The City of Longview Partners in Prevention and Texas Parks and Wildlife will host the 21st Annual Kid’s Fishing Day at Teague Park Lake on Sat., Feb. 11, from 10am to 2pm.
Teague Park is located at 411 American Legion Boulevard.  This free event is open to children ages 3 to 16. The event has consistently drawn approximately two to three hundred children.
Besides prizes for catching a tagged fish, there will be door prizes. In addition, the sponsors will provide free bait.  To boot, a limited number of fishing poles will be provided for the young fishermen. But, that is not all. Happy the Clown will entertain attendees.
The City of Longview Partners in Prevention, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Ricky Borden, and the Longview Sportsman Bass Club are the sponsoring the event.
For more information, please call Partners in Prevention at 903-237-1019 or visit PIP.LongviewTexas.gov.
Kid’s Fishing Day started 21 years ago as a partnership between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the City of Longview Parks and Recreation Department. Currently, City of Longview Partners in Prevention has partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife and Sportsman Bass to host the event in order to introduce city kids to fishing sport.

Black History Then and Now is the theme of the Gregg County Historical Museum’s 2012 salute to African-American history.
This month-long exhibit opened February 2 and features a timeline of American Black History, spiced with a chronicle of local black history and how it relates to black history nationally.
Photographs, documents and various artifacts will comprise the display detailing noteworthy African-Americans locally and coast-to-coast.  This will include an array of black Barbie dolls, and works from a local artist.
A highlight of the month-long recognition event will be a panel discussion in which area residents will debate race relations past and present.  The museum will host this forum February 22 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The museum has incorporated the vital subject of black history into its ongoing yearly calendar of events and Educational Program which are open to the public and admission free.
The museum is located at 218 Fredonia Street in downtown Longview, across from Regions Bank.

The Longview Independent School District (LISD) Board of Trustees is offering former Superintendent Dr. James E. Wilcox a second term as interim.  The panel has already unanimously voted to hire an interim superintendent and assigned Board President Dr. Sam Satterwhite the task of offering the post to Wilcox.  Salary has yet to be established, but interims typically earn less than full-time supers.
“Any interim superintendent is going to cost less than a full-time person, so there is a definite savings to local taxpayers,” said Satterwhite.  “But with someone like James [Wilcox] we would be able to make a seamless transition because he knows this district like the back of his hand.”
Trustee Dr. Chris Mack is equally enthusiastic about Wilcox’s hiring. “We are going to have to hire somebody.  I think we get a lot more for our money if we hire someone who can come in and hit the ground running.”
Wilcox formally informed the board of his retirement in December, with his retirement officially commencing Dec. 31.  At that point Deputy Superintendent Andrea Mayo became interim superintendent.
“It’s difficult enough to work one of these positions, but to work both of them simultaneously is a monumental task,” said Satterwhite.  “Andrea [Mayo] has been holding down the fort better than anyone else could, but it’s not fair to expect her to continue doing both jobs.”
According to Satterwhite the board does not yet have a schedule for hiring a full-time superintendent, but the panel is wasting no time in approaching this vital task.  The board’s next meeting is February 6, which is the earliest the interim can be formally hired.  With the position being an interim capacity the LISD is not required to name a finalist.  Should Wilcox accept the position he will be assigned to lead the search for his permanent replacement.
“The last time we hired a [superintendent] search firm it cost the district more than $31,500,” said Trustee Chris Mack.  “Dr. Wilcox is admired and respected across the state and knows as many qualified people as any firm.”
In April 2007 Wilcox left the Waxahachie ISD in order to accept his current position in Longview.  Since arriving he has implemented such career and technology programs as district-wide International Baccalaureate and Montessori programs, and oversaw a school bond election that raised $267 million for the establishment of seven new elementary campuses, three new middle school campuses and the funding for extensive improvements at Longview High School.  He furthermore directed a district rezoning that simplified 28 attendance zones into just six, enabling a federal court to relax a 40-year-old desegregation order.
At the time of his retirement announcement in December, Wilcox revealed he had no immediate vocational plans, but would definitely continue to be active in the local educational community and in civic organizations.

