KTBB News, Weather, Talk

TYLER — City officials say maintaining current levels of service delivery while decreasing expenditures by $4.8 million is the focus of the 2010-2011 proposed budget presented by City Manager Mark McDaniel to the Tyler City Council Wednesday. McDaniel says 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. The proposed budget calls for maintaining the existing “effective tax rate,” which is essentially the tax rate calculated to generate the same amount of revenue that was received in the last fiscal year. The effective rate is 20.8 cents per $100 valuation.

“I am very pleased that we were able to close the gap between our expenses and revenue without raising taxes or decreasing service levels,” commented Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass. “Most people know that our tax rate is one of the lowest in the State; however, many of our citizens don’t realize how much lower it is. In some cases, it is as much as three times lower than cities of comparable size.” For example, currently the City of Waco has a tax rate of 78.6 cents per $100 valuation; Killeen is 69.5 cents, Abilene is 69.3 and Beaumont is at 64 cents. Since 1994, Tyler’s tax rate has decreased by more than 60 percent, putting a total of $22.3 million back in the pockets of consumers.

“Because of our low property tax rate and lack of general obligation debt, Tyler has been able to weather the economic downturn better than many other communities,” added Mayor Bass. “We are hearing daily about cities that are laying off public safety personnel, decreasing Library hours and cutting Parks programs. We are truly blessed that we have been able to tighten our belts to balance our budget this year without significantly affecting service levels.”

The City’s General Fund budget is nearly $55 million and comprises revenue from sales tax (41 percent), property taxes (26 percent), fines (11 percent), franchise fees (17 percent) and other sources. Expenses from this fund include:
– Police and Fire Departments – 67 percent
– Parks and the Library – 10 percent
– Public Works – 7 percent
– Court – 3 percent
– General Government – 7 percent
– Miscellaneous – 6 percent

“Public Safety was the number one priority identified during the Tyler 21 comprehensive planning process,” continued Mayor Bass. “Therefore, it makes sense that it accounts for 67 percent of the General Fund.”

City officials say the City of Tyler began its budget process several months earlier than typical to allow time to explore opportunities to make cuts that would allow the City to hold the property tax rate steady. Officials say cost savings were realized in many areas including:
– Freezing, shifting or eliminating 23 positions
– Postponing capital purchases
– Reducing funding to outside agencies
– Reducing subsidies and funding matches to other funds
– Reducing training expenses
– Shifting costs from internal service funds that over-recovered in prior years
– Adjusting cost allocations for some overhead expenses
– Reducing fuel and oil expenditures

Officials say as part of the annual budget process, some rates and fees will be adjusted. To fund multi-year utility extensions begun two years ago, a six percent water and sewer rate increase is proposed. Even with the increase, Tyler’s rates are still significantly below cities of comparable size, according to city officials.

Due to less development than in prior years, revenue generated in the Development Services Fund is down $104,000. To address this, two additional positions have not been funded, and fees for platting and zoning will be increased to cover more of the actual cost for these services. Residential and commercial Solid Waste rates will remain the same; however, there will be a rate adjustment for premium haul out/pack out service only. Rental car service fees at the airport will be adjusted as well as some fees at the cemetery. “In lieu of an across the board tax rate increase, use fees have been adjusted so those citizens utilizing a service contribute to offsetting the expense,” explained Mayor Bass.

Officials say efforts to retain the City’s trained workforce include the potential for a productivity increase from zero to two percent for civilians, two percent for sworn personnel, and implementation of the second phase pay plan study adjustments initiated over three years. These recommendations would be implemented beginning in January 2011 only if sales tax revenues increase by a projected two percent over sales tax collected in the City’s current fiscal year. However, employees may see up to a $30 per month increase in health insurance premiums in January.

In addition to Wednesday’s presentation, there will be three additional opportunities for public input on the budget, including two public hearings. The hearings will be at Tyler City Hall, 212 N. Bonner Ave. on the following dates:
– Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 9 a.m.
– Wednesday, Sept. 8 at 9 a.m.
Final adoption of the budget is scheduled for Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. at Tyler City Hall.

