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Polk County News - Breakout

Over $1 million in scholarships presented On behalf of Green & White Scholarship Program

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Livingston High School Senior Kaleb Hebert receives a standing ovation at the Livingston High School Scholarship Night Tuesday after being presented a $230,000 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship by Staff Sergeant Trevor Yaste and Captain Tyler Vaughan. Hebert plans to attend the University of Houston and major in electrical engineering with a minor in exercise science and following completion of his degree, commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps.  Photo by Emily Banks WootenLivingston High School Senior Kaleb Hebert receives a standing ovation at the Livingston High School Scholarship Night Tuesday after being presented a $230,000 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship by Staff Sergeant Trevor Yaste and Captain Tyler Vaughan. Hebert plans to attend the University of Houston and major in electrical engineering with a minor in exercise science and following completion of his degree, commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps. Photo by Emily Banks Wooten

By Enterprise Staff

Over $1 million in scholarships was awarded to the Livingston High School Class of 2023 during the 34th annual Livingston ISD Honors Night Tuesday.

“On behalf of LHS and the Green and White Scholarship program, I would like to thank all of our parents and donors for coming out this evening to support this wonderful event. Tonight we will be awarding more than $1 million dollars which would not be possible without our generous donors and their dedication to the students of LHS,” LISD Superintendent Dr. Brent E. Hawkins said.

Following the presentation of the colors by the LHS Navy National Defense Cadet Corps (NNDCC) accompanied by Naval Science Teacher Sergeant First Class Grady Tinker – U.S. Army Retired and the National Anthem by the LHS Choir under the direction of Renee Vore, Hawkins recognized the senior students who have chosen to serve the United States Military following graduation. Henry Jaxon Pickett graduated in February and is currently serving in the U.S. Army. Lee Tige has enlisted with the U.S. Army and Tyler Uvalle has enlisted with the U.S. Navy.  “These students have chosen to protect and serve their country, and we commend them for this tremendous decision,” Hawkins said.

In 1989, the Outstanding Graduate Program was initiated to honor graduates from Livingston schools, who have achieved excellence since graduation from Livingston High School or Dunbar High School. Over 100 graduates have been recognized thus far. This year’s recipients were Richard L. Gilbert, a 1965 graduate, Dr. Erich Morris, a 1995 graduate, and Dr. Stacy V. Smith, a 2002 graduate. (See additional coverage, page 4B.)

Jami Alexander recognized the top 10% of the graduating class. The 23 students, from one to 23, included: Mallory Lester, Maci Hill, Anna Overstreet, Jaxson Potter, Alivia Huson, Ja’Noria Harrell, Lainey Galloway, Connor Corbin, Alec Youngblood, Brinkley Baggett, Paris Flores, Kirbie Evans, Jocelyn Presley, Makenzi Dunn, Belinda Reyes, Riley Bounds, Lilly Haynes, Bethany Faith, Brylee Thomas, Johan Perez, Bailey Nelms, Janae Bland, Makenzie Lamberth.

Also recognized were Jaxon Potter and Anna Overstreet who were named Mr. and Miss LHS, having been selected for the honor by the LHS faculty.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a $230,000 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship to Kaleb Hebert by SSG Trevor Yaste.

“The NROTC Scholarship is designed to give young men and women four years at the university or college of their choosing, covering the entire tuition and mandatory fees for the four full years of college. It also allows the student to study any major that they want and at the end of those four years, and upon earning a bachelor degree this individual will go on to serve our country as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps,” Yaste said.

“Kaleb Hebert has been selected to receive this scholarship. His future plans include attending the University of Houston with a major in electrical engineering and a minor in exercise science and then commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant, to lead the Marine Corps’ most important asset, its Marines. Kaleb initially enlisted in the Marine Corps this past fall, following in the footsteps of his older brother. After watching this young man’s natural leadership abilities, tied in with his physical versatility and scoring a max score of 99 on the ASVAB, we decided he would be a great candidate for this scholarship,” Yaste said.

