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TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler announced on Wednesday that David Barron will be the new associate vice president for enrollment management. Barron was most recently the associate vice president for enrollment services at Augusta University in Georgia. Barron set numerous enrollment records while at Augusta University, including growing freshman classes while also growing the academic qualifications of entering students. Barron will supervise undergraduate enrollment, financial aid and scholarships, the enrollment services center and other related units. In four years, Barron led the Augusta University enrollment team to record increases for fall 2017, 2018 and 2019. Under his leadership, the team had the largest first-time, full-time freshman cohort in the institution’s history for two consecutive years.

TYLER — The UT Tyler professional development speaker series recently launched a courtesy of the UT Tyler student chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA). The event hosted freshmen business majors, faculty, and alumni at the Soules College of Business. One of the event speakers in the inaugural event was Phil Burkes, the CEO and founder of The Genesis Group. Burks as well as other Tyler-based companies, spoke to the audience. Continue reading Inaugural UT Speaker Series Success

TYLER — Smith County Habitat for Humanity is looking for potential new homeowners. For those that are not familiar with the program, the new home owners help to build the house alongside many dedicated volunteers in the community. Habitat sells the house to the home owner at cost and finances the mortgage at zero interest. Continue reading Smith County Habitat Wanting 1st Time Home Owners

TYLER — Artists are invited to submit their work for the jurying phase of Gallery Main Street’s “Hello Future!” fine art exhibit. “Hello Future!” invites originators to explore what greeting and embracing the future means to you. Gallery Main Street says it may reflect your interpretation of the distant future or the very near future. The group anticipates seeing creators predictions for the future and how we will approach and embrace it. Artists should click the link https://client.smarterentry.com/COTT to enter their work. Deadline to register is midnight on Nov. 3. Continue reading Submittals Call for the “Hello Future!” Gallery Exhibit

TYLER — Recently finalists for the 2019 President’s Awards Program were announced in Austin and The East Texas Big Event has been chosen as a finalist for the “Spirit of Downtown” category. For over3 decades the awards program, sponsored by the Texas Downtown Association has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns. The East Texas Big Event is a one-day, large-scale service event that impacts multiple organizations within the community. Continue reading Finalists for the 2019 President’s Awards Program

VAN –Representative Dan Flynn announced on Wednesday that he is running for re-election in House District 2. He says he will run a record of results. Rep. Flynn has a conservative voting record and has experienced 2 previous redistricting cycles. In 2021 the lines will be redrawn for the Texas Legislature and the Texas Congressional Delegation. The lines are redrawn every 10 years following the census. District 2 includes Van Zandt, Hunt and Hopkins counties. Flynn has completed his ninth term representing District 2.

SMITH COUNTY — A Flint man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce, transfer, and forge false identification documents. Jose Luis Marquez Rodriguez, 53, pleaded guilty on Oct. 1 before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell. He agreed to the forfeiture of several firearms and ammunition; a computer and three printers; $9602 cash; funds in three bank accounts totaling $21,359.09; and two pieces of property in Flint. Rodriguez also agreed to a money judgment in the amount of $308,961.09, representing proceeds received from his conduct. According to information presented in court, beginning in April 2009, Marquez Rodriguez was involved in a conspiracy to produce and sell fictitious U.S. identification documents to others. Continue reading Smith County Man Guilty in Counterfeit Immigration Documents Conspiracy

TYLER — The Smith County Commissioners went into an executive session on Tuesday to discuss purchasing the John Tyler Agriculture Learning Center for the future site of the Smith County Road and Bridge Facility. According to our news partner KETK, the property is a 10-acre farm located off northwest Highway 69 in Smith County. Tyler ISD decided to sell the property in August and accepted sealed bids until September 12. The district reserves the right to waive any informality or reject any or all bids. Currently, there is no negotiation between the Commissioner’s Court and Tyler ISD but the Commissioners voted to offer to purchase the property for $140,000 from Tyler ISD. There is no word on if Tyler ISD will accept or deny the offer.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview is inviting residents to submit photos of Longview. The challenge is open now and the city will accept photos through November 1. Photo entries will be considered on creativity, quality, originality, and overall impact. Each photographer may submit up to six photos. Photos with watermarks will not be accepted. The city will pass out prize money of $250 for Best of Show, 1st Place gets $200, 3rd Place receives $100, and Honorable mention will be presented with $50. Complete Details available by clicking the link. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/3465/Photos

TYLER — The 2019 East Texas State Fair might be the most successful Fair to date. Organizer’s say this was the greatest economic impact in the festivities 104 year history. The was the best attended fair since 2015, which was the event’s 100 year anniversary. 2019 was the third-largest attendance on record up 16.2% overall from last year. The fair also saw a 10-12% increase in per-cap revenue over previous years. The overall attendance record came in 2007, when 286,149 visited. 2019 observed the largest Wednesday and Sunday in the event’s history. Total 2019 attendance was 257,127.

