Weekend East Texas News Report for Friday, August 29th through Sunday, August 31st, 2025

Aug 29, 05:31 PM

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As East Texas steps into the weekend, our communities reflect strength, prayer, and perseverance. From Grand Saline to Tyler, from Longview to Lufkin, from Sulphur Springs to Mount Pleasant and across every small town and rural road, life here is marked by family values, a strong work ethic, and a faith that shapes every decision. This report highlights the latest in schools, public safety, infrastructure, business, agriculture, sports, and the life of the Church, reminding us that in East Texas, the foundation of every community is the Word of God.

GRAND SALINE — AT THE CENTER OF OUR COVERAGE
Grand Saline continues to lead as a model of small-town resilience. Schools are now one week into the semester, with teachers praising student focus and parent involvement. New security systems at campuses are functioning smoothly, giving families confidence as the year begins. The Morton Salt plant is running at full capacity with strong orders ahead of Labor Day, providing a reliable paycheck to families across the region.

The city completed maintenance on water and sewer lines downtown, preventing future service interruptions and improving capacity for small businesses. Local shops report healthy traffic, with many tying promotions to back-to-school and upcoming football games.

Law enforcement reports minimal criminal activity this week, thanks to neighborhood watch programs and vigilant citizens. Churches are preparing for weekend revival meetings, with pastors emphasizing prayer for Israel, America, and the protection of East Texas families.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — SAFETY AND COMMUNITY
In Canton, final preparations are underway for September’s First Monday Trade Days, expected to draw thousands of visitors. Roads and parking areas are being patched and striped to handle the traffic. The sheriff’s department has boosted patrols along Highway 19 and Highway 80 as the county prepares for the influx of vendors and tourists.

Volunteer firefighters in Ben Wheeler and Edom responded swiftly to midweek grass fires, containing them before they spread. The county has purchased new brush trucks, ensuring readiness in the weeks of heat ahead. Churches across the county are hosting prayer nights this weekend, focusing on local government leaders, first responders, and students.

TYLER — A HUB OF MEDICAL AND CULTURAL LIFE
Tyler remains the medical center of East Texas. Hospitals are reporting heavy patient loads as flu season indicators begin early, prompting expanded weekend clinic hours. Construction continues on the new outpatient center along South Broadway, with officials confirming it is on schedule for a spring opening.

The city council approved a package of grants for small businesses working to restore historic façades, part of a broader effort to preserve Tyler’s charm while boosting the economy.

Meanwhile, preparations for the Labor Day weekend concert at Bergfeld Park are complete. Families are expected to attend in the thousands for a night of gospel music, patriotic songs, and fellowship under the stars.

LONGVIEW — INDUSTRY, EDUCATION, AND SERVICE
Longview’s manufacturing base continues to thrive, with firms producing oilfield and industrial equipment adding additional shifts. Local officials are warning drivers to expect continued delays on Loop 281 as resurfacing continues, but say the improvements will be worth the temporary frustration.

The school district has launched a new program connecting high schoolers with trade apprenticeships, linking students with local employers in welding, electrical work, and nursing. Churches in Longview are coordinating a food distribution event this weekend, emphasizing that both physical needs and spiritual hope must be met together.

SMITH, GREGG, AND HARRISON COUNTIES — PARTNERSHIP AND PREPAREDNESS
Smith County has launched additional mosquito control operations after recent rains, while Gregg and Harrison county deputies continue joint patrols to combat theft rings in rural areas. Emergency management offices are conducting a regional drill this weekend, testing communication lines and resource sharing in preparation for potential storms.

LUFKIN AND NACOGDOCHES — FORESTRY, SCHOOLS, FAITH
Lufkin timber companies report steady operations and anticipate a strong final quarter of the year. Forestry officials continue urging landowners to maintain fire breaks. In Nacogdoches, vocational training programs in agriculture and healthcare are filling quickly, with school leaders encouraged by the turnout. Stephen F. Austin University ministries are actively engaging students during welcome week with prayer tents, Bible studies, and worship nights on campus.

PALESTINE, JACKSONVILLE, AND RUSK — CONNECTIVITY AND CARE
Palestine’s expanded bus system continues to serve seniors and students, easing transportation concerns. Jacksonville growers reported strong sales of late-season tomatoes, keeping local farms profitable. Renovations at Rusk State Hospital are on schedule, with additional chaplaincy staff providing encouragement and biblical counseling to patients.

SULPHUR SPRINGS, MOUNT PLEASANT, AND PARIS — AGRICULTURE AND ENTERPRISE
Sulphur Springs dairies are adjusting to shifting feed prices while maintaining steady milk production. Mount Pleasant’s poultry plants are meeting contract demand while adding part-time positions for students seeking work. Paris is hosting its second small-business development workshop this month, focused on digital tools for family-run shops.

SPORTS — FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS RETURN
Tonight marks the official kickoff of high school football season. In Grand Saline, the Indians take the field for their home opener under the Friday night lights, with the entire town expected to turn out. Coaches report improved defense and stronger team discipline. Tyler’s Lions face a district rival in their opener, while Longview’s Lobos begin their season ranked among the state’s best. Smaller towns across East Texas are equally eager, with Edgewood, Alba-Golden, and Mineola all beginning their campaigns tonight. Volleyball and cross-country teams are already underway, with several tournaments giving East Texas athletes a chance to shine.

FAITH AND COMMUNITY — THE FOUNDATION OF EAST TEXAS
Revival is stirring in East Texas. Churches from Lindale to Mineola to Canton are hosting weekend gatherings, with messages centered on repentance, prayer for Israel, and boldness in proclaiming the Gospel. Food pantries are being restocked for holiday demand, and addiction recovery ministries are expanding outreach. Pastors are urging their congregations to live unashamed of the Gospel in a culture increasingly hostile to biblical truth.

LOOKING AHEAD
The forecast for the weekend calls for hot afternoons with scattered thunderstorms, typical for late August. Farmers continue to monitor soil conditions, construction crews will press forward, and families are planning holiday gatherings. Across East Texas, one thing is certain: faith in God, commitment to family, and love of neighbor remain the values that define us.

Stay tuned to KRRB Revelation Radio for the only unfiltered, uncensored, most truthful News reporting in all of East Texas.