Tyler residents who drive during rush hour won’t be surprised that a stretch of South Broadway has now made a top 50 list. It comes in at number 47 on a list of the most-congested roadways in Texas. The area is bounded by Loop 323 and Toll 49. Tyler Traffic Engineer Cameron Williams says he’s not surprised either. The city continues to implement it’s multi-part plan to ease Tyler traffic woes by updating the traffic light systems, some of which are decades old.
Speaking of congested roads, Tyler drivers need to continue avoiding Rice Road between Old Bullard Road and South Broadway. The city is trying to wrap up repairs on a sinkhole that opened last Thursday night. They hope to have the work completed by the end of the week.
Congratulations to Tyler Legacy High School’s Trude Lamb who signed a letter of intent to continue cross country and track at Stephen F. Austin University. You may also remember Lamb for the strong stand she took against Robert E. Lee’s name being on her high school.
A vigil at the First Baptist Church of Cottondale was crowded with people wearing pink and holding candles honoring the memory of seven-year-old Athena Strand. Pink was the favorite color of the little girl who was kidnapped and murdered last week in Wise County. Her mother, with hair dyed pink, spoke to those gathered.
“Thank you all. And please, I don’t care if it’s five years from now, 10 years from now, 20 years from now. Remember Athena Strand. (cheering)”
Tips following an Amber Alert last week lead police to 31-year-old contract deliver driver Tanner Horner. He confessed to the murder shortly after his arrest.
An oil rig accident Monday evening claimed the lives of two workers and injured three others. It happened at a rig on FM 353 in San Augustine. Investigators say a hydraulic line got loose, killing two men. The three others have injuries that are not life threatening.
Last month, Smith County voters approved the building of a new Smith County Courthouse and parking facility. Yesterday more property was purchased downtown to carry out that plan. Smith County Commissioners approved purchase of the property at 215 East Ferguson for $1,035,000. Negotiations with four other downtown property owners are continuing.
The Travel Website “Trips to Discover” says Marshall and Jefferson made the “Top 10 Christmas Towns” in Texas. Also included: Grand Prarie, Galveston, College Station, Richmond, San Antonio, Wimberly and Fredricksburg. Number one? Grapvine.
written by Mike Landess
edited by Jeff Johnson