The East Texas Pool League consists of men and women pool teams from Longview, Kilgore, Tyler and other East Texas towns.
The League has played competitively for over 10 plus years on a monthly basis according to Winsell Coleman, tournament director.
Most importantly, the League periodically donate funds to charities in the community. This year already, the League has made a donation of $510 to the Greater East Texas Community Action Agency that serves Gregg county. According to Coleman the funds came from the director’s memorial fund.

The City of Longview Partners in Prevention Mentoring Program is celebrating National Mentoring Month by raising awareness about the important role mentoring can play and the positive effect it can have on young lives.
Partners in Prevention Mentoring Program started 17 years ago as a pilot program on two school campuses in Longview and Pine Tree Independent School Districts. Today, the program can be found in eight school districts in Longview and five surrounding counties. One hundred and sixty-eight children are currently being served in one-to-one mentoring relationships.
Lyndell McAllister, Director of Mentoring, states, “We are one program of many across the nation providing mentors to young people. This is a special time of the year that we take the opportunity to raise awareness of how mentoring can positively impact children, and to thank our many volunteers for their time and service. Statistics show that young people with mentors are 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs; 53% less likely to skip school; and 33% less likely to hit someone. Our mentoring theme this year is “All American Stars for the Future.” Through mentoring, young people can build their own future story with the support and encouragement of a mentor.”
Partners in Prevention Mentoring Program would like to thank the many mentors who have served throughout the years. If you have a caring heart and one hour per week, you are invited to attend a mentor training on January 20 or February 8 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., or February 2 from 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Please call 903-237-1019 to register for a training session and schedule a time to visit with the mentoring staff. For more information, visit PIP.LongviewTexas.gov.

The Longview Fire Department is currently reviewing internal procedures to ensure all employees maintain current licenses and certifications. On December 27, 2011, the Longview Fire Department learned that an employee had allowed their paramedic certification to lapse. The Fire Department immediately conducted an additional audit that revealed another employee had similarly neglected to renew their certification. One certificate had lapsed by five months and the other by four months. The certifications are issued through the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
It is the employee’s responsibility to keep track of certification expiration dates. The Fire Department encourages employees to renew Texas DSHS certifications at least three months prior to expiration date to ensure a smooth recertification process.
Both employees were immediately placed on unpaid suspension in accordance with Longview Fire Department policy. During their unpaid suspension, both employees completed the necessary steps to reinstate the certification and were cleared to return to active duty. One employee returned to work on Thursday, January 12, and the other returned to work on Friday, January 13.
According to Fire Chief J.P. Steelman, “Both of these employees have a good track record with the Longview Fire Department, and they had received all the necessary training to remain up-to-date in their knowledge and skills. However, each employee is required to file the appropriate paperwork to renew their license, and they failed to do so in a timely manner.”
The Fire Department is currently reviewing existing procedures for certification tracking. According to Assistant Chief Curtis Shaw, “I would estimate that in addition to continuing education, Fire Department employees maintain a collection of over 1000 certifications with unique expiration dates and renewal criteria. Even though it is ultimately the employee’s responsibility to renew certifications, it is important that we continually monitor the status of those certifications.”
Since learning of the certification lapse, the Longview Fire Department has been in contact with the regulating agency Texas DSHS. On January 10, DSHS requested additional information about the incident including related paperwork and dispatch reports. The Longview Fire Department continues to investigate the incident and is working to provide a full response to DSHS.
Chief Steelman states, “It is our standard operating procedure to provide two paramedics on each call, so I don’t believe patient care was ever jeopardized during the time of the employees’ certification lapse. Furthermore, although the expiration of the license was unacceptable, I am confident the employees were still competent in their skills.”
For more information, please contact the Longview Fire Department at 903-237-1210.

