Serving The People Of Tyler County For 85 Years
TEXAS PRESS ASSOCIATION BETTER NEWSPAPER CONTEST
AWARD WINNER 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012—Vol. 85, No. 52
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Spurger ISD student in custody after making threat Dec. 19 A Spurger ISD student was taken into custody by Tyler County Sheriff ’s deputies December 19 after making terroristic threats against other students on the high school campus. A separate incident in Colmesneil ISD on the same date did not result in any action by the Tyler County Sheriff ’s deparment.Tyler County Sheriff David Hennigan has released the following statement concerning both incidents. “On December 19th, 2012,Tyler County Sheriff ’s Office (TCSO) deputies were dispatched to the Spurger High School in reference to a possible terroristic threat
against other students in the form of a handwritten note by another student. Once on campus, deputies met with Principal Brandon Shumake, who advised deputies that the ‘threatening note’ was seen in the possession of a student by a faculty member. Principal Shumake told deputies that the ‘threatening note’ was located in the immediate area of the student’s desk. Deputies also observed other notes written in the student’s notebook which matched the writing on the threatening note. Deputies were told by Principal Shumake that the student admitted to writing another Cont. On Pg. 4A
Chester Board hears enrollment data, talks bus issues, Dec. 17 by Jessi Sanders Chester School Board held its regular monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. on December 17. The meeting began with the approval of the minutes of the regular November meeting, and the financial statements from November. The Board approved several items on the agenda, beginning with the approval of funds in the amount of $2,000 donated to the District by the Chester Athletic
Booster Club. Also approved was the Educational Improvement Plan, which included goals for improving areas such as attendance, student achievement and staff development. The Board approved the 2010-2011 Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas (FIRST) report, which gave Chester ISD a rating of Superior Achievement. On the agenda was the announcement of Board Member Continuing Education
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Two men indicted for local crimes Two local men have been indicted for various crimes committed in Tyler County over the past year, including the robbery of two local convenience stores at gunpoint. Marlon Dave Adams, age 29, of Jasper admitted to robbing the Woodville Exxon Jiffy Market in March of 2012 and the Colmesneil Exxon Jiffy Market in May of 2012. He also robbed another store in the city of Jasper. “During the robberies, Adams held up the store clerk at gunpoint,” said Captain
Mike McCulley of the Woodville Police Department. “He then took cash from the cash drawers and ordered the clerk to the bathroom, then immediately left the scene.” Adams is currently being held in jail in Jasper County. He is charged with Aggravated Robbery. A second man, Lonell Hooper, age 45 of Beaumont, was also indicted in an unrelated crime.
Don’t Text and Drive—Over 490 high school students in Tyler County signed a pledge to not text while driving, after watching the AT&T YouTube video “The Last Text”. After watching the video at their school assembly, students were challenged by local law enforcement to sign the pledge. Each student received an “it can wait” thumb ring from the Tyler County Booster, and their name has been entered into a drawing for a chance to win a hands free unit for their vehicle. The drawing will be held December 26, just prior Cont. On Pg. 4A to the New Year holiday weekend.
Colmesneil Board discusses Sports rivalry gets ugly technology upgrades, campus improvements in Dec. meeting by Emily Waldrep
By Jessi Sanders The Colmesneil School Board held their regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on December 18.The Board approved several items, including the minutes from the previous meeting, the financial statements and bills for the month of November, the policy for eminent domain, and the school improvement plan. The Board also passed a motion to replace the score boards for the athletic facilities, while deciding to further research replacing the marquee for the school. The Board discussed 1:1 Implementation for Grades 7-12, with Technology Director Mark Simmons talking about the benefits and downfalls of purchasing a device in the form of
Woodville, Texas 75 CENTS USPS 645-560
a Google Chromebook for each student. The District has ordered 20 Chromebooks in order to evaluate feedback from students and teachers and decide whether the 1:1 Implementation is the right choice for the District. The motion to seek bids to purchase athletic bleachers and a press box came before the Board, and heard much discussion from the quorum. During discussion, an itemized list of things around the school which will need future repair or replacement was presented, giving an estimated price for each. At the end of discussion the motion to seek bids was passed. Superintendent Stacey Ackley presented his report, beginning by informing the Board that in the wake of
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the Connecticut shooting a message was sent out via phone call to parents making the statement that the safety of students is of the utmost importance to the faculty and staff of Colmesneil ISD. Mr. Ackley also talked about the work being done on the Tyler County school calendar, including discussion regarding the Tyler County Professional Development days. Ackley informed the Board that the District has offered teachers Identity Theft protection and training. Additionally, the Superintendent expressed his feeling that the District has been very fortunate with the revenue which comes from Lake Tejas. As an update, Ackley reported to the Board that the online auction for various items around the
Index Obituaries, Church... 2A Columnists................ 3A Society....................... 4A Sports........................ 5A Classifieds................ 1B
school which was approved in a previous meeting will be held in January, as the auction company recommended. Elementary school principal Yvette Carlton presented her report, discussing the events which the elementary school has recently participated in. In U.I.L. events, Colmesneil competed against seven schools last week, with the elementary placing fourth and the middle school placing third. The two night, 50s-themed, P.E. program held this week was a success. On Friday December 21, K-6 students who have missed no more than two days, have a 75 or higher in grades, less than four tardies, and a 98 or higher in conduct will be taking an Cont. On Pg. 4A
Photo edited to obscure obscenity
Tyler County SPORTS, 6A & 7A
Obituaries 2A
Jackets Tyler Cherry Goes Up For 2!
Gerry Fruge Colmesneil Marjorie Landers Columbus James Sturrock Arlington Buddy Tubb Jasper
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While competition on the football field is usually a positive force in Tyler County, sometimes it gets ugly, as happened last week. Two cases of related vandalism were reported in Tyler County on December 16 after an unknown actor or actors painted vulgar statements and previous football scores on various signs around the county. One sign is located inWarren, Texas directly across from the Church of Christ. The score of the Woodville vs. Warren football game was painted on the sign in black spray paint, along with vulgarities about Woodville. The second sign that had been vandalized was the famous“big cow” located on the side of highway 1746 approximately 4 miles out of Woodville. There are no suspects in the vandalism cases, but any information should be given to the Tyler County Sheriff ’s Department at 283-2172.
Columns 3A Ed Sterling Capital Highlights Bob Bowman East Texas Sandy Taylor Heritage Village Will Webb
‘Country dog...city dog, Sawyer adjusts’