KC adds to Longview campus
By LESTER MURRAY news2@kilgorenewsherald.com

Kilgore College trustees met last night and, after a reccomendation from the Property Committee, voted to purchase additional property in Longview.

Dr. Bill Holda, college president, said th school is acquiring a piece of property adjacent to the existing Longview Center and is an excellent opportunity for expansion as well as a good purchase.

Holda said the .55-acre tract and the 2,000-square-foot building was toured by the property committee composed of three members of the KC board of trustees.

"The building is in great shape and is ready for us to move in," said Holda. "With this aquisition KC could possibly be holding classes in the building by this summer; at the latest, this fall."

Holda said since the real estate contract has not yet been finalized, neither the owner of the property nor the purchase price will be released at this time.

"As soon as the contract is signed we will release the name of the seller and purchase price," said Holda.

Also on the agenda, KC shut down two of its programs - medical assisting and computer repair.

"These two programs have been looked at closely and the numbers are dwindling," said Holda. "The college is looking to offer adult education courses in these areas which benefits the student and allow them to get into the workforce much quicker."

KC also signed a quit claim deed, releasing the district's interest in the Crim Theater and The Texan.

The Crim and the Texan are owned by Kilgore College, Kilgore school district and the City of Kilgore. "The City of Kilgore is looking at acquiring grants for these properties and, since KC has no vested interest financially, signing the quit claim deed relieves KC of any liability.

The city is considering repairs to both abandoned theaters.

A new grant writing service was also approved at the meeting. JCCI Company was hired to write Title III grants.

These grants can be in the millions of dollars and require a great deal of time and expertise specifically for these type of grants and will benefit KC, said Holda.