Getty Images

Luke Bryan has always been a proud boy from Leesburg, Ga. Thanks to American Idol contestant Phillip Phillips, Bryan is no longer the lone famous name to come from the town of Leesburg.

Phillip made it to the top three on this season of Idol, and will find out tonight if he made it to the finale. It seems that a lot of people are picking Phillip to win the competition, and a little support from a hometown superstar is just what he needs to finalize the title.

Luke recorded a video for Phillip showing his love and support and wishing him the best.

BBVA Compass/Tyler Police

Tyler police are still on the hunt for a man who robbed a South Tyler bank this afternoon.

Tyler Police Department spokesperson Don Martin said a man standing about 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, walked into the BBVA Compass Bank at S. Broadway Ave. and Southtown Drive, pulled out a gun and demanded money. He fled the scene on foot with an undetermined amount of cash.

Martin also described the man as a white male with blonde hair and wearing a blue basketball jersey and blue shorts. No one was reportedly injured in the accident.

We will update as we get more information.

The Brothers of the Sun c0-headliner will now go up against a group that just recently got back together.  The Mavericks, featuring lead singer Raul Malo will now try to dethrone the champ on today’s Duel.

Kenny Chesney with ‘Come Over’

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel

Here are the Mavericks with ‘Born to be Blue’

This special trick riding group is from Weatherford, Texas and travels all over the United States to perform at rodeos. These girls work and train hard!  The group has performed for the last few years at the Lindale Rodeo and are a crowd favorite.

The “All American Cowgirl Chicks” strive to inspire and mentor people of all ages at professional rodeos to expose the community to the awareness of western heritage and donating monies to charitable causes.

Tickets for the rodeo are available at several Lindale locations: Lindale State Bank, Capitol One, Brookshire’s, Lindale Chamber, Kidd Jones, Trinity Mother Frances Health and Fitness, Southside Bank and Flemings Farm and Ranch.

Adult tickets are $6 in advance and $8 at the gate.

Child tickets ages 6-12 are free in advance and $5 at the gate.

I had some fun visiting with some of the girls from the team in the KNUE studio this morning. Team leader Trisha, Brandi, Sadie and Hattie.

Alan's Country Records/EMI Nashville

With the release of Alan Jackson’s long-awaited ‘Thirty Miles West’ just weeks way, the country superstar has divulged the official track listing for the 13-track album. The project, Jackson’s first under his own label Alan Country Records, in partnership with EMI Nashville, may be his 17th studio attempt, but the Georgia native admits he is still able to create a relevant album title that references his own person life.

“There’s this highway that’s been in existence for forever now — it’s called the Dixie Highway and it runs from north of Michigan all the way down to South Florida, and I wrote a song about it that’s on the album,” he explains. “I grew up on Highway 34 outside of Newnan, Georgia, and that’s where we came up with ‘Thirty Miles West.’ I think we were about thirty miles west of the official part of the Dixie Highway that runs through Georgia.”

When speaking about the album’s current radio offering, ‘So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore,’ Jackson says the connection to the song was instant. “At first, it raised the hair on my arms when I heard the demo,” he says. “It’s the kind of song that made me want to be in country music. I’m such a big fan of that kind of song. Sad songs, break-up songs and heartache songs are always the best ones to bring that emotion out … People are comparing it to a new ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’ I wouldn’t want to put myself in that category with George [Jones], but it is a great song.”

Written by esteemed songwriter Jay Knowles and Jackson’s nephew, Adam Wright, ‘So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore’ is Top 30 and climbing. ‘Thirty Miles West’ will hit store shelves and digital retailers on June 5.

