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Live Music by Neli & Dylan (Jasper County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Live Music by Neli & Dylan (Jasper County)

Live Music Alert!

Join us at The Jewel Bistro Cafe this Saturday, January 18th, from 5 PM to 8 PM for an unforgettable evening with the Dynamic Duo, Neli + Dylan!

They’ll be bringing their incredible talent to the stage, playing all your favorite classics to keep the good vibes flowing. Grab your friends, enjoy delicious food, and let the music take you back!

When: Saturday, January 18th
Time: 5 PM – 8 PM
Where: The Jewel Bistro Cafe, Downtown Jasper

Come early for dinner and stay for the show! Don’t miss this night of great music and great company.

Speed Networking (Angelina County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Speed Networking (Angelina County)

Get ready to kickstart 2025 with a burst of networking energy! Join us Friday, January 24 at 8 AM for an exciting round of Speed Networking at our next Power Networking Breakfast, presented by Angelina College SBDC. This Speed Networking event is brought to you by the Commercial Bank of Texas.

Location: Chamber Community Room

Attendance is free! While registration is not required, it is strongly encouraged to help us plan accordingly. Register today >>> bit.ly/PNB-0125

Don’t forget to bring your business cards and perfect those elevator pitches. See you there!

Community Gathering – Youth Vape Preparedness (Nacogdoches County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Community Gathering – Youth Vape Preparedness (Nacogdoches County)

Welcome to our Community Meeting- Youth Vaping Awareness event! Join us on Thu Jan 23 2025 at 6:00 PM in the E.J. Campbell Boardroom to learn about the dangers of vaping among young people. This in-person gathering will feature informative presentations and discussions led by experts in the field. Let’s come together as a community to raise awareness and find solutions to this pressing issue. Don’t miss out on this important opportunity to make a difference! See you there!

Location:
420 Shawnee St, Nacogdoches, TX 75961-5696, United States

Classic and Super Cars Under The Stars Featuring Payton Howie (Trinity County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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Classic and Super Cars Under The Stars Featuring Payton Howie (Trinity County)
Evening Car Show
$30 Per Vehicle Entry
Enter at: https://charliediggs.com/cars-under-the-stars/

Featuring Live Music from Payton Howie

Open to the public.
$10 Adults
$5 Kids (4-12 – 3 & under are free)
Food Trucks – Live Music – Awards
Games, Outdoor Movie for the Kids and More!

Rain Date: 2/1/2025

Celebrating Ratification Day: When America Became Official

Rachel Lauren
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Celebrating Ratification Day: When America Became Official

Today marks a special anniversary in American history that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. On January 14, 1784 – exactly 241 years ago – the Continental Congress officially ratified the Treaty of Paris, formally ending the American Revolution and establishing the United States as an independent nation.

While we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th, Ratification Day represents the moment America’s independence became official in the eyes of the world. It’s like the difference between announcing you’re going to move out of your parents’ house and actually signing the lease on your new place – Ratification Day was America’s “signing the lease” moment.

The Path to Peace and Independence

The path to ratification wasn’t as simple as just signing a piece of paper. After years of fighting, British and American representatives met in Paris to negotiate peace terms. They signed the preliminary Treaty of Paris on November 30, 1782, but the document needed formal approval from both governments to take effect.

The British Parliament ratified the treaty first. Then, on January 14, 1784, delegates from nine of the original thirteen states gathered in Annapolis, Maryland (which was serving as the temporary capital), to make it official on the American side. Once both countries ratified the treaty, America’s position as a sovereign nation was secure.

The treaty included several important provisions. Great Britain formally recognized American independence and agreed to remove all British troops from American territory. The treaty also established America’s borders at the time, granted fishing rights off the coast of Canada, and dealt with various property and debt issues between the two nations.

From Colonial Times to the Piney Woods

For us here in East Texas, Ratification Day has special significance. While our region wasn’t part of the United States at the time – it was still Spanish territory – the treaty’s ratification set in motion the events that would eventually lead to Texas joining the Union. The establishment of a strong, independent United States created the conditions that would allow for American expansion westward and, ultimately, the development of our beloved Piney Woods region.

