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AUSTIN — Governor Rick Perry has appointed H.J. “Jay” Shands III of Lufkin to the Finance Commission of Texas for a term to expire February 1, 2012. The commission ensures banks, savings institutions, consumer credit grantors and other state-regulated financial entities operate responsibly to enhance the financial well-being of Texans.

Shands is president and CEO of First Bank & Trust East Texas. He is chairman of the First Bank of Conroe and Balcones Recycling Inc. Board of Directors, and a member of the Independent Community Bankers of America, Independent Bankers Association of Texas. He is also a past member of the American Bankers Association’s Community Bankers Council and the Texas Banker Association’s Government Relations Council, past board member of the Texas Bankers Association, chairman of the Memorial Health Center of East Texas Board of Directors, and a trustee of the TLL Temple Foundation and the Fairchild Foundation. Shands received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and is a graduate of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking.

TYLER — With their latest release, “Moving On,” the Casey Donahew Band is quickly becoming one of the hottest names in Texas Music. The City of Tyler Main Street Department has announced that the band will be performing at the 23rd Annual Festival on the Square, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 9, in downtown Tyler. A native of Burleson, Donahew will be the headliner of the Festival concert, which is touted as a celebration of Texas Music. Gates will open at 5 p.m.; music will start at 5:30 p.m. and continue until midnight. Other performers for Festival include Sean McConnell, J.B. and the Moonshine Band and Ryan Beaver.

Unlike years past, the evening concert will be the focus for the 23rd annual event. The Festival will feature six hours of music performed by four bands in the Heart of Downtown Tyler. The event is now part of a plethora of activities taking place in Tyler throughout the month of October in celebration of the Rose Season, including a marathon that will begin and end in downtown Tyler on Sunday, Oct. 10.

“Texas music has become the focus of Festival on the Square,” explained Beverly Abell, director of the City of Tyler’s Main Street department. “We are so pleased to be bringing it back to support Tyler’s downtown revitalization efforts.” Abell went on to explain that five years ago, Festival’s organizers switched to an all-Texas music format. The format was so successful that it was decided Texas Music needed its own “stage.” Tickets for the concert will be $15 in advance and $20 the day of the concert.

Proceeds of Festival on the Square – A Celebration of Texas Music – benefit Tyler Main Street, which is dedicated to the revitalization of Downtown Tyler, Texas. You can call (903) 593-6905 or go to http://www.FestivalOnTheSquare.com for more information.

SMACKOVER, Ark. (AP/Staff) – A Smackover, Arkansas, oil refinery owned by an East Texas company has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for lapses in safety measures at the plant, with proposed fines totaling $165,600. A news release from OSHA on Tuesday said the Martin Operating Partnership LP plant, owned by Martin Midstream Partners LP based at Kilgore, Texas, employs about 65 workers in producing naphthenic crude oil.

According to the release, the Martin plant at Smackover is accused of one willful and 21 serious violations of health and safety regulations. The release said the alleged willful violation was failure to maintain safety information on various pressure vessels used at the plant. The other violations cite alleged failures to keep and maintain certain documents relating to safety, develop an emergency rescue process, and provide personal protective equipment, including respiratory gear. A message left at Martin Midstream’s headquarters seeking comment was not immediately returned.

TYLER — The Tyler Police Department along with the Drug Enforcement Agency and North Texas Poison Center are hosting a Medication Cleanout Event. This event will be held on Saturday, September 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Two locations in Tyler are designated as drop off medication points:

1) BancorpSouth, 7600 S. Broadway
2) Eagle Academy of Tyler, 2235 W. Gentry Parkway

Police say you can just drive-up and drop off your medications without getting out of your vehicle — with no questions asked. According to police, these drive-through events are free and allow you to turn in unused and expired medications for safe disposal. Police say it is important to clean out your medicine cabinet, especially if you have children. Officials note that young children may confuse medication with something to eat or drink, and they say keeping unneeded medications with teenagers can lead to potential drug abuse. Medications including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, veterinary medicine, vitamins, minerals and medication samples are all accepted. Medical equipment such as oxygen tanks, sharps, inhalers, thermometers, nebulizers and IV bags cannot be accepted.

