🎙️ KRRB East Texas News Report Thursday, August 7, 2025
Episode 1, Aug 07, 03:27 PM
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High heat and high tension define East Texas today as communities across the region continue to respond to infrastructure pressure, political debate, environmental strain, and cultural division. From Grand Saline to Longview, from Tyler to Mount Vernon, the pulse of East Texas beats strong—but the warnings are loud and clear.
In Grand Saline, the fight to protect private land from government seizure has taken center stage. Community leaders, including members of the city council and county commissioners, have officially voted to oppose the construction of a proposed reservoir along Grand Saline Creek. The plan, pitched by a regional water authority, would result in the forced displacement of dozens of family-owned properties, some of which have been in local hands for generations. Residents packed Wednesday’s meeting at the Pavilion downtown, voicing opposition to any use of eminent domain. Supporters of the resolution emphasized the need to pursue water solutions that do not compromise liberty, property rights, or biblical stewardship.
Local churches across Grand Saline have joined together in what they’re calling the “Preserve and Provide” initiative—uniting prayer with preparedness. With drought conditions worsening, congregations are distributing water purification kits, organizing community-wide fasts, and coordinating with local farmers to monitor well levels. School officials at Grand Saline ISD are also working to implement water conservation and emergency heat protocols ahead of the first day of school next week.
Meanwhile, residents are on alert as utility crews work to stabilize power delivery across the region. Rolling brownouts occurred Wednesday afternoon when demand peaked around 4:00 p.m. across Van Zandt and Henderson counties. Grand Saline, Canton, and Edgewood all reported momentary outages. Emergency backup systems at Grand Saline Medical Clinic were tested and functioned successfully. Officials are urging residents to conserve power between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to avoid a broader grid disruption.
Elsewhere in Van Zandt County, law enforcement arrested two individuals outside Ben Wheeler after discovering a stolen livestock operation involving over a dozen cattle and several trailers. Deputies recovered the stolen property and are working with Smith County to track additional leads. Investigators believe this may be part of a larger theft ring that spans into Wood and Rains counties.
In Tyler, tensions continue to rise over water usage as citizens confront the growing impact of private companies withdrawing groundwater for corporate resale. More than 200 people gathered at the civic center Wednesday to demand regulation on deep well permits. Residents shared testimonies of dwindling well levels and declining water pressure. Several neighborhoods west of Tyler are already under water-use restrictions. Public works crews are now inspecting municipal supply lines for leaks and inefficiencies. The mayor’s office has announced a task force to explore long-term water conservation strategies.
In Longview, city officials have declared a localized heat emergency. Cooling centers have been activated at both recreation centers and several public libraries. Volunteer groups are working in coordination with fire stations to deliver hydration supplies and check on vulnerable residents. Emergency services responded to five separate cases of heatstroke in the last 24 hours. Temperatures are expected to rise again today, with “feels like” indexes exceeding 110 degrees in unshaded areas by late afternoon.
Meanwhile, Longview’s downtown renovation initiative has entered a new phase. Crews began overnight concrete pours Wednesday as part of the Main Street expansion, targeting completion before the start of the fall festival season. Business owners are expressing mixed feelings, praising the long-term benefits while raising concerns over construction-related foot traffic disruptions.
In Mount Vernon, Franklin County emergency managers are monitoring wildfire activity north of Highway 37 after a lightning strike sparked a fast-moving grass fire late Wednesday evening. Fire crews were on site within minutes and were able to contain the blaze within four hours. No structures were damaged, though one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation. Residents in outlying rural areas are urged to clear dry brush from fence lines and outbuildings as a precaution.
Lindale city officials are dealing with increased reports of youth vandalism, particularly around Faulkner Park and nearby school properties. Police have confirmed arrests in connection with recent damage to the community center. School resource officers have been reassigned to summer patrols to prevent escalation before the school year begins. The city council is reviewing a new curfew enforcement ordinance scheduled for vote on Monday.
In Mineola, public works crews are responding to sinkhole damage on the south side of Loop 564. Motorists are being redirected through the northern bypass. Engineers believe recent rainfall followed by high heat may have contributed to soil instability beneath the roadway. Crews are expected to complete repairs by the weekend. Local businesses have reported minimal disruption due to quick rerouting.
In Jacksonville, construction on the new regional trade and logistics park continues on schedule. Site managers report that all Phase 1 structures are now framed, and the first tenants are expected to begin moving in this fall. The development is expected to bring nearly 500 jobs to the region by 2026. Meanwhile, local residents are calling for increased traffic enforcement near the site, citing concerns about truck congestion and roadway safety.
