Trinity County News - Breakout

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By Tony Farkas
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GROVETON — Trinity County Commissioners begged off of contracting with an EMS helicopter service, this time over contractual concerns raised by the County Attorney.

County Judge Doug Page said there were some questions about the contract with PHI Air Medical that could not get answered by the representatives in attendance at the meeting on Nov. 8.

County Attorney Colton Hay said that he had concerns about wording; the contract states that no out-of-pocket expense would be carried by the patient, but the way the contract was worded could still put patients responsible for any unpaid debt.

At a previous meeting, PHI representatives said that for a little more than $42,000 per year, there would be air ambulance service provided to all areas of the county, and it would be of no out-of-pocket expenses for patients.

Commissioner Tommy Park and Page voted to approve the contract, but commissioners Neal Smith, Mike Loftin and Steven Truss voted against the measure.

Page said the item will be brought back to court in December once Hay and PHI can come to terms about the contract.

In other business, the county:

•approved the replat of a lot in the Lonesome Dove Subdivision, which divided it between owners on each side;

•donated $5,000 to the Groveton Community Association for Christmas lights;

•approved personnel action forms;

•approved issuing a county credit card to the jail administrator;

•approved agreement with Bosque County for housing prisoners;

•approved removal of a tree in Westwood Shores. The property is owned by the county and other entities for delinquent taxes, and a tree poses a danger and needed to be taken down; and

•approved donating $50,000 of a $1.4 million American Rescue Plan Act grant to the village of Nigton for a building. Page said that the remaining grant funds will be held in escrow until jail issue reaches a conclusion.

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A Groveton student talks with a group of veterans. Photo by Tony Farkas

TCNS staff

GROVETON — The staff and students of Groveton High School continued their tradition, serving full meals to any and all veterans in honor of Veterans Day.

About 350 veterans and family members came for meals of barbecue brisket, sausage and ribs, and all the trimmings on Friday.

Numerous businesses from the area contributed to the event, including Citizens State Bank of Groveton, Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Country Equipment Sales, Dean Due Logging, Phillips Due Foundation, Groveton Booster Club, Hannah Equipment, Huff Welding, McClain’s Hardware, Scoggins Tires, Carroll Sylvester CPA, Trinity County Farm Bureau and Walmart.

Superintendent Jim Dillard said the event teaches students the value of giving back, as well as honoring military veterans.

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By Tony Farkas
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TRINITY — With fanfare, music, classic cars and historical displays, residents of Trinity celebrated the town’s 150th birthday on Saturday.

Also as part of the event, there were booths and food, historical tours led by Dan Barnes, and cake that came with the burial of a time capsule.

Organizer Julia McMichael said it was her fervent hope to be around when the capsule was opened in 50 years, even though she’ll be 138 years old.

Trinity City Council Member Clegg DeWalt, standing in for Mayor Billy Goodin, said there was a Bible verse that perfectly describes the event and highlights the importance of what they’re doing today.

“Psalms 78:1-4 exemplifies the importance of teaching young children of what was accomplish in our lives and the knowledge that we have: “… I will utter dark sayings of old: which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done,” DeWalt said.

DeWalt thanked Mayor Billy Goodin, the City Council, the Sesquicentennial committee and especially Julia McMichael.

He also lauded the community for its donations to the celebration, as well as numerous civic organizations and churches for their participation.

Included in the capsule is a copy of the Nov. 10, 2022, Trinity County News-Standard, a Trinity VFD badge, a Trinity Tiger football program and homecoming program, a listing of the Trinity Memorial Hospital Board, a People Magazine with a salute to Prince Charles, and a 2022 Houston Astros World Champions cap.

Additionally, there are toys, a COVID test kit and mask, and information about families that settled the area.

The day ended with numerous musical acts, as well as punch and cake.

