Today is
Tuesday November 26, 2024
LONGVIEW – Once again this year, the Greater Longview United Way will be able to help some residents through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The Longview News Journal reports this is the 11th year the program is available. It is designed to help a person who receives a paycheck or are self-employed and earned up to $60,000 last year. The service is provided in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. The United Way has recruited 35 volunteers to help with the program. Each underwent 15 hours of training to prepare the tax returns. You can get more information by going to http://www.longviewunitedway.org or calling 903-236-9211.
HAWKINS – Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins has been awarded accreditation of its business programs. It comes from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs Baccalaureate/Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners. The school offers a business administration degree with concentrations in accounting, management, computer information systems and cybersecurity.
TYLER – The SPCA of East Texas says it is working to close the doors of Petland in Tyler. They claim that supporting the Tyler store is a support of animal cruelty. On their Facebook page, they have posted a sworn statement from a former store employee. The employee talks about the condition of the animals at the store. They have even posted a picture from a Petland customer who had issues with a dog she had purchased. The store told our news partner KETK, “That is a perfectly good body condition for an active boxer pup.” The SPCA is encouraging area residents to support their efforts to close the store by contacting their local officials. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER – A Tyler man has been killed when his car crashed into a brick wall. Dead at the scene was Timothy Hunter Brasher, 22. A passenger in his car was injured. Tyler police report Brasher’s car was heading west on Jeff Davis Drive when he lost control, crossed the intersection and hit the wall. The accident happened around 1:00 Monday morning. As part of the investigation into the accident, investigators have submitted evidence to the Department of Public Safety to see if alcohol was a factor in the crash.
TYLER – Tyler Junior College has begun a new class leading toward a Bachelor of Applied Technology in healthcare technology and medical systems. Twenty students were in the classroom on the first day of class last Thursday. The program is designed for working professionals who wish to advance into a higher level of management in the healthcare industry. Designed for students who juggle work and family, the program offers classes in flexible but intensive five-week sessions. This allows students to complete their upper-division courses in five semesters while only attending one night per week.
TYLER – TxDOT is planning to conduct the following construction and maintenance work throughout the district during the week of January 21. Schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, equipment failure or other unforeseen issues. Slow down and pay attention when traveling through work zones.
Tyler Maintenance crews plan to conduct edge work on Farm Road 1252 from Farm Road 757 to the county line. Crews will also perform base repairs on SH 110N at Swan. Expect lane closures with flaggers providing traffic control at both locations. Read the rest of this entry »
LINDALE – A portion of County Road 4191 in Lindale will be closed through Wednesday for a culvert replacement. The Smith County Road and Bridge Department will replace a culvert on the road between Jim Hogg Road and Ballard drive. That portion of the road will be closed to thru traffic so drivers will need to seek alternative routes.
TYLER – Tyler Junior College has received a $3 million commitment from The Rogers Foundation. It will be used to help underwrite construction of TJC’s new performing arts center. The current Wise Auditorium, located in the heart of the Cultural Arts District on TJC’s main campus, will be transformed into the “Rogers Palmer Performing Arts Center.†Groundbreaking is expected to take place in June. When completed, the comprehensive performing arts center will include more than 14,000 square feet of new space including a recital hall and art gallery and green room and rehearsal and dance studios. There will also be a larger stage and backstage with expanded dressing rooms, a new main lobby and all new technology. Read the rest of this entry »
AUSTIN – Two Longview athletic trainers are scheduled to be honored Monday in Austin. A track coach had a heart attack on campus in October and licensed athletic trainers Deirdre Kay Scotter and Kristin N. Bell came to rescue. When cross-country coach Ken Jernigan collapsed during track practice, the two women were able to resuscitate him and continued with CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived.
NOONDAY – On Monday morning a portion of County Road 168 will be closed to traffic for repairs. The Smith County Road and Bridge Department will replace a culvert on CR 168, between County Road 178 and Highway 155 South, in Noonday. That portion of the road will be closed until further notice. Drivers will need to seek alternative routes.
PALESTINE – The City of Palestine has rescinded a boil water notice issued for residents on Hilltop Drive from Crockett Road to Redbud Street. The notice was needed because of a water valve replacement. City officials say the water is now safe for consumption, there is no further need to boil water, and there are no other boil water notices currently in effect.
LONGVIEW – The city council has taken action that will allow alcohol sales at a Longview theater. According to the Longview News Journal, the city council approved a zoning change allowing beer, wine and mixed drinks at the AMC Classic Longview 10 theater. This would come along with with Carmike Cinemas over $4 million remodeling project of the theater. The renovations would result in larger chairs, which would reduce seating in the theater by half. There is no word on when the remodeling will begin.
LINDALE – A music festival is coming to Smith County. The inaugural Koe Wetzel’s Incredible Music Festival is coming to Darden Harvest Park next to The Cannery in Lindale on Saturday, March 23. Wetzel is a East Texas native. He grew up in Pittsburg and sang on stage with his mother at the age of six. Concert promoters announced other performers will be Parker McCollum, JB and the Moonshine Band and Chris Colston. There will also be food, beverages and a variety of activities. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Music & Arts Alliance of Texas and the The Boot Campaign, a charitable organization with headquarters in Tyler. It provides financial assistance to service members, veterans, and their families.
KILGORE – A non profit organization has been formed in east Texas to support the families of fallen law officers who die or are injured in the line of duty. It is called the “100 Club of East Texas.” It was introduced at a news conference in Kilgore. A regional group of civic and business leaders, who saw the need in the area, came together to create the organization. The foundation will provide support to law enforcement in 20 East Texas counties. And, as it grows, the foundation will provide financial assistance for training and equipment not budgeted through governing bodies. Read the rest of this entry »
TYLER — The 86th Queen of the Texas Rose Festival, Hanna Claire Waits, says she’s really looking forward to the big October event. Hanna told KTBB, “I’m very excited. It’s a huge honor — and I’m just so thrilled that I get to represent the community and learn more about the rose industry.” Asked why the festival is important, Hanna said, “To the community in general, it brings in over $2 million in revenue. And so, it’s just a great way to support the rose industry and kind of foster volunteers and then celebrate together.” As for what makes it special for her, Hanna responded, “I think that the whole process in general is just very exciting. I get to meet new people in the community, learn more about the process of growing roses — and just kind of be a mentor for those around me. And so I hope that I can do a great job and just really make a difference this year.” Read the rest of this entry »