East Texas News Report for Monday, September 1, 2025

Sep 01, 03:40 PM

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As September begins, East Texas continues to reflect the strength of its families, the resilience of its workers, and the faith of its churches. From Grand Saline to Tyler, Longview, Lufkin, Sulphur Springs, and every town in between, East Texans are marking Labor Day not only with rest but with renewed commitment to hard work, community, and biblical values that have made this region strong. Today’s report takes you through schools, safety, economy, agriculture, sports, and the spiritual heartbeat that defines East Texas.

GRAND SALINE — OUR FOUNDATION AND FOCUS
Grand Saline is alive with community spirit this Labor Day. Schools are settling into routine, with students now fully engaged in lessons and activities. Teachers report strong attendance and parent participation, supported by new security systems and classroom upgrades. The Morton Salt plant is operating at full pace, providing not only jobs but also pride, as trucks carry shipments across Texas and beyond.

Downtown businesses are enjoying steady sales from weekend gatherings, including church-sponsored events and the farmer’s market. City crews have completed water and sewer maintenance downtown, ensuring reliability for residents and small businesses. Local law enforcement continues its strong partnership with citizens through active neighborhood watch groups.

Churches in Grand Saline held a special Sunday night revival service to mark the close of summer, focusing prayers on Israel, American families, and the spiritual future of East Texas. Pastors reminded congregations that Labor Day is not just about rest from work, but about honoring the dignity of work itself as given by God.

VAN ZANDT COUNTY — COMMUNITY AND COOPERATION
In Canton, vendors are preparing for September’s First Monday Trade Days, with thousands expected to descend on the town starting later this week. County officials have reinforced traffic and security plans, ensuring smooth travel and safety for visitors.

The sheriff’s department has expanded weekend patrols along Highway 19 and Highway 80, anticipating heavier traffic from holiday gatherings. Volunteer fire departments in Ben Wheeler and Edom stayed busy during the weekend, responding quickly to grassfire calls sparked during outdoor grilling and fireworks displays.

Churches across Van Zandt County are holding prayer events today, thanking God for the gift of work, lifting up Israel, and calling for revival in America.

TYLER — MEDICAL, BUSINESS, AND CULTURE
Tyler’s hospitals remain busy, with emergency rooms seeing a spike in activity during the holiday weekend. A new outpatient center continues construction along South Broadway, promising expanded care by next spring. City officials are urging caution on the roads, as patrols continue throughout Labor Day to curb impaired driving.

Business life in Tyler is growing, with new grants available for small businesses in older districts. Downtown is preparing for a September lineup of concerts and community gatherings, with local churches promoting family-friendly events.

LONGVIEW — INDUSTRIAL AND EDUCATIONAL MOMENTUM
Longview’s industrial sector remains strong, as manufacturing plants producing oilfield equipment continue to add shifts. Resurfacing on Loop 281 has caused some delays, but city leaders promise completion will ease commutes and support commerce.

In education, Longview ISD’s apprenticeship programs are drawing praise from both students and employers, ensuring that high school graduates have pathways into technical careers. Local churches are closing out the summer with outreach barbecues, offering both food and the message of Christ.

SMITH, GREGG, AND HARRISON COUNTIES — PARTNERSHIP FOR SAFETY
Regional cooperation continues to bear fruit. Smith County has extended mosquito control operations to prevent late-summer outbreaks of West Nile virus. Gregg and Harrison counties continue their joint law enforcement effort against rural thefts, with more arrests reported this weekend. Emergency management agencies are using Labor Day gatherings to distribute preparedness guides for the fall storm season.

LUFKIN AND NACOGDOCHES — FORESTS, STUDENTS, AND FAITH
Lufkin’s timber industry remains steady, with managers reminding landowners to monitor conditions as dry spells increase fire risk. In Nacogdoches, Stephen F. Austin University is officially underway for the fall semester, with campus ministries already active in prayer walks, worship events, and outreach to new students. Vocational programs at the high school level are drawing strong enrollment, giving students practical pathways into East Texas industries.

Churches in both cities are planning a regional worship service next weekend, bringing together congregations for prayer and unity.

PALESTINE, JACKSONVILLE, AND RUSK — CONNECTIVITY AND COMMUNITY LIFE
Palestine’s expanded bus service has proven effective, helping residents travel to medical and shopping areas. Jacksonville growers reported continued tomato shipments, sustaining agricultural stability. Rusk State Hospital has made progress on facility renovations, improving care and strengthening security while emphasizing chaplaincy as a cornerstone of recovery.

SULPHUR SPRINGS, MOUNT PLEASANT, AND PARIS — AGRICULTURE AND ECONOMY
Sulphur Springs dairies report stable production as cooperatives help offset fluctuating feed prices. Mount Pleasant’s poultry industry remains busy, with employers praising the work ethic of local hires. Paris continues its series of small-business workshops, equipping family-owned shops with tools to grow in a competitive market.

SPORTS — EAST TEXAS PRIDE ON DISPLAY
Friday night football opened strong across East Texas, and teams now prepare for week two. In Grand Saline, the Indians impressed with a strong defensive showing. Tyler’s Lions and Longview’s Lobos both celebrated victories, setting a positive tone for the season. Smaller towns also celebrated, with Mineola, Alba-Golden, and Edgewood all bringing in large community turnouts.

Volleyball teams in Tyler and Longview are off to strong starts, while cross-country athletes prepare for early September meets. Sports continue to bring East Texans together, reinforcing school pride and community spirit.

FAITH AND COMMUNITY — THE TRUE STRENGTH OF EAST TEXAS
Churches across the region marked the Labor Day weekend with revival services, prayer for America, and intercession for Israel. Ministries provided meals for the hungry, stocked food banks, and organized addiction recovery gatherings. East Texas continues to be defined not by politics or media narratives but by churches filled with faithful men and women who refuse to bow to cultural compromise.

LOOKING AHEAD
The forecast calls for hot afternoons with isolated thunderstorms throughout the week. Farmers watch the skies, businesses prepare for fall, and families return from holiday gatherings. Through it all, East Texans remain grounded in faith, faithful to family, and committed to freedom.

Stay tuned to KRRB 1700 AM in East Texas, and KRRB RevelationRadio.Net for the only unfiltered, uncensored, most truthful News in all East Texas.