Tyler County News - Breakout

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By Chris Edwards
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Terry RileyIVANHOE – The City of Ivanhoe has a changing of the guard approaching with its law enforcement.

Long-serving Chief Marshal Terry Riley announced that as of Friday, Feb. 10, he will no longer be serving in that position. Riley has accepted a position with the Fifth Circuit Eastern District U.S. Marshals Service. Steve Drumm, who is currently serving the City Marshal’s Office as Deputy Marshal, was appointed to fill Riley’s shoes at a special-called meeting of the Ivanhoe City Council on Saturday. Drumm filled-in as interim Chief Marshal while Riley recovered from a recent illness.

“It has been an honor to work with the citizens and the city council at Ivanhoe,” Riley said.

Of his successor, Riley had nothing but words of confidence. “I know he will do a great job for the city. I know that he and the city council and mayor will work together to make Ivanhoe a great place to live,” he said.

In his time with the City of Ivanhoe, Riley led the city’s law enforcement agency, which he essentially helped establish, as the city was incorporated in 2009.

“It has truly been an honor,” Riley said of his service.

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The 80th Tyler County Dogwood Festival Princesses were selected by the Kingsmen last week. Each public school in Tyler County is represented, and one of these ladies will be crowned Queen on April 1. Pictured (left to right): Savannah Ludewig-Woodville, Gracen Lindsey-Colmesneil, Natalie Standley-Warren, Kaylee Tolar-Chester, Ella Hatton-Spurger.

The Ladies in Waiting were also announced last week. Standing (left to right): Maycie Allen-Warren, Sydnie Odom-Woodville, Chloe Powers-Colmesneil, Brilynn Gore-Warren, Madison Wainwright-Woodville. Sitting (left to right): Emily Mejia-Warren, Lacey Chapman-Spurger, Alyssa White-Chester. The theme for the Dogwood Festival this year is “New Beginnings in Tyler County – 80 Years of Traditions.” The festival will kick off with Festival of the Arts weekend out at Heritage Village on March 18-19, then Western weekend will take place March 24-25 and the Queen’s Weekend is scheduled for April 1. Photographs by Becki Byrd | Dogwood Festival Photographer

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By Mollie LaSalle
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COLMESNEIL – Colmesneil ISD School board held a special called meeting, on Tuesday, Jan. 24 to consider naming a lone finalist as CISD Superintendent.

Dr. Scott Davis, who has been serving as interim superintendent, was named the lone finalist for the position. Davis was appointed interim superintendent in July, 2022, and the board voted to name him as the lone finalist for the position.

Davis spoke to board members of all he has accomplished since his arrival at the district. His top priorities upon taking the position remain, number one, safety and security, and number two, academics.

Davis said “this has basically been a six-month job interview for me. My main priority right now is looking into the CTE facilities we have in regard to Agriculture Mechanics, Horticulture and the Construction trades to determine if they are adequate enough. History has its place in the community, and I respect that.”

He went on to say, “ I’m not changing the things that I’m doing. We need to set some goals, and I already have a plan in this regard. If we don’t have staff, we can’t take care of the kids. So teachers can teach and kids can learn, that’s why we do what we do, that’s why we’re all here, and I won’t change.”

The board will vote on hiring Davis to the position at the February meeting.

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By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – With a meal provided later by the Chester Buyer’s Club on Thursday, Jan. 26, Superintendent Dr. Paul Drake welcomed about 75 community members who came to learn about the district’s facility needs and review ideas for bond propositions.

Chester ISD has served the Chester community for more than 100 years and currently has several old buildings needing major upgrades or replacement.

Goodwin-Lasiter-Strong out of Lufkin recently completed a structural assessment on all campus buildings and presented updates as to what is needed for each one. Bottom line: this audit recommends that the current high school building (not the gymnasium) and the current junior high building and old gym be demolished.

Both buildings are out of compliance with security gaps and the high school has asbestos which must be abated.

An analysis by the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) estimated that it would cost more than 125% to remodel these vs replacing them. The preliminary budget for possible projects (new junior/senior high school, demolishment of the two current structures, new entry and restrooms for the competitive gym, upgraded Ag shop and cafeteria kitchen work) is more than $4.8 million, not counting soft costs like asbestos work, surveys etc.

The current Chester ISD M&O (maintenance and operations) tax rate is only .9603 (with no existent I&S, or Interest and Sinking rate), one of the lowest in the area, and the maximum proposed I & S rate would be .3 %.

Handouts were available for those present to see specific building needs and after Drake’s overview, tours were given of the facilities mentioned, led by himself and business manager Austin Odom.

Once concluded, all attendees enjoyed food and fellowship provided by the members of the buyer’s club and friends.

If you missed this open house and want to learn more about the study, call the school at 936 969 2371 or check out www.chesterisd.com.  Questions may be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..