CANTON — The Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested the subject of a recent manhunt. Authorities had been looking for Kenneth Don Foster for burglary of a habitation. He was taken into custody Tuesday night at a home on VZCR #3105. Officials from the Sheriff’s Office waited until dark and then were able to use the cover of darkness to advance toward the residence where Foster had been staying. Upon approaching the residence it was discovered that nobody was at home. As deputies were leaving the residence they saw headlights from an approaching vehicle coming down the driveway. Deputies hid behind a group of trees and when the vehicle arrived at the residence, Foster was taken into custody.

JACKSONVILLE — Charges may be filed in connection with a fatal Cherokee County accident. Cameron Robinson, 8, was killed in the Monday night crash on U.S. Highway 69 about a mile south of Farm Road 22, south of Jacksonville. According to KETK, officials say Alexander Alverado, 28, was unable to control his speed and rear-ended a Toyota Corolla, killing the youngster, who was in the car’s back seat. The victim’s car had stopped at an accident site when it was rear ended. Alverado could be facing criminal negligent homicide charges.

TYLER — A Tyler robbery investigation turned into a drug bust. It started Tuesday while officers were searching for a vehicle involved in an overnight robbery. Officers had received information from citizens that a white Mercury Marquis was driving erratically in north Tyler. Officers were unable to locate it.

Around 3:00 Tuesday afternoon City of Tyler Code Enforcement Officers located a white Mercury Marquis driving backwards down a street. An officer tried to stop the vehicle, but it fled. A short time later, another Tyler patrolman saw a white Mercury Marquis in the same area. The Officer tried to stop it, but the vehicle would not stop. After a short pursuit, the lone occupant got out fled on foot. Officers were able to catch him after a short chase. Officers say they smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle, and a bag of marijuana was located on the path taken by the fleeing suspect as he was attempting to get rid of it.

Officers arrested Justin Bush, 19, for possession of a controlled substance, and evading detention. After further investigation it was determined that this Mercury Marquis was not the same one involved in the overnight robbery.

TYLER — One person has been arrested in connection with a Tyler robbery. It happened just before 3:30 Tuesday morning near the area of North Tenneha and M.L. King Boulevard. Authorities say two black male victims advised they had given a ride to a black male, to an unknown address on Tenneha. The suspect exited the vehicle and went to the front porch of a residence. The suspect returned, displayed a handgun at the victims and told them to get out of the car. The suspect took some money from one of the victims, got in the victim’s car and left the area. No injuries were reported.

Officers received information that the person involved in the robbery was seen driving in the area of Greenbriar Road and Coleman Street in rural Smith County. When officers arrived in the area, a white Mercury was spotted. The driver of the vehicle tried to flee by driving back into the city. The chase ended at the Sonic Drive-In on Highway 64 West and Loop 323. The driver was arrested after a brief foot chase. Justin De’Shun Arps, 18, of Tyler, was charged with two counts of aggravated robbery and evading arrest or detention and was booked into the Smith County Jail.

TYLER — Smith County residents have spoken out against a proposed tax increase. Smith County Commissioners are considering a four cent tax hike to help offset a proposed budget $7 million deficit. At a public hearing Tuesday the room was packed as residents voiced their concern about a tax increase. KETK-TV reports the average home in Smith County is valued at $135,000. The proposed tax increase would equal $55 a year for that homeowner.

The public has another chance to address the commissioners’ court on the proposed tax hike. Another public hearing will be held on August 17th at 9:30am in the courthouse annex. The commissioners will meet again next Tuesday with a budget workshop on the agenda.

TROUP – The Troup City Council has voted to ban the incense called K2. The city’s Police Chief Pat Hendrix requested an ordinance banning the use, selling, displaying, and possession the incense. K2 is legal in Texas right now, but Chief Hendrix says it’s 100 times more potent than THC, the active component in marijuana.