Today, as we go about our daily lives in East Texas, it’s worth taking a moment to remember this important milestone in our nation’s journey. Ratification Day might not come with fireworks and barbecues like the Fourth of July, but it represents a crucial moment when America truly became America.

Keeping History Alive

While Ratification Day might not be marked by national celebrations, history enthusiasts and educational institutions across America still honor its significance. In Annapolis, where the historic ratification took place, the Maryland State House stands as a testament to this momentous occasion. The Old Senate Chamber, carefully restored to its 1784 appearance, helps visitors step back in time and imagine that decisive moment when America’s independence became official.

As we look to the future, sharing stories like that of Ratification Day with younger generations becomes increasingly important. These historical moments remind us that building a nation takes more than just bold declarations and brave battles – it requires patience, diplomacy, and careful dedication to turning dreams into reality. So next time you’re driving through our beautiful pine forests or enjoying a peaceful evening on your porch, remember that day in 1784 when a group of determined leaders gathered in Annapolis to put the final seal on American independence. It’s all part of the long story that led to the East Texas we know and love today.

How to Read and Understand Your Electricity Bill

Lee Allen Miller
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How to Read and Understand Your Electricity Bill

Have you ever opened your electricity bill and wondered, What am I really paying for? With so many line items and terms, it’s easy to feel confused. At Amerigy Energy, we believe that understanding your electricity bill is essential to managing your energy usage and finding opportunities to save.

Let’s break it down step-by-step, so you can make sense of your bill and take control of your energy costs.

  1. Key Components of Your Electricity Bill

Here are the main sections you’ll typically see on a Texas electricity bill:

A. Energy Charge

This is the cost of the electricity you use, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). If you’re on a fixed-rate plan, your price per kWh remains the same throughout your contract. If you’re on a variable-rate plan, this charge will fluctuate based on market prices.

Example: If your rate is $0.12 per kWh and you use 1,000 kWh in a month, your energy charge will be $120.

B. Transmission and Distribution Utility (TDU) Fees

TDU fees are charged by the utility company responsible for delivering electricity to your home or business. These fees cover the cost of maintaining power lines, poles, and meters. TDU charges are regulated and passed through by your electricity provider, so they’re the same regardless of which provider you use.

Tip: While you can’t avoid TDU fees, reducing your energy usage can lower the total amount.

C. Base Fee or Minimum Usage Fee

Some providers charge a base fee just for maintaining your account. Others impose a minimum usage fee if your energy consumption falls below a certain threshold.

Pro Tip: At Amerigy Energy, we help you find plans that minimize or eliminate these fees to fit your lifestyle.

D. Taxes and Other Charges

Taxes and regulatory charges are typically small but unavoidable. These may include:

  • State and local taxes.
  • PUC assessments (Public Utility Commission fees).
  1. How to Spot Inefficiencies and Opportunities to Save

Once you understand the components of your bill, you can look for patterns and areas where you might be able to save:

Review Your Usage History

Many bills include a graph or chart showing your electricity usage over time. Look for seasonal trends and spikes in usage. For example, higher usage in summer may indicate your AC system is working harder than necessary.

Solution: Consider a programmable thermostat or an energy audit to identify inefficiencies.

Compare Your Rate

Check your price per kWh and compare it to other plans. If you’re on a variable-rate plan, you may be paying more than you need to during peak demand periods.

Pro Tip: Switching to a fixed-rate plan with Amerigy Energy can protect you from market volatility and keep your bills predictable.

Analyze Fees

Excessive base fees or minimum usage charges could mean you’re not on the right plan.

Example: If you have a low-usage household but are being charged a minimum usage fee every month, it’s time to look for a better plan.

  1. Why Your Electricity Bill Might Be Higher Than Expected

Unexpectedly high bills can happen for several reasons:

  • Seasonal Demand: Extreme weather can drive up both your energy usage and rates in the ERCOT market.
  • Outdated Appliances: Older appliances consume more energy, even when they’re off.
  • Phantom Power: Devices left plugged in still draw power
  1. How Amerigy Energy Makes a Difference

At Amerigy Energy, we take the confusion out of electricity bills. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, we’ll:

  • Review Your Current Plan: We’ll analyze your bill to identify inefficiencies and hidden costs.
  • Compare Options: With access to over 50 energy providers, we’ll find the most cost-effective plan for your needs.
  • Provide Transparency: Our fixed-rate plans ensure you know exactly what to expect—no surprises, no hidden fees.