“Recent changes in the guidelines for medication disposal have also made events like these even more important. It’s not safe to simply flush your medications down the toilet anymore,” said Pamela Manzo, event coordinator and public health educator with the North Texas Poison Center. The North Texas Poison Center held its first Medication Cleanout event June 26 in Dallas. More than 350 participants donated 773 pounds of medications at the event. The Medication Cleanout is also sponsored by BancorpSouth and Brookshire’s. You can visit http://www.medicationcleanout.com for more information.

PALESTINE – The East Texas Food Bank is distributing boxes of food to area families through the Summer Family Nutrition Program today till 7:00 p.m. at Palestine Civic Center, 1819 West Spring Street. The East Texas Food Bank and their volunteers will screen to determine eligibility and then distribute food to families who qualify. “The Summer Family Nutrition Program targets families with children who are struggling in this recession and are having difficultly providing nutritious food for their family,” said Dennis Cullinane, executive director of the East Texas Food Bank. “In four years, the East Texas Food Bank has grown 90 percent in the number of East Texans seeking emergency food assistance, that’s nearly double the national increase.”

Families will receive nutritional food boxes containing pantry staples such as pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned soups, stews, and fruit, peanut butter, baking mixes and other substantial food items. “Nearly half, 44 percent, of who the East Texas Food Bank serves are children,” said Cullinane. “The Summer Family Nutrition Program will alleviate both child hunger and child obesity for East Texas families
with children at risk of hunger.”

Since June, the East Texas Food Bank and their partner agencies have been distributing the food boxes to eligible families. The Summer Family Nutrition Program is a program of the Texas Food Bank Network. Those families who are eligible to participate are households with legal guardianship over at least one child under 18 years of age and with an annual household income equal to or less than 185 percent of the federal poverty guideline; families whose children received free or reduced-price lunches; or who receive WIC, SNAP (food stamps) and other federal programs.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has awarded a $4.6 million contract to Reynolds & Kay, Ltd., for the construction of water utility lines along Highway 69 to Interstate 20. “I am pleased that we are able to move forward with development of this infrastructure,” commented Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Tyler is taking an important step to ensuring we are prepared for future growth and fulfilling the vision outlined in Tyler 21.”

A total of 17 companies presented proposals as part of the competitive sealed proposal process. According to media materials from the city, Reynolds & Kay was recommended for award of the contract based upon the following criteria:
· Proposal price;
· Experience with projects of this specific type and magnitude;
· Experience and references of key personnel;
· Company profile and general experience;
· Ability/commitment to respond to City needs in a timely fashion; and
· Safety record and financial profile.

City officials say funding for this project was allocated from the 2008 Tyler Water Utilities Revenue Bond Fund and will be paid for from revenues collected from the sale of water and sewer services – not from property taxes. The City paid off all general obligation (tax supported) debt in 2008.

The contract provides for the extension of 24 inch water line north along US 69. This project will include backbone infrastructure that officials say will facilitate future development in this area. The project was first identified during the Tyler 21 planning process, which called for the revitalization of North Tyler as well as balanced growth in all areas of the community. “To spur economic growth, infrastructure must first be established,” commented Tyler Mayor Pro Tem Ralph Caraway. “If we expect to attract new businesses to this area of town, the City must proactively invest in projects that pave the way for development.”

TYLER — Tyler police are investigating the drowning of a two year old in a home swimming pool. The youngster is identified as Ava Faith Ayers, who was celebrating her birthday yesterday. The accident happened around 2:00 Monday afternoon at 3721 Arlington. Investigators say a 16 year old was babysitting the two year old and her 3 year old sister. The teen was talking to someone who had stopped by the house when the 2 year old went out the back door and fell into the pool. The youngster was transported to Trinity Mother Frances Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

KILGORE — Kilgore College Band Director Wayne Smith has announced his retirement effective the end of this month. “I have really enjoyed my 10 years here as band director,” Smith said. “I have just chosen to retire at this time.”

Dr. Richard Harrison, dean of Liberal and Fine Arts, said that Smith has worked tirelessly for the past 10 years as band director, and began the Ranger Band Alumni Association to keep up with former members. “Wayne has done a lot for the band over the years, including building the number of instruments that the college owns,” Harrison said. “We wish Smith the very best in his retirement.” According to Harrison, plans are to open the position in the spring to hire a permanent band director for next year’s academic school year.

Kevin Ogilvie, who currently serves as associate band director and director of percussion studies, will take over as interim band director to finish the current academic year.

