INSIDER
Hardin ISD teacher accused of performing sexual acts with student in his car
Read full article: Hardin ISD teacher accused of performing sexual acts with student in his carOfficials said Jahmall Le’Sean Thomas, 39, was a teacher at Hardin ISD and was involved in a relationship with a female student at a Polk County School District.
Portrait of Audrii Cunningham unveiled at Livingston Junior High as they prepare to welcome students
Read full article: Portrait of Audrii Cunningham unveiled at Livingston Junior High as they prepare to welcome studentsA forensic portrait of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Polk County girl who was murdered in February, has been unveiled at Livingston Junior High.
Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural Texas
Read full article: Weak infrastructure, distrust make communication during natural disasters hard on rural TexasWhen disaster strikes, Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy takes command of her county’s emergency communication channels, including a text service and Facebook page.
‘It’s a huge risk to the public’: Sinkhole grows near church in Livingston
Read full article: ‘It’s a huge risk to the public’: Sinkhole grows near church in LivingstonThe associate pastor of Life Vine Church in Livingston gives KPRC 2′s Reporter Rilwan Balogun and Photojournalist Wlad Moquete a tour of the church’s fellowship hall.
What’s going on with the Lake Livingston Dam? KPRC 2 digs into the problem, finds answers on the fix
Read full article: What’s going on with the Lake Livingston Dam? KPRC 2 digs into the problem, finds answers on the fixNearly a week after the Trinity River Authority declared a “potential failure watch” for the Lake Livingston Dam, we’re learning about the damage done during flooding earlier this year.
More than 100 Texas counties lack plans to curb damage from natural disasters
Read full article: More than 100 Texas counties lack plans to curb damage from natural disastersThe plans, which are required by the federal government to access certain grants after a natural disaster, are laborious to assemble — especially for rural counties.
Accused killer of Audrii Cunningham transferred for visitation, not released, says DA
Read full article: Accused killer of Audrii Cunningham transferred for visitation, not released, says DADon Steven McDougal, indicted for the capital murder of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, was mistakenly reported as released by Texas VINE when he was actually transferred to Tyler County Jail for visitation purposes.
Warrant reveals man accused in girlfriend’s murder in Polk County stabbed her while child was in home
Read full article: Warrant reveals man accused in girlfriend’s murder in Polk County stabbed her while child was in homeAn arrest warrant is revealing what happened before a 25-year-old mother of five was allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Polk County.
Boyfriend arrested after 25-year-old mother of 5 was found dead in Polk County
Read full article: Boyfriend arrested after 25-year-old mother of 5 was found dead in Polk CountyOn Sunday, Bowman learned her daughter was reported missing. Her boyfriend, 23-year-old De’Andre Wright, called his mother to pick him up.
Floodwaters start receding around Houston area as recovery begins following rescues and evacuations
Read full article: Floodwaters start receding around Houston area as recovery begins following rescues and evacuationsFloodwaters in the Houston area and parts of Southeast Texas are starting to recede, allowing residents to begin returning to their homes and assess damages after days of heavy rainfall.
“We lost everything”: East Texas residents confront their future after flooding
Read full article: “We lost everything”: East Texas residents confront their future after floodingDozens of evacuees, including the elderly and barefoot children, crowded in an old school building Friday, praying for clear skies on Monday.
East Texans brace for prolonged evacuation orders after rainfall drenches Polk County
Read full article: East Texans brace for prolonged evacuation orders after rainfall drenches Polk CountyEast Texas has been hit by several severe rainstorms this spring, and several counties have declared disasters.
Livingston family credits service dog for saving their lives during severe flooding
Read full article: Livingston family credits service dog for saving their lives during severe floodingHeavy rains and severe flooding have prompted officials in Polk County to issue a mandatory evacuation for certain low-lying areas along the Trinity River. One family says they learned the hard way this morning. They say they could’ve lost their lives if it wasn’t for the help of their furry companion.
Heavy rainfall prompts mandatory evacuation order for areas along Trinity River below Lake Livingston
Read full article: Heavy rainfall prompts mandatory evacuation order for areas along Trinity River below Lake LivingstonHeavy rainfall and increasing discharge from the Lake Livingston dam has prompted officials in Polk County to issue a mandatory evacuation order.