“However, earning this scholarship is no small feat. In the State of Texas there were only 18 students selected this school year and less than 300 across the nation. They were selected for their leadership, physical fitness, academic achievements, community involvement and the burning desire to serve their country as a U.S. Marine,” Yaste said.

“Welcome to one of the greatest nights of the year in our community. Tonight’s scholarship presentations are a culmination of a year’s worth of fundraising activities, committee meetings and hundreds of community members working together with the common goal of making higher education affordable to our local students,” LISD Director of Communications Jennifer Birdwell said.

“For 34 years the Livingston Green and White Scholarship program has assisted local community organizations, memorial scholarships and our donors with identifying potential scholarship candidates and distributing funds to college students. Through the commitment of these many organizations, our program has assisted thousands of LISD graduates,” Birdwell said.

“This community has given graciously because we believe in our graduates and what you are capable of accomplishing in the future. Be diligent, make us proud, and wherever you go, be sure to give back to your local community,” Birdwell said.

This year’s recipients, along with the scholarships they’ve been awarded, include:

Ethan Alexander - Livingston Junior High Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Brinkley Kay Baggett - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Ernest E. Cochran Family Scholarship, Lake Livingston Telephone Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, LHS Alumni & Community Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship

Allyson Marie Banks - Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Addison Barnes - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Cedar Grove Elementary School Scholarship, Newman & Lillian Haynes Memorial Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Braden Barnett - Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Blayne Rebekah Bass - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship, Livingston Police Department - Caran Coward Memorial Scholarship

Hannah J. Berrones - Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship

Janae Bland - E. Gary Morrison (1931) Family Scholarship, Livingston Athletic Booster Club Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Bailey Booth - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Riley Bounds - First State Bank Academic Scholarship, Florida’s Kitchen African-American Achievement Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Bolton August Bruning - Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship

Emily Bryan - Urgent Doc Healthcare Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Emma Chambers - First State Bank Academic Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship, Livingston High School Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Caitie Cheeks - Livingston Band Booster Club Scholarship

Tucker Cherry - Creekside Elementary School Scholarship, Josephine Nevins Memorial Scholarship, LISD Administration and Support Staff Scholarship, Livingston High School Fishing Team Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship

John Russell Collins - Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Connor J. Corbin - Courtney Simeone Memorial Scholarship, Ellen V. Jones Memorial Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Jacob Andrew Cowles - Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship

Ryder Cude - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship

D’Naija Dickson - Florida’s Kitchen African-American Achievement Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Breeana Nicole Duke - Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship

Makenzi Lenae Dunn - Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Tiana Dunn - Florida’s Kitchen African-American Achievement Scholarship, Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship

Andrew Cole Dunson - E. Harlan Cochran Memorial Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship

Elsa Esquivel - Livingston High School Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Jessica Esquivel - Livingston High School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Brayden Paul Ethier - Livingston Athletic Booster Club Scholarship, Trinity Masonic Lodge #14 AF & AM Scholarship

Kirbie Elizabeth Evans - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Ernest E. Cochran Family Scholarship, First United Methodist Church - Merle Weaver Scholarship, Great Beginnings - Jimmy Phillips Scholarship, Laureate Theta Eta Chapter Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Livingston Lions Club L.C. “Sandy” Moore Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, The Smith Family Foundation Scholarship

Bethany Faith - Cedar Grove Elementary School Scholarship, Livingston High School Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship, Livingston Lions Club L.C. “Sandy” Moore Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Leo Ace Feest-Here - Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship

Ethan Fleetwood - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship

Paris Flores - Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Dylan Fore - Green & White FFA Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship, Rhett Lathan Memorial Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Raven Franklin - Blair & Ann McDonald Scholarship, Debbie Mayes Scholarship for the Performing Arts, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship

Ashley J. Froese - Courtney Simeone Memorial Scholarship, Education Excellence Scholarship

