KRRB East Texas News for Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Aug 13, 03:38 PM
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From Grand Saline to Mineola, from Canton to Tyler and Longview, down to Nacogdoches and Lufkin, and across every county in between. We take an in-depth walk through the news that affects our families, schools, churches, and livelihoods, all told through the lens of faith and common sense.
We start in Grand Saline, where the city is moving through the heart of summer with a full plate of road and utility work, as well as preparations for the new school year. Along Highway 80, crews have been up early patching trouble spots, repainting faded lines, and clearing debris from roadside drainage before the fall rains arrive. School-adjacent streets are a particular focus, with police and maintenance teams working side-by-side to ensure bus routes and parent drop-off zones run smoothly as classes start. Patrol cars are already parked in visible spots near the high school and elementary entrances, reinforcing the message that student safety is a top priority. From a biblical perspective, stewardship in a community begins with protecting the next generation and keeping the paths they travel clear and safe.
Across Van Zandt County, daily life carries the rhythm of late summer heat. We’re seeing consecutive triple-digit afternoons, and with them, calls for residents to conserve both water and electricity in the peak hours between mid-afternoon and early evening. The utility grid is holding steady, thanks in large part to local baseload generation and smart conservation habits. Families are responding — adjusting thermostats, holding off laundry loads until evening, and double-checking attic ventilation. ER departments in nearby Tyler and Longview report predictable upticks in heat exhaustion cases during the 4 to 7 p.m. window. Coaches are keeping two-a-days shorter and hydration stations well-stocked. It’s a practical reminder that discipline and preparation can save lives in a Texas summer.
On the roads, drivers along I-20, US-80, US-69, and Loop 323 around Tyler are navigating construction zones that start early to beat the heat. Lane closures come down by mid-afternoon to clear the way for rush-hour traffic. In Longview, industrial corridors are heavy with truck traffic, particularly near the paper mill and manufacturing plants, where shift changes create choke points. Smaller towns are knocking out their chip-seal and resurfacing projects ahead of the fall season, and Grand Saline drivers can expect slower traffic along key feeder streets as paint crews refresh crosswalks and stop bars near schools.
Public safety remains proactive. Sheriff’s deputies along major corridors have coordinated with DPS on traffic stops that have netted stolen property and taken wanted suspects into custody. Tyler and Longview police maintain a high visibility presence in retail and residential zones, especially overnight. In Grand Saline and surrounding communities, churches are re-training their volunteer security teams ahead of fall festivals and back-to-school events — combining hospitality with vigilance. As Romans 13 teaches, civil authority exists to restrain evil and protect the innocent, and our law enforcement continues to meet that mandate with visible diligence.
Municipal budgets are moving through workshops and public hearings. From Canton to Mineola to Lindale, councils are balancing the need to maintain and improve infrastructure against the reality of inflation-driven costs for asphalt, concrete, and vehicle replacement. Property valuations have climbed, sparking calls for transparency and restraint in setting tax rates. Residents are watching closely to ensure every dollar is spent where it makes the most difference — on roads, drainage, utilities, and public safety.
Education is front and center this week. Grand Saline ISD is welcoming new staff, finalizing transportation routes, and setting expectations for a disciplined, focused start to the year. Tyler ISD and Longview ISD are likewise emphasizing order in classrooms and high standards in academics. Parents are alert to policy shifts — especially those protecting girls’ sports and student privacy — and they’re making school choices accordingly. At the collegiate level, UT Tyler and Stephen F. Austin are completing move-in week for new students, with nursing, business, and engineering programs drawing strong enrollment. These programs directly feed the workforce needs of East Texas employers, reinforcing the link between local education and economic strength.
Healthcare facilities across the region are stable but busy. The big systems — UT Health and CHRISTUS in Tyler, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd in Longview — are seeing seasonal upticks in heat-related emergencies, along with regular surgical schedules. Rural EMS crews are logging long transports from outlying areas, and volunteers remain essential to keeping response times reasonable in our most remote communities.
Agriculture remains the steady backdrop of East Texas life. Cattle producers are monitoring forage quality as pastures strain under prolonged heat. Some are adjusting herd sizes to preserve grass for the fall. Poultry houses are working through high-energy demands for cooling, while timber operations continue to feed mills with steady output. Farmers’ markets from Mineola to Jacksonville still have fresh produce and honey, though the transition toward fall crops is just ahead.
Industry and energy sectors are holding steady. Oilfield service yards in Kilgore and Henderson are staying busy with maintenance and equipment runs, even as rig counts level off.
