City’s electric rates “very competitive, close to current costs”

An electric cost of service and rate study conducted by GDS Associates Inc. that has been approximately a year in the making has debunked allegations that the City of Livingston has been overcharging …
Rotary District Governor Dr. Charley Gilliland

District Governor addresses local Rotary Club

Rotary District Governor Dr. Charley Gilliland was the guest speaker for the Rotary Club of Livingston Thursday. Gilliland spoke about the opportunities presented by becoming more active in …

Budget development time for county

The tax assessor-collector’s 2025 no-new-revenue and voter-approval tax rate calculations and verification of collection rate will be presented to the Polk County Commissioners Court during a …

15-year-old becomes youngest firefighter in Texas

IVANHOE – At just 15 years old, Carly Yarbrough has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the youngest certified firefighter in the state of Texas.  Carly, who recently …

BOOKSTORE FOR CHARITY DONATION

The Keniesha R. Beatty Memorial was the latest recipient of a donation from the Tyler County Booster, from funds raised through the Bookstore for Charity project, inside the Booster office, located …
This Week In East Texas

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This Week in East Texas 07-17-2025

All around East Texas
Columnists
Search teams have recovered 103 bodies in Kerr County after the devastating July 4 floods along the Guadalupe River, with Gov. Greg Abbott saying at least 161 people were still unaccounted for. …
On an unseasonably cool Thursday, July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress declared total independence from King George III and Great Britain. In doing so, the founding fathers threw off the …
10 years ago   Clerks to delegate handling of same-sex marriage licenses; Gardening checklist-take these helpful steps in July; Houston County Hospital District Board announces mission, …
What a glorious Fourth of July Celebration I had, and what fun I had watching other people celebrate too. It is amazing how Americans like to celebrate after the fact, i., e. fireworks on the Fifth …
Opinion
While you (hopefully not) were waiting for an explanation as to why the Epstein files and client list weren’t released, the lawfare against a sitting president, or Trump if you prefer, has …
There’s a dirty word in American politics, and it’s not one of George Carlin’s seven. It’s not even a word that signals real danger. The word is “socialism.” More …
Recently, Texas Monthly released its long-awaited latest installment of its 50 best barbecue joints in Texas. The canonical ranking, released every four years or so, and curated by the …
Sports & Recreation

Livingston looking for physical defense

Destry Cope will lead the Lion defense with a different look in 2025.
The Livingston Lions have endured their share of defensive struggles on the gridiron. They surrendered an average of 40 points per game last season, while never scoring more than 24 in a game. A new …
Jacob Alford will help guide the Lion offense as its new coordinator this season on the gridiron.

Getting offensive

Looking to increase his role and responsibility in a football program, Jacob Alford left his hometown for a chance to reverse the fortunes of Livingston. He has been hired as the offensive …
Alyssa Fielder graduated from Sam Houston just a few months ago, but has already led club teams to success for three years. She takes over at Livingston, prepared to continue their recent success.

Recent graduate ready for coaching challenge

Alyssa Fielder didn’t have the problem that faces many recent college graduates. One of the challenges can be finding that initial job to begin a career after graduation. Her volleyball …

Tri-Cities All-Stars capture state title

GROVETON — The Tri-Cities 14-U All-Stars won the Division 2 DBB State Championship in a nail-biting tournament recently. Facing off against the Jefferson Bulldogs, the team proved that …

Schwertner files legislation to strengthen border security measures

AUSTIN — Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, filed legislation to aid county jails in their coordination and collaboration with ICE and provide stronger legal tools to discourage the …

Texas land commissioner urges court to investigate sale of border wall material

Border wall panels in Starr County.

AUSTIN — Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, M.D., announced that the Texas General Land Office, the State of Texas, and the State of Missouri are asking a U.S. District Court judge to …

Bite by Bite

Trying out a new salmon dish

Honey Mustard Pecan-Crusted Salmon with Roasted Veggies

If you’ve been a reader of Bite by Bite for much time at all, then you already know that we are big salmon-lovers. I’m grateful that we are. It’s a very versatile protein and has …

Obituaries
John “Rooster” Swearingen
John “Rooster” Swearingen, 73, of Colmesneil, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Harbor Hospice in Jasper, Texas. Graveside services were held 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 …
Leo “Tony” Brochtrup
Leo Anthony “Tony” Brochtrup, Jr., 74, of Woodville, passed away Sunday, July 13, 2025 at his home in Woodville, Texas. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on …
Evone Durham Brown
Heaven gained a faithful servant on July 7, 2025, when Evone, 77, of Colmesneil, TX, received her ultimate healing and entered her eternal rest. Her chains of cancer are gone; she’s been set …
Billy Glenn Young Sr.
Billy Glenn Young Sr. was born November 27, 1934 to John Otis Young and Zana Katherine Lofland in Hamlin, Texas. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 10, 2025 at the age of 90. Billy …
Stacy Darrell Sanders
Funeral services for Stacy Darrell Sanders, 67, of Livingston, Texas, were held Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas with Pastor Chris Borden …
Outdoors
Lake Tawakoni guide Omar Cotter with a chunky hybrid striper caught last week. Downrigging or trolling with deep diving plugs with trailers is producing well now for both hybrids and white bass. Photo by Luke Clayton

Downrigging-deadly technique for big fish

My first experience with using downriggers for stripers and hybrid striper occurred 30 years ago. I was fishing with a very experienced guide that specialized in using downriggers, a very effective …

Hunting new land

This is the time of year when many hunters are moving from one hunting lease to a new one. There are many reasons for changing hunting leases and most veteran hunters understand that unless they own …

East Texas Fishing Report

B.A. Steinhagen FAIR. Water stain; 84 degrees; 0.09 feet below pool. Very few anglers on the water.   Nacogdoches GOOD. Water stained; 88 degrees; 0.21 feet above pool. Water …
Our publications
News from around the web
5 simple ways to save and extend your budget
(BPT) - No matter your budget, you can always benefit by finding ways to save. Perhaps it's only a dollar here and there, but these savings can add up and help you reach financial goals or pay for …
Beyond Bargains: The Rise of the Value-Seeker
(BPT) - Inflation has impacted consumer spending habits as buyers appear to be more focused on getting the most out of every dollar they spend. But it's not about finding the cheapest product, it's …
Road Trip Survival Guide: 9 Ways to Save and Stay Safe this Summer
(BPT) - Millions of Americans are taking to the road this summer for what is expected to be a record-breaking travel season.Whether you're headed to a national park or coastal city, safety and …
The Tour de France is one of the most physically taxing sporting feats imaginable.
Tour de France: How many calories will the winner burn?
Riders in the 2022 Tour de France will ride more than 2,100 miles (3,400 km) over the 21 flat and mountainous stages of the race. And they will burn an incredible amount of energy while doing so.
Lionel Messi celebrates with fans after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup championship in 2022 in Qatar.
2026 FIFA World Cup expansion will have a big climate footprint, with matches from Mexico to Canada – here’s what fans can do
Big sports events face a sustainability conundrum: They’re under pressure to grow bigger, but at the same time, their athletes are dealing with increasingly dangerous heat and shorter snow seasons.