TYLER — As hot, dry conditions persist, Smith County remains under an outdoor burning ban. The number of grass fires in the county has gone down since the Commissioners Court issued the ban three weeks ago, but there have been 85 reports of illegal burns since then. Fire Marshal Jay Brooks gave an update to the Commissioners Court on Tuesday, saying many warnings have been given but his office is now issuing citations. Brooks says most people who have been caught burning illegally claim they didn’t know about the burn ban. You can go to the News section at http://www.smith-county.com for more information.

TYLER — People from all over East Texas are anticipated for Wednesday’s CityFest BuckOut! The BuckOut is a high energy event with bucking bulls, spirited horses, and plenty of barbecue and burgers! Hear music from Curtis Grimes with a message of hope from The Duck Commander, Phil Robertson, and Andrew Palau. The event is totally free of charge. Over 400 churches have partnered together to hold the CityFest events. CityFest culminates this weekend with the Festival on the square in downtown Tyler this Saturday and Sunday. Continue reading Duck Commander, Grimes and Palau to share Stage at Wednesday BuckOut

RUSK COUNTY — The Rusk County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two men accused of robbing someone using a gas pump early Tuesday morning. According to our news partner KETK, the robbery happened near the Longview airport, at Clayton’s Mini-Mart on SH 322. The two men wore masks, and pulled a gun on a station patron. According to reports, they demanded money then assaulted the victim after taking the money. Continue reading Station Patron Robbed and Assaulted at Gun Point

TYLER — Bob Westbrook announced on Monday his intention to be the next Precinct 3 County Commissioner for Smith County. Westbrook will run in the Primary Election in March 2020, with the General Election held in November 2020. Westbrook is a current Tyler Council-member for District 5 where he will continue. If elected, he will resign his seat on the Council in December 2020. Westbrook has been active on numerous boards and committees including the Tyler Chamber, and was a franchisee with CiCi’s Pizza. Westbrook owned 4 restaurants spanning 19 years. Westbrook is married to Cindy and they are the parents of 2 adult children and grandparents of 6.

TYLER — All Saints Episcopal School hosted the Texas Wounded Warriors Project on Monday. Students and staff sang the anthems from each military branch. East Texas Representative Louie Gohmert spoke and Bryan Anderson shared his story of hope. Anderson was stationed in Baghdad where he served two tours of duty in Iraq. In October 2005, Anderson was injured by an IED, that took away his legs and one arm. He was awarded a purple heart for as a result of those injuries. Continue reading Texas Wounded Warriors Project at All Saints

SMITH COUNTY — The Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 will be asking residents to consider approving a sales tax that would increase pay for additional firefighters. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County sales tax is at 0.5 percent and the ESD-2 Board of Commissioners is asking voters to approve an increase of up to 1.5 percent. 11 Departments make up the Emergency Service District 2, most of which are staffed with volunteers. Continue reading Smith County ESD 2 Proposes Sales Tax Increase

LUFKIN — Lufkin Police are searching for a murder suspect. Kevin Lopez is wanted in the shooting death of 32-year-old Angel Sanchez. Lopez, 27, is considered a suspect in the disturbance that led to the shooting is believed to have begun inside Sanchez’s vehicle. After Sanchez was shot, Lopez and another man not yet identified fled the scene on foot.Sanchez collapsed in the street and was taken to a local hospital where he later died. Lopez is described as 5’5 170 pounds, black hair, and brown eyes with a tattoo sleeve on both arms.

LONGVIEW — October brings the start of the registration window for the Longview Fire Department’s annual Ambulance Subscription Program for 2020. The program has been in effect since 2009, and is an attempt to help offset of out-of-pocket medical expenses. Program officals say the typical cost with EMS transports averages between $800 – $1000 per response. Those who sign up for the program pay a fee of $70/year. Open enrollment is now through the end of 2019. For more details click the link. https://www.longviewtexas.gov/2425/Ambulance-Subscription-Program.

SMITH COUNTY — Road work begins on Wednesday in phase 2 improvements to County Road 168. The project is expected to last six weeks. The road runs between Texas Highway 155 and CR 178 (Old Palestine Highway). The work will replace a temporary cross-culvert with a new concrete box culvert. The project is part of the Smith County bond program. The work also includes the widening and overlay of the 2.26-mile section of CR 168. Motorist that normally use CR 168 to access Owens Elementary School will be able to use CR 178 to access the school. Phase 1 was completed before school started in August.

