It was brought to my attention recently that a local middle school was doing something unique in one of their Spanish courses. The students at Whitehouse middle school are being taught the American pledge of allegiance in Spanish.More >>
It's been 5 years since the beginning of the war in Iraq and there continues to be analysis of how the war is going. There are a few points that jump out at me as reasonable measures on the conditions in Iraq.More >>
The Masters Golf Tournament finished up a week or so ago and there was one name that you did not see listed as winner or even near the top finishers. As a matter of fact, golfer Michael Thompson did not even play in the final rounds on Saturday and Sunday. More >>
Its state law in Texas for operators of motor vehicles to have liability insurance. Unfortunately one in four Texas drivers choose to ignore this law.More >>
One of our viewers, Gary Strange passed on a story I had to share with you. It's about a teacher in Little Rock, Arkansas who cleared her classroom of desks before her students arrived for the day. Upon arriving the kids asked the teacher what happened to their desks.More >>
Here at KLTV we try to live by the words Caring, Committed, and Proud of East Texas. Every day we work to do something or get involved somewhere to own up to that mission. Well it seems that our parent company Raycom media is taking notice of what's going on here in East Texas.More >>
They say when times get tough you find out who your real friends are. What friends we have in East Texas! The outpouring of concern for Dana Hughey and Mark Scirto and their families has been overwhelming. We are humbled by the true friends we have here.More >>
We buy our children cell phones to keep them safe. They can call us in an emergency and we can keep up with where they are. But now, because of the fast-evolving industry, those cell-phones can be used to watch pornography.More >>
Many of our fellow Texans live life with either a mental or physical impairment. So let me ask you this, have you ever given yourself a grade on how you treat these folks when you see them in public?More >>
Congressman Louie Gohmert has been in the news a lot lately. We've heard his opinions about the upcoming elections and even saw him getting his head rubbed by President Bush on national TVMore >>
I read a lot of news magazines, and sometimes I come across an article that's so unbelievable, I think it must be a joke. Recently there was such article in Time Magazine about a company in Austin called Celeb 4 A Day.More >>
Like many of you, I have real concerns about the number of illegal aliens living in Texas. But when I hear reports of illegal aliens committing crimes in my country, well, that really strikes a nerve.More >>
I was a little shocked last week when I heard one of the Oscar winning movies described as "a comedy on teenage pregnancy". I'm not judging the movie because I haven't seen it.More >>
There are some who say the next presidential election will be the last opportunity for those of us in the baby boom generation to be a significant force in a national election.More >>
One of the things I love about our East Texas community is how we come together. You and KLTV have teamed up many times for many things over the years, but now we may be involved in our most important partnership yet.More >>
Last week in my zeal to be critical of bad teens who get attention I'm afraid I gave the impression that bad behavior is the norm for teenagers.More >>
The number of presidential candidates out there can make narrowing your choices very difficult. I recently ran across a couple of on-line tools that may help you make your decision.More >>
I don't know about you but I get discouraged when I see so many teenagers getting in trouble and then getting attention for their exploits.So when a group of teenagers break the norm and show good character I want to recognize them and this week you can help me do that.More >>
Recent estimates put the number of illegal aliens living in Texas between 1.6 and 1.75 million people. And now that Oklahoma's House Bill 1804 is in effect, many of their illegal residents are heading straight for the border. The Texas border.More >>
I received a lot of emails a few months ago when I went on the air and politely - okay, STRONGLY - urged Smith County Commissioners to "Give the money back!".More >>
I had the opportunity to see the Dallas Cowboys play their final game of the season, where their road to the Super Bowl was crushed by the New York Giants.More >>
Last week I was critical of the Dallas Morning News for naming the illegal immigrant its "Texan of the Year" while ignoring deserving Americans like General David Patraeus.More >>
United Kingdom's Sunday Telegraph named American General David Petraeus as its person of the year for his leadership in the new Iraq military strategy. Here are some of the things they had to say about the general:More >>
Another east Texas teenager made state wide news this week...for violating his schools hair length policy. It's a shame this kid is getting so much media attention and I'm not going to do it here. Instead I want to tell you about one of his classmates who is more deserving of media attention, Kellie Thomas.More >>
In this country, we are often criticized for our lack of action on everything from global warming to the war in Iraq. But in reality, America is a nation of givers, ready to take action, step up to the plate, and open our hearts and wallets. Last year alone we gave more than 295 billion dollars to charities.More >>
I want to introduce you to an everyday hero... Ciron Black. He's a former Robert E. Lee football stand-out. He's gearing up to play in the most important game of his life... The BCS Championship.More >>
