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LINDALE — The Lindale ISD board of trustees has been named the Region VII 2009-2010 School Board of the Year. The board was nominated by Lindale ISD Superintendent Stan Surratt. To earn the top honor, trustees were judged on a number of criteria: commitment to ethics, support for educational performance and improvement, financial support for the school system and focus on student welfare. The LISD board of trustees is now eligible for selection as a Texas honor school board through the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA). In September, TASA will name the Texas Outstanding School Board.

“This is a great honor for the Lindale school district,” Surratt said. I am proud that the Texas Association of School Administrators has recognized the results and successes of our school district and this school board.” “Their leadership and vision has been tremendous. They have focused on academic excellence, improved facilities, and improved teacher and staff pay, all while increasing the financial strength of the school district.”

After conducting an extensive facilities study in August 2009, the LISD board of trustees called a $42 million, two-proposition school bond election that passed overwhelmingly. In July 2009, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) issued its accountability ratings, giving Lindale ISD a rating of “Recognized” and Lindale High School, E.J. Moss Intermediate School, Velma Penny Elementary School and Lindale Primary School a rating of “Exemplary,” the highest accountability rating. Lindale Junior High School received a rating of “Recognized.” LISD and the five campuses also received 21 Gold Performance Acknowledgements from the TEA. The Region VII Education Service Center serves 106 school districts, in 17 East Texas counties. Region VII is the largest ESC in the state.

TYLER — The Tyler Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a public meeting from 6:30 to 8:00 tonight to gain community input on the preliminary draft of the 10-year master plan for the Tyler parks system. To ensure the plan reflects the needs of the citizens of Tyler, officials say the planning process included a citizen’s survey, focus group meetings, and four public meetings. The information gathered from the citizens of Tyler has been compiled into the master plan, and now the City is seeking feedback on the plan.

The public is invited to come to the Rose Garden Center and hear a presentation on the planning process; the needs analysis; and the park, recreation, and open space projects proposed to meet these needs in the future. After the presentation, attendees will be able to provide feedback about the preliminary plan. After citizen feedback is received, the finalized version of the master plan will be presented to the Parks Board for recommendation to the City Council for adoption. “I am delighted that we are in the final steps of the creation of a new parks master plan,” said Mayor Barbara Bass. “It has been more than 10 years since the City’s current parks master plan was created; the City has grown, and we need a plan that reflects our current and future parks needs.”

In 2009, the Tyler City Council awarded a contract for the Parks and Recreation and Open Space Master Plan to local consultant MHS Planning and Design. The new parks 10-year master plan will replace the current plan that was created in 1998. The need for an updated parks master plan was identified in the Parks, Open Space, Recreation and Lakes portion of the Tyler 21 Plan. Funds for the creation of the plan were included in the fiscal year 2008-2009 budget. The goal of the new parks master plan will be to help guide the City toward completing the objectives laid out in the Tyler 21 Plan. You can visit http://www.TylerParksandRec.com for more information on the Parks and Recreation Department or the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan 2010-2020.

AUSTIN – East Texas is very much in the picture as The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) recognizes volunteers from across the state who have assisted aging Texans and Texans with disabilities. It happens at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the annual DADS Vision Awards Ceremony at the John H. Winters Human Services Complex in Austin. Awards will be presented to nine individuals and volunteer groups for exemplary volunteer service in three categories: wellness, dignity and choice. In the wellness category, Good Shepherd Medical Center (Longview Texercise Program) and Dicque Oliver (Sulphur Springs DADS Silver Lining Program) will be honored. Under the dignity banner, an award will be presented to Randy George of the Lufkin State Supported Living Center.

According to press materials, The DADS Vision Awards were established to honor outstanding volunteers who have contributed to the department’s mission, which is to support older Texans and persons with disabilities through services that promote and enhance individual wellness, dignity, and choice.

TYLER — Tyler police say two suspects allegedly involved in a June 28 robbery have been arrested and jailed. Police name them as Joel Correa, 22, seen on the left, and Forrest Edward Frazier, 21. Both are from Tyler. According to police spokesman Don Martin, one suspect was picked up by the sheriff’s department and the other was turned over by adult probation. The Tyler Police Department had an outstanding warrant for their arrest for robbery, a second degree felony. Bond is set at $250,000 on each man.