Ready to Take Control of Your Energy Costs?

Understanding your electricity bill is the first step to saving money and managing your energy use effectively. At Amerigy Energy, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Contact us today for a free bill review and consultation. Let’s work together to find a plan that fits your needs, reduces your costs, and gives you peace of mind.

This article is part of a regular weekly column provided by Amerigy Energy, your trusted partner for residential and commercial energy solutions across Texas.

5th Annual Fish Fry Bingo (San Augustine County)

Diana De Leon Bon
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5th Annual Fish Fry Bingo (San Augustine County)

Valentine’s Day Fish Fry Bingo Night! 

Love is in the air and so is the smell of delicious fish! Join us for a special Valentine’s Day-themed evening at the Boys & Girls Club of San Augustine’s Fish Fry Bingo on February 15th at 6 PM at the Show Barn!

Bring your loved ones for a night of fun, laughter, and fantastic prizes. Enjoy a delightful fish fry, and exciting bingo games, and help support the amazing kids at our club.

Date: February 15th
Time: 6 PM
Location: Show Barn, San Augustine

For tickets and more information, visit bgcdet.org/event or call 936-560-6844.

Your participation will make a big difference in the lives of the children we serve. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

Diana De Leon Bon
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Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

Hey, sports fans,

We’re back in action after our holiday break, and our basketball teams picked up some big conference wins to get things heated up around here. We’re also just a couple of short weeks away from our baseball and softball teams’ opening days for their 2025 seasons. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s events, along with what’s coming up next: 

Roadrunner Basketball Tops No. 7 Panola at Home, Beats Tyler on the Road

Wednesday’s showdown at Shands Gymnasium was the definition of the “immovable object” meeting the “unstoppable force.”

The Roadrunners, recently ranked as the No. 1 defensive team in all of NJCAA Division I men’s basketball, hosted the nationally ranked No. 7 Panola College Ponies in a Region XIV showdown. 

The game was even better than anticipated. 

 AC’s Chris Carpenter hit a running left-hander with six seconds to play in regulation to send the game to overtime, and teammate Jordan Mathews dropped in a jumper with 16 seconds to play in the extra frame to lift the Roadrunners to a 67-65 OT win Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium. 

Both teams entered the contest with 4-1 records in conference play. 

With the clock winding down late in the second half, Carpenter blew past a Pony defender for a left-handed scoop and scored to knot the score at 59-59 with just six seconds to play. The Ponies’ last gasp ended up short, with AC’s Daemon Ely getting his fingertips on the potential game-winning shot to send the game to an extra period.

In OT, the Roadrunners again worked a final possession to near perfection, with Mathews taking a pass on the block and hitting a short jumper for the game’s final score. 

Mathews would finish with 18 points to lead all scorers. Ely finished with 13 points and eight rebounds, and Carpenter and Kanaan Holder chipped in 11 points each. 

On Saturday, the ‘Runners broke open a tight game in the first half to pull away in the second in toppling Tyler Junior College 63-44 in Tyler, keeping AC (13-2, 6-1) in a first-place tie in Region XIV standings. Christian Jones led AC in scoring with 14 points, followed by Carpenter with 11. Ely added 10 rebounds, four steals and four blocks. 

The Roadrunners will host Blinn College on Wednesday (7:30 p.m.) and Kilgore College on Saturday at 4 p.m.

Lady Roadrunners Earn First Conference Win

After Wednesday’s scheduled game against Western Gulf Collegiate was canceled because of inclement weather, AC’s ladies had to jump right into conference play without a warmup game following their break.

No problem.

The Lady Roadrunners opened Region XIV play on the road Saturday in Beeville, beating Coastal Bend Community College by a 71-61 final. India McMahon led AC in scoring with 21 points, with Lanaijha Johnson adding a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double. Carly Gates finished with 10 points. 

