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My Five Cents: A Weekly Column from Sen. Robert Nichols

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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The pace of session continues to pick up and important deadlines are around the corner. Committee hearings, voting, and debating on the Senate Floor take up most of my days. Only a little over 80 days left! 

Here are five things happening around your state:  

  1. Bill filing deadline approaching

Friday, March 14 is the sixtieth day of session and marks the bill filing deadline for the 89th Legislative Session. After Friday, only local bills and emergency item bills are allowed to be filed. At this time, over 2,500 bills and joint resolutions have been filed in the Senate and almost 5,000 have been filed in the House. By the end of the day Friday, there may be even more bills filed. From this point forward, the pace of session accelerates and the days get longer. As always, if there are bills of interest, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. 

  1. Senate Committee on Transportation holds first hearing

This week, the Senate Committee on Transportation, which I chair, held our first hearing. We heard testimony on 9 bills and 1 concurrent resolution from several different members. I authored Senate Bill 1555 which was heard in committee. SB 1555 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 25, by Senator Alvarado, stem from a tragic incident in Houston last December. Sergio Ivan Rodriguez was on his way to school and tragically lost his life while crossing a set of train tracks near Milby High School. Senate Bill 1555 would create a grant program through the Texas Department of Transportation to award grants for railroad grade separation projects. The grants would go to political subdivisions for rail-roadway projects, which could include a pedestrian bridge. Relatedly, SCR 25 is a resolution urging the City of Houston to construct a pedestrian bridge over the rail crossing near Milby High School to ensure students can get to school safely. Further, the Legislature would ask the City name the bridge in honor of Sergio Rodriguez. 

  1. Senate Bill 16 filed 

Senator Bryan Hughes filed Senate Bill 16 this week to further secure our elections by ensuring that only legal citizens vote in Texas elections. The bill would require anyone registering to vote to supply proof of citizenship at that time. That proof could include a passport, birth certificate, citizenship papers, or other identification issued by the United States. If citizenship cannot be verified, the person would be registered to vote only for federal elections, not state elections. It also creates a mechanism for registrars to verify the citizenship of existing registered voters. Protecting our elections from non-citizens who are not eligible to vote is the next step in ensuring our elections are free, fair, and secure. 

  1. Bills expanding FCIC authority pass committee

This week, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, chaired by Sen. Pete Flores, heard testimony on three bills I filed related to the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC). FCIC was created in 2021 by the Legislature initially to combat card skimming devices at motor fuel terminals, especially at gas stations. Today, the FCIC is the statewide fusion center that coordinates investigations for various types of organized financial crime. One of the bills I authored would expand the Center’s statutory authority to include all kinds of payment fraud. Senate Bill 1499 changes statute to reflect FCIC growing role in combating financial crime. 

As evidence of the value FCIC brings the state, this week two people were arrested in the Dallas area for their role in a multi-million dollar credit card fraud scheme. FCIC played a central role in investigating the case in coordination with local police departments, US Customs and Border Protection, and Texas DPS. The operation is estimated to have prevented more than $5.2 million in potential losses to victims. Authorities seized a fully operational card skimmer factory which was designed to affix skimmers to ATMs. They also discovered hundreds of altered credit cards, $16,000 in cash, and other card skimming tools and equipment. 

  1. UT System approves new ag and forestry building at SFA 

Late last month, the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved an additional $5 million for the construction of a new forestry and agriculture building at Stephen F. Austin State University. The additional funding will support an Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building. The project will be funded in part by the Permanent University Fund, a fund exclusively benefiting UT System and A&M System schools. SFA joined the UT System officially in 2023 after extensive community input. 

Drug-Free All Stars Complete Project Sticker Shock

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, recently completed their annual event, Project Sticker Shock. The Project Sticker Shock campaign is aimed at preventing underage drinking by reminding adults not to provide alcohol for minors. The 58 Drug-Free All Stars stickered 30 grocery and convenience stores throughout Angelina County to help prevent underage alcohol use. The Coalition, Inc. and the Drug-Free All Stars would like to thank Brookshire Brothers, La Michoacana Meat Market, Hernandez Grocery, Big’s convenience stores, Walgreens on Frank Ave., and Coleman’s convenience store for participating in this year’s Project Sticker Shock. 