KETK-TV reports K2 is marketed as incense however kids are getting their hands on it and are smoking the herb. Chief Hendrix says this causes a series of unpredictable side effects that could lead to permanent bodily damage or even in some cases death. Earlier this week two young men were taken to the hospital, telling officers and hospital staff that they had inhaled K2.

HENDERSON — A Rusk County jury has acquitted 26-year-old Jason Tremaine Horton of evading arrest with a vehicle. According to the Rusk County District Attorney’s Office, two Henderson police officers arrested Horton March 31 following a brief chase that ensued after one officer saw Horton make a turn without using his turn indicator. Prosecutor Richard Kennedy said, “While we understand the jury’s verdict, we respectfully disagree with it. Our office will continue to prosecute persons who fail to stop when police officers ask them to do so.”

TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a suspect following a chase and charged him with two offenses. On Tuesday, officers were searching for a vehicle involved in an overnight robbery. Officers had received information from citizens that a white Mercury Marquis was driving erratically in north Tyler. Officers were unable to locate it.

Around 3:00 p.m., City of Tyler Code Enforcement officers located a white Mercury Marquis driving backwards down a street. A Tyler Police officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but it evaded the officer. A short time later, another Tyler Police officer saw a white Mercury Marquis in the same area. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle would not stop. After a short pursuit, police say, the lone occupant got out of the vehicle and ran. Officers say they were able to catch him after a short foot pursuit. Officers report that they smelled a strong odor of marijuana in the vehicle, and that a bag of marijuana was located on the path taken by the fleeing suspect as he was allegedly attempting to get rid of it.

Officers arrested 19-year-old Justin Bush for possession of a controlled substance and evading detention. After further investigation it was determined that this Mercury Marquis is not the same one involved in the overnight robbery.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tyler’s Louie Gohmert joined other Texas House Republicans at a Washington news conference to discuss their opposition to an amendment to H.R. 1586. The bill, passed by the House Tuesday, provides $26.1 billion in new spending, primarily related to education jobs funding and federal matching funds for Medicaid. The congressmen say the proposed amendment singles out only Texas – specifically the Governor – to commit future education spending levels as a requirement to receive funds from this legislation. Gohmert and his colleagues call that a violation of the Texas State Constitution — and Gohmert says it adds unnecessary bureaucracy.

According to Gohmert, “All in all, we keep adding bureaucrats, and you know where the responsibilities end up falling? It’s on the teachers” — who Gohmert says must supply data to the bureaucrats. At least one solution he proposes: “Let’s get rid of a bunch of the bureaucrats here and in Austin and in the school districts, hire lots more teachers, give ’em 50 per cent more pay — then you will help teachers.”

TYLER — Mayor Barbara Bass and other officials will rally Wednesday at noon on the downtown square for support of keeping the Downtown Tyler Post Office open. According to city press materials, the post office is being evaluated for possible closure. The City of Tyler and Heart of Tyler, Inc., will host the rally. Mayor Bass and other public officials will urge the public to take action to help save the downtown post office. There will be petitions to sign and to take for the public to be able to gather additional signatures.

A web page has been created to give the public information on what actions one can take to support keeping the Downtown Post Office open. At http://www.heartoftyler.com visitors can click on the Save the Downtown Tyler Post Office icon and go to a page with tips on what to do. The web page contains an online petition and the addresses of public and Post Office officials.

TYLER — The Literacy Council of Tyler’s Annual Corporate Spelling Bee is set for today at Harvey Convention Center. The public is invited to attend the Bee and celebrate the council’s 20th anniversary. Admission is $20 to the Bee, a major fundraiser for the agency. Staffers say the council’s work targets the one in every four adults in Smith County who are undereducated and functionally illiterate. Tickets to the Bee may be purchased in advance by calling 903-533-0330. Lunch will be catered by Traditions, and coffee will be served compliments of Starbucks. Silent Auction bidding and lunch began at 11:00am with opening ceremonies beginning at 11:45.

