Trinity County News - Breakout

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By Tony Farkas
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TRINITY — With an aging and mostly broke-down fleet of garbage trucks making service spotty, the Trinity City Council has opted to begin leasing new vehicles to solve its trash problems.

City Manager Steven Jones said that at the Jan. 10 meeting, council members approved leasing a 25-yard trash truck through Rush Trucking of San Antonio at a cost of $5,100 per month.

“On a four-year average, we were spending $4,300 a month on purchase and repairs of our fleet, which does not include tires and other regular maintenance,” Jones said. “(All that money) would get us three unreliable trucks.”

Currently, the city has two 20-yard trucks and one 25-yard truck. Of those, one of the smaller trucks needs an engine replacement and the larger truck has high mileage and trouble with loading. 

Leasing a new truck would be more reliable, and maintenance and breakdowns will be covered by warranty, Jones said. 

“Hopefully this will provide uninterrupted service,” he said. 

In a separate matter, the city discussed a sidewalk grant it has received, and that work is expected to start next month.

Given that work is expected to start in February, the city will start advertising for a contractor.

The grant is for $500,000 with a $75,000 match from the city. Plans include installing a new sidewalk on Railroad Street from Highway 94 to Brookshire Brothers, and well as widening the street to make it safer.

Jones said that if there are any affected water and sewer lines, they will be replaced as well.

In other business, the city:

•discussed an upgrade to the city’s camera system.

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Special to the News-Times

TRINITY — Dollar Tree, Inc. recently announced it will construct a new Family Dollar and Dollar Tree “Combo” store in Trinity. 

The Company’s brand-new store format, which combines Family Dollar’s trusted brands with Dollar Tree’s thrilling offerings in seasonal, party and crafting, is scheduled to open on Thursday, Jan. 20, at 8735 FM 356.

The 10,178 square foot store will provide everyday low prices and a broad assortment of essential products on the Dollar Tree side, and the Family Dollar section of the store will offer frozen and refrigerated food, a large selection of pantry goods, beauty and health merchandise, household supplies, basic apparel, baby and toddler necessities, pet food, electronics, toys and home décor. 

With more than 4,000 Dollar Tree items, shoppers will discover new treasures every week, including balloons and party supplies, Hallmark greeting cards, seasonal decorations and holiday gifts, DIY crafting essentials, school necessities and much more.

“Shoppers often travel long distances to meet all of their shopping needs, but we are changing that,” said Kayleigh M. Painter, Dollar Tree’s Investor and Media Relations Manager. “Family Dollar and Dollar Tree are teaming up to provide the Trinity community with a brand new, close-to-home store experience that offers incredible value on everyday products, as well as the party essentials and seasonal items that Dollar Tree is best known for.”

To save even more, shoppers can instantly receive digital coupons through Family Dollar’s Smart Coupons program. To access the additional savings, download the Family Dollar mobile app or create an account online at www.FamilyDollar.com/smart-coupons. 

The Combo stores typically employ approximately 10 associates. To apply online, please visit www.FamilyDollar.com/careers.

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By Tony Farkas

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GROVETON — After one semester in charge of the Groveton school district, Jim Dillard was given a good review by the Groveton School Board.

At the board’s regular meeting on Dec. 16, 2021, the board went over in closed session the work done since Dillard took over the position on Sept. 1, 2021.

Dillard said he received a good evaluation.

“This last semester has been challenging, but that’s part of the job,” he said. “I have a lot of important decisions to make, but the good news is I have good people that I work with, and people who sat in this chair before me did such a great job, I am in a good position.”

In other business, the board:

• discussed the district’’s FIRST rating, which was a perfect 100 and the district is in compliance;

• discussed student enrollment and absences due to COVID. The district enrollment is up, and growing each month;

• discussed status of ESSER grant funds;

• discussed policy updates from the Texas Association of School Boards.

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By Tony Farkas
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GROVETON — Although not a brand Trinity County Commissioners are fond of, the county’s constables will be driving new vehicles.

At the county regular meeting on Dec. 28, the court approved the purchase of two 2022 Dodge vehicles at $33,289 apiece to replace vehicles for the county’s constables.

This comes after the purchase of two 2021 Dodge vehicles at $28,700 apiece, which was approved at a special meeting on Dec. 20.

The constables approached the county two weeks ago with a request for the purchases, as they said their current vehicles were at end-of-life, approaching 300,000 miles. Constable Mark Cole did not have a vehicle, and was using his personal vehicle for work and was being reimbursed for mileage.

The money used for the purchases in both instances came from the county’s CARES Act grant funds.

In other business, the county:

•received the certificate of training for the County Tax Assessor/Collector;

•approved budget amendments to provide funds for purchasing vehicles for constables; and

•approved the declaration of surplus items.