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TYLER — The Tyler Municipal Court has announced that it will extend the deadline for the Second Chance Program to Oct. 15. Officials say that’s due to the program’s success in assisting citizens who have been unable to pay past due court fines because of economic conditions. The program, launched in August, was scheduled to end on Sept. 9. During this time, 583 people took advantage of this program and paid their fines, clearing 1140 warrants.

“Some people went ahead and took care of the whole warrant amount instead of opting for the payment plan,” commented Court Administrator Cam McCabe. “Consequently, even more warrants were cleared than we expected. We had predicted that about 200 to 250 people would pay their fines and take care of their warrants during this time period. The reality is that more than twice the warrants were cleared than we anticipated.”

The Second Chance Program enables persons who have had warrants issued for non-payment of fines to reestablish a payment plan and bring their accounts current. “We have seen an increase in the number of people who have warrants issued for their arrest due to the economy,” said McCabe. “This program provides a second chance for violators to become current and take care of their fines.” A $300 down payment is required to reestablish the payment plan. Warrants will be removed once the $300 is received and a payment plan is signed. To take advantage of this Second Chance Program, defendants must visit the cashier’s window at the Municipal Court to make the down payment and sign the payment agreement no later than the Oct. 15 deadline.

TYLER — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Thursday for the new East Texas Christian Academy campus at 2448 Roy Road in Tyler. The 34,000-square-foot school contains 21 classrooms and a 7,000-volume-plus library. There’s also a gym with a full basketball and volleyball court, and a high school regulation baseball field. ETCA had been housed at the Shiloh Road Church of Christ since the school started in 1979. ETCA President Wayne Boshears says the move was necessary to continue expansion of the school and its programs. ETCA has 215 students in grades Pre-K through 12.

HENDERSON (AP) – A federal SWAT team this week raided a sprawling east Texas property belonging to a family accused of selling drugs, firearms, prostitutes and fake identification documents. Thirty-year-old Victor Hernandez Jr. faces a federal charge of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines. His public defender says the charges could change after a federal grand jury meets in about two weeks. Hernandez was arrested early Wednesday morning on his family’s property near Henderson. The FBI was assisted by the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, which initiated the investigation. Authorities say Hernandez smuggled drugs from Mexico and weapons into Mexico.

HOLLY LAKE RANCH — The Wood County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal stabbing. It happened around 10:35 Thursday morning at Holly Lake Ranch. The victim, 55-year-old Cecil Fulfer, Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene. The Wood County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division has been processing the scene and collecting evidence. According to KETK, as part of the ongoing investigation, they’ve also been interviewing neighbors and potential witnesses. Fulfer’s body has been sent off for autopsy, but the sheriff says he died of a single knife wound to the chest.

TYLER — Thursday marked the one year anniversary of the death of John Tyler teacher Todd Henry. The John Tyler campus began the day with a moment of silence in memory. In a statement, TISD says, “As we remember the one year anniversary of his death, we focus on how the Tyler ISD family – students and staff members throughout the District, as well as the surrounding community, pulled together to support one another during a tragic moment. Through the inspiration of Mr. Henry who himself entered education to reach our youth and positively impact their lives – we continue to encourage our students with hope and promise of their accomplishments to come.” A special moment will be set aside at the John Tyler High School football game on Friday, to remember Mr. Henry.

A teen accused in the attack on the special education teacher remains in custody. The boy was 16 last September when authorities say he stabbed Henry.

TYLER — Tyler Police are searching for a third suspect wanted in the robbery of a local cell phone store. Two suspects are in custody in connection with the Tuesday afternoon robbery of the Metro PCS store at 1700 SSE Loop 323. The suspects were located at 3088 Old Omen Road. Arrested Wednesday were Cashton Taylor Jones, 19, and Jason Cornelius Connally, 19. Both were booked into the Smith County Jail on aggravated robbery warrants. Jones’ bond is $450,000 and the bond for Connally is $400,000. The third suspect, Markest Montrel Mason, 19, Dallas is thought to possibly be in the Dallas area to elude police. Judge Baker has issued an arrest warrant for Mason and set his bond at $500,000 dollars.

