Trinity County News 2

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Trinity firefighters pour water on the roof of a home at 201 San Jacinto St. that caught fire on Nov. 24. Courtesy photos by Steven Jones

By Tony Farkas
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TRINITY — A single-family home was destroyed by fire early on Nov. 24.

Assistant Fire Chief Keith Johnson said the fire broke out in the home, occupied by Billie Newland and located at 201 San Jacinto St., at about 2:30 p.m. 

Johnson said the Fire Department was notified at that time by the Trinity Police. 

Firefighters responded with a fire engine, two tankers, a ladder truck and a rescue truck, and there were 17 firefighters on scene. 

Johnson said they worked to extinguish the blaze till 6:30 a.m., but were called back 1 ½ hours later because hot spots flared up. 

“When we arrived it was in attic, so we had a fight on our hands,” Johnson said. “It had a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, and we had trouble getting into the attic. Once the fire got into ceiling, it burned through the whole roof.”

Johnson said there were no injuries or cases of smoke inhalation reported, but the house and contents are a total loss.

“It looked like it started in an electrical box in the kitchen, either an outlet or switch,” he said.

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AUSTIN — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) wants to remind hunters to report their harvests during the upcoming antlerless deer season Nov. 25 — 28.

Mandatory reporting is required for any antlerless deer harvested during the four-day doe season, along with any antlerless deer harvested during the archery, youth only and muzzleloader seasons. Within 24 hours of harvest, hunters in the 21 counties listed below are required to report their harvest to TPWD using either the free My Texas Hunt Harvest mobile app (for iOS and Android) or on the My Texas Hunt Harvest web page.

Counties required to report their harvest include Austin, Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal (East of I-35), De Witt, Fayette, Goliad (North of US 59), Gonzales, Guadalupe, Hays (East of I-35), Jackson (north of US 59), Karnes, Lavaca, Lee, Travis (East of I-35), Victoria (North of US 59), Waller, Washington, Wharton (North of US 59) and Wilson.

For more information about hunting regulations, methods and seasons, consult the 2021-22 Outdoor Annual. Hunters can download the Outdoor Annual app for free for iOS and Android.

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TCNS staff

TRINITY —Due to low chlorine residuals, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Trinity to notify all customers who reside on Elizabeth Street, West Jefferson Street, West Madison Street and Walker Street to boil water prior to consumption.

Children, seniors, and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow these directions prior to washing hands and face, brushing teeth or drinking tap water. 

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes. The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. 

Individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes. 

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, residents will be notified. 

If you have questions concerning this matter, contact Steven Jones at (936) 594-2507. 

To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be brought to a rolling boil and boiled for two minutes.

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Special to the News-Standard

LUFKIN — Deer season in East Texas is scheduled to begin Saturday, Nov. 6. With the increased activity in wooded areas and along with the cooler weather, the deer population will be on the move. Motorists are urged to stay alert in pre-dawn hours and just after sunset.

Crashes involving a vehicle versus deer are already beginning to occur and TxDOT wants to remind drivers of the dangers involved with deer hits.

“The increased traffic and the scent of humans in East Texas rural wooded areas will drive deer to move, which many times means they will cross the roadway,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “Pre-dawn and sunset are normally when we see a deer versus vehicle crash. Pay attention to deer crossing signs in rural areas and reduce speed. Keep your eyes on the roadway and scan the wood line and shoulders especially during these times.”

Safety tips that could help motorists avoid a crash include:

• Reduce speed if you see a deer near the edge of the roadway. Deer seldom run alone. If you see one deer, others could be nearby.

• When driving at night, use high beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will better illuminate the eyes of the deer.

• Slow down and blow your horn with one long blast to frighten the deer.

• Brake firmly when you notice a deer in or near the road but stay in your lane. Many serious crashes occur when drivers swerve to avoid hitting a deer.

• Always wear your seatbelt.

• If your vehicle strikes a deer, do not touch the animal. A frightened and wounded deer can hurt you or further injure itself. Move your car off the road, if possible, and call 911. Remain in your vehicle. It is the safest place. Many secondary crashes occur due to pedestrians in the roadway.

For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (936) 633-4395