Drug-Free All Stars attend Project Sticker Shock Kick Off Press Conference. First row from left to right are Jazlyn Gurrola, Diboll HS All Star; Sidnee Thompson, Lufkin HS All Stars; Caelyn Ford, Lufkin HS All Star; Lila Knapp, Lufkin HS All Star; Kate Amend, Lufkin HS All Star; Miley McHaney, Lufkin HS All Star; Alexis Pelletier, Lufkin HS All Star; and Reagan McDonald, Lufkin HS All Star. Back row from left to right are Brody Finley, Diboll HS All Star; and Brayden Wilson, Diboll HS All Star.
Madison Watson, Hudson HS Drug-Free All Star, stickers at a local alcohol retailer.

 

 

 

The Coalition hopes Project Sticker Shock makes the community aware of the dangers of providing alcohol to minors; not only is it against the law, but it can have deadly consequences.  Lufkin High School Drug-Free All Star, Reagan McDonald, commented, “Project Sticker Shock allows us to actively prevent underage drinking in our community. By going to places like Brookeshire Brothers, we were able to locally advocate against providing alcohol to minors in our community.” Research shows that teens who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop substance dependence later in life than those who wait to drink until age 21 or older.  

Sergio Jimenez, Central HS Drug-Free All Star, and Hannah Jones, Diboll HS Drug-Free All Star, sticker at the Pollok Brookshire Brothers.
Diboll Drug-Free All Stars Isis Luna and Hailey Lovelady place stickers on a package at the Diboll Brookshire Brothers.

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

Huntington Students Build Hanging Day Bed for the Home & Recreation Division at the Angelina County Fair

By
Cary Sims
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Hayden Strickland, Kason Oliver, and Landon Segrest are students at Huntington High School and are enrolled in the Ag Structures, Design, and Fabrication Class. In just over a week, they’ll exhibit a custom-made hanging day bed at the Angelina County Fair. 

Hayden and Kason have been in the agricultural program for two years now as sophomores, while Landon is a Junior and is in his third year in the program. 

When asked why they decided to build this particular project, Hayden answered, “We didn’t want just a regular yard swing, so we decided to go above and beyond and build something that could be remembered. So…we went as big as we could.” They settled on a twin sized bed. 

Their entry is part of the Ag Mechanics show and will be entered into the Home and Recreational Use division. Common entries in this division may include Bar B Q pits, picnic tables, greenhouses, birdhouses, or other home recreational type projects. Other divisions in the Ag Mechanics contest include Ag Machinery & Equipment, Livestock & Poultry Equipment, Tractor Restoration, and Trailers. 

Kason said, “The hardest part of the build was doing the design on the armrest. We had to figure out how to design that.” Hayden added, “Getting all the angles and measurements right was hard. And it also just has to look good.” 

While the originally started working on it in October, they have had plenty of other classwork that kept them busy. “It is only recently that we have really been able to work on it a lot.” 

For the final competition, it will have a mattress and custom cover. Hayden said, “We took some memory foam and cut it to size. Then I got my grandma to sew a cover for it.” Hayden’s grandma is Cindy Counts.

Kason explained, “It is made from all kinds of lumber – 1×6, 4×4, and 2×4’s and is suspended by a three-quarter inch rope at each corner. We stained the wood ‘Sunlit Walnut’.” Hayden added, “Everyone was surprised when I told them ‘rope’. But the rope is rated for 4,800 lbs., so with each corner being fully supported, it will handle quite a load!” He also added that there are a couple of metal plates in places to give it added strength. 

Hayden Strickland, left, and Kason Oliver apply stain and finishing touches to the twin-sized hanging day-bed that they are entering in the Angelina County Fair. (Not pictured is the third team-member, Landon Segrest). These students attend Huntington High School and will be competing in the Home and Recreation Division of the Ag Mechanics Show at the Expo Center in Lufkin on Wednesday, March 26.

