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  • Trinity Schools affected by COVID

    trinity isd logoFILE PHOTO - Trinity ISD logo

    TCNS Staff

    TRINITY — The High School and Junior High in Trinity are now going through the state required procedures of quarantine and contract tracing as one student and one employee have tested positive for COVID-19.

    Letters were sent out Thursday to parents.

    Superintendent John Kaufman said these are the first positive cases in the district this year.

    “We have completed our contact tracing on the two individuals and notified the appropriate parents,” Kaufman said. “A deep cleaning was conducted on all classrooms and common areas associated with the two positives.”

    Kaufman said TISD will continue to follow the protocol established in its reopening plan and CDC guidance.  

    “Trinity ISD is committed in providing a safe environment for all our students,” he said.

    Due to privacy requirements, the district did not release the names of the individuals or any identifying details.

    According to the letter sent out to the district, based on the information that was gathered, it has been determined the end of the 14-day incubation period for anyone possibly exposed on campus to the student/staff member is Nov. 25.

    The release also states that while the district does not have reason to believe that those who were not in close contact with the infected individual have reason to be concerned, residents are admonished to watch for symptoms of COVID-19, and to follow district guidelines regarding contact with any positive-testing person.

    Anyone within the Trinity ISD community that begins experiencing any symptoms in a way that is not typical is encouraged to contact a physician. Anyone who is lab-confirmed to have COVID-19 is requested to notify the school nurse at (936) 594-2090.

    The release states the district continues to monitor the situation and will provide additional information as needed. Questions or concerns can be directed to (936) 594-2090, or information will be available at Trinityisd.net.

  • Trinity splits against Coldspring-Oakhurst

    020421 grovetonPHOTO BY MARTHA MERICLE A Groveton player looks to move toward the goal during the Indians’ 35-31 win over Latexo on Jan. 26, 2021.

    TCNSA STAFF

    COLDSPRING — The Trinity girls outlasted the Coldspring-Oakhurst Lady Trojans, but the boys, who played catchup for the game, lost by 20.

    The Lady Tigers stopped COHS with a 57-11 drubbing, while the Trojans downed the Tigers 72-52 on Friday.

    For the Tigers, Jakai Miller-Gates led scoring with 18, followed by Trey Goodman with 12.

    Coach Jacoby Mitchell

    The win puts the Lady Tigers at 7-3 in district play, while the boys fall to 3-5.

    On Jan. 26, The Lady Tigers edged out Anderson-Shiro 48-47.

    Coach Taylor Wilson said it was the team’s first time to beat the Lady Owls in district play.

    Top scorers were Rayn Balli with 19 points, Peyton Robb with 10 points, Cynthia Sizemore with 7 points, Shania English with 5 points and Nevaeh Craft with 5 points.

    Centerville

    Girls

    (10-2 overall, 6-1 in district)

    •Jan. 27 vs. Laneville, 31-20 win.

    Top scorers: Gracie May with 11 points, Alexis May with 8

    •Jan. 26 vs. Apple Springs, 34-19 win

    Top scorers: K.K. Mott with 14, Gracie May with 14

    Boys 

    •Jan. 27 vs. Laneville 67 Centerville 67-41 loss

    (Ethan Rutledge 14, Aydn Self 14)

    •Jan. 26 vs. Apple Springs 66-44 win

    (Aydn Self 33 points, Ethan Rutledge 10 points)

    Groveton

    Girls

    •Jan. 25 vs. Grapeland, 50-41 loss.

