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Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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Hey, sports fans,

Basketball’s regular season is winding down, and both AC teams picked up some big wins this week. In addition, the Lady ‘Runner softball team earned a win over a nationally ranked team, and a Roadrunner hoop star saw his name land on a very prestigious list.

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

No. 14 Roadrunner Basketball Takes Two More Conference Wins

The Roadrunners, still sporting their No. 1 defensive team in the nation title, pushed past both opponents this week, holding off Coastal Bend CC on Wednesday by a 46-44 final and beating Kilgore College 59-51 Saturday in Kilgore.

In Wednesday’s win, Jordan Mathews led AC with 12 points, with Kanaan Holder and Christian Jones adding 10 points each.

Basketball photos by Clara Sonet
Basketball photos by Clara Sonet

Against Kilgore, Chris Carpenter hit for 16 points, Mathews finished with 13 and Holder added 12. Daemon Ely ripped down 15 rebounds against the Rangers. 

Basketball photos by Clara Sonet

On Wednesday (3/5), AC (24-5, 17-4) will host Lamar State College-Port Arthur at 7:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium in the regular-season finale. The team will honor its sophomores in a Sophomore Night ceremony prior to tipoff.  

AC’s Jones Named Among JUCO Top 50

There are more than 6,000 players participating in junior college basketball nationwide.

Angelina College’s Christian Jones can count himself among the best of them.

Jones, a freshman from Bishop Montgomery High School in Los Angeles, recently was named to the JUCO Fab 50 Freshman list. 

Jones leads all of Region XIV in three-point shooting, converting 45.2 percent of his attempts. He’s leading the ‘Runners in scoring with a 10.2 points-per-game average. 

Lady Roadrunner Basketball Splits Conference Games

The Lady Roadrunners cruised to a big 81-32 win over Coastal Bend CC at home on Wednesday, with three AC players ripping the nets for 21 points each: India McMahon, Alecia Rivera-Scott and Lanaijha Johnson. Shanice Ferguson chipped in with 13 rebounds, and Taegan Moore added eight points.

Basketball photos by Clara Sonet
Basketball photos by Clara Sonet

AC’s ladies fell in Tyler on Saturday, dropping a 71-43 decision to the Lady Apaches. 

The Lady Roadrunners (11-15, 4-9) on Wednesday will host Panola College at 5:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium in the regular-season finale. AC’s ladies will honor their sophomores in a pre-game Sophomore Night ceremony.    

Lady Roadrunner Softball Picks up Big Win 

The Lady ‘Runners faced the 9th-ranked team in the nation in a two-day, home-and-home quadruple-header, first in Athens on Wednesday and wrapping up Thursday in Lufkin.

AC’s ladies held their own despite dropping the first three games, but on Thursday, the team picked up arguably the best win of its season, beating the Lady Cardinals 5-4 behind a three-run homer from Katherine Page and a strong pitching performance from Aubrey Graham.

Baseball photos by Clara Sonet

Jessi Sumpter also drove in a run in the win. 

Graham went the full seven innings in the circle, allowing just three earned runs. 

On Sunday at home against Bossier Parish Community College, the Lady Roadrunners again pulled off an early-season version of an upset. In the doubleheader’s opener, the two teams stayed locked in a scoreless tie until the bottom of the seventh, when Riley Davila (who was 3-for-4 in the game) drove a hard single to centerfield to score pinch runner Youna Pean in AC’s 1-0, walk-off win over the Lady Cavs. Madison Johnson and Graham teamed up in the circle to hold the hard-hitting BPCC lineup to just three hits and no earned runs. 

BPCC took the nightcap, rallying for a 6-4 win despite a two-RBI game from AC’s River Hulsey. 

With Monday’s scheduled home stand against Navarro College postponed until later, the Lady Roadrunners (7-15) next will open conference play in a home doubleheader Wednesday against San Jacinto College. First pitch is set for 3 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. 

The Lady ‘Runners will wrap up the week with a home twin bill against Baton Rouge Community College starting at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 8. 