TYLER — The Tyler Area Builders Association (TABA) has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) for its “New Home Bonanaza – an Open House Extravaganza” public relations campaign. Tyler-based Krantz PR’s promotion of TABA’s “Bonanza” event in October 2009 received the NAHB Association Excellence Award for Best Public Relations Campaign Conducted. The awards were handed out at the national NAHB conference on Aug. 6 in Santa Fe, NM.

The Bonanza was a five-day open house event that featured new houses and lots in a variety of sizes and price ranges. To further entice buyers, the homebuilders and TABA members offered additional incentives. Krantz PR made use of TABA President Ricky Casey, casting him as a wandering cowboy looking for a good home. Casey donned his cowboy hat, duster and boots for commercials and billboards advertising the event. “We are thrilled to add a national award to our resume’,” said Krantz PR President
Laura Krantz. “It is gratifying to have something that was a fun project turn into such high praise for our creativity. I’m proud of my team.”

TYLER — Leadership Tyler, a non-profit organization established in 1986 to equip leaders to enrich the Tyler community, has selected Colleen Colby as its new executive director. “I feel privileged to be selected for this opportunity to work with people who are so committed to leadership,” said Colby. “I am delighted to be part of this historic organization as we approach Leadership Tyler’s 25th anniversary. My plans are to work with the team to continue to offer insightful programs for leaders in the community.”

Colby said her fondness for Leadership Tyler began when she applied to the program while residing in Maryland. “The first people I met when I moved to Texas were people in my Leadership Tyler class,” says Colby. Joan Andrews, current president of the Leadership Tyler board of directors, said, “We are very excited to have someone with Colleen’s skills and leadership experience to lead our organization.”

Colby has an extensive background in development, training, education and communications with several companies, including her present position with the professional services firm PBS&J. She was a journalist and a second class petty officer in the United States Navy and served on board the USS Puget Sound off the coast of Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Storm. She has an executive MBA from the University of Delaware and a B.A. in mass communications and political science from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania, and she attended an international business school in the Netherlands.

Colby has an extensive history of community service including Wilmington, Delaware, Habitat for Humanity; Junior Achievement; Wilmington Food Bank; Delaware Children’s Museum; and in East Texas, CASA, Discovery Science Place Museum, South Tyler Rotary, Tyler Executive Women’s Network, Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts of America, and Leadership Tyler class 21. She replaces Cindy Klein, who has served Leadership Tyler since 2004 and recently accepted a new position with Mentoring Minds.

LONGVIEW — The City of Longview has begun the process to search for and hire a new fire chief. As the head of the Longview Fire Department, the Fire Chief is responsible for 167 staff members, 8 fire stations, and a $15.9 million budget. Officials say the City is utilizing Strategic Government Resources, Inc. (SGR) to help broaden the scope of the search and to assist with initial evaluation. During the search process, according to officials, SGR will identify and evaluate a variety of highly qualified prospects; provide a recommended list of five qualified candidates for interview; and design an assessment process for top candidates.

The City of Longview will conduct the interviews of the top candidates. As with all of the City’s director-level positions, the City Manager is responsible for selecting the final candidate, which is subject to approval by City Council. You can go to http://www.LongviewTexas.gov to view the fire chief job announcement. City officials add that you’re encouraged to contact SGR at http://www.GovernmentResource.com if you’re an interested, qualified candidate. Resumes should be submitted to SGR by Friday, August 20. It is anticipated that the hiring process will be completed within two to three months.

TYLER — The date has been set for the annual Texans Against Crime (T.A.C.) night out. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 12th , 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. T.A.C. celebrations are held throughout East Texas on the second Tuesday in October. Last year the City of Tyler had approximately 90 block parties throughout the City to promote the program. Tyler police say it’s time to register your block party by registering online at http://www.tylerpolice.com or calling the Tyler Police Department at 903-531-1096.