President Bush recently released a report about the decline in teenage drug use. While this is great news, the decline was for illegal drugs, such as marijuana. The report cites a growing problem among prescription drug use - especially painkillers.More >>
2009 is off and running and guess what? We are still in a recession. KLTV-TV will use the full resources including our Emmy award winning newscasts, kltv.com, and public service announcements to inform you of the needs of these organizations. More >>
The Kilgore Independent School District Board of Trustees is considering adopting a mandatory drug testing policy for students participating in extracurricular activities including athletics, drill team, orchestra, band and others. More >>
As a manager of a television station I'm reminded almost daily of the impact media might have on our society. On the other hand, like you I often share the hopelessness of the impact one individual might have on the national character. I can tell you, for what it's worth that as I write these commentaries each week I question my sense of responsibility in doing the right thing and the impact my words might have on those who hear them.More >>
The City of Kilgore is ramping up in the fight against deadbeat property owners. Code Enforcement Officer Justin Windham is armed with a digital camera and searches the streets of Kilgore for property that is a safety hazard or a public nuisance. More >>
I got an email this week with words that were attributed to Abraham Lincoln. Whether he said it, or not really doesn't matter because to me they represent a way of thinking that will make this a better east Texas. More >>
The future of the American auto industry is still hanging in the balance of a federal bailout bill. There are a lot of opinions floating around but you cannot dispute what the local car dealers do for our local economy. Not only do they provide hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in economic growth, but they also assist our schools, non-profit organizations and community events. More >>
Well, our country has new leadership. And according to the east Texas voting results 7 out of 10 of you disagree with the choice. So where do we go from here? I have three recommendations. More >>
The rough economy continues and we are definitely having more lows than highs during this uncertainty. But with all that is unknown, there are some constants.More >>
Our nation is facing one of the most uncertain economic times since the great depression. This is not the time to ask us to spend, with interest, more than 100 million dollars to build a shiny new jail. When Government tells you this is finally a jail plan you can afford, grab your wallet and run. More >>
Voters in Smith county and the Tyler Independent School District will have a choice to make on November fourth. Two questions will be answered on this date.More >>
I'd like to thank KLTV for this opportunity to speak on behalf of the TISD bond election which will provide the funding for six new elementary schools.The TISD administration and school board have proven their ability to manage a complicated construction program and spend tax dollars effectively by completing the first phase involving six replacement and one new school on time and under budget. More >>
Last time I spoke with you about a contrast of behaviors surrounding high school students. Today, another example that our children can do the honorable thing even when it can slap the ego. I viewed the story of Kristin Pass, a high school senior in Aledo, Texas.More >>
Today I want to speak with you about a pair of behavioral contrasts. You, no doubt, are aware of the recent poor decision by the Nacogdoches cheerleading squad performing a mock execution during a pep rally. More >>
The financial bailout bill continues to be the hot topic from corporate boardrooms to dinner tables across our land. An endless parade of analysis has concluded that this is a serious problem that will affect most Americans. But the on-going practice, in nearly every interview I have seen with a member Congress, has them running for cover and pointing fingers across the political aisle. More >>
If you're like me you are probably wondering why the American taxpayer has to pay 700 Billion dollars, to bail out the financial melt-down. It seems all the bureaucrats in Washington have actually gotten excited about solving a problem!More >>
Right now, someone in my family is probably using a cell phone. These little devices have become essentials in today's world. But recently, several cities including Dallas have banned hand-held cell phone usage while driving through school zones. More >>
OK Tyler and Smith County voters here we go again. The name is bond - jail bond and another consideration - school bond. In November both bond issues will be on the ballot. Tyler and Smith County voters have a long history of being stingy on approving bond packages no matter what the cause.More >>
You've seen the arrests, the mugs shots, the court appearances, and the cell doors slamming behind them. Several are caught the next day, some in a few days, most within a week or two.More >>
If you have ever wondered about nation-wide media bias I have some inside information you will find interesting. But first a little background. When television stations, like KLTV want to do a live report from another city we have to reserve satellite time which allows us to transmit reports from our reporters in distant locations, to our studios here in east Texas.More >>