On June 28, police responded to the 3400 block of Cain Street in reference to an aggravated robbery of a 33- year-old Hispanic male. According to police, the two suspects had met the victim in a club earlier in the night and saw that the victim had a large amount of money in his wallet. Police say the two suspects lured the victim onto a side street where one of the suspects got out of a 2006 to 2008 gray GMC Yukon and approached the victim’s car while the other suspect stayed in the vehicle. The suspect who had gotten out of the Yukon allegedly demanded the victim’s wallet and started beating him about his head in an attempt to get his money. After taking a severe beating, police say, the victim was able to run into a wooded area to get away from the suspects.

TYLER — The East Texas Center for Independent Living Monday held a day-long celebration and information session in Tyler, observing the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The center’s purpose is to help the disabled in various ways. Its board president, Billie Holloway, said the gathering was a great event — and that much has been accomplished since 1990. She says 20 years on, many disabled people “have a life where they can participate in the community and be a contributing member of society.” But Holloway points out that lots of barriers remain. Just one example. “There are still many older buildings that were grandfathered out of the legislation.” Holloway says just one of many ways you can help is to leave disabled parking spaces for those who need them.

You can log on to http://www.etcil.org to learn more about the East Texas Center for Independent living and disability issues in general. You can also call the center at (903) 581-7542.

TYLER — Tyler Investigators have identified the two suspects allegedly involved in a June 28 robbery. Police name them as Joel Correa, 22, seen on the left, and Forrest Edward Frazier, 21. Both are from Tyler. The Tyler Police Department has an outstanding warrant for their arrest for robbery, a second degree felony. Bond is set at $250,000 on each man.

On June 28, police responded to the 3400 block of Cain Street in reference to an aggravated robbery of a 33- year-old Hispanic male. According to police, the two suspects had met the victim in a club earlier in the night and saw that the victim had a large amount of money in his wallet. Police say the two suspects lured the victim onto a side street where one of the suspects got out of a 2006 to 2008 gray GMC Yukon and approached the victim’s car while the other suspect stayed in the vehicle. The suspect who had gotten out of the Yukon allegedly demanded the victim’s wallet and started beating him about his head in an attempt to get his money. After taking a severe beating, police say, the victim was able to run into a wooded area to get away from the suspects.

Anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833).

TYLER — Tyler Investigators have identified the two suspects allegedly involved in a June 28 robbery. Police name them as 21-year-old Forrest Edward Frazier and 22-year-old Joel Correa, both white males and both from Tyler. The Tyler Police Department has an outstanding warrant for their arrest for robbery, a second degree felony. Bond is set at $250,000 on each man.

On June 28, police responded to the 3400 block of Cain Street in reference to an aggravated robbery of a 33- year-old Hispanic male. According to police, the two suspects had met the victim in a club earlier in the night and saw that the victim had a large amount of money in his wallet. Police say the two suspects lured the victim onto a side street where one of the suspects got out of a 2006 to 2008 gray GMC Yukon and approached the victim’s car while the other suspect stayed in the vehicle. The suspect who had gotten out of the Yukon allegedly demanded the victim’s wallet and started beating him about his head in an attempt to get his money. After taking a severe beating, police say, the victim was able to run into a wooded area to get away from the suspects.

Anyone with information about the suspects’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Tyler Police Department, at 903-531-1000, or Crimestoppers, at 903-597-CUFF (903-597-2833).

TYLER — On Aug. 1, Smith County will roll out a two-week warrant amnesty campaign, followed by a major warrant roundup. That’s according to KETK. The Smith County Collections Department, Justice Courts, Sheriff’s and Constable’s Offices are combining efforts August 1-15. They’ll allow anyone with outstanding fines or warrants for Class C Misdemeanors in Smith County to contact the County Collections Department (903-590-4624) and make arrangements to pay the fine without fear of arrest.

Immediately following the amnesty period, all remaining cases will be moved into active warrant status with additional costs and fees added. Once the Warrant Round Up begins, defendants will be actively pursued at home and their places of work and arrested. Anyone operating a motor vehicle at the time of their arrest will have the vehicle towed.

