Photo courtesy of Mayor Robert Poynter CHESTER, Texas — An emergency medical helipad at Chester City Park was damaged early Friday morning after a vehicle was driven onto the restricted area, prompting concern from city officials and a call for public assistance. According to a statement released by Chester Mayor Robert Poynter , the incident occurred between approximately 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. Friday, when a vehicle entered the helipad — an area designated strictly for emergency

Odis Chester Lewis Jr., 41 , of Woodville, was arrested for criminal trespass. Bond was set at $1,000 . Charles Lee Baird, 41 , of Houston, was booked on a charge of theft of property valued between $100 and $750. Bond was set at $750 . Ismael Facundo, 43 , of Chester, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Bond information was not listed. Donnise Lewis, 60 , of Woodville, faces multiple felony charges including manufacture or delivery of a controlled s

TYLER COUNTY — Tyler County Emergency Management has announced an update to warming shelter plans ahead of Winter Storm Fern, consolidating shelter operations into a single location to better serve residents. Due to a lack of available volunteers and generators, warming shelters have been combined and will operate only at Tyler County Emergency Management, located at 201 Veterans Way in Woodville. The shelter will open Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at 4 p.m. and will remain open u

WARREN, Texas — A Warren woman was taken into custody Wednesday morning after attempting to flee from Tyler County deputies who were serving felony arrest warrants, according to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies were patrolling the Warren area around 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21, when they stopped at a residence just east of Warren on FM 1943 in an effort to serve active felony arrest warrants. At the residence, deputies made contact with Amber Boyett, 31, of War

WOODVILLE, Texas — Jan. 23, 2026 Tyler County officials have issued a local state of disaster declaration in response to an imminent threat of severe winter weather expected to impact the county and the broader Southeast Texas region. According to the declaration signed Jan. 23 by Tyler County Judge Milton Powers, forecasts from the National Weather Service indicate the approaching winter system could bring prolonged below-freezing temperatures, significant wintry precipitati

Photo Courtesy of Tyler County Sheriff's Office WARREN, Texas — A 17-year-old Warren resident was arrested Sunday after Tyler County deputies located a stolen truck at a residence on County Road 1325, according to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s officials said the incident occurred on Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at approximately 1:45 p.m., while deputies were patrolling the area. Deputies observed a flatbed Dodge truck parked at a residence that matched the descripti

WOODVILLE, TX — Sullivan’s Hardware announced Thursday that longtime owner Mr. Fred Sullivan passed away Thursday morning following recent health concerns. In a statement shared by the business, the Sullivan family said Mr. Sullivan had not been doing well over the past two weeks and expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from the community. “We know he’s at peace now and is now home with Mrs. Sullivan,” the statement read. “Thank you all for all the thoughts,

🔗 UPDATED: Multiple East Texas school districts have now announced closures and schedule changes due to Winter Storm Fern. We’re continuing to track confirmed closures and updates as they are announced. School districts are closely monitoring an approaching winter weather system expected to impact the region this weekend, with the potential for freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Onalaska ISD: will be closed Monday, Jan. 26, due to winter weather concerns. Big Sandy ISD: will be

This Deer Season came and went with a good turn out for our Deer Down Exclusives. We want to thank all of the individuals who submitted photos and details of your experiences. We are looking to grow our Sports and Outdoors Section coming with the New & Improved ETB site coming soon... We are looking for writing contributors that are East Texas Based and look to share some of the stories, knowledge, tactics and reviews with our readership. If you are an avid outdoorsmen and yo

Photo Courtesy of Beech Grove VFD At approximately 2:30 p.m., Texas State Park Police from Martin Dies, Jr. State Park contacted the Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department requesting assistance with stranded duck hunters near Dam B on the Tyler County side of the reservoir. Beech Grove VFD responded with its ProDrive shallow-water rescue boat and met with State Park Police units. Together, crews quickly located the hunters, who had driven their mud boat into extremely shallow

