Category Archives: Business

Bad air. Blame the trees?

Posted on May 1, 2009 by wes

Curse those pesky pines for ozone woes in Longview, where air quality is once again under state and federal scrutiny. To understand why trees must shoulder their share of blame, walk into the woods and pluck a handful of long, … Continue reading →

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Old rides, new life

Posted on December 7, 2009 by wes

BETTIE — Edsel Green parked his tractor beside the only traffic light in town the other morning and polished his beauty for the ride to come. Rebuilt from hood to hitch, every bearing and seal, the red International was not … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture, Features | Leave a comment

Longview Transit riders as varied as the routes

Posted on August 4, 2009 by wes

We spent a recent weekday getting to know a few of the passengers who use Longview Transit every day. They are elderly people, working poor people, homeless folks and others who occupy a range of life situations. Continue reading →

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Go north, young town

Posted on May 1, 2009 by wes

Drive north toward Diana, along the fastest-growing stretch of commerce in Gregg County. Dotting the roadway, “For Sale” signs announce acres of skinny pine trees and fields that have been cleared in anticipation of new building. Strings of retailers, car … Continue reading →

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Cattle ranchers dwindling in East Texas

Posted on May 2, 2009 by wes

Around Longview, cows and calves are dotting fewer landscapes. Local ranchers blame rising costs, fluctuating markets and changing lifestyles. Continue reading →

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New gas gold rush grips the area

Posted on May 2, 2009 by wes

But will East Texans strike it as rich as our neighbors to the east? Not as likely, say people who have studied the Haynesville Shale. Continue reading →

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Fast times with the repo man

Posted on June 26, 2009 by wes

Never bring a knife to a gunfight. It’s a rule to live by, but not one that applies to Longview’s top repo man. Wesley Pierce has been cursed, chased and shot at in the 18 years since he began combing … Continue reading →

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A home-grown Thanksgiving turkey

Posted on November 13, 2009 by wes

The domesticated turkey has only one obligation in this life, but it’s a big one, and there’s no getting around it. The bird in my backyard had to die, and it was my job to off her.

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Let’s commercialize high school sports

Posted on August 28, 2009 by wes

Pat Collins is a salty old coach, a booster backslapper, a guy whose powers of persuasion can open wallets around town. He wants the best for his kids, and he knows how to get it. For proof, just look at … Continue reading →

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Some area towns put lots of cash in, get little out

Posted on December 7, 2008 by wes

In 1989, the state Legislature authorized a new half-cent sales tax to fund economic growth in small- to medium-size towns. The measure has been lauded as a game-changing force for new jobs and financial prosperity across the state. “I think … Continue reading →

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Selling roses to Longview’s drunks

Posted on July 4, 2010 by wes

If a man and woman are out on the town — they’re two-stepping, they’re having fun — one thing is all but certain: before night’s end, the rose lady will find them. And when she does, the man better have … Continue reading →

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