Manufacturing hubs along the I-20 corridor are maintaining orders, sensitive to freight costs but bolstered by reliable local labor. Distribution centers near Kaufman and Van Zandt counties continue to expand employment, giving many East Texans a hybrid life — working near the Metroplex while keeping their families rooted in rural communities.
Small businesses remain the lifeblood of our towns. Whether it’s a Grand Saline diner, a Lindale feed store, or a Canton repair shop, the challenge is less about demand and more about finding and keeping skilled workers. Church-hosted job fairs and school partnerships for vocational training are helping fill the gap, passing on both skills and a work ethic grounded in honesty and diligence.
Water management is always in focus. Reservoir levels at Lake Fork, Lake Tyler, Lake Palestine, and Cedar Creek are holding, but late summer is no time for waste. Utilities are pushing leak-detection and meter upgrades, while cities work to keep storm drains clear ahead of the first autumn rains.
Sports are in high gear. High school football teams are finalizing game plans for upcoming scrimmages. The Grand Saline Indians are sharpening execution in both offense and defense, while nearby programs — Lindale Eagles, Van Vandals, Mineola Yellowjackets, and Canton Eagles — are all working toward clean, disciplined play ahead of opening night.
Tyler’s Legacy Red Raiders and Tyler High Lions are building depth, and Longview’s Lobos are fine-tuning their explosive style. Volleyball, cross country, and marching bands are all deep into their own preparations, reminding us that the East Texas sports culture is as much about community as it is about competition.
Entertainment and community life are alive even in the heat. Liberty Hall in Tyler and the Belcher Center in Longview have late-summer performances scheduled. Farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and church socials keep weekends busy. In Grand Saline, midweek community nights at local churches continue to draw families for fellowship and connection. These events reinforce a simple truth — strong communities are built in person, not on a screen.
Economically, the region holds steady. Restaurants and service businesses see consistent traffic, home improvement projects keep contractors busy, and builders continue to lay foundations for new homes. Challenges remain in material costs and insurance rates, but the draw of East Texas living keeps demand healthy.
Churches and ministries continue their work quietly but powerfully — from food pantry distributions to back-to-school supply drives. Pastors stay in close contact with civic leaders and law enforcement, providing both moral counsel and practical support.
As we wrap up today’s report, remember that East Texas is more than a location. It’s a set of values lived out daily — faith, family, hard work, and neighborly care. From the steady hum of our industries to the Friday night lights on our fields, we are a people anchored in truth and committed to building a community worthy of the next generation.
“Stay tuned to KRRB Revelation Radio for the only unfiltered, uncensored, most truthful News reporting on the planet.”
We start in Grand Saline, where the city is moving through the heart of summer with a full plate of road and utility work, as well as preparations for the new school year. Along Highway 80, crews have been up early patching trouble spots, repainting faded lines, and clearing debris from roadside drainage before the fall rains arrive. School-adjacent streets are a particular focus, with police and maintenance teams working side-by-side to ensure bus routes and parent drop-off zones run smoothly as classes start. Patrol cars are already parked in visible spots near the high school and elementary entrances, reinforcing the message that student safety is a top priority. From a biblical perspective, stewardship in a community begins with protecting the next generation and keeping the paths they travel clear and safe.
Across Van Zandt County, daily life carries the rhythm of late summer heat. We’re seeing consecutive triple-digit afternoons, and with them, calls for residents to conserve both water and electricity in the peak hours between mid-afternoon and early evening. The utility grid is holding steady, thanks in large part to local baseload generation and smart conservation habits. Families are responding — adjusting thermostats, holding off laundry loads until evening, and double-checking attic ventilation. ER departments in nearby Tyler and Longview report predictable upticks in heat exhaustion cases during the 4 to 7 p.m. window. Coaches are keeping two-a-days shorter and hydration stations well-stocked. It’s a practical reminder that discipline and preparation can save lives in a Texas summer.
On the roads, drivers along I-20, US-80, US-69, and Loop 323 around Tyler are navigating construction zones that start early to beat the heat. Lane closures come down by mid-afternoon to clear the way for rush-hour traffic. In Longview, industrial corridors are heavy with truck traffic, particularly near the paper mill and manufacturing plants, where shift changes create choke points. Smaller towns are knocking out their chip-seal and resurfacing projects ahead of the fall season, and Grand Saline drivers can expect slower traffic along key feeder streets as paint crews refresh crosswalks and stop bars near schools.
Public safety remains proactive. Sheriff’s deputies along major corridors have coordinated with DPS on traffic stops that have netted stolen property and taken wanted suspects into custody. Tyler and Longview police maintain a high visibility presence in retail and residential zones, especially overnight. In Grand Saline and surrounding communities, churches are re-training their volunteer security teams ahead of fall festivals and back-to-school events — combining hospitality with vigilance. As Romans 13 teaches, civil authority exists to restrain evil and protect the innocent, and our law enforcement continues to meet that mandate with visible diligence.
