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Legendary Actor Dennis Quaid and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to Speak on Panel in Nacogdoches on April 10

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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April 10 @ 7:30 am – 10:00 am

Actor Dennis Quaid and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick will be speaking at the Lone Star Legislative Summit presented by Citizens 1st Bank on Friday, April 10, at 7:30 a.m. in Nacogdoches.
 
This marquee event will offer an unprecedented opportunity to peek behind the curtains of one of Texas’s most impactful industries, the film industry, and its economic impact on not only East Texas, but the entire state.
 
Dennis Quaid said, “I’m looking forward to joining Lt. Governor Patrick for this important discussion on Texas’s future and the effort to make the Lone Star State the country’s film capital. From here in East Texas to the Rio Grande Valley, Panhandle, and everywhere in between, Texas has unlimited potential and countless opportunities for growth. I look forward to discussing those opportunities at the Lone Star Legislative Summit.”

“One of my top priorities is ensuring Texas remains the best state in the union by creating jobs and driving economic growth. Texas is becoming a film industry leader. Fort Worth is now a major production hub, and in Midlothian, ‘The Chosen’ turned Texas into Ancient Israel, creating 1,000 jobs in the process.”
— Lt. Governor Dan Patrick
“I’m looking forward to joining Lt. Governor Patrick for this important discussion on Texas’s future and the effort to make the Lone Star State the country’s film capital. From here in East Texas to the Rio Grande Valley, Panhandle, and everywhere in between, Texas has unlimited potential and countless opportunities for growth. I look forward to discussing those opportunities at the Lone Star Legislative Summit.”
— Dennis Quaid


 
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick stated that, “One of my top priorities is ensuring Texas remains the best state in the union by creating jobs and driving economic growth. Texas is becoming a film industry leader. Fort Worth is now a major production hub, and in Midlothian, ‘The Chosen’ turned Texas into Ancient Israel, creating 1,000 jobs in the process. On April 10th at Lone Star Legislative Summit, I’ll be interviewing legendary Texas actor Dennis Quaid on his career and the Texas film industry.”
 
The morning panel between Dennis Quaid and Lt. Governor Patrick is open to members of the media.
 
Along with the breakfast event sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, panel discussions and a luncheon with U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions and U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran are in the lineup of activities during the rest of the summit. Panel discussions are:
    •    Media Madness. Lone Star Lens: Texas Politics Unfiltered.
    •    Rooted in Education. Rising in Workforce.
    •    The Next Drop: Planning for Texas’ Water Future.
 
The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce has held the biennial two-day summit starting in 2006 with the purpose of connecting lawmakers with community leaders so that real issues affecting East Texas can be discussed in an open, non-partisan forum. The goal is simple, set the stage for state and federal representation to have access as much information as possible to support the making of good law.
 
For more about the legislative summit, call (936) 560-5533 or click here for online registration.

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

(936) 560-5533

View Organizer Website

Downtown Nacogdoches

202 E Pilar St, Rm 218
Nacogdoches, TX 75961 United States + Google Map

Related Events

Drug-Free All Stars Visit Woodland Heights Medical Center

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Front row from left to right: Lauren Woodward, Central HS; Savannah Bergman, Lufkin HS; Leanne Burke, Pineywoods Community Academy; Charla Raines, Lufkin HS; and Victoria Alonso, Pineywoods Community Academy HS Second row from left to right: Gavin Bowman, Lufkin HS; Savanna Soverns, Pineywoods Community Academy; Hailei Fontenot, Central HS; Alyssa Montero, Central HS; Rebekah Sapp, Huntington HS; Marlee Jones, Huntington HS; Nathalie Jacobo, Central HS; Alondra Cura, Lufkin HS; and Angel Gutierrez-Hernandez, Central HS. Back row from left to right: Martin Allen, Pineywoods Community Academy; Aubrey Mays, Hudson HS; Maggie Allen, Hudson HS; Parker Tanksley, Lufkin HS; Ja’Marcus Nieves, Diboll HS; John Oliphant, Central HS; Barret Price, Diboll HS; Ethan Basham, Central HS; and Stephen Bennett, Woodland Heights.

The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, are a group of high school seniors that serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. For their recent meeting, the Drug-Free All Stars visited Woodland Heights Medical Center and heard from Stephen Bennett, Director of Emergency Services. Mr. Bennett talked to the students about the impact drugs and alcohol have on the day to day operations in the Emergency Room. Mr. Bennett also advised the students to make safe choices as they approach prom and graduation and their next steps. The Coalition, Inc. appreciates Jennifer Stevens, Director of Marketing, and Stephen Bennett for making this meeting possible.   

