Cherokeean Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 156, No. 43, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 14, 2005 Page: 16 of 34
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Page 8B - Cljerokeeaif Herald of Rusk, Texas - Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Expert discusses ecotourism s potential
By Robert Gonzalez
Staff Writer
If the director of an ecotour-
ism company based in Austinis
accurate, East Texas could be
the next big tourism destina-
tion by using the area's vast
natural resources to attract,
hold and entertain tourists.
A luncheon sponsored by
Mary Decker, a local attorney,
hosted leaders from Cherokee
County last week which
included the mayors of Rusk
and Jacksonville. TedEubanks,
founder and president of
the Austin-basecl company,
Fermata, told the group that
East Texas has phenomenal
resources to attract tourist
dollars.
"Usually, I work with the
governors of states, but in my
home stateof Texas, Ihavehad
to work with communities and
regional organizations to create
heritage tourism andhelp com-
munities develop their tourism
resources,"' said Mr. Eubanks.
"The state of Texas is 50th out
of 50 states in spending on our
parks, so local groups will have
to develop tourism,'' added Mr.
Eubanks.
Fermata's website,
www.fer matainc. com, describes
the missionofthecompanyisto
"assist governments, agencies,
states, communities, organi-
zations and individuals in
advantaging themselve s of the
natural, cultural andhistorical
resources that surround them.
Experiential tourism is a mar-
riage of economic development
and conservation, where both,
often seen as competing inter-
ests, are inextricably hnked.
Fermata helps clients and com-
munities identify understand
and use their natural, cultural
and historical resources while
protecting them for future gen-
erations."
Mr. Eubanks ha s worke d with
colonial Williamsburg, Va., in
addition to a group promot-
ing the Pocono Mountains in
Pennsylvania as a star-watch
destination on their dark skys
project and a Vermont group
dedicated to tourism. Mr.
Eubanks noted that nature
preservation is not only good
for the environment, but also
offers thepotentialfor creating
new jobs.
He citedthe city of Canadian,
population 2,200, in the Texas
Panhandle where residents
felt the Canadian River would
be an excellent tourism chaw.
They contacted Fermata and a
plan was drawn and executed.
"Because people visited, they
saw the area and new busi-
nesses were opened. In the
last few years, 180 new jobs
have been created because they
took advantage of their main
resource,'' said Mr. Eubanks.
"They would kill to have the
resources you have here in
East Texas."
East Texas has water, his-
torical, cultural and ecological
treasures that are outstand-
ing. "Driving over here, I Saw
the beautiful fall color of East
Texas. Who thinks of you when
someone says fall color? No one
does. That can be changed,''
said Mr. Eubanks.
He alluded to the refuge
proposal on the Neches River
as an excellent resource for
ecotourism. "A refuge is not
a condemnation program like
a lake. Landowners have the
chance to be a part of it or not.
It is a low impact, high value
resource and can be in busi-
ness within a year as opposed
to Lake Fastrill which is 40
to 50 years away," said Mr.
Eubanks.
Should the people in the
area decide that ecotourism is
an economic development tool
I hey w ant to utilize, Fermata is
available for hire. Mr. Eubanks
Tourism
centered on
ecology
Ted Eubanks,
founder and presi-
dent of an ecotour-
ism company in
Austin, met with
interested per-
sons last week in
Jacksonville to
discuss the area's
potential. Fer-
mata group helped
develop a tourism
plan for colonial
Williamsburg, Va.
noted that foundations as well
as local sources can provide the
monies to allow Fermata to
begin the necessary inventory
of resources—both recreational
and cultural and formulate a
plan to take advantage of those
resources.
RISD will move into new
alternative campus soon
Board hears positive
auditor's report
By Gloria Jennings
Staff Photo
"We have found a carpenter and
workis progressingon the alterna-
tive school campus," Superinten-
dent Dr. Jim Largent told members
of the Rusk School board Monday
night. Plans are to be in the new
buildingby theendof January Cur-
rently the alternative school and
recovery drop-out programs are
housed in the Cherokee Center.
Both programs will be moved
to the new site, which is located
adjacent to the tennis courts and
across from the school bus barn on
Eagle Drive,
"We are waiting for the final
punch card from the architect on
the new building.' Dr. Largent said.
The classrooms and auditorium are
in use and everything seems to be
finished. Dr. Largent said.
Steve Williams, the school
auditor presented his report to
the board. In making his presen-
tation, he praised Lesa Jones and
her staff for their work with the
district's finances.
