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TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted a ceremony Thursday at Gallery Main Street to unveil two new Half Mile of History stones in Downtown Tyler. The stones are part of the Half-Mile of History heritage trail and honor Governors James S. Hogg and Oran M. Roberts. The information below is from the Handbook of Texas website.

James Stephen Hogg, the first native governor of Texas, spent a significant part of his career in Tyler. Hogg did much as governor to strengthen public respect for law enforcement, defended the Texas claim to Greer County, and championed five major pieces of legislation. The “Hogg Laws” included (1) the law establishing the Railroad Commission; (2) the railroad stock and bond law cutting down on watered stock; (3) the law forcing land corporations to sell off their holdings in 15 years; (4) the Alien Land Law, which checked further grants to foreign corporations in an effort to get the land into the hands of citizen settlers; and (5) the act restricting the amount of indebtedness by bond issues that county and municipal groups could legally undertake.

Oran M. Roberts, was born in Laurens District, South Carolina, on July 9, 1815. In 1878 he was elected governor of Texas on a platform of post-Reconstruction fiscal reform. His two gubernatorial terms were marked by a reduction in state expenditures. During his life, Roberts practiced law in Tyler and brought note to Tyler and the county by serving as governor. He was also part of the powerful “Tyler Gang” composed of Roberts, along with Tyler’s two other governors and other influential individuals. Roberts also served as president of the Texas Secession Convention and Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, and became a noted historian. Though much of his work occurred in Austin, his impact was felt in Tyler and Smith County. A local school, Oran Roberts Junior High (now closed) was named after him. You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org for more information on Hogg and Roberts.

The stated goal of the Half Mile of History is “to pay tribute to people, places and events that have contributed to the rich history of Tyler and Smith County.” The Half Mile of History is a permanent, outdoor, half-mile loop that surrounds the square in the heart of downtown Tyler. Stone plaques are placed in the sidewalk along the Half Mile of History to commemorate significant people, places or events.

LONGVIEW — The historic Longview Junction Train Depot will undergo a major restoration effort thanks to federal funds totaling $2,169,461. In addition to the federal funds, the City of Longview is required to provide $450,000 as a local match. The City of Longview acquired the building from Union Pacific in 2009 and has a 20 year lease on the land.

The project includes the restoration and rehabilitation of the depot. The restored depot will be a part of the Longview Transportation Center. Officials say the center will serve as a central multimodal area for Longview that would include access to Amtrak, Longview Transit, Greyhound, and more. A master plan has been prepared that recommends returning the circa 1940 structure to its original condition with attention given to historical accuracy. The depot building is approximately 9,300 square feet, but only a small portion of the building is currently occupied. The depot currently serves Amtrak passenger services and is a communication site for Union Pacific Railroad. According to officials this project would allow for the full utilization of the building with services that enhance transportation convenience and efficiency while securing its place in history.

LONGVIEW — LeTourneau University has signed an agreement to partner with Network of International Christian Schools (NICS) and NorthStar Academy to offer online dual enrollment courses to high school students attending the online school. LeTourneau University has been offering online courses since 2001 and online full degree programs since 2005. School officials say online enrollments have more than doubled in the past two years. According to officials, by focusing on Christ-centered learning in quality programs with outstanding faculty and flexible delivery methods, LETU has developed an outstanding record in distance learning.

According to press materials, NorthStar Academy is an accredited, Christ-centered, online school serving students in grades 6-12 who are living in as many as 80 countries around the world. It provides online, teacher-led programs that result in an accredited high school diploma. NorthStar is termed a strategic component of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS). LETU officials call NICS a growing network of schools that educates tomorrow’s leaders, with 4,500 students worldwide. LeTourneau staffers say NICS is staffed by qualified Christian educators and teaches from a biblical worldview with academic excellence. The staffers add that NICS provides an exchange of rich culture, heritage, and diversity, while providing education and leadership training.

The goal of the agreement is for LeTourneau to offer dual enrollment courses, taught by LETU faculty, to NorthStar high school students beginning January 2011. The agreement also will open pathways for NorthStar students to further their education at LETU through online, hybrid or on-campus degree options. You can visit http://www.northstar-academy.org/ for more information on NorthStar.