“It is designed to be outside, but whoever buys it can hang it where ever they want,” said Kason. Entries are Home and Recreation division are not eligible to make it into the auction on Saturday evening, March 29, but the builders are quite emphatic that it is for sale.

There are three ag science instructors at Huntington High, Blake Whitworth, Kristen Powers, and Robert Williams. The supervising teacher for this project is Mr. Williams. When asked what he hopes these and other students gain from these projects, Williams had a good bit to say. “Of course they get to learn about measuring and using different tools that the project requires,” he said, “They also learn problem solving skills, teamwork and working as a group. They share duties and responsibilities and learn to do all this on a deadline.”

Williams continued, “As we get really close to the Fair, they have to put together their record keeping forms, which includes their budget and cost effectiveness of the project. Huntington FFA will be entering 12 projects in the Ag Mechanics show this year.” 

All divisions of the Ag Mechanics show will move their work in on Tuesday, March 23 from 5 to 7 pm. Judging of their work begins the next day on Wednesday at 8 am. The judges will be looking at and scoring them on aesthetics, authenticity, an interview with the judges, and documentation on costs, photos of the build, and a mechanical report.

The Ag Mechanics show is sponsored by Jarvis Farm Equipment. Top winners in each division receive prizes sponsored by the following: Georgia Pacific, Angelina West Fraser, Roy O’Martin, Waukesha-Pearce Industries, Doggett Machinery, and Standbridge Color. 

The entire County Fair is from Monday, March 24 thru Saturday, March 29 concluding with the sale on Saturday. The auction will be Saturday evening in the main arena starting at 4 pm. For more information about the Angelina County Fair, go to angelinacountyfair.com.  

Capitol Update: Honoring Texas History and Advancing Legislative Priorities

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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One hundred eighty-nine years ago, on March 15, 1836, the founding fathers of Texas convened at Washington-on-the-Brazos. In the face of tyranny and an advancing army from Mexico City, these brave men gathered to discuss and debate the foundations for a new, representative republic. As we reflect on the courage of these men, many of whom fought and died for Texas’s independence, I am reminded of the responsibility I am bestowed with as your state representative. As long as I have the honor to serve the people of Deep East Texas, I will work every day to preserve the freedom and prosperity our founding fathers had in mind when they met so many years ago. 

Additionally, this week and last, schools across Texas are enjoying Spring Break. As thousands of students and families look forward to a brief reprieve from the demands of school. If you and your loved ones are hitting the road for a little rest and relaxation, I want to encourage everyone to plan their trips accordingly and please use resources like drivetexas.org to check highway conditions as you embark on all Spring Break adventures. Don’t forget your sunscreen! 

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

Capitol Update

There has been a flurry of activity at the Capitol this week. Bills from House members continue to be referred to their respective committees, committees are holding meetings at a regular pace, and priority bills for the House are starting to materialize. 

Two of those priority bills are House Bill 16 and House Joint Resolution 7. HB 16 adds different water supply proposals to projects allowed to access the Texas Water Fund, which was established during the 2023 Session. This bill also allows the Texas Water Development Board to purchase and hold out-of-state water rights to meet future water demands in Texas. 

HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment that will permanently dedicate a revenue stream to the Texas Water Fund. HJR 7 will dedicate $1 billion per biennium from existing state and sales tax revenue for water infrastructure and water supply projects. Providing the necessary funding to meet the demands of a growing state is a priority this session, and I look forward to considering both of these bills in the coming weeks.

As the legislative process progresses, the workload for members increases. Just this week, myself and my colleagues on the House Public Education Committee conducted a committee hearing on House Bill 3, which would establish education savings accounts for school choice. The Committee received over 12,500 public comment submissions and heard from hundreds of witnesses during the committee hearing, which adjourned after almost 23 hours. My office has heard from hundreds of constituents on both sides of this issue who are passionate about their position. 

It’s important to know that the bill is in the early stages, and the process of modifying the bill from its current version is just beginning. I’m confident that this bill will undergo quite a few changes over the coming weeks, and I look forward to working with Chairman Buckley and my colleagues on the committee to make improvements based on the thoughtful testimony we received in our recent hearing. 

As I mentioned earlier, bills continue to be referred in the House. This week, a number of my bills were referred, including House Bill 1507. HB 1507 provides volunteer firefighters with a tuition exemption for fire science courses at our colleges and universities. This legislation will provide volunteer fire departments, especially those in rural communities that are experiencing a shortfall in manpower, a substantial tool for the recruitment and retention of firefighters to respond to local emergencies.

The mobile office is still on the road this month and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on March 19 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. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Texas Electricity Prices Are Surging: What Consumers Need to Know

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Texans are facing a growing challenge as electricity prices continue their upward climb, driven by a combination of market volatility, supply constraints, and record-breaking demand. With summer approaching, experts warn that electricity rates could rise even higher, leaving homeowners and businesses with increased energy costs.

According to the latest ERCOT Market Report (March 2025), wholesale electricity prices have more than doubled since 2020. Current forward contract prices show continued increases, with summer 2025 rates projected at $133.31 per megawatt-hour (MWh), compared to $63.45 per MWh for winter 2026. This data suggests that securing energy contracts sooner rather than later could help consumers avoid further price hikes​.

Why Are Electricity Prices Rising?

  1. Record-High Demand Is Outpacing Supply

Texas is growing at an unprecedented rate, and with it, energy consumption is soaring. The rise in AI computing, data centers, cryptocurrency mining, and industrial expansion has created an energy demand far beyond what the grid can comfortably support.

Even with an increase in solar and wind power, ERCOT reports that intermittent renewable sources have not been enough to offset demand growth, especially during peak usage times​.

  1. Energy Market Volatility & Supply Constraints

Energy markets have seen extreme fluctuations in recent years. During Winter Storm Uri in 2021, wholesale prices skyrocketed to $9,000 per MWh, a historic high that left many Texans with massive electricity bills. More recently, while summer 2023 peak prices hit $332/MWh, a surge in solar and battery capacity temporarily reduced summer 2024 prices to $80/MWh. However, experts caution that these price dips are short-lived, and the long-term trend remains upward​.

Additionally, new tariffs on Mexican-made transformers—which Texas heavily relies on for its grid infrastructure—are expected to increase costs for utilities and potentially cause delays in grid improvements. These factors, combined with the ongoing global energy supply chain struggles, are putting additional pressure on pricing.

  1. Summer 2025 Pricing Projections Show No Relief

The latest ERCOT pricing trends reveal a significant spike in expected summer electricity costs.

 Summer 2025: $133.31/MWh
Summer 2026: $119.30/MWh
Summer 2027: $106.93/MWh

By contrast, winter electricity rates remain nearly 50% lower, highlighting the impact of Texas’s seasonal demand spikes​.

What Can Texans Do to Protect Themselves?

  1. Lock in Electricity Rates Now

Energy experts strongly advise businesses and homeowners to secure fixed-rate electricity plans before rates increase further. The data indicates that delaying contract renewals could result in significantly higher costs.

  1. Reduce Energy Consumption Where Possible

With rates climbing, small efficiency improvements can add up.

  • Adjust thermostat settings during peak hours.
  • Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances to cut down on power use.
  • Consider battery storage if available, to reduce reliance on peak-hour pricing.
  1. Stay Informed on Energy Market Changes

ERCOT data updates frequently, and price trends can shift rapidly. Consumers should monitor the market and be proactive in securing contracts before peak demand seasons drive costs even higher.

Take Action Before Summer Hits

With summer fast approaching and electricity prices projected to surge, Texans have limited time to lock in favorable rates. Analysts warn that waiting to renew energy contracts could mean paying much more later this year.

For more updates on Texas energy prices and tips to lower your electricity bills, stay connected with Texas Forest Country Living.