AC Baseball Drops Conference Games to Navarro, Panola

The Roadrunners experienced a tough start to conference play this week, with AC losing both games against Navarro College (20-9, 16-9) on Wednesday and dropping both ends of Saturday’s doubleheader (10-7, 11-3) at Panola College. 

Stefano Ramos homered and Connor Ficarro drove in three runs against Navarro. At Panola on Saturday, Diesel Gonzalez finished with two RBI. 

Baseball photos by Clara Sonet

The Roadrunners (7-11, 0-4) hit the road to Tyler Junior College on Wednesday to face the Apaches in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. AC then travels to Paris to face Paris Junior College on Saturday in a twin bill set for a 1 p.m. start. 

Region XIV Basketball Tournament Information

The Region XIV Conference Basketball Tournament will take place at Lee College in Baytown, Texas this year, with men’s and women’s teams vying for berths in their respective national tournaments.

The 2025 version of the tourney is scheduled to tip off its opening round on Tuesday, March 11 and will conclude with the championship games on Saturday, March 15. 

Final seedings for the tournament won’t be announced until after the regular-season finales on Wednesday, March 5. If the season ended today, the Roadrunner men would enter the tourney as the No. 2 seed in Region XIV; AC’s guys would earn a first-round bye and play their first game on Thursday, March 14.

The Lady ‘Runners would enter the tourney as the No. 6 seed, with their opening game taking place on Wednesday, March 13. 

Once the tournament link is updated with correct information, fans will be able to find it here in the next AC Athletics Weekly Updates.  

Lady Roadrunner Soccer Hosting ID Camp

The Lady Roadrunners’ ID camp takes place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the AC Soccer Complex on the AC campus. The camp is for prospective players in 9th through 12th grades. Cost for the camp is $30 if players register by Feb. 21. After Feb. 21, the cost will be $50.

Here’s the link for registration and other information for both Soccer ID camps:

https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mens-soccer-camp-collection-3998183

AC’s Camp Roadrunner Sessions Set for Summer 2025

Over the past few years, Camp Roadrunner has become a “gotta do” event for youngsters throughout East Texas, with the recreational and youth sports camps drawing bigger crowds every summer. 

To view the available sports camps and locate the links for registration, visit https://www.angelina.edu/camproadrunner/ and look for each specific sport. 

Following are the dates for each Youth Sports Camp:

Baseball: June 2-5

Soccer: June 9-12; July 7-10

Basketball: June 9-12

Softball: June 9-12

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 web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link. 

TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, 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 (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram pages. 

Upcoming schedules:

Wednesday, March 5:

Roadrunner Baseball at Tyler Junior College, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Tyler. 

Lady Roadrunner Softball vs. San Jacinto College, DH starting at 3 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.  

Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Panola College (Sophomore Night), 5:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.

No. 14 Roadrunner Basketball vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur (Sophomore Night), 7:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium. 

Friday, March 7:

Roadrunner Soccer at Oral Roberts University, 6 p.m. in Tulsa, Okla. 

Saturday, March 8, 2025:

Roadrunner Baseball at Paris Junior College, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Paris, TX. 

Lady Roadrunner Softball vs. Baton Rouge CC, DH starting at 2 p.m., Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.  

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

Landon Walters to Participate in “Reach for the Stars” Show at Angelina County Fair

By
Cary Sims
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Landon Walters, a Sophomore at Huntington High School, is shown here with a miniature horse at the Lufkin Expo. Landon is one of the students participating in the Reach for the Stars show at the Angelina County Youth Fair at the Angelina County Fair.

One of the best events you’ll see at the Angelina County Fair is called Reach for the Stars “Celebrating the Possibilities”. It will be a livestock show on Thursday, March 27 at 5 pm that will showcase the talents of special needs youth from across our county. Participants will be paired up with a 4-H or FFA buddy to exhibit livestock and learn that they can succeed in the show arena as well.

Landon Walters is the 16-year-old son of Damon and Veronica Walters, and has one younger sister, Tinley, all from Huntington, Texas. Landon is a student at Huntington High School where he is a sophomore.  

