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TYLER — The Democratic challenger in the race for Texas Agriculture Commissioner is charging that incumbent Todd Staples is derelict on the issue of gas pump inspections. But Staples is challenging the allegation. At a news conference Monday, Hank Gilbert of Whitehouse (pictured) said Staples has let too many stations fall through the cracks. The news conference was held Monday at an abandoned gas station on Loop 323. According to Gilbert, “We’re finding routinely 20-40% of the stations that are out of compliance.”

KETK-TV reports as Gilbert spoke to the press, an inspector pulled up and began checking the pumps at that very station. “If you’ll look at the station behind me,” Gilbert told reporters, “it looks like the Texas Department of Agriculture is doing their inspection on those pumps. Because, when we did our Dallas Morning News interview Friday, I highlighted a sticker off of that gas station.”

According to Gilbert, The result of a lax inspection regime is possible overcharging, a problem found in almost 40% the gas pumps in the state between 2007 and now. “We have seen reports and instances filed in particular stations in particular pumps, where people were getting gouged by 12-14 cents a gallon.” He said in Smith County, nearly half were found out of compliance in that period. And how many were referred for enforcement? Only 11%, according to Gilbert. And for that, he blames politicians.

Late Tuesday, the Ag Department released a response to what it terms “recent misleading and inaccurate statistics” regarding TDA consumer protection activities. According to a department news release:

· Since Jan. 1, 2007, TDA inspections have found that 94% of fuel pumps inspected in Texas are accurate. During this same period, TDA’s oversight of ensuring accuracy within the state’s Weights and Measures program has resulted in 379,922 fuel pump inspections statewide.

· During this same time period, the compliance rate for Smith County fuel pumps inspected was also 94%, with 3,675 fuel pumps inspected.

· The unregistered Smith County fuel operator identified in the media this week was found with 6 fuel pumps being accurate; 4 pumps dispensing too much fuel; 1 pump dispensing too little fuel; 4 pumps malfunctioning prior to dispensing fuel; and 11 pumps not in operation. The inaccurate pumps have been shut down, the company is now registered, and further enforcement is pending final investigation.

· Since Jan. 1, 2007, the average amount of time between inspections of registered fuel pumps in Texas has been 2.6 years.

· Since 2007, TDA has quadrupled fines for violations of fuel pumps.

· TDA posts violators on http://www.texasagriculture.gov — the agency website.

· TDA encourages the public to report concerns regarding fuel pumps by calling the 1-800-TELL-TDA hotline.

TYLER — Texas Bank and Trust has selected 14 Tyler Independent School District seniors to serve on its 2010-2011 Student Board of Directors. A reception introducing the Student Board of Directors will be this evening at 7:00 at the Texas Bank and Trust, located at 2323 West Grande Boulevard in Tyler.

TB&T Student Board is a prestigious program recognizing outstanding high school seniors in the community. The students from John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools are Maria Araujo, Mickey Cheavens, Meredith Cozby, Raymond Cozby IV, Jessica Emery, Nicholas Freeman, Samantha Hudson, James Landes, Alexandra Lange, Elise Martin, Kaitlyn Martin, Jason McCloskey, Marco Retana and De’Anna Wheeler.

Students were selected based on their grade point average, extra-curricular activities, and afterschool work activities. Students must submit an essay with their application as well as two letters of recommendation from either a faculty member or administrator from the high school the student attends to be considered for the program.

The Tyler ISD seniors who qualified for this year’s program join with 12 other seniors from All Saints, TK Gorman, and Grace Community Schools to make up the senior class for the TB&T program in Tyler.

The student directors will attend meetings throughout the school year where they will learn about banking, budgeting, credit, the stock market, trust and brokerage services, job interviewing, as well as serve as advisors to the bank on three areas of banking technology, the redesign of the bank’s website and the use of social media.

KILGORE — The water in Kilgore has developed a bad taste and odor and an unusual color. City officials tell KETK-TV the problem can be traced back to the dry weather. Kilgore officials say the bad smell and taste results when the Sabine river gets low and algae grows. Kilgore City Manager, Jeff Howell says nature has to work out this problem. And he says even though the water doesn’t taste or smell that great, it is safe to drink.

TYLER — An attempt to change the second trial for a man accused in a 2007 child sex ring has failed. According to KETK, defense attorney Thad Davidson wanted State District Judge Jack Skeen of Tyler off the case. Davidson claimed Skeen used his own special rules of evidence and procedure in his courtroom during Patrick Kelly’s last trial. The state now says Davidson has a personal vendetta against Judge Skeen. So the trial will continue as planned.

LONGVIEW — Longview authorities are kicking off a major crime prevention event tonight. On October 12th, neighborhoods throughout Longview are invited to join forces with other communities statewide in the effort to reduce crime. Partners in Prevention and the Longview Police Department are the organizers of the citywide event. A Texans Against Crime kick-off event will be held from 6:00 to 7:30pm on Tuesday at the Maude Cobb Convention Center, 100 Grand Blvd. At the kick-off, participants can interact with other Texans Against Crime party hosts, meet law enforcement personnel, register for block parties, pick up yard signs, and visit informational booths. For more information or to register a block party, you can call 903-237-1019.

LONGVIEW — The 61st Annual Longview Jaycees Gregg County Fair and Expo will be held September 13th through 18th. Hours are 6:00 to 11:00pm Monday through Friday and 12:00 noon through 11:00pm on Saturday. All week long there will be raffle tickets for a $1,000 shopping spree, with proceeds benefiting the Longview Thanksgiving Food Drive. You can visit http://www.GreggCountyFair.com for up-to-date schedule and band listings. There’s also more information on the ktbb.com Calendar of Events.

EDGEWOOD — One man is in custody after a Van Zandt County murder. Deputies were called to a home on VZCR 3508 in Edgewood Saturday in reference to a shooting Upon arrival they discovered the homeowner had been shot twice. He was taken to a local hospital where he later died. After speaking with witnesses at the scene, authorities arrested Jonathan Mitchell. He’s been charged with murder and bond is set at $1 million. Texas Rangers have been called in to assist with the investigation.

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating what they term a double homicide. And they’re looking for a cell phone that may have been stolen from one of the victims. Police say they received a call around shortly after 3:00 Saturday morning from an unknown person staying that someone had been shot in the Line Street Alley. Officers found a man lying in the front yard of 909 East Line who was dead from a gunshot wound. Upon further investigation officers discovered the front door to the home was open and saw a woman dead on the floor. They are identified as Pedro Flores, 49, of 1418 North Haynie, in Tyler, and Felisha Mosley, 38, who lived at the residence where the victims were found.

According to investigators, Flores blue AT&T Samsung a887 slider cell phone is missing and is believed to have been stolen. It is possible that the phone may be sold, traded or discarded. The phone, like the one pictured here, has a distinct identification number, “IMEI: 358946024949747”, on the inside under the battery.

Tyler police ask that anyone finding a phone matching this description or anyone who has contact with someone trying to sell or trade this phone call the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1000. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the individual(s) responsible for this homicide.

TYLER — This is PATH Week, a time to remember Smith County’s people in need. Christina Fulsom is executive director of PATH, or People Attempting to Help, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary as an interfaith agency working to meet various needs. Fulsom says there are over 26,000 people struggling with poverty in the community. She says, “PATH is the place where people can contribute their time or their money or gifts so that they can help people in need.” The week features a Tuesday luncheon, a Wednesday “Dine out for PATH” fundraiser, and an anniversary dinner on Thursday. You can go to http://www.pathhelps.org for more information.

BULLARD — A big event at Bullard’s Bushman Celebration Center is picking up steam. Pastor Dan Cummins of the Bridlewood Church of Bullard is organizing “Come Pray with Me,” September 21 at 7:00pm. Cummins terms it “a non-political event whose purpose is to pray for the direction of our nation.” He says 2,000 people or more are expected for “what is promising to be maybe the largest prayer event of its kind in East Texas.”

According to Cummins, there are over fifty churches involved from many denominations, across Smith and Cherokee Counties. Spiritual and patriotic music will be featured. Cummins says there will also be “words of inspiration and challenge and a time to pray for “My House, God’s House, and the White House.” Admission is one non-perishable food item or one new toy for Bullard’s Mission House. You can log on to http://www.ComePrayWithMe.org or call 903-571-4291 for more information.

TYLER — The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County invites all high school students in Smith County to enter a video contest. The project is the production of a 30-second public service video announcement. Promoting Texas Voting is the theme. The deadline is September 17.

“We want to elevate awareness of the importance of voting in young voters. We believe that getting them to think about the importance of voting and the ways to get this message across to the public are good ways to encourage students to register and vote when they reach 18,” says Kristi Roberts, president, LWV-Tyler/Smith County. Announcement of winners takes place at the Candidate Forum, sponsored by LWV-Tyler/Smith County, on Monday, October 4, in the Tyler Independent School District Board Room in the Plyler Instructional Complex, 807 West Glenwood. Each winning entry will yield a cash prize for its producer or production team.

Melissa Crowe, chair of the Promoting Texas Voting video contest, says students can work alone or in teams, and they are free to use any graphic devices they wish so long as they do not go over the 30 second limit. Each entry must include a fully completed entry form and follow a set of contest rules. These include the basic League principles of nonpartisanship and fairness and the avoidance of brand names, trademarked material, bigotry, racism, and indecent language or behavior. The entries will be judged by a panel chosen from college/university faculty and media professionals. For complete information about this contest, email [email protected] or call Melissa Crowe at 940-867-7021.

TYLER — Here’s a quick look at events and work planned in the Tyler District of the Texas Department of Transportation.

TYLER — On Tuesday, TxDOT, in conjunction with the Union Pacific Railroad, plans to close various lanes on West Loop 323 just south of State Highway 31 (Front Street) at the railroad bridge to allow Union Pacific to make repairs and upgrades to the bridge structure. The work, which is scheduled to be conducted between 9:00am and 4:00pm, should take one day to complete. Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes if possible to avoid delays caused by this work.

Also in Smith County, TxDOT maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing operations on Farm Road 3341 in the Lake Tyler area between Farm Road 346 south of Whitehouse and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge and shoulder repairs in various locations on Farm Road 2275 (George Richie Road). Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base repairs on Ranch Road 2588, between U.S. Highway 175 near LaRue, and the end of state maintenance. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several days of resurfacing operations in various locations along State Highway 43 between Henderson and Tatum. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

ANDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal coat operations on Farm Road 1817 between U.S. Highway 287 in Elkhart and Farm Road 323, followed upon completion by the same work on Farm Road 2330 between State Highway 19 north of Montalba and Farm Road 860. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on U.S. Highway 80 east of Mineola between Loop 564 and Farm Road 2422, and in various locations on US 80 in and around Hawkins. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin several days of base and pavement repairs on Interstate 20 between Farm Road 859 north of Canton and the Smith County Line. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

JACKSONVILLE — State Representative Chuck Hopson attends the field day and forestry tour hosted by the Texas Forestry Association at the tree farm of Phillip and Norleine Power on Saturday. During the visit, Mr. and Mrs. Power received a resolution from the Texas House of Representatives to commemorate their recognition as the Texas Forestry Association’s Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.

According to Hopson, “The Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year competition recognizes private landowners for the exceptional job they are doing of enhancing the forest on their property and their efforts to promote the practice of sustainable forestry to other landowners and the public. Phillip and Norleine Power’s implementation of tree farm stewardship best practices reflects an understanding of how careful planning today can have immense benefits for the future.”

