Shepherd Chamber of Commerce

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

Familyrestaurantdaiquiri Familyrestaurantdaiquiri is offering a Father's day meal from 11 am until sold out for just $25.00! See flyer for menu details!

06/15/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

The Democratic Party of our county met last Tuesday in The Corral Restaurant in Coldspring. The guest speaker Caitlin Rourk gave a short history of her background, she was an Army intelligence office for example, and she answered a lot of questions after. There was a full room and every enjoyed dining while they listened. Chair Benita Malone said how grateful the group was that Caitlin Rourk traveled to speak as she has a lot to cover in as she runs for U.S. Congress in TX District 10.

Shepherd City Council met last Monday. As always City Scretary Debra Hagler had provided a packet of information from items on the agenda and City Attorney Kenneth LaVernge explained a new set of regulations for Food Trucks serving in the City. The state legislation changes many regulations concerning businesses and the City is grateful we have an attorney well versed in such matters!

Tickets are now on sale for the Coldspring Senior Center 'Small Town- Big Talent' on August 29th . Dinner will be served at 5 PM, Hamburger Basket, and the Talent Show follows. Tickets are limited and cost $25. If you have not seen previous shows, don't miss this. It is extremely funny and also showcases artistic talents.

Friends of Hopewell will lead in the Juneteenth Celebration this coming weekend. Starting at 9 AM in front of the Courthouse, they will present the Emancipation Proclamation Program . Then, at 11 AM Juneteenth Activities will be held at the Hopewell Center at 166 Perry Dr. just past Lincoln Jr. High School. Everyone is invited for BBQ , fun, with special guest presentation.

Both Libraries have Summer Programs. Go to their pages or pick up the monthly info sheet to find out what is coming up.This week Shepherd will hold the Dinosaur program. They will close on June 19 for the Juneteenth holiday. The following Friday is 'Lego Free Play' from 2 PM-4 PM Tiny Tales Story Time is every Wednesday from 10.30AM, except during Summer Program. There is much more at both libraries from the youngest residents to the oldest. Call Shepherd library at 936-628-3515, Coldspring library 936-653-3104.

Coldspring VFD were visited by Monsieur and Madame Herve Hari from France. Herve wrote an in depth article about the Fire Department and sent it to the French Fire Service historical publication. He and his wife enjoy researching other Fire Departments anywhere they travel. He works in a museum dedicated to the history of Fire Stations after his career as a firefighter himself. Chief Michelle Haylock and other members of the VFD enjoyed meeting this couple.

July 4 is coming closer! Vendors for Shepherd Celebration with Fireworks at 9 PM contact the Shepherd Chamber.

Shepherd Chamber pf Commerce- 210-995-7420 Coldspring Chamber of Commerce- 936-653-2184

06/08/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

Summer is not waiting for June 21, it decided to come a little early. It also falls on Father's Day so we have a lot to celebrate that Sunday! On Friday last week at SJC Senior Center, we celebrated the 97th birthday of long time regular diner Albert Franco. Albert and his wife Manuela love to have lunch at the Senior Center in Coldspring. Gregg Cones sang the song he requested and added 'Happy Birthday' . Everyone sang along. You do not have to be a senior to eat there. Adults just pay a couple of dollars more.

Administrator Charline announced that there will be a Talent Show on August 29. Tickets for this will be on sale this coming week, $25 includes Hamburger Basket and the Show. To be a contestant, call her at the office, 936-653-4175.

Shepherd Chamber of Commerce presented the Business of the Month' plaque to El Taquito Restaurant in Shepherd. Carmen and her staff were very busy when we arrived for the photo op.The restaurant is beautifully decorated in colorful art work and the food is always delicious!

On Sunday The Family Restaurant in Shepherd had a soft opening for the new addition to their menu. 'Soul Sunday Lunch' will be a regular dining experience from now, on Sundays from 11 AM-3 PM or till sold out. There was a huge range of meats from Chicken to Ox Tail. I had the latter it was wonderful! Vegetables are all fresh, most from local gardens. Walterine Carr and her sister Carla worked hard to offer a great variety of home cooked meals. If you want to add a Daiquiri To Go, stop in next door. Call 346-988-5059.