AC (8-6, 1-0) will host Blinn College on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and Tyler Junior College on Saturday at 2 p.m. 

Baseball, Softball Schedules Available

January in JUCO sports means Opening Days for baseball and softball, and both the Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners will play their season openers in just a few weeks.

Roadrunner Baseball will start the season on the road in Galveston on Friday, Jan. 24 in a doubleheader scheduled to start at 1 p.m. AC then will host those same Whitecaps on Sunday, Jan. 26 at Poland Stadium in a twin bill set for a 1 p.m. first pitch.   

Lady Roadrunner Softball will open its 2025 campaign in a home doubleheader against Cisco College scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29 at Lady Roadrunner Field. The first game is set for a 4 p.m. start.

Both teams’ schedules, along with the Lady Roadrunner softball roster, are now available for viewing at angelinaathletics.com.

Roadrunner Soccer Players Sign with Division I Programs

Men’s head soccer coach Martin Melchor continues to build a pipeline of next-level opportunities for his players, with four Roadrunners recently signing with Division I programs.

Casper Madsen (Bowling Green State University), Daniel Smith (Oral Roberts University), Jacob Blach (University of California-Santa Barbara), and Abdallah Traore (University of Memphis) are taking their talents from Angelina College to bigger schools. 

Lady Roadrunner Softball Hosting Prospect Camp in January

Angelina College’s Lady Roadrunner softball program is looking for some new Lady Roadrunners.

The program will host a Prospect Camp on Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Lady Roadrunner Softball Field on the AC campus. 

The camp is for high schoolers scheduled to graduate in 2026 or 2027.

For registration information, use the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/prospect-softball-camp-january-26-2025-12-pm-registration-1084409902209?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwY2xjawHMkjVleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHQEM6U8A_w_nEbZBZIf1AOI4VmjokQZfCkWP6XohMbT96b9gOgDQiPiHUA_aem_F2d6FBi9yaQTXfTq0IClOQ

For any other inquiries, contact Lady Roadrunner head coach Brette Kohring at bkohring@angelina.edu. 

Soccer Teams Hosting ID Camps in March

Both Angelina College soccer teams will be hosting ID camps in March as the programs continue to discover new talent. We’ll send all the pertinent registration and other information in our next update. 

Live Streaming Reminder: 

All AC Athletics regular-season home games will be live-streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)

Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics website, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link. 

TSBN also offers an app that is great for smartphones, devices,and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)

Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.  

Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates, visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). 

Upcoming schedules:

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025:

Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Blinn College, 5:30 p.m., Shands Gymnasium. 

Roadrunner Basketball vs. Blinn College, 7:30 p.m., Shands Gymnasium. 

Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025:

Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Tyler Junior College, 2 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.

Roadrunner Basketball vs. Kilgore, 4 p.m., Shands Gymnasium. 

For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu. 

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614

 

Governor Abbott Urges Texans To Report Winter Weather Damages

Diana De Leon Bon
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Governor Abbott Urges Texans To Report Winter Weather Damages

AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott today encouraged Texans impacted by this week’s winter weather to document and report any property damages sustained from ice, snow, and excessive rainfall by utilizing the Texas Division of Emergency Management’s online, self-reported damage assessment tool.

“The State of Texas continues to work with local officials to provide all available resources to Texans impacted by this week’s winter weather,” said Governor Abbott. “As communities across the state begin to recover, I urge Texans to report any damage to their homes or businesses through the iSTAT damage survey to help the state determine if Texas qualifies for federal disaster assistance. With some areas of the state still experiencing hazardous conditions, Texans should regularly monitor road conditions and drive cautiously on bridges and overpasses to keep themselves and their family safe. Working together, we will ensure all Texans have the support and resources they need to move forward from this winter weather.”

Texans can report storm damage to homes and businesses using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) damage survey. iSTAT surveys can be filled out in English and Spanish by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov and clicking “January 6th Winter Weather.”

By filling out the iSTAT survey, residents provide key details that enable emergency management teams to assess the severity and scale of the damage caused by ice, snow, and excessive rains. This data also supports efforts to determine if the state qualifies for federal disaster assistance.

