Lon Morris Seeks Permission to Sell Property

TYLER (AP/STAFF) — The oldest junior college in Texas is seeking permission to sell a “substantial amount” of its East Texas property after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year. The school wants permission to sell all of its assets, including property and buildings in a cash only auction. Lon Morris College is a 158-year-old United Methodist School in Jacksonville but has suspended its fall semester amid deep financial troubles. The Tyler Morning Telegraph reported Sunday that the school filed an application September 28 in federal bankruptcy court seeking permission to sell much of its property. The application says Lon Morris has an estimated 112 acres of real estate with various buildings, including dorms, a library, a chapel, and admission buildings. The school is seeking to sell those to pay creditors as well as former employees. At a hearing scheduled for Oct. 31, a judge may decide on the college’s request.