Tyler County News - Breakout

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By Chuck Davidson

CHESTER – All of members of the Chester ISD board of trustees attended the Monday, Nov. 29 regular board meeting held in the Chester library after having completed a busy month of special meetings in their search for a new superintendent. 

They had more than 20 applications and after narrowing their choices down to three on Nov. 8, selected Paul Drake on the 16th to be lone finalist. 

The consent agenda was approved without comments and as no members of the community spoke during the public forum portion, board president Ray McKnight got to the key items on the agenda, which after being presented by interim superintendent Katie Loughner, were all approved. 

The items included: District of Innovation Plan 2021-2026; TASB Update 118 and Safe and Supportive School Coordinator Stipend. Loughner also updated the board on HB 3 goals and the district’s memorandum of understanding with the county’s special education co-op. 

Marty Thompson gave the board a comprehensive review of the transportation needs (another bus and more drivers) plus a thank-you for the current order of a 14-passenger vehicle and purchase of a “new” used 44-passenger bus.

Under the principal’s report, Loughner reported that current enrollment is 216 and that they will have a Christmas program on Thursday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. It was also reported that new playground equipment is now projected to arrive in early spring of 2022. 

The board spent about 26 minutes in executive session and when back in open, set Monday, Dec. 13 as the next board meeting, then adjourned.

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Jacques BlanchetteBy Chris Edwards
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WOODVILLE – Long-serving Tyler County Judge Jacques Blanchette announced on Tuesday that he will not seek re-election for another term.

Blanchette said that initially he did plan to seek re-election, but “recent events” have caused him to “re-evaluate what family needs may be required of me,” he said, which has caused him to decide against seeking another term.

“I greatly appreciate the privilege you’ve entrusted to me in serving. I hold fond memories of your kindness toward my family and confidence in me to do what’s right,” he said.

Blanchette’s term ends next year. Last week, Melissa Riley made an announcement to run for the office as a Republican. 

The primaries for next year’s general election are on March 1 to decide candidates for parties. There are no other declared candidates at present for the county judge position.

Blanchette began his first four-year term as county judge in January 2007 and is currently in his fourth term. Prior to becoming elected to office, he was affiliated with Stringer & Griffin Funeral Home.

Throughout Blanchette’s tenure, he has led the county through natural disasters, such as hurricanes Ike and Harvey, and through the coronavirus pandemic.

Along with his position, Blanchette has also served in various regional and local leadership positions and in his church. 

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The annual Rotary Pancake Breakfast is always popular with the kids. (Booster File Photo)

By Chris Edwards
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TYLER COUNTY – With the Thanksgiving turkey, ham and grandma’s famous dressing still strong on tastebuds, Christmas celebrations are scheduled for Tyler County beginning next week.

The Tyler County Chamber of Commerce announced its theme for this year’s countywide Christmas celebration as “Bring Back Traditions.”

The Chamber’s events will begin on Thursday, Dec. 2 and continue through Dec. 3. “Let’s all gather to show the true meaning of Christmas in Tyler County,” said Tyler County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Holly Wells.

The fun slated for Thursday includes the “Mistletoe Market,” which will take place inside the Emporium Stage in downtown Woodville, beginning at 6 p.m. There will also be a movie screened on the square, “Polar Express.”

Attendees to the film screening are invited to bring blankets and chairs, and children must be accompanied by a parent at all times. 

The Mistletoe Market will continue on Friday, with shopping available inside the Emporium from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. that day. At 6 p.m., Santa will appear on the courthouse square and at 6:30 p.m., the tradition of lighting up the square will commence.

Some of the other events being sponsored by the Chamber include a Christmas cookie contest, which will take place on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at the courthouse square.

Participants can enter online at the Chamber’s website, tylercountycoc.com.

On Saturday, Dec. 4, the Rotary Club of Woodville will host its popular annual pancake and sausage breakfast event, “Breakfast with Santa.”

This event begins at 7:30 a.m. and takes place inside the fellowship hall of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Tickets to that event are $6 for adults and $5 for children.

If all that was not enough, the Chamber is also hosting a Christmas decorating contest, which is open to all Tyler County residents and businesses. 

The theme of the contest is “Back to Traditions,” in keeping with the overall theme of the celebration this year. The registration period for entrants ends on Sunday, Dec. 5, and judging will take place from Dec. 8 – 12.

There will be winners in both categories, business and residential. For anyone interested in entering, check out www.tylercountycoc.com/christmasintylercounty.