CADDO MILLS — The man who was alleged to have abandoned a plane at the Caddo Mills Municipal Airport last week, after dropping bundles of marijuana in the Neylandville area, has been taken into custody. Darin Fayne was arrested near his home in California early Wednesday morning. According to KETK, five duffel bags believed connected to a plane abandoned early on the morning of July 19 at the Caddo Mills Municipal Airport have been recovered.

JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville school board is deciding in August whether or not to call a nearly $50 million bond election. If the bond goes on the ballot and gets passed, several schools will be restored and rebuilt. School board President James Houser says the district has outgrown their facilities in Jacksonville. He says there is absolutely no more room, and it’s time to expand facilities. According to KETK, if the bond passes, the money will add up in several areas. The school district says they’ll build two new elementary schools, renovate Fred Douglas Elementary with a new cafeteria and classrooms, and give Jacksonville High School a new band room and closed-in corridors.

Houser says, “Right now is an excellent time to sell bonds. The administration did just go out and get applications for some funds.” However, some may come from local pockets. “We’ll calculate how much each homeowner would have to give during the bond period, then give the public some examples of how much their taxes would increase,” Houser says.

LAKE TYLER — The City of Tyler passed a new ordinance to help with the hydrilla problem. According to KETK, city officials say hydrilla keeps reappearing on Lake Tyler. They say it’s not a major problem, but since it grows so fast, they make periodic treatments to keep it under control. The City of Tyler passed an agreement Wednesday with Aquatic Management Services to treat the hydrilla in the lake. City staffers say the product is safe.

JACKSONVILLE — A Jacksonville firefighter got an electric shock Tuesday night while working an apparent structure fire. Fire Marshal Dennis Tate says it happened at a house on Fort Worth Street. He says an electrical meter on the outside of the house had water in it and when the fireman cut through wood, he struck a wire and was shocked. According to KETK, he was taken to a local hospital, treated and released.

TYLER — Tyler’s firefighters are getting prepared for the 2010 Brookshire’s Firefighter Combat Challenge. The Challenge will be held from 4-10pm on Friday, September 24th, and 10am to 2pm on Saturday, September 25th, at Broadway Square Mall. Admission is free, and organizers say the public is encouraged to come and watch. Two local firefighter teams will be competing in the Challenge. Names of the first team are Jeff Hudgens, Jay McClung, Jeremy Driver, Brian Boyd, and Cody Fisher. Names of the second team are Terry Hawkins, Brandon Davis, Jeff Barnett, Brent Hail, and Glynn Ray.

“The Challenge is an opportunity for Tyler’s firefighters to compete against stations across the country in events that demonstrate the nature of firefighting and the incredible level of fitness required to perform the job,” said Tyler Fire Chief Neal Franklin. The Challenge simulates five tasks from the structural firefighter activities. The tasks include:
• the high hose carry
• the hose hoist
• forcible entry
• hose advance
• victim rescue

While competing in the tasks, firefighters must wear full turnout gear, including structural helmet, coat and pants with liners, gloves and boots. In addition, they are hooked up to Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). “Many of the firefighters who compete in the Challenge can perform the five tasks in less than two minutes”, said Chief Franklin. “Some can actually perform the Challenge in less than 90 seconds.” Organizers say sponsors and volunteers for the 2010 Combat Challenge are still needed. For more information, you can contact Jeff Hudgens at the Tyler Fire Department at 903-245-3118.

TYLER — The City of Tyler has received the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its fiscal year 2009-2010 budget document. Tyler was one of 1,214 entities in North America that received the award.
“This award is a significant achievement reflecting the commitment of the City of Tyler to meet the highest principles of governmental budgeting,” said City of Tyler Chief Financial Officer Daniel Crawford. The award was granted by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) and was presented to the City during the Wednesday, July 28, City Council meeting.

Officials say an impartial panel judged the City of Tyler’s current budget document and found that it met the standards of the awards program. The City of Tyler had to meet nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation to be considered for this award. These guidelines are designed to assess how well the City’s budget serves as:
· A policy document;
· A financial plan;
· An operational guide;
· A communication device.

As per the GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award guidelines, the City of Tyler’s budget document was rated “proficient” in all four categories. The City has also received this award for its fiscal year 2006-2007, fiscal year 2007-2008 and fiscal year 2008-2009 budget documents. The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving over 17,600 government finance professionals throughout North America. The Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Program is the only national awards program in governmental budgeting.

