![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1284" height="722"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)
Next up in 5
Veterans find alternative ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, as fireworks can ignite PTSD and other illnesses
Rose City Airfest takes flight in Tyler
City of Jacksonville passed an ordinance restricting garage sales
Preview: Longview's Fireworks & Freedom Celebration
Rose City Airfest to feature military aircraft, proceeds benefiting local veterans
NACOGDOCHES, Texas — An East Texas school district will be absorbed by another due to financial reasons.
According to Keven Ellis, Texas State Board of Education Member for District 9, Etoile ISD and Woden ISD have reached a mutual agreement consolidation.
Ellis tells CBS19 the reasons are financial insolvency, and not because of academics or performance.
The move was approved by the Woden school board on Feb. 17.
Paid Advertisement
Next up in 5
HOOKED ON EAST TEXAS: Paddlefish -- a comeback story
What's the deal with robocalls, wedding dresses and parental controls
Unbelievable! This is the Moment a Cobra Vomits Up a Massive PVC Pipe
Veterans find alternative ways to celebrate the Fourth of July, as fireworks can ignite PTSD and other illnesses
Rose City Airfest takes flight in Tyler
UPSHUR COUNTY, Texas — The Texas 12th Court of Appeals has upheld the life sentence of an East Texas man.
In April 2021, an Upshur County jury sentenced Joshua David Verhoef to life in prison for assaulting his girlfriend while on methamphetamines in August 2020. Verhoef had 23 prior criminal convictions, including multiple felonies.
The Upshur County jury determined Verhoef struck and strangled the victim multiple times. The victim managed to run away to a neighbor's home and called 911. Police attempted to speak to Verhoef before the arrest, but Verhoef had locked himself inside his home.
After over an hour of attempting to get Verhoef to come out, police knocked the glass out of the back door and took Verhoef into custody.
Verhoef was on parole at the time of the attack.
Due to his criminal background and previous convictions, the state filed to increase his punishment range to 25 years to life. The jury took 20 minutes to determine guilt, and another 30 minutes to issue the life sentence.
Verhoef appealed his sentence stating there wasn't enough evidence to find him guilty. However, the appeal was rejected and the sentence was upheld.
Paid Advertisement
All Consent Allowed
![CBS19 Home](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="336" height="84"><rect fill-opacity="0"/></svg>)