Handing out funds for the future

Shepherd High School scholarship winners are (from left) board members Yvonne Cones, Walterine Carr, winners Tangela Yates, Hunter Goodman, Daci Theissen and board member Christie Andrews. Courtesy photo

Last week was a big night for High School graduates. Both chambers of commerce announced the winners of their scholarships.

Shepherd came first on May 22 with a full house of parents and students and donors of scholarships. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce was very happy to give to three exceptional students — Tangela Yates, Hunter Goodman and Daci Theissen.

Tangela won $2,500, and the other two won $1,500 each. Coldspring-Oakhurst held its event the following evening. Coldspring Chamber of Commerce presented four students with awards — Jaden Griffith, Alana Harden, Loren Massey and Taylor Viator. Alana Harden won $2,000 the others won $2,500 each.

•Judge Kim Webb of Precinct 4 has established a Blessing Box outside of the office at 225 Boat Launch Road in Point Blank. This box is intended to help those in need who cannot afford non-perishable items like diapers and food.

The public is asked to donate what they can by dropping items into the box. Those in need are welcome to come and take what they need. You do not have to live in Precinct 4 to be a part of this worthwhile venture.

We know we have a lot of folks who are unable to afford the necessities. If you can help, thank you in advance. Go to www.littlefreepantry.org.

•June is here this week. Friends of Hopewell will celebrate its silver anniversary on Juneteenth. This is June 17, and the event will take place at the Hopewell Center in Coldspring with a Parade through town for those who wish to take part in it. To do so, go online for the Parade form at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call them at (832) 401-4350.

The day will start at 9 a.m. and will feature entertainment, food and games and awards. The deadline for entry to the Parade is June 15. The Friends of Hopewell ask for donations for the Center of $25 since this is their 25th year in existence. Go online for details or call.

•The SJC Republican Party start off its June meeting with guest speaker Bob Price, who will talk about the border crisis. Starting at 6 p.m. with dinner, the event will be at the headquarters, 201 SH 150 Suite J. A donation of $5 is suggested for the meal.

The border crisis is also part of the title of Sheriff Greg Capers’ Town Hall meeting on June 1 in the Coldspring Community Shelter at 220 SH 150. The Sheriff invites everyone to this meeting which will deal with the recent Cleveland mass shooting and will also feature speakers Walter West and Sandra Whitten. Questions and answers will come after the presentation.

•Vendors for Shepherd July 1 event, celebrating our Independence Day, can go online for a form. If you want to collect one from Shepherd Library that is fine, too. Retail vendors and those people wanting to sell their handmade goods or promote their business with give aways can be inside or outside the Community Center.

Bring your own table and chairs for outside. Vendors are $20, food vendors are $40. We are almost full with food vendors. Fireworks will end the evening after our busy day of games, contests, costume competitions and live music. Bayou Sounds and Mike L will perform with Jaccen Lee as our MC and DJ. Find out more at www.shepherd chamberofcommerce.org.

Contact the Shepherd Chamber at (936) 628-3890 or the Coldspring Chamber at (936) 653-2184.

Yvonne Cones is president of the Greater Shepherd Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce.