Bythewood makes child abuse prevention proclamation

By Mollie LaSalle
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WOODVILLE – Woodville Mayor Amy Bythewood signed two proclamations at Monday evening’s city council meeting; she declared that April be recognized as Fair Housing Month, and also signed a proclamation recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

In her remarks, Bythewood said, “there were 310,582 reports of child abuse and neglect last year (2023) in Texas, 965 children removed from their home due to child abuse and neglect, and 58,120 victims confirmed due to abuse/neglect. In addition, 173 child deaths were as a result of child abuse or neglect. There were 267 reports of child abuse or neglect in Tyler County, 41 confirmed cases of abuse or neglect, and 13 children were removed from their home due to abuse or neglect”.

She went on to say, “child abuse and neglect is a community responsibility, finding solutions depend upon involvement of all people, communities must make every effort to promote the children and their families. Effective child abuse prevention programs succeed because of partnerships among agencies, schools, religious organizations, law enforcement agencies and the business community. Everyone in the community should become more aware of child abuse prevention. All citizens should become involved in supporting families to provide safe, nurturing environments for their children, giving them the opportunity to become caring, contributing members of the community”.

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CASA of the Sabine Neches Region will host its annual Tyler County Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Vigil Friday, April 12 at 6 p.m. at Woodville City Hall, 400 W. Bluff Street.

Council voted on the approval of amplified music in the City Park on Saturday, April 27.

Jimmy Goodman spoke to council about this event, which he and his wife are spearheading in conjunction with Celebrate Recovery in Woodville, one of the many ministries that will be on hand for the event. Goodman said, “this is one way of all us coming together, loving on the community, it is a free event….there will be short testimonials. It is a community outreach, we would love to be able to have this every year”. Fun In The  Son is scheduled for April 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Woodville City Park. This is an all-ages event, with activities including a bounce house, heartwarming testimonials, blessing bags, and food and drinks. Don’t miss the chance to join the ministries coming together, helping the community, and spreading God’s love. This is a free event for the entire community.

In other business, Bythewood appointed council members Paula Jones and Kelly Dillard to serve on the city’s Facilities Assessment Committee, and council members Lee Mann and Joyce Wilson to serve on the city’s Revitalization Committee. City Administrator Mandy Risinger gave a short update on the progress regarding the asbestos removal at the Willis Motel site. The project began March 25, and is in its third week.

Steve Baker is in charge of the asbestos removal, and everything is going on as scheduled. Once the asbestos is removed/cleared form the site, the demolition phase will begin.