KTBB News, Weather, Talk

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.

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.

BULLARD — A big event at Bullard’s Bushman Celebration Center is set for this evening. Pastor Dan Cummins of the Bridlewood Church of Bullard has been organizing “Come Pray with Me,” which kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Cummins terms it “a non-political event whose purpose is to pray for the direction of our nation.” He says 2,000 people or more are expected for “what is promising to be maybe the largest prayer event of its kind in East Texas.”

According to Cummins, there are over fifty churches involved from many denominations, across Smith and Cherokee Counties. Spiritual and patriotic music will be featured. Cummins says there will also be “words of inspiration and challenge and a time to pray for “My House, God’s House, and the White House.” Admission is one non-perishable food item or one new toy for Bullard’s Mission House. You can log on to http://www.ComePrayWithMe.org or call 903-571-4291 for more information.

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler welcomes former Costa Rican President Oscar Arias as part of its distinguished lecture series. The lecture, sponsored by Sherilyn and Patrick Willis, will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the UT Tyler Cowan Center. KTBB is among the media sponsors. Arias’s topic for the lecture will be “Moral Leadership in Today’s World.”

Arias served two terms as president of Costa Rica, 1986 – 90 and 2006 – 2010. A 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate, he holds international status as a spokesperson for the developing world. He earned the Nobel Peace Prize for work that culminated in the signing of the Esquipulas II Accords, or the Procedure to Establish a Firm and Lasting Peace in Central America. He champions such issues as human development, democracy and demilitarization, and he has traveled the globe spreading a message of peace. You can check the ktbb.com Calendar of Events for more information.

HENDERSON — A Rusk County jury awards a $7 million dollar settlement to the family of Justin Clinton to be paid by the George family — the owners of the dogs that attacked and killed ten-year-old Justin last year. Pam Ford was Justin’s aunt. She doesn’t think Justin’s mother, Serenia, will ever see any of the money — but Ford tells KETK that’s not what it’s all about. “That’s not what this family was after,” says Ford. “It was to let people know that if they have these types of dogs, they have to be responsible for them and they have to contain them properly.” Justin was on his way to a friend’s house when the attack happened.

LONGVIEW — A one vehicle accident in Gregg County has left one person dead. Robert McCommon, 61, of Longview, died in the crash shortly after 8:15 Sunday morning on Hamby Road near Stonelake. The Department of public Safety reports the man, whose vehicle was pulling a boat, left the road and hit a fence and then a tree. An autopsy has been ordered by Justice of the Peace Arthur Fort.

TYLER – Tyler police have located a missing person. The search began yesterday for Arabelia Ramirez, 80, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and is also in poor health. She had last been seen leaving Gilbert’s El Charro at East 5th and Loop 323 around noon yesterday. Mrs. Ramirez was found driving in the City of Hudson Oaks, Texas. She was found in good condition and was released to family members.

LONGVIEW — We’ll be getting the final numbers shortly for the 61st annual Gregg County Fair. But from the looks of the crowds, but attendance should be outstanding. Outstanding weather and more attractions were responsible for the big crowds. The annual Gregg County Fair finished its run over the weekend.

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

HENDERSON COUNTY — Work has begun to repair a bridge on State Highway 334 closed since Wednesday evening. The bridge, which spans a northern portion of Cedar Creek Lake, is located between Seven Points and Gun Barrel City in northwest Henderson County. Crews will be repairing a sheared bridge column, the damage to which forced the bridge’s closure on Wednesday evening.

TxDOT inspectors determined that the damage to the column, which is just above the waterline, was likely caused by being struck by a heavy boat or barge. TxDOT officials met with contractors Friday morning to discuss the work after an inspection by the department’s dive team indicated the bridge would have to remain closed until repairs could be made.

“We’re hoping that by Tuesday morning, the bridge is open to traffic,” said TxDOT spokesman Larry Krantz. “We don’t like having to close roads or bridges, but we’re not about to gamble with the public’s safety on our system.” A TxDOT incident hotline has been established for this closure to provide the latest information to the public. That number is 1-866-633-8106. Updated information will also be posted on TxDOT’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/TxDOT Videos posted on the site featuring the bridge inspection process and close-ups of the damage registered more than 1,500 hits overnight between Thursday evening and Friday morning.