The suspects are thought to be the men who entered the business around 5:00 Tuesday afternoon. One of the suspects produced a handgun and demanded money. There was one employee inside the business. The suspects ordered the employee to the rear of the store. They then took an undetermined amount of money from the register and fled. No injuries were reported in the robbery.

It was the second time the business had been robbed in just over a month’s time. On August 18th, around 6:00pm, two men, one with a handgun, robbed the store. The suspects in that robbery were described as black males between 16 and 21. One suspect was between 5’5” – 5’7” wearing a red shirt and khaki shorts. The second suspect was described as being between 5’10” – 6’ wearing a light color plaid shirt and blue jean shorts.

TYLER — A motorcyclist has been critically injured in a two vehicle accident in Tyler. It happened Wednesday night at New Copeland Road and Barbara Street. Investigators say an SUV had pulled away from a stop sign on Barbara and was hit by the motorcycle. The driver of the motorcycle, 27-year-old Christopher Ray Benkowsk of Tyler, was taken by ambulance to East Texas Medical Center. He remains there in critical condition. Police say his injuries appear to be life-threatening. The driver of the SUV was taken to the hospital via private vehicle.

Police say prior to the accident, a patrol officer saw the motorcycle run a stop sign at Amherst and Donnybrook. When the officer tried to stop the motorcycle it allegedly fled north on New Copeland Road. The officer did not pursue the motorcycle. A short time later the accident occurred.

BUFFALO — A Chandler man who admitted he was texting prior to a fatal accident, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide. Jourdan Shadoe Martin, 20, was charged Wednesday in the death of Kerina Bundy, 20, of Tyler. She was not wearing her seat belt when Martin’s pickup hit the rear of a semi stalled on Highway 79 near Buffalo last week. She later died at a East Texas Medical Center in Fairfield. Martin was not seriously injured. The accident happened around 1:30 in the morning. Martin told the investigating state trooper he failed to see the stalled truck because he was texting at the time.

MARSHALL — A Cass County man has appeared in federal court in Marshall and pleaded guilty to drug violations. In an appearance Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Everingham, IV, Chadwick Ray Howe, 23, of Avinger, pleaded guilty to being involved in a conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine.

Federal prosecutors say from June 2009 to April 2010, Howe conspired with others to manufacture methamphetamine by purchasing cold pills containing pseudoephedrine in Panola and Harrison counties. A federal grand jury returned a 20-count indictment on May 6, 2010 charging Howe with federal drug violations. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has voted unanimously to adopt the proposed 2010-2011 budget that is $4.8 million less than the prior year budget and that will bring the tax rate to the effective rate of 20.8 cents per $100 valuation. “Since 1994, Tyler’s tax rate has decreased by more than 60 percent,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “We have one of the lowest tax rates in the state as well as having about the same number of employees that we had in the mid-1980s. I am extremely proud of the work the City has done to keep our expenses down while providing exemplary public safety and services to the citizens of Tyler.”

The budget proposal is the culmination of eight months’ work by the City’s budget committee and departments in response to significantly lower sales tax revenue and slightly depressed property values. Some citizens wanted the tax rate to be even lower. But Councilmember Donald Sanders summed up the Council’s sentiment by saying, “I am proud of the work the staff has done in these trying economic times. We have maintained service levels and are taking care of concerns the citizens have.” You can go to http://ww.cityoftyler.org to read more.

TYLER — The 95th East Texas State Fair comes to Tyler starting today and running through October 3rd. President/CEO John Sykes says there will be innovative new attractions, free concerts with gate admission nightly, all new rides, exhibits, and lots of food.

There will be armband specials every weekday, and on Sunday, September 26th, $2.00 rides. Among the attractions: a NASA Johnson Space Center exhibit in Harvey Convention Center, Swifty Swine Pig Races, a SPLASH! Sea Lion Show, a Eudora Farms Exotic Petting Zoo, Tubs Fritter strolling the fairgrounds, a Sandscapes 50-ton sand sculpture in Harvey Convention Center, AgriWorld in the Youth & Education Building, a Creative Arts Show, and demonstrations in the Creative Arts Building. All are free with gate admission.