Alan Jackson’s ‘Thirty Miles West’ Track Listing:

1. ‘Gonna Come Back as a Country Song’
2. ‘You Go Your Way’
3. ‘Everything But the Wings’
4. ‘Talk Is Cheap’
5. ‘So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore’
6. ‘Look Her in the Eyes and Lie’
7. ‘Dixie Highway’ (featuring the Zac Brown Band)
8. ‘She Don’t Get High’
9. ‘Her Life’s a Song’
10. ‘Nothin’ Fancy’
11. ‘Long Way to Go’
12. ‘Life Keeps Bringin’ Me Down’
13. ‘When I Saw You Leaving (for Nicey)’

[button href="http://tasteofcountry.com/new-country-music-releases-june-2012/" title="New Country Music Releases 2012" align="center"]

Source: TasteofCountry.com

Facebook: KLTV

After a 3.7-magnitude earthquake hit East Texas last week, some started speculating the quake could have been caused by fracking during oil and gas exploration. One meteorologist said it could be the case, too, and after this morning’s shake — the second in as many weeks — the question is being asked even more if fracking is to blame.

Jason Hansford, senior meteorologist at the National Weather Center in Shreveport, told KTRE in Lufkin last week the theory of earthquakes being caused by fracking was a relevant one.

“It could be fracking issues,” Hansford told the TV station. “It’s just a theory, but we don’t have any significant fault lines.”

But while the causes of these earthquakes remains unknown, earthquakes in East Texas are more common than you might think, which puts heavy doubt into the theory that oil and gas exploration is causing the quakes.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Texas is in the top 20 states for earthquakes, even ahead of Oklahoma. And while earthquakes have been more common in the panhandle and western regions of Texas, occurrences have been recorded in our part of the state, too.

The strongest earthquake in East Texas, according to the USGS, was on March 19, 1957, was a 4.7-magnitude quake that was centered in Diana, but was felt as far away as Magnolia, Ark. KLTV meteorologist Grant Dade said this morning’s earthquake would be the third-largest in East Texas history.

And in 1964, the Texas-Louisiana border region — not far from where the last two earthquakes’ epicenters were located (near Timpson) — an entire series of quakes shook the region. From the U.S. Geological Survey:

A series of moderate earthquakes in the Texas – Louisiana border region near Hemphill started on April 23, 1964. Epicenters were determined on April 23, 24, 27, and 28. There were numerous additional shocks reported felt at Pineland, Hemphill, and Milam. The only damage reported was from the magnitude 4.4 earthquake on April 28 – wall paper and plaster cracked at Hemphill (V). The magnitude of the other epicenters changed from 3.4 to 3.7. Shocks were also felt at Pineland on April 30 and May 7. On June 2, three more shocks were reported in the same area. The strongest was measured at magnitude 4.2; intensities did not exceed IV. Another moderate earthquake on August 16 awakened several people at Hemphill and there were some reports of cracked plaster (V). The shock was also felt at Bronson, Geneva, Milam, and Pineland.

Hydraulic fracturing — or “fracking” — is using pressurized liquid to fracture rocks and bring out minerals in the earth, or in our area, mostly natural gas and some oil. It is a practice often questioned and criticized due to safety concerns and hazards it poses to water and other natural resources.

Many reports have surfaced recently, including those from the U.S. Geological Survey, that the nation has experienced a dramatic increase in earthquakes over the past several years and fracking is “almost certainly” tied to the trend.

So, what do you think?

Ark-La-Tex Shredding is the leading professional information and document-destruction company servicing northeast Texas, northwest Louisiana and southwest Arkansas. Not only is Ark-La-Tex Shredding locally owned and operated, but also is the trusted firm chosen by thousands of businesses for document destruction and shredding services.

Ark-La-Tex Shredding offers free shredding for the public a couple of times a year. So don’t miss your chance to have your confidential documents (personnel or business) , old newspapers,  phone books, and more. Ark-La-Tex Shredding is NAID certified to ensure your information is confidential and secured. You can even watch them shred your documents.

Today Ark-La-Tex Shredding has partnered with STS Recycling. STS recycling is accepting computers, printers, pretty much anything electronic except microwaves. STS will even clear your computers of all personal information.

Food contaminated paper, waxed paper, waxed cardboard milk & juice containers, oil soaked paper, carbon paper, sanitary products or tissues, thermal fax paper, stickers and plastic laminated paper such as fast food wrappers, juice boxes, and pet food bags.

