Write a comment
By Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
During Monday morning’s regular meeting of the Tyler County Commissioners Court, County Judge Milton Powers read some sad, sobering and stark statistics.
In Tyler County, last year, there were 267 reports of child abuse and/or neglect, and of those reports made, 41 cases were confirmed and of those cases, the result was 13 children were removed from their homes.
Powers read aloud a proclamation to recognize, countywide, the month of April as “National Child Abuse Prevention Month,” and in the text of the proclamation, he read off statewide statistics on the sad topic.
In 2023, there were, total, 310,582 reports of child abuse and/or neglect, of which 58,120 were confirmed. There were 173 deaths from child abuse, which Terry Allen, the county’s Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, called “ridiculous.”
Allen said “we live in the great state of Texas and kids are dying. If you see something, say something.” She urged anyone present to report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect, and on Monday morning, the Commissioners Courtroom was full of young people, who were present to take part in Local Government Day.
Powers said the issue is a “community problem that affects the current and future quality of life of a community,” and “a community responsibility,” which necessitates finding solutions depending on the involvement of everyone in the community.
According to data from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the number of deaths from child abuse/neglect was down last year from the year prior. In 2022, 182 children died due to abuse and neglect, statewide.
Additionally, in 163 of those cases, there was no Child Protective Investigation or ongoing services at the time, so no regular monitoring of the situation that could have protected the child.
Harris recognized for efforts
In Monday’s meeting, Judge Powers recognized Kathy Harris, of the county’s Juvenile Probation office, for 26 years of service to the county. Powers called her “a very vital part” of her department, and highlighted not only her work achievements, but some of the avenues of community service in which she has been active, including chairing the Salvation Army efforts in the county.
Harris also chairs the Adopt-an-Angel efforts, which provide Christmas gifts to foster children, and she has been vital in the fundraising efforts toward those programs, which have included the popular tea and purse auction events in November.
Snow River Masonic Lodge recognized
Snow River Masonic Lodge #388, of Spurger, is celebrating its 150th year. Powers read a proclamation recognizing the lodge’s anniversary, and the proclamation urged citizens to recognize the masons of that lodge for their service to their community, and to Tyler County, in general.
Other Business
• The commissioners approved the resignation of Ken Jobe from the Southeast Texas Groundwater Conservation District Board.
• A permit was approved for the usage of county right-of-ways for the construction of underground utility lines by Entergy Texas.
• During the public comments portion of the meeting, Sondra Williams, on behalf of the Woodville Lions Club, came before the court, and said she wished to express “extreme gratitude” toward the county for the use of the rodeo arena for the annual Lions Club Western Weekend Rodeo, which drew a large turnout, she said.
Write a comment
By Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SPURGER – The Tyler County Sheriff’s
Office recently made an arrest following a high-speed pursuit in the Spurger/Fred area, according to Tyler County Sheriff Bryan Weatherford.
Weatherford reported that on the night of Monday, March 18, TCSO deputies were patrolling the area, and observed a dark-colored, four-door passenger car, headed northbound on FM 92, near the Pct. 4 county barn at a high rate of speed.
Weatherford said that when the deputies attempted to stop the car, the driver began turning off the vehicle’s headlights, and travelled at speeds of up to 120 mph.
“As the suspect vehicle continued to travel north at the continued high rate of speed, a deputy in Spurger was able to shut down and secure the intersection of FM 92 at FM 1013 for other vehicles in the area,” Weatherford said.
While the vehicle continued to head north, at speeds averaging 115 mph, and with traffic flow along the farm-to-market road at a minimum, TCSO deputies continued on the suspect’s trail, and the vehicle came to an abrupt stop near Rush Creek, outside of Dam B.
The driver, 20-year-old Anthony Travis Foxworth, of Warren, was taken into custody. Weatherford said that at one point, Foxworth’s speed got up to 130 mph while he was being pursued.
Foxworth was booked into the Tyler County Jail, where he was charged with felony-level Evading Arrest With a Motor Vehicle, as well as a pair of class C violations for his vehicle.
Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Tina Self set Foxworth’s bond at $5,000. He has since bonded out of jail.
Write a comment
Wednesday, April 10, 2024- The American Red Cross has opened two emergency shelter in our Southeast and Deep East chapter to help those impacted by the overnight storms across the region. Our Texas Gulf Coast Disaster Team is working with local county officials and emergency managers to determine the needs in several communities due to the overnight severe weather.
Open Shelter locations:
JASPER COUNTY
First Assembly of God Church
101 West Trout Street
Kirbyville, TX 95956
TYLER COUNTY
Colmesneil High School
610 West Elder Street
Colmesneil, TX 75938
Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family:
If you were impacted and need Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-Red-Cross.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS EMERGENCY APP Have safety and first aid information at your fingertips. The emergency app features weather alerts, information on open Red Cross shelters, a toolkit with a flashlight, strobe light and alarm, and a one-touch “I’m Safe” button that lets you use social media outlets to let family and friends know you are okay. The apps include a Spanish language toggle switch and can be downloaded by visiting redcross.org/apps.
Stay informed: The Red Cross has several smartphone apps available that will alert you to National Weather Service warnings for severe weather and flash flooding and provide you with preparedness and safety information. These free apps are available at redcross.org/apps.