In Marshall, Harrison County officials are conducting a complete reassessment of tornado response protocols following a series of near-misses last storm season. The emergency operations director has ordered a full review of shelter sites and communication systems. Updated sirens are scheduled for installation over the next 30 days. The city is also holding a series of preparedness drills involving churches, schools, and care homes.
Carthage residents are preparing for the Panola County Fair, set to begin Saturday. Security measures are being expanded after incidents of teen gang activity at last year’s event. Sheriff’s deputies will be deployed in plain clothes and marked units.
Meanwhile, the local fair committee is partnering with churches to offer a “Safe Kids” zone and family hospitality areas.
In Palestine, the school board has approved a revised dress code and new cell phone restrictions for the coming academic year. Phones will be allowed only before and after school. Violations will result in immediate confiscation. The decision follows rising concerns over classroom distractions and inappropriate content sharing among students. Teachers are also being issued new safety training materials ahead of a statewide initiative focusing on threat assessment and crisis de-escalation.
In Texarkana, twin construction projects on the Texas-Arkansas border are moving forward, including expansion of the downtown business district and renovation of the bi-state justice center. Regional economic councils report a modest uptick in small business creation as permit processing times have improved. Local officials are exploring the creation of a tourism bureau aimed at cross-border cultural events.
In Henderson, water main repairs are now complete along Highway 64 after a week-long effort to fix a 75-year-old line that ruptured last Thursday. Public health officials have lifted the boil water notice after new tests returned clean. Residents are advised to flush household plumbing systems and run tap water for several minutes to clear residual sediment.
Across the region, fire danger remains high. Red flag warnings have been issued for Morris, Rusk, and Upshur counties. Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited. Forestry agents are using drones to monitor brush activity and coordinate with volunteer fire departments.
Also today, in a regional show of unity, over 80 churches across East Texas will participate in a coordinated day of prayer and fasting. Pastors from Grand Saline, Tyler, and Jefferson are leading the effort, which calls on believers to intercede for protection from drought, violence, and spiritual deception. This marks the first such effort since 2020 and is being described as “an urgent call to return to the Lord.”
Temperatures are forecast to peak in the upper 90s today with limited cloud cover and a stagnant heat dome extending into the weekend. Local meteorologists expect some relief by Tuesday with a high-pressure breakdown projected over the western counties.
That concludes your current East Texas News for today.
Stay tuned to KRRB Revelation Radio for more breaking developments and the only unfiltered, uncensored, truthful local news in the region.
In Grand Saline, the fight to protect private land from government seizure has taken center stage. Community leaders, including members of the city council and county commissioners, have officially voted to oppose the construction of a proposed reservoir along Grand Saline Creek. The plan, pitched by a regional water authority, would result in the forced displacement of dozens of family-owned properties, some of which have been in local hands for generations. Residents packed Wednesday’s meeting at the Pavilion downtown, voicing opposition to any use of eminent domain. Supporters of the resolution emphasized the need to pursue water solutions that do not compromise liberty, property rights, or biblical stewardship.
Local churches across Grand Saline have joined together in what they’re calling the “Preserve and Provide” initiative—uniting prayer with preparedness. With drought conditions worsening, congregations are distributing water purification kits, organizing community-wide fasts, and coordinating with local farmers to monitor well levels. School officials at Grand Saline ISD are also working to implement water conservation and emergency heat protocols ahead of the first day of school next week.
Meanwhile, residents are on alert as utility crews work to stabilize power delivery across the region. Rolling brownouts occurred Wednesday afternoon when demand peaked around 4:00 p.m. across Van Zandt and Henderson counties. Grand Saline, Canton, and Edgewood all reported momentary outages. Emergency backup systems at Grand Saline Medical Clinic were tested and functioned successfully. Officials are urging residents to conserve power between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. to avoid a broader grid disruption.
Elsewhere in Van Zandt County, law enforcement arrested two individuals outside Ben Wheeler after discovering a stolen livestock operation involving over a dozen cattle and several trailers. Deputies recovered the stolen property and are working with Smith County to track additional leads. Investigators believe this may be part of a larger theft ring that spans into Wood and Rains counties.
In Tyler, tensions continue to rise over water usage as citizens confront the growing impact of private companies withdrawing groundwater for corporate resale. More than 200 people gathered at the civic center Wednesday to demand regulation on deep well permits. Residents shared testimonies of dwindling well levels and declining water pressure. Several neighborhoods west of Tyler are already under water-use restrictions. Public works crews are now inspecting municipal supply lines for leaks and inefficiencies. The mayor’s office has announced a task force to explore long-term water conservation strategies.