Lainey Leigh Galloway - Danny R. Tinney - Future Teacher Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, LHS Alumni & Community Scholarship, Livingston Police Department - Caran Coward Memorial Scholarship, LK Walker Memorial Scholarship, People’s State Bank Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship, Rotary Club of Livingston Scholarship, The Mickey Gilbert Scholarship for Educators, Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship

Kayla Galvez - Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Nevaeh Tra’Nyce Garner - Creekside Elementary School Scholarship, Highline Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Aisley Taylor Garrett - Creekside Elementary School Scholarship, Florida’s Kitchen African-American Achievement Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Mackenzie Gober - Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship

Jasmine Izabel Govea - Polk County Go Texan Scholarship

Anna Cadence Hall - Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Janoria Harrell - Amanda Smith Memorial Scholarship, Eastex Telephone Cooperative Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, John & Martha Stubbs Opportunity Scholarship, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHECO) Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship, Wright Family Scholarship

Krislynn Harwell - Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship

Lilly Haynes - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, First United Methodist Church - Merle Weaver Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Livingston Athletic Booster Club Scholarship, Miss Polk County Pageant Scholarship, 2023 Miss Polk County People’s Choice, Miss Photogenic, Interview and Talent Winner, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Kaleb Hebert - Military Scholarship

Reece Henderson - Dunbar Alumni Association Scholarship, Florida’s Kitchen African-American Achievement Scholarship, John & Martha Stubbs Opportunity Scholarship, LHS Alumni & Community Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Jimena Hernandez - Livingston Band Booster Club Scholarship, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHECO) Scholarship

Maci Grace Hill - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, First National Bank of Livingston Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, LHS Alumni & Community Scholarship, LISD Administration and Support Staff Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHECO) Scholarship, The Mickey Gilbert Scholarship for Educators

Mary Hoffpauir - Livingston Lions Club L.C. “Sandy” Moore Scholarship

Alivia Ann Huson - American Association of University Women (AAUW) Scholarship, Cole Overstreet Memorial Scholarship, Dorothy Jaggers Hurt Memorial Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Livingston Band Booster Club Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Rotary Club of Livingston Scholarship

Kylie Jacobs - Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Joseph James - Dorothy Jaggers Hurt Memorial Scholarship, Florida’s Kitchen African-American Achievement Scholarship

Makenzie Reese James - LISD Administration & Support Staff Scholarship

Blane Lambert - E. Gary Morrison (1931) Family Scholarship

Makenzie Marie Lamberth - Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Landon Leggett - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship

Mallory Reagan Lester - Cole Overstreet Memorial Scholarship, First National Bank of Livingston Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Ollege & Minnie Morrison Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Arabella Anastasia Giselle Letien - Cole Overstreet Memorial Scholarship, Livingston Band Booster Club Scholarship, Miss Polk County Pageant Scholarship - 2022 Ad Sales

Hailey Rose Lewis - Danny R. Tinney - Future Teacher Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Miss Polk County Pageant Scholarship - 2023 2nd Runner-Up, Committee’s Choice and Miss Congeniality, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Dakota Nicole Littlefair - Emerald Belles Booster Club Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Liliana Hudson Mau - Anneliese Hartmann Memorial Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Livingston High School Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship

Chad McClain - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship

Nikolas McNiel - Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Justin Milner - Livingston High School Fishing Team Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship

Xavier Mindiola - First State Bank Academic Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, The Mickey Gilbert Scholarship for Educators

Honesty F. Mitchell - Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship

Gage Kamron Morris - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Cedar Grove Elementary School Scholarship, Cole Overstreet Memorial Scholarship, Helm Family Memorial Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, Livingston Athletic Booster Club Scholarship, Livingston Police Department - Caran Coward Memorial Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship, Rhett Lathan Memorial Scholarship, Wright Family Scholarship

Kaden Mueck - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, LHS Alumni & Community Scholarship, Livingston High School Fishing Team Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Bailey Summer Nelms - John & Martha Stubbs Opportunity Scholarship, LHS Class of 2012 - Daniel Rivera & Jose Garcia Memorial Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Anna McKinley Overstreet - Creekside Elementary School Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Livingston Lions Club L.C. “Sandy” Moore Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Rotary Club of Livingston Scholarship, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHECO) Scholarship