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Spring Fertilization in East Texas: Why a Lighter Touch Often Produces Better Lawns

By
Billy Forrest
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Spring fertilization is often viewed as the solution to winter-worn lawns, but in East Texas, more fertilizer doesn’t always mean better results. In fact, aggressive feeding early in the season can work against long-term lawn health.

Understanding how grass responds to nutrients helps homeowners make smarter decisions.

The Problem With “Greening Up” Too Fast

Grass emerging from dormancy focuses first on rebuilding root systems. Heavy fertilization encourages fast blade growth before roots are ready to support it. This imbalance leads to shallow roots and lawns that struggle once heat and drought arrive.

Fast growth can also increase mowing demands and stress turf unnecessarily.

Timing Is Critical

Fertilizer should be applied when grass is actively growing and capable of absorbing nutrients efficiently. In East Texas, fluctuating spring temperatures make early applications risky. A well-timed, moderate approach produces more consistent results than heavy early feeding.

Why Balance Matters

Healthy lawns depend on more than nutrients alone. Soil conditions, mowing practices, moisture management, and weed control all influence how fertilizer performs. When these factors work together, lawns grow thicker and more resilient naturally.

Recognizing Over-Fertilization

Excess fertilizer often shows up as uneven growth, discoloration, or increased weed pressure rather than healthier turf. These symptoms indicate imbalance—not deficiency.

Building Stronger Lawns for the Long Term

Sustainable lawn care focuses on steady growth and root development rather than quick cosmetic improvement. A balanced fertilization plan supports deeper roots, improved stress tolerance, and better performance throughout the growing season.

A thoughtful approach to spring fertilization often produces lawns that look better not just in spring—but all year long.

AARP Texas Warns: Fraud Is No Joke For Older Texans

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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fraud isn't a joke

HOUSTON — While April Fool’s Day is known for pranks, AARP Texas is warning that fraud targeting Texans, especially older adults, is anything but a joke.

New data from the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center shows Texans reported about $1.35 billion in fraud losses last year, placing Texas among the hardest-hit states in the nation. Older adults are seeing some of the fastest-growing financial losses, with scams becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect.

AARP Texas is taking fraud prevention directly to communities with free, in-person and virtual events, including: 

  • Community shred days to safely dispose of old tax documents, bills and any other sensitive information;
  • Fraud prevention workshops in select cities; and
  • Virtual learning session accessible statewide.

Media are invited to cover local shred events and speak with AARP staff. Find the full schedule of activities hereor by visiting: https://www.aarp.org/states/texas/free-paper-shredding-events-and-fraud-workshops-to-protect-your-identity/

NOTE TO EDITORS:  Why This Matters Now

  • April is Fraud Prevention Month
  • Texas ranks among the top states for fraud losses
  • Cryptocurrency kiosk scams are on the rise
  • Events provide visual, community-based news coverage opportunities.

Lufkin Announces “America 250 Celebration” Event Series Honoring Nation’s 250th Anniversary

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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LUFKIN, TEXAS — The City of Lufkin, Angelina County, and community partners are proud to announce a series of events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, bringing together residents and visitors to honor the nation’s history, community spirit, and shared future.

The America 250 Celebration in Lufkin will feature a lineup of meaningful and family-friendly events throughout the summer, each designed to reflect on the values of freedom, service, and unity while creating memorable experiences for all ages.

The celebration begins with the Liberty Walk on May 3, a lighted walk through Downtown Lufkin where participants will gather at the courthouse and walk together to Cotton Square, concluding with a live concert. Additional events include the Liberty Tree Dedication on May 26, hosted in partnership with Angelina Beautiful Clean, symbolizing growth, resilience, and community roots.

On June 14, the community is invited to attend a Flag Day Ceremony presented by VFW Post #1836, honoring the American flag and the service of those who have defended it. The celebration continues into the Independence Day weekend with a free movie screening of Captain America: The First Avenger at The Pines Theater presented by Angelina Arts Alliance on July 3, followed by the City of Lufkin’s Fourth of July Celebration on July 4.

Additional community features include a military truck and cannon display at Luis Bronaugh Park from May through July, as well as participation from local organizations, businesses, and media partners supporting the celebration across the city. The History Center will also host exhibits from now through July, and Kurth Memorial Library will offer programming from June 29 through July 11.

