Economist predicts significant job growth in Tyler

TYLER — Texas has seen a rapid population growth in the last year, with more people wanting to move to the Lone Star State and East Texas, according to our news partner KETK. “Basically that means you are going to have more people, which means more workers, more ability to compete,” said Dr. Ray Perryman, economist and CEO of The Perryman Group. Perryman spoke on Thursday at the 40th Annual Perryman Economic Outlook Conference. The outlook predicts economic trends for the entire United States, Texas and East Texas. Perryman said that expanding industries in the Tyler area are creating slightly more opportunities for work when compared to the rest of the state and nation. “We’re looking for the output in Texas to grow just a little bit faster than Tyler, but the job growth to be a little bit faster in Tyler than in the state,” said Dr. Perryman. (more…)

Downtown Improvement Project moves forward

TYLER — On Wednesday, Jan. 10, the Tyler City Council approved continuing the professional services contract, in the amount of $2,379,480, with Fitzpatrick Architects and Halff for the Downtown Improvement Project. The companies will handle the architectural and engineering services for the project’s design/plan production, bidding, and construction. For the past nine months, collaborative efforts between the City, Smith County, Fitzpatrick Architects, and Halff resulted in finalized design plans for Downtown Tyler. The design was reviewed at a joint meeting with the Smith County Commissioners and City Council. It was also discussed with the Main Street Board and businesses located Downtown. The next steps include developing plans for bidding on the project and construction management during the duration of the project. (more…)

First responders battle fires caused by heat sources

EAST TEXAS — As East Texans try to stay warm in the freezing temperatures, fire departments are staying busy responding to structure fires from heating sources, our news partner KETK reports. Eric Greaser, the fire chief for Emergency Services District 2 shares some safety tips:

• Keep all heating sources at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
• Keep all children away from the heater.
• Do not use extension cords.

“Definitely recommend that you have a working smoke detector, a carbon monoxide alarm and utilize every bit of caution with space heaters and things of that nature,” said Greaser. (more…)

Smith County road closed

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County Road 2173, also known as Carl Dowdy Road, south of Whitehouse, is closed to thru traffic because of unsafe, icy conditions. County Engineer Frank Davis said part of the road is a 90-degree turn while going downhill. That section of road remained in the shade today, so it did not have the chance to melt like other roads did. Davis said it was reported to his department Tuesday afternoon, that the section of road had remained icy, and several people ended up in an accident when they tried to drive it. The Smith County Road and Bridge Department decided to barricade CR 2173, from Willingham Road to Paluxy Road (FM 756), until it can be driven safely.

Smith County launches hazard mitigation form

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County’s Emergency Management Office launched a tool for residents to notify the county of potential hazards. “I am excited to share a groundbreaking initiative that places the power of community safety directly into your hands,” Smith County Judge Neal Franklin said. “Whether you’ve noticed flood-prone areas, wildfire risks, or other potential threats, your insights are crucial in building a more resilient and prepared community.” The public input form for hazard mitigation can be found here.

The county emphasized that this is not a form for emergency action or to request routine services. (more…)

TxDOT has started pre-treating roads

TYLER — TxDOT crews are getting ahead of the winter storm forecast for East Texas by preparing roadways around the eight-county district for potentially icy conditions. The pretreatment of bridges and other roadway areas susceptible to wind and ice began Friday. I-20 and other major roadways will be pretreated with a brine solution consisting of salt and water designed to prevent ice and snow from sticking to surfaces. The process is a fast-moving mobile operation with minimal impacts to traffic. Drivers should allow a safe traveling distance between their vehicles and the mobile convoys distributing the pretreatment materials. Crews have readied equipment and materials to treat other roadways as warranted. Coordination efforts with local municipalities and law enforcement are also underway. TxDOT works closely with the National Weather Service to have the best available information preparing for a winter weather storm. (more…)

Man arrested following apartment shooting

TYLER — A man was arrested last month for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection to a Tyler apartment shooting in late August. According to his arrest affidavit, Xavier Young, 21 of Flint, is accused of jumping over the balcony of a woman’s apartment, who witnesses said is the mother of his three young children, and shooting her in the face and leg. Our news partner KETK reports, a witness told authorities, according to the affidavit, that on Aug. 26 she had received a Facetime call from the shooting victim and saw her face “was covered in blood,” then called 911 and drove to the apartment. The woman was found in her apartment on Old Bullard Road, and taken to a local hospital in critical condition, but was reported by local authorities at the time to be conscious and alert. (more…)

Crimes intelligence center prevents millions in fraud losses

TYLER — A Tyler based crimes intelligence center has prevented over $170 million in losses due to fraud in Texas, our news partner KETK reports. According to the Texas Department of Licensing Regulation (TDLR), the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC) prevented $171,516,831 in losses due to fraud and recovered 445 credit card skimmers and 5,574 fraudulent credit cards in the last two years. The FCIC was created by the House Bill 2106 in the 87th Texas Legislature and is the first of its kind in the United States. The center operates as a partnership between the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the Smith County District Attorney’s Office. “When TDLR, Smith County, law enforcement and members of the Texas Legislature began discussing the need for a unit like the FCIC, we never dreamed that it would make the impact it has in such a short time,” said TDLR interim executive director Brian E. Francis. “This remarkable achievement shows the power of all of us working together to protect the people of Texas.” (more…)