Juliet Paredes - Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Grant Paske - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, “Let Us Never Forget” in Memory of PFC Stuart Moore Scholarship, Livingston Police Department - Caran Coward Memorial Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Zamirajh Pecero - Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Newman & Lillian Haynes Memorial Scholarship, Polk/San Jacinto NAACP Scholarship, Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship

Johan Perez - Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Ollege & Minnie Morrison Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Evan Perry - Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship

Jaxson Lee Potter - Cole Overstreet Memorial Scholarship, Creekside Elementary School Scholarship, Eastex Telephone Cooperative Scholarship, John & Martha Stubbs Opportunity Scholarship, Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, LISD Administration and Support Staff Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHECO) Scholarship

Jayson Vernon Potter - Creekside Elementary School Scholarship, Eastex Telephone Cooperative Scholarship, Health Professional Scholarship, John & Martha Stubbs Opportunity Scholarship, LISD Administration and Support Staff Scholarship, Livingston High School UIL Academic Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship, Sam Houston Electric Cooperative (SHECO) Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship, Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Jocelyn Thalia Presley - Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Trinity Jade Railey - First State Bank Academic Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship

Sierra Rains - Polk County Commissioners Court - Bobby Smith Memorial Scholarship

Calie Ray - Health Professional Scholarship

Belinda Reyes - Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship, Patty Carmona Memorial Scholarship, Pine Ridge Primary School Scholarship

Raymond Rios - Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship, Urgent Doc Healthcare Scholarship

Maddison Rogers - Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship Livingston Lions Club L.C. “Sandy” Moore Scholarship, Polk County Peace Officers’ Association Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Joshua Wayne Smith - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, “Let Us Never Forget” in Memory of PFC Stuart Moore Scholarship

Connor James Starr - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship

Kaleigh Starr - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship, Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship

Eli Steagall - Brian Perry Memorial Scholarship

Bryce Rylan Stiegler - The Smith Family Foundation Scholarship, Timber Creek Elementary School Scholarship

Brylee Thomas - Green & White FFA Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Livingston Junior High School Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Rhett Lathan Memorial Scholarship, Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Taylor R. Tolar - Polk County Commissioners Court - Special IAH Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship

Isidro Uvalle - Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship

Blayson Vallejos - Polk County Go Texan Scholarship, Rhett Lathan Memorial Scholarship

Sebastian Vera - Creekside Elementary School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Vocational Scholarship

Lane Ward - Livingston High School Fishing Team Scholarship

Chrislyn F. Whiteside - Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Sonja Wiley - Stephen F. Austin Distinguished High School Scholarship, Webster Educational Foundation Academic Scholarship

Kayla Wright - Hunter Williams Memorial Scholarship

Braxton Alec Youngblood - Green & White FFA Scholarship, Lee Ellzey Family Charitable Trust Scholarship, Livingston Aggie Club Ring Scholarship, Newman & Lillian Haynes Memorial Scholarship, Polk County Go Texan Scholarship

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County to eye regulating mass gatherings

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Polk County LogoThe Polk County Commissioners Court will consider action regarding regulating mass gatherings and outdoor musical festivals in the unincorporated areas of the county, pursuant to Chapter 751 of the Texas Health and Safety Code and Chapter 2104 of the Texas Occupations Code, during its regular meeting at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

A revised interlocal agreement between Polk County and Burke Center, removing Jasper County from the agreement, will be discussed and considered for approval.

The Court will consider a request for a capital purchase to be paid from (stated) fund balance and included on the fiscal year 2023 reimbursement resolution for the year-end issuance of legally authorized debt, specifically, emergency management’s request for 13 automated external defibrillator (AED) units for Polk County buildings, not to exceed $18,096.

The bid to remove and replace the windows at the Dunbar Complex will be discussed and considered for action.

Conditional approval of an infrastructure development plan for Livingston Reserve RV Park located in Precinct 2 will be considered.

The Court will also consider action regarding closing Glover and Frank Road railroad crossings in Precinct 3.