It’s a great way to rid yourselves of unwanted paper products, documents and electronics and it’s great for the environment!

Here is Roger’s first-hand account of what happened:

If you’ve slowed down your roaring laughter to a giggle, here’s the video that inspired Roger to make his — all in honor of Sweet Brown. All in good fun — we love it.

Here’s the video of Sweet Brown, who gave one of the best TV interviews ever after an apartment fire in Oklahoma recently.

Facebook.com

Hey guys, join me at Metro PCS in Tyler at the intersection of Troup Highway and Shiloh Road today, May 17, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for one of your final chances to win FREE tickets to Party in the Dirt presented by KNUE, featuring Curtis Grimes, Jason Boland, Charlie Robison and David Allan Coe.

Party in the Dirt 2012 Presented by KNUE is going down Saturday, May 26th. Being Memorial Day Weekend this concert is your official kickoff to Summer happening at The Gladewater Rodeo Arena.

Be sure to stop by and get qualified for FREE tickets, then checkout some great wireless deals at the same time. Right now, Metro PCS is offering unlimited talk and text plans for only twenty five dollars per month, you just can’t beat it!

So, join me today during lunch at the Metro PCS at the intersection of Troup Highway and Shiloh Road. Metro PCS… wireless for all!

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

The KNUE ‘Ticket Window’ is open for business! It’s your chance to win tickets to the hottest country concerts!

We’re giving away tickets to see Miranda Lambert, Joe Nichols, Tim McGraw & Kenny Chesney on the “Brothers of The Sun” tour, Sugarland and ”Party in The Dirt” presented by KNUE featuring Curtis Grimes, Charlie Robison, Jason Boland and David Allan Coe.

Here’s how to play:

Check this post daily for the specified artist and the two-hour window when the artist will be played on the air. When you hear two songs from that artist played back-to-back, be caller No. 20 at 903-581-4111 or 1-800-581-1015 and you win tickets to that show!

The specified artists for that day will be posted by 10 a.m. daily!

Here are your clues!

Thursday, May 17

• Listen for two Joe Nichols songs played back-to-back between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.! You could win tickets to see Joe perform at Diamond Jacks Casino in Bossier City, La. on May 25th!
• Listen for two David Allan Coe songs played back-to-back between 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.! You could win tickets to see David Allan Coe along with Curtis Grimes, Jason Boland and Charlie Robison at ‘Party in the Dirt 2012′ presented by KNUE at the Gladewater Rodeo Arena on May 26th!
• Listen for two Sugarland songs played back-to-back between 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. You could win tickets to see Sugarland at the BBVA Compass stadium in Houston on August 26th!

The ONLY way you can win tickets is by checking here and listening to 101.5 KNUE! If you’re not near a radio, listen live online for free!

And to get you totally ready for it all, here’s some “Gun Power and Lead” from our girl from East Texas, Miranda Lambert! This is the kind of experience you can win right here!

Click here for complete contest rules.

Facebook

A second earthquake in as many weeks hit East Texas early this morning in nearly the same location.

The U.S. Geological Survey confirmed the 4.3-magnitude earthquake, which occurred about three miles outside of Timpson in Shelby County at 3:17 a.m. this morning.

KSLA.com is reporting viewers from Mount Enterprise to Bienville Parish, La., called the station reporting they felt the earthquake. Some from as far north as Whitehouse and Longview said they felt shaking this morning.

This second earthquake’s epicenter was in about the same location as the 3.7-magnitude quake that happened last week. There are currently no reports of serious damage.

The cause of last week’s quake and this one remain under investigation, although one meteorologist speculated it could be caused by fracking, since there is no known fault line in the area.

Facebook

Texas Music good-guy, Granger Smith will be back in East Texas tonight, May 17th. The man who they say has more music videos than radio singles, will be making his Graham Central Station debut. Click here to buy your tickets now.

His return to East Texas prompted me to go back into the RTX archives and look for the audio of that time where he jacked my Radio Texas, LIVE intro — Found it!