In 5th grade Landon received an invitation to Reach for The Stars and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. His dad Damon says, “He has participated the last five years, and he looks forward to seeing the friends he makes and reconnects with year after year.” 

His dad continues, “We want Landon to always know life has given him not a disability but a capability. Everyone has challenges in life that they must learn to overcome. We have always held on to the truth in Psalms 139:14 ‘I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.’“ 

Both mom and dad agree, “We will always be Landon’s biggest fans.”

“The hardest part in showing livestock is controlling the animals and staying focused in the show ring” his parents stated, “It’s also hard to show confidence while answering the judge’s questions.” A guest judge asks each participant their name, the name of the animal they are showing, as well as some other fun questions. The judge will, however, be using a microphone so that everyone can hear and a microphone can be intimidating. 

Karen Stafford is one of the volunteers leading this show. Stafford says, “I had started seeing this type of show in other counties around Texas, and I’ve seen some special needs kids showing at the major stock shows, and I just felt like it was time for us to offer something like this in our county and our community.” 

“The support and enthusiasm have been overwhelmingly positive,” Stafford continues, “The response from the 4-H and FFA kids willing to donate their animals and be show buddies for the exhibitors is very heartwarming.  We always have an overwhelming response of 4-H and FFA kids signing up as volunteers.  Our Angelina County kids want to help in a big way.” 

Looking ahead, she states, “I hope these exhibitors will see that livestock showing really is achievable for them and maybe they will consider joining a 4-H or FFA group and becoming a part of the Angelina County Fair in the future.  Also, animals have calming and therapeutic effects, and I’ve seen what it can do for kids with different ranges of disabilities.  These livestock animals might be what a kid needs, but they just might not know it yet.”

What is most rewarding for Landon and rest of the Walter’s family? His father, Damon, believes that “Reach for the Stars has let Landon make new friends, get introduced to showing animals, and given him a chance in the spotlight. It also shows him that he can be confident in all kinds of new activities. This event also enables him to show others that he can overcome obstacles and thrive in new areas.”

Landon’s mom, Veronica, wraps it up saying, “I wish more parents would give their children the chance to show an animal, be in the spotlight, and be special for one day. Often things are difficult, and there is no clear reward for how hard they fight for things that seem so easy to others. The Reach for the Stars Show has been very rewarding for Landon.”

Registration for the Reach for the Stars show is available online at AngelinaCountyFair.com. This is an opportunity for special needs children in grades 3 – 12. The event is free, but you must pre-register by Friday, March 21 on the website. Click on Exhibitor Contests and Entry, then “Contests we offer” and finally select the Reach for the Stars link (in orange) on the right-hand side of the page. follow the link to the Special Needs Livestock Show.  

Sponsored by Pilgrim’s Pride, the public is invited to see the Reach for the Stars show at 5 pm on Thursday, March 27 in the main arena of the George H Henderson EXPO in Lufkin.

Capitol Update: Honoring Texas Independence While Advancing Bold Legislative Action

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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One hundred eighty-nine years ago, on March 2nd, 1836, Texas gained its independence from Mexico. As we reflect on this historic day, it’s important to remember the sacrifices and determination of the Texans who fought for their freedom. Their bravery and perseverance laid the foundation for the great state of Texas that we know and love today. However, Texas Independence Day isn’t only about looking back at our past — it’s a time to celebrate our unique culture, traditions, and values that make Texas, Texas. So, let us take a moment to honor our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to a bright future for the Lone Star State.

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

Capitol Update

The work in Austin continues. This past week, the House Committee on Public Education, of which I am a member, held its first hearing. The committee heard testimony from several state agencies under its jurisdiction, including the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and the Texas Workforce Commission. I was grateful for the opportunity to learn more about each of these agencies and the important work they’re doing for our students. 

One recent development I’d like to highlight was the unveiling of the House’s proposal to once again address rising property taxes. House Bills 8 & 9, establish a property tax relief package of $26.3 billion, which would provide the largest property tax relief package in Texas history. 

