Tyler County News - Breakout

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BRIAN BABIN By Chris Edwards
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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.

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By 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.

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By Chris Edwards
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Kayla 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.

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The interior of Simply Charming, an events venue located in downtown Woodville. MOLLIE LASALLE | TCBBy Mollie LaSalle
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TYLER COUNTY – Are you looking for a place to have a special event? Well, you don’t have to leave the county to find the perfect setting. Tyler County is home to several event venues, with more opening up every day. In fact, Tyler County may possibly be the capitol of events venues in the state.

A few of the older venues include, The Gathering Place and the Community Center in Colmesneil, the Emporium for the Arts in Woodville, and Triple Creek RV Park and Event Venue.

Newer venues getting a lot of attention include The Lively Oak Event Center in Fred; Ramsey Ranch; Arrow Acres Tiny Home Retreat and Events Space, and Black Creek Ranch Event Venue in Warren.

In Woodville, on the courthouse square you have Venue on the Square and Simply Charming Event Room, and not far down the street is the Emporium for the Arts.

The Gathering Place is owned and operated by Vance Cowart and is known for hosting monthly men’s prayer breakfasts. Cowart’s parents, Doyle and Kathy founded the venue years ago, and operated it until their passing in 2021. It is a beautiful space for weddings, family reunions, and just about whatever your heart desires. The Gathering Place is located at 11981 US Hwy 69 north in Colmesneil, and the phone number is 409-382-3848.

The Community Center, behind City Hall in Colmesneil is another popular place for reunions, birthday parties and special events. You can call City Hall at 409-837-5211 to inquire about renting the center.

Triple Creek RV Park Music Venue is known for their Saturday music shows, which range from gospel to country and bluegrass. The park is situated on more than 2,000 acres and offer up good music and good times. Triple Creek is located at 2850 PR 8335 in Woodville.

The Emporium for the Arts is another unique gem in Woodville. Sam and Judith Haney own the venue, and they have everything from live music to plays, and special gatherings. Call 409-283-2632 to inquire about booking the Emporium. They are located at 212 West Bluff.

Two of the newer event venues are located on the courthouse square. Venue on the Square opened in the summer of 2022 and is a little piece of history for your next party, shower, or meeting. Leann Monk and Elizabeth Grammer converted the former Dee’s Flower Shop into a unique venue for showers, birthday parties and special gatherings. They are located at 102 Charlton. You can message Venue on the Square through their Facebook page.

Sunny and Markus Clowers recently opened Simply Charming Event Center at 204 West Bluff in the old Mann Furniture building and can accommodate any small or large event. They have done a wonderful job converting the space and they also own C4 Inflatables & More. Call 409-698-7228 for inquiries about the event venue and 409-698-4115 about C4 Inflatables. The Waymaker Event Center is also in Woodville, at 611 PR 8345. Visit their website: waymakerevents.com for more info on booking.

The Lively Oak Event Center, located at 840 CR 4900 in Fred is nestled on 25 acres and features a 90- foot canopy live oak tree, and offers the perfect setting for any event in quiet and peaceful surroundings. Call 907-841-4015.

Heritage Village is home to Cherokee Church, which is a special place to hold a wedding, and offers beautiful surroundings and peace and quiet: they can also host other events. Call the Village at 409-283-2272 to reserve Cherokee Church. Ramsey Ranch is yet another venue for a wedding or any special event. The ranch is a beautiful hidden gem in the country. To schedule a private tour call 832-444-8587. Ramsey Ranch is located at 1475 CR 1700 in Warren.

Another beautiful setting to have a wedding is Black Creek Ranch. This venue has it all. A beautiful huge pavilion with a stage, a charming bridal cabin, and beautiful countryside. Owners Melody and Steve Daigle have pulled out all the stops to make this your dream come true. They are located at 358 CR 1525 in Warren. Call 409-377-2829 to ask for a tour. Arrow Acres Tiny Home Retreat and Venue is another beautiful place to hold a wedding or any special moment. They are located at 10135 US Hwy 69 S in Warren. Call 832-477-1533 to inquire about booking the venue. Yet another venue in Warren is Triple D Ranch at 4299 CR 4800. They are a private venue for weddings, receptions, and party needs, and boast air conditioned/heated banquet halls. Call 409-893-7700 to inquire about booking availability.

The choice is yours. Please consider any of these beautiful venues when planning your next big event. You can’t go wrong no matter which one you choose, as each one is unique and offers something special for everyone. Let any of these fine businesses assist you in having your dream wedding, engagement party, rehearsal dinner, birthday party or baby shower.