The Power of Rest: Why Faith-Driven Leaders Need to Step Away to Step Up

By
Lee Allen Miller
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In a world that celebrates hustle and glorifies busyness, it’s easy to believe that productivity is the result of grinding harder, working longer hours, and pushing past exhaustion. But faith-driven leadership calls us to a different standard—one that recognizes the power of rest as a vital part of success.

In Entrepreneurship God’s Way, I talk about how God designed us for rhythms of work and rest. If even the Creator of the universe took time to step back and declare His work “good” (Genesis 2:2-3), why do we struggle with taking breaks ourselves?

Rest is a Command, Not a Suggestion

God didn’t just encourage rest; He commanded it. The fourth commandment tells us:

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” – Exodus 20:8-10

Sabbath isn’t just about attending church; it’s about stepping away to realign our hearts, refresh our minds, and recognize that success ultimately comes from God, not just our effort. True faith-driven leadership means trusting that God can accomplish more in six surrendered days than we can in seven stressed-out ones.

The Leadership Benefits of Rest

Taking intentional breaks—whether a daily walk outside, unplugging on Sundays or simply pausing for prayer—actually enhances productivity rather than diminishing it. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Renewed Clarity – Stepping away from work allows fresh ideas and God-given insight to emerge. Some of my best decisions have come not from grinding at a desk but from quiet moments in nature or deep reflection in prayer.

2️⃣ Better Decision-Making – Studies show that mental fatigue leads to poor judgment. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that leaning on God’s wisdom rather than our own understanding leads to straighter paths.

3️⃣ Stronger Influence – Leaders who prioritize balance inspire their teams to do the same. Jesus often withdrew to pray (Luke 5:16), setting an example that effective leadership includes intentional solitude.

How to Step Away Without Falling Behind

Resting doesn’t mean being unproductive; it means recharging with purpose. Here are a few ways to incorporate faith-based rest into your leadership:

Start Your Day with God – Before the emails and meetings begin, spend time in prayer and Scripture. Let God’s wisdom guide your decisions rather than stress.

Take Breaks in Nature – A 15-minute walk outside can do wonders for creativity and focus. God’s creation reminds us of His presence and peace.

Unplug Weekly – Set aside a time each week to step away from work, silence notifications, and focus on family, faith, and renewal.

Trust God with the Outcome – Rest is an act of faith. It acknowledges that God is in control and that our work is not the source of our identity—He is.

Final Thoughts: Leading by Example

Leadership isn’t just about how we work—it’s about how we model a sustainable, faith-filled life. When we rest, we aren’t stepping back; we’re stepping up to lead with wisdom, balance, and trust in God’s provision.

So, here’s my challenge: What’s one way you can step away this week to step up as a leader? Let me know in the comments or on social media—I’d love to hear how you’re incorporating faith-based rest into your leadership journey!

About Lee Miller

Lee Miller is an entrepreneur, author, and leadership coach who helps faith-driven leaders integrate biblical principles into business success. His book, Entrepreneurship God’s Way: Building Faith-Driven Success in Business, provides strategies for balancing faith, work, and leadership.

Get your copy: https://msgresources.com/books-resources/

For more leadership insights, follow Lee on social media and subscribe to his blog for weekly encouragement. Let’s build businesses that honor God and uplift others!

Your Website is Costing You Customers—Here’s Why (And How to Fix It)

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Group of multi-ethnic people look at laptop screen with a shocked expression on their faces while sitting on stairs outdoors. Urban lifestyle, technology and friendship concept.

Is Your Website Helping or Hurting Your Business?

In today’s digital world, your website is more than just an online brochure—it’s your 24/7 sales rep. If it’s not converting visitors into customers, you’re losing money. Many business owners don’t realize their website could be the biggest reason they aren’t seeing growth. But the good news? Fixing it doesn’t have to be complicated.