City of Hawkins accepts mayor and pro-tem’s resignation

HAWKINS — On Tuesday night, the Hawkins city council started the new year with personnel changes and approved the resignation of the first female mayor, Susan Hubbard, according to our news partner KETK. “There are certain pressures on her. There are certain citizens in our communities that don’t want to see the growth, the possibilities the good things,” said 21-year-old former mayor pro-tem Clara Kay. In the absence of a city leader, the mayor pro-tem steps in to fill the role of mayor. However, Kay resigned as well. “This was going to be my last term running anyway, so I thought this would be a good time with her going out anyway to kind of go out with her, almost like John Wayne riding into the sunset together,” said Kay. (more…)

East Texas Food Bank receives grant

TYLER — The East Texas Food Bank (ETFB) has been named the recipient of a $125,000 grant through the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program, according to a news release. “This grant will help further ETFB’s efforts in the community of fighting hunger and feeding hope in the 26 counties we serve in East Texas,” said David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank. “This will allow us to feed more East Texans through our mobile pantries, resource centers and programs for seniors and children.” ETFB is one of 51 True Inspiration Awards grant recipients in 2024 that are receiving a collective $5.48 million from Chick-fil-A, Inc. To be selected for a grant, organizations must work to address key issues that align with Chick-fil-A’s corporate social responsibility priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for our Communities and Caring for our Planet. (more…)

Teens arrested after ‘waving around guns’ in public

PALESTINE — The Palestine Police Department arrested three men after responding to a call of multiple people “waving around guns” at a Whataburger on Jan. 5 around 8:20 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, officers responded to a call of a witness claiming to observe people getting into and out of a white Chevrolet Traverse at the Whataburger on Loop 256. Officials said they have received multiple calls in recent months in the area and the Palestine Plaza, involving fights, drugs and weapons offenses. A detective with the Street Crimes Unit was the first to respond to the scene and located the vehicle in the parking lot that reportedly occupied several young males. The detective reportedly held them at gunpoint until back-up arrived. The detective allegedly noticed one of the passengers, Brenden Mathews, 17, was making “furtive movements” and was ordered multiple times to keep his hands up. (more…)

Man arrested following Smith County standoff

SMITH COUNTY — A man was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on Sunday morning after officials said he barricaded himself in a County Road 165 residence on Saturday. According to our news partner KETK, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office said they got a call on an open line where they could hear a distraught woman around 9:40 p.m. on Saturday night. Deputies responded to the 16500 block of County Road 165 and were able to get the woman out so she could be treated for her injuries. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the woman said a man in the house was armed. Trent Bright, 54, Tyler, was allegedly barricaded in the residence for hours. Officials said that Smith County Swat and negotiators arrived at the scene and by Sunday morning Bright had come out of the residence to turn himself in after hours of negotiation. Bright was arrested for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and is being held in the Smith County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

91st Rose Festival Queen named

TYLER — The Texas Rose Festival held an event on Thursday where they announced the 2024 theme, queen and royal court for the annual event, according to our news partner KETK. The theme for the 2024 Texas Rose Festival is Fanfare of Festivals. “We decided to celebrate a fanfare of festivals and so that’s going to be all over the world, the state of Texas and most of all the rich history of the Texas Rose Festival,” said coronation co-chair Chelsea Cooper. Inspiration will come from festivals all around the world, some coming from East Texas including the Tomato Fest and Syrup Festival. They also announced Frances Olivia Faulconer as the 91st annual queen, daughter of Galen and Renee Faulconer. “Being chosen as the Queen of the Texas Rose Festival is not just a distinction for me, it’s a testament to the pride and joy it brings to my entire family,” said Faulconer. (more…)

Pedestrian fatalities is rising concern

TYLER — The TxDOT Tyler district encompasses eight East Texas counties and had a total of 24 pedestrian fatalities in 2022 alone, according to our news partner KETK. “Some of the leading causes of pedestrian fatality is driver inattention, unsafe speed, and pedestrians failing to yield the right of way to vehicles,” said Jeff Williford, TxDOT Tyler District Public Information Officer. TxDOT encourages pedestrians to use sidewalks, crosswalks, and be cautious of their surroundings. “We’ve seen over the past few years throughout the state that fatalities throughout the state have risen,” said Williford. Suggesting whenever people are out and about, whether that’s in neighborhoods or along busy highways, make sure they’re visible to drivers. “Make sure again, that you’re staying on sidewalks, if there is not a sidewalk available to walk on, we encourage to walk on the left side of the road,” said Williford. (more…)

Pedestrian struck by vehicle in Tyler

TYLER — A pedestrian crossing Loop 323 was hit by a car on Wednesday night. According to our news partner KETK, Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said a pedestrian was crossing Loop 323, from First Christian Church to the French Quarter Shopping Center parking lot, around 6:45 when they were struck by a vehicle traveling eastbound. The pedestrian was not using a crosswalk. The vehicle reportedly remained at the scene to wait for authorities. Tyler PD said the pedestrian was awake and alert and was transferred to a local hospital but was in serious condition.

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