I am here today to announce a new feature on our website - kltv.com - that I hope you will take advantage of. Brad Streit and I regularly receive feedback relating and reacting to these commentaries through viewer mail, email, phone calls and other means and we appreciate every one of them. More >>
I have found most east Texans to be pretty forgiving. When someone makes a mistake, learns from it, and then changes their behavior we have a tendency to cut them some slack. And we should. It seems to me, and you may agree that most politicians won't even admit their mistakes, much less, learn from them.More >>
Water, water everywhere but residents of Whitehouse can't get it. For more than 20 years, the city of Whitehouse has contracted with Tyler to supply water to its residents from nearby Lake Tyler. More >>
Dont you just love it when you see the leaders of our federal government criticize others? They cant even seem to run their own organization effecitvely. Congress' approval rating is at all time low. And its easy to understand why. More >>
I am here today to try to clear up some on-going confusion about the big switch. You have no doubt heard of it and you probably have a good idea that it involves the transition of all broadcast television signals to digital. More >>
We are cleaning up after two storms this week - both of them named Dolly. Hurricane Dolly created a tough situation for South Texas. Local groups responded and the outpouring of help has been impressive. More >>
Recently, someone in our Channel 7 family went to her dermatologist for what she thought was going to be a simple cosmetic procedure. With summer approaching, she wanted an ugly mole removed before swimsuit season started!More >>
The Gregg County Tax Assessor Collector has conducted an experiment for the past two weeks whereas the tax offices hours of operation have changed from being open 5 days a week to 4 days a week. They have extended the hours on the four days that the office is open so, on paper, the service looks unchangedMore >>
A new wave of patriotism swept the country following 9/11 that was symbolically seen by an increase in the number of United States flags put on display. Since then the enthusiasm for flag flying has wanedMore >>
We have seen reports of economic doom and gloom across all the information sources we trust. Our news team at KLTV is no exception to this. You can't escape it. But let's also be clear, I totally support our news department's delivery of this type of news. Much of it is relevant to every American. More >>
Well the stage is set. John McCain versus Barack Obama. And you have to make a choice. Many of us already have. But whether you are ready to vote today or you are still undecided, you have a responsibility. More >>
In an effort to have a more broad range of opinions we will from time to time invite guest commentators on A Better East Texas. Today I introduce Price Arredondo with the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce.More >>
You no doubt have heard by now that the California Supreme court has legalized gay marriage. Here is what the mayor of San Francisco had to say following the decision...(tape, "As California goes, so goes the rest of the nation.More >>
Smith County Precinct one Constable Henry Jackson has been indicted by a grand jury and is awaiting trial on ten different charges. I am absolutely a believer in innocent until proven guilty, but Constable Jackson should resign. More >>
By now I'm sure you've heard that on February 17th 2009 television will go through the largest change in history. Actually by now you may be tired of hearing about the "digital transition". More >>
Rising gas prices among other economic hardships are keeping east Texans awake at night as we struggle to make ends meet. And to compound matters many employers, facing the same challenge, are eliminating jobs in an effort to be competitive or, just keep their doors open.More >>
Recently the idea of a gas tax holiday has been floated by the presidential wannabe's. Gas prices continue to go through the roof and these candidates are using the situation to play political games.More >>
Recently an East Texas woman accused country music star Miranda Lambert of assault. When it turned out she lied about the incident, it got me thinking. What's going on here? First, we saw an Athens teenager claim she was attacked over an immigration poster she made in class. More >>
One viewer took exception to my comments about Al Gore last week suggesting among other things that I am questioning the wrong things. Brandy writes, "Why do we care about another country's economy and not our own? Why aren't we charging this countryMore >>
The global warming crusade initiated by Al Gore seems to be "heating up" again. Now I've got to be honest with you, I barely passed my college science classes so I do not consider myself an expert on global warming. More >>
Recently the Gilmer school district approved a plan to offer a study of the Bible as a class for Juniors and Seniors. I commend the school board for making this decision. More >>
We've all heard the saying that there is a silver lining around every dark cloud and I was excited to hear about one such lining that came in the form of an accomplishment. The Athens school system has been hit recently with the glaring spotlight of negative publicity. More >>
It was sad news a couple of weeks ago when a white student falsely accused classmates of another race with violence. On the other hand the incident also showed me something else.... that when rational adults discuss and evaluate facts and try to do the right thing, a more constructive outcome might be had. More >>
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and KLTV, a Raycom Media Station.
