30th. The court will waive the $50 warrant fee during the campaign. Defendants who have warrants, but are unable to pay in full, are encouraged to speak with the Judge during any court session on Wednesday or contact the court staff at 903-731-8433 to be advised of their options.

The Smith County Commissioners Court approved a $1 million transfer to the Smith County Jail to replace the jail door systems. “We’ve squeezed about every penny we can get out of those things. Some of the motors and parts we need to repair those doors are non-existent. We’re to the point where we’re past repairs and looking to replace those things,” Ed Nichols, Smith County Facility Services Director. “We’ve breathed new life into them many times over the years. Now we’re at the point where we need to replace the guts, gears and motors that operate them.”

TYLER, Texas — A Tyler woman has been charged with manslaughter in connection with a July 2022 wreck that killed two children in Smith County. Chasity B. Head, 33, was indicted on two manslaughter charges for accusations of driving under the influence of marijuana and while 12-year-old Kyleigh Head and 8-year-old Aiden Rice were not wearing seat belts, according to court documents.

BY KAREN GERHARDINGER | MIRROR REPORTER — Athletes, musicians, veterans, pageant winners and volunteers will be honored during the Cherry Festival in Whitehouse, but the goal of the 40th annual event is to celebrate community. “One of my goals is to get everybody to come together – the Whitehouse...

The City of Palestine will begin mosquito spraying on June 5th and continue through June 9th, weather permitting, with spraying times between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Areas 1-6 will be sprayed on specific days, with a map available on the city's website.

COFFEE CITY, Texas (KETK) – A woman was arrested for driving while intoxicated after police said she unknowingly told an off-duty officer that she was “drunk and lost.” On Saturday morning, officials said that 37-year-old Wendy Ray pulled her car into a closed business located on SH 155 in Coffee City. Two of the businesses […]