TxDOT’s posted detour takes traffic north from Seven Points on SH 274 to Kemp, then south and east on US 175 to SH 198, then south on SH 198 to Gun Barrel City.

Also this week in Henderson County, TxDOT maintenance crews are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on SH 315 between FM 279 north of Chandler and FM 314 south of Moore Station. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

CHEROKEE COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform seal coat operations on State Highway 135 between Jacksonville and Troup. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and traffic will be controlled by flaggers. Loose gravel may be present for several days following a seal coat application.

RUSK COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to continue several days of resurfacing operations in various locations along State Highway 43 between Henderson and Tatum. A second crew is scheduled to be at work on U.S. Highway 259 south of Kilgore performing shoulder work. Daytime lane closures will be in effect in each location while the work is in progress, and motorists are encouraged to be prepared to reduce speed and merge in and around the work zone.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform base and pavement repair operations on Farm Road 751 in the northwest corner of the county between the Hunt County Line and FM 47 in Wills Point. Daytime lane closures will be in effect while the work is in progress, and flaggers will control traffic.

WOOD COUNTY — Texas Department of Transportation maintenance crews this week are scheduled to perform resurfacing operations on US 80 east of Mineola between Loop 564 and Farm Road 2422, and in various locations on U.S. Highway 80 in and around Hawkins. 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.

TYLER — Business is booming at Tyler’s downtown Cotton Belt Depot Museum — home to model trains galore, along with various artifacts tracing railroad history in East Texas and beyond. Glenn Wilkins, the director of museum activities, was a guest on KTBB “Staff Meeting.” He says visitors come from far and wide, as shown by a map at the museum on which people place pins to show where they’re from. According to Wilkins, since the map was hung in 2006, guests have come in from all 50 states and 31 foreign countries. Wilkins says there’s lots of fun for the whole family at the museum, where the highly valued Bragg Collection of model trains is a centerpiece. He adds that you’re welcome to add to the museum’s displays, either by making a gift or lending something.

Admission to the museum is free, but you’re urged to call ahead if you’re planning on bringing a large group. You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org and click on the “Visitors” tab for more information. You can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio beginning early Monday to hear the “Staff Meeting” show online.

LONGVIEW — A shooting Saturday morning in Longview sends three to the hospital. Authorities say Robert Lynn Buchanan has been arrested and is now in the Gregg County Jail. Buchanan is charged with four counts of aggravated assault. The incident happened around 11:50 at a residence on 2407 Pickett Street. Police received a call of shots fired. Witnesses told officers that one of the victims, a 21-year-old man, had been arguing with his uncle when the uncle fired two shots at the victim. The shots mostly missed the 21-year-old victim, only causing him a minor wound, but struck three other family members at the residence.

A 17-year-old male victim was struck in the groin area, a ten-year-old female victim was struck in the leg and a nine-year-old female victim was struck on her feet. None of the four victims received life-threatening injuries and the three younger ones were transported to a Longview area hospital for treatment.

TYLER — Tyler Police responded to a disturbance call Friday night and arrested one man. It happened around 9:40 at 1337 Cold Water Cove, a subdivision in Hollytree. Authorities say they received a call about a man in the home who “shoot up” the place. The caller told police that the man was possibly intoxicated on prescription drugs, had a weapon and was making threatening remarks towards cops. Officers along with the SWAT team surrounded the home and were able to talk the man out without incident. Police say the man involved in the standoff was John Harvey, 51. He was taken to the hospital for a medical exam, then to the Smith County Jail. After a search of the home, authorities found a significant amount of damage. The estimate of the damage was over $100,000.

TYLER — Six Tyler faith- and community-based agencies were awarded a total of $186,505 in grants to build their capacity to address priorities set by the North Tyler community. That’s the word from A Circle of Ten, Inc. Leaders of A Circle of Ten announced funding to Christian Men’s Job Corps, Project HEAT, Arts & Humanities Council of East TX, Sisters in Christ, New Integrated Beginnings and Spring Creek Baptist Church. The money comes through the Expanding Capacity Opportunities for Nonprofits Initiative grant from the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services.

Each of the awardees will focus on two or more of the previously identified community priorities, determined earlier this year during several priority setting meetings as part of the efforts of the North Tyler Rebuild America Initiative. More information is available at http://www.etvv.org or 903-541-0013.