Tyler County News - Breakout

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From Staff Reports

WOODVILLE – The Tyler County Chamber of Commerce is kicking off its quarterly after-hours networking events this Thursday at the Magnolia Bar and Grill.

“Cheers with the Chamber,” which will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., will allow businesspeople from across the county to come and network, socialize and promote their endeavors, according to Chamber Executive Director Holly Wells.

“Come on out to promote, network, socialize and meet and greet with other business owners,” Wells said.

Light food, tea and water will be provided by the venue, while alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the bar.

Much like the classic sitcom from which the event’s name is inspired, the event allows for a relaxed atmosphere “where everyone needs to know your name,” Wells said, with a laugh.

The Chamber asks that attendees RSVP with the number of guests, in order for accommodation purposes. RSVPs can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Wells said that the invite is open to businesses outside of Tyler County, as well, for the purpose of networking and sharing ideas.

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By Chris Edwards
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Herb BranchWOODVILLE – Herbert G. Branch, a longtime businessman and civic leader in Woodville, died last Wednesday at the age of 91.

Branch worked as a forester for International Paper and moved to Woodville in the early 1970s to manage the Tyler County IP office. Branch also worked in real estate and appraisals, and opened his own business after retiring from IP, which he operated for many years.

Although he retired from his business a decade ago, he was still active in avenues of service and in leadership. Branch served several terms on the Woodville City Council, and resigned last fall, to focus on his health.

He was also a long-serving member of the Rotary Club of Woodville and served as its president, and several terms as treasurer. He was honored in 2004 by the Rotary District 5910 on its “Roll of Fame”.

Late last year Branch was honored by the Rotarians as the Woodville club’s first Member Emeritus.

Branch also volunteered with the Dogwood Festival for many years, alongside his late wife Katherine. He served as a Kingsman and volunteered with the historical play for the annual festival.

Prior to moving to Woodville and his career in the timber industry, Branch served in the Army in the Korean War, and was eventually assigned to an elite MP unit. His duties included guarding then-Vice President Richard Nixon, when Nixon visited Korea.

Branch was also a collegiate basketball star before joining the military. He played all four years as an undergraduate at Stephen F. Austin State University (then Stephen F. Austin State College) in Nacogdoches. As a Lumberjack, Branch was a forward for the 1948-49 Lone Star Conference championship team and was a standout all four years that he played for coach Glen Rose.

Woodville City Administrator Mandy Risinger, who worked many years alongside Branch in city government, said that Woodville benefited greatly from Branch’s devotion and his wisdom in leadership.

“Personally, I enjoyed and appreciated his advice, his candor and his wit,” she said. “Herb was a voice of reason in a world of chaos, and he will be greatly missed.”

Risinger also noted Branch was well-known for his fun-loving personality and “wonderful” sense of humor, but when it came to serious matters, he “could definitely be serious.”

“He had a servant’s heart and felt a responsibility to serve his community,” she added.

Risinger also shared memories of Branch as “an excellent dancer,” who was an “absolute joy to watch he and his wife jitterbug” and his standard answer of “I’ll have a Coors Light” when asked if he would like something to drink, no matter the location.

“It was my pleasure to work with Herb and to get to know him on a personal level. I respected him immensely and I am deeply saddened by his passing,” Risinger said.

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By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – Chester ISD was the UIL A+ Academic Champion for District 28 A at the event held in Chester on Jan. 28.

Teams of students (grades 2 through 8) from Brookeland, Burkeville, Chester, Goodrich, High Island, Spurger and Zavalla) competed all day in more than 50 categories such as Chess, Dictionary Skills, Editorial Writing, Music Memory, Number Sense, Science, Social Studies and Spelling with Chester coming out as overall team champion based upon points earned.

More than 200 students participated, with more than 50 from Chester ISD, of whom 30 won or placed in the top three.

Librarian Betty Ann Whitworth is the school’s UIL coordinator for this event, and this year was the first time she had hosted the event.  With full support from the school staff and teachers, the PTO and the community, she thanks all who assisted in providing good food and hospitality, judging, rooms, and a positive atmosphere. Students were recognized at the school board meeting on Feb. 16 with Superintendent Dr. Paul Drake commending those who participated and placed. This annual event will be held at Spurger in 2024.

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By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – All Chester ISD school board trustees met on Feb. 16 at their monthly meeting and voted to adopt an order to call an election for $5.315 million in bonds to replace and upgrade several academic buildings.

Specific details for this order will be soon be available and exact date and location of the voting will be determined after consultation with Tyler County. This action follows the Jan. 26 open house and facility tour given by Superintendent Paul Drake.

Factual information will be available at the school following its winter break.

Board president Bryan Martin had called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and after prayer and pledges, he asked about 15 students who participated in the District 28 A Academic UIL who were present to come forward and be recognized for winning the team championship for the school district. Supt. Paul Drake introduced all who had placed and thanked them for participating. The board later also reviewed and approved the faculty adopted 2023-24 school calendar.

Business manager Austin Odom gave a positive overview of revenues and expenditures, but had to inform all present that a school bus on order was again delayed, and that a safety and security audit will be done soon. The state has awarded all districts funds to cover specific issues related to school safety such as doors and windows and these must be started within a year.

Drake said that enrollment stands at 211 with attendance above 97%.  Basketball teams both qualified for UIL play-offs and updates spring sports schedules were distributed and will be placed

on district website.  The consent agenda was approved without comment and an executive session of about one hour began. The board returned at 7:59 and then approved administrator contracts for five employees followed by adjournment at 8:02.  The next board meeting is set for March 20.