KILGORE — The city of Kilgore is feeling a bit of relief as it prepares for its 2011 budget. According to KETK, early numbers from Gregg County officials projected double digit decreases in property taxes for the city. So the city held workshops over the past few weeks to decide what cuts to make to each department. But new numbers show the decrease in property taxes is not as bad as first thought. City officials say they expect their budget to be about the same as it was for 2010.

TYLER — A portion of downtown Tyler is finally getting a face-lift. Renovation of the three fire gutted buildings on Spring Avenue started Tuesday. According to KETK, crews are installing wall stabilizers to preserve the buildings facades then tearing down the most damaged parts. The buildings have been fenced off since a fire more than a year ago.

SMITH COUNTY — August 24th is the deadline for getting anything on the November ballot in Smith County. On Tuesday, Smith County Commissioners approved a local option election in J.P. Precinct 4, which means come November, voters will decide whether or not areas in Smith County will go wet. If passed it will allow alcohol sales of beer and wine in stores for off-site consumption.

TYLER — Smith County Commissioners met Tuesday to discuss more ways on how to balance the budget. Smith County is expecting to cut at least 5 million dollars from its 2011 budget. Friday Smith County Judge Joel Baker will propose the new budget plan to the court to look over. The commissioners will review current county tax rates August 2nd. Commissioner Warr says the sooner the jail plans to expand get on the ballot the better. According to KETK, Commissioners Phillips and Hampton say there are other options to make cuts along with the possibility of raising taxes.

FRANKSTON – Anderson County authorities continue their search for a suspect involved in a weekend shooting. It happened early Sunday morning on County Road 312, southwest of Frankston. Derek Blake Cole, 45, of Frankston, was shot once in the left hip. He has undergone surgery at Tyler’s East Texas Medical Center. The shooting is thought to have occurred following a dispute over the sale of some livestock. Authorities say they are looking for a known suspect in the case.

EDOM – The Executive Chef of the Edom Bakery and Grill, Jackson York, is the recipient of the Texas Chef Association’s 2010 Texas Chef of the Year. York received the gold medal award and trophy at the TCA’s annual convention in Beaumont.

Each of the 15 chapters of the TCA nominates one of their members as a candidate for Chef of the year. Chef Jackson, having served as the East Texas chapter’s president, was its nominee. Of all 2010 nominations, only 3 chefs met the rigorous standards set by the Texas Culinary Federation for the finalists. York was deemed most deserving under the criteria established for finalists, which included not only culinary expertise but extraordinary community involvement.

The owners of “The Bakery,” Bud and Annie Berry, were ecstatic on receiving the news of their long time friend’s recognition. According to Bud, “It shows that nice guys can finish first”. The traveling trophy representing the award is on display at the Bakery in downtown Edom.

TYLER — Thanks to information received from Tyler Smith-County CrimeStoppers, police have arrested a suspect in the July 3 robbery of the CVS Pharmacy at 1702 South Broadway. He’s Jerry Craig Jr., 32, of Tyler. Police say Craig submitted to a voluntary arrest by investigators and was booked into Smith County Jail. Police were called to the drug store shortly after 3:30 a.m. July 3. Employees told officers that an unknown male approached the sales counter and told them he had a gun. He then fled the area on foot with an undisclosed amount of merchandise.

TYLER — Thanks to information received from Tyler Smith-County CrimeStoppers, police have arrested a suspect in the July 3 robbery of the CVS Pharmacy at 1702 South Broadway. He’s named as 33-year-old Jerry Craig Jr. of Tyler. Police say Craig submitted to a voluntary arrest by investigators and was booked into Smith County Jail. Police were called to the drug store shortly after 3:30 a.m. July 3. Employees told officers that an unknown male approached the sales counter and told them he had a gun. He then fled the area on foot with an undisclosed amount of merchandise.

NACOGDOCHES — The Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the report of a sexual assault that occurred near Etoile late Monday evening. According to KETK, The victim and her husband were traveling along State Hwy. 103 en route to San Augustine County when the vehicle the couple was riding in ran out of gas. The female victim remained with the vehicle while her husband went on foot to get gas.
A short while after the husband left his wife, a white male with long, gray tinted hair worn in a pony tail stopped his vehicle, a silver colored pickup, where the victim was parked. He pretended to offer the victim assistance and then grabbed the victim and forced her into his vehicle where he immediately began a sexual assault on her.

The victim retrieved a beer bottle from the suspect’s vehicle during the attack and struck the suspect on the head hard enough to shatter the bottle. The victim then managed to get away from the suspect and exit his vehicle. She ran to her vehicle and locked herself inside. The suspect then fled the scene in his vehicle. Upon the husband’s return, the victim informed him of the attack, and they drove to San Augustine County and reported the incident. She was later transported to a hospital in Lufkin where she was treated and released. Residents and motorists that may have passed through Nacogdoches County along Hwy. 103 between the hours of approximately 7:00-9:00 p.m. and observed the suspect’s vehicle stopped behind the victim’s vehicle are asked to contact the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office.

LINDALE — The Lindale ISD board of trustees has been named the Region VII 2009-2010 School Board of the Year. The board was nominated by Lindale ISD Superintendent Stan Surratt. To earn the top honor, trustees were judged on a number of criteria: commitment to ethics, support for educational performance and improvement, financial support for the school system and focus on student welfare. The LISD board of trustees is now eligible for selection as a Texas honor school board through the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). In September, TASA will name the Texas Outstanding School Board.

“This is a great honor for the Lindale school district,” Surratt said. I am proud that the Texas Association of School Administrators has recognized the results and successes of our school district and this school board.” “Their leadership and vision has been tremendous. They have focused on academic excellence, improved facilities, and improved teacher and staff pay, all while increasing the financial strength of the school district.”

After conducting an extensive facilities study in August 2009, the LISD board of trustees called a $42 million, two-proposition school bond election that passed overwhelmingly. In July 2009, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) issued its accountability ratings, giving Lindale ISD a rating of “Recognized” and Lindale High School, E.J. Moss Intermediate School, Velma Penny Elementary School and Lindale Primary School a rating of “Exemplary,” the highest accountability rating. Lindale Junior High School received a rating of “Recognized.” LISD and the five campuses also received 21 Gold Performance Acknowledgements from the TEA. The Region VII Education Service Center serves 106 school districts, in 17 East Texas counties. Region VII is the largest ESC in the state.

TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a public meeting from 6:30 to 8:00 tonight to gain community input on the preliminary draft of the 10-year master plan for the Tyler parks system. To ensure the plan reflects the needs of the citizens of Tyler, officials say the planning process included a citizen’s survey, focus group meetings, and four public meetings. The information gathered from the citizens of Tyler has been compiled into the master plan, and now the City is seeking feedback on the plan.

The public is invited to come to the Rose Garden Center and hear a presentation on the planning process; the needs analysis; and the park, recreation, and open space projects proposed to meet these needs in the future. After the presentation, attendees will be able to provide feedback about the preliminary plan. After citizen feedback is received, the finalized version of the master plan will be presented to the Parks Board for recommendation to the City Council for adoption. “I am delighted that we are in the final steps of the creation of a new parks master plan,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “It has been more than 10 years since the City’s current parks master plan was created; the City has grown, and we need a plan that reflects our current and future parks needs.”

In 2009, the Tyler City Council awarded a contract for the Parks and Recreation and Open Space Master Plan to local consultant MHS Planning and Design. The new parks 10-year master plan will replace the current plan that was created in 1998. The need for an updated parks master plan was identified in the Parks, Open Space, Recreation and Lakes portion of the Tyler 21 Plan. Funds for the creation of the plan were included in the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget. The goal of the new parks master plan will be to help guide the City toward completing the objectives laid out in the Tyler 21 Plan. You can visit http://www.TylerParksandRec.com for more information on the Parks and Recreation Department or the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan 2010-2020.

AUSTIN – East Texas is very much in the picture as The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) recognizes volunteers from across the state who have assisted aging Texans and Texans with disabilities. It happens at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the annual DADS Vision Awards Ceremony at the John H. Winters Human Services Complex in Austin. Awards will be presented to nine individuals and volunteer groups for exemplary volunteer service in three categories: wellness, dignity and choice. In the wellness category, Good Shepherd Medical Center (Longview Texercise Program) and Dicque Oliver (Sulphur Springs DADS Silver Lining Program) will be honored. Under the dignity banner, an award will be presented to Randy George of the Lufkin State Supported Living Center.

According to press materials, The DADS Vision Awards were established to honor outstanding volunteers who have contributed to the department’s mission, which is to support older Texans and persons with disabilities through services that promote and enhance individual wellness, dignity, and choice.

TYLER — Tyler police say two suspects allegedly involved in a June 28 robbery have been arrested and jailed. Police name them as Joel Correa, 22, seen on the left, and Forrest Edward Frazier, 21. Both are from Tyler. According to police spokesman Don Martin, one suspect was picked up by the sheriff’s department and the other was turned over by adult probation. The Tyler Police Department had an outstanding warrant for their arrest for robbery, a second degree felony. Bond is set at $250,000 on each man.

On June 28, police responded to the 3400 block of Cain Street in reference to an aggravated robbery of a 33- year-old Hispanic male. According to police, the two suspects had met the victim in a club earlier in the night and saw that the victim had a large amount of money in his wallet. Police say the two suspects lured the victim onto a side street where one of the suspects got out of a 2006 to 2008 gray GMC Yukon and approached the victim’s car while the other suspect stayed in the vehicle. The suspect who had gotten out of the Yukon allegedly demanded the victim’s wallet and started beating him about his head in an attempt to get his money. After taking a severe beating, police say, the victim was able to run into a wooded area to get away from the suspects.

TYLER — The East Texas Center for Independent Living Monday held a day-long celebration and information session in Tyler, observing the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The center’s purpose is to help the disabled in various ways. Its board president, Billie Holloway, said the gathering was a great event — and that much has been accomplished since 1990. She says 20 years on, many disabled people “have a life where they can participate in the community and be a contributing member of society.” But Holloway points out that lots of barriers remain. Just one example. “There are still many older buildings that were grandfathered out of the legislation.” Holloway says just one of many ways you can help is to leave disabled parking spaces for those who need them.

You can log on to http://www.etcil.org to learn more about the East Texas Center for Independent living and disability issues in general. You can also call the center at (903) 581-7542.

TYLER — Tyler Investigators have identified the two suspects allegedly involved in a June 28 robbery. Police name them as Joel Correa, 22, seen on the left, and Forrest Edward Frazier, 21. Both are from Tyler. The Tyler Police Department has an outstanding warrant for their arrest for robbery, a second degree felony. Bond is set at $250,000 on each man.

On June 28, police responded to the 3400 block of Cain Street in reference to an aggravated robbery of a 33- year-old Hispanic male. According to police, the two suspects had met the victim in a club earlier in the night and saw that the victim had a large amount of money in his wallet. Police say the two suspects lured the victim onto a side street where one of the suspects got out of a 2006 to 2008 gray GMC Yukon and approached the victim’s car while the other suspect stayed in the vehicle. The suspect who had gotten out of the Yukon allegedly demanded the victim’s wallet and started beating him about his head in an attempt to get his money. After taking a severe beating, police say, the victim was able to run into a wooded area to get away from the suspects.

Anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833).

TYLER — Tyler Investigators have identified the two suspects allegedly involved in a June 28 robbery. Police name them as 21-year-old Forrest Edward Frazier and 22-year-old Joel Correa, both white males and both from Tyler. The Tyler Police Department has an outstanding warrant for their arrest for robbery, a second degree felony. Bond is set at $250,000 on each man.

On June 28, police responded to the 3400 block of Cain Street in reference to an aggravated robbery of a 33- year-old Hispanic male. According to police, the two suspects had met the victim in a club earlier in the night and saw that the victim had a large amount of money in his wallet. Police say the two suspects lured the victim onto a side street where one of the suspects got out of a 2006 to 2008 gray GMC Yukon and approached the victim’s car while the other suspect stayed in the vehicle. The suspect who had gotten out of the Yukon allegedly demanded the victim’s wallet and started beating him about his head in an attempt to get his money. After taking a severe beating, police say, the victim was able to run into a wooded area to get away from the suspects.

Anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833).

TYLER — On Aug. 1, Smith County will roll out a two-week warrant amnesty campaign, followed by a major warrant roundup. That’s according to KETK. The Smith County Collections Department, Justice Courts, Sheriff’s and Constable’s Offices are combining efforts August 1-15. They’ll allow anyone with outstanding fines or warrants for Class C Misdemeanors in Smith County to contact the County Collections Department (903-590-4624) and make arrangements to pay the fine without fear of arrest.

Immediately following the amnesty period, all remaining cases will be moved into active warrant status with additional costs and fees added. Once the Warrant Round Up begins, defendants will be actively pursued at home and their places of work and arrested. Anyone operating a motor vehicle at the time of their arrest will have the vehicle towed.

