Tyler County News - Breakout

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Chester has a new homecoming queen, Kinsley Barnes, who is pictured here with her escort Bradley Davison last Friday night. BECKI BYRD | TCB

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After a successful legislative session distinguished by conservative accomplishments, Republican State Representative Trent Ashby announced he will seek re-election to Texas House District 9 to build on the momentum gained toward securing the border and cutting property taxes. Texas House District 9 includes the entirety of Angelina, Houston, Polk, San Augustine, Trinity and Tyler Counties.

“I’m very proud to have helped secure a monumental $5.1 billion investment in border security to take the fight to Biden’s open border policies,” said Rep. Ashby. “At the same time, we cut property and business taxes by $18 billion – setting a record for the largest state tax cut in American history.  We also expanded rural broadband access and passed a long-needed cost-of-living increase for our retired teachers. It’s the honor of a lifetime to represent the folks of House District 9, and I’m committed to continuing to provide effective and conservative leadership to ensure our rural family values drive Texas forward.”

Rep. Ashby announces his re-election with broad support from elected officials across the district. A small sample includes:

Keith Wright, Angelina County Judge

Jim Lovell, Houston County Judge

Sydney Murphy, Polk County Judge

Jeff Boyd, San Augustine County Judge

Danny Martin, Trinity County Judge

Doug Page, Former Trinity County Judge

Tom Selman, Angelina County Sheriff

Kenneth Hammack, Fmr. Polk County Sheriff

Byron Lyons, Polk County Sheriff

Robert Cartwright, San Augustine County Sheriff

Bryan Weatherford, Tyler County Sheriff

Mark Hicks, Mayor of Lufkin

Judy Cochran, Mayor of Livingston

 

Rep. Ashby serves as Chairman of the influential Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee and on the critical Select Committee on Educational Opportunity & Enrichment, which was charged with reviewing education policy solutions in advance of the forthcoming Special Session. In his capacity as a member of the powerful Transportation Committee, Rep. Ashby led the fight for infrastructure project funding for Deep East Texas communities.

Ashby has earned a distinction as an advocate for teachers and rural education. As a graduate of Henderson High School, he remains grateful for his public school education and is committed to paying it forward.  Being raised on a dairy farm and cattle operation, he’s passionate about supporting rural communities and those who make their living off the land.

Today, Trent is Senior Vice President for VeraBank. He and his wife, Nickie, live in Lufkin where they raised their two sons — Garin and Grant — who are both in college. Prior to being elected to the Legislature, Ashby served as President of the Lufkin ISD Board of Trustees. Both he and Nickie are very active in their community and attend Harmony Hill Baptist Church.

 

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Woodville residents, I am Elizabeth Grammer, and I am seeking your vote to fill the office of Alderman Place 3 on the ballot for the upcoming City of Woodville election. My husband Trey and I have chosen to make Woodville the place we have lived for most of our lives, were we raised our girls, owned businesses, and above all and simply put – the place we have chosen to call Home.

I would like to take a minute to explain why I have chosen to run for this position on the Woodville City Council. It is my belief that we should not merely sit by and watch others do the work that needs to be done. I honestly believe it’s everyone’s responsibility If we are to continue to make Woodville the best place to live, work and play.

As I stated previously, the responsibility for the success of Woodville lies in the hands of each of us; and I accept that responsibility. I see success starting with open communication, transparency, and honesty. I want to be the voice of the citizens of our city. I want to represent your values, concerns, and issues. I have long been an advocate for doing the right thing – even when no one is watching. I have always tried to speak up for those whose voices aren’t always heard.

My experience in owning and operating a successful business, and currently (as well as previously) serving on the boards of several local civic organizations has prepared me to be able to make wise and sound decisions as it pertains to our city budget and finances. That same experience, along with my various volunteer endeavors, has also taught me the value in listening to what other have to say. I have learned over the years the skill of listening might possibly be the greatest asset one could possess. It has taught me that everyone has the right to be heard, and just because we may disagree, it does not mean we cannot put our differences aside and work together to reach the intended results.

I have learned over the years that sometimes you have to change your method in order to achieve your goals. Sometimes a new perspective is a welcome change. If you are looking for someone to bring a new perspective and be your voice, I am asking for your vote.

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The Tyler County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Woodville-based Legends Salon to the business community on Saturday morning with a ribbon cutting. The event featured a morning, and afternoon, filled with door prizes and an opportunity for attendees to get a look at the full-service salon, which offers massages and spa treatments. Legends’ proprietress SJ Herrington (pictured front row, second from right) spoke about her passions for serving the people and for cosmetology. Herrington, who graduated from Woodville High School, boasts a pair of eagle wings painted upon the wall of the salon, which provide a great photo-opportunity for customers. Her brother, David, an abstract-expressionist painter, also supplied many works adorning the walls. CHRIS EDWARDS | TCB