    Scorers: Tatum Porter with 12, Lena Taylor with 10, Kiki Smith with 8, Kassie Plotts with 5, Chasity Blair with 5, Maicey Smith with 1

    Rebounds: Kassie Plotts with 16, Chasity Blair with 6 op Assists: Kiki Smith with 3, Chasity Blair with 3, Maicey Smith with 3

    Blocks: Kiki Smith 2, Tatum Porter 1

    •Jan. 23 vs. Lovelady, 43-26 loss

    Scorers: Tatum Porter with 8, Lena Taylor with with 6, Kassie Plotts with 5, Chasity Blair with 4, Kiki Smith with 2, Maicey Smith with 1

    Rebounds: Chasity Blair with 8, Lena Taylor with 8, Kassie Plotts with 6

    Assists Kiki Smith with 2, Kassie Plotts with 2

    •Jan. 21 vs. Centerville, 60-25 loss

    Lena Taylor with 9, Tatum Porter with 9, Maddy Thomas with 3, Chasity Blair with 2, Kassie Plotts with 2

    Rebounds: Lena Taylor with 8, Kassie Plotts with 7

    •Jan. 20 vs. Grapeland, 56-32 loss.

    Scorers: Tatum Porter with 15, Lena Taylor 1 with 2, Maicey Smith with 2, Chasity Blair with 2, Bre McQueen with 1

    Rebounds: Kassie Plotts with 10, Chasity Blair with 9

    Assists: Kassie Plotts with 4, Ingrid Rojo with 1

    Boys

    •Jan. 26 vs. Latexo, 35-31 win.

    •Jan. 25 vs. Centerville, 59-44 loss.

    Apple Springs

    Girls

    •Jan. 29 vs. Wells, 48-25 loss

    •Jan. 26 vs. Centerville, 34-19 loss

    Boys

    •Jan. 29 vs. Wells, 70-26 loss

    •Jan. 26 vs. Centerville, 66-44 loss

  • Trinity takes off the mask (GALLERY)

    060321 trinity isd One Happy BoyCOURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN Case Robinson was very happy to show off his trophy and ribbon, won in the Houston Rodeo art contest.

    By Tony Farkas

    TRINITY — The Trinity ISD Board of Trustees is taking off the mask — optionally.

    At its regular meeting on May 24, the board approved making mask use optional, effective immediately, said Superintendent John Kaufman.

    “This was on agenda before the governor’s mandate,” he said. “We felt that with the availability of vaccinations, it was time to relieve some of the requirements.”

    Staff, students and visitors now have the option to wear masks.

    In a separate matter, Kaufman said he was given permission to begin researching the district use of school uniforms.

    Kaufman stressed that this is the beginning of a process, and any implementation of a policy is a long way off.

    “I will start by formulating a parent survey of five or six questions, and later send that out throughout the district,” he said. “We’re a long way off at looking at that; it may not get past the parent survey.”

    The rationale that was given for a uniform dress code was to help boost student self-esteem, school pride, the ability to have everyone on a level playing field, and increased attendance.

    “The premise for uniforms is pride; they put everyone on a similar playing field where kids aren’t being made fun of for their dress, or harassed because of economic status,” Kaufman said.

    In other business, the board:

    • granted permission to Kaufman to hire and offer contracts throughout the summer months to new teachers; and
    • approved a contract with SFE Food Service.
    COURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN Melissa Garcia, Joni Madera and Jennifer Harlow were named Employees of the Month for May. Each one received a certificate and $100; on June 7, at the End of Year Awards Luncheon for TISD staff, each selected employee from the school year will be eligible for a drawing for $1,000. Pictured are (from left) Board Vice President Monty Huffman, Melissa Garcia, Gill Campbell, Joni Madera, Cullen Carroll, Jennifer Harlow and Kelli Robinson.

    COURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN Melissa Garcia, Joni Madera and Jennifer Harlow were named Employees of the Month for May. Each one received a certificate and $100; on June 7, at the End of Year…

    COURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN Lansberry Elementary Houston Rodeo Art Winners are (left) gold medalist Summer Daniels, Art Teacher Jenny Hurst and (right) Best of Show winner Case Robinson.
    COURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN Lansberry Elementary Houston Rodeo Art Winners are (left) gold medalist Summer Daniels, Art Teacher Jenny Hurst and (right) Best of Show winner Case Robinson.
    COURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN Trinity Middle School and High School Houston Rodeo art winners are (from left) Alyssa Loesh, Best of Show, TMS; Ashlyn Roman, Best of Show, THS; and Julia Lozano, Gold Medal, THS. Not pictured is Nicolette Fontaine, Gold Medal, TMS.

    COURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN Trinity Middle School and High School Houston Rodeo art winners are (from left) Alyssa Loesh, Best of Show, TMS; Ashlyn Roman, Best of Show, THS; and Julia Lozano, Gold…

    COURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN The Oath of Office was given by Debra Ogden to Judy Bishop and Elizabeth King following their re-election to the Board of Trustees for the next three years. Both ladies ran unopposed. Pictured are TISD Board Members (from left) Elizabeth King, Ricky Hortman, Judy Bishop, Monty Huffman, Dorothy Franklin, Kevin Searcy, Maggie Trevino and John Kaufman, Superintendent. Organization of the board remains the same, with Searcy as president, Huffman as Vice President and Franklin as secretary.

    COURTESY PHOTOS | DEBBIE OGDEN The Oath of Office was given by Debra Ogden to Judy Bishop and Elizabeth King following their re-election to the Board of Trustees for the next three years. Both ladies…

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  • Trinity to replace some sewer lines

    111920 trinity 1TONY FARKAS | TCNS Justice of the Peace Hayne Huffman (right) swears in (from left) Clegg DeWalt, Wayne Huffman and Chris Dennis at the Nov. 12 Trinity City Council meeting. The three were re-elected to their posts on Nov. 3.

    By Tony Farkas

    TRINITY — Christmas came early to the Trinity City Council in the form of a $275,000 no-match grant that will help replace some aging infrastructure.

    At its regular meeting on Nov. 12, the city discussed a grant that Police Chief Steven Jones said was initially denied.

    “Council Member Bubba Smith and I were in Lufkin to discuss it, and we were told that we did not get the grant,” Jones said. “… I got a call out of nowhere recently that said we did get the grant, and we have a confirmation email.”

    Engineers will now begin work on replacing a sewer line that runs between Trinity Memorial Hospital and Rockdale Street. He also said it has zero match.

    In other business, the city:

    • •approved the canvass of votes in the Nov. 3 election of city officials, and swore in returning council members Smith, Clegg DeWalt and Chris Dennis, Mayor Wayne Huffman, and Municipal Judge Lyle Stubbs.
    • •re-appointed Billy Goodin as Mayor Pro Tem;
    • •approved changes to persons allowed to handle the night depository bag;
    • •approved $1,500 in Hotel/Motel funds for the Christmas at the Crossroads event; and
    • •approved receipt of the city audit for the 2018-19 fiscal year. Auditor Dianne Sollock informed the council that the audit has an “unmodified opinion,” which is the best outcome, and also said that the city’s financial picture is improving year to year.
  • Two injured in crash

    DPS logo

    Special to the News-Standard

    TRINITY COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety investigated a two-vehicle crash Tuesday morning on SH 94, just west of Deaton Road.

    The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 10 a.m., a 2009 Ford passenger car was traveling east, collided with a 2020 Dodge pickup that was traveling west.

    Reports indicate the driver of the Ford droveover into the westbound lane and struck the Dodge on the driver side. The Ford then continued off the roadway, where it caught on fire.

    The driver of the Ford, Diana Haddox, 52, of Groveton, was able to exit the vehicle. She was transported to a Conroe hospital by medical helicopter for treatment.

    The driver of the Dodge, Alesha Turner, 35, of Diboll, was transported to Woodland Heights Hospital in Lufkin for treatment.

    This crash remains under investigation. Additional information is not available at this time.

  • Two seek mayor’s post

    bennetandwaltonFILE PHOTO Ralph Bennett and Tommy Walton

    By Tony Farkas

    GROVETON — Two current members of the Groveton City Council are looking to become mayor.