Police say the Texans Against Crime program is an annual event designed to unite neighbors and communities to encourage neighborhood communication, community involvement and crime prevention to create safer neighborhoods. According to police, the T.A.C. program encourages neighborhoods to host block parties as an opportunity to get to know your neighbor and fight crime. Police say the program promotes neighborhood alliances to strengthen local communities and preserve the quality of life in East Texas. Police add that the program helps to educate families, friends and neighbors about crime prevention and inform residents that communities are safer when neighbors work together. According to police, getting to know your neighbors is an important step in keeping your community safe.

WHITE OAK — Another East Texas city will soon decide whether or not they’ll allow alcohol sales in their town come November. A petition by some White Oak citizens was approved and confirmed during Monday’s Gregg County County Commissioner’s meeting, meaning that it will go on the upcoming November ballot. According to KETK, more than 400 residents of White Oak signed the petition.

TYLER (AP) – A Tyler campus where a teacher was fatally stabbed in 2009 will be more secure when classes begin Aug. 23. A teen accused in the attack on special education teacher Todd Henry, at John Tyler High School, remained in juvenile custody Tuesday. The boy was 16 last September when authorities say he stabbed Henry. A wrought iron fence, surrounding nearly 90 acres, is nearly finished. The fencing is part of $247,000 in security improvements for John Tyler and for Robert E. Lee High School. Tyler Independent School District spokeswoman Angela Jenkins says the goal is to provide a perimeter for the school and prevent students who are unauthorized pedestrians to enter or exit the grounds. Portable metal detectors will be used for random checks at both high schools.

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Commissioners battled out their thoughts on job cuts and raised taxes last week. This week, however, they are just going to listen. As the county tries to scrape up $7 million in budget cuts, County Judge Joel Baker proposes a tax increase. Now, taxpayers get a chance to voice their thoughts on the matter. A public hearing was held today. According to KETK, the increase would bring in an extra $4 million for the county.

Commissioner Terry Phillips says they have to build a reserve back up that they spent last year. He says there will probably be some kind of tax, because it’s the only way to get the county budget where it needs to be. Since sales tax is down, the county is not taking in as much money as last year. Phillips says, “To balance the budget, we either have to raise taxes or reduce the budget.” Another public hearing will be held on August 17th.

TYLER — Tyler Police investigate an early morning robbery. It happened around 3:25 a.m. Tuesday near the area of North Tenneha and M.L. King Blvd. Authorities say two black male victims advised they had given a ride to a black male, to an unknown address on Tenneha. The suspect exited the vehicle and went to the front porch of a residence. The suspect returned, displayed a handgun at the victims and told them to get out of the car. The suspect took some money from one of the victims, got in the victim’s car and left the area. No injuries were reported.

LONGVIEW — Mayors from throughout the East Texas region are meeting at Longview’s Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center today to discuss regional issues in light of the upcoming Texas legislative session. According to Longview Mayor Jay Dean, “These types of discussions are absolutely critical for the East Texas region. Even though we each work in different cities and counties, we often have similar goals to help move our communities forward. We know that what is helpful for one city is usually beneficial for the entire region.” The group has been coordinated through the efforts of Marshall Mayor William “Buddy” Power.

EAST TEXAS — Federal school ratings are released — and for some East Texas school districts, the news isn’t good. According to KETK, Longview ISD is one of many East Texas school districts that did not meet the requirements. Longview High school and Forest Park Middle School missed the standards in math and reading performance along with graduation rates. But district officials say it’s because of a federal rule. that puts a cap on the number of special education students that can take a modified TAKS test. Still, they say, they believe the cap is a good thing. The Tyler Independent School District also has a list of schools that failed to meet the federal standards for education this year. There are four: Bell Elementary School, Boulter Middle School, John Tyler High school, and Robert E. Lee High School.

SMITH COUNTY — Just six months ago, Clear Springs Missionary Baptist Church was the 11th church to burn down during a string of church arsons. On Sunday, according to KETK, the church reopened its doors. The devastating arson fire in February engulfed what the congregation knew to be home. But now, the structure’s rebuilt, and the doors are once again open for services. Pastor Brandon Owens says it was faith that got them through. Clear Springs was the last church to fall victim to the rash of arsons.