Municipal budgets are moving through workshops and public hearings. From Canton to Mineola to Lindale, councils are balancing the need to maintain and improve infrastructure against the reality of inflation-driven costs for asphalt, concrete, and vehicle replacement. Property valuations have climbed, sparking calls for transparency and restraint in setting tax rates. Residents are watching closely to ensure every dollar is spent where it makes the most difference — on roads, drainage, utilities, and public safety.
Education is front and center this week. Grand Saline ISD is welcoming new staff, finalizing transportation routes, and setting expectations for a disciplined, focused start to the year. Tyler ISD and Longview ISD are likewise emphasizing order in classrooms and high standards in academics. Parents are alert to policy shifts — especially those protecting girls’ sports and student privacy — and they’re making school choices accordingly. At the collegiate level, UT Tyler and Stephen F. Austin are completing move-in week for new students, with nursing, business, and engineering programs drawing strong enrollment. These programs directly feed the workforce needs of East Texas employers, reinforcing the link between local education and economic strength.
Healthcare facilities across the region are stable but busy. The big systems — UT Health and CHRISTUS in Tyler, CHRISTUS Good Shepherd in Longview — are seeing seasonal upticks in heat-related emergencies, along with regular surgical schedules. Rural EMS crews are logging long transports from outlying areas, and volunteers remain essential to keeping response times reasonable in our most remote communities.
Agriculture remains the steady backdrop of East Texas life. Cattle producers are monitoring forage quality as pastures strain under prolonged heat. Some are adjusting herd sizes to preserve grass for the fall. Poultry houses are working through high-energy demands for cooling, while timber operations continue to feed mills with steady output. Farmers’ markets from Mineola to Jacksonville still have fresh produce and honey, though the transition toward fall crops is just ahead.
Industry and energy sectors are holding steady. Oilfield service yards in Kilgore and Henderson are staying busy with maintenance and equipment runs, even as rig counts level off.
Manufacturing hubs along the I-20 corridor are maintaining orders, sensitive to freight costs but bolstered by reliable local labor. Distribution centers near Kaufman and Van Zandt counties continue to expand employment, giving many East Texans a hybrid life — working near the Metroplex while keeping their families rooted in rural communities.
Small businesses remain the lifeblood of our towns. Whether it’s a Grand Saline diner, a Lindale feed store, or a Canton repair shop, the challenge is less about demand and more about finding and keeping skilled workers. Church-hosted job fairs and school partnerships for vocational training are helping fill the gap, passing on both skills and a work ethic grounded in honesty and diligence.
Water management is always in focus. Reservoir levels at Lake Fork, Lake Tyler, Lake Palestine, and Cedar Creek are holding, but late summer is no time for waste. Utilities are pushing leak-detection and meter upgrades, while cities work to keep storm drains clear ahead of the first autumn rains.
Sports are in high gear. High school football teams are finalizing game plans for upcoming scrimmages. The Grand Saline Indians are sharpening execution in both offense and defense, while nearby programs — Lindale Eagles, Van Vandals, Mineola Yellowjackets, and Canton Eagles — are all working toward clean, disciplined play ahead of opening night.
Tyler’s Legacy Red Raiders and Tyler High Lions are building depth, and Longview’s Lobos are fine-tuning their explosive style. Volleyball, cross country, and marching bands are all deep into their own preparations, reminding us that the East Texas sports culture is as much about community as it is about competition.
Entertainment and community life are alive even in the heat. Liberty Hall in Tyler and the Belcher Center in Longview have late-summer performances scheduled. Farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and church socials keep weekends busy. In Grand Saline, midweek community nights at local churches continue to draw families for fellowship and connection. These events reinforce a simple truth — strong communities are built in person, not on a screen.
Economically, the region holds steady. Restaurants and service businesses see consistent traffic, home improvement projects keep contractors busy, and builders continue to lay foundations for new homes. Challenges remain in material costs and insurance rates, but the draw of East Texas living keeps demand healthy.
Churches and ministries continue their work quietly but powerfully — from food pantry distributions to back-to-school supply drives. Pastors stay in close contact with civic leaders and law enforcement, providing both moral counsel and practical support.
As we wrap up today’s report, remember that East Texas is more than a location. It’s a set of values lived out daily — faith, family, hard work, and neighborly care. From the steady hum of our industries to the Friday night lights on our fields, we are a people anchored in truth and committed to building a community worthy of the next generation.
“Stay tuned to KRRB Revelation Radio for the only unfiltered, uncensored, most truthful News reporting on the planet.”