East Texas Chronicle

East Texas Chronicle Real news for real people. We dig deep into important issues, shining a light on East Texas and its residents. Contact us: [email protected]

The East Texas Chronicle is an independent news organization under the non-profit umbrella of Tyler Innovation Pipeline that produces community journalism with moral force. East Texas Chronicle covers a range of topics including businesses, health, education, art and culture, sports, positive community impact, and more. This degree of real, independent journalism requires a great deal of time and

resources, and many newsrooms can no longer afford to take on this kind of deep-dive reporting. As a nonprofit, the East Texas Chronicle's work is powered primarily through donations. The vast bulk of the money we spend goes directly into reporting on issues important to East Texans. We are committed to sharing real news for real people. East Texas Chronicle was founded in 2023 with the belief that authentic journalism is critical to growing communities. Our staff remains dedicated to carrying forward the important work of reporting unbiased news that both informs and unites the people of East Texas.

Support The Evie Effect at the Pizza with a Purpose event hosted by Parry’s Pizza Head over to Parry's Pizza for a night...
31/12/2024

Support The Evie Effect at the Pizza with a Purpose event hosted by Parry’s Pizza

Head over to Parry's Pizza for a night of great food and community impact.
Parry's Pizza is hosting a Giveback Event to benefit The Evie Effect.

When: Thursday, January 2nd
Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Parry's Pizza

Here’s what’s happening:

Dine and Donate: Mention The Evie Effect when you order, and Parry’s will generously donate a portion of your purchase to support our mission of mental wellness and su***de prevention.

Raffle Fun: Enter for a chance to win a 60-minute massage at The Relax Lab.

5K Promo: Be sure to grab a $10 off promo code for our upcoming Light the Way 5K — available exclusively at this event.

Community Resources: Stop by our table to connect with valuable mental health resources and learn more about The Evie Effect.

Bring your friends and family to enjoy delicious food while making a difference. Every bite you take brings hope and healing to our community.

The organization will have team members onsite to meet you, share it's mission, and answer questions.

"Let's come together to foster a community where mental well-being flourishes. Thank you for supporting The Evie Effect. Together, we can light the way to hope."

Parry's Pizza is at 3314 Troup Highway in Tyler and can be reached at 430-413-4906.

Hello East Texas!Jessica here - it's been a minute and I have missed you. A lot has changed since the inception of East ...
31/12/2024

Hello East Texas!

Jessica here - it's been a minute and I have missed you.

A lot has changed since the inception of East Texas Chronicle, so let me fill you in. Because I could no longer work without an income, I took a reporting position with a newsroom covering Macon, a really cool city in Georgia. I worked my way up and now work as the editor of a newsroom that covers Northeast Ohio.

However, I never moved out of Texas and split my time between East Texas and Houston. Unfortunately, the East Texas Chronicle had to take a back seat while I figured life out and got back on my feet financially but I am hoping to continue it in some capacity.

While working for that "other local paper" I fell in love with the East Texas community and miss sharing its stories - your stories.

I still haven't ironed out how this platform will move forward. I am thinking of taking on a more public relations role as my time to actually "report" on news will be limited.

As I did when East Texas Chronicle was originally created, I am asking for your patience as I navigate how to move forward. And, I am open to any and all suggestions.

You can reach me at [email protected]. If you own a business and send out press releases or newsletters, please add me to your list.

I look forward to moving into 2025 and sharing this space in whatever way I am able.

Talk soon!

East Texas team competes in Hollywood-based Easterseals Disability Film Challenge with “Wingman”Staff Report A team from...
24/04/2024

East Texas team competes in Hollywood-based Easterseals Disability Film Challenge with “Wingman”

Staff Report

A team from East Texas is participating in the international Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, which gives filmmakers the opportunity to collaborate to tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms.

The film challenge is a five-day filmmaking contest, open to all, providing a platform for new voices in the entertainment industry. This year’s theme is Buddy Comedy.

Filmed and produced over two days, Wingman tells the story of Will who calls upon his friend Quentin to help him retrieve his treasured drone when his sister flies it into his neighbor’s yard. Along the way, Will and Quentin navigate numerous obstacles, and Will learns to challenge his assumptions.

The film’s cast consists of Nicolas Noblitt of Tyler, Denton Buckley of Whitehouse, Bliss Joseph of Tyler and Eliza Noblitt of Tyler, who span in age from 10 to 18. Jeff and Natalie Noblitt, parents of Nic and Eliza, produced the short film. Nicolas and Eliza have competed in previous Easterseals Disability Challenges. This is the first competition for Buckley and Joseph.

“The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge is something I look forward to every year,” said Noblitt. “While it’s a comedy, it’s also a great opportunity for people to see someone with a disability on screen having a good time with their friends.”