In Longview, city officials have declared a localized heat emergency. Cooling centers have been activated at both recreation centers and several public libraries. Volunteer groups are working in coordination with fire stations to deliver hydration supplies and check on vulnerable residents. Emergency services responded to five separate cases of heatstroke in the last 24 hours. Temperatures are expected to rise again today, with “feels like” indexes exceeding 110 degrees in unshaded areas by late afternoon.
Meanwhile, Longview’s downtown renovation initiative has entered a new phase. Crews began overnight concrete pours Wednesday as part of the Main Street expansion, targeting completion before the start of the fall festival season. Business owners are expressing mixed feelings, praising the long-term benefits while raising concerns over construction-related foot traffic disruptions.
In Mount Vernon, Franklin County emergency managers are monitoring wildfire activity north of Highway 37 after a lightning strike sparked a fast-moving grass fire late Wednesday evening. Fire crews were on site within minutes and were able to contain the blaze within four hours. No structures were damaged, though one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation. Residents in outlying rural areas are urged to clear dry brush from fence lines and outbuildings as a precaution.
Lindale city officials are dealing with increased reports of youth vandalism, particularly around Faulkner Park and nearby school properties. Police have confirmed arrests in connection with recent damage to the community center. School resource officers have been reassigned to summer patrols to prevent escalation before the school year begins. The city council is reviewing a new curfew enforcement ordinance scheduled for vote on Monday.
In Mineola, public works crews are responding to sinkhole damage on the south side of Loop 564. Motorists are being redirected through the northern bypass. Engineers believe recent rainfall followed by high heat may have contributed to soil instability beneath the roadway. Crews are expected to complete repairs by the weekend. Local businesses have reported minimal disruption due to quick rerouting.
In Jacksonville, construction on the new regional trade and logistics park continues on schedule. Site managers report that all Phase 1 structures are now framed, and the first tenants are expected to begin moving in this fall. The development is expected to bring nearly 500 jobs to the region by 2026. Meanwhile, local residents are calling for increased traffic enforcement near the site, citing concerns about truck congestion and roadway safety.
In Marshall, Harrison County officials are conducting a complete reassessment of tornado response protocols following a series of near-misses last storm season. The emergency operations director has ordered a full review of shelter sites and communication systems. Updated sirens are scheduled for installation over the next 30 days. The city is also holding a series of preparedness drills involving churches, schools, and care homes.
Carthage residents are preparing for the Panola County Fair, set to begin Saturday. Security measures are being expanded after incidents of teen gang activity at last year’s event. Sheriff’s deputies will be deployed in plain clothes and marked units.
Meanwhile, the local fair committee is partnering with churches to offer a “Safe Kids” zone and family hospitality areas.
In Palestine, the school board has approved a revised dress code and new cell phone restrictions for the coming academic year. Phones will be allowed only before and after school. Violations will result in immediate confiscation. The decision follows rising concerns over classroom distractions and inappropriate content sharing among students. Teachers are also being issued new safety training materials ahead of a statewide initiative focusing on threat assessment and crisis de-escalation.
In Texarkana, twin construction projects on the Texas-Arkansas border are moving forward, including expansion of the downtown business district and renovation of the bi-state justice center. Regional economic councils report a modest uptick in small business creation as permit processing times have improved. Local officials are exploring the creation of a tourism bureau aimed at cross-border cultural events.
In Henderson, water main repairs are now complete along Highway 64 after a week-long effort to fix a 75-year-old line that ruptured last Thursday. Public health officials have lifted the boil water notice after new tests returned clean. Residents are advised to flush household plumbing systems and run tap water for several minutes to clear residual sediment.
Across the region, fire danger remains high. Red flag warnings have been issued for Morris, Rusk, and Upshur counties. Outdoor burning is strictly prohibited. Forestry agents are using drones to monitor brush activity and coordinate with volunteer fire departments.
Also today, in a regional show of unity, over 80 churches across East Texas will participate in a coordinated day of prayer and fasting. Pastors from Grand Saline, Tyler, and Jefferson are leading the effort, which calls on believers to intercede for protection from drought, violence, and spiritual deception. This marks the first such effort since 2020 and is being described as “an urgent call to return to the Lord.”
Temperatures are forecast to peak in the upper 90s today with limited cloud cover and a stagnant heat dome extending into the weekend. Local meteorologists expect some relief by Tuesday with a high-pressure breakdown projected over the western counties.
That concludes your current East Texas News for today.
Stay tuned to KRRB Revelation Radio for more breaking developments and the only unfiltered, uncensored, truthful local news in the region.