Author: Living Legends

Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, the Episcopal Bishop of Washington, played a pivotal role in laying to rest Matthew Shepard, a young man whose tragic death became one of the most significant moments in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Shepard, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming, was brutally attacked in 1998 by two men who targeted him because of his sexual orientation. His death became a symbol of hate crimes against the LGBTQ+ community and sparked a national conversation about violence, discrimination, and the need for greater protection for marginalized groups. In the aftermath of Shepard’s death, Bishop Budde,…

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – The Smith County Fire Marshal’s Office said an 87-year-old is dead after his home caught on fire on Thursday night. Second person dies in Longview house fire According to a press release, Smith County fire crews were sent out to a fire in the 4100 block of Farm-to-Market Road 2908 off of Old Kilgore Highway east of Tyler at around 8:45 p.m. on Thursday. Neighbors had reported the fire to officials after seeing flames coming through the home’s roof. Officials said that bystanders at the scene bravely removed the home’s 87-year-old resident but he was later…

RUSK, Texas (KETK) – A man was arrested on Tuesday for sexual assault and robbery at gunpoint in Cherokee County Children discover mother’s body after fatal shooting at Tyler apartment, records reveal The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call involving an assault in progress on County Road 3308. The sheriff’s office identified two victims, one who had been sexually assaulted and another who was robbed at gunpoint. Cherokee County man arrested after alleged sexual abuse of child Mugshot of Michael Thompson, courtesy of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Officials identified the suspect as Michael Deshon Thompson, who fled into…

SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — Though Smith County is not under a burn ban, Smith County Emergency Services District 2 is now advising residents against any outdoor burning following an increase of grass fires. Family of five loses home after Tyler fire According to Nikki Simmons with Smith County ESD2, firefighters responded to six grass or wildland fires on Thursday and nine on Friday not including any structure fires. Due to wind conditions, officials now advise against any outdoor burning. “We are asking for the public to use caution with any outdoor burning, improper disposal of cigarettes or like products…

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – Records show that two children found their mother’s body and alerted an adult after an apartment shooting on Jan. 6. Tyler PD arrests man in connection to deadly apartment complex shooting On Jan. 6, Tyler Police Department officers responded to an apartment in the 9000 block of Bellwood Lake Road and spoke with Cheyenne Russell’s roommate who found her dead on a couch underneath a blanket with blood on her face. Mugshot of Jorian Jackson, courtesy of the Smith County Jail. The roommate told a Tyler PD detective that Russell had moved into the apartment with…

DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys say offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has agreed on a deal to become the storied franchise’s next coach. The somewhat surprising choice announced Friday night is a familiar one for star quarterback Dak Prescott, who worked closely with Schottenheimer the past two seasons when former coach Mike McCarthy was the play-caller. Prescott publicly supported the return of McCarthy, whose initial five-year contract with Dallas expired, but McCarthy and the Cowboys mutually parted ways last week. The 51-year-old Schottenheimer, son of the late NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer, has 25 years of NFL coaching experience — including…

GLADEWATER, Texas (KETK) — An East Texas teacher has resigned after statements she made at 17-years-old resurfaced. Gladewater ISD announced on Thursday that Hollie Tefteller, an AG teacher, is no longer employed with the school district as the statements made when she was a student in 2015 “were perceived as racially insensitive, understandably caused concern among members of our community.” 4 East Texas teachers named in TEA certification fraud investigation Tefteller granted permission for the district to share this context to promote transparency. The school said she deeply regrets her past actions, taking full responsibility and acknowledged the impact these…

HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) – An East Texas man was sentenced to 18 years in prison on Thursday for aggravated assault against a public servant. During Jacob Brian Williams’ hearing, the court heard testimony that on Sept. 30, 2022 Gun Barrel City Officers were dispatched to America’s Best Value Inn and Suites after a man was reported entering rooms at the hotel. Children discover mother’s body after fatal shooting at Tyler apartment, records reveal Once officers arrived, they found Williams hidden behind a dumpster who appeared to be under the influence. When approached, Williams answered yes when asked if he…

VAN ZANDT, Texas (KETK) – Citizens of Van Zandt County are going to new heights to bring awareness to the safety concerns surrounding the 100-megawatt lithium battery plant.  It was announced in November 2024 that the Finnish-owned Amador Energy Project was set to be built just outside of Canton on 48-acres. Just a few weeks later, residents came together in droves bringing forth their concerns about the oncoming project, including local fire departments who believe if a fire were to spark, there wouldn’t be enough manpower available to respond.  Van Zandt County residents file lawsuit over threat posed by lithium…

CHEROKEE COUNTY, Texas (KETK)– A Cherokee County man was arrested on Sunday after the alleged sexual abuse of a child. Mugshot of Irving Charles Williams Jr., courtesy of the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, officers identified Irving Charles Williams Jr. as the suspect after they responded to a call involving the sexual assault of a child. Mount Pleasant man accused of providing fentanyl that killed two in 2023, police say Officials said Williams was taken into custody for the offense of sexual abuse to a child under 14 (continuous abuse) and unlawful possession of…