“This is an opportunity for our community to come together and reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are, and look forward to what’s ahead,” said Tara Hendrix, Director of Tourism at Visit Lufkin. “We’re excited to create experiences that are meaningful for our residents and welcoming for visitors.”

As part of the celebration, Visit Lufkin will launch a new event feature on its website that allows visitors to easily explore and plan their experience. Events are automatically pulled from Facebook and Google, creating a centralized itinerary for those looking to attend multiple activities. More information to come.

Community organizations are encouraged to participate by hosting their own America 250-themed events. To be included in the official event listings and itinerary, organizers are asked to create a Facebook event and incorporate the America 250 branding.

For a full list of events and to plan your visit, go to VisitLufkin.com.

Media Contact:
Visit Lufkin
936-633-0359
visit@cityoflufkin.com

Lady Roadrunners Sweep Lamar State Port Arthur

By
Gary Stallard
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Dunn’s Walk-off Single Fuels AC Wins

The Angelina College Lady Roadrunners trailed 5-2 heading into their final at-bat in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader with Lamar State College-Port Arthur. 

AC’s Mallory Dunn made sure the margin wasn’t enough for the Seahawks.

Dunn ripped a single to left field to score teammate Ella Stephenson in the bottom of the seventh inning and give the Lady ‘Runners a thrilling 6-5, walk-off win at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. 

Katherine Page opened the Lady Roadrunner seventh by beating out an infield single, coming around to score on Emily Zunker’s double to center. Elizabeth Craig pushed Zunker to third on a single, and Ella Stephenson scored Zunker on a bloop single to right field. 

After a Jessi Sumpter sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, Megan Smith drew an intentional walk to load the bases. Ella Berger smoked a line drive to centerfield to plate Craig and tie the score at 5-5, and Dunn ended the game with her big hit.

Zunker ended the game with two RBI. 

In the nightcap, AC starting pitcher Jessi Sumpter tossed a complete-game shutout, striking out five Seahawks and walking just one in the Lady Roadrunners’ 4-0 win. Dunn added two more RBI, while Berger and Craig drove in a run each. 

The Lady Roadrunners (13-21, 4-4) will be in Galveston to face Galveston College on Wednesday, April 1 for a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.  

The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu. 

The People Behind the Angelina County Fair

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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By the time the auction begins Saturday afternoon, most visitors will see the ribbons, the buckles, and the banners.

What they won’t see is the weeks’ worth of early mornings, late nights, and volunteers who made it all happen. From the first contests on Monday morning to the final events of the week, hundreds of volunteers stepped in to make this year’s fair possible. They opened gates before daylight, organized entries, judged competitions, and helped young exhibitors every step of the way.

You will read in other parts of the news about the placings, the livestock, agricultural mechanics, foods, crafts, and other activities that took place. I hope you know about our “Reach for The Stars Show” for kids with special needs. We’ve added shooting sports a couple of years ago, and this year for the first time, a light-hearted “Old Timers Show” competition to help raise funds for the auction. Undoubtedly, there is the generous support of the buyers at the auction in addition to Round Tabel that awarded $52,500 deserving graduating Seniors this year in Angelina County.    

And as the auction gets underway late this afternoon, and the ribbons, buckles, and banners will be on display. I would be remiss not to say a special thank you to all the volunteers who make each year’s show a success.

Volunteers are truly the heroes behind the scenes who make our Angelina County Fair successful.  

The first contests of the Fair started on Monday. Those were public speaking, shotgun, and archery. The public speaking event was led by Jennifer Reynolds and Bo David Williford. Shooting sports competitions such as shotgun and archery were led by volunteers Heather McCall, Christi Grandgeorge, and Ryan Merrel.

The Home Economics Division is such a large effort that Janna Brazil and Joel Redus are needed to lead this event. Additionally, there were over 35 others that stepped forward for all the organization and judging.  Yes, the judges do get to partake in some of the best cakes, pies, cheesecakes, breads, and cookies around, but they also must test and quiz the students about the ingredients, preparation, and nutritional value.  

The Floral Design competition is in its second year and is led by Ashlyn Childress, an Agricultural Science Instructor from Hudson FFA. Carrie Shockley is the Arts and Crafts superintendent and oversees the numerous volunteers and judges that help check in and evaluate the projects. 

Superintendents for the livestock show divisions include Melanie Murray, Westin Reynolds, Delbert Reynolds, Dillon Mason, Stephen Shockley, Mike Whiteman, Anna Lamb, Heith Garcia, and Summer Garcia.  Each of these men and women also have several folks who help with validation, check-in, opening gates, and several other tasks for each show.

