Our Viewpoint
Highway provides options

This week, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has approved a feasibility study for a super highway corridor that would follow the route of U.S. Highway 190 through Jasper County.

The highway would allow further access to the ports in Beaumont and Houston as well as access to Fort Polk, Fort Bliss, Fort Hood, Fort Benning and Fort Gordon.

If the highway becomes a reality, it could bring strong economic growth to Jasper County in the form of a steady stream of traffic on this major east-west highway.

While some are heralding the highway, others believe it would stifle the low-key lifestyle that is prevalent in the Texas Forest Country.

Economic growth is needed for the survival of any county in the state of Texas. This highway would make Jasper County a more viable option to an industry relocating here.

Growth, at a reasonable rate, will only make Jasper County stronger in the long run.

Roses go to….

t Mennonite Disaster Service, who have come down to Newton County to work on homes damaged by Hurricane Rita.

t To all the contestants in the first annual Winter Bash for learning valuable showing lessons.