The Smith County Collections Department and the Smith County Justice Courts will be available to take payments and workout payment plans during normal business hours, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday – Friday during the amnesty period. To find out if you have a warrant in Smith County visit http://www.smith-county.com and select the “Do you owe a court fine?” at the top of the home page. This site will allow you to search for your name in the Smith County database.

CRAFT — Due to conditions which have occurred recently in the water system, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required Craft-Turney Water Supply to notify all the customers involved in the repair area to boil their water prior to consumption. According to KETK, the area included in this boil water notice is on The Southern End of Farm Road 747 South, from and including County Roads 1904, 1902, 1812, and including the area on Farm Road 747 South past County Road 1807.

Officials say to ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to consumption. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, you may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source. When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, water system officials say they will notify you. If you have questions regarding this matter you may contact Rhonda Briggs, Office Manager, at 903-586-9301.

EAST TEXAS — The race for state agriculture commissioner, which features two East Texans, has become a volley of accusations. According to KETK, the fight between incumbent Republican Todd Staples of Palestine and Whitehouse Democrat Hank Gilbert has gone online with competing websites focusing more on the opposing candidates’ faults than on campaign issues. Gilbert’s site is called “Sleazy, Sleazy Staples.” In it, he accuses the incumbent of things like a “$3 million broadband boondoogle” and voting to allow radioactive waste from other states to be dumped in Texas. Staples’s site is called “Guilty, Guilty Gilbert.” It chronicles Gilbert’s run-ins with the law, like driving with an expired driver’s license and driving without a seat belt.

LONGVIEW — One suspect is in custody after a reported burglary. Longview Police responded to 2005 Secretariat Trail A Sunday morning around 7:30 after the resident said his flat screen television had been stolen. About two hours later, officers were notified of a suspicious person on the McWhorter Park walking trail carrying a flat screen television. Upon arrival, officers located the suspect standing next to the television. The suspect reportedly fled when he saw the officers but was caught after a short pursuit. The suspect, a black male juvenile, was placed in custody for burglary of a habitation and transported to the Gregg County Juvenile Detention Center.

TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted a ceremony Monday to unveil the second marker in the Reflections Program in Tyler. The subject marker honors Henry M. Morgan; it can be found at 212 E. Erwin, in front of the Henry M. Morgan Barbers Museum.

Material provided by the City says that in accordance with the Tyler 21 North End Action Plan, in 2009, the City launched a three year program to promote Tyler Historic Landmarks status and the installation of historic markers and plaques at North End locations. The City says the chosen locations are important to city history, including the history of the African-American community. The Reflections Program encourages citizens or interested organizations to submit nominations for the designation in the North End as Tyler Historic Landmarks, Tyler Historic Subject Markers or Half Mile of History markers.

On August 25, 1895, Henry Miller Morgan was born in Tyler’s St. Louis Community to Henry and Alice Ingram Miller. He attended school in the St. Louis Community, completing his education at East Texas Academy later known as Butler College and received a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Summerville Law College, Dallas, Texas.

In the 1920’s, Texas enacted laws requiring licenses for barbers. Due to segregation, there were no schools that admitted African Americans, so they were excluded from the practice of barbering. In 1929, Morgan conceived the idea of a barber college for African Americans. By 1933, he opened the first college for African Americans and located it on Erwin Street. It opened with only five chairs. Within just 16 years, Mr. Morgan had branches of his barber college located in such cities as New York City; Jackson, Mississippi; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Dallas, Texas.

The Tyler headquarters quickly grew to accommodate the expanding business, and at one time the school reportedly was training a majority of the nation’s African-American barbers. The school’s curriculum included subjects ranging from Scalp and Skin Disease to Electricity, Chemistry and Anatomy. Morgan went on to help found the Texas Association of Tonsorial Artists, a professional barber’s organization. He was vice-president of the Texas Association of Barber Schools.