In 2008, Mr. and Mrs. Powers’s tree farm was awarded the Stewardship recognition from the Texas Forest Service, the farm was honored in 2009 by the Cherokee County Soil and Water Conservation District, and in 2009, the Powerses were recognized as a Zone winner in the state Tree Farm competition.

TYLER — Liquor could soon boost Smith County coffers. According to KETK, state officials have finally given liquor stores a “go ahead” to sell large quantities of alcohol. Earlier this year the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission put a moratorium on liquor sales in Smith County, but some new revisions will bring big business to local distributors. When Winona went wet, the TABC continued to allow restaurants to get their liquor across county lines. Now state officials say restaurants will also be required to buy their alcohol only from distributors in the county. Local distributors say it’s about time. Restaurants will not be able to get liquor from other counties starting January 1st.

MARSHALL (AP) – A federal prosecutor says an east Texas man has been charged with sexually exploiting children in his traveling rodeo act. U.S. Attorney John M. Bales said Friday that Rodney Ray Hayes of Linden was indicted and charged with four counts of transporting minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The 44-year-old man was released Friday after posting a $100,000 bond. A phone number for him could not be found. His attorney could not immediately be reached. The Tuesday indictment states that Hayes, also known as the “Texas Kid,” was a professional rodeo performer who had children working and traveling with him to various states. If convicted, Hayes faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating what they term a double homicide. Police say they received a call around 3:06 a.m. Saturday from an unknown person stating that someone had been shot in the Line Street Alley. Officers responded to the area of Line Street and discovered a man lying in the front yard of 909 E. Line who was deceased from a gunshot wound. Upon further investigation officers discovered the front door to the residence of 909 E. Line open and observed a second victim lying on the floor. Officers found a woman who was also deceased from a gunshot wound. The male victim is identified as 49-year-old Pedro Flores of 1418 N. Haynie, Tyler. The female victim is identified as 38-year-old Felisha Mosley, who lived at the residence where the victims were found.

Tyler Police Department Investigators responded to the scene. According to a news release, investigators have been working on the identity of the victims and looking for evidence that leads to the identity of the suspect or suspects. Investigators believe that a possible motive may be related to illegal narcotics. Anyone with information about the suspects involved in this crime is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833). Crimestoppers will pay up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed against the suspects in this, or any, felony case.

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District (NETPHD) will offer flu vaccinations to the general public beginning Monday, September 13th, at 815 N. Broadway. The flu vaccination clinics will operate every Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Seasonal flu vaccinations will continue until the supply is depleted.

According to George Roberts, CEO of NETPHD, “CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. We are here to help protect you and your family and encourage our community to get vaccinated early.” Officials say the 2010 – 2011 seasonal influenza vaccine will protect against three strains of flu viruses, including the 2009 H1N1influenza virus, which cause so much illness last season. Health officials caution that flu is unpredictable, but they say it is very likely that the flu virus will cause illness throughout the U.S. in the coming months.

The cost for the flu vaccination is $20.00 per person and the cost for the flu mist nasal spray is $25.00 per person. Medicaid and Medicare Part B will be accepted. Children who are uninsured or underinsured and qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program will be charged $8.00. “Seasonal flu vaccine, available in shot and nasal spray forms, is recommended for people ages 6 months and older. It is especially important for individuals at high risk of complications from the flu to become vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available.” says Dr. Jonathan MacClements, Smith County Health Authority. For additional information, you can go to http://www.healthyeasttx.org or contact the Northeast Texas Public Health District at 903-510-5604.

TYLER — The South Tyler Rotary, in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus, hosted a barbeque Saturday for the 141st Quartermaster Company and their families at the Knights of Columbus Hall on the Southwest Loop. “It is important for everyone to remember all of the soldiers and families who continuously make huge personal sacrifices so the rest of us can enjoy our freedom,” said Tom DeWitt, President of the South Tyler Rotary. “There is no greater country than ours, and our military plays a huge role in protecting all of us. The Rotarians feel strongly about supporting our military troops and it is appropriate to honor them on the anniversary of 9/11. We are delighted to working hand in hand with the Knight of Columbus to honor our local military heroes.”

