San Jacinto County News - Breakout

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SJNT staff

POINT BLANK — Streets were the main point of discussion at the monthly meeting of the Point Blank City Council on Jan. 10.

Mayor Mark Wood said that it would take $7.5 million to fix every street in the city; however, the city takes in only $134,000 annually, and uses more than half — around $70,000 — for street repairs. 

“We’re trying to do the best we can with what we have,” he said. “Our streets will get fixed when they come up in rotation.”

Wood said that more could be done with federal grants, but congressional gridlock means the city has been waiting 5 years for an infrastructure bill to get passed.

“If it is ever done, it would help a great deal,” he said.

In other business, the council:

• adopted a short-term rental ordinance, and will start with notifying affected property owners and property managers;

• accepted the last fiscal year’s audit findings; and

• renewed all agreements with San Jacinto County for streets, animal control and emergency management services.

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Special to the News-Times

COLDSPRING — While on routine patrol, Deputy Eric Chimney noticed a vehicle exceeding the posted speed limit, and then pulled the vehicle over to investigate. 

Chimney was confronted with a senior lady who was in apparent distress.

After listening intently to the lady’s emotional explanation of her being diagnosed with cancer, Chimney said he could relate to that due to his own personal experience with a loved one with a similar diagnosis. 

Chimney said he asked the lady if she would be comfortable if he could pray with her, and the woman tearfully accepted the compassionate offer. 

During a commendation award ceremony at the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Greg Capers made a comment that the county is fortunate to have this fine deputy patrolling the county. 

“I tell my deputies there’s more to a traffic stop then issuing citations,” he said.

Chimney is no stranger to serving the public. He retired from the Houston Police Department in 2017 after 34 years of service. During those 34 years, he was the recipient of many local and national awards from the Houston Police Department, the Houston Police Chiefs and the FBI.

The lady was not issued a citation, Chimney said.

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Jack Dean took over as chief of the Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD Police Department on Jan. 1.Special to the News-Times

COLDSPRING — Jack Dean has taken the reins of police chief of the Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated ISD.

He took over the position on Jan. 1.

Chief Dean is an 8-year veteran of the U.S. Army and has given more than 27 years of dedicated service to the State of Texas in law enforcement. He recently retired from the Texas Department of Public Safety and said he is looking forward to serving COCISD students, families, staff and community.

Dean said he welcomes visitors; however, as he is frequently out on campuses, making an appointment is recommended, and can be done by calling (936) 653-1115, or via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Dean’s office is housed at the COCISD administration building located at 14210 TX-150 in Coldspring. He may be reached at 936-653-1136 or 281-622-1223. His email address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

For reports of on-campus bullying, suspicious behavior or other concerns, COCISD offers an online Tipline-Safe Reporting form at www.cocisd.org. This form is also located on each campus website under both “Students” and “Parents.” 

Reports may be made anonymously. Every report is taken seriously and will be investigated in accordance with district policy.

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Special to the News-Times

COLDSPRING — January is School Board Recognition Month in Texas and Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD is proud to honor and celebrate its board of trustees. 

“These selfless men and women are elected volunteers who spend long hours in training, planning, and a multitude of meetings every year to ensure all of our students have the opportunity to learn and grow,” said COCISD Superintendent Dr. Bryan Taulton. “They truly care about our students, families, staff, and community.”

The school board members who serve our district are President Paul Buchanan, Vice President Daniel Williams, Secretary Tony Sewell, Trustee William B. Baker, Trustee Berlin Bradford, Trustee Barbara Moore and Trustee Ashney Shelly.

“School boards are essential to a strong public education system,” said Texas Association of School Boards Executive Director Dan Troxell. “They provide the local governance and oversight that makes it possible for school districts to serve students, including establishing a strategic plan, adopting policies, approving a budget, and selecting and evaluating a superintendent. It’s fitting that we celebrate them in January as their leadership is key to the success of every school district in Texas.”

The COCISD Board of Trustees will be honored at this month’s regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 24, at the Jones Educational Complex Auditorium. Meetings start at 6:30 p.m.