TYLER – Tyler police say a toddler drowned in a swimming pool on her second birthday. At around 2:00 p.m. Monday, Officers responded to 3721 Arlington in Tyler. Arriving officers learned that a 16 year old was babysitting for the 2 year old and a 3 year old. Police say the 16 year old was talking to someone when the 2 year old went out the back door and fell into the pool. The 2 year old was transported to Mother Frances Hospital. She was unable to be revived and was pronounced dead. The victim has been identified as Ava Faith Ayers. The investigation is continuing.

LONGVIEW — Funeral services for former Longview Fire Chief Tommy J. McMaster, 75 of Longview will be this afternoon. Services will be at 2:00 at the Rader Funeral Home Chapel. Burial, with full fire department honor guard, will follow at Rosewood Park. McMaster died over the weekend after battling a lengthy illness.

According to the obituary from Rader Funeral Home, McMaster began his career with the City of Longview on March 23, 1960, serving as a Firefighter and a Driver/Operator until being promoted to Lieutenant on November 1, 1971; he was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief on December 28, 1976, assigned by the City Manager to be the Acting Fire Chief on November 16, 1979, and promoted to the position of Fire Chief on February 1, 1980, where he served as “Chief Mac” for over thirteen years, retiring in 1993.

FORT WORTH – Longview is joining six other Texas communities in splitting nearly $10.6 million to support community development and produce more affordable housing. U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan made the announcement Monday. With $829,153 in Community Development Block Grant Funding and $411,693 in HOME funding, Longview gets a total of $1,240,846. Other recipients include the cities of Allen, Denison, Midland, and Plano; and the Counties of Dallas and Montgomery.

“This funding provides the building blocks needed to improve communities,” said Donovan. “Now, more than ever, these grants promote neighborhood development, produce affordable housing, and help extremely low-income persons find their place in their communities.” Since 1974, HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has provided approximately $132 billion to state and local governments to target their own community development priorities. HOME (HOME Investment Partnerships Program) is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to produce affordable housing for low-income families.

TYLER — Tyler-based Southside Bancshares, Inc., is named as one of Fortune Magazine’s 100 Fastest-Growing Companies. According to Fortune, the “Texas community bank won greater deposits and lent more to municipalities amid a tough credit environment.”

In order to be ranked, companies must be trading on a major U.S. stock exchange; report data in U.S. dollars; file quarterly reports with the SEC; have a minimum market capitalization of $250 million and stock price of at least $5 on June 30, 2010; and have been trading continuously since June 30, 2007. Companies must have revenue and net income of at least $50 million and $10 million, respectively, for the four quarters ended on or before April 30, 2010. Southside officials say full information and disclosures can be found in the September 6, 2010, edition of Fortune magazine.

Southside Bancshares, Inc., is a bank holding company with approximately $3 billion in assets that owns 100% of Southside Bank. Southside Bank currently has 48 banking centers in Texas and operates a network of 49 ATMs.

LONGVIEW — Police say they’ve recovered over $31,000 in lawn equipment and arrested a suspect. On September 15 at around 12:30 p.m., Longview Officers responded to a theft call at Bagley Tractor and Equipment at 3709 South Eastman Road. Officers arrived and found that sometime during the previous night, an unknown suspect had cut the fence surrounding the property and stolen three zero turn riding lawnmowers and a twelve foot flatbed utility trailer worth a total of $31,776.80. Through their investigation, Longview Detectives were able to locate the stolen equipment from Longview and surrounding areas and arrest 26-year-old suspect Justin Laroy Fagan of Longview. Fagan has been charged with theft (3rd degree felony) and has been booked into the Gregg County Jail. The stolen property has been returned to Bagley Tractor.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) today will hold the first of two public meetings to obtain input from the public that will assist in the development of a Pedestrian Access Study. Today’s meeting will be held from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., in the Tyler Public Library’s Taylor Auditorium, 201 S. College Avenue. The second meeting’s set for Thursday September 23, from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., in the Tyler Development Center’s Large Conference Room, 423 W. Ferguson Street.

At the meetings, the draft Tyler Pedestrian Access Study will be presented for public input. Officials say the purpose of the study is to identify existing pedestrian infrastructure and recommend priority pedestrian routes and projects that can help to connect destinations around the City and promote access. You can also go to http://www.tylerareampo.org for information.

The City of Tyler serves as the administrative agency of the MPO. The MPO, in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), is responsible for carrying out the urban transportation process as required by federal legislation. Officials say the MPO is intended to provide a forum for cooperative decision making concerning transportation issues.