.png)
Community turns up the heat for history at Save the Pines Chili Cook Off
People’s Choice winners, Three Amigos (left) Judge’s winner The Spice is Right (Right), stand at the booth of Best Decorated Theme winner, Little Creek Chili Company.
Dylan Busby | The Silsbee Bee
Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee SILSBEE — A cold winter breeze and the aroma of simmering chili set the tone Saturday as the Silsbee community gathered for the Save the Pines Chili Cook Off, a fundraiser aimed at breathing new life into the historic Pines Theatre. Hosted by the Silsbee Chamber of Commerce in support of Project Save the Pines, the event drew a steady crowd despite the chill, with organizers noting strong community participation throughout the day. Proceeds from chili tastings, baked goods auctions and on-site activities will go toward continued renovations of the long-shuttered downtown landmark. “Our goal was to raise $5,000 for Project Save the Pines, and while exact numbers aren’t ready yet, we think we hit that goal,” Chamber Director Amy Miller said following the event. The chili cook-off featured a competitive field, with judges awarding first place to “The Spice is Right” from Triangle Real Estate. Second place went to 3-B-Cue, followed by Auchie’s in third. The People’s Choice Award was claimed by Three Amigos, while Little Creek Chili Company earned Best Decorated Theme honors for its “Lonesome Dove” setup. In addition to chili, the baked goods auction proved to be a popular draw. In the under-18 category, first place went to Lucas Marshall for his caramel cheesecake brownies, which sold for $110 at auction. Archer Gore placed second with a chocolate chip yellow cake topped with chocolate icing that brought in $100. The adult baking division also saw strong bidding. Kelli Totten’s cinnamon apple cake claimed first place and sold for $100, while Sam Fraser’s cinnamon rolls finished second and fetched $140. Funds raised Saturday contribute to a long-running grassroots effort to preserve the Pines Theatre, which has been closed since 2017 after Hurricane Harvey. The theater was owned at the time by AMC, and demolition was a looming possibility until the Silsbee Economic Development Corporation intervened. Former EDC director Christy Brown spearheaded negotiations that led to AMC selling the property to the city’s visitors center for $1 in August 2020. Originally built in 1914 as the Past Time Theatre, the building took on the Pines name in the 1930s. The original structure was replaced in 1948 by the current facility, which once seated approximately 1,100 patrons. During segregation, African American moviegoers were required to enter through the back door, a practice that ended after the Civil Rights Act, allowing patrons of all races to enter through the front, a milestone in Silsbee’s history of integration. The theater was designated a historic site by the City of Silsbee in 2021 and is currently seeking similar recognition at the county level. Much of the funding raised to date has gone toward a $2 million roof renovation. “It’s been a grassroots funding effort.” Said Brown. Once reopened, the Pines Theatre is expected to serve as more than a movie house, with plans to host live stage productions, competitions and community events, a vision supporters say events like Saturday’s chili cook-off are helping make possible.
Lumberton ISD board recognizes law enforcement, receives honors from students and staff, approves key updates
Lumberton ISD took time at the beginning of this months school board meeting to honor a Lumberton Police Department K-9 that passed away. Security Director Tim Lane present a plaque honoring K-9 Ayton to Chief Danny Sullins and K-9 Officers Greg Mouton and Isaac Robichaux.
Meagan Hogg | The Silsbee Bee
Dylan Busby dylan@silsbee-bee.com The Silsbee Bee LUMBERTON – Law enforcement appreciation opened the Lumberton ISD Board of Trustees meeting as Superintendent Dr. John Mathews recognized longtime partners from the Lumberton Police Department and highlighted the district’s close working relationship with local officers Lumberton Security Director Tim Lane singled out Police Chief Danny Sullins for his continued collaboration with the school district, noting the consistency of the partnership over nearly two decades. “I’ve been here 18 years, 13 years as chief, and we’ve always had this relationship,” Sullins said. The chief also recognized K-9 officer Greg Mouton, who honored a fallen police dog during the presentation and announced that the department’s next K-9 will be named Rocko. Mouton thanked the community for its support, describing Lumberton as a special place to serve. “I want to thank the community for the support,” Mouton said. “It’s totally different here than in Port Arthur. This means the world to me. Lumberton is the best.” The meeting also served as an extended school board appreciation, with students and campuses presenting handmade gifts to trustees. Girl Scouts provided cookies, while the Early Learning School distributed custom desk calendars. The primary campus donated a curated selection of books to the district library, each bearing plates with board members’ names. Intermediate students presented a custom wall calendar featuring original student artwork. Middle school students gifted mason jars decorated with burning art designs, a project that also included recognition of a retiring art teacher who helped launch the initiative. At Lumberton High School, Career and Technical Education programs were highlighted through student-created projects, including plasma-cut and welded Lumberton-themed artwork, 3D-printed coasters from engineering students and laser-engraved spoons featuring the faces of board members. “They are in it for y’all. They are in it for the kids,” Mathews said of the trustees. Athletics were also recognized, with volleyball and football teams honored for all-district selections. The football program reported 10 all-state academic honorees, and the athletic department presented board members with commemorative helmets. An update was provided on the softball locker room renovation, with Mathews reporting that carpet and flooring have been installed. “The main locker room area is double the size of what it was previously,” he said. Middle School Assistant Principal Dr. Chet Deaver received the Raider Star Award for his work with high-need students. A middle school staff member praised Deaver’s impact, saying, “Some of the things Dr. Deaver has done with students we struggled to connect with is really special. He’s a great mentor to even the staff.” The board approved expenditures and reviewed the district’s results-driven accountability report. Administrators reported a 100 percent graduation rate for ESL emergent bilingual students and noted changes in special education enrollment, including the movement of direct 504 dyslexic students into special education services. Lumberton’s special education population stands at 16.7 percent, above the 14.2 percent state average, with officials stating the district is performing well in special populations compliance.
