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Paul Horton Methodist Church, which was established in 1931, has the Rev. Mariann Rayne as pastor, and recently installed a new Cross on the church grounds, with assistance from Sam Houston Electric Co-op for raising this huge masterpiece. At the scene were (from left) Calvin Walker, Supervisor; Eric Harrell; Mariann Rayne; David Boaen, Foreman; and Dalton Hodge. Courtesy photo
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Batman, Rainbow Brite and a couple of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles enjoy hot dogs at the COCISD Trunk ‘n’ Treat. (Below) Candy and treats were the order of the day at the COCISD Trunk ‘n’ Treat. Courtesy photo
A scary sight on the square during the annual trunk or treat event at the San Jacinto County Courthouse on Oct. 31.
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By Tony Farkas
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COLDSPRING — San Jacinto County Commissioners delayed approving bids for construction of a concession stand and bathrooms at a ballfield in Shepherd on Wednesday to allow for more review.
The court delayed action so Mayor Charles Minton of Shepherd can review the bids.
County Judge Fritz Faulkner said the county had been the recipient of land that was in the will of Jack Pope. That also included some mineral rights.
Those rights left the county with about $300,000; Faulkner said the will stipulated the land was to be used for park purposes, and we’re following the intent of Jack Pope as best as we can.
Donnie Marrs said he spoke with the District Attorney Todd Dillon and one of Pope’s heirs, who approved the use of the funds.
In other business, the county:
•approved a 12-month lease for Texas Facilities Commission;
•appointed Skye Spivey and John Sexton to the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District;
•approved a resolution honoring Randy Backer for his work with the TGCD;
•approved an extension of an agreement with Tyler Technologies for software;
•approved Dec. 8 as closing date for bids for a piece of county property;
•accepted six companies to used for demolition of homes purchased in a buyout program grant;
•approved bond renewal for Precinct 2 Constable Ray Atchley;
•hired Brooks Watson and Co. for the 2023 audit;
•approved the disbursal of $82,351.69 in Title III to the Emergency Services District;
•approved the installation of tablets in the jail through a program administered by NCIS;
•approved the preliminary plat for Staley Ridge subdivision;
•approved a plat splitting a piece of property near Tidwell and Silcox streets; and
•released a $75,000 obligation for improvement on Rajack Road in lieu of a $2.1 million project improving Fostoria Tram Road.
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Special to the News-Times
LUFKIN — The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved $345 million for new construction projects statewide, including more than $4.8 million in the Lufkin District for new sidewalks, bikeways, and other types of infrastructure for the Lufkin District.
Commissioners approved 83 projects statewide that will improve access and provide safety enhancements for mobility options to schools, jobs, and local destinations. This historic investment in alternative pathways includes improvements to the City of Lufkin, the City of Coldspring, and the City of Huntington.
Commissioners also approved $1.7 million in maintenance contracts for the Lufkin District. Angelina, Houston, and Trinity County maintenance sections were approved for $1 million for limestone rock asphalt materials that will be used for road repairs on BU 69. Maintenance sections in Polk and San Jacinto counties were approved for $716,170 to be used for on-call traffic control on US 59.
“People who walk and bike make up about 1 out of every 5 deaths on roadways here in Texas,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Alvin New said. “These projects will help the state move closer toward the goal of zero deaths by giving people a place to walk and bike separate from traffic.”
In Coldspring, $3 million was approved for SH 150 West for pedestrian improvements. The project will construct a 5-foot-wide sidewalk along SH 150 from SH 156 to the Coldspring-Oakhurst High School campus. It will be constructed on the east side of the highway and will connect to an existing sidewalk east of Live Oak Street.
Texas is seeing a rising trend of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. In 2022 there were 830 pedestrians and 92 bicyclists killed, and over the last five years both have risen nearly 30-percent statewide. These projects will help improve safety for people walking, biking, or using wheelchairs, including 24 projects that will go in areas with a high pedestrian crash history across the state. The projects were selected after a competitive call for projects from cities and counties across the state.
For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (936) 633-4395.
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Shepherd Sanctuary Halloween party with Peach Williamson and Brenda Myers as Rizzo from the musical “Grease.”
I hope you had a Happy Halloween. I know there were many organizations giving out candy, having costume parties and get togethers.
One was Shepherd Sanctuary on Schraderville Road in Shepherd. They always decorate for every occasion and Halloween is an unforgettable event there. Peach Williamson had a party with all the eerie ghosts and mummies, spooky figures and fun entertainment for Halloween.
Peach also is a great cook, and this venue is perfect for reunions, weddings, workshops or retreats. The website and Facebook page will show you all that is available there, including the campsite or a stay at one of the cabins set in a woodland setting. Call (281) 705-2581 or go on line for more information.
•If you travel through Shepherd on Loop 424, you will notice new developments in the works. Bluegill already has houses being built on land beside Lilley Street. State Rep. Ernest Bailes is planning compact, well-designed homes for the growing population of our area.
He is a local boy, educated at Shepherd High School and getting his bachelor’s degree at Texas A&M. He is a rancher, living locally and has been in office since he was elected in 2016.
Another area being developed is closer to Highway 59. Twenty-four acres have been cleared to build 3D concrete homes, something which is very new to us. Another similar development in Austin was recently shown on TV. This area is in the early stages of development. The recent burn ban has held up clearing the land.
•Coldspring Chamber is moving forward with Christmas Round the Square. Entertainment is complete and vendors are rapidly filling spaces. The theme is Hometown Christmas for both the Coldspring and Shepherd events.
Parade entry forms can be found on the websites of both chambers as well as for vendors. Call Coldspring Chamber at (936) 653-2184 and Shepherd Chamber at (210) 995-2470. You can also text Shepherd Chamber at that number. Both Chambers are on Facebook and have websites.
Shepherd celebrates on Dec. 2 and Coldspring on Dec. 9. Parades start at 6 p.m. for both and vendors are invited to sell their wares at Shepherd Community Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
•On Saturday we had a garden party catered by Sylvia Scott and her sister. This is the fourth time Sylvia has catered for me and everyone is always very happy with her delicious food. Her banana pudding is so popular, she has to make twice as much so guests can take some home. Call her for information at (713) 299-1524.
Contact the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce at (210) 995-7420 or the Coldspring Chamber at (936) 653-2184.
Yvonne Cones is president of the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce.
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