The fair also includes a revamped Senior Citizens Day Thursday. Sykes says the programs won’t be repeated as in the past, but there will be morning and afternoon sessions. He says there will be a lot of entertainment in the morning and different entertainment in the afternoon, including a dance. According to Sykes, the day will feature “a whole new level of energy.”

Fair hours are Monday through Friday, 10:00am till 11:00pm. The carnival opens at 4:00. There’s free gate admission until 2:00pm on weekdays. The hours on Saturday and Sunday are 10:00am till 11:00pm, and the carnival opens at noon. You can go to http://www.etstatefair.com and get more information on the daily activities.

Tyler Police advise citizens to slow down and drive cautious around Harvey Hall and surrounding neighborhood streets due to the East Texas State Fair. Tyler Police will provide assistance at a designated cross walk in front of the Main Entrance of the Fair located in the 2000 block of W. Front Street.

TYLER — The Tyler City Council has awarded the contract for the renovation of Liberty Hall in the amount of $1.9 million to RPR Construction. RPR was one of five companies that participated in the competitive sealed bid process and was the low bidder.

The City of Tyler purchased the Liberty in 2008 as part of a strategy outlined in the Tyler 21 Master Plan to establish an arts and cultural district in downtown to spur private reinvestment and revitalization. To advance this goal, the City of Tyler entered into a memorandum of understanding with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra Association (ETSOA). The purpose was to lead an effort to raise the funds needed for renovation of the Liberty into a performing arts hall that officials hope will be a destination point for arts and culture in East Texas.

The project will be 100 percent privately funded by donations. In January 2009, the Liberty capital campaign was launched with a commitment of $500,000 from the Genecov Group followed by a $100,000 pledge by KSA/Wisenbaker, Fix, and Associates in July and a $250,000 donation by Brandon Steele of Ryno Corporation in September. An undesignated gift from the Fair Foundation for $25,000 is also being used to fund this project.

The Women’s Symphony League of Tyler pledged $10,000, and additional large pledges and donations have been made totaling $100,000. Also, the Give Me Liberty Seat Sale has raised multiple smaller donations that have been added to the campaign to fund the rebirth of the theatre into a performing arts hall. The seat sale provides the opportunity for citizens to sponsor a seat with a pledge of as little as $1,000. The project is expected to take 210 calendar days to complete once the notice to proceed is issued.

TYLER – Two Gilmer women have been sentenced to federal prison for drug violations. It’s part of a sweeping case involving alleged methamphetamine trafficking. Sarina Cherea Danner, 22, pleaded guilty on July 14 to possession of pseudoephedrine with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. She was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Schneider. Sharon Kay Marsh, 47, pleaded guilty on July 15 to the same charge. She was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison by Judge Schneider.

According to information presented in court, the defendants were involved in a methamphetamine manufacturing and distribution criminal enterprise in the East Texas area and traveled to multiple pharmacies to purchase numerous boxes of cold pills containing pseudoephedrine in order to manufacture large quantities of methamphetamine for personal use and distribution to others. Danner and Marsh were indicted with 16 co-defendants on May 5 and charged with federal drug trafficking crimes.

LONGVIEW — Two wanted Longview men have been arrested by the United States Marshal’s Service. 27-year-old Keilan Doshea Tate was arrested September 15 in Carrollton. His cousin, 39-year-old Willis Earl “Toby” Tate, was arrested September 20, 2010 in Houston. Both Tates were wanted in connection with an assault of a Gregg County Deputy and the subsequent assault of a Longview Police Officer, who was struck by a vehicle allegedly driven by one of the two. Once Longview Investigators determined the Tates were no longer in Longview, the Marshal’s Service was contacted. Through the Marshal’s investigative efforts, both men were located and arrested.

TYLER — Oscar Arias brings his message of peace to UT Tyler at a Tuesday Distinguished Lecture. The former Costa Rican president and Nobel Peace laureate said the choice to value human life over destruction is the key to moral leadership in today’s world. For Arias, that largely means reducing military spending — and putting more money into such resources as food, education, and health care. Arias added that each of us can do our part. He noted that his country voluntarily abolished its army — though he said he’s not naive enough to believe that can happen everywhere.