A Whitehouse High School sophomore, Nicolas has cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hearing loss stemming from his premature birth. He is a member of SAG-AFTRA with previous acting credits including The Contractor starring Chris Pine, Speechless on ABC, S.W.A.T. on CBS, and Ramy on Hulu. Nicolas, Eliza, Jeff and Natalie Noblitt, as well as Bliss Joseph, have all acted in productions at Tyler Civic Theatre.

“Making a movie at home over a weekend is a big challenge,” Nicolas said. “We battled the wind, the sun and a drone that really did go off course like in our film. This year, it was fun having a cast of younger actors.”

Each year, aspiring storytellers are prompted to creatively write, produce and complete a short film. Challenge winners receive invaluable access to entertainment professionals, opening the door to an industry notoriously difficult to enter.

There were more than 120 films entered. There will be finalists and awards in several categories - those finalists will be named May 5th.

A message from Tyler community advocate Casey Muze: This journey is so wonderful. As of mid February your boy will be a ...
27/03/2024

A message from Tyler community advocate Casey Muze:

This journey is so wonderful. As of mid February your boy will be a published author.

Here is how your support can be present. Join our launch team.

Being a part of the launch team is a huge help with a small but specific commitment outlined below:

1. Reading the initial draft called the "Advanced Reader Copy," which is essentially a sneak peek in PDF format that allows you to read the book before official publication.

2. Purchasing the eBook on our publication day ($1.99)

3. Leaving your review on Amazon!

Be willing to be a part of this project and help us get these brave words into the world in a bigger way?

If so, please go ahead and visit the AvenueSpeak LLC page for the link to register to be on the launch team!

Please do this before April 2nd, 2024 to ensure you receive the automated email that contains the Advanced Reader Copy for your review.

Thank you so much for your support!

Spring is here and so is allergy seasonStaff ReportThis week marks the official start to spring, and as warmer begins to...
21/03/2024

Spring is here and so is allergy season

Staff Report

This week marks the official start to spring, and as warmer begins to settle in, the season brings with it an unwanted guest: allergies.

More than 25% of Americans – approximately 80 million people -- suffer from seasonal allergies, which can range from a mild nuisance to a near-debilitating issue, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

“Allergy symptoms can last for several weeks if not months,” said Dr. Lori George, a family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Texarkana. “The key is to recognize your level of sensitivity and try to be as proactive as possible.”

Taking an antihistamine early in allergy season before symptoms start, using an air purifier at home, avoiding outdoor activities in the morning where pollen counts are highest and tracking your local pollen counts are all ways to prepare for the allergy season.

In the East Texas region, high counts of pollens like cedar, elm, oak and ragweed are extremely common, and due to humidity, mold spores can make symptoms worse.

It is very common for a person to develop a sinus infection on top of dealing with allergies, and those infections usually require prescription medications.

“Allergies and illness, like a common cold, can be hard to tell apart as they present very similar symptoms: congestion, sneezing, itchy throat, and runny nose,” said Dr. David Larsen, a family medicine physician with CHRISTUS Trinity Clinic in Tyler. “The key difference is a cold will normally include a period of having a fever and should resolve itself in a few days, whereas allergy symptoms can persist for much longer period.”

Larsen said that anyone with severe allergies may want to consider allergen immunotherapy, commonly treated through shots or oral droplets, to help desensitize the immune system over longer periods of time.

For those with less-severe symptoms, over-the-counter remedies such as antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids and decongestants should alleviate symptoms.

“If symptoms persist despite over-the-counter remedies, significantly impact daily activities or simply continue to worsen over time, it’s best to seek medical attention,” he said. “Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, should also promptly consult a health care provider.”

UT Tyler Partners with UT Health East Texas to Host Spring into Good Health Staff Report The University of Texas at Tyle...
20/03/2024

UT Tyler Partners with UT Health East Texas to Host Spring into Good Health

Staff Report

The University of Texas at Tyler is partnering with UT Health East Texas to host Spring into Good Health on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 2p.m. at UT Health East Texas Physicians Clinic - Fifth Street in the clinic parking lot located at 1000 E 5th St. in Tyler.

The purpose of the event is to raise health awareness and literacy in East Texas. More than 20 vendors will provide health care resources to the community.

“Spring into Good Health is an amazing opportunity for our community to access vital health information,” said Kim Bush, UT Tyler director of the Center for Community & Rural Health Education. “We’re thankful that our partnership with UT Health East Texas is making this possible and to all of the vendors who are coming to show their support for East Texas.”

According to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the leading causes of death in Texas are heart disease, cancer and stroke, respectively.

Vendors at this event will offer services such as free blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks, and breast and cervical cancer assessments to address these health concerns.