San Jacinto County Historical Commission Board members met on Thursday in the Basement of the Courthouse. This is also the San Jacinto County Texas Military Museum and well worth a visit. Plans for the annual 'Haunted House at Halloween ' in the Jailhouse are ongoing as are the clean up, sorting and repainting chores. Charline of Coldspring Senior Center found a framed poster from 1986 which she donated to the Commission.

If you like to read books and want to talk about your choices, Shepherd Library hold a regular meeting which is a fun, friendly get together of readers who want to give their likes (and dislikes) and hear from others. Casey Kinison leads this group. She has developed an APP for the group if you want to join. Call the Library for information 936-628-3515. The next meeting is on Tuesday June16 at 6 PM.

Last, but not least, vendors for the Shepherd July 4 at Shepherd Community Center can find a form to register on line at the web site or they can text or call me. Shepherd Library also have printed forms available.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce- 936-653-2184. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce 210-995-7420

06/01/2026

Did you know? By Yvonne Cones
Memorial Day ceremony was held outside at the Cold spring courthouse. It was very well attended, the weather was beautiful, and many local elected officials and Community leaders took part in honoring those who had lost their lives in service to this country. The photo of the crowd will show many well recognized faces. Commissioners and judges, well known volunteers and business owners are there!

Inspiring Hope community Outreach held their monthly service at Woodland Park nursing home and Rehab on Thursday morning. The group engaged the residents with music, quotes from New testament and a short talk from Dr Anita Wright. Snacks and drinks was served and everyone enjoyed the visit. This group will have a summer break and meet again in September.

First Baptist Church in Shepherd was filled with family and friends on Saturday, in honor of the life of Shirley Rand. She will be missed by many. She was a teacher for 41 years and many of her pupils spoke about the great influence she had on them. Her name will be forever linked with her work helping those in need. The food pantry by the church bears her name, she worked tirelessly to make a new place for this.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce 936-653-2184. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce 210-995-7420.

05/26/2026

Shepherd: Familyrestaurantdaiquiri Familyrestaurantdaiquiri

We will be open Tuesday for lunch 11-2:30.

Menu:

4wings w/ 2sides 12.00

3 wings w/ 1 whole fish 2 sides 15.00

1 whole fish w/ 2 sides 12.00

side choices: Dirty rice, pinto beans, fries or fried zucchini or fried okra.

fried green tomatoes 6.00

05/25/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

School is out! Shepherd Chamber of Commerce joined with many other organizations to give scholarships to graduates last Tuesday. Altogether the total given was $103,170! It was a very uplifting evening for all concerned. The Chamber gave three scholarships of $1,500 each to Bryson Goodman, Oliviah Moore and Kaci Grace Roberts. May all the graduates enjoy the summer before they start their new lives. Shepherd Chamber wishes them all a very happy and successful life.

San Jacinto County Historical Commission members have been working on painting, repairing and cleaning the buildings in Old Town Coldspring. The Train Depot is now a smart looking building, Luke Anderson sent the photo of it and now other areas are being worked on including the grounds. This depot was transported to Old Town from the Urbana station, now no longer with us but once close by the Hwy 59 near the Trinity River. New windows have arrived to be installed in the Jail Museum. Hopefully a photo of them installed will be shown soon.

The SJC Animal Rescue Shelter on FM2025 , Coldspring has dogs for adoption . Hours for adopting a dog or puppy are week days 1PM- 5.30 PM. On Saturday and Sunday hours are 11 AM- 3.30 PM. Volunteers are always welcomed to help in the shelter. Call 936-653-2285 for information.

