🌲 East Texas Regional News – June 12, 2025

Jun 12, 05:28 PM

Headliner

Gladewater

A 9‑foot alligator was spotted downtown near a restaurant late Tuesday night. Game wardens, police, and firefighters safely subdued and relocated the animal to the Sabine River without incident.

Grand Saline

City Council elections are heating up, with several new candidates officially filing for seats in the upcoming municipal election.
High school stadium expansion continues: Indian Memorial Stadium nears completion with seating for ~4,500 and a new Olympic-grade track nearing its final phase.

Mineola

The annual wood carving & pyrography festival continues through Saturday at the downtown Historic District, showcasing local artisans and live demonstrations.
Main Street Beautification projects are underway, including new benches, planters, and upgraded street lighting.

Canton

Organizers are finalizing logistics for July’s First Monday Trade Days: traffic plans, security, and vendor zones are nearly set for the estimated 25,000+ attendees.
Restoration work on the Blackwell House Museum is progressing, with roof repairs expected to finish later this week.

Tyler

Highway 69 pile-up at FM 2016 from Tuesday afternoon resulted in four injuries; one person remains in critical care, and lanes were closed for hours.
A fatal officer-involved shooting on June 6 is under state review; the victim was a 38-year-old male exhibiting signs of mental crisis.
Smith County housing aid reopened yesterday, providing emergency rental and utility support post-COVID.
Trial underway: a Tyler man pleaded guilty to killing his father over a domestic dispute; jury sentencing is expected next week.
Rising water levels led to the temporary closure of public boat ramps at Lake Tyler and Lake Tyler East. Residents advised to avoid water activities.

Longview

A truck stalled and became stranded in a flooded underpass on South High Street early today; firefighters performed a swift rescue with no injuries.
Homicide solved: suspect in the June 7 Melba Street shooting was arrested in Kilgore; court proceedings are pending.
Bar disturbance arrest: one person is in custody following an altercation at a downtown bar; officers reported no serious injuries.