The Top 5 Website Mistakes Costing You Customers

1. Your Site is Too Slow

People are impatient. If your website takes more than a few seconds to load, visitors leave. Google data shows that a one-second delay in page load time can reduce conversions by 7%. A slow website also hurts your search engine ranking, making it harder for potential customers to find you.

Fix It: Use a reliable hosting provider, optimize images, and reduce unnecessary code. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can diagnose speed issues.

2. It’s Not Mobile-Friendly

More than 60% of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your website isn’t optimized for mobile, you’re frustrating potential customers. Google also prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results, so neglecting this can make your site invisible.

Fix It: Ensure your website has a responsive design that adjusts seamlessly to different screen sizes.

3. Your Message Isn’t Clear

When visitors land on your site, can they immediately tell what you do and how you can help them? If your messaging is vague, complicated, or buried under unnecessary text, potential customers won’t stick around to figure it out.

Fix It: Make your homepage simple and direct. Use clear headlines, bullet points, and calls to action (CTAs) like “Call Now” or “Get a Free Quote.”

4. Your Site Looks Outdated

A clunky, outdated website sends the wrong message. If your site looks like it was built in the early 2000s, visitors may assume your business is behind the times, too.

Fix It: Modernize your design with a clean layout, professional images, and easy-to-read fonts. Regularly update content to keep it fresh.

5. No Clear Calls to Action

If your website doesn’t tell visitors what to do next, they’ll leave. Whether it’s booking a service, calling your office, or signing up for a newsletter, your CTA needs to be obvious and compelling.

Fix It: Every page should have a clear, action-driven CTA. Use buttons and forms strategically to guide visitors toward conversion.

How MSGPR Can Fix Your Website (and Get You More Customers)

At MSGPR, we specialize in websites that not only look great but also drive real results. We help businesses optimize their sites for speed, mobile-friendliness, messaging clarity, and conversion success.

Ready to stop losing customers? Let’s fix your website today.

Contact MSGPR now to get a free website audit and start turning visitors into customers! 

No. 12 Roadrunners Fall to No. 9 Panola in Tournament Semis

By
Gary Stallard
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AC Facing Possible At-Large Bid to Nationals

BAYTOWN, TX – A sluggish offensive start combined with a strong defensive opponent left the No. 12 Angelina College Roadrunners on the short end of a 58-48 loss to No. 9 Panola College in Friday’s Region XIV Tournament semifinal action in Baytown.

AC’s slow start included just two points over the game’s first nine minutes, with the team’s first field goal not finding the net until nearly 10 minutes had elapsed. 

However, because of the team’s strong year-long performance – AC finished as the No. 1 defensive team in the nation and finished the year with an 18-5 record – the ‘Runners may not be finished with their 2024-2025 season just yet.

Angelina College’s Kanaan Holder (20) draws contact on a drive during Friday’s game against Panola College. The No. 12 Roadrunners fell to the No. 9 Ponies 58-48 in Region XIV Tournament semifinal action in Baytown, but AC still has a shot at an at-large bid to the national tournament. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

Angelina College’s Ja’Vonte Thomas (0) lifts a shot over a Panola College defender during Friday’s game. The No. 12 Roadrunners fell to the No. 9 Ponies 58-48 in Region XIV Tournament semifinal action in Baytown, but AC still has a shot at an at-large bid to the national tournament. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

Christian Jones (24) of Angelina College uses a screen from teammate Daemon Ely (23) to drive through the Panola College defense during Friday’s game. The No. 12 Roadrunners fell to the No. 9 Ponies 58-48 in Region XIV Tournament semifinal action in Baytown, but AC still has a shot at an at-large bid to the national tournament. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

On Sunday, the NJCAA will hold its “Selection Show,” at which time the organization will release the participants for the upcoming NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. By virtue of their stellar season, the Roadrunners are considered one of the front-runners for an at-large bid.

Angelina College will release the selection results immediately following Sunday’s Selection Show program.

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

Spring Fest 2025: Lufkin’s Ultimate Family Fun Event Returns (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Live Entertainment, Food, Kids Zone & the Easter Bunny Make This a Must-Attend Event!