In addition to his legacy to the barber industry, Morgan was actively involved in many community organizations including:
· Organized the H.M. Morgan Lodge and served as Exalted Ruler;
· Served as President of the Tyler Chapter of the NAACP;
· Served at Vice President of the 1936 Tyler Negro Chamber of Commerce;
· Was elected Chairman of the East Texas District at the State Republican Convention in San Antonio;
· Founded and served as President of the Tyler Chapter of the Democratic Progressive Voters League;
· Served as a Trustee of Butler College.

Additionaly, Mr. Morgan was an active member at St. Louis Baptist Church. He died on May 9, 1961 and is buried in Tyler’s Evergreen Cemetery. Today, he is remembered as a civic and political activist, as well as a leader in his profession.

TYLER — The Christian Men’s Job Corps has been up and running in Tyler for just seven months, but it’s already getting great results. That’s the word from Executive Director Charles Smith. On KTBB “Staff Meeting,” he says the agency offers “Christian-based life and employment skills training to men who desire a positive change in their life.” The agency, modeled after the long-running Christian Women’s Job Corps, also offers one-one-one mentoring. Smith says his organization combines practical training, relationship building, emotional healing, and spiritual growth “to meet a man’s eternal needs.”

It took two years of planning and organizing to get the Christian Men’s Job Corps off the ground. Some, but not all, of its clients have served time in prison. Volunteers and donations are needed. You can go to http://www.christianmensjobcorps.org to learn more. Beginning early Monday morning, you can also go to http://www.ktbb.com/audio to check out the “Staff Meeting” show online.

TYLER — The Smith County Wide Clean-Up is underway and runs through July 31. The event is an opportunity for county residents to bring trash and bulky items to the Greenwood Farms Landfill for free. The Smith County Environmental Crimes Unit, precinct constables, and Commissioners Court are working together to host the event.

The County is providing vouchers to the public that are good for up to three cubic yards per person, about a full-sized truck bed. Smith County residents can pick up vouchers at all justice of the peace and constable precinct offices or the Commissioners Court Office in the Courthouse Annex. Vouchers can be picked up during normal business hours, Monday-Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm. There is a limit of one voucher per household, and businesses may not participate in the voucher program. The vouchers come with a list of items that the Greenwood Farms Landfill, an Allied Waste Company, will not take. Directions and a map to the landfill are provided with the vouchers.

Items not accepted during the County Wide Clean-Up include hazardous waste, pesticides, herbicides, solvents, gasoline, oils, paint, acid, batteries, asbestos, Freon, whole tires, refrigerators, freezers, televisions, and computers. For more information or to pick up your voucher, please call: (Tyler) Pct. 1 Constable Henry Jackson, 903-590-2609; (Noonday) Pct. 2 Constable Andy Dunklin, 903-590-4840; (Troup) Pct. 3 Constable Dustin Rust, 903-842-2664; (Winona) Pct. 4 Constable John Smith, 903-590-4879 or (Lindale) Pct. 5 Constable Dennis Taylor, 903-590-4901.

TYLER — The Texas Department of State Health Services will host a community event in Tyler as part of a 15-city “Ready or Not?” outreach tour to encourage Texans to get prepared for hurricanes. The event will feature a large tent filled with informational displays, a sample disaster supply kit, and interactive kiosks where visitors can begin or continue their emergency planning. Waterproof document bags, emergency supply checklists, and other items will be distributed. It’s all going on now and continues till 2:00 this afternoon at Broadway Square Mall. Other partners in attendance may include local fire, police, emergency management, and public health departments, as well as community organizations involved in disaster preparedness.

According to officials, hurricanes threaten Texas at this time of year, and some people may have put off planning. While it’s best to get prepared early, it’s not too late. “Ready or Not?” – or “¿Estás Listo?” in Spanish – uses radio, television, newspaper, and online advertising; community outreach events; and its website to encourage every Texan to create an emergency plan now. The goal is to help Texans be ready to respond to and recover from hurricanes as well as other natural and man-made disasters.

You can go to http://www.TexasPrepares.org, or in Spanish, to http://www.TexasPrepara.org for more information. Officials say these sites offer people a way to build a custom plan step by step. Go to
http://ww.texasprepares.org/English/outreach-tour_7-10.htm to see the complete tour schedule.