Maintenance repairs lead to boil water notice for several neighborhoods near Lake Livingston
Read full article: Maintenance repairs lead to boil water notice for several neighborhoods near Lake LivingstonThe Polk County Office of Emergency Management says a boil water notice has been issued for several neighborhoods near Lake Livingston due to maintenance repairs.
‘I’d never do anything to hurt her:’ Grandmother of Audrii Cunninham says accused killer lied to her
Read full article: ‘I’d never do anything to hurt her:’ Grandmother of Audrii Cunninham says accused killer lied to herThe family of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Livingston girl found dead in the Trinity River, says the man they let stay on their property lied to them while Audrii was missing.
Audrii’s Law: Family of murdered 11-year-old Livingston girl fights for changes to Texas law
Read full article: Audrii’s Law: Family of murdered 11-year-old Livingston girl fights for changes to Texas lawThe family of Audrii Cunningham, the 11-year-old Livingston girl murdered by a family friend, is now working to propose a law in her name.
‘She was amazing’: Family of Audrii Cunningham shares exclusive insights into the life of the Livingston girl murdered
Read full article: ‘She was amazing’: Family of Audrii Cunningham shares exclusive insights into the life of the Livingston girl murderedAudrii Cunningham's family sat down with KPRC 2 for the nearly hour-long interview, where they talked about Audrii’s life, who she was, what she liked to do and who she wanted to be.
New audio reveals details into prior investigation of Audrii Cunningham’s alleged killer
Read full article: New audio reveals details into prior investigation of Audrii Cunningham’s alleged killerKPRC 2 has obtained an audio recording of the Polk County Sheriff, appearing to admit the ball was dropped in a previous criminal investigation involving Audrii’s suspected killer, Don Steven McDougal.
TIMELINE: What we know about capital murder suspect in 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s death
Read full article: TIMELINE: What we know about capital murder suspect in 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham’s deathAuthorities said a person of interest in the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was arrested Friday on an unrelated charge.
What’s next for Audrii Cunningham’s accused killer?
Read full article: What’s next for Audrii Cunningham’s accused killer?The five-day search for missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham ended Tuesday when her body was found in the Trinity River. The Polk County Sheriff's office says they're building a capital murder case against the prime suspect in her death, Don Steven McDougal.
Audrii Cunningham: Desperate search for missing 11-year-old enters day 5
Read full article: Audrii Cunningham: Desperate search for missing 11-year-old enters day 5Audrii Cunningham hasn’t been seen since Thursday morning, and investigators said 42-year-old Don Steven McDougal is likely the last person who saw her that day.
Audrii Cunningham disappearance: Person of interest spent time in prison for sexual contact with young girl
Read full article: Audrii Cunningham disappearance: Person of interest spent time in prison for sexual contact with young girlInvestigators in Audrii Cunningham’s disappearance have zeroed in on a person of interest who has spent time in prison for enticing a child, a third degree felony, after being indicted by a Brazoria County grand jury for attempted indecency with a child.
Missing Livingston’s Audrii Cunningham never made it to school; When do districts’ notify parents?
Read full article: Missing Livingston’s Audrii Cunningham never made it to school; When do districts’ notify parents?KPRC 2, KPRC 2+, and click2houston.com sent out a form to all area school districts. We wanted to know districts’ policies for notifying a parent/guardian when a child is absent from school.
Person of interest in disappearance of Audrii Cunningham arrested on unrelated charge; search continues
Read full article: Person of interest in disappearance of Audrii Cunningham arrested on unrelated charge; search continuesAuthorities said a person of interest in the disappearance of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham was arrested Friday on an unrelated charge.
‘This is the stuff you see on TV:’ Mother of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham pleads for safe return amid search
Read full article: ‘This is the stuff you see on TV:’ Mother of missing 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham pleads for safe return amid searchThe mother of 11-year-old Audrii Cunningham, whose disappearance Thursday prompted the issuance of an Amber Alert, shared what she knew about the search for her daughter Friday.
Rising rivers 🌧️ Places which will need to be watched for flooding around the Houston area the next few days
Read full article: Rising rivers 🌧️ Places which will need to be watched for flooding around the Houston area the next few daysThere are several areas along some major rivers that will need to be watched even once the rain is over.
Dam drama: Beaver’s aquatic antics wash out Livingston neighborhood road, prompting shelter in place
Read full article: Dam drama: Beaver’s aquatic antics wash out Livingston neighborhood road, prompting shelter in placeResidents stranded as a beaver’s engineering escapade turns a road into a river, leading to an unexpected shelter-in-place order in Livingston’s Crystal Lakes West.