In personnel matters, the Court will review and consider personnel action forms submitted by department heads since the last meeting and review any authorized emergency hiring and receive and record personnel action forms submitted by elected officials since the last meeting.

Fiscal year 2023 budget revisions and amendments as presented by the county auditor’s office will be considered for approval.

During informational reports, the Court will receive the yearly audit and will also recognize the county auditor’s office for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association’s “Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting” for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, 2021.

Items on the consent agenda include:

Approve the minutes of the April 25 meeting;

Approve the schedules of bills;

Approve an order designating surplus property;

Approve a resolution designating May 22 as “Jury Appreciation Day” in Polk County;

Approve a memorandum of understanding with Corrigan-Camden ISD and Livingston ISD for local disaster preparedness (sheltering);

Approve district clerk’s request to approve Tyler Technologies defendant access software and products;

Approve fire marshal’s request to access Brycer Compliance engine software;

Ratify Amendment No. 2 to the General Land Office Contract Number 20-066-018-C125 for the community development block grant disaster recovery Hurricane Harvey buyout/acquisition program;

Accept a 2022 Toyota Tundra awarded to the Precinct 1 Constable’s Office and authorize maintenance and operations expenses for the vehicle to be funded from the Precinct 1 asset forfeitures;

Accept a 2005 Ford F250 pickup truck awarded to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and add the vehicle to the county insurance policy;

Accept an automated license plate reader and speed trailer donated to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office;

Approve a request from the district attorney to exempt certain vehicles from inscription required on county motor vehicles, pursuant to Section 721.005 of the Texas Transportation Code; and

Approve purchase of new ham radio, coax and antenna for the annex building, not to exceed $15,000, to be paid from emergency management capital outlay (budgeted funds).

 

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Working together to serve community

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WorkingTogetherToSave

Serve Together began 10 years ago as “Rise Up” at First Baptist Church in Livingston. It is a day dedicated to serving the local community. It has now grown to a joint effort of several churches and a way for volunteers to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to show the community they are here to serve. Volunteers from several local churches took part in 38 different projects Sunday, including construction of four handicap ramps, projects for F.A.I.T.H. Military Support Group, yard work for seniors in the area and the making of blankets for nursing homes and hospitals. PHOTOS BY BRIAN BESCH

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Elections over as dust begins to settle

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ElectionResults Stock Photo

By Emily Banks Wooten
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The May 6 General Elections have come and gone and the dust is beginning to settle. There are several key takeaways. The cities of Livingston and Onalaska both had long-serving councilmen ousted, Corrigan-Camden ISD’s board of trustees experienced a fruit basket turnover with none of the incumbents being reelected and Chester ISD passed a bond election, albeit narrowly.

The City of Livingston had three at large positions up for reelection, those held by Clarke Evans, Elgin Davis and Dr. Ray Luna. All three incumbents filed and a fourth person, Bobby Jackson Sr., also filed. Unofficial results reflected Jackson, Davis and Luna the winners. Jackson received 119 votes, Davis received 115 votes, Luna received 101 votes and Evans received 99 votes.

The City of Onalaska also had three at large positions on the ballot, those held by Zachary Davies, Shirley Gilmore and J.R. Chance. All three incumbents filed and a fourth person, Ronald Gilbert, also filed. Unofficial results indicate Gilmore, Davies and Gilbert were victorious. Gilmore received 110 votes, Davies received 109 votes, Gilbert received 95 votes and Chance received 78 votes.

Positions 1, 2 and 3 were on the ballot in the Corrigan-Camden Independent School District. Position 1 Incumbent Peter Burks filed for reelection and drew one challenger, Misty Woodard. Position 2 Incumbent Thomas Roberts filed for reelection and drew two challengers, Carmen Martinez and Elisha Bell. Position 3 Incumbent Lawrence Jolly Jr. filed for reelection and drew two challengers, Tracy Cobb and Krystal Currie. All three incumbents were ousted. Unofficial results reflect Woodard the victor for Position 1, garnering 265 votes with Burks receiving 245 votes. Bell captured Position 2 with 331 votes, compared to 163 votes for Roberts and 26 votes for Martinez. Position 3 went to Cobb who received 319 votes, compared to Jolly who received 163 votes and Currie who received 38 votes.

