Polk County News - Breakout

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By Brian Besch
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The Goodrich City Council heard a final information on the Christmas celebration and set a date for their Christmas dinner in December’s monthly regular meeting Thursday.

City Secretary Felicia Garrett gave a report on the Goodrich Christmas and Lighted Parade that occurred last week. Parade big winners was ProStar Waste, taking first place with a float that included Goodrich ISD student council members. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office won second place and All-Weather AC was the third-place float.

There were 39 bicycles given away at the event. A total of $640 was donated to the city to help cover the costs of bicycles and toys. Over 20 toys were donated and distributed to children in the community. Garrett said when the bicycle giveaway was complete, there were still toys remaining that were handed out as children arrived after the drawing.

“It turned out really good,” Garrett said. “I’ve had people call me with nothing but good things about the parade. It actually lasted longer this year than last year. Last year, we made 30 minutes, and this year, we actually made an hour-long parade. It is growing and getting bigger and it is better – we had the Corvettes and Jeeps. It turned out really good and thank you to everybody who helped out and showed up. It was greatly appreciated.”

Mayor Pro-Tem Bobby Wright suggested to the council that sponsorships begin to be secured in October of next year for the Christmas festival, to avoid a rush in getting everything accomplished.

Garrett informed all that the city will begin a new tradition for the Christmas tree that sits at city hall. There are now three white butterflies on the tree that have “In memory of Marlene Arnold” inscribed for the former council member. The tree will be opened to the community for anyone who would like to place an ornament in memory of someone. When the tree is taken down, those with ornaments can remove it and bring it home, or have it stored and placed back on the following year.

The council also decided to hold their Christmas dinner on Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Wright is said to be one of the better cooks around and will provide barbecue for the event. The plan is for brisket, chicken and sausage links.

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Polk County Sheriff Byron A. Lyons was among 27 sheriffs from across the country to complete participation in the National Sheriff’s Institute (NSI) Leadership Development Course held in Quantico, Va. Nov. 14-18. Courtesy photo.

From Enterprise Staff

Polk County Sheriff Byron A. Lyons completed participation in the 118th session of the National Sheriffs’ Institute Leadership Development Course held in Quantico, Va. Nov. 14-18. The no-cost program is provided by the National Institute of Corrections and the U.S. Department of Justice in collaboration with the Major County Sheriffs of America.

Lyons was nominated to join 26 other sheriffs from across the country for training on effective leadership within the sheriff’s office, the local criminal justice system and their community. The NSI is the only executive leadership training program designed specifically for sheriffs to prepare them for all matters that impact the office of sheriff. The NSI was first developed and presented in the early 1970s in response to a need by sheriffs to meet the evolving demands of the office. The NSI has gone through many iterations throughout its history. Since 1993, the NSI has been housed in the NIC Jails Division.

The NSI currently has two courses of study – the NSI Leadership Development Course which prepares first-term sheriffs for success in office and strengthens the leadership skills of elected sheriffs; and the newly developed NSI Jail Administration Course which enhances the sheriff’s knowledge of their responsibilities in leading the operations of a correctional facility.

For more information visit https://info.nicic.gov/nsi/.

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With the help of the community, Pine Ridge Health Care, Carter Home Health and Texan EMS were able to deliver almost 3,500 pounds of food to Center of Hope Polk County. Center of Hope helps local families with so many needs and will be able to use this donation to continue the work they do. “If you pay too much attention to the news you would think our world can’t do good. From where we stood today, we know our community loves each other. Thank you, Polk County, for every can of soup, box of frosted flakes and every penny. Thank you to our great community,” Maddie Robbins of Pine Ridge Health Care said. (l-r) Ricky Taylor of Texas EMS, Madison Hudspeth of Pine Ridge Health Care and April Bourque of Carter Home Health. Courtesy photo

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From Enterprise Staff

The deadline to submit nominations for the 87th annual Awards Gala of the Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce is Dec. 16. The Awards Gala is slated for Jan. 26 at the Polk County Commerce Center.

The chamber will recognize and honor a large business, a small business, a non-profit organization, community service awards such as teachers, first responders or community volunteers and an outstanding Polk County citizen. Nomination forms may be printed from the chamber’s website at polkchamber.com or picked up at the chamber office at 1001 Hwy. 59 Loop North in Livingston. Once completed, the nomination form may be submitted online, emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., faxed to 936-327-2660 or dropped off at the office.

The large and small businesses of the year awards will recognize two businesses (one with 21 or more employees and one with 20 or less employees) that have been operational for at least three years in Polk County and have demonstrated professional integrity, financial stability, excellence in customer service, success through innovation and a commitment to the community. The businesses must be current members of the chamber.

The non-profit organization of the year, which also must be a current member of the chamber, will honor a non-profit organization or church that invests time and resources in the community. The recipient should demonstrate the action required to create awareness around the needs of others and take steps to meet those needs through education, connection and service.

Up to five community service awards will be presented, including, but not limited to, the following descriptions – teachers, first responders, community volunteers, etc. These should be people who have made a positive life-altering investment in the children of Polk County, people who are familiar faces and names for their generous time and service to the community and those who serve above and beyond the call of duty either in an outstanding circumstance or someone who has a history of being the one everyone can count on. These award recipients do not have to be members of the chamber.

The outstanding Polk County citizen should be someone who has made a significant contribution to Polk County through time, actions, talents, dedication, leadership and striving to make Polk County a better place. It should also be someone who has a passion for helping others in the community.

For additional information, contact the chamber office at 936-327-4929.