Around East Texas

By Monday and Tuesday we'll be sitting comfortably around the Christmas tree, sipping egg nog with family and trying to figure out how in the world a Furby really works.

In the meantime, it's a big ole traffic jam! Today and tomorrow are two of the busiest travel days of the year.

Triple A estimates 7.7 million Texans will be traveling more than 50 miles from home between Saturday and January 1. Millions of packages are on their way too, but they may not get here by Christmas.

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The practices began in the middle of August when it was one hundred degrees preparing for games with one goal in mind - the state championship title game!  A couple of East Texas teams have reached that goal and are one win away from gaining that title.  The Daingerfield Tigers and Gilmer Buckeyes are playing in their final games today at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

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Tyler Police are searching for the individuals responsible for shooting 13 vehicles overnight on the lot at Crown Kia/Volkswagen on Troup Highway in Tyler. The building itself also received damage from bullets.

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With the horrific tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School last Friday, parents and educators are more concerned for the safety of children in our school system today. Many school districts already have emergency plans in place and carry out disaster drills from time to time to keep their skills sharp if an emergency were to arise on campus. One school district in the state has already given the teachers and administrators the authority to carry concealed weapons through its halls.

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It is that time of year again. I am not talking about Christmas gifts, snowmen, New Years, and family. It it the return of McDonald's McRib sandwich. The question is, are you ready for it?

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After a fire broke out this morning in a Tyler home, two people will spend Christmas without a home. Nothing could turn this normally joyful holiday into such a sad and dark time. 

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Several media outlets are reporting Chala Peaks Restaurants, LLC, has officially signed agreements to develop Twin Peaks Restaurants in Tyler, Longview and Texarkana over the next few years.

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Have you driven by a Tyler gas station lately and done a double take to make sure you're not seeing things? Prices at some stations have dropped below the $3 mark. It seems odd to cheer for gas, but it kinda makes ya wanna say, "Woohoo!" Especially if you're traveling for Christmas.

In mid to late November, gas prices in East Texas were about 15 cents higher than they are now. A gallon of gas averages about $3.10 in Texas, down from $3.25 around Thanksgiving.

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The holidays are a fantastic time to meet up with friends and family and hang out and have a good time but when there are alcoholic beverages involved you need to be careful and be responsible. You should never drink and drive and that message has been out there for years, but people still do not heed the warning. The Tyler Police Department and Smith County Sheriff's department will be on the lookout for drunk drivers throughout Christmas and past the New Year holiday.

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Westboro Baptist Church plans to picket the funerals of the victims of the Connecticut school shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. If you agree that this is a horribly hateful protest, please sign this petition to make the U.S. government legally recognize the church as a hate group. 

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Texas Attorney General Gregg Abbott is warning East Texans about a fraudulent tax return scheme that is targeting our area. The company responsible for this scam is identified as Syam Tax Services LLC.

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Most students right now are thinking about Christmas break, but one Tyler school is thinking about its new classes, and an upcoming expansion.

The Tyler charter school, Cumberland Academy currently serves K-6th grade students, and just announced plans to open a middle school in fall 2013.

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