Courthouse reopened after Smith Co. gas leak

TYLER, TX (KLTV) -

The Smith County Courthouse has now reopened after closing during a gas leak at Smith County Jail Tuesday afternoon.

According to John Moore with the Smith County Sheriff's Office, the gas leak has been repaired by CenterPoint Energy and the courthouse has been reopened. Downtown Tyler is under a voluntary evacuation and some businesses have sent employees home for the day. Air monitoring has been conducted in the area and the atmosphere has been deemed safe.

Ferguson Street, Broadway Avenue, Fannin Avenue and Erwin Street near the jail were all closed

Emergency crews responded to a gas leak at the Smith County Jail around 12:07 p.m. Work crews hit a newly-installed four inch gas line while digging, causing it to rupture. The Smith County Courthouse and several surrounding buildings were evacuated.

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Alex Smith needs to protect himself a little better

Posted by Mike Florio on September 19, 2013, 6:02 PM EDT AP

With all the concern regarding the ability of Andy Reid’s former quarterback in Philly putting himself in harm’s way, red flags should be hoisted regarding a sudden reckless streak from Reid’s current quarterback in Kansas City.

Smith, who lost his starting job in San Francisco after a concussion opened the door for Colin Kaepernick, repeatedly put himself in harm’s way during the opening drive in last Sunday’s home opener against the Cowboys.

During the 13-play, 77-yard scoring march, Smith ran the ball five times.  Every time, he finished the effort with something other than a slide or a run out of bounds.  At one point, Smith capped a 17-yard run on third and 15 by launching himself butt first along the sideline.

On each of Smith’s next three runs during the game, he either went out of bounds or slid.  So maybe it was adrenaline on the opening drive, and maybe he was told to calm down and be careful.

Regardless, when we’re watching and waiting for Mike Vick to get blown up, sir on Thursday night, it makes sense to also keep an eye on whether Smith gets ear-holed.

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15-acre fire in Smith Co. extinguished

LINDALE, TX (KLTV) -

Multiple fire departments put out a 15-acre blaze Thursday afternoon in Smith County.

According to officials with the Smith County Fire Marshal's Office, the fire was located at 20939 County Road 4129 near the Old Sabine Bottom Wildlife Management Area. This location is about six miles northeast of Lindale and threatens multiple structures.

The fire marshal believes the blaze was sparked by a lightning strike.

The Texas A&M Forest Service, Lindale Fire Department, and Red Springs Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire.

Residents of Smith County are reminded that there is a burn ban in effect.

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