Tyler

Because of the significant impact two bond issues will have on Tyler and Smith County's future, the Tyler Paper has prepared a 10-page section -- with stories, charts, and photographs -- that explores every aspect of each public referendum on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Tyler Independent School District is asking taxpayers to help it continue building modern school facilities for future generations, a process initiated in a 2004 bond issue that resulted in building six replacement schools and one new campus. TISD is now asking voter approval to replace six more schools costing $124.9 million.

Smith County leaders have rolled out what they describe as a "no-frills" $59.6 million jail bond initiative to correct overcrowding and stop the practice of spending tax dollars to house prisoners in other counties.

Watch for the special section -- which also includes a Smith County sample ballot and early voting locations -- in Sunday's Tyler Courier-Times--Telegraph.