HB 8 provides an additional 3.31 cents of school district maintenance and operations taxes through compression. This increases the total compression to 10.11 cents and will deliver immediate property tax relief this year. Additionally, HB 9 dedicates $700 million to raising the property tax exemption from $2,500 to $250,000, for small business owners. This is an increase of nearly 10,000% and would be the second-largest personal property exemption in the nation.

I applaud this bold proposal to provide meaningful, lasting property tax relief to Texas taxpayers, and I look forward to working with my House Colleagues to pass this historic legislation.

The mobile office is on the road again and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: March 5 at the San Augustine County Courthouse from 9:30-11:30 am; March 12 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; 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/.

 

SpringFest at Downtown Lufkin with Family Fun for All

By
Rachel Lauren
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Image by Tara Hendrix

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 12th, as downtown Lufkin transforms into a springtime celebration from 11 AM to 3 PM. The Plaza at Cotton Square Park will host this year’s SpringFest, offering a day packed with free family entertainment and carefully curated local vendors.

The annual celebration has become a cherished tradition here in Lufkin, bringing together families, artisans, and performers for a day of community connection and springtime joy.

Tara Hendrix, the director of Visit Lufkin and organizer of SpringFest, goes on to share about the event, “SpringFest is a free, family-friendly festival filled with live entertainment, hands-on activities, delicious food, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Stroll through downtown, enjoy the sights and sounds, and make memories with your family.”

A Showcase of Local Talent

This year’s event places special emphasis on highlighting the region’s finest artisans and craftspeople. Festival organizers are carefully selecting vendors to ensure visitors experience the best of local talent, from handmade jewelry and boutique apparel to specialty drinkware and artisan-crafted home goods.

The marketplace will feature unique finds that capture the spirit of SpringFest, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship that makes our community special. Each vendor has been chosen to contribute to a diverse and well-rounded shopping experience that reflects our community’s rich artistic heritage.

Something for Everyone Under the Piney Woods

The festival grounds will come alive with live music throughout the day, while street performers entertain crowds between the towering pines. Children can enjoy a dedicated Kids Zone complete with face painting and Dr. Rainbow, a balloon artist known for his funny and engaging balloon creations, while parents explore the various craft booths and entertainment options.

Families can make lasting memories together as they explore the festival’s many attractions. From watching street performers to participating in interactive art activities, every moment offers an opportunity for joy and connection.

Local Flavors and Community Spirit

Food trucks will line the festival grounds, offering a taste of local cuisine to hungry festival-goers. The event showcases the best of our East Texan hospitality, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families and friends to gather and celebrate the arrival of spring.

The combination of delicious local food, warm community spirit, and family entertainment creates the perfect recipe for a memorable spring day. Visitors can take breaks between activities to enjoy meals together and savor the flavors of home.

Vendor Information

Local artisans and small business owners should note that vendor spaces are limited for SpringFest 2025. Vendor applications go live on March 3, 2025, with selections made on a first-come, first-served basis. The focus remains on high-quality, handcrafted, and specialty goods to ensure a diverse shopping experience for guests.

Potential vendors are encouraged to prepare their applications early, as space is limited and interest is expected to be high. The careful curation of vendors ensures that visitors will discover unique, high-quality items that they won’t find anywhere else.

Family-Friendly and Free for All

True to the community-first spirit, SpringFest maintains its free admission policy, welcoming families to join in the celebration. From browsing unique handcrafted items to enjoying live entertainment, the festival promises something special for everyone.

Spring is the season of new beginnings, and there’s no better way to welcome it than with SpringFEST!

For additional information about SpringFest or vendor opportunities, interested parties can contact the event organizers at visit@cityoflufkin.com. Stay updated by visiting www.visitlufkin.com for vendor applications and event details.