July 4th will be a big day for our county There will be many celebrations and Shepherd as always will have a "Big Bash' at the Community Center and under the Pavilion roof outside. The American Legion will open with the Flag and MIA ceremony at 2 PM. There will be games, music from DJ Karaoke Joe, songs by Gregg Cones, Dancing from The Hot Steppers and of course vendors inside and outside the Center. We will have comments and speeches (short ones) from some community leaders throughout the afternoon and evening. Fireworks will start at 9 PM and will be the 'Best yet!' They have always been wonderful, Mr Guzman promises something special this year, our country's 250th Birthday. Vendor forms are on the web site and available at Shepherd Library. Call me is you have a problem.

Shepherd Chamber of Commerce- 210-995-7420. Coldspring Chamber of Commerce- 936-653-2184.

05/18/2026

Did You Know?

by

Yvonne Cones

It has been a busy week with meetings and also with sad news. Please send prayers to Walterine Carr and her family and friends on the death of her husband Clenten Carr. Walterine is VP on the Shepherd Chamber of Commerce and is always helping our community in many ways. Another Chamber Board member, Curtis Ainsworth, went to hospital for a procedure but discovered he needed several heart bypasses due to major blockages. He is recovering but please include him in your prayers too.

On a happier note Brenda Myers with her family and friends, gave a wonderful Graduation Party for her grandaughter Dyanne Vasquez. The decorations were beautiful and included a collage of photos of people Dyanne thanked for supporting her throughout her life. BBQ prize winner Kevin Watkins donated the Brisket. It was the best ever! All the food was wonderful, brought by family and friends. This week the High School in Shepherd will hold the Award Ceremony with scholarships being given to the graduates of 2026. Shepherd Chamber will give three scholarships. Names and photos will be in next week's column!

SJC Women's League held their last meeting before the summer break. The distribution of funds for the year was given to the membership and checks will be given to 17 organizations in our county in the near future. The Women's League hold fundraisers throughout the year for this reason, to give back to our community. The new Board was sworn in by Sue Jackson, the Parliamentarian for the League. President for the next year, starting in September, is Andrea Dowdell, Linda Stripling and Patti Hammond are VP's, Treasurer is Jessica Rutherford and Secretary is Mary Ann Pittman. There are many other wonderful women heading committees and Linda Deeter does a major work getting out the year book with the members names and programs for the coming year.

The last guest speaker of the current year was Helen Wills. This is her pen name, she is a very accomplished author of five books with more in development. She gave a most interesting talk and was a wonderful speaker. Mary Gray catered our meal and as always it was delicious! She will be catering for us in September when the Women's League returns on the second Thursday in September.

It was Fish Friday at the Senior Center in Coldspring last week. It was sponsored by San Jacinto Bank. The room was packed as this meal is very popular, those who can't make it to the meal came by take their meal to go. This of course has to be ordered like the sit down meal. The stage was piled high with clothes which were to be laid out on the tables after the meal, for the sale next day. Then the sale of bags of as many clothes as you could fit in them would be ready for the bargain hunters. The stage being out of commission, DJ Ken and singer Gregg Cones had to find temporary spots!

Shepherd Library is holding a raffle. Come by to see the prizes on display, they are also on the Library page. Register you child for the Summer program which is on Dinosaurs this year. Coldspring Library have their Summer program available for registering.

Commissioners' Court on Wednesday included a presentation from Gary Ashmore from the Lower Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. He explained how and where our water is coming from, the law and regulations of the use of our supply and how to preserve and protect our water. DeeDee Bailey asked the Court to agree to the purchase of items for the playground which will become part of the Memorial Park in Coldspring. This is a project DeeDee has worked on for several years.

Sheriff Sam Houston spoke on his views of the Court wishing to "Address Animal Control Policy and Assign Commissioner as Director and/or Liaison." He said he had been in control of the SJC Animal Shelter since it started and was not in favor of someone taking his place. He said, and Judge Faulkner agreed, that he had done a good job. The main difference of opinion was on the 'No Kill' rule. Sheriff Houston said he only euthanized dogs who were very sick or were vicious and untrainable. There was discussion on this point and Commissioner Crystal Dominy was assigned as 'Liaison'.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce-936-653-2184. Shepherd Chamber of Commerce- 210-995-7420