La Grange, Texas — Just as La Grange is home to the historic Muster Oak, Boston once stood as the proud home of the original Liberty Tree—a powerful symbol of unity and defiance during the early days of the American Revolution.

In 1765, American Patriots gathered beneath that elm tree near Boston Common to protest British rule, marking one of the first acts of resistance that would ultimately shape the nation. Though the tree was cut down in 1775, its legacy as a symbol of freedom and independence lives on.

Now, as the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, Fayette County is planting the seeds of its own legacy.

The Fayette County Semiquincentennial Commission has officially launched the Liberty Tree Project, an ambitious and meaningful initiative that will bring 250 trees to communities across the county—each representing the enduring spirit of American liberty.

“We’re creating something that will live far beyond this celebration,” said Larry Jackson, General Chairman of the Commission. “These 250 Liberty Trees will stand as a reminder of our history, our freedoms, and our commitment to future generations.”

The project is already gaining strong local support. Colorado Valley Communications (CVCTX) has stepped forward as the first Gold Sponsor, contributing $2,026 in honor of the 2026 milestone.

“We are incredibly grateful to Colorado Valley Communications for their leadership and support,” Jackson said. “Their commitment to this project helps bring this vision to life.”

For CVCTX, the partnership reflects a shared legacy of service, innovation, and community investment.

Founded in 1953 as a rural telephone cooperative, CVCTX was built by local residents determined to bring essential communication services to underserved areas. Today, the organization continues that mission by delivering high-speed internet and advanced digital solutions across Fayette, Lavaca, Colorado, and Lee counties.

“The combination of honoring our heritage while investing in the future makes this project especially meaningful to us,” said Kelly Allison, President and General Manager of CVCTX. “Our members and customers take great pride in their communities and their country, and we’re honored to help lead the way on the Liberty Tree Project.”

Beginning July 4, 2026, Fayette County residents will have the opportunity to become part of this historic initiative. Applications will open for individuals and families to serve as official Liberty Tree Planters, with kits distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Each Liberty Tree Kit will include:

• A choice of Texas heritage trees (live oak, bur oak, red oak, Monterey oak, or pecan) 
• Protective fencing and support posts 
• Planting instructions and starter mulch 
• A commemorative metal medallion recognizing the tree’s role in the America 250 celebration 

“There’s something special about planting a tree you know will outlive you,” Jackson said. “It becomes part of your family’s story—something your children and grandchildren can come back to and remember how it all started during America 250.”

Tree distribution is planned for the first Saturday in October, aligning with the optimal planting season in the region.

Sponsorship opportunities remain available as the Commission works to fully fund the project. Once funding is complete, all Liberty Tree Kits will be distributed to residents at no cost, with the simple promise that each tree will be cared for and nurtured.

CVCTX is already planning to plant its own Liberty Tree, further rooting its commitment to the community it has served for more than 70 years.

Financial oversight for the Liberty Tree Project is provided by the Greater Fayette Community Foundation, and the initiative operates under the guidance of the Fayette County Semiquincentennial Commission, established by the Fayette County Commissioners Court with County Judge Dan Mueller serving as advisor.



For more information about the Liberty Tree Project or 
sponsorship opportunities, contact:

Larry Jackson

979-533-0881

larry77488@yahoo.com

In Fayette County, neighbors look out for neighbors—and at Colorado Valley Communications (CVCTX), that commitment extends beyond fast, reliable internet. It reaches into the very heart of public safety.

Behind the scenes, CVCTX proudly supports the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office with a critical resource most residents may never see—but would be grateful for in a time of crisis: a fully functional backup dispatch center.

In the event of an emergency where the primary dispatch facility is unavailable or out of commission, Fayette County dispatchers can seamlessly transition operations to a designated space within a CVCTX central office. From that location, they can continue answering calls and coordinating emergency response across the county—without missing a beat.

