Local Headlines

Suspect waives extradition in murder hearing

RUSK COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — The man accused in the killing of a Rusk County woman has waived extradition in Arkansas and is expected to be returned to Texas soon to face charges, according to the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities confirmed that the case is rooted in domestic violence, with family members confirming several instances of violence. While investigators are not releasing specific details about what led up to the murder, According to our news partner KETK, a concerned family member contacted law enforcement after becoming worried about the victim’s safety.

Deputies were dispatched to conduct a welfare check at a home off County Road 3122 on Wednesday afternoon. When deputies arrived, they knocked repeatedly but received no answer. They then forced entry into the home and discovered the victim, identified as Amanda Thompson, deceased inside.

Investigators quickly identified a suspect who had left the residence shortly before deputies arrived. Surveillance footage helped authorities determine the vehicle he was driving, and they were able to obtain his phone number. Tracking data indicated he was traveling toward Arkansas. (more…)

More than 11 pounds of marijuana seized

LUFKIN – A man was arrested on Sunday after more than 11 pounds of marijuana were found during a traffic stop in Lufkin. According to our news partner KETK, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), said a DPS trooper did a traffic stop on a 2021 Kia at around 1:30 a.m. in Lufkin on U.S. Highway 59. The officer searched the vehicle found around 11.5 pounds of marijuana in bags during the stop.

An unidentified 27-year-old man from Moulton was arrested and charged with felony possession of marijuana. He is in the Angelina County Jail. The investigation is being continued by DPS and local law enforcement.

Agreement brings major energy project

ANDERSON COUNTY — A $16 billion natural gas project is headed to East Texas following a Thursday meeting between President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marking one of the region’s largest energy investments in recent years. East Texas Rep. Cody Harris, whose district includes Anderson County—the planned site of the new natural gas generation hub—said the project would create roughly 3,000 long term, high paying jobs and give local taxing entities room to lower property taxes.

According to our news partner KETK, the jobs will be high paying positions and since the project is entirely within their school tax district, it will generate a significant boost for their education funding.

The $16 billion Anderson County natural gas project is a part of a larger $550 billion that the United States and Japan negotiated in 2025. As part of the deal, Japan will invest $550 billion into projects across the United States in exchange for a reduced 15% tariff on all U.S. imports of Japanese products, rather than the 25% tariff that President Trump proposed in July 2025. (more…)

NWS warns of elevated fire danger

EAST TEXAS — Due to high winds and dry conditions, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Shreveport is warning of an elevated fire threat across East Texas into the weekend. The NWS is reporting high winds near 10 to 20 miles per hour with relative humidity values as low as 35-45% on Friday that will last until Saturday. The conditions maintain ongoing and dry fuels outdoors are favorable for wildfire growth.

Residents are urged to avoid outdoor burning and any activities that involve open sparks or flames. All wildfires should be reported to local law enforcement as soon as possible, the NWS said.

The advisory was issued for NWS Shreveport’s entire four state region, which includes East Texas, Southeast Oklahoma, Southwest and South-central Arkansas and Northern and Central Louisiana.

Suspect at large following shooting

TYLER – The Tyler Police Department is searching for a suspect who shot at a man on Thursday afternoon. According to Tyler PD Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh and our news partner KETK, the shooting occurred at the intersection of North Border Avenue and Morris Street at around 4:20 p.m. The suspect, who reportedly knew the victim, shot at him and the victim’s vehicle from with in a nearby residence.

The victim sustained minor injuries from the shooting and was transported to a local hospital for treatment by EMS. Erbaugh said the department is following leads and the case is still under investigation.

Conservation urged as repairs drag on

MARSHALL – The City of Marshall remains in a full-scale water emergency as crews continue struggling to repair a major break in one of the city’s largest water transmission lines.

Efforts to fully restore water service across the city are progressing more slowly than expected. Current water demand continues to exceed production capacity.

Water production resumed at 11:45 p.m.,Thursday, March 19. However, the system-wide loss during the shutdown has changed the timeline for full restoration. As of this morning, water service is expected to return to normal operational levels by approximately 6 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, March 21.

Most residents should now have access to water for essential needs, including hygiene, toilet flushing, hand-washing, and food preparation with boiled water.

Residents are strongly urged to conserve water to allow the system to recover and return to normal operational levels. The Stage 4 Emergency Status, Outdoor Burn ban, and Boil Water Notice all remain in e

Additional 10-year sentence after dog attacks

LONGVIEW – A Longview man has been given 10 years in prison for violating his parole from a 2021 dog attack case after he was found guilty of a 2024 dog attack case in February. Martin Gilbert Rodriguez was found guilty of a 2024 fatal dog attack on Feb. 11 and sentenced to 15 years in prison. When 46-year-old Kenneth Pierson was killed in the 2024 dog attack, Rodriguez was on probation from a non-fatal dog attack that happened in 2021.

According to our news partner KETK, Rodriguez’s probation for his 2021 attack by dog causing serious injury case was revoked in light of his Feb. 11 sentence. Rodriguez was then given an amended 10-year prison sentence for that 2021 case.

His 10-year sentence will be served after the completion of his 15-year sentence which started on Feb. 22.

$11M agreement for data center

LUFKIN — An AI-technology company based out of Nevada entered a purchase and sale agreement with Jefferson Enterprise Energy, LLC for a 132-acre property in Lufkin, according to a filing from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The purchase of the property cost the AI-company, 1606 Corp., a total of $11,168,864, consisting of $7 million in cash that must be paid at closing on April 15. Included in the purchase are associated development rights, improvements and equipment.

A press release filed with the SEC said the property has a 50,000-square-foot warehouse, which is capable of supporting large-scale data center infrastructure.

1606 Corp. believes the purchase of the site is “attractive” for potential partnerships with data center operators looking to develop new data centers in the area.

Police increase patrols after crash

KILGORE – The Kilgore Police Department is increasing officer presence on Stone Road after two vehicles crashed on Wednesday, leaving two people injured. The crash in east Kilgore happened in front of the Dollar General near the intersection of Highway 259. Law enforcement said the collision was caused by dangerous speeds, when a vehicle towing a trailer rear-ended another vehicle as it was attempting to turn into the store and pushed it into oncoming traffic.

Kilgore Police Chief Todd Hunter told KETK News that in the month of February there were 15 speeding stops on Stone Road, and more than 200 in all of 2025. The speed limit on Stone Road drops from 50 to 45, but many residents feel like drivers go much faster.

The hope is that the additional police presence can slow drivers down, but that the changes shouldn’t stop there. Kilgore PD confirmed that both drivers involved in Wednesday’s crash are recovering.