The 141st Quartermaster Company drills on the south edge of Tyler on Troup Highway, where they have been training for the last 25 years. The quartermaster branch is the logistics and supply branch of the army. The 141st is a pipeline company. When ships come to port delivering fuel, the 141st company draws the fuel out of the ship and pumps it into the area of operations to be disseminated to deployed soldiers. They have been completing this mission for the last ten years, the last two under CPT Stephen T. Melton and 1SG Christopher Cassano. There are just under 200 Soldiers who report to the 141st, the vast majority from the Tyler area. Soldiers come from as far as Houston and Louisiana on a monthly basis as well.

TYLER — A Tyler traffic accident has claimed the life of a 57-year-old man. At 3:14 p.m. on Friday, Tyler Police dispatch received a call about a one vehicle crash at the intersection of Front and Clayton Streets. Tyler Fire and East Texas EMS arrived at the scene, removed the sole occupant of the involved vehicle, and began CPR. The driver of the vehicle is identified as Paul Ray Jarrell. Police say after a prolonged effort to revive Mr. Jarrell, the CPR was discontinued.

Witnesses to the crash said Jarrell’s vehicle drove off the roadway into a vacant lot for no apparent reason. Police say Jarrell had a history of medical problems that may have resulted in his losing his capability to operate his vehicle. Justice of the Peace Quincy Beavers responded to the scene and ordered Jarrell’s body taken to South East Forensics for an autopsy. Major Crimes detectives and accident investigators also responded to the scene for the investigation.

LONGVIEW — After 31 total years in the Fire Service and almost 28 years with the Longview Fire Department, Assistant Chief Claude Ford is retiring. Ford’s last day on the job will be September 17, with an official retirement date of September 26. A retirement reception has been scheduled for from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 15, at the Longview Fire Department Training Center, located at 307 American Legion Blvd.

LONGVIEW — A leak discovered during routine monitoring at Eastman Chemical in Longview causes the company to shut down one of its crackling plants. KETK reports the leak was discovered Wednesday in crackling plant No. 3. Eastman officials say the leak occurred in one of its cooling towers in the plant and they took immediate action to prevent any damage. The leak is currently being fixed, and officials expect the plant to be back up and running in the next few days. Production is not expected to be affected.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University’s Fall 2010 incoming class made history as the largest the university has ever added to its traditional program at the Longview campus, with 460 new students, compared to 432 last year. This year, the school also enjoyed a record number of applications and campus visits. “A record number of new students arriving, as well as a record number of last fall’s students returning, indicates that LETU is on a trajectory for future enrollment growth, and with each student comes increasing impact on workplaces around the world,” said LETU President Dr. Dale A. Lunsford. “We are pleased to attract these students to Longview and know that when they leave, they will take their experiences here in East Texas with them as they serve wherever God calls them all across the globe.”

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler has recorded its highest enrollment with a 4.5 percent increase over last fall, President Rodney H. Mabry announced. Total headcount for this fall is 6,483. The fall 2009 figure was 6,201. Students also are enrolling in more courses as semester credit hours for 2010 are 69,779, a 2.5 percent increase over 68,106 in 2009. “We are very pleased with these figures. Enrollment management is working diligently to improve many of our procedures and services to better recruit, admit and retain the students, and we are seeing the results,” said Charlie Hutchins, assistant vice president for enrollment management, marketing and customer service.

Officials say in the last two years, enrollment at UT Tyler has been flat due to the economy. “The effects of the economy made it difficult for some students to return to school and prevented some from beginning their education,” Hutchins said.

LONGVIEW — A Longview man is sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated robbery. According to KETK, police say 22-year-old Richard Allen Wofford Jr. shot a 52-year-old man in the leg April 1. They say they were arguing over a debt. Wofford originally faced five years to life, but he accepted a plea deal.