In another matter the board
tentatively decided to meet for
board training at 6 p.m. Thurs-
day, Jan. 12.
All of the district's 657 votes for
the Cherokee County Appraisal
District Board were cast for Louis
Caveness of Rusk.
A bid from Thomas Bus Co. for
$121,798 was acceptedfor the pur-
chase of two 72-passenger buses.
It was announced at the meet-
ing that the district has received
a $1,500 technology grant.
At the beginning of the meeting
a report was given on the recent
UIL elementary comp etition. Ru sk
won second place. For the past five
previous years. Rusk has won fir st
place.
Sydney Littlejohn, first place oral
reading contestant andrecipient of
a gold medal, presented her entry
for the enjoyment of the board.
Following an executive session,
the employment of Paul Duester-
hoft as a teacher was approved.
Attending the meeting were Mike
Ross, president: Cathy Newman,
vice-president: Frances Long, sec-
retary; and board members Bryan
Selden, DavidFulton, Dr. Anthony
Holcomb and Rodney Hugghins.
Friends of 1SR ask commissioners
to rescind support of Lake Fastrill
By Gloria Jennings
Staff Writer
Representatives of the Friends of
the Texas State Railroad met with
the Cherokee County Commission-
ers Court Monday morning to ask
the county to rescind former action
in support of the construction of the
Fastrill Reservoir^
Albert Holmes, Richard l .e'loureau
and Mary Decker were spoke sper son s
for the group of approximately 15 per-
sons. "We have picked up more than
5,000 letters in support of a refuge
in that location," the commissioners
were told.
If the reservoir is constructed more
than 75,000 acres in timber and wild-
life in Cherokee and Anderson coun-
ties will be lost.
"In the event the reservoir goes
in, there won't be a railroad. If you
continue to support the reservoir,
you will be going against the voters
in your county" Mr. Holmes said. The
proposed reservoir is expected to be
builtinthe area now usedby the Texas
State Railroad tracks.
Another proposed reservoir in
Sabine and Wood counties is similar
to the proposedPastrillReservoir com-
missioner s were told. That reservoir is
being put on the back burner because
of the amount of hardwood timber in
the proposed area. "This reservoir also
hashardwoodtimber and planners are
expected toruninto the sa me problem s
as they have with the other reservoir.
The group talked about the possibility
of Dallas using water from Toledo Bend
and Wright Patton reservoirs.
"But, Dallas wants to control all
of the water in East Texas,'' Mr.
LeToureau said.
Members of the court listened tothe
presentation, but did not discuss or
take action concerning the matter.
In another matter, commissioners
approved the laying of utihty hnes
in Precinct I.
Record and jail staffs from the
sheriff's department were approved
to attend a Net Data conference in
Dallas.
Resolutions authorizing Texas
Department of Transportation to
replace bridges on CR 1714 at Cat
Creek and CR 2112 at One Arm
Creek.
Justice of the Peace James Morris
was authorized to purchase a copier
and telephones from his technology
fund.
Joint primary elections will be held
March 7, 2006, to allow the use by both
parties of the same voting machines.
The county is scheduled to use E-Slate
voting system to satisfy Help America
Vote Act (HAVA) requirements for the
March 7 election, a s well as sub se quent
(•lections. The county has purchased
32 voting machines, one for each ofthe
28 voting boxes, three for early vote
sites and one spare machine.
Laverne Lusk, county clerk, asked
the commissioners to decide how the
county will charge cities and school
districts using the county's voting
equipment. Equipment costs to the
county is $5,500 per voting machine.
A meeting will be set up with local
mayors and school superintendents.
Commissioner Kevin Pierce, Pre-
cinct 2, invited other members of the
court to attend a meeting in ivilgore
on proposals from several counties for
construction of electrical generating
plants.
Cherokee and Smith counties are
proposing the location of one in each
of the two counties.
The license and weight officer
monthly report was approved. Also
commissioners approved for plat
purposes only, Highlander Ridge
subdivision.
Attending the meeting were Judge
Chris Davis: Commissioners Mary
Gregg, Pierce, Moody Glass Jr. and
Billy MCCutcheon: County Clerk Lusk:
and County Auditor I,.11. Crockett.
NEWS
Theft
Bob Bowman book on sale
East Texas author Bob Bowman's
satest book, a collection of some of
his "All Things Historical" newspaper
columns and other short stories,
may provide some surprises for East
Texans.
"Bob Bowman's East Texas" may
be purchased from Best of East Texas
Publishers, P.O. Box 1647, Lufkir
Texas 75902, by calling telephone
(936)634-7444, or ordering online
at bob-bowman.com and clicking on
"Books." The book is $31.06, which
includes taxes and shipping.
