Symone Sheppard, Tyler Morning Telegraph Journalist Profile

Articles

House budget proposal cuts SNAP, Medicaid in major rollback

1 day ago | ketk.com | Symone Sheppard

TYLER, Texas (KETK) — The House has passed a budget proposal within the ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ that would cut the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. This results in the largest rollback of food assistance in our nation’s history, according to ‘Feeding Texas’. “This represents a 30 percent cut to our nation’s most important and effective anti-hunger program,” Vice President of Feeding Texas Jamie Olsen said.
Nacogdoches holds second annual Duck Derby fundraiser for county donations

1 day ago | ketk.com | Symone Sheppard

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) — The Nacogdoches Salvation Army hosted its second annual Duck Derby fundraiser for the community this Thursday. “Today is our second annual Duck Derby fundraiser, where people can adopt little ducks, and then here about 5:30 we’re going to race those ducks around the lazy river in Splash Kingdom, and the winner wins this cool basket full of family summer stuff and a family four pack of tickets to Splash Kingdom as well,” Director Darla O’Neill said.
Nacogdoches holds second annual Duck Derby fundraiser for county donations

1 day ago | yahoo.com | Symone Sheppard

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KETK) — The Nacogdoches Salvation Army hosted its second annual Duck Derby fundraiser for the community this Thursday. “Today is our second annual Duck Derby fundraiser, where people can adopt little ducks, and then here about 5:30 we’re going to race those ducks around the lazy river in Splash Kingdom, and the winner wins this cool basket full of family summer stuff and a family four pack of tickets to Splash Kingdom as well,” Director Darla O’Neill said.
Titanic explorer shares his story with East Texas

2 days ago | ketk.com | Symone Sheppard

TYLER, Texas (KETK) — A Titanic explorer who dove down to the ship wreck site shared his exhibition story and historical facts about the wreck when he visited East Texas last month. The Titanic Exhibit in Dallas features recreations of the ship’s interior and exterior, the doc where the Titanic first sailed, galleries, the boiler room and more. It’s creative producer Mark Lach shared his adventures and memories when he explored the Titanic and it’s many mysteries.
Gov. Abbott names new leaders to Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission

2 days ago | ketk.com | Symone Sheppard

CROCKETT, Texas (KETK) — Governor Greg Abbott has appointed John A. McCall Jr., O.D. to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission and Paul Foster as its chairman. Owner of Crockett Eye Clinic, McCall is the senior vice president and a founder of Vision Source, co-founder and co-owner of Logansport Surgical Center, and founder and owner of Stealth Vision Optics and Rifles. McCall is also the former city councilman and mayor of Crockett.
Flooded road, fallen trees in Smith County following severe weather

2 days ago | ketk.com | Symone Sheppard |Tristen Vanbeem

Posted: Jun 4, 2025 / 07:21 PM CDT Updated: Jun 4, 2025 / 07:24 PM CDT TYLER, Texas (KETK)– A flash flood warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for several cities in Smith County from late Thursday night until further notice. According to the National Weather Service, the flash flood warning will affect the Sabine River near Mineola, Wood and Smith Counties.
Lufkin ISD unanimously approves 5 percent raise for teachers

2 days ago | ketk.com | Symone Sheppard

LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) — The Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously agreed on a 5 percent increase for all teachers and a new pay scale to ensure every LISD teacher will make at least $50,000 a year. The new pay scale for all teachers, librarians and registered nurses working for Lufkin ISD was approved June 2. The amendment was discussed in a special call board meeting. Although the adjustment is only meant for some positions, raises for other district members are still being discussed.
Lufkin ISD unanimously approves 5 percent raise for teachers

2 days ago | yahoo.com | Symone Sheppard

LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) — The Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees has unanimously agreed on a 5 percent increase for all teachers and a new pay scale to ensure every LISD teacher will make at least $50,000 a year. East Texans react to failure of STAAR test bill The new pay scale for all teachers, librarians and registered nurses working for Lufkin ISD was approved June 2. The amendment was discussed in a special call board meeting.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Road closures in Henderson County due to flooding

3 days ago | ketk.com | Symone Sheppard |Hannah Walker

HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — As Henderson County battles flash flooding, some roads have been shut down for the safety of East Texans. According to Henderson County, flash flooding is possible with heavy rains, so the county encourages residents to turn around if they encounter a flooded road. “Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving floodwaters,” the county said. “The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines or damage to the road.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Road closures in Henderson County due to flooding

3 days ago | yahoo.com | Symone Sheppard

HENDERSON COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — As Henderson County battles flash flooding, some roads have been shut down for the safety of East Texans. According to Henderson County, flash flooding is possible with heavy rains, so the county encourages residents to turn around if they encounter a flooded road. “Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving floodwaters,” the county said. “The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines or damage to the road.