    The position is up for election, as the incumbent Byron Richards passed away from COVID unexpectedly.

    Early voting ended Tuesday, and the regular election will be from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday. Polling will be done at the Groveton High School Auditorium

    Ralph Bennett

    Currently the mayor pro tem, Ralph Bennett said he wants to continue to bring about improvement in the community.

    “I want to complete the projects we had started, such the downtown renovation and the water well, something me and Byron Richards had started on,” he said.

    Bennett has served 14 years on the council, and currently is the Trinity County minority rep on the DETCOG board. He worked for 35 years at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, having retired from security in the Windham School District.

    Additionally, he is treasurer and secretary of the Parker Ridge Cemetery Board in Groveton, and has more than 100 hours of continuing education from the Texas Municipal League.

    “I’m experienced, and that is key for someone being mayor,” he said.

    Aside from infrastructure, Bennett said the city needs to bring in new businesses, and especially needs to improve our road systems. He also intends to work with the state to make sure there is adequate broadband coverage in the area.

    “My top priority right now is securing a water well to have a reliable water source for the city,” he said. “This will become a fight down the road, but it is important to the growth of our community.”

    Tommy Walton

    Grant funds are the key to moving the city forward, and Council Member Tommy Walton said his main focus will be the continuation of numerous projects that are in process.

    A few of those include water meter replacement, wastewater retention pond renovation, purchase of a water well, downtown renovation and water line replacement — in all about $7.1 million.

    “Most of these projects are not something that the residents see every day, but are necessary to the running of an efficient city,” he said. “This is the result of lots of planning and lots of searching for grants. My goal is to qualify and obtain as many grants as we possibly can. It will make our projects move slower than what I would like, but we have to live within our means and I think the voters of Groveton will expect no less.”

    Walton said Groveton is a small town with a limited tax base, and if the city tried to do these projects with raising property taxes, taxes would be so high that no one could afford to live here.

    Other areas of focus include making City Hall and the Mayor more accessible, and involving residents in special projects, making use of any professionals in the area for their advice and knowledge. Additionally, the beautification of the city of Groveton is also high on Walton’s list of priorities, and all of it needs to be dealt with in a five-year plan.

    “Running the City is not a one man show; it involves the Mayor, the City Council, the office staff, the road and bridge staff, the Police Department, animal control, etc.,” he said. “The Mayor is there to help guide the direction and plan for the future. I will always be focused on our future.”

  • Vaccine Saturday

    021121 covidTONY FARKAS | TCNS Health professionals from HealthPoint provide COVID-19 immunizations at a clinic held at Trinity High School on Saturday. More than 700 vaccinations were provided through a combined effort of the Trinity Memorial Hospital Board, HealthPoint, the city, the county and the school district, as well as numerous volunteers.

    HealthPoint, hospital board hold COVID vaccine clinic

    TCNS staff

    TRINITY — Seven hundred residents received the first round of COVID vaccines at an immunization event at Trinity High School on Saturday.

    The event was a joint effort between the Trinity Memorial Hospital Board and HealthPoint.

    Marjory Pulvino, vice president of the TMHB, said HealthPoint received 925 vaccinations from the state very recently, and when the event was announced online, 600 people had registered for the vaccinations within hours.

    On Feb. 1 and 2, 120 people who did not have online access were registered through the Trinity Community Health Resource Center.

    On Saturday, 45 health professionals from HealthPoint, along with help from TMHB, Trinity schools, Trinity Police Department, and County Judge Doug Page and the county’s Emergency Management Operations Center, as well as volunteers, held the drive-through clinic at Trinity High School.

    Pulvino said there were no problems with people receiving shots because of the work of everyone involved.

    TMHB President Randy Karnes called the event incredibly successful.

    “We would like to express our deep gratitude to HealthPoint for their generous support,” he said. “We are fortunate to have HealthPoint in the community. I also would like to recognize the community for supporting this event.”