It seems like yesterday when Longview Regional Medical Center started recognizing local woman who add to the quality of life in this community. This is the 12th year since the first fateful event dubbed “Stars over Longview.”
Since then, the event has grown with tremendous community support netting 900 tickets this year. The recent Stars over Longview awards luncheon again was first-rate. Royal colors of purple and gold with beautiful fresh lilies adorned the tables. Guests were treated to a delectable lunch from Lori’s Eats and Sweets of Gilmer. Chris Murray provided desserts, and attendees enjoyed valet parking.
Some Stars expressed surprise at the honor. “I am so surprised that I was chosen,’ said Donna Blalock, the December Star.  I felt that others have done more and deserve to be a Star.”
Ms Linda Buie, April Star is very honored and humbled because there are so many deserving women. Amy Allen August Star over Longview thanks God for His gifts that enables her to serve the community. “Longview has so many women who serve in various capacities,” she said. “Every year, I am amazed and astounded at what goes into this celebration.”
In addition, attendees look forward to the event every year. “I know this to be a great event for Longview,” said Debbie Leith with Longview ISD. “They honor women. I believe this is a good event to have in our town.”  LISD Assistant Superintendent Micah Lewis agrees. “I think it is a great celebration  – that women are recognized in the community,” he said. “Women contribute so much to society and this celebration recognizes that.”
Keynote speaker for this anniversary event was Abby Rike. She spent 13 years as a high school theater and debate teacher.  Her work in this field was a great inspiration for her students to be the best they could be. However, she had to pull herself out of a terrible personal tragedy in 2006 when her husband and two young children were killed in a car crash.  In May 2009 she embarked on her personal journey of healing both herself and others. She became a motivational speaker appearing on the NBC reality series The Biggest Loser.  It was a start.
She has since appeared on the Today Show, the Ellen Show, Jay Leno, and has addressed multitudes nationwide, honoring her faith and family.  She sees God’s healing touch in her life as a blessing to be shared with as many as possible.  She is a living, vibrant and thriving example of how even the worst disasters can be overcome by faith in the Holy Spirit.  The title of her topic was, What Defines You. Rike gave the audience a hard hitting, truthful and loving lesson about living and giving. Her favorite saying “Even in your darkest hour, there is hope,” says it best. She encouraged the audience to leave fears of failure or inadequacy behind and jump into helping others and make ‘ripples’ as she calls it.
For more information on Rike and her mission please visit www.abbyrike.com.

City of Longview offices will be closed Monday, January 16 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Sanitation will continue normal trash collection services on Monday, January 16. The Compost Facility will be closed on Monday, January 16 as well as Tuesday, January 17.

The Longview Public Library will be closed Monday, January 16 for the holiday; however, the book drop will remain open.

The Broughton Recreation Center, Paula Martin Jones Recreation Center and the Senior Recreation Center will be closed on Monday, January 16.

Longview Transit, the public bus transportation system, will remain open and will be on the regular schedule throughout holiday.

To report a water or sewer emergency please call 903-236-3030.

In honor of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., The MLK Planning Committee, City of Longview, and other community sponsors will present the annual MLK Citywide Celebration with events planned leading up to Monday, January 16.
Under the theme “The Dream, From the Community to the World,” several events have been planned including an essay and art contest; jazz concert, parade, festival, humanitarian celebration, worship service, and a memorial march.

According to Community Services Coordinator Dietrich Johnson, “As, always, the City of Longview is excited to be a part of this significant celebration. These events coming together are great examples of Dr. King’s legacy A diverse group of volunteers from throughout the community working together to make it all happen hand in hand.”

To register for the MLK Parade, please contact the Broughton Recreation Center at 903-237-1276.

Please note that City offices will be closed on Monday, January 16, in observance Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

What a great year for YOUR Chamber of Commerce! From obtaining its five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to creating a brand new Visitor Center, the Longview Chamber of Commerce has given its members more access! Those accomplishments and more will be celebrated at the 2012 Annual Banquet, sponsored by The Cassity Jones Companies.
The evening will begin at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, January 17 at Maude Cobb Convention Center. Members who joined in 2011 will have the opportunity to have a FREE table top display during the PRIMETIME reception from 5:30 to 6:30. Our existing members may also purchase a space in this reception for $75. In order to take advantage of this offer, please contact the Chamber office at 903-237-4000.
After the PRIMETIME reception, the dinner program will begin and Thom Singer will provide a keynote address. Singer is a professional speaker, sales trainer and the author of eight books on the power of business relationships and networking, and presentation skills.
He has spent over 20 years in sales, marketing, and business development roles with major corporations. In addition to Singer’s keynote address, the 2011 and 2012 Board of Directors will be recognized, awards will be presented to Large Business of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year, Ambassador of the Year, and the Chairman’s Award will be presented.

Limited seating is still available by contacting the Chamber office at 903-237-4000 or by registering with payment online at www.longviewchamber.com. Tables of 8 are available for $600 or $500, as well as individual tickets for $50 for members. The Board of Directors looks forward to celebrating with you.