WOODVILLE – “She made a difference” is what a plaque read that was presented to the family of Mandy Kraus Risinger by the Tyler County Commissioners Court at the governing body’s meeting on Monday, April 13.
That date, which was also recognized as County Government Day, was fitting to honor the late Risinger, who died last August. Risinger served as the Woodville city administrator for 14 years. “We greatly appreciate what all she’s done for the city of Woodville,” said Pct. 3 Commissioner Mike Marshall, who was filling in for County Judge Milton Powers, to officiate.
Marshall spoke about Risinger’s many years of service, and her selfless attitude as a leader in the community. The plaque, which her husband John David Risinger accepted, noted her many years of dedicated leadership and her impact on Tyler County.
Child Abuse Awareness Month recognized
Another proclamation made by the Commissioners Court on Monday was to recognize the month of April as Child Abuse Awareness Month in Tyler County.
Marshall read the proclamation, which reported statistics on child abuse and neglect, statewide, as well as locally. In 2025, there were 51,985 confirmed victim reports of child abuse and/or neglect in the state, and 125 deaths as a result. Last year there were 198 reports of child abuse or neglect in Tyler County, with 51 confirmed victims, and 12 children removed from their homes due to child abuse and/or neglect.
Marshall encouraged everyone to wear blue on the date of Sunday, April 26, which is designated as “Blue Sunday” to bring awareness to the importance of preventing child abuse.
Terry Allen, with the county’s Child Welfare Board, spoke before the court, and thanked the commissioners’ court for supporting the organization’s efforts.
She also encouraged everyone present to report any suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect. “If you see something, say something,” she said.
Resources to report child abuse in Tyler County include local law enforcement agencies, including the police departments of Ivanhoe and Woodville; the Tyler County Sheriff’s Office and the statewide Texas Abuse Hotline, at 1-800-252-5400. That organization also has a website, txabusehotline.org to report incidents, and those giving a report need not provide their name.