TYLER — The investigation involving an 18-year-old female victim who reported getting sick after purchasing a drink from Sonic is now complete. According to authorities, on Sunday, July 18, the victim reportedly went to Sonic, located at 5611 S. Broadway and purchased a Cranberry Lime Slush drink. She said the drink had a strange taste to it and told officers that she began to vomit about an hour after drinking the drink and went to Mother Frances Hospital ER for medical treatment.

The Northeast Texas Public Health District was notified of the incident and conducted their own investigation. The Tyler Police Department investigation found no evidence that any criminal intent by the restaurant or victim occurred involving this incident.

LONGVIEW — Authorities in Longview say a stand-off is resolved. Officers responded to a call of an armed subject in the 1100 block of Rosedale Drive around 11:55 Sunday night. The caller told dispatchers that a man was in his yard in the 400 block of Sycamore and was firing a gun. When the caller went outside and told the man to stop, he pointed the gun at the caller and threatened to kill her. Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect at 404 West Sycamore Street, but he refused to answer the door. While officers were on-scene, the suspect pointed a laser at an officer’s vehicle and later fired additional shots.

The Longview Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and the Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene and attempted to establish communications with the suspect, but he did not respond. Around 6:10 Monday morning, the SWAT team made entry into the residence and took Brandon Biddle, 28, into custody. No one was shot or injured during the incident. Biddle has been booked into the Gregg County Jail for aggravated assault.

KEATCHIE, LA. (AP/STAFF) — A Kilgore woman and her sister have been stabbed to death and a suspect was arrested in eastern Panola County. Virginia Lee Knight, 24, of Kilgore was stabbed to death following the death of her sister, Diana Knight Rivers, 22. The stabbing occurred at Diana’s home in Keatchie, Louisiana, about 15 miles south of Shreveport.

Diana’s estranged husband, Stephen Rivers, 35, is in custody in connection with the deaths. He was transported to LSU Hospital in Shreveport for non-life threatening injuries. Cpl. Dusty Herring of the DeSoto Parish sheriff’s office says Rivers apparently stabbed himself three times in the torso with a pocketknife. After he’s released, Herring says he’ll be booked into the DeSoto Parish Detention Center. A judge has signed an arrest warrant charging Rivers with first degree murder.

The Longview News Journal quotes Herring, who is leading the investigation for the Desoto Parish Sheriff’s Department as saying the couple had a scheduled court appearance tomorrow. It involved a custody hearing over their only child.

NACOGDOCHES – Nacogdoches fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of a fire that destroyed a home on the Old Tyler Road Sunday afternoon. The only person at home at the time of the fire was Jeronenoford Scott Sr., despite being blind, he was able to escape the burning home unharmed. While they are still trying to find out what caused the fire, it appears to have been an accidental electrical fire.

TYLER — Breckenridge Village of Tyler wins the heart of one young woman who wanted to be a physical therapist, and found her true calling working with Breckenridge VIllage’s mentally challenged residents. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” Morgan Glenn said she ended up with the agency on a mission trip. “And I remember the first week I was here, I was almost in tears every day because my heart was touched by these residents,” Morgan remarked. “I couldn’t ask for a better job or a better place to be. It’s not a job for me, it’s somewhere I get to go to be enriched daily.” Now Morgan’s been hired to a full time position at Breckenridge Village. The agency’s been in business since 1998. You can go to http://www.bcfs.net/bvt to learn more. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to hear the “Staff Meeting” show online.

TYLER – The Northeast Texas Public Health District is spotlighting the month of August for a couple of reasons. NETPHD is joining a worldwide campaign during August to increase public awareness of the many benefits of immunization. NETPHD is celebrating National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) by encouraging residents of Smith County of all ages to make sure they are fully vaccinated.

As families prepare for the new school year, officials say, they need to take a moment to ensure their vaccinations are all up to date to avoid any delays in getting their children enrolled. “We have the power to prevent many diseases with a simple vaccine,” said Sylvia Warren, RN, Director of Immunization for NETPHD. “Vaccines aren’t just for babies. From a child getting vaccinated against measles and whooping cough, to an adolescent being protected from meningitis, to an older adult avoiding the pain of shingles, there are good reasons for all of us to discuss vaccines with our health care providers.”