There are “open events” where you don’t have to be a 4-H or FFA member in Angelina County to participate. These include the BBQ cook-off, the washer tournament, and the ‘Reach for the Stars’ special needs show. For those competitions, the respective superintendents are, Charlie Gumbles, Melissa Wheeler, Danielle Chumbley, and Karen Stafford.  

The Ag-Mech division is led by Kevin Martin, the Trailer Build-Off which was headed up by Matthew Edwards, and the livestock judging was led by Courtney Daniels.

The newest event this year was the “Old Timers Show” which was led by Claire Clary.

Anita Carraway oversees the Youth Ambassador program. If you watched any part of the Fair, you saw youth in blue vests helping. This youth volunteer program strives to provide high school aged youth fair participants the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills and become an advocate for their county fair division. Applications are due in mid-September and those selected are responsible for workshops leading up the Fair, helping during their assigned division, as well as generally helping whenever they may be needed.  

The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce has numerous volunteers that give of their time for the Fair.  The County Fair Board consists of Anita Carraway, Preston Loggins, Steve Milligan, Preston Loggins, Codie Jenkins, Justin Risner, Scott Slusher, Melissa Wheeler, Stephen Corley, Chad Murray, and Chris Carraway.  The Board chairman is Todd Kassaw. 

Kody Jenkins is the Executive Director for our Fair and does a phenomenal job year-round to ensure a successful event for exhibitors and families alike. 

Finally, donors to the auction help reward the youth on Saturday evening.  Brookshire Brothers is our presenting sponsor for the Fair. There are numerous, fantastic businesses and families that support the auction, and I also want to personally thank those of you who donated any amount to one of the buyer pools.  

I know this is a long list of names. But they are the ones who show up early, stay late, and quietly do the work that allows young people to step into the spotlight.

And while the auction may recognize the exhibitors, this week is just as much a reflection of the community standing behind them.

If you want to join the auction virtually, donate to the auction, or check out pictures of this year’s winners, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.  

Capitol Update: Building Toward the Next Legislative Session

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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As we approach Easter Sunday, Christians across East Texas and around the world are reminded of the hope and renewal that comes with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, we read: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.’” (John 11:25).

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that even in uncertain times, faith gives us strength, purpose, and the promise of new beginnings. Easter is a time for families and friends to gather, for churches to celebrate, and for all of us to reflect on the blessings we enjoy in this great country and across our East Texas communities.

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…

Capitol Update

This week, Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows released the official interim charges for the Texas House of Representatives, marking the beginning of the work that takes place between legislative sessions. Because the Texas Legislature only meets in regular session every two years, the interim is an important time for committees to study key issues, hold hearings, and prepare recommendations so that when lawmakers return to Austin next January, we are ready to act on well-developed solutions.

Each House committee is assigned specific topics to review during the interim, and those charges guide the work that will take place over the coming months. Committees hear testimony from Texans across the state, gather input from industry experts, and examine the policies that impact our economy, our natural resources, and our rural communities. This process allows lawmakers to fully study complex issues and helps ensure that when the Legislature reconvenes, decisions are based on careful review rather than rushed debate.

One of the first committees to begin its work this interim is the House Committee on Agriculture & Livestock. The work of this committee is especially important for East Texas, where agriculture is not only a major part of our economy, but a way of life that has been passed down for generations. The discussions that take place in this committee room have real and direct consequences for the farmers, ranchers, timber producers, and agricultural businesses that keep our region strong.

Across East Texas, families depend on cattle, poultry, timber, hay, and row crops to make a living, and state policy plays a significant role in whether those operations succeed or struggle. The Agriculture & Livestock Committee has been charged with examining the long-term stability of Texas agriculture and identifying ways the state can better support the men and women who feed and clothe our nation. Farmers and ranchers today are facing rising input costs, supply chain challenges, and increased competition from foreign imports, and when those pressures grow, rural communities feel the impact first.

Another focus this interim will be the preservation of farm and ranch land. As Texas continues to grow, more agricultural land is being lost to development, and that trend can have lasting consequences for East Texas. Keeping working lands in production is critical not only for our economy, but for our heritage and our way of life. Programs designed to support land conservation and keep family farms in operation will be reviewed to ensure they are working as intended and providing real benefit to rural Texans.

The committee will also examine the broader economic challenges facing rural Texas. When agriculture is strong, our small towns are strong. Local businesses, schools, and county governments all depend on the stability that agriculture provides, which is why the work of this committee carries such importance for East Texas.