Rising waters underneath Lake Livingston dam lead to voluntary evacuation orders in San Jacinto, Polk counties
Read full article: Rising waters underneath Lake Livingston dam lead to voluntary evacuation orders in San Jacinto, Polk countiesVoluntary evacuation orders have been issued in San Jacinto and Polk counties due to rising waters underneath the Lake Livingston dam.
2 men charged with murder after body of 29-year-old man found lying in driveway of Polk County home
Read full article: 2 men charged with murder after body of 29-year-old man found lying in driveway of Polk County homeTwo men have been charged in connection with the death of another man who was found outside in Polk County, according to detectives with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Burglary suspect taken into custody after hours-long standoff in San Jacinto County
Read full article: Burglary suspect taken into custody after hours-long standoff in San Jacinto CountyA burglary suspect who barricaded himself inside a San Jacinto County mobile home was taken into custody after a hours-long standoff.
Millie Thompson Williams, first woman elected to help lead Texas’ Alabama-Coushatta, dies
Read full article: Millie Thompson Williams, first woman elected to help lead Texas’ Alabama-Coushatta, diesThompson Williams is remembered as a spiritual leader and educator who “liked seeing what the possibilities were.”
Mother chased Polk County man who allegedly tried to meet teenage daughter after contacting her online
Read full article: Mother chased Polk County man who allegedly tried to meet teenage daughter after contacting her onlineA Polk County man is facing charges after authorities said he tried to meet a 15-year-old girl he had been communicating with online.
Watch: Bodycam shows kidnapping suspect leading Trinity County deputies on 80 mph chase while riding on rim
Read full article: Watch: Bodycam shows kidnapping suspect leading Trinity County deputies on 80 mph chase while riding on rimIntense bodycam footage was released of the capturing of a kidnapping suspect wanted in Leon County on multiple felony charges, according to the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office.
Pilot injured after plane fighting wildfires in Polk County crashes in Lake Livingston, officials say
Read full article: Pilot injured after plane fighting wildfires in Polk County crashes in Lake Livingston, officials sayA pilot is injured after a plane crashed in Lake Livingston Tuesday afternoon while responding to wildfires in Polk County.
Water boil noticed issued for Polk County residents due to loss of pressure caused by main line break
Read full article: Water boil noticed issued for Polk County residents due to loss of pressure caused by main line breakPolk County has issued a water boil notice for residents due to loss of pressure in its system caused by a main line break, according to a release.
Suspect in custody after police standoff following Polk County chase on Eastex Freeway, authorities say
Read full article: Suspect in custody after police standoff following Polk County chase on Eastex Freeway, authorities sayA suspect is in custody after leading officers on a chase from Polk County, ending in a standoff that caused a shutdown on the Eastex Freeway.
Fight over Texas tribal gaming lands before SCOTUS
Read full article: Fight over Texas tribal gaming lands before SCOTUSThe U.S. Supreme Court has taken up a long-running legal dispute between the state of Texas and two Native American tribes: the Alabama-Coushatta tribe in Polk County and the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribe near El Paso.
Remains found in Polk County in 2020 identified as missing Katy man; $25K reward offered in case
Read full article: Remains found in Polk County in 2020 identified as missing Katy man; $25K reward offered in caseThe family of Kyle Rugg is asking for the public’s help. He was reported missing seven years ago on March 4, 2015 when he was 20 years old.
Texas DPS: 1 dead, 3 injured after helicopter crash near Livingston in Polk County
Read full article: Texas DPS: 1 dead, 3 injured after helicopter crash near Livingston in Polk CountyOne person is dead after authorities with Texas Department of Public Safety said a helicopter crashed at a field in Polk County.
Polk county deputies receive lifesaving awards after saving man from his burning home
Read full article: Polk county deputies receive lifesaving awards after saving man from his burning homeTwo Polk county sheriff’s deputies were given lifesaving awards during a ceremony on Wednesday. The pair were credited with saving the life of a disabled man who became trapped in a burning house.
Florida gunman killed 4, including mom still holding baby
Read full article: Florida gunman killed 4, including mom still holding babyA Florida sheriff says a man wearing full body armor fatally shot four people, including a mother and the 3-month-old baby she was cradling, and engaged in a massive gunfight with police and deputies before getting wounded and surrendering.