“At UT Health East Texas, we are dedicated to raising awareness of the dire health needs within our region,” said Leah Dixon, UT Health East Texas Physicians chief operating officer. “We look forward to future collaborations with UT Tyler to enhance the health and well-being of our community.”

Vendors include:

• A Team V Coalition
• NET Health
• UT Health East Texas AMS/AIR 1 Ambulance
• City of Tyler Police and Fire Department
• Wal-Mart Vision Center
• United Way/211
• Texas Home Visiting
• PATH

05/03/2024

The Northeast High School graduate is making a mark in the music world, following in the footsteps of local legends like Otis Redding and Little Richard.

Unique East Texas band set to play at ETX Brewing Co. SaturdayJessica T. Paynejessica@easttexaschronicle.com A unique Ea...
26/02/2024

Unique East Texas band set to play at ETX Brewing Co. Saturday

Jessica T. Payne
[email protected]

A unique East Texas band is set to perform at ETX Brewing Co. in Tyler on Saturday. Eve’s Road, made up of harpist Charla Murray and drummer Jason Solley, plays a mix of popular covers from all genres including classic rock, R&B, pop, classical, and more.

Murray said she and Solley first met in junior high and started collaborating musically in high school. Although Murray temporarily moved out of Texas in 2000, the duo continued making music together despite the distance.

Murray and Solley We officially started performing as Eves Road in 2022.

Murray said she feels the band offers a unique vibe due to the instruments the band members play.

“We’re unique in that we are an orchestral harp and drum duo. I only know of one other group with that lineup, and you just don’t see a giant harp every day,” she said. “I also play an electric harp; which is even a bit more rare than standard acoustic concert harps.”

Murray shared that at many shows people are surprised by the songs played and she enjoys performing ‘outside of the box’.

“I feel like we play a lot of familiar music people tend to like hearing, but there’s always someone at a show who says, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect to hear XYZ on a harp,” she said.

“And, I think we show that you don’t have to be put in any box, and just do your own thing,” Murray said. “I also started playing the harp in my 30’s, and it’s one of the more lost, complicated instruments.”

Murray explained that people coming into the world hearing music, whether its mothers singing to their children or learning nursery rhymes, then people tend to ‘set their lives’ to music.

“Music is a big part of weddings and all kinds of celebrations. Then, not to take a dark turn, but typically there’s music at funerals so we kind of go out with music as well,” she said. “It’s just always been that thing I was able to stick to. I start a million hobbies and abandon them, but not music - it’s always there.”

Murray, who also plays harp, bass guitar, keyboard, and sings, said ETX Brewing Co. is one of the band’s favorite performance spots.

“ETX Brewing Co. is one of our favorite places to play, and it’s a great venue for all ages to come out,” she said. “We love playing for the Tyler and east Texas community.”

Eve’s Road will perform at ETX Brewing Co. on Saturday, March 2 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“I’d like to thank the Tyler music community and venue owners for being receptive to us since we aren’t your standard rock band line up” Murray said. “We’ve really been shown some love and hope we can keep doing this for a long time.”

The band is available to play house parties, corporate events, restaurants and bars, and more.

For more information, visit the Eve’s Road page.

Revolutionary treatment for AFib now available at Christus, thanks to generosity of patients Staff Report Christus Trini...
23/02/2024

Revolutionary treatment for AFib now available at Christus, thanks to generosity of patients

Staff Report

Christus Trinity Mother Frances Louis Peaches Owen Heart Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the country to institute a new, revolutionary, FDA-approved treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), thanks to a significant gift from the Hall Family Foundation.

As a result of the donation, the heart hospital has acquired two Farapulse Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA) generators, the latest advanced technology designed to treat atrial fibrillation, which is a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate. The gift was made after father and son were both patients at the heart hospital and wanted to give back.

“This heart hospital holds a very special place in our hearts, both literally and figuratively,” said the Hall Family Foundation’s Gerry Hall. “I have been a patient here, as has my son, and I know the incredible work that goes on here. It really is an amazing place.”

According to Boston Scientific, the maker of Farapulse, the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital is the second facility in Texas and one of the first 10 in the country to utilize the technology.

The first two heart hospital patient procedures using Farapulse PFA were completed on Monday, Feb. 19.

“We know that this is going to be a great addition for the heart hospital,” said Monte Hall. “Both my dad and I have AFib, so we know the importance of getting it checked out and getting it fixed. This new device is going to help so many people who are in the same position we are.”

During a traditional ablation procedure, a catheter is guided to the interior of the heart and generates extreme temperatures – hot or cold – to destroy targeted areas in the heart associated with abnormal heart rhythms.