It’s pretty funny if you like that sort of thing and if it’s not your show that’s getting jacked. Some people say it’s a good impression, I say there’s room for improvement. Check it out, let us know what you think.

Headsup! we’ll have at least two chances for you to win tickets to the show tonight on the Radio Texas, LIVE! facebook page so be sure to LIKE us to get in on all the winning.

If you haven’t yet check out his latest album “Live at The Chicken”, it’s quite exceptional and keep listening to Radio Texas, Live! to hear his new single ‘That’s What I Do With It.”

This just in from Granger Smith’s facebook: Do you have a hero or angel in your life? Email me a pic to INFO@GRANGERSMITH.COM and we’ll put them in a video to my new song “That’s What I Do With It.” Share with your friends too so they can get involved too.

Herkie, flickr

Seeing how the spring semester recently wrapped up for a lot of college students and with high school graduation coming up soon, the graduation invitations are in the mail and going out. With their arrival, a couple of questions came to my mind:

When you get the invitation, do you feel obligated to attend the graduation? If you send a gift to the graduate, how much is too much to spend?

Today, Chesney will face the new song from Rascal Flatts, ‘Come Wake Me Up’.

Kenny Chesney with ‘Come Over’

Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Clear Channel

And here’s Rascal Flatts with ‘Come Wake Me Up’

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Big Machine Records

cote, flickr

A sign in the window states “Garden Ridge Now Hiring!”  That phrase – now hiring – is what Tyler needs to hear and that means more jobs are on the way as national retailer Garden Ridge makes a move into East Texas!

Garden Ridge is expected to do some renovations on the vacated Walmart building on Troup Hwy. and hopes to have the store open August 1st.  It will be a 125,000 square foot building filled with art, home decor, holiday decorations, housewares, furniture, apparel and plants.

Getty Images

Verizon Wireless announced today its plans to get rid of its unlimited data plan that was grandfathered to previous users in favor of “tiered” data plans — and Verizon subscribers are NOT happy about it.

FierceWireless reported earlier today that Verizon CFO Fran Shammo was speaking at the J.P. Morgan Technology, Media and Telecom conference and said the unlimited data users who were grandfathered after the company’s switch to tiered plans last year will be required to pick a data-share plan.

Verizon reportedly is launching the data-share plan this summer, which will move the unlimited 3G data plan users to 4G LTE, but they will lose their $30 unlimited plan.

“Everyone will be on data share,” Shammo said.

Users on the Verizon Wireless Facebook page did not respond kindly, and many said they were leaving the nation’s largest wireless carrier.

Facebook: Verizon

Shammo did not elaborate on when exactly the change will take place, although with the data-share plans coming this summer, it looks to be soon. The data share plan is more geared at family plans and small businesses — the plan will have one amount of data purchased that is shared among everyone on the plan.

Verizon eliminated unlimited data plans in July of 2011 but kept previous subscribers to the plan. AT&T has done the same but is still keeping its unlimited data intact for grandfathered users. Sprint offers unlimited data to new users.

This announcement comes shortly after the company announced last month it would start charging a $30 fee for users to upgrade their phones.

In last nights “Props” episode, Puck- who is being bullied by the hockey team for not being able to graduate, and Coach Beiste- who is dealing with an abusive husband, team up together to cover Taylor Swift’s song “Mean”. “Mean” is the perfect anthem for these two to stand up to those who are bullying them. The harmonies and passion between the two definitely do the song justice. Lets hope that the success of this song means we will get to hear more Taylor songs from the Glee kids in the future.

Longview gun dealer Bob Godell told the Longview News-Journal the change is “long overdue.” Longview hunter Earl Ates, a lifelong National Rifle Association member, says he doubts the benefits of silent hunting, though, and worries about its use for poaching and other illegal activities.

He said silencers “can also go against making a humane kill.”

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission adopted rules in March that permit the use of silencers for the hunting of alligators, game animals or game birds. Such devices already were legal for the hunting of exotic animals, including feral hogs.

However, hunters will still have to apply for state permits to have and use silencers.