The wild reports from the latest Texas Game Warden Field Notes
Read full article: The wild reports from the latest Texas Game Warden Field NotesThe following notes were compiled from recent Texas Parks and Wildlife law enforcement reports and published in a release. Here are some of the wildest reports from the department’s latest edition of Game Warden Field Notes:
Woman pleads guilty to hate crimes for running down children
Read full article: Woman pleads guilty to hate crimes for running down childrenAn Iowa woman has pleaded guilty to federal hate crimes for intentionally driving her SUV into two children in 2019 because she said she thought one was Mexican and the other was a member of the Islamic State group.
2 weeks after deadly EF-3 tornado ripped through Onalaska, community still reeling
Read full article: 2 weeks after deadly EF-3 tornado ripped through Onalaska, community still reelingONALASKA, Texas – The Onalaska community is still reeling from the devastation caused by an EF-3 tornado that touched down and destroyed several neighborhoods on April 22. “It’s been two weeks and every time we pull up it’s a different flood of emotions,” said resident Debbie Robins. Robins said she was home when the tornado hit and only had a few seconds to find shelter. Onalaska Assistant fire Chief TD Jennings was working the night the tornado hit and gave KPRC 2 a look at some of the hardest-hit areas in the Yaupon Cove subdivision. Officials asking anyone who can donate their time or money to please call the city of Onalaska or Polk County Emergency Management at (936) 327-6826.
Number of homes destroyed by EF3 tornado exceeds 170, Polk County Judge says
Read full article: Number of homes destroyed by EF3 tornado exceeds 170, Polk County Judge saysONALASKA – Polk County officials gave an update two days after a tornado ripped through Onalaska, leaving devastation in its wake. Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy said that the number of damaged homes increased to 306. The American Red Cross provided shelter to about 100 residents who were displaced by the tornado, Murphy said. Instead, people can go to the Polk County Emergency Management Facebook page for instructions on how to properly sort their debris so it will get picked up by the county’s contractor. “Up until this point Polk County has done a great job,” Murphy said.
Community remembers couple among those killed in Polk County tornado
Read full article: Community remembers couple among those killed in Polk County tornadoONALASKA – The damage across Onalaska in Polk County from Wednesday's violent tornado was widespread. One of his best friends, Taylor Holbert and Taylor's girlfriend, Brooke Ivey, were both killed. Billy Price said he is thankful to be alive, considering he was driving down the highway when the tornado hit. Like so many small knit communities, Price also knew the couple that was killed. Less than 24 hours after the deadly tornado struck, the entire community is coming together to start rebuilding while remembering those lost.
Reporter’s Notebook: Surrounded by debris of what was their lives, Onalaska community remains resilient after tornado
Read full article: Reporter’s Notebook: Surrounded by debris of what was their lives, Onalaska community remains resilient after tornadoVery little warning.”This is the sixth tornado Farrows said he has lived through. Mayra couldn’t recall too much of the moments the tornado hit but does remember waking up, pinned beneath her trailer. “I was expecting rain and hail and maybe a little wind, but not a full Wizard of Oz tornado,” Jimenez joked. Reilly told us preliminary findings indicated the tornado that descended on this little community had caused EF-2 damage. Reilly told us NWS has crews surveying the damage from this tornado all the way into Louisiana and their findings would be compiled into a complete report.
Polk County family says they’re lucky to be alive after tornado destroys home
Read full article: Polk County family says they’re lucky to be alive after tornado destroys homePOLK COUNTY, TEXAS – Residents of the Canyon Park Subdivision were left trying to pick up the pieces after a tornado touched down and left a trail of destruction on Tuesday. I was praying, thank God we’re blessed and unscathed,” Aryana Manning said. Manning considers her family lucky to be alive after a tree split their mobile home in half. “My mother-in-law said, ‘Is that a tornado siren?’ I said, ‘No that’s the tornado.’ It sounds like a siren or a train,” Manning said. The Manning family said they aren’t sure what they’ll do next but will stay with family until they can figure it out.