In the months ahead, House committees will continue their work on a wide range of issues, and I will be following those discussions closely to make sure the voices of East Texans are heard. The interim may not always receive much attention, but it is one of the most important parts of the legislative process because it allows us to prepare, study, and get the facts before new laws are written.

The mobile office is on the road again in April, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: April 1 at the County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9:30-11:30 am, April 8 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; April 15 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 pm.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By
Carey Kinsolving
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Why Didn’t the Disciples Understand That Jesus Must Rise From the Dead?

“If I saw an empty tomb, I’d check for zombies,” says Logan, 9. “I wouldn’t think, ‘Oh, Jesus rose from the dead!’ because that would sound like a fairy tale.”

That may be exactly what the disciples thought at first. On that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb early and saw the stone rolled away. She didn’t shout, “He’s risen!” Instead, she ran to tell Peter and John that someone had taken Jesus’ body.

When Peter and John got to the tomb, they found the linen burial cloths still there, folded, not ripped or scattered like you’d expect if someone had stolen the body. But even then, John 20:9 says, “For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.”

How could Jesus’ closest friends miss something so important?

People tend to hear what they want to hear. The idea of a suffering, crucified Messiah didn’t fit what the disciples were hoping for. Like many in Israel, they were looking for a strong king to defeat the Romans, not a Lamb who would be sacrificed for the sins of the world.

When someone you love dies, your world turns upside down. Grief can cloud your thinking. The disciples were heartbroken, confused and scared. Resurrection wasn’t on their radar.

But that empty tomb began to change everything.

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “He has forced open a door that had been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death.” The resurrection is not just a nice ending to the story. It’s the story’s turning point.

As author Josh McDowell said, “The resurrection of Jesus Christ is either the most wicked, heartless hoax ever foisted upon the minds of men, or it is the most fantastic fact of history.”

The apostle Paul put it this way: “If Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty” (1 Corinthians 15:14). In other words, without the resurrection, Christianity collapses.

Why is the resurrection so central? Because it proves that Jesus is who he said he is. He’s the Son of God, the Savior, the one with power over death. If Jesus stayed in the tomb, we’d have no reason to hope. But because he rose, we have every reason to trust him with our lives and futures.

“Sometimes God tells us things we’re not ready to understand,” says Noah, 11.

Yes, and the same is true for us today. God’s promises may not always make sense right away, especially in moments of grief or fear.

No matter how famous or prosperous, everyone succumbs to death. Not Jesus. He defeated death and now offers that same victory to all who believe in him.

The disciples didn’t understand at first. But Jesus met them in their confusion. He showed them his scars. He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And their confusion turned into conviction so strong that they were willing to die for what they saw and believed. They went from hiding behind locked doors to boldly preaching in the streets.

Think About This: The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. It proves that life wins over death, truth wins over lies, and God keeps his promises, even the ones we don’t yet understand.

Memorize This Truth: “For as yet they did not know the Scripture, that he must rise again from the dead” (John 20:9).

Ask This Question: If Jesus really rose from the dead, what should that change about the way I live today?

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Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God twice a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email. 

The First Spring Mow: Why Timing and Technique Matter More Than You Think

By
Billy Forrest
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For many East Texas homeowners, the first mow of spring feels like a milestone—a sign that winter is finally over. But mowing too early or too aggressively can do more harm than good.

Grass needs time to transition out of dormancy. While lawns may appear green, growth below the surface often lags behind visual cues. Mowing before grass is actively growing can stress roots and compact wet soil, slowing recovery.

Waiting for the Right Conditions

Rather than watching the calendar, it’s better to watch the lawn. Grass should be tall enough to justify mowing, and soil should be dry enough to support equipment without leaving ruts.

Mowing on wet ground compresses soil and limits oxygen flow to roots—damage that can linger for months.

Height Matters

One of the most common spring mistakes is cutting grass too short. Scalping removes the plant’s ability to photosynthesize efficiently and gives weeds room to establish themselves.

Leaving grass slightly taller early in the season protects the crown and supports deeper root growth.

Equipment Makes a Difference

Sharp mower blades are essential. Dull blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, increasing stress and making turf more vulnerable to disease.

A Thoughtful Start Pays Off

Lawns that receive a careful first mow tend to grow more evenly, resist weeds better, and handle summer heat with less stress. Taking a measured approach early often reduces maintenance challenges later in the season.

The first mow isn’t about speed or appearance—it’s about setting your lawn up for long-term success.

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