KILGORE — The city of Kilgore will celebrate Oktoberfest all month long. October 5 will see Kilgore Main Street host across three city blocks in downtown Kilgore. Brigitta’s Hungarian Restaurant will continue the merriment the next two Saturdays. The month culminates on the 26th with the Avalon Faire Oktoberfest from 12pm-9pm. Events will include the classic bier stein holding and chicken dance contests, along with an axe throwing contest, three-legged race and a brat eating contest. The fun takes place at Renaissance park on FM 1252, featuring Germanfood, music, beer and games for all ages. To find out more, http://www.kilgoremainstreet.com/oktoberfest-2019.

KILGORE — An East Texas pastor celebrated a milestone on Sunday at the Kilgore Forest Home Baptist Church. Rev. Earl Buddy Duggins, has been pastoring 55 years, and celebrated 30 years at the Kilgore church. According to our news partner KETK, before going into full-time ministry, Duggins served in the Marine Corps. He said while the church has helped shape the community in positive ways, ultimately God deserves the credit for all their success. Continue reading East Texas Pastor Celebrates 30 year Milestone in Kilgore

HENDERSON — A Henderson ISD Board member was arrested after an opponent says Jonathan Earl Best paid someone to steal his campaign signs. According to our news partner KETK, home video led investigators to a suspect that named Best as the person that paid him to steal those signs. Adam Duey is challenging Best for the seat in District 5. Duey first noticed signs disappearing. The Duey family has also had a tire slashed, in addition to what a mechanic described as sugar in the gas tank topped off with water. KETK reached out to Jonathan Best for comment, and has not heard back. The Henderson ISD election takes place November 5th.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Rangers are investigating after a Gregg County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a burglary suspect. The suspect was later identified as Dewayne Morgan W/M age 37 of Tatum, deputies responded to a call at the home off I-20, near the West Access Road, at 10:47 Sunday night. The homeowner told deputies he had shot at the burglar, but it’s unclear if the burglar was hit. The suspect ran across I-20 into the eastbound ditch where the deputy used his taser. A violent encounter ensued, and the deputy shot the man. The suspect was transported to a Marshall hospital where he later died. The deputy was transported to a separate hospital for treatment of his injuries,and later released.

WOOD COUNTY — A woman is killed in a wreck involving an ambulance Saturday. According to the DPS report, the crash happened on FM-515, four miles northwest of the city of Yantis, in Wood County. Jennifer Annette Dougherty, 44, of Quinlan was traveling west on FM-515 when she drove into the eastbound lane of traffic. Dougherty struck a 2016 Chevrolet ambulance driven by Erica Lynn Blalock, 24, of Quitman. Dougherty was pronounced at the scene. Blalock was treated and released. The crash remains under investigation.

EAST TEXAS — TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work throughout the district during the Week of Sept. 30, 2019. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones. In Smith County, the new bridge on CR 1113/Lake Placid Road at Butler Creek has been opened to traffic ahead of schedule. The contractor will continue to conduct minor work at this location. Tyler Maintenance and Special Jobs crews plan to conduct mill and inlay operations at various locations on SH 110 from north of I-20 to FM 16 for the next few weeks. Crews will also perform routine maintenance such as edging, and pothole and sign repairs, on various roadways around the county. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control. Much more at https://www.txdot.gov/

LUFKIN — Lufkin police are investigating after a man was shot Sunday night. According to our news partner KETK, authorities say they got reports of gunfire around 10:30 P.M. near the intersection of Paul Avenue and Arena Street. Police say they arrived on the scene to find a man with a gunshot wound. They attempted to find the shooter but weren’t able to locate anyone connected to the crime. The victim was taken to the hospital, his condition is unknown.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Troopers responded to the scene of a helicopter that made a hard landing in a field near the intersection of CR-3703 and CR-3702. No injuries were reported.

TATUM — A demonstration was held Friday morning at Tatum ISD by a family in the middle of a dress code controversy. According to our news partner KETK, the dissension began in August, when Randi Woodley claims her grandson attended a Meet the Teacher event and during a meeting with the principal and Superintendent Woodley says that Dr. J.P. Richardson, gave her 3 options; cut his hair, braid it and pin it up, or put him in a dress and send him to school, and when prompted he must say he’s a girl. Dr. Richardson vehemently denies the claims. Continue reading Protest over Dress Code Violation in Tatum

PALESTINE — The City of Palestine will soon be looking for a new Chief of Police. Chief Andy Harvey has announced his resignation. Under Harvey’s leadership the department has taken large steps forward technologically, as well as with community engagement. City officials have not established a timeline for Chief Harvey’s permanent replacement. Chief Harvey’s last day is scheduled for October 18th.