Prepare for Wildfires As Potential Continues

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Flames can been seen engulfing a field as high winds reignited parts of the Smokehouse Creek fire outside of Miami, Texas on Saturday, Mar 02, 2024. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — As wildfire potential continues across Texas, prepare and keep prevention top of mind.
“Dry conditions will persist into the weekend, continuing this week’s risk for wildfires,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “It’s important for Texans to prepare for wildfires, work to prevent them and heed warnings of local officials.”
Ninety percent of wildfires are caused by people and their activities, meaning most are preventable. Help prevent wildfires by being cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.
  • Debris burning. Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires in Texas. Always check for and follow local burn bans and avoid burning on hot, dry or windy days.
  • Equipment use. Equipment use is the second leading cause of wildfires. Keep all vehicles in good working order and avoid parking and driving in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can spark dry grass.
Prepare your family for wildfire.
  • Create a go kit. Build a kit with people and pet supplies, prescriptions, important papers, personal needs and priceless items.
  • Plan evacuation routes. Identify at least two evacuation routes and pre-load evacuation routes into your vehicle or cell phone.
  • Follow instructions of local officials. Sign up for local alerts and notifications from local emergency response officials.
By the direction of Governor Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Texas A&M Forest Service has activated state and local firefighters, support personnel, fire engines, bulldozers, and motor graders; federally contracted firefighting aircraft, including large air tankers, single-engine air tankers for retardant drops, air attack platforms for surveillance and spotting and helicopters with firefighting capability.
Since Jan. 1, 2025, state and local firefighters have responded to 462 wildfires that have burned 9,093 acres statewide.
Learn more about the current wildfire situation and how you can prepare at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation/.

Drug-Free All Stars to Kick Off Project Sticker Shock

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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The Angelina County Drug-Free All-Stars, alongside The Coalition’s Board of Directors and staff, will kick off Project Sticker Shock on Tuesday, March 4th, with a press conference at Brookshire Brothers Gaslight, 1807 W. Frank St., in Lufkin beginning at 10:00 am. The guest speakers will be Reagan McDonald, Drug-Free All-Star and Lufkin High School student; Melissa Crager, Public Relations and Corporate Responsibility Manager for Brookshire Brothers; and a representative from Angelina County Juvenile Probation.

Project Sticker Shock is a community awareness campaign that aims to make adults aware of the dangers of underage drinking and the consequences of providing alcohol to minors. The participating stores are Brookshire Brothers, Tobacco Barn, La Michoacana Meat Market, Big’s convenience stores, Hernandez Grocery, Walgreens on Frank, and Coleman’s convenience store in Zavalla. The Drug-Free All Stars hold this event annually before the Spring Break holiday. Spring Break is one of the deadliest times for alcohol-related accidents involving minors. 

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 the Drug-Free All Stars, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Strengthen Your Relationship With These Financial Tips

By
Rachel Lauren
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PHOTO SOURCE: (c) SouthWorks / iStock via Getty Images Plus

(StatePoint) Issues around money can put a strain on any couple. However, financial experts say that a strong relationship can be cultivated with financial habits that prioritize communication and shared values.

To help you and your partner get a handle on your financial health and happiness, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals are sharing their best money tips for couples.

Be open, honest and respectful: Whether discussing debt or other financial commitments, credit scores or shared goals for the future, being transparent with one another is absolutely essential to building trust. At the same time, it’s important that conversations are conducted with respect and empathy. Understanding each other’s financial histories, starting with lessons taught in childhood, can lead to more productive discussions.

Communicate regularly: Having one conversation about money is not enough. Keeping the dialogue open helps ensure you remain on the same page over time. You may find it helpful to schedule a weekly appointment to touch base on issues such as cash flow, savings and goal setting.

Build a shared budget: Collaborating on a budget is a great way to identify your individual and shared financial priorities and can help you avoid spending surprises down the line. A CFP® professional can review your finances and help you select a budgeting strategy that you both can live with. Once in place, consider using budgeting software to seamlessly share updates.

Prepare for rainy days: Too many Americans have zero savings, leaving them unprepared for financial emergencies such as job loss, unexpected home repairs and long-term illness. Give your relationship the gift of a robust emergency fund. This will offer you everyday peace of mind, and help you avoid some stress and heartache in the face of unexpected circumstances.

