Your KRRB East Texas News for Monday, August 11, 2025
Aug 11, 03:35 PM
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We begin today with the weather—because it continues to dominate life across our region. The unrelenting summer heat shows no signs of letting up, as the high-pressure system parked over the southern United States keeps our skies mostly clear, our air heavy, and our soil dry.
In Grand Saline, temperatures are climbing to 101 degrees this afternoon, with a heat index pushing 106. Across the East Texas region—from Longview to Athens, from Lindale to Canton—residents are facing the same reality: high heat, high humidity, and precious little rainfall. Emergency managers are urging people to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the mid-afternoon peak, keep pets hydrated, and check on elderly neighbors.
The Grand Saline Community Center has been opened as an official cooling station from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day this week. Free bottled water, light refreshments, and medical checkups are available to anyone in need. First Baptist Church of Grand Saline is also opening its fellowship hall for those seeking relief, offering prayer support alongside air conditioning.
Scattered storms could develop later this evening, especially along the I-20 corridor, but they’re expected to be short-lived. While a quick downpour might cool things temporarily, agricultural experts warn that nothing short of sustained rainfall will be enough to reverse the soil moisture deficit hurting farms and ranches.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
In Tyler, police continue to investigate a late-night hit-and-run on South Broadway Avenue. A pedestrian was struck in the crosswalk and remains hospitalized in serious condition. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Longview saw another traffic collision this morning on McCann Road near Hawkins Parkway. A pickup truck collided with a sedan, leaving one driver with head injuries and closing the intersection for nearly an hour during the morning commute.
Tragedy also touched Rusk County over the weekend when a 29-year-old motorcyclist lost control on Highway 259. Investigators believe speed and loose gravel were contributing factors.
Meanwhile, Henderson County deputies are warning residents of a phone scam targeting seniors. The caller claims to be from a local utility company and threatens immediate service disconnection unless payment is made. Authorities remind residents never to give financial information over the phone and to verify all suspicious calls directly with the service provider.
Grand Saline Spotlight — City Developments and Community Action
Grand Saline’s Town Hall meeting tomorrow evening is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent years. The agenda includes the 2025–26 budget, infrastructure priorities, police department staffing needs, and upgrades to public parks.
Crews have begun restoring the Beaty Street sidewalks as part of a broader downtown revitalization project. New ADA-compliant ramps, decorative lighting, and landscaping are designed to make the area more inviting for both residents and visitors.
Recent water tower maintenance temporarily lowered water pressure in parts of the city, but all service has now been restored. City engineers say the upgrades should extend the tower’s life by 15 years and improve flow during high-demand summer months.
Local merchants are reporting steady weekend foot traffic despite the heat. The Saturday farmer’s market on Highway 80 was busy with shoppers purchasing late-summer produce, homemade baked goods, and locally crafted jams. Vendors say the turnout is a sign that the community continues to prioritize local business support, even in challenging weather.
Agriculture and Rural Life
The heat is pushing cattle ranchers in Van Zandt, Smith, and Rains counties to dip into winter hay supplies earlier than planned. With pastures drying and feed prices up more than 25% in the last month, many are relying on cooperative bulk purchases to cut costs.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Canton is hosting evening workshops this week on drought-resistant forage and water conservation techniques. Grand Saline-area farmers are being urged to attend as agricultural experts discuss adapting to long-term climate patterns.
Education and Community Outreach
Grand Saline ISD’s annual Back-to-School Prayer Rally drew hundreds over the weekend. Students, teachers, and families formed a giant circle on the high school football field, praying over the year ahead. Local pastors led prayers for wisdom, safety, and strong moral leadership in the schools.
In Mineola, a church-led school supply drive has given away more than 500 backpacks filled with supplies and Bibles. Organizers say another distribution event is planned for Thursday due to ongoing demand.
Canton’s First Methodist Church has launched a “Meals in the Heat” program, delivering cold sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water to families and seniors struggling with food insecurity during the high heat season.
Youth Sports and Community Pride
High school football season is just weeks away, and teams across East Texas are deep into pre-season training. The Grand Saline Indians are running morning and evening practices to avoid the worst heat, with coaches emphasizing hydration and teamwork. The team’s first scrimmage is set for next Friday, and excitement is already building in the community.
Longview and Kilgore will hold “Meet the Team” nights this weekend, giving fans a chance to hear from players and coaches, enjoy community barbecues, and get a preview of the marching bands’ halftime shows.
Culture, Heritage, and Faith
Henderson is preparing for the East Texas Musical Convention this weekend—a heritage event featuring shape-note singing, potluck meals, and fellowship. The tradition, dating back more than a century, draws participants from across the South.
In Longview, a downtown mural honoring East Texas history and Christian values is nearing completion. The design blends scenes of agriculture, railroads, and church steeples with Scripture verses, creating a visual testimony of the region’s faith and resilience.
Faith Reflection
Through intense heat, economic challenges, and everyday life, East Texas is showing what it means to endure with faith and unity. Grand Saline and its neighboring towns stand as examples of communities that meet adversity with prayer, practical service, and a commitment to one another.
As Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
That’s the East Texas News for today. This is KRRB Revelation Radio, bringing you the heartbeat of our region through the lens of faith, truth, and community.
In Grand Saline, temperatures are climbing to 101 degrees this afternoon, with a heat index pushing 106. Across the East Texas region—from Longview to Athens, from Lindale to Canton—residents are facing the same reality: high heat, high humidity, and precious little rainfall. Emergency managers are urging people to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the mid-afternoon peak, keep pets hydrated, and check on elderly neighbors.
The Grand Saline Community Center has been opened as an official cooling station from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. each day this week. Free bottled water, light refreshments, and medical checkups are available to anyone in need. First Baptist Church of Grand Saline is also opening its fellowship hall for those seeking relief, offering prayer support alongside air conditioning.
Scattered storms could develop later this evening, especially along the I-20 corridor, but they’re expected to be short-lived. While a quick downpour might cool things temporarily, agricultural experts warn that nothing short of sustained rainfall will be enough to reverse the soil moisture deficit hurting farms and ranches.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
In Tyler, police continue to investigate a late-night hit-and-run on South Broadway Avenue. A pedestrian was struck in the crosswalk and remains hospitalized in serious condition. Officers are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Longview saw another traffic collision this morning on McCann Road near Hawkins Parkway. A pickup truck collided with a sedan, leaving one driver with head injuries and closing the intersection for nearly an hour during the morning commute.
Tragedy also touched Rusk County over the weekend when a 29-year-old motorcyclist lost control on Highway 259. Investigators believe speed and loose gravel were contributing factors.
Meanwhile, Henderson County deputies are warning residents of a phone scam targeting seniors. The caller claims to be from a local utility company and threatens immediate service disconnection unless payment is made. Authorities remind residents never to give financial information over the phone and to verify all suspicious calls directly with the service provider.
Grand Saline Spotlight — City Developments and Community Action
Grand Saline’s Town Hall meeting tomorrow evening is shaping up to be one of the most important in recent years. The agenda includes the 2025–26 budget, infrastructure priorities, police department staffing needs, and upgrades to public parks.
Crews have begun restoring the Beaty Street sidewalks as part of a broader downtown revitalization project. New ADA-compliant ramps, decorative lighting, and landscaping are designed to make the area more inviting for both residents and visitors.
Recent water tower maintenance temporarily lowered water pressure in parts of the city, but all service has now been restored. City engineers say the upgrades should extend the tower’s life by 15 years and improve flow during high-demand summer months.
Local merchants are reporting steady weekend foot traffic despite the heat. The Saturday farmer’s market on Highway 80 was busy with shoppers purchasing late-summer produce, homemade baked goods, and locally crafted jams. Vendors say the turnout is a sign that the community continues to prioritize local business support, even in challenging weather.
Agriculture and Rural Life
The heat is pushing cattle ranchers in Van Zandt, Smith, and Rains counties to dip into winter hay supplies earlier than planned. With pastures drying and feed prices up more than 25% in the last month, many are relying on cooperative bulk purchases to cut costs.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office in Canton is hosting evening workshops this week on drought-resistant forage and water conservation techniques. Grand Saline-area farmers are being urged to attend as agricultural experts discuss adapting to long-term climate patterns.
Education and Community Outreach
Grand Saline ISD’s annual Back-to-School Prayer Rally drew hundreds over the weekend. Students, teachers, and families formed a giant circle on the high school football field, praying over the year ahead. Local pastors led prayers for wisdom, safety, and strong moral leadership in the schools.
In Mineola, a church-led school supply drive has given away more than 500 backpacks filled with supplies and Bibles. Organizers say another distribution event is planned for Thursday due to ongoing demand.
Canton’s First Methodist Church has launched a “Meals in the Heat” program, delivering cold sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water to families and seniors struggling with food insecurity during the high heat season.
Youth Sports and Community Pride
High school football season is just weeks away, and teams across East Texas are deep into pre-season training. The Grand Saline Indians are running morning and evening practices to avoid the worst heat, with coaches emphasizing hydration and teamwork. The team’s first scrimmage is set for next Friday, and excitement is already building in the community.
Longview and Kilgore will hold “Meet the Team” nights this weekend, giving fans a chance to hear from players and coaches, enjoy community barbecues, and get a preview of the marching bands’ halftime shows.
Culture, Heritage, and Faith
Henderson is preparing for the East Texas Musical Convention this weekend—a heritage event featuring shape-note singing, potluck meals, and fellowship. The tradition, dating back more than a century, draws participants from across the South.
In Longview, a downtown mural honoring East Texas history and Christian values is nearing completion. The design blends scenes of agriculture, railroads, and church steeples with Scripture verses, creating a visual testimony of the region’s faith and resilience.
Faith Reflection
Through intense heat, economic challenges, and everyday life, East Texas is showing what it means to endure with faith and unity. Grand Saline and its neighboring towns stand as examples of communities that meet adversity with prayer, practical service, and a commitment to one another.
As Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
That’s the East Texas News for today. This is KRRB Revelation Radio, bringing you the heartbeat of our region through the lens of faith, truth, and community.