Log in

Top Stories        News         Sports

Tyler County News - Breakout

TxDOT opens public comments for bridge project

Write a comment
Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive

TxDOT Logo GraphicBy Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

DAM B – A proposed project to replace two existing bridges along US 190 with a single bridge is the subject of a pre-recorded virtual meeting, and residents of Tyler and Jasper counties have the opportunity to give feedback.

The Texas Department of Transportation rolled out the details of the proposal in early March, with the Neches River Relief Bridge and the B.A. Steinhagen bridge to be replaced. The project covers a 1.11-mile stretch along the route, and the proposal shows that the replacement bridge would be constructed adjacent to the north side of the existing bridges, with those bridges subsequently removed.

The project is estimated to cost $30 million, with construction to get underway in the fall of 2024, if the project is greenlit. The estimated timetable sees it to reach the finish line in early 2026.

The new bridge would feature two 12-foot two-way lanes with 10-foot shoulders, according to the report on TxDOT’s website. The wider shoulders will allow more space for disabled vehicles.

The project outline, states that the purpose of the project is to provide a “modern bridge crossing the Neches River…with a focus on providing a bridge with adequate width and height to safely accommodate transportation needs.”

The project would also be constructed entirely inside the existing 200- to 300-foot permanent transportation easement, which is being used as a right-of-way lane. No new right-of-way lane would be required, and about 8.9 acres of temporary construction easements are proposed to go outside of the existing right-of-way lane.

This proposal is one of many statewide infrastructure projects slated through a record $85 billion package approved by TxDOT last August to address safety, congestion, rural connectivity and preserving the state’s roadways throughout the next decade.

The meeting video, along with the link to the public comment form can be accessed through txdot.gov. Verbal comments can be given by calling 409-203-2579, or residents can email comments to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Hits: 945

Abuse awareness vigil planned

Write a comment

User Rating: 5 / 5

Star ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar Active

Members of the Tyler County Child Welfare Board are shown with students from the Colmesneil High School Buildings and Trade class and CHS principal Stephanie Smith. The students installed blue crosses in front of the Tyler County Courthouse, at the corner of US 190 and 69. The crosses are a sobering reminder and tribute to the 182 children who died, statewide, last year due to abuse and/or neglect. April is celebrated as Child Abuse Prevention Month.  CHRIS EDWARDS | TCBMembers of the Tyler County Child Welfare Board are shown with students from the Colmesneil High School Buildings and Trade class and CHS principal Stephanie Smith. The students installed blue crosses in front of the Tyler County Courthouse, at the corner of US 190 and 69. The crosses are a sobering reminder and tribute to the 182 children who died, statewide, last year due to abuse and/or neglect. April is celebrated as Child Abuse Prevention Month. CHRIS EDWARDS | TCB

By Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WOODVILLE – April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and CASA of the Sabine Neches Region is hosting a vigil in Woodville toward the awareness and prevention of this societal ill.

The vigil will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 14 at the Woodville City Hall, located at 400 West Bluff Street. Lori McGee, who works as the recruitment and retention coordinator for the organization encouraged everyone from the community to come out and participate.

“We would love to have as many of the community members as possible,” McGee said.

The memorial, according to McGee, is done in remembrance of the 182 children who died last year as a result of abuse and/or neglect in the state of Texas.

April is recognized nationally as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and it was first observed in 1983 when then-President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the heightened awareness of the issue and communities working together helps prevent child maltreatment.

“Prevention services and supports developed by this collaboration can help to protect children and strengthen families,” according to the federal agency’s website.

CASA serves Tyler, Hardin, Jasper, Newton, Orange and Sabine counties by training volunteers to advocate for abused and/or neglected children in courts, in schools and in the community toward the aim of family reunification or alternative placement in a safe, permanent and loving home, according to its website.

For anyone interested in volunteering or donating to the organization, the organization’s information is accessible via its website, www.casasnr.org, or through its Facebook page (www.facebook.com/casasnr/) or by emailing McGee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or by phone at 409-886-2272.

  • Hits: 409

Babin, other GOP leaders stand behind Trump

1 Comment
Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive

BRIAN BABIN BRIAN BABIN By Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

When news broke last Thursday that the Manhattan District Attorney’s office confirmed a multiple-count indictment of former president Donald Trump, many Republican lawmakers backed Trump, including Texas congressman Brian Babin (R-Woodville). Babin issued a statement through Twitter following news of the indictment, calling it “purely political theater.”

Babin further stated that New York DA Alvin Bragg “won’t prosecute violent criminals but is eager to weaponize the justice system for attempted political gain.” Texas Senator Ted Cruz also weighed in on what he saw as the justice system being weaponized and called the indictment a “catastrophic escalation” in that alleged weaponization.

