Tyler County News - Breakout

City of Woodville gives go-ahead to mural project

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By Chris Edwards
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WOODVILLE – At its regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 14, the Woodville City Council gave a go-ahead to a project that promises to add some visual stimulation to the city park.

City Administrator Mandy Risinger brought up the topic, and said that several years ago, the idea of painting a mural on the park’s retaining wall was proposed. Risinger said the Tyler County Art League was also approached about helping with the endeavor.

Municipal Judge Judith Haney, who also heads up TCAL, spoke about the project, and said that the organization had looked at grant funding sources in the past to help make the mural a reality.

Haney said ideally, it would be nice to have the wall painted in time for Dogwood Festival next year and suggested soliciting community involvement. Any kind of slogans or concepts that represent the community would be fair game for the mural.

She said that in the future, the Art League would be glad to help maintain the mural.

Risinger said the addition of a mural “would be a really nice addition” to the park.

The council approved TCAL to move forward in getting information out to the public about the project and getting the community’s involvement.

Prior to the meeting, a swearing-in ceremony took place, with Haney administering the oath of office to Clifton Wright; Joyce Wilson and Herbert Branch.

Wright, who began his term as Alderman, Place 3, takes the place of longtime councilmember Janice Weatherford, who opted to not run for re-election.

Wilson and Branch are both returning to serve new terms, and Wilson was also chosen at the meeting to serve as Mayor Pro-Tem.

Other Business

• Council approved an addendum to its co-op gas supply contract.

• Risinger reported to council on the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade, which is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2022.

• The city has begun its annual audit, Risinger said.

• City offices are closed Dec. 23 and 24 for Christmas and on Friday, Dec. 31 for New Year’s Eve.

December 27, 2021
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Ham radio group elects new officers

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Ham Radio

The Tyler County Amateur Radio Association elected new officers for 2022 at Calvary Baptist Church, Thursday evening, Dec. 9. Pictured (L-R) are President Kurt and V.P. Leah Hollier, and Secretary Chuck Petri. The TCARA and the Amateur Radio Emergency Services met jointly for a potluck Christmas dinner which had about 40 in attendance. The TCARA meets every first Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Nutrition Center, 201 Veterans Way in Woodville, and visitors are welcome. For more info contact Petri at WD5TYL.org. Photo by Michael G. Maness

December 18, 2021
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Chester ISD welcomes Dr. Paul Drake aboard

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Chester ISD’s new superintendent Dr. Paul Drake signed his contract to begin his term starting in January. His son Paxton and wife Briana stand next to him. (PHOTO COURTESY OF KATIE LOUGHNER)By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – Dr. Paul Drake signing his contract as Chester ISD Superintendent was one of the key moments of Monday night’s board meeting.

The meeting was attended by several folks from the faculty and the community, along with Drake’s wife Briana and son, Paxton.

Chester ISD Board of Trustees President Ray McKnight handled Drake’s signing right after the prayer and pledges and approval of the consent agenda.

Drake’s contract begins Jan. 3, 2022 and runs for three school years. Another highlight was to accept the recommendation from interim superintendent Katie Loughner to open up the campus next semester as COVID cases have declined from 11 the first six weeks to one the current six weeks; board accepted this with stipulation that if cases reach five at any time the campus will close down again.

A bid from 4A Septic Construction Company was accepted (1 of 3) for upgrades to the baseball field fencing and dugouts. Another new action was agreeing to pay workers who sell tickets at home games, $15 per game.

Loughner gave an overview of the Special Education co-ops MOU and the districts and campus’s improvement goals both approved by the board. She did report that current enrollment is 216 and mentioned that 33 football players will get to go to the state’s 1A six-man football championship games this week. One other highlight: Monday Dec. 12th was the first day 100% of the staff was on campus for this school year.

The next board meeting was set for Jan. 17, folllwing a short executive session.

December 15, 2021
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Christmas In Tyler County 2021

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CITC Pancake Breakfast 2021 002 Saturday morning’s Breakfast with Santa event, an annual Tyler County Christmastime tradition hosted by the Woodville Rotary Club, was a tasty and fun event for youngsters and adults, alike. It was one of several Christmas events that took place last week. (JIM POWERS | TCB)