San Jacinto County News - Breakout

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The 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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By 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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SJNT 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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By Tony Farkas
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COLDSPRING — A proposal for sidewalks and bike paths has garnered a lot of public support, so City Council members plan to take the first steps and submit a grant application.

Mayor John Benestante said that a lot of people came in support of the matter during an open house and at a special council meeting on May 9, so the information has been sent to the city’s grant administrator.

On March 31, the city of Coldspring was invited to submit three applications to The Texas Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Set-aside Program, which grants funds for locally sponsored bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects.

The projects are being designed to create more accessible conduits for pedestrian movement throughout the community, to enhance connectivity, and to promote alternative transportation for non-motorized travelers.

The proposed projects will provide nonmotorized transportation opportunities and accessibility throughout the community, creating a pedestrian network that connects the junior high school, high school, public library, City Hall, and numerous local businesses with the historic downtown area.

TxDOT announced a statewide Call for Projects for TA Program funding in November 2022. The TA program provides funding to plan for and construct a variety of alternative transportation projects that improve safety and mobility for non-motorized travelers and mitigate congestion by providing safe alternatives to motor transport.

The department will select projects for recommendation to the Texas Transportation Commission for current TA funds under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, totaling approximately $250 million (from both the available FY 2022-FY2023 and anticipated FY 2024-FY 2025 federal appropriations).

In other business, the council:

•discussed the Juneteenth Parade put on by the Friends of Hopewell Inc. and event insurance requirements;

•discussed a dilapidated shopping center purchase and cleanup, but took no action;

•discussed a tow company’s plan to lease land to enter a business;

•discussed instituting a system of business permits.