Trump has reportedly been under investigation for some time for allegedly paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels over an alleged affair that occurred prior to Trump’s 2016 successful bid for the presidency.

The exact charge or charges are not public at this time, and reportedly Bragg’s office said it has contacted Trump’s attorney to set up a surrender and an arraignment at a later date.

The news makes Trump the first former president in the country’s history to be under criminal indictment. Despite this, Trump continues to push another bid for the White House in 2024. Recent polls show that Trump is currently favored by potential voters over Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis, although polling high among likely Republican voters, has not announced his candidacy for the presidency. President Joe Biden, a Democrat, is expected to run for re-election.

Other Republican lawmakers rushed to back Trump on Thursday. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) called the indictment a “sham,” and a clear example of “extremist Democrats weaponizing government to attack their political opponents,” which he stated in a tweet.

Kevin McCarthy, the Speaker of the House referred to the episode as an “injustice” that the American people “will not tolerate,” and criticized Bragg.

Trump issued a social media statement, himself, through his own Truth Social platform. He wrote that “Thugs and Radical Left Monsters have just INDICATED (sic) the President of the United States of America,” and referred to the Grand Jury’s action toward him as an “attack on our once free and fair elections,” stating that he is the “leading Republican Candidate, by far, for the 2024 Nomination for President.”

Sources indicate that Trump has said he plans to fight the charges against him.

The issue of the hush money for the alleged affair in of itself is not illegal, but what is being reported by outlets such as the New York Times is that the charges likely are related to business fraud and campaign finance violations. As of Friday morning, it was being reported that Trump faces more than 30 counts in the indictment handed down from the Grand Jury.

The reaction from lawmakers of the Democratic party emphasized the rule of law and fairness. New York Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) tweeted that “No one is above the law,” while Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) referred to Trump’s indictment as a “somber” moment for the nation.

“As we see this process unfold, I hope Americans can find faith in our judicial system and take heart in knowing justice benefits us all,” Crow concluded.

  • Hits: 225

Chester ISD holds bond meeting

Write a comment
Star InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar InactiveStar Inactive

Chester ISD logo template 300By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – About 45 Chester residents attended the Thursday, March 23 “bond information meeting” held in Chester’s cafeteria.  Chester ISD Superintendent Paul Drake gave presentations, with input from Mark Strong (GLS engineering firm) and the district’s financial advisor who addressed tax implications.

Drake presented slides giving an overview of the plans to replace the current middle school and high school buildings with a new 8-10 classroom building on the east side of the administration building. The middle school building is in poor condition and only has three classrooms while the high school built in 1967 of wood does not meet any current building codes. Other projects are described in the brochure produced by the district and available to the public.

Questions related to taxes, restrooms, classrooms, possible timeline, contractors, state legislative potential actions, and values were answered.

Drake said that anyone with questions should contact the school as they are willing to give tours or explain the current plans.  Details can also be found on the district’s website, located at https://www.chesterisd.com

Another public meeting is set for April 20 prior to early voting which begins April 24.

All voting will be done in the school’s board room.  Informational pamphlets can be picked up at the school, the bank and at Jiffy Mart.

  • Hits: 358

WISD educator receives prestigious award

Write a comment

User Rating: 5 / 5

Star ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar ActiveStar Active

By Chris Edwards
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kayla ConnerKayla ConnerBEAUMONT – Each year the Beaumont-based Beaumont Foundation of America awards a handful of educators the Wayne A. Reaud Excellence in Education Award. This year, Woodville Middle School science instructor Kayla Conner was among those recipients.

The award, which is named for the philanthropic organization’s chairman, was created to celebrate superior contributions of teachers, and 15 teachers are selected annually to receive the award, which comes with a crystal obelisk, a portrait and $10,000. The recipients are honored at an awards gala.

“On behalf of Woodville ISD, we are extremely proud of Kayla Conner,” WISD Superintendent Lisa Meysembourg said.

“She’s just an excellent instructor and epitomizes the best in all of us. We are so thrilled to have her teaching, and working with the students, and her impact carries over into all areas of their lives and in their future successes.”

The award was established in 2009, and according to the foundation’s website, teachers who are recognized demonstrate superior teaching skills and the “leadership and dedication [to] inspire a spirit of learning in students of all backgrounds and learning abilities.”

 

 

Meysembourg added that this year was the first year Woodville Middle School earned a distinction from the state in its science scores and Conner “is certainly a big part of that.”

In order to be eligible for the award, a teacher must have five years of teaching experience and be employed full-time at a public or private school within Tyler, Jasper, Newton, Orange, Hardin or Jefferson counties, and has to complete a nomination and application process by a fall deadline.

  • Hits: 1169