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San Jacinto County News - Breakout

Shepherd budget comes in line

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Shepherd ISD LogoBy Tony Farkas
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SHEPHERD — After plenty of discussion and several workshops, Shepherd ISD will be able to pass a balanced budget for the coming year.

However, Superintendent Jason Hewitt said there is the question of what the Legislature will do regarding new funds, tax rates, allotments and similar items, all of which affect school budgets.

Hewitt said that regardless, the district operates under existing law, and the budget will be prepared accordingly.

Within the budget is a 5 percent raise for staff and a $3,500 retention bonus targeting teachers in core curriculum subjects, as that’s the hardest to recruit and retain, Hewitt said.

In other business, the board:

•discussed the progress on the daycare center, and approved the name of Shepherd ISD Early Learning Center;

•approved Katelin Nelson as a member of the Student Health Advisory Council;

•approved a contract with a current Shepherd ISD police officer for drug dog detection services;

•approved extending the contract with Peoples State Bank, with member John Few abstaining; and

•approved a memorandum of understanding with Health Centers of Southeast Texas, and will use grant funds to possibly install a clinic open to staff and students at the school.

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Handing out funds for the future

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Shepherd High School scholarship winners are (from left) board members Yvonne Cones, Walterine Carr, winners Tangela Yates, Hunter Goodman, Daci Theissen and board member Christie Andrews. Courtesy photoShepherd High School scholarship winners are (from left) board members Yvonne Cones, Walterine Carr, winners Tangela Yates, Hunter Goodman, Daci Theissen and board member Christie Andrews. Courtesy photo

DidYouKnow ColumnHeadLast week was a big night for High School graduates. Both chambers of commerce announced the winners of their scholarships.

Shepherd came first on May 22 with a full house of parents and students and donors of scholarships. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce was very happy to give to three exceptional students — Tangela Yates, Hunter Goodman and Daci Theissen.

Tangela won $2,500, and the other two won $1,500 each. Coldspring-Oakhurst held its event the following evening. Coldspring Chamber of Commerce presented four students with awards — Jaden Griffith, Alana Harden, Loren Massey and Taylor Viator. Alana Harden won $2,000 the others won $2,500 each.

•Judge Kim Webb of Precinct 4 has established a Blessing Box outside of the office at 225 Boat Launch Road in Point Blank. This box is intended to help those in need who cannot afford non-perishable items like diapers and food.

The public is asked to donate what they can by dropping items into the box. Those in need are welcome to come and take what they need. You do not have to live in Precinct 4 to be a part of this worthwhile venture.

We know we have a lot of folks who are unable to afford the necessities. If you can help, thank you in advance. Go to www.littlefreepantry.org.

•June is here this week. Friends of Hopewell will celebrate its silver anniversary on Juneteenth. This is June 17, and the event will take place at the Hopewell Center in Coldspring with a Parade through town for those who wish to take part in it. To do so, go online for the Parade form at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call them at (832) 401-4350.

The day will start at 9 a.m. and will feature entertainment, food and games and awards. The deadline for entry to the Parade is June 15. The Friends of Hopewell ask for donations for the Center of $25 since this is their 25th year in existence. Go online for details or call.

•The SJC Republican Party start off its June meeting with guest speaker Bob Price, who will talk about the border crisis. Starting at 6 p.m. with dinner, the event will be at the headquarters, 201 SH 150 Suite J. A donation of $5 is suggested for the meal.

The border crisis is also part of the title of Sheriff Greg Capers’ Town Hall meeting on June 1 in the Coldspring Community Shelter at 220 SH 150. The Sheriff invites everyone to this meeting which will deal with the recent Cleveland mass shooting and will also feature speakers Walter West and Sandra Whitten. Questions and answers will come after the presentation.

•Vendors for Shepherd July 1 event, celebrating our Independence Day, can go online for a form. If you want to collect one from Shepherd Library that is fine, too. Retail vendors and those people wanting to sell their handmade goods or promote their business with give aways can be inside or outside the Community Center.

Bring your own table and chairs for outside. Vendors are $20, food vendors are $40. We are almost full with food vendors. Fireworks will end the evening after our busy day of games, contests, costume competitions and live music. Bayou Sounds and Mike L will perform with Jaccen Lee as our MC and DJ. Find out more at www.shepherd chamberofcommerce.org.

Contact the Shepherd Chamber at (936) 628-3890 or the Coldspring Chamber at (936) 653-2184.

Yvonne Cones is president of the Greater Shepherd Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce.

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Pomp and Circumstance

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The graduating class of Shepherd High School celebrate the end of the year.  COURTESY PHOTOThe graduating class of Shepherd High School celebrate the end of the year. COURTESY PHOTO

SJNT staff

San Jacinto County schools released their senior charges on the world, graduating the next batch of young men and women.

Both Shepherd and Coldspring-Oakhurst held graduation ceremonies on Friday; 114 Trojans and Lady Trojans, along with 168 Pirates and Lady Pirates, traversed the stage and took the first steps in the next journey of their lives.

Shepherd Superintendent Jason Hewitt said this was a banner year for Shepherd, one of success for all students; COCISD officials said the year was a tremendous success, and the community’s unwavering support made all the difference.

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Council discusses expanding housing

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Housing STOCKBy Tony Farkas
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SHEPHERD — The Shepherd City Council discussed a possible new housing development for the city which will be built using new technology.

City Secretary Debra Hagler said Greg and Alan Biddle have a housing development in its beginning stages, and plan to start with 16 homes to be used for rental property.

The two will use a different type of construction using a 3D printer that creates items from cement.

Currently, the developers are trying to get drainage approved and doing required studies necessary for permitting. The development will be located near the intersection of Bird and Hallelujah streets.

In other business, the council:

•purchased two vehicles for the Police Department for $51,000 to be paid from ARPA funds;

•accepted resignation of part-time librarian Crystale Thompson, and will advertise for a replacement;

•discussed but took no action on a request to extend the right-of-way on North Railroad Avenue;

•discussed but took no action on a request to place a manufactured home on North Hill Street;

•denied a request for special dispensation on a permit request from LaShonda Carr;

•approved a correction to an ordinance regarding the Police Department; and

•approved shingle replacement and refurbishing of the gazebo and stage at the city park.

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Peace officers honored during police week

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LawEnforcementAppreciation STOCKSJNT staff

COLDSPRING — Residents and business owners in the Coldspring community came together on Wednesday in support of the county’s law enforcement officers.

A luncheon was provided at the Coldspring Community Building, donated by Joe’s Italian Restaurant, and donations for the event were used to purchase gift certificates, which were drawn by the officers.

Also, the officers were given prayer books and Rtic travel mugs, and of course, dessert.

Additionally, the San Jacinto County Commissioners Court proclaimed the week of May 14-20 as National Law Enforcement Week during the court’s Wednesday meeting.

Businesses offering donations for those that put their lives on the line every day include:

Joe’s Italian Restaurant, Freddy’s Auto Repair, Eastex Title Co., People’s State Bank, Good Promotions, Oh Taste and See Bakehouse, Brookshire Brothers, McClain’s Food Market, Arizpe Family, Elite Treats, Ductwork Depot, Rainbow Road LLC, Coldspring Community Center, First Sip Coffee House, A+ Donuts, Coldspring Creamery, Kingwood Signs, San Jacinto County Republican Party, Bank of San Jacinto, Somebody Cares Ministry, Trinity River Food Bank and Texan Physical Therapy.

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