VOLUNTEERING The Texas Gulf Coast Region of the American Red Cross is fortunate to have volunteers who are trained, ready and willing to support our response to flooding in our communities. We thank individuals and community groups who are willing to support this effort and encourage them to register to become new volunteers to help with future disaster responses. Learn more and register online at redcross.org/volunteer and complete the online application.
HOW YOU CAN HELP The Red Cross mission is delivered through the commitment and passion of its volunteers. Whether you have four hours a month or four hours a day, there’s a place for you. If interested in joining the Red Cross, discover the possibilities at redcross.org/volunteer.
Help people affected by disasters like severe storms, hurricanes and countless other crises by making a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small across the United States. Please consider making a donation today. Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
LEARN MORE: For more updates, follow the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast on Twitter and Facebook at @RedCrossTXGC. You can also contact the Greater Houston Chapter at (713) 526-8300, visit redcross.org/Texas or call 1-800-REDCROSS.
Write a comment
User Rating: 5 / 5
By Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
TYLER COUNTY – A cosmic event that at least one economist is predicting to be “the most profitable 22 minutes” in Texas history is occurring next Monday, April 8.
A total solar eclipse, which the site Great American Eclipse, is calling “the greatest sight nature offers,” where the sun will be eclipsed by the moon, will, according to statistics from NASA, cover Tyler County at a maximum 94.6%.
Many large cities across the state are located in the path of the coming eclipse, including Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Waco, Del Rio and others, in the totality path.
The entire state will experience at least a partial solar eclipse, according to reports. The peak time for Tyler Countians to experience it will be around 1:43 p.m.
According to the aforementioned informational site about the eclipse, it is an event that must be seen.
“Nothing can prepare you for the amazing sight when the sky suddenly darkens and the Sun’s corona shines in the sky. No photograph can capture the stunning beauty of a total solar eclipse, you must see it for yourself,” the site states.
Weather-wise, there is a 55% chance of a strong thunderstorm in the afternoon, as of press time. For many of the cities in the path of totality for the eclipse, the forecast is looking mostly cloudy and, possibly, wet.
However, according to reports, it can be cloudy for the entire day, but if clouds break during the eclipse, it will be visible. One large, poorly positioned cloud can ruin it, though.
Reports estimate that up to a million visitors will be coming to Texas on Monday to experience the eclipse’s path of totality, thus providing a predictably noticeable economic impact.
According to data on file, it takes, on average, about 375 years for a total solar eclipse to occur, again, at a specific location. Total eclipses can last from a few seconds to a maximum of seven minutes and 30 seconds.
Solar eclipses also occur, always, two weeks prior to a lunar eclipse.
Viewers are urged to wear eclipse glasses labeled with ISO 12312-2 standard or use a handheld solar filter to avoid eye damage. Tyler County residents can purchase eclipse glasses from the Tyler County Booster office, located at 205 West Bluff, in Woodville. They can also purchase souvenir T-shirts, printed in house, which will be available on Saturday, during the Dogwood Queen’s parade.
Write a comment
All manner of vehicles and floats will be on display during the Queen’s Parade on Saturday. BOOSTER FILE PHOTO | JIM POWERS
By Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WOODVILLE – This weekend will see the coronation of a new Dogwood Queen.
The annual Dogwood Festival, which celebrates its third and final weekend as “Queen’s Weekend,” will take place on Saturday, April 6.
The festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Dogwood Dash, a fun running event, which traces its roots back to the 1970s. The race begins in the parking lot of Woodville Intermediate School, located at 50 North Charlton Street, and is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.
Throughout the morning, beginning at 9 a.m., and going until 5 p.m., the Woodville downtown area, around the courthouse square, will be alive with vendors.
According to organizers, there will be a huge variety of food, as well as arts and crafts, and informational booths from non-profit organizations.
The Queen’s Parade will begin near the Tyler County Hospital at 2 p.m. and end at the intersection of US Highways 69 and 287.
Natalie Standley, of Warren, is the reigning Dogwood Queen, but on Saturday, one girl will be crowned as her successor.
The festivities for the coronation begin at 7 p.m. at the Dogwood Amphitheatre, which is located on the campus of Wheat Elementary. The traditional historical play will follow the queen’s coronation. The queen will be adorned with a crown, scepter and a stunning dogwood ring.
The Dogwood historical play is the longest-running outdoor historical play in the entire American south, according to organizers. A group of volunteer thespians and musicians entertain the queen, her court and attendees, by bringing the history of the county to life. Each year, the storyline of the play evolves, but focuses on a different pivotal event or era in the county’s history.
According to a news release from the Dogwood directors, the festival has been a cherished tradition, steeped in history and pageantry, since 1940.
For the 81st year of the festival, the theme is “Memories in Bloom.” The blooming of the dogwood trees, as well as the arrival of spring and its accompanying verdancy, is the reason behind the festival.
According to the Dogwood Festival website, “Tyler Countians have paid tribute to the glories of Spring and the lovely dogwood trees since 1940 by creating each year a growing and more beautiful Dogwood Festival.”
Joomla Feed Manager News 