The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Danger Statement for Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Orange, and Tyler counties due to elevated wildfire risk. The statement is in effect Saturday morning through Saturday evening, as dry conditions combine with weather factors that could allow fires to ignite easily and spread rapidly. What Residents Should Know According to the National Weather Service: Winds:  North around 10 mph Relative Humidity:  As low as 20–30% Fuel Co

Several East Texas students were recognized for their academic achievements at McNeese State University for the Fall 2025 semester, earning placement on either the Honor Roll or the President’s Honor List, according to the university’s Office of Marketing and Communications. Fall 2025 Honor Roll To qualify for the Honor Roll, undergraduate students must earn a 3.0 GPA or higher while completing at least 12 semester hours. Students from East Texas recognized on the Honor Roll

Photo Courtesy of Dam B VFD TYLER COUNTY — Quick action by local volunteer firefighters prevented a potentially dangerous situation from escalating Wednesday morning after a controlled burn got out of hand and ignited a non-residential structure on County Road 4400. According to Dam‑B Volunteer Fire Department, crews were dispatched around 9 a.m. to reports of a structure fire that began as a control burn. Due to dry conditions, low humidity, and shifting winds, the fire spr

TYLER COUNTY, Texas — A Colmesneil man was arrested on felony narcotics and assault charges following a traffic stop in the Fred area earlier this month, according to a press release from the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bryan Weatherford reported that on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Tyler County deputies were patrolling the Fred area when they stopped a Chevrolet Malibu for a traffic violation on Farm-to-Market Road 92 near County Road 46

TYLER COUNTY, Texas — A Jasper woman was arrested following a burglary at a Town Bluff church that led to the theft of a church vehicle and the discovery of methamphetamine, according to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bryan Weatherford said deputies responded on January 7, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., to a burglary at Victory In Jesus Church, located at the intersection of FM 1746 and FM 92. Deputies learned the church had been burglarized and that a white C

Texas students, including those in Newton, Jasper, and surrounding East Texas counties, have an opportunity to receive financial support for college through the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (RodeoHouston) scholarship program, with the application deadline quickly approaching. RodeoHouston officials say scholarship applications are currently open and must be submitted by February 2. The program helps Texas students pursue higher education by providing financial assistance

April Leann Dennis, 45, of Woodville, charged with theft of property valued between $750 and $2,500. Danielle Erica Winn, 45, of Woodville, charged with driving while intoxicated. Ronzie Gerald Bankston, 46, of Colmesneil, charged with possession of a prohibited substance or item in a correctional or civil commitment facility. Carol Lynn Duhon, 59, of Woodville, charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance (Penalty Group 1) between 4 and 200 grams. James

Photos Courtesy of Tyler County Sheriff's Office TYLER COUNTY, Texas — A routine safety check at the Tyler County Justice Center led to felony charges for a Tyler County inmate and a Colmesneil man after jailers discovered prohibited items hidden inside a public restroom. According to the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, January 5, 2026, jailers were conducting routine security checks when they searched the men’s public restroom inside the Justice Center. During the

By Sal Baldovinos Content Warning : This report contains descriptions and images of animal neglect and abuse that may be disturbing to some readers. Animal abuse and neglect cases documented in Tyler County, including a recent situation in the Ivanhoe area, are prompting renewed concern among advocates who say the incidents reflect a growing regional problem rather than isolated events. The cases were detailed through the Concerned Citizens of Tyler County  Operation: Exposin

Wesley Harris, 28, of Corrigan, was arrested following an incident in Chester involving an alleged attempted bank break-in, assault on deputies, and possession of methamphetamine . Photo Courtesy of Tyler County Sheriff's Office CHESTER, Texas — A Corrigan man was arrested Saturday afternoon following an incident in Chester that began with a reported threat to break into a bank and escalated into an alleged assault on law enforcement officers. According to the Tyler County