East Texas News Report Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Aug 06, 03:03 PM
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š¹ Grand Saline, TX ā Focus Coverage
City Improvements & Infrastructure
Ā City officials in Grand Saline have approved preliminary plans to improve drainage systems in the southeastern quadrant of town. This comes after several summer storms led to pooling and minor street flooding near High and Center Streets. Work will begin next week, with partial lane closures expected along Main Street and areas surrounding the salt plant.
Education Update ā Grand Saline ISD
Ā
Grand Saline ISD is finalizing campus readiness for the new school year. Superintendent staff confirmed all HVAC units have passed summer inspection, and a new digital sign will be installed in front of the high school before the first day. Bus route adjustments are underway due to ongoing FM 857 shoulder workāparents are advised to double-check pickup times.
Community Events
Ā
The Salt Festival planning committee will meet Thursday night at the Chamber office. This yearās theme, āRooted in Faith, Built on Rock,ā will bring new Christian music performers, a Friday night family movie at the square, and a parade featuring veterans and first responders. Vendor slots are almost filled.
Law Enforcement & Public Safety
Ā
The Van Zandt County Sheriffās Office has confirmed increased patrols in the Grand Saline area, particularly near Hwy 80 and the city park, after reports of late-night activity. No major incidents have occurred, but citizens are encouraged to report suspicious behavior.
Local Business News
Ā A new feed and supply store is set to open next to the Dollar General on the east side of town, aimed at helping local ranchers and hobby farmers avoid the long drive to Tyler or Canton. Meanwhile, the Salt Lick CafĆ© has reopened after renovations, now offering extended hours and outdoor seating.
š¹ Van Zandt County
Canton
Ā Canton is preparing for its August First Monday Trade Days, which are expected to draw record crowds. Local law enforcement is urging visitors to prepare for extreme heat, stay hydrated, and be patient with limited parking options. Businesses downtown are offering special deals for residents who bring canned food donations for local pantries.
Wills Point
Ā
The school district has completed roof repairs at both the elementary and middle schools, just in time for teacher in-service week. Meanwhile, several citizens reported black bear sightings south of town, though Game Wardens say there is no indication of a threat to populated areas.
š¹ Smith County
Tyler
Ā The City of Tyler is extending its Heat Relief Shelter hours at multiple community centers as forecasts push triple digits again this week. Smith County Jail continues to experience staffing shortages, with county commissioners reviewing pay increase options to attract more certified jailers. Tyler ISD reports strong enrollment numbers and has upgraded multiple security systems at its secondary campuses.
Lindale
Ā Lindale city leaders are considering a new noise ordinance after complaints about late-night concerts at local venues. A public forum will be held Monday at city hall. Meanwhile, Lindale ISD is reminding parents that the district has adopted a clear-bag policy for all home sporting events starting this fall.
š¹ Wood County
Mineola
Ā Mineola Police have launched a new community outreach effort with weekly walk-throughs at local churches and parks. The move is meant to foster relationships and deter vandalism. In education, Mineola ISD will roll out a new online student-parent portal this semester, improving communication between families and staff. The school board also approved new playground equipment for Mineola Primary.
Quitman
Ā Quitmanās downtown revitalization project is progressing steadily, with new sidewalk installations and faƧade restorations underway. The city also announced that construction on the new fire station is expected to begin in early September, providing improved response time to outlying areas.
š¹ Gregg County
Longview
Ā Water conservation measures are now in effect for all of Longview due to prolonged heat and increased usage. Residents are limited to watering lawns twice per week. Meanwhile, the Longview Police Department has initiated a summer safety campaign targeting teen drivers, including free brake inspections and road hazard awareness events.
Kilgore
Ā Kilgore College is welcoming incoming students this week with orientations and campus tours. Several facilities have been upgraded over the summer, including the science labs and the athletic complex. On the entertainment front, the historic Texan Theater has reopened with a lineup of family-friendly films and local productions.
š¹ Harrison County
Marshall
Ā Marshall city leaders have approved a new emergency siren system to replace outdated units. The new system will cover more rural parts of the county and include voice capability for evacuation alerts. Meanwhile, the Marshall Tigers are in full football practice mode, preparing for their season opener at home. Coaches report high energy and strong attendance.
š¹ Upshur County
Gilmer
Ā A significant increase in building permits was reported for July, indicating a housing boom around the Gilmer area. Most growth is west of town along FM 852, with a mix of custom homes and new subdivisions breaking ground. The school district is also launching a new mentorship program pairing high school students with business owners and civic leaders.
š¹ Anderson & Cherokee Counties
Palestine
Ā
Power companies continue rotating crews as extreme heat taxes electrical grids. Residents are being asked to reduce use during peak hours. Meanwhile, the historic Texas Theatre in Palestine will host a gospel concert this Saturday to raise funds for roof repairs.
Jacksonville
Ā
A rash of vehicle burglaries in the downtown district prompted police to increase overnight patrols. Several suspects are being sought, and the department is reviewing camera footage provided by local businesses. Residents are urged to lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
š¹ Other Highlights Across East Texas
Athens: A ribbon-cutting is scheduled Thursday for a new community center focused on senior health and nutrition.
Henderson: City council has allocated funds for widening stretches of US 259 to relieve congestion near schools.
Van: Citywide water line inspections are underway due to increased complaints of low pressure in southside neighborhoods.
Bullard: The youth football league will kick off its first full-contact practice Thursday evening under strict hydration protocols.
Weather Outlook
City Improvements & Infrastructure
Ā City officials in Grand Saline have approved preliminary plans to improve drainage systems in the southeastern quadrant of town. This comes after several summer storms led to pooling and minor street flooding near High and Center Streets. Work will begin next week, with partial lane closures expected along Main Street and areas surrounding the salt plant.