Lufkin, TX – The wait is almost over! Spring Fest 2025 is bringing a bigger and better family-friendly festival to Cotton Square Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 11 AM – 3 PM. This free community event is designed for all ages, featuring live entertainment, unique vendors, delicious food trucks, and exciting activities for kids—including a Kids Zone and a VR gaming trailer from Hijinx!

“This festival is a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy a fun-filled day while supporting local businesses, food vendors, and organizations,” said Natalie Howard, Event Coordinator for Visit Lufkin. “With exciting new attractions this year, there’s something for everyone!”

What to Expect at Spring Fest 2025:

Kids Zone – Games, inflatables, and hands-on fun!

VR Gaming Trailer by Hijinx – A cutting-edge, immersive experience!

Live Entertainment – Local musicians and performances!

Food Trucks & Treats – A variety of flavors from Lufkin’s best food vendors!

Shopping with Local Vendors – Handmade goods, art, and unique finds!

Special Appearance by the Easter Bunny by Big Picture Events– Perfect for family photos!

Spring Fest is a celebration of community, culture, and family fun, providing a platform for local businesses and organizations to connect with thousands of festival-goers.

Vendor & Sponsor Opportunities Available!

Visit Lufkin is still accepting applications for food trucks, commercial vendors, and nonprofit organizations. Vendors can apply at VisitLufkin.com before the deadline.

For more information, visit Visit Lufkin’s Facebook Page or contact Natalie Howard at 936-633-0359 or nhoward@cityoflufkin.com.

Mark your calendars for April 12, 2025! Don’t miss out on one of Lufkin’s biggest spring events!

About Visit Lufkin

Visit Lufkin is dedicated to promoting tourism and community engagement through exciting local events. For more details, visit VisitLufkin.com.

Blinn Ends Lady Roadrunner Season Depleted AC Squad Battles to Final Buzzer

By
Gary Stallard
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BAYTOWN, TX – A “What Might Have Been” season came to an end on Wednesday, with the Angelina College Lady Roadrunner basketball team closing out its 2024-2025 campaign with a hard-fought, 73-60 loss to Blinn College at women’s opening round of the Region XIV Conference Tournament in Baytown.

An AC team dealing with season-ending injuries to key players all season long entered Wednesday’s game with just seven players dressed to play – and with three of those players hobbled with various ailments. For the past several months, the team has seen the same situation unfold nearly every game: All-out effort leading to close games until the final quarter, when opponents used deeper benches to run the Lady Roadrunners until their legs gave out.

The same scenario unfolded Wednesday against Blinn. AC’s ladies played the Lady Bucs to a 13-13 draw after one full quarter and trailed by just five at 31-26 at the half. Even the third period saw the teams scrapping while keeping things close, with Blinn outscoring the Lady Roadrunners 20-18 in the quarter.

Finally, midway through the final stanza, the Lady Buccaneers were able to put together a 12-2 scoring run to take control and finish AC’s season.

AC sophomore India McMahon finished off her brilliant career with a 34-point night. Shanice Ferguson added night points and eight rebounds, and Alecia Rivera-Scott and Lanaijha Johnson added eight points each.

The game marked the final games as Lady Roadrunners for McMahon, Ferguson, Rivera-Scott, Carly Gates, Taegan Moore and Kya Cook.

AC and first-year head coach Randy McKelvey finish the season with a record of 11-17. 

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

Angelina College’s India McMahon (4) drives through the Blinn College defense on her way to a 34-point night. McMahon’s effort wasn’t enough, as the Lady Roadrunners saw their season come to an end in Wednesday’s 73-60 loss in the opening round of the Region XIV Conference Tournament in Baytown. (Gary Stallard photo for Angelina College Athletics)

 

Angelina College’s Lanaijha Johnson drives to the rim during Wednesday’s game against Blinn College. The Lady Roadrunners saw their season come to an end in a 73-60 loss in the opening round of the Region XIV Conference Tournament in Baytown. (Gary Stallard photo for Angelina College Athletics)

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