The Smith County Collections Department and the Smith County Justice Courts will be available to take payments and workout payment plans during normal business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday – Friday during the amnesty period. To find out if you have a warrant in Smith County visit http://www.smith-county.com and select the “Do you owe a court fine?” at the top of the home page. This site will allow you to search for your name in the Smith County database.

CRAFT — Due to conditions which have occurred recently in the water system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Craft-Turney Water Supply to notify all the customers involved in the repair area to boil their water prior to consumption. According to KETK, the area included in this boil water notice is on The Southern End of Farm Road 747 South, from and including County Roads 1904, 1902, 1812, and including the area on Farm Road 747 South past County Road 1807.

Officials say to ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials say they will notify you. If you have questions regarding this matter you may contact Rhonda Briggs, Office Manager, at 903-586-9301.

EAST TEXAS — The race for state agriculture commissioner, which features two East Texans, has become a volley of accusations. According to KETK, the fight between incumbent Republican Todd Staples of Palestine and Whitehouse Democrat Hank Gilbert has gone online with competing websites focusing more on the opposing candidates’ faults than on campaign issues. Gilbert’s site is called “Sleazy, Sleazy Staples.” In it, he accuses the incumbent of things like a “$3 million broadband boondoogle” and voting to allow radioactive waste from other states to be dumped in Texas. Staples’s site is called “Guilty, Guilty Gilbert.” It chronicles Gilbert’s run-ins with the law, like driving with an expired driver’s license and driving without a seat belt.

LONGVIEW — One suspect is in custody after a reported burglary. Longview Police responded to 2005 Secretariat Trail A Sunday morning around 7:30 after the resident said his flat screen television had been stolen. About two hours later, officers were notified of a suspicious person on the McWhorter Park walking trail carrying a flat screen television. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect standing next to the television. The suspect reportedly fled when he saw the officers but was caught after a short pursuit. The suspect, a black male juvenile, was placed in custody for burglary of a habitation and transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center.

TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted a ceremony Monday to unveil the second marker in the Reflections Program in Tyler. The subject marker honors Henry M. Morgan; it can be found at 212 E. Erwin, in front of the Henry M. Morgan Barbers Museum.

Material provided by the City says that in accordance with the Tyler 21 North End Action Plan, in 2009, the City launched a three year program to promote Tyler Historic Landmarks status and the installation of historic markers and plaques at North End locations. The City says the chosen locations are important to city history, including the history of the African-American community. The Reflections Program encourages citizens or interested organizations to submit nominations for the designation in the North End as Tyler Historic Landmarks, Tyler Historic Subject Markers or Half Mile of History markers.

On August 25, 1895, Henry Miller Morgan was born in Tyler’s St. Louis Community to Henry and Alice Ingram Miller. He attended school in the St. Louis Community, completing his education at East Texas Academy later known as Butler College and received a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Summerville Law College, Dallas, Texas.

In the 1920’s, Texas enacted laws requiring licenses for barbers. Due to segregation, there were no schools that admitted African Americans, so they were excluded from the practice of barbering. In 1929, Morgan conceived the idea of a barber college for African Americans. By 1933, he opened the first college for African Americans and located it on Erwin Street. It opened with only five chairs. Within just 16 years, Mr. Morgan had branches of his barber college located in such cities as New York City; Jackson, Mississippi; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Dallas, Texas.

The Tyler headquarters quickly grew to accommodate the expanding business, and at one time the school reportedly was training a majority of the nation’s African-American barbers. The school’s curriculum included subjects ranging from Scalp and Skin Disease to Electricity, Chemistry and Anatomy. Morgan went on to help found the Texas Association of Tonsorial Artists, a professional barber’s organization. He was vice-president of the Texas Association of Barber Schools.

In addition to his legacy to the barber industry, Morgan was actively involved in many community organizations including:
· Organized the H.M. Morgan Lodge and served as Exalted Ruler;
· Served as President of the Tyler Chapter of the NAACP;
· Served at Vice President of the 1936 Tyler Negro Chamber of Commerce;
· Was elected Chairman of the East Texas District at the State Republican Convention in San Antonio;
· Founded and served as President of the Tyler Chapter of the Democratic Progressive Voters League;
· Served as a Trustee of Butler College.

Additionaly, Mr. Morgan was an active member at St. Louis Baptist Church. He died on May 9, 1961 and is buried in Tyler’s Evergreen Cemetery. Today, he is remembered as a civic and political activist, as well as a leader in his profession.