Education Update ā Grand Saline ISD
Ā
Grand Saline ISD is finalizing campus readiness for the new school year. Superintendent staff confirmed all HVAC units have passed summer inspection, and a new digital sign will be installed in front of the high school before the first day. Bus route adjustments are underway due to ongoing FM 857 shoulder workāparents are advised to double-check pickup times.
Community Events
Ā
The Salt Festival planning committee will meet Thursday night at the Chamber office. This yearās theme, āRooted in Faith, Built on Rock,ā will bring new Christian music performers, a Friday night family movie at the square, and a parade featuring veterans and first responders. Vendor slots are almost filled.
Law Enforcement & Public Safety
Ā
The Van Zandt County Sheriffās Office has confirmed increased patrols in the Grand Saline area, particularly near Hwy 80 and the city park, after reports of late-night activity. No major incidents have occurred, but citizens are encouraged to report suspicious behavior.
Local Business News
Ā A new feed and supply store is set to open next to the Dollar General on the east side of town, aimed at helping local ranchers and hobby farmers avoid the long drive to Tyler or Canton. Meanwhile, the Salt Lick CafĆ© has reopened after renovations, now offering extended hours and outdoor seating.
š¹ Van Zandt County
Canton
Ā Canton is preparing for its August First Monday Trade Days, which are expected to draw record crowds. Local law enforcement is urging visitors to prepare for extreme heat, stay hydrated, and be patient with limited parking options. Businesses downtown are offering special deals for residents who bring canned food donations for local pantries.
Wills Point
Ā
The school district has completed roof repairs at both the elementary and middle schools, just in time for teacher in-service week. Meanwhile, several citizens reported black bear sightings south of town, though Game Wardens say there is no indication of a threat to populated areas.
š¹ Smith County
Tyler
Ā The City of Tyler is extending its Heat Relief Shelter hours at multiple community centers as forecasts push triple digits again this week. Smith County Jail continues to experience staffing shortages, with county commissioners reviewing pay increase options to attract more certified jailers. Tyler ISD reports strong enrollment numbers and has upgraded multiple security systems at its secondary campuses.
Lindale
Ā Lindale city leaders are considering a new noise ordinance after complaints about late-night concerts at local venues. A public forum will be held Monday at city hall. Meanwhile, Lindale ISD is reminding parents that the district has adopted a clear-bag policy for all home sporting events starting this fall.
š¹ Wood County
Mineola
Ā Mineola Police have launched a new community outreach effort with weekly walk-throughs at local churches and parks. The move is meant to foster relationships and deter vandalism. In education, Mineola ISD will roll out a new online student-parent portal this semester, improving communication between families and staff. The school board also approved new playground equipment for Mineola Primary.
Quitman
Ā Quitmanās downtown revitalization project is progressing steadily, with new sidewalk installations and faƧade restorations underway. The city also announced that construction on the new fire station is expected to begin in early September, providing improved response time to outlying areas.
š¹ Gregg County
Longview
Ā Water conservation measures are now in effect for all of Longview due to prolonged heat and increased usage. Residents are limited to watering lawns twice per week. Meanwhile, the Longview Police Department has initiated a summer safety campaign targeting teen drivers, including free brake inspections and road hazard awareness events.
Kilgore
Ā Kilgore College is welcoming incoming students this week with orientations and campus tours. Several facilities have been upgraded over the summer, including the science labs and the athletic complex. On the entertainment front, the historic Texan Theater has reopened with a lineup of family-friendly films and local productions.
š¹ Harrison County
Marshall
Ā Marshall city leaders have approved a new emergency siren system to replace outdated units. The new system will cover more rural parts of the county and include voice capability for evacuation alerts. Meanwhile, the Marshall Tigers are in full football practice mode, preparing for their season opener at home. Coaches report high energy and strong attendance.
š¹ Upshur County
Gilmer
Ā A significant increase in building permits was reported for July, indicating a housing boom around the Gilmer area. Most growth is west of town along FM 852, with a mix of custom homes and new subdivisions breaking ground. The school district is also launching a new mentorship program pairing high school students with business owners and civic leaders.
š¹ Anderson & Cherokee Counties
Palestine
Ā
Power companies continue rotating crews as extreme heat taxes electrical grids. Residents are being asked to reduce use during peak hours. Meanwhile, the historic Texas Theatre in Palestine will host a gospel concert this Saturday to raise funds for roof repairs.
Jacksonville
Ā
A rash of vehicle burglaries in the downtown district prompted police to increase overnight patrols. Several suspects are being sought, and the department is reviewing camera footage provided by local businesses. Residents are urged to lock vehicles and avoid leaving valuables in plain sight.
š¹ Other Highlights Across East Texas
Athens: A ribbon-cutting is scheduled Thursday for a new community center focused on senior health and nutrition.
Henderson: City council has allocated funds for widening stretches of US 259 to relieve congestion near schools.
Van: Citywide water line inspections are underway due to increased complaints of low pressure in southside neighborhoods.
Bullard: The youth football league will kick off its first full-contact practice Thursday evening under strict hydration protocols.
Weather Outlook
Dangerous heat continues across East Texas with āfeels likeā temperatures pushing 110Ā°F. A slight chance of isolated evening thunderstorms exists toward the weekend, but the region remains in Stage 2 drought conditions.
Stay tuned to KRRB Revelation Radio to www do revelation radio do com for News Specifically for the residents of Grand Saline, and all of East Texas
Stay tuned to KRRB Revelation Radio to www do revelation radio do com for News Specifically for the residents of Grand Saline, and all of East Texas