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Saturday, Nov. 12, is the Trinity City’s Founders Day Celebration at the Trinity Community Center starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 8 p.m. The Food Vendors and Craft Show open their booths at 10 a.m. and will be here all day for your enjoyment.

Children’s music and activities will please every child inside and outside the Community Center from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Trinity Tabernacle Pentecostal Church Children’s Choir will perform at 11 a.m. on the Pavilion next to the playground area. Included in this performance is a children’s puppet show.

At noon the Blanche K. Werner Public Library of Trinity is hosting a Children’s Corner with stories, crafts, and projects for the younger children to have hands on fun. This event is taking place in the Annex Room inside the Community Center. This event is free.

The Time Capsule Ceremony is taking place at 1 p.m. and the reception with punch and cake follows this event. Local music begins at 3 p.m. and will continues into the late afternoon. Memory Pictures of this 150-year-old celebration will be taken by Shelly Chavez from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Kelly Hartsfield will perform at 3 p.m. followed by Mr. and Mrs. Quan, Lyle Stubbs, and Danny Cleveland. Other singers from the audience will be asked to participate and come up on the traveling stage handmade by Danny Cleveland if they are brave enough.

Last week when I announced that the VFW Post 6899 would be selling red poppies at the Founders Day venue, I made a horrible mistake. The veterans do not sell these items, but they are given out. People usually give donations to support our local Trinity Veterans Post 6899. The red poppies are purchased by our VFW to support the disabled veterans who make these flowers to support their families.

The Sesquicentennial Historic Committee will be setting up 150 years of information and Trinity pictures for you to enjoy on Saturday, Nov. 12. At this time if you have an item or picture you would like to put in the Time Capsule to be buried on Saturday at 1 p.m., you need to bring your artifact to the Trinity Community Center on Wednesday by 6 p.m. to secure a spot in the capsule.

To all the organizations or churches who would like to display their accomplishments of the past, we will set up Friday, Nov. 11, and we will help you with your area. Remember we have tables and chairs for you to use inside the Trinity Community, but you must bring your own to set up outside the Community Center.

We are pleased to announce that the following people will be representing their community at this event:

•First United Methodist Church,

•Dorcus Wills Memorial Baptist Church

•Glendale Methodist Church,

•Trinity Lions Club,

•VFW Post 6899,

•Trinity Community Fair Association

•TISD Students,

•Trinity Historic Society,

•Trinity County Crime Stoppers

•SAAFE House

Many other organizations will represent their members around town at their locations. Listed below is the schedule of events at this time, so come out and support your City’s Founders Day.

If you would like to display an old car, refurbished truck, motorcycle, or wagon, please be at the Trinity Community Center at 9 a.m. Saturday to display your entry. All car show entries will receive a free lunch, and certificate of this event. The event is free to all car show participants.

City of Trinity Founders Day

Nov. 12

List of events at the Trinity Community Center

Morning

•10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Trinity Sesquicentennial Historic Exhibit

•10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Food and Arts and Craft Booths Open

•10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Trinity Car Show exhibitors

•11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Trinity Tabernacle Pentecostal Church

•Children’s Choir and Puppet Show

•Noon to 4 p.m. Children’s Corner in the Annex Room Presented by the Blanche K. Werner Public Library of Trinity

Afternoon Program

•1 p.m. Time Capsule Ceremony in front of Trinity Community Center’s Welcome Area

•1 p.m. Pictures inside Trinity Community Center

•2 p.m. Time Capsule Reception in TCC Exhibit Hall

•3 p.m. Music by Kelly Hartsfield

•4 p.m. Music by the Barbershop Quartet

•5 p.m. Music by Danny Cleveland

Special Events: Trinity Volunteer Fire Department Open House, 10 a.m.; Veterans Appreciation Banquet at Burning Hope Church, 4 p.m.

•It is with a heavy heart I learned this morning that our Mayor Billy Goodin and his family have suffered a tragic loss this weekend. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. They need our love and thoughtfulness now.