LONGVIEW — Two suspects are apprehended after a home invasion. 28-year-old Byron Houston was booked into the Gregg County Jail and charged with burglary of a habitation. The second suspect was taken to a local hospital for a claimed medical condition. He has not been arrested, although charges have been filed on the second suspect.

It happened Tuesday around 3:20 at 1408 South 12th Street. Longview Police say the victim told officers she left her home for a few minutes to go to the store, but upon returning, found someone had entered her home and had stolen her laptop computer. While officers were taking a report from the victim, an observant citizen called police and reported that two men were running with a laptop computer in the 1800 block of Eubanks Street. Officers were able to recover the stolen laptop computer.

LONGVIEW — The owner of a bait shop who was robbed on July 31 has died. John Morris, 80, was seriously injured and hospitalized after being assaulted during the robbery of his bait shop located next door to his home in the 400 block of West Pliler Precise Road. Mr. Morris was pronounced dead at Good Shepherd Medical Center around 2:30 Tuesday afternoon. An autopsy has been ordered.

The robbery investigation is open and ongoing, but no arrests have been made at this time. Detectives are asking for anyone with information about the robbery to contact Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-236-STOP or online at http://www.greggcountycrimestoppers.com. A reward of up to $1000.00 may be paid for information leading to the arrest of the suspect in this case. Any information given will remain confidential.

SMITH COUNTY — A Constable’s idea of diverting money from the state into Smith County can help fix up the roads. Right now, the state will sell an overweight vehicle permit for $400. Smith County Commissioners are taking steps to charge a $100 fee for overweight vehicle permits for those vehicles that operate within the county. County roads have a weight limit of 30,000 pounds. Any vehicle over that weight needs a permit. They will use that money to go into the weight and license program, which helps the county know who is operating legally. According to KETK, some big truck owners say it’s just another tax.

TYLER — For the second time in just over a month the Metro PCS store at 1700 SSE Loop 323 has been robbed. Shortly before 5:15 Tuesday afternoon, two men entered the business and one of the suspects produced a handgun and demanded money. There was one employee inside the business. The suspects ordered the employee to the rear of the business. They then took an undetermined amount of money from the register and fled. No injuries were reported in the robbery.

Both suspects were described as 18-19 years of age. One suspect was approximately 5’10” and the other 6’ – 6’2”. The suspects fled the scene south on foot.

On August 18th, around 6:00pm, two men, one with a handgun, robbed the store. The suspects in that robbery were described as black males between 16 and 21. One suspect was between 5’5” – 5’7” wearing a red shirt and khaki shorts. The second suspect was described as being between 5’10” – 6’ wearing a light color plaid shirt and blue jean shorts.

BULLARD — Hundreds gathered in Bullard Tuesday night to pray for our country, its leaders and its people. The event was called Come Pray With Me and was held at the Bushman Celebration Center. Pastor Dan Cummins of Bridlewood Church came up with the event. He tells KETK-TV He wanted an event that would transcend politics and the heat and rhetoric that dominate our public dialogue these days. Instead, he said he wanted something we could all agree on…the power of prayer. Cummins said he would like to see it held several times a year. He would like to see the next one on November 1st, the day before the national elections.

WHITEHOUSE — Whitehouse becomes the latest community in the area to ban the sale of K2. It’s a synthetic compound whose effects are similar to marijuana. The ban of its sale in Whitehouse takes effect immediately. Fines range up to $2,000 for each offense.

SAN MARCOS — The city manager if Kilgore, Jeff Howell, is in the running to be city manager in San Marcos. The San Marcos city council meets with the three finalists for the post from 5:00 till 6:30pm today. Besides Howell, also in the running is Round Rock, Texas City Manager Jim Nuse, and Peoria, Illinois City Manager Scott Moore. Howell is on vacation this week and is scheduled to return on Monday. He has been Kilgore City Manager since 2005.

According to the San Marcos web site, Howell is a Certified Public Manager and ICMA Credentialed Manager. He has over 20 years municipal management experience, 25 years total municipal experience. Howell also has extensive knowledge of governmental financing, including certificates of obligation, revenue bonds, general obligation bonds and working with bond rating agencies. He also has extensive knowledge and ability working interactively with other governmental agencies including TxDOT, TECQ, TWDB, TP&W and county.

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.