Katecey Harrell

If Donald J. Trump and Joseph R. Biden were introduced to the public for the first time during the recent presidential debate, neither would have made a great impression.
Presidential debates allow everyone to look at the candidates without preconceived ideas. This clean slate allows for more objective evaluations of their personalities and leadership potential.
The first of two general election presidential debates, on June 27, was a real test of character for these well-known politicians.
T...

If Donald J. Trump and Joseph R. Biden were introduced to the public for the first time during the recent presidential debate, neither would have made a great impression.
Presidential debates allow everyone to look at the candidates without preconceived ideas. This clean slate allows for more objective evaluations of their personalities and leadership potential.
The first of two general election presidential debates, on June 27, was a real test of character for these well-known politicians.
T...

In the four months before his death, Bullard veteran Daniel “Dan” Burroughs sought treatment for physical ailments. At the same time, he struggled with declining mental health.
“The difference in him in the way he talked these last few months, the way he walked, the way he looked – he never looked like that,” his son Chris Burroughs said. “I’d have to beg him to go outside, to reward himself. … It was a struggle to get him to eat, to get him to do anything.”
Dan died by suicide on April 29. T...

Lindsey Park in Tyler was packed Thursday for a Fourth of July celebration — complete with food, entertainment and fireworks — as it drew thousands of community members and out-of-towners.
“There’s so many things out there right now that are separating us and dividing us,” city of Tyler Recreation Manager Kandice Johnson said. “The fact that we’re able to bring them together…I think makes this celebration special and is what makes July Fourth special.”
The city’s annual celebration featured m...

Tyler native Petra Hawkins came out victorious over Stephen Dinger in the Tyler City Council District 2 runoff race.
“I was feeling pretty confident but I didn’t want to count my eggs before they hatched,” Hawkins said Saturday night. “When we got the final number, it was just surreal.”
It was a close race. According to the unofficial results, tallies show Hawkins received 508 votes, or 53%, and Dinger received 456 votes, or 47%. A total of 964 ballots were cast, including early in-person and...

ARP — Friends and family filled the Arp High School Auditorium on Thursday evening as Arp ISD celebrated the graduation of 53 high school seniors during a commencement ceremony.
The commencement ceremony was initiated by Allee McCollum, who welcomed the attendees. Then salutatorian Madlyn Poole took the stage to deliver a heartfelt address to the crowd and her fellow students.
“I take great pride in being able to say that I am graduating with the people on stage tonight,” Poole said. “I will ...

Editor’s Note: This is one in a series of stories highlighting graduating high school seniors in Smith County.
Arp High School senior Tyler Bardsley will embark on a mission trip to Kiribati, an island country in the Micronesia subregion of Oceania.
“All my life, I’ve always wanted to go on one,” Bardsley said. “I’m not the most in-tune person with the gospel. I don’t know everything, I don’t know a lot, but it will help me grow spiritually and physically.”
During the two-year mission, he ant...

Tyler Mayor Don Warren shared the city’s achievements and “Future Ready” plans for infrastructure, entertainment and public safety at the annual State of the City luncheon held Thursday.
“In USA Today, Tyler was named the No. 1 city in the state to live in,” Warren said. “That doesn’t happen because of counsel and staff. It happens because of everyone in this room, and it doesn’t happen by accident.”
The event, hosted by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Cen...

NET Health began National Public Health Week on Monday by celebrating achievements, announcing events and challenges, and hosting a one-mile walk around the Tyler Rose Garden Center.
“We have programs and services all over East Texas,” said NET Health CEO George Roberts. “We have WIC (Women, Infants and Children) clinics in 20 counties in East Texas, and we do public health emergency preparedness and disease preparedness in seven counties in East Texas.”
Roberts welcomed guests and elected of...

Christina Drewry declared victory in a statement Thursday after Smith County Precinct 1 Commissioner Pam Frederick conceded earlier this week following a recount of votes in the March 5 primary election.
"In my capacity as a county commissioner, you have the power. I work for you. I will always put you first. You hired me at the ballot box, and you are my boss now," Drewry said. "Whether you voted or didn't vote at all, I need – and want – you to be involved in your county government."
Drewry...

Yesterday's Tomorrow, a Black history museum, marked the end of Black History Month and the start of Women's History Month with a Saturday event in Tyler featuring a relative of Lillian Richard — the face of Aunt Jemima from 1925 to 1940.
Aunt Jemima was an advertisement for a ready-made pancake mix introduced in 1889.
Because Richard, who was from Hawkins, had no children, her great niece, Vera Richard Harris, is a spokeswoman for the family.
Harris said sharing her story ensures that Richar...

Tensions have arisen from officials interrupting residents who misuse the Smith County Commissioners Court’s public comment period by making accusations and discussing off-topic issues.
During the weekly meeting Tuesday, a Smith County resident raised some concerns and asked questions. The court utilized its regular report on the jail operations status, including inmate population, employee overtime and vacancies, to provide further information on jail compliance.
Maintaining compliance requi...

Tyler residents Bill and Sandy Craig danced the night away like many others have since the historic Mayfair building opened in 1927.
“We knew the building, and we’ve been watching them do the construction,” Sandy said. “We live in the Azalea District, where there’s a lot of historic stuff, and that’s what drew us to Tyler.”
The city celebrated the grand reopening on Thursday. Mayor Don Warren shared the building’s past and updates and announced that the dance hall had earned a spot on the Nat...

Smith County Commissioner Precinct 1 Pam Frederick has petitioned for a manual recount of votes in the March 5 primary election.
The recount is petitioned on the grounds that the difference between Frederick and her opponent was less than 10%, according to Smith County Republican Party Chairman David Stein.
Unofficial election results published by Smith County showed Frederick being narrowly bested by her opponent, Christina Drewry, by 95 votes. Drewry received 50.52%, or 4,630 votes, compare...

The Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Child River Hardy was honored to light the Christmas tree at the 38th annual lighting ceremony on the downtown Tyler square Tuesday evening.
“It’s the beginning of the Christmas season, and watching the lights work is just magical,” Mayor Don Warren said. “There is nothing more fun than watching a little boy or girl, in this case River, the little boy, light the tree.”
Tyler Parks and Recreation worked to install, decorate and set up for the event, where...