In the Onalaska Independent School District, Positions 4 and 7, held by Johnny Byrd and Candice Davies, were on the ballot. Byrd did not file for reelection but Jake Ard and Bubba Cleveland did file for Position 4. Davies filed for reelection to Position 7 and drew no challengers. Unofficial results indicate Ard was victorious for Position 4, garnering 140 votes to Cleveland’s 119. Davies, unopposed, retained Position 7 with 233 votes.

The bond election in the Chester Independent School District passed with 159 people voting “for” and 137 people voting “against,” unofficial results reflect. Passage of the bond election will result in the issuance of $5,315,000 school building bonds for the construction, acquisition, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion and equipment of school buildings in the district, and the levying and imposition of taxes sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the costs of any credit agreements.

The proposed projects to be funded by passage of the bond include: a new junior/senior high school consisting of eight to 10 classrooms plus a science lab, restrooms, teacher workroom, teacher restroom and front office; demolition of the junior high classrooms, high school building and weight r; a new entry and restrooms for the competition gym; fume ventilation for the ag shop; and cafeteria kitchen repairs.

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AAUW learns about Alabama- Coushatta Tribe of Texas

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Debrina Sylestine Dirden recently spoke at the AAUW about the history of the tribe and what it means for a tribe to be federally recognized. Photo by Emily Banks WootenDebrina Sylestine Dirden recently spoke at the AAUW about the history of the tribe and what it means for a tribe to be federally recognized. Photo by Emily Banks Wooten

By Emily Banks Wooten
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Debrina Sylestine Dirden, communications director for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, recently provided a program for the Polk County Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW).

Dirden began by giving a brief history of the tribe.

“The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas has the oldest reservation in the state, located on approximately 10,200 acres in the Big Thicket of deep East Texas. The tribe is a fully functioning sovereign government with a full array of health and human services, as well as law enforcement and emergency services.

“There are more than 1,400 members, about half of whom live on the reservation. The tribe is governed by an elected tribal council and advised by a principal chief and second chief. Although they were two separate tribes, the Alabamas and Coushattas have been closely associated throughout their history. The tribes lived in adjacent areas in what is now the state of Alabama. By 1780, the tribes had been forced to modern-day East Texas. Their cultures have some differences but for the most part, are nearly identical.

Dirden then explained what it means to be a federally recognized Indian Tribe.

“Federally recognized tribes are acknowledged as having natural inherent rights to self-government (tribal sovereignty) and are entitled to certain federal benefits, services and protections because of the special trust relationship. The United States recognizes the right of these tribes to self-government and supports their tribal sovereignty and self-determination. These tribes possess the right to establish the legal requirements for membership. They may form their own government, enforce laws (both civil and criminal), tax, license and regulate activities, zone and exclude people from tribal lands.

Dirden explained that those who serve on the tribal council are elected to three-year terms and that for the first time in history, there are more women than men on the tribal council.

She said the principal chief is Mikko Kanicu Donnis Battise and that is a lifetime role. The second chief is Mikko Poliika Istaaya Millie Thompson Williams who is the first woman to ever serve in this capacity. Members of the tribe voted Sept. 14. To vote, one has to be a tribal member 18 or older. Williams was inaugurated on Jan. 1.

Dirden showed several pine needle baskets made from long-leaf pine needles wrapped in raffia and some handmade river cane baskets. She also showed some elaborate beadwork, including the beaded crown she wore when she served as tribal princess in 2009-2010.

She also told the story of a man who was traveling to Beaumont in the late 1800s for a Presbyterian meeting and got lost in the Big Thicket. Tribal members came to his rescue and guided him and he was so grateful that he later came back and established the Indian Presbyterian Church, the oldest church on the reservation.

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