Kick off parties set for 'Relay
for Life'
The 2006 Cherokee County Relay for
Life has been set for Friday, April 28 at
Mauldin Field in Jacksonville.
The theme for theyear's relay is "Sur-
vivor" based on the television series set
on an island. Kick off parties are Jan.
12 in Jacksonville and Jan. 19 in Rusk
at 6 p.m.
For more information call Cynthia
Kline at (903) 683-7483 or (903) 795-
3604.
Pvt. Foreman graduates
Army Pvt. Brett M. Foreman has
graduated from basic combat training
at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C.
He is the son of Kay Grimes of
Jacksonville and Ernie Foreman of
Bullard.
The private is a 2004 graduate of
Jacksonville High School.
City of Alto
continued from pg. 1A
said.
The project would include
water hne improvements and
replacements near Stadium
Street, FM 752, Rusk Street
and boring under U.S. 69 to
connect water pipes to allow
the system to have a complete
loop.
Water pressure; problems
which had caused the city to
be fined would be addressed
with these improvements.
The project will begin in
30-45 days with a four-month
completion time estimated by
Mr. Ross.
Funds to pay for the water
improvement project will come
from revenue bonds. Mayor
Debbie White said.
Later in the meeting the topic
of payment to employees for
comp time was discussed.
" We'repaying Danny Christo-
pher, he gets a check every two
weeks just like when he worked
here, Mayor White said.
Christopher is the former
head of Alto utilities who holds
a similar position with the City
of Rusk.
"We still owe Danny $3,356
and we will pay it," Mayor
White said. "But we have to
get a handle on comp time."
Mayor White said if the
employees with compensation
time owed to them by the city
demanded full payment the
figure would be $41,000.
Mr. demons said it was also
advisable that the city limit
sick leave.
The matter of time used by
employees was placed on the
January agenda.
Employee recognitions
Mayor White saidrecognition
of Employees of the Year would
be given to Cliff Anderson,
utihty worker and police Sgt.
James Green.
The two men were named lop
employees of a vote of fellow
Alto city workers.
Alto Police Chief Charles
Barron said two new vehicles
are in use.
The two older vehicles will be
sold with the money applied to
the purchase of a new motor
for a current squad car. That
car would be used as a backup
vehicle.
In another item. Mayor
Debbie White said she will
be undergoing training to
learn more about the city's
software.
Also discussed was a price of
$724 to install an all steel gate
at the sewer plant entrance.
The item will be opened for
bids at a later time.
The council also agreed to
reimburse utility worker s up to
$50 for cold weather clothing.
Also approved was the new
wording on the ordinance
concerning dilapidated build-
ings. The item will have a
second reading in the January
meeting.
Gary Do in i ti y was chosen
as the representative by the
council to receive their 12 votes
for the board of the Cherokee
County Appraisal District.
Attending the meeting were
Mayor White. Mr. ('lemonsand
council members Blake Bailey
No injuries
1
No injuries were reported when a truck driven by
Marvin Wayne Miller of Deer Park struck a business
located at 100 W. 5th St. Friday afternoon. Caren
McKee, business owner, said the store was open
anda customer had just moved from the front of the
building where the truck entered. Mr. Miller told Rusk
police he blacked out and woke up afterthe collision
had occurred. He did not seek medical attention. No
damage estimate on the building was available.
continued from pg. 1A
last few weeks, and he was just
checking different places,'' said
Sheriff Campbell.
Because of the recent drought,
the faint outline of one of the
submerged vehicles could be
detected. The property is owned
by Eugene McElroy of Troup,
who was surprised to learn the
vehicles had been dumped in
his pond.
"He's been very cooperative
and has given us permission to
build the ramp and do whatever
we need to do to get the vehicles
out, ' said Sheriff Campbell.
Give a gift subscription to the
Cherokeean Herald this hoiiday
season, It will make 'em jump for joy.
nf
Cljerokeeai}
Call (903) 683-2257
Kenneth Brethouwer. Monty
Collins and Annie Walker.
A special meeting on revenue
bonds and city insurance pro-
vidershasbeen calledfor noon,
Dec. 19.
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Whitehead, Marie. Cherokeean Herald (Rusk, Tex.), Vol. 156, No. 43, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 14, 2005, newspaper, December 14, 2005; Rusk, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth152709/m1/16/?q=cherokeean: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Singletary Memorial Library.