Using the iSTAT tool is voluntary and is not a substitute for reporting damages to your insurance provider and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. Resources, including video tutorials on how to complete the survey, are available at damage.tdem.texas.gov.

The Texas State Operations Center remains activated at Level II (Escalated Response) to support local officials with response and recovery efforts. State officials are working with utility regulators to ensure electrical providers quickly restore power to Texans who have been impacted by localized outages.

Despite the majority of the ice and snow moving out of the state, hazardous road conditions still may persist in some areas, especially bridges and overpasses. Texans are encouraged to remain weather aware, monitor local weather forecasts, and follow directions from local officials. Texans can find winter weather resources, including warming center information and a map of licensed plumbers, in the Texas Disaster Portal at tdem.texas.gov.

Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all resources needed to help support local communities impacted by winter weather, including:

  • Activating state emergency response resources on January 9 ahead of potential flooding across Southeast Texas.
  • Providing an update on the state’s ongoing emergency response efforts to the winter storm threat.
  • Increasing the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to help support local officials with requests for state assistance.

Activating state emergency response resources on January 6 ahead of severe winter weather threats.

Texas A&M Vice Chancellor Recognizes Hughes Simpson for Public Service in Forestry

Diana De Leon Bon
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Texas A&M Vice Chancellor Recognizes Hughes Simpson for Public Service in Forestry

Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Director, External Affairs, was presented the Public Service in Forestry Award by Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor Dr. Jeffrey Savell, on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025.

Simpson began his career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2000 as a Forester in Lufkin. Since then, he has served as a Water Resources Program Leader, Forest Systems Department Head, and Forest Resource Development Chief Operating Officer.

In fall 2024, Simpson was named Assistant Director, External Affairs. In this capacity, he coordinates and implements strategic initiatives, business development opportunities, and partner relations to ensure sustainable forestry policies, initiatives, and funding are available throughout the state.

“I have witnessed Hughes’ rapid ascension through the agency with ever-increasing service and leadership responsibilities,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “His effective leadership continues to result in strong forestry leadership throughout the state and southern U.S.”

Throughout his time at the agency, Simpson has helped drive the development of Texas Forest Info, an extensive website that hosts tools for property mapping, forest ecosystem evaluation, financial assistance, forest health diagnostics and land management planning.

He also transformed the agency’s East Texas-based Best Management Practices program into a statewide Water Resources program, recognizing the critical link between forests and water. Simpson spearheaded the establishment of the Texas Partnership for Forests and Water, a statewide collaborative that works to sustain forested watersheds to provide safe, reliable sources of drinking water and positive benefits to local economies.

In strengthening other external natural resource partnerships, Simpson developed and implemented the Texas A&M Forest Service Leadership Institute, a leadership training program for natural resource and emergency response partners that promotes the advancement of statewide natural resource stewardship.

Simpson, working through the Texas Longleaf Team, has been instrumental in the restoration of the native longleaf pine ecosystem. In 2014, he developed the Texas Longleaf Conservation Assistance Program that has provided over $2.4 million in financial assistance to landowners to restore and steward almost 50,000 acres of this iconic ecosystem.

As a 25-year member of the Texas Forestry Association, Simpson serves as chair to its environmental and regulatory affairs committee. He has also served on the association’s board of directors and several other natural resource-based committees.

Beyond Texas, Simpson has been a Society of American Foresters Certified Forester since 2007 where he has held a membership since 1996. He was selected as a Fellow in 2023, has served on its board of directors and as chair for the committee on forest policy, secretary and treasurer for the Texas Society of American Foresters (TSAF) and chair of the Lufkin/Nacogdoches chapter of TSAF.

“One of Hughes’ greatest contributions is his collaboration and connection with Texas landowners,” said Rob Hughes, Texas Forestry Association Executive Director. “He recognizes that private lands are crucial to the overall health of our forests and has worked to build strong relationships with private landowners and timberland investment firms.”

The Texas A&M Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence program was established in 1980 to recognize the commitment and outstanding contributions of faculty and staff across Texas A&M AgriLife. The Public Service in Forestry Award has been presented at the program since 2012.

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