Without this local backup, dispatch personnel would be forced to travel to larger cities like Austin or Houston to access an available dispatch facility. Not only would that mean valuable time spent on the road during an emergency, but it would also require sharing space with multiple agencies—adding complexity during already high-pressure situations.

This partnership ensures that Fayette County maintains local control, faster response times, and uninterrupted service—all when it matters most.



“At CVCTX, we believe our responsibility goes beyond providing connectivity—we’re here to support the safety and well-being of the communities we serve,” said Kelly Allison. “By offering a local backup dispatch solution, we’re helping ensure that even in the most challenging circumstances, Fayette County residents are never without access to emergency services.”

For those on the front lines, the value of this partnership is clear.

“Having a reliable, local backup dispatch center is something we don’t take for granted,” said Kim Habe, Dispatch Supervisor. “In an emergency, every second matters. Knowing we can continue operations right here in the county—without the delay of relocating to a major city—gives us confidence that we can keep serving and protecting our community without interruption.”

This collaboration is just one example of how CVCTX remains Rooted in Texas—not only through technology, but through meaningful partnerships that strengthen the communities we call home.

Because when it comes to public safety, staying connected isn’t just convenient—it’s essential.

(above) Kim Habe, Fayette County Dispatch Supervisor, highlights the critical role of the backup dispatch station while meeting with legislative staff at the CVCTX Central Office, during the TRBA Field Day.

Key Safety Tips:

• Verify sender identity: Always ensure there is a ‘@coloradovalley.com’ extension on sender email address

• Check URLs: Look for misspellings and suspicious links by hovering over the link or button until the URL displays.  
• Go Direct: Visit the site yourself by typing the address (URL) in the browser.
• Never enter login credentials or personal information from a link: Whenever possible, go directly to official websites.

At Colorado Valley Communications (CVCTX), being Rooted in Texas means showing up for our communities—not just through connectivity, but through meaningful partnerships that change lives.

One organization making a profound impact right here at home is the Turtle Wing Foundation.

Founded in 2011, Turtle Wing was created to honor the life of Jackson Allan Hooper and to support families navigating the challenges of learning differences. What began as a deeply personal mission has grown into a powerful resource for rural communities across Fayette, Lavaca, and Colorado counties. 

Today, Turtle Wing serves as a hub of hope and support, connecting families to critical services while helping them afford therapies and programs that might otherwise be out of reach. 

Their mission is simple, yet impactful: helping individuals with learning challenges in rural areas achieve their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally. 

Through programs like tutoring, therapy services, social skills development, and family support networks, Turtle Wing is changing lives every single day. In fact, the organization has provided thousands of therapy and support sessions and assisted hundreds of individuals annually—ensuring local families don’t have to travel far to find the help they need.

For families in rural communities, access to these services can often mean long drives to larger cities, added expenses, and increased stress. Turtle Wing eliminates those barriers by bringing resources closer to home—something that aligns closely with CVCTX’s mission.

“Organizations like Turtle Wing Foundation are what make our communities stronger,” said CVCTX employee Darla Kubala. “They are providing opportunities, resources, and hope to families who need it most. At CVCTX, we are proud to support their mission and help ensure that families in our rural communities have access to the tools they need to succeed.”

The impact of Turtle Wing goes far beyond services—it’s about building confidence, creating connections, and reminding families they are not alone.

“In rural communities, resources can feel limited—but support like this changes everything,” said Destiny Spitak, Executive Director, Turtle Wing Foundation. “Because of partners like CVCTX and others in our community, we’re able to help children and families grow, thrive, and truly ‘grow wings and fly.’”

At CVCTX, we believe that when our communities thrive, we all thrive. Supporting organizations like Turtle Wing Foundation is just one of the many ways we remain committed to the people and places we proudly serve.



Because sometimes, the strongest connections we provide…

aren’t just through fiber—they’re through community.

Reliable Connections, Rooted in Texas

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