Health officials say vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective public health tools available for preventing disease and death. According to NETPHD press materials, they not only help protect vaccinated individuals, but also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Immunization services are available at the Northeast Texas Public Health District’s newly renovated facility at 815 N. Broadway, Tyler. For more information about National Immunization Awareness Month, contact the Northeast Texas Public Health District Immunizations Department at 903-535-0030 or visit http://www.healthyeasttx.org for vaccinations.

NETPHD is also joining a worldwide campaign this month to increase public awareness of the many benefits of breastfeeding. Health officials say when it comes to breastfeeding, every single ounce counts towards the health of mom and baby. That is why this year’s Texas WIC Program World Breastfeeding Month theme is Every Ounce Counts: Supporting Moms beyond the First Weeks. NETPHD officials say Texas is exceeding the Healthy People 2010 objective for a 75% breastfeeding initiation rate.

But the officials note the state is not on target to reach the objectives of 40% exclusively breastfeeding at 3 months, 17% exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months, 50% any breastfeeding at 6 months, or 25% any breastfeeding at 12 months. The Health District says this indicates a great need to support breastfeeding women beyond the first few weeks to help them reach their personal breastfeeding goals.

According to NETHPHD staffers, moms are faced with new challenges as their breastfed infants grow older. The staffers say helping breastfeeding moms overcome different challenges will help improve breastfeeding duration rates in Texas. Often, say health officials, it is the compassion provided by family, friends, health care providers, and communities that supports a lasting duration of the breastfeeding relationship. Tecora Smith, NETPHD WIC Director, stated that “health professionals will agree: breastfeeding is the healthiest choice for babies. Breast milk costs absolutely nothing, decreases the chance of breast cancer, fights against obesity, and creates an amazing bond between mother and baby.”

You can Join the Northeast Texas Public Health District in the celebration of World Breastfeeding Month on August 21, 2010 at the Salvation Army, 633 N. Broadway Tyler, Texas 75702. The event will be from 8:30am to 1:00pm. For more information about the celebration of World Breastfeeding Month or breastfeeding, visit http://www.healthyeasttx.org or call the Northeast Texas Public Health District WIC Department at 903-535-0030.

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

SMITH COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations in various locations on Interstate Highway 20 service roads across Smith County. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

GREGG COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal-coat operations on State Highway 149 between State Highway 322 in Lakeport and Farm Road 2906 (Easton Road). Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

Also this week in Longview, after a last-minute delay, the newly-installed traffic signals on State Highway 300 at George Richie Road and Cheryl Street are scheduled to be activated as early as Wednesday. Motorists are encouraged to use caution in and around newly signalized intersections.

VAN — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to begin resurfacing efforts on the westbound Interstate Highway 20 exit at Farm Road 314 in Van. The exit ramp is being extended back to the east to allow for greater deceleration in advance of the FM 314 intersection. The outside lane of IH 20 will be closed for roughly one mile leading up to the FM 314 exit, but the exit itself will be open to traffic. Motorists should expect delays on westbound IH 20 while the work is in progress.

Elsewhere in Van Zandt County, crews will also be performing base and pavement repairs in various locations on Farm Road 773 between Farm Road 16 and State highway 64, and on Farm Road 857 south of Silver Lake between Farm Road 1255 and Farm Road 1253 in Smith County. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Stat Highway 64 between State Highway 42 in Turnertown and Loop 571 in Henderson. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

HENDERSON COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on Farm Road 3062 between Malakoff and the end of state maintenance near Star Harbor. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue resurfacing operations on U.S. Highway 175 between Jacksonville and Farm Road 855 in Cuney. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic in two-lane areas.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform edge repairs on Farm Road 515 near Winnsboro, and ditch maintenance on Farm Road 2710 west of Farm Road 14. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.