”July 17, 2026”
Driver died after crashing into a vehicle on a driveway in Orange County
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating an early morning fatal crash in which a pickup truck veered off a state highway in Bridge City and crashed into a minivan, pushing it into a home.
The DPS says the crash was reported at about 5:30 a.m. on State Highway 87 at the intersection with State Highway 62.
The preliminary crash investigation indicates that the driver of a 2020 Ford pickup truck was traveling south. It is reported that the driver traveled through the intersection and entered a private driveway where it struck a parked 2019 Dodge Caravan and pushed it into a home.
The driver of the Ford, identified as 69-year-old Michael Heimbach of Orange, was not injured.
The driver of the Dodge, identified as a 67-year-old man from Bridge City, was transported to a nearby hospital where he died.
There was one person in the residence, identified as a 61-year-old woman, also from Bridge City. She was transported for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The victim’s name is not immediately available pending notification of next of kin.
https://www.kjas.com/news/local_news/article_f8b1ca26-c47f-4533-8cb5-71aa883ecd9a.html
I-20 eastbound at Bert Kouns closed following fatal crash
SHREVEPORT, La. — The Shreveport Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a pedestrian on Interstate 20.
Preliminary information indicates that a man believed to be in his late 30s or early 40s ran into traffic on I-20 eastbound and was hit by an 18-wheeler. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
As officers conduct their investigation, I-20 at West Bert Kouns Industrial Loop. Motorists should expect significant delays and are urged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes whenever possible, police.
The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Jasper man with two felony warrants arrested
Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard says a Jasper man with two felony warrants was taken into custody on Wednesday morning.
According to Havard, deputies went to a house on Farm to Market Road 777 and arrested 43-year-old Jeremy Ward.
Havard said Ward was wanted in Jasper County on a charge of Bail Jumping from an original charge of Burglary of a Habitation. Havard said Ward was also wanted in Newton County on a charge of Motion to Revoke Probation on an original charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Ward was booked into the Jasper County Jail.
https://www.kjas.com/news/local_news/article_64989427-eb60-491d-bb5d-d50f2db85514.html
Kaplan man escapes injury in I-49 crash
NATCHITOCHES, La. — A driver from Kaplan walked away unharmed late Tuesday night after his vehicle slammed into an interstate guardrail, according to local authorities.
Natchitoches Parish sheriff’s deputies and state troopers rushed to the scene of the solo-vehicle wreck at about 10:20 p.m. The incident occurred on the southbound side of Interstate 49, close to mile marker 141 just north of Natchitoches.
Law enforcement officials reported that the 25-year-old Kaplan resident was traveling southbound in a 2019 Ford Flex when his vehicle drifted off the left shoulder and hit a guardrail. Even though the impact caused severe damage to the vehicle and triggered the deployment of the airbags, the driver was secured by his seatbelt and suffered no injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by Louisiana State Police Troop E in Alexandria. Deputy B. Desadier of the sheriff’s office was also on-site to help manage traffic flow around the wreckage.
In the wake of the accident, state and local officials remind the public using a seatbelt drastically lowers the chance of getting hurt or killed in a collision.
Man arrested for assaulting a pregnant woman
A man who was wanted on a charge of Assault of a Pregnant Woman turned himself in at the Jasper County Jail on Wednesday.
Larry White, 50, was booked into the jail.
There’s no word on when or where the assault occurred.
https://www.kjas.com/news/local_news/article_ba494569-cb40-4cf2-88a3-79964d2fda84.html
One person arrested after high-speed chase ends in Starks
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – A high-speed chase from Texas ended in a crash in Starks off La. 12, according to police.
Police say three passengers were released and one person was arrested. That person is facing charges for excessive speeding and flight from an officer.
Police have not yet released the identity of the driver. No injuries were reported.
Woman arrested after allegedly stabbing man while he was asleep
JENNINGS, La. (KPLC) – A 28-year-old woman is in police custody after allegedly stabbing a man in the neck while he was asleep.
On July 16, the Jennings Police Department responded to an incident at a home on East Sumner Street, where a 58-year-old man was stabbed in the neck and hand.
Jetyrenne Williams, who was invited to stay at the home the night before, fled the scene, police said. Officers later found her a few blocks away and took her into custody.
Williams was booked into the Jeff Davis Parish Jail on one count of attempted second-degree murder. As of Thursday morning, her bond has not yet been set.
Police say the investigation is still ongoing. They encourage anyone with information related to the stabbing to contact them at 337-821-5500 (EXT 500).
”July 16, 2026”
BPCC, Earth Movers to Sign Partnership for New Heavy Equipment Operator Program in Many
Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) and Earth Movers Construction will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at 11am Thursday, July 23, at the BPCC Sabine Valley Campus in Many, formalizing a partnership that will support the College’s new Heavy Equipment Operator (HEO) program.