'So heartbroken’: This is what residents say it was like to experience tornado as it ripped through Polk County
Read full article: 'So heartbroken’: This is what residents say it was like to experience tornado as it ripped through Polk CountyONALASKA, Texas – Residents were fearful and in shock after a tornado ripped through multiple neighborhoods in Onalaska in Polk County Wednesday evening. Y'all please keep Onalaska Texas in your prayers. this is yaupon cove drive pic.twitter.com/18QusOTPV7 — Joe Smith SDK (@JoeSmithSDK) April 23, 2020my dads entire neighborhood in onalaska tx just got completely destroyed by a tornado. 2020 is out for blood pic.twitter.com/948AqfVF5V — kasey (@eattmyshorts_) April 23, 2020Please pray for everyone who lost everything here in Onalaska, TX. A command post was set up at the Onalaska Fire and Rescue as first responders worked to rescue trapped residents and assess the damage.
How to help people in Polk County after deadly tornado
Read full article: How to help people in Polk County after deadly tornadoONALASKA, Texas – Three people lost their lives, and several communities were devastated by a tornado that plowed through Polk County Wednesday. People are in need of basic items like food, water clothing and other miscellaneous household items. The PCEM shared a post on how you can help those impacted by the tornado. VolunteeringDue to COVID-19, Polk County Emergency Management will not be setting up a physical volunteer reception center. People who were displaced by the tornado and need clothing can also call the Oasis at 936-327-1208 or 936-327-8467.
NWS: Deadly tornado in Onalaska peaked at 140 mph winds, caused EF3 damage in parts
Read full article: NWS: Deadly tornado in Onalaska peaked at 140 mph winds, caused EF3 damage in partsONALASKA, Texas – The National Weather Service said Thursday that preliminary information shows the tornado that ripped through Onalaska in Polk County Wednesday evening, caused between EF1 and EF3 damage with a peak wind of 140 miles per hour. NWS officials said the tornado caused EF1 and EF2 damage with winds of 135 miles per hour for the most part. However, in Paradise Acres Subdivision of Onalaska, the peak winds were at 140 miles per hour which caused EF3 damage. See the path of a deadly tornado that ripped through Polk County on April 22, 2020. “Up to this point, Polk County has done a really good job of sheltering at home,” Murphy said.
KPRC 2’s Frank Billingsley breaks down the dynamics of tornado that destroyed Polk County neighborhoods
Read full article: KPRC 2’s Frank Billingsley breaks down the dynamics of tornado that destroyed Polk County neighborhoodsHOUSTON – KPRC 2 Chief Meteorologist tracked the storm that moved through the Houston-area Wednesday evening. A tornado ripped through four neighborhoods in Polk County at about 6 p.m. Wednesday, bringing wind and hail damage to the surrounding areas. PHOTOS: Tornado rips through trees, buildings in Seven Oaks area Wednesday eveningIn the video above, Billingsley breaks down the dynamics and trail of the tornado and the damage it left in its wake.
3 killed, at least 20 injured after tornado rips through Onalaska in Polk County Wednesday
Read full article: 3 killed, at least 20 injured after tornado rips through Onalaska in Polk County WednesdayONALASKA, Texas – At least 20 people were injured and three people were killed after a tornado ripped through multiple neighborhoods in Onalaska in Polk County Wednesday evening, according to the Polk County Office of Emergency Management. Polk County subdivisions hit hardest by tornado (Polk County Emergency Management, Texas)National Weather Service storm spotter Ian Shelton told KPRC 2 he started chasing the storm in the early afternoon. Multiple agencies including the Texas Department of Public Safety, the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office are enforcing blockades, assessing damage and helping residents in the area, Shelton said. VIDEO: Residents describe terrifying moments they saw a tornado touch down in Polk County WednesdayShelters:Polk County Emergency Management said anyone who might need shelter is asked to go to Dunbar Gym in Livingston as the schools in Onalaska have lost power. Posted by Polk County Emergency Management, Texas on Wednesday, April 22, 2020Gov.
George Zimmerman sues Trayvon Martin’s family, others for $100 million
Read full article: George Zimmerman sues Trayvon Martin’s family, others for $100 millionPOLK COUNTY, Fla. – George Zimmerman is suing Trayvon Martin’s family, prosecutors and others for $100 million. Zimmerman, a Sanford neighborhood watch volunteer in 2012, was acquitted of homicide in the fatal shooting of Martin, who was 17 years old. The lawsuit, filed in Polk County, where Zimmerman now lives, cites information in a documentary about the case that accuses the Martin family of engineering false testimony. The suit seeks $100 million in civil damages, alleging defamation, abuse of civil process and conspiracy. This story was originally published on our sister site at WKMG.