The Farapulse PFA System, however, relies on tissue selective, non-thermal electric fields to ablate heart tissue and avoid damage to surrounding structures. It received FDA approval on Jan. 31.

“We know that this is an incredibly safe and very effective way to treat atrial fibrillation,” said Dr. Stan Weiner, medical director of electrophysiology at the heart hospital. “We are excited to gain access to the newest technologies to treat our patients and we cannot thank the Hall family enough for allowing us this opportunity.”

In March 2023, the Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital performed the first procedure in Texas as a part of the Farapulse PFA clinical trial, which enrolled more than 400 patients at 53 sites across the U.S., Canada, and Europe. Positive data from the trial ultimately led to FDA approval.

“By 2030, atrial fibrillation will impact more than 12 million Americans,” said Deb Chelette, Christus regional vice president of cardiovascular services. “We are so thankful to the Hall Family Foundation for their incredible gift as it allows our team to truly extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ by bringing best practice atrial fibrillation care to East Texas. We look forward to expanding this technology to our other Christus ministries so that we can serve our patients in their community, close to home.”

16/02/2024

UT Tyler receives $300,000 for pre-law academy.

UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun announces retirementStaff Report Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, announced today that he w...
14/02/2024

UT Tyler President Kirk A. Calhoun announces retirement

Staff Report

Kirk A. Calhoun, MD, FACP, announced today that he will retire
as president of The University of Texas at Tyler effective May 31, after serving a combined 22 years as president of UT Tyler and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT).

“Jeanete and I arrived in Tyler when I was appointed as the new president of the UT Health Science Center at Tyler at age 49, some 22 years ago,” Calhoun said. “I was especially honored to be the inaugural president of the combined UT Tyler/UTHSCT. This has been a most unusual, incredibly lengthy, and joyous span of service for a public university president.”

Calhoun has led UT Tyler since the university merged with UTHSCT in 2021. He served as president of UTHSCT since 2002, making him the longest-serving active president in the UT System.

“On behalf of the Board of Regents, I express gratitude to President Calhoun for his leadership during a remarkable period of growth of our health enterprise and the union of our academic and health institutions in Tyler. We hope he'll reflect on his long and successful tenure with great satisfaction,” said Kevin P. Eltife, UT System Chairman of the Board of Regents.

During his presidency at UT Tyler, the university has experienced record enrollment growth, historic philanthropic giving and the launch of the first school of medicine in East Texas.

In January 2023, Texas Governor Greg Abbot and other elected officials joined with Calhoun, Eltife and fellow regents, and UT System leaders to break ground on the $308 million UT Tyler Medical Education Building, set to open in 2025, as home to UT Tyler’s School of Medicine.

“Dr. Calhoun’s long commitment to the UT Health Tyler, UT Tyler, and the region will be felt for many years to come. Improving health and the human condition and educating and training generations of students has been his life’s work. We applaud his many impactful contributions,” said J.B. Milliken, the UT System’s Chancellor.

Collaboration and increasing educational opportunity have been hallmarks of Calhoun’s tenure leading UT Tyler. The university expanded academic programs, forged partnerships with community colleges and industry, grew student scholarship offerings, and developed a strategic plan for the combined health and academic enterprise.

UT Tyler also received decennial reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and advanced to R2 Carnegie Classification, Doctoral University with High Research
Activity, reflecting the university’s growth in research activity.

In 2018, Calhoun implemented the merger of assets from UTHSCT, Ardent Health Services, and the East Texas Medical Center to create the UT Health East Texas hospital system.

He now serves as Chair of the UT Health East Texas Board of Directors. This newly formed health system owns and operates 10 hospitals, more than 80 clinics, emergency transport services, home health, and other health enterprises.

He served on the board and is immediate Past Chair of the American Association of Medical Colleges board of directors. Calhoun served two terms as Board Chair of America’s Essential Hospitals and two terms on the Texas Statewide Department of Health Services Council.

He currently serves on the executive committee of the Teaching Hospitals of Texas.
Throughout his career, Calhoun has received numerous awards, including induction to the prestigious Doctor Luke Society.

He and his wife, Jeanete, were awarded the T.B. Butler Citizens of the Year Award in 2021, honoring their achievements and contributions to Tyler.

Calhoun was the 2023 recipient of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education District IV E. Joseph Savoie Chief Executive Leadership Award.

The process for the selection of UT Tyler’s new president, including the appointment of a committee to advise Milliken and the Board of Regents, will be led by Eltife, a Tyler native whose extensive knowledge and decades-long leadership role with UTHSCT and UT Tyler have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in state and regents’ support to the university.

“There are many important initiatives at our Tyler campuses, and my colleagues and I will work to name a successor to President Calhoun who will build upon the work underway,” added Eltife.

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