The agreement will provide students with access to industry-standard heavy equipment for hands-on training, helping prepare graduates for careers in Louisiana’s growing construction and heavy equipment industries. Earthmovers Construction has been a longtime supporter of the BPCC Foundation through scholarship contributions. This partnership expands that commitment by investing directly in workforce education and student success
Earthmovers is excited to support this great educational opportunity for the people in our Parish and region. We have worked alongside BPCC for a few years trying to help design heavy equipment training for the type of workforce our area offers today and in the future. This new program will allow youth in our area and the surrounding regions to gain knowledge to bring to the real world.
Longview man sentenced to life in prison after repeatedly driving drunk
LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – A Gregg County Judge has sentenced a Longview man to life in prison after he was found guilty of driving while drunk, adding to a long history of similar charges and previous sentences.
A jury found Jeffry Scott Webb, 52, guilty of driving while intoxicated, third or more, Wednesday after less than 45 minutes of deliberation following a two-day trial, according to a criminal district attorney’s office release.
The release states Webb has several previous DWI convictions and two previous prison sentences.
The investigation into the latest conviction began when Longview police officers responded to calls of a drunk driver at a motel.
A witness described the man driving around the motel, parking, and stumbling into the motel, according to the release, with officers later reviewing security footage of Webb driving before staggering to a stairwell.
Officer later spoke to Webb who displayed several signs of intoxication, later revealed to have a BAC of .27., more than three times the legal limit of .08, the release states.
Natchitoches parish school board cuts more than 60 positions to balance budget
NATCHITOCHES, Louisiana — The Natchitoches Parish School Board has reduced its workforce by more than 60 full-time positions as part of a necessary effort to balance the district’s budget.
The staff reductions included several nursing roles, raising questions about campus health coverage. However, district officials assured the public that student health remains a top priority despite the cuts.
To maintain essential medical coverage on campuses, the district is entering into new partnerships with local medical centers. As part of this initiative, Christus Cabrini is expected to expand its services to Weaver Elementary starting in January.
For the remaining nursing staff, the district will implement a priority-based deployment strategy. Nurses will be sent to schools with the highest medical needs first to ensure students with significant health requirements receive consistent care.
Tyler man charged with distributing and selling child pornography
TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – A Tyler man is behind bars after the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said he distributed and sold child pornography.
Marquis Diamonte Viramontes, 29, was held Wednesday at the Smith County Jail on warrants charging him with possession of child pornography and seven counts of promotion of child pornography depicting child sexual assault, according to jail records.
In April 2025, the Dallas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force executed a search warrant at a Tyler residence after multiple CyberTip reports.
Assisted by Smith County deputies and other ICAC-affiliated agencies, police seized multiple electronic devices and identified Viramontes as a suspect, according to a press release.
Forensic analysis of the devices revealed evidence that Viramontes was in possession of child pornography and engaged in its distribution and sale, according to the release.
Over the course of the investigation, additional CyberTip reports were received and traced to the same IP address, indicating continued activity, according to the release.
Smith County deputies obtained an arrest warrant for Viramontes, who is held at the county jail on bonds totaling $500,000.
”July 15, 2026”
DPSO SRO fired following DWI arrest
He had been employed since May 2022 and served as a SRO at the Mansfield schools — most recently at Mansfield High.https://www.ktbs.com/news/dpso-sro-fired-following-dwi-arrest/article_6a2ebe1c-c591-48ac-95d3-7dac71e7a86e.html
Harbor Hospice hosting fan drive to help East Texas seniors beat the heat
LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – A Lufkin hospice organization is asking the community to help keep vulnerable residents cool this summer, and they need your help now.
Harbor Hospice is hosting a fan drive throughout the entire month of July, collecting box and oscillating fans for less fortunate individuals, families, and seniors who lack adequate cooling in their homes.
All donated fans will go to the Salvation Army, which will distribute them to those in need. Anyone who needs a fan can visit the Salvation Army, fill out a form, and receive one.
Community Education Coordinators Christi Barrett and Jenny Wright say they see the need firsthand when visiting patients across Angelina and Nacogdoches counties.
“We can walk into a home and there’s not any circulating air,” Barrett said. “Especially a lot of our seniors that have COPD and CHF and debilitating diseases that make it harder for them to breathe. Our area, the Eocene fields in the East Texas area are very high. So, our air quality is lower. The humidity is seriously high right now.”
Barrett added that even one fan can make a significant difference. “Those of us that are more fortunate don’t always realize how important just one fan can be. If they don’t have air, maybe they can just sit in front of the fan and breathe better.”
Coordinators say last year’s drive fell short of its donation goals, even as demand continues to grow.
“The collections are going down, but the need is going up,” Wright said. “Expenses are higher, and there’s a bigger need. We’re really hoping that we’ll get more people contributing.”