KILGORE — The Kilgore City Council passed an ordinance earlier this week banning the sale and possession of K2 in city limits. Kilgore is just one of many east Texas cities that have recently banned the synthetic marijuana. Kilgore officials say if someone is caught trying to sell or posses K2 it will be a Class C Misdemeanor and can result in a fine up to $2,000. According to KETK, the ban goes into effect September 18.

JACKSONVILLE — The Lon Morris College President says the number of students has more than doubled in the last two years–which means less housing for the students. Now, more than 300 students live in a local inn. However, neighbors say it’s not a good idea. One neighbor says students tore her fence down and she had to replace it. Another says the students’ music is too loud and she fears she won’t be able to sell her house. According to KETK, students say they sometimes walk down the street to the park and play a little ball. The Lon Morris President says, “College students will be college students.” The school says for serious complaints, residents should call the police.

TYLER — After almost ten years of rescuing and re-homing homeless dogs and cats, East Texas Animal Rescue Fund announces plans for the dissolution of ARF as they join forces with the newly formed SPCA of East Texas. According to media materials, Since 1991, ARF volunteers have spent countless weekends in front of Petsmart adopting dogs to loving homes. Although it was termed “a difficult and bittersweet decision,” ARF board members recently voted to make the SPCA of East Texas the recipient of their non-profit assets. To ensure all their years of hard work would continue to benefit homeless animals in East Texas, ARF officials say, the 28 acre ARF headquarters/facility/ranch will be sold to assist with funding the recently launched SPCA Animal Services Center building campaign. Currently, neither the city of Tyler nor Smith County has a local facility to house, rescue and adopt stray or neglected dogs and cats.

The formal dissolution of ARF is expected to take place by the end of this year. In the meantime, SPCA volunteers are assisting ARF with re-homing their adoptable animals at the National Adoptathon to be held this weekend, September 11th and 12th.

When: September 11 & 12, 10:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Where: PetSmart, 5610 S. Broadway in Tyler

The community is invited to view and visit adoptable animals. The adoption fee of $60.00 is tax deductible and will be used to provide food and medical care to other homeless animals.

JACKSONVILLE – Jacksonville’s West Side Elementary and Fred Douglass Elementary Schools were two of the twenty-five Texas schools that have been named 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools award winners by the U.S. Department of Education. JISD officials say the two schools are the only East Texas schools to be awarded the prestigious designation. According to the officials, with only 25 statewide qualifying, the award puts two of the top 1% of elementary campuses in the state in Jacksonville ISD. The award honors schools that achieved academic excellence or made significant progress in closing the achievement gap.

Schools that receive the award will be recognized at the Blue Ribbon Schools conference in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 15-16 — where each recipient will receive a plaque and a flag signifying its status as a Blue Ribbon School.

TYLER — Information from the Texas Comptroller indicates that City of Tyler sales tax revenues deposited for the month of September have increased 2.95 percent as compared to the same period in 2009. Officials say Tyler compares favorably to the statewide average improvement of 2.66 percent. This is the second consecutive month of improved collections versus those reported in the same month in the prior year.

The reported revenue of $2,613,396 comprises $1,742,264 general sales tax revenue and $871,132 half-cent sales tax revenue. The figures represent receipts from July 2010 collections, as there is a two-month period before revenue is reported.

“In the proposed 2010/2011 budget, the City planned for a two percent increase in sales tax collections,” said City Manager Mark McDaniel (pictured). “It is gratifying to see that at the end of this fiscal year, the local economy is showing signs of recovery. The City currently has more than 100 positions frozen and these positions will not be refilled until we see several months of growth in our sales tax revenue. We will continue to take a conservative approach and ensure we are operating in a positive financial position; however, we remain cautiously optimistic about the coming year.”

TYLER — A big change on the way for one popular downtown Tyler road. According to KETK, the city’s approving a two-way stretch of road on East Erwin. Drivers making their way between North Spring Avenue and Center Street will now be able to go both ways. Traffic engineers say it’ll make for a safer drive down the congested road. Changes should come by the spring.