Barrett, an LVN who serves a 60-mile radius outside of Lufkin and Nacogdoches, said the organization hopes to eventually expand the drive to surrounding communities including Center, St. Augustine, Garrison, Crockett, Groveton, and Alto.
Where to drop off fans
The drive runs through July 31. New box and oscillating fans are preferred. Drop off a fan at any of the following locations:
- Harbor Hospice – 402 S. John Redditt Dr., Suite 203, Lufkin
- Kennedy Health and Rehab – 504 N. John Redditt Dr., Lufkin
- Countryside Senior Living – 406 Gobblers Knob Rd., Lufkin
- Visiting Angels – 517 Gaslight Blvd., Lufkin
Need a fan?
If you or someone you know needs a fan, visit Lufkin’s Salvation Army, fill out a form, and request one.
Pilot killed after small airplane crashes near Canton
VAN ZANDT COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) – One person has died after a plane crashed in Van Zandt County Tuesday, just west of Canton.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) officials are investigating in the Canton area after the wreck.
Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Chris Williamson said troopers responded to the scene near FM 3227 and Van Zandt County Road 2512 around 1:50 p.m. to secure the area.
He said the pilot did not survive.
The NTSB said the crashed vehicle is a Luscombe 8A airplane.
The board announced it was investigating the Canton wreck in a social media statement just before 5:40 p.m.
Williamson said the FAA is investigating the crash.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/pilot-killed-after-small-airplane-crashes-near-canton/ar-AA27Uqzx
”July 14, 2026”
Athens car show to raise scholarship funds for students looking to be first responders
ATHENS, Texas (KLTV) – A car is show coming to Athens with the goal to raise scholarship funds for East Texas students looking to launch a career as a first responder.
The event, hosted by Hazelwood Car Show Productions and the organization Caring for America of Henderson County, will take place Saturday, July 25.
“You’re going to expect race cars, mini trucks, classic cars, classic muscle cars. There’s going to be food trucks there. There’s going to be a lot of things there. We’ve got vendors there. It’s going to be a great, great event,” Jeremy Bussell, the founder of Hazelwood car show productions said.
He said among the classic cars, 40s and 50s model pick-ups will be present as well as Bel Airs, Camaros and Mustangs.
“We always do a best overall, which is the number one car of the show. Could be a car, a truck, anything. We do a best car, we do a best truck, we have best paint, best interior, best engine, people’s choice. And then we have a lot of class awards because it’s a full class show,” Bussell said.
Registration is from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., with the show lasting from then until 2 p.m. at the Elder Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Athens.
The funds raised will go to support scholarships for students looking to become first responders.
Copyright 2026 KLTV. All rights reserved.
Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests former youth minister on 90 molestation charges
BENTON, La. — A former youth pastor who served in northwest Louisiana and Missouri during the 1990s has been charged with 90 counts of child molestation stemming from alleged offenses involving minors in Bossier Parish between 1989 and 1995.
The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office said David Mercer, 72, of Folsom, was arrested following an investigation that began June 29 into allegations involving four people who were juveniles when the alleged offenses occurred. Investigators determined Mercer lived and worked in Bossier Parish during the period when the alleged crimes took place.
Mercer served as youth minister at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton before resigning in 1995 and also spent time as a youth pastor in Hannibal, Mo., during the 1990s. Authorities said Mercer was serving as a youth pastor at a church in Folsom at the time of his arrest.
On Friday, detectives traveled to Folsom, where Mercer was taken into custody without incident with assistance from the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office. Investigators also executed a search warrant at his residence.
Mercer was taken to the Bossier Parish Maximum Security Facility on Saturday and booked on 90 counts of forcible fondling/molestation of a juvenile involving four alleged victims. His bond was set at $2.5 million.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities said additional victims and charges are possible.
“We’re working with four victims, which are the charges that have been brought against him,” Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesman Matthew Bertrand said. “We haven’t had any new victims come out yet. But obviously today, with this information being pushed forward, it’s very likely that we will receive information on more victims.”
Sheriff Julian Whittington said the age of the allegations does not lessen their seriousness.
“Although nearly 40 years have passed, the passage of time does not lessen the seriousness of these crimes or the impact they have had on those affected,” Whittington said. “I want to encourage anyone who may have been a victim or witnessed these actions to come forward and contact the Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office. We are committed to thoroughly investigating these allegations and seeking justice for those who may have been impacted.”
Cypress Baptist Church leaders said they were notified about the investigation Thursday and immediately began cooperating with law enforcement.
“Cypress is committed to helping with the justice process however we can,” the church said in a statement. “Our deepest prayer is for the victims of this terrible crime.”
The church also cited Numbers 6:24-25, stating, “The Lord bless you, and keep you, and make His face shine upon you.”
Anyone who may have been a victim of Mercer, or who has information relevant to the investigation, is encouraged to contact Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives at (318) 965-3418.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office for their assistance in the case.
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