Make a holistic financial plan: Work together to create an overarching financial plan that helps you meet your short- and long-term financial goals, such as buying a home, saving for your children’s education or preparing for retirement. Specially trained to provide guidance on all aspects of financial planning, including estate planning, retirement planning, investing and insurance, a CFP® professional can take a holistic look at your overall financial picture to help you fine tune your strategy.

For more financial tips and to find a CFP® professional, visit LetsMakeAPlan.org.

For a happy, healthy relationship, keep an open dialogue with your partner about money. Doing so will strengthen your bond, build trust and help you reach your goals

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

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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On March 2nd, 1836 The Texas Declaration of Independence was signed at Washington-on-the Brazos. This Sunday will mark 189 years since the Republic of Texas declared itself an independent nation.

Here are five things happening around your state:  

  1. Finance committee hears bill regarding Dementia Prevention Institute

This week the Senate Finance Committee will hear Senate Bill 5 and Senate Joint Resolution 3, both authored by Senator Joan Huffman. The bill and accompanying resolution will create the Dementia Prevention Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT). The institute will enhance and support research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of dementia and related disorders. The bill and resolution would create a $3 billion fund to support and expedite innovation in dementia research over the next 10 years. The institute will award grants to create, attract, and expand research capabilities of eligible institutions of higher education and other public and private entities. DPRIT follows a model created several session ago for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), an incredibly successful model to attract the best and brightest researchers to the state to develop innovative cancer treatments. I am excited to work on legislation to combat this growing issue. 

  1. Teacher pay raises pass Texas Senate

On Wednesday, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 26 authored by Senator Brandon Creighton. SB 26 approves across the board raises for Texas teachers. The bill will help recruit and retain teachers in both rural and urban schools. In rural areas teachers with five or more years experience may receive up to a $10,000 raise. In districts with more than 5,000 students, teachers with five or more years experience may receive up to a $5,500 raise. This bipartisan effort will also expand the Teacher Incentive Allotment, which allows raises to be granted based on student performance. 

  1. Senate bill filed to end courier services at Texas Lottery Commission. 

Senate Bill 28 by Senator Bob Hall was heard in the Senate State Affairs Committee this week. The bill seeks to end Lottery ticket sales over the Internet, including via mobile devices. Existing statute already prohibits the sale of tickets via telephone, but this bill clarifies that includes over the internet. In recent years, the rules at the Lottery Commission were changed to allow for “courier services.” These services allow buyers to order tickets via an app. The third party would then in turn purchase tickets from a ticket retailer and deliver them electronically to the buyer. This bill will implement necessary safety measure to reduce the risk of fraudulent activity connected to the Texas Lottery. The lottery is a sizable source of revenue for our state, and this added safe guard will ensure the ethical operation of the system. In addition, the governor has called on the Texas Rangers to investigate fraudulent activity at the Lottery Commission and with Lottery ticket sales connected to these courier services. 

  1. Bill filed providing affirmative defense for a landowner to disable a drone 

Representative Jeff Leach filed House Bill 2916 this week, which would allow landowners to shoot down unmanned aircraft over their property. The bill provides an affirmative defense for shooting down a drone or unidentified flying object. For the bill to apply, three criteria must be met: the object must have been on property “owned or legally occupied by the person,” it must be shot using a firearm “legally possessed by the person to disable, damage, or destroy an unmanned aircraft that the person did not authorize to be on or over the property,” and that the person has not been “prohibited from discharging the firearm” by the penal code, or policy governing the use of the property. It is a crime to knowingly or recklessly- destroy, damage, or tamper with another person’s tangible property, however under the proposed legislation, if a person can prove the three criteria have been met, it could reduce or void criminal or civil liability. 

  1. Scam texts targeting Texans posing as toll road 

Texas drivers have experienced a surge in fraudulent texts claiming that they have unpaid tolls. The most widely received text, which impersonates the Texas Department of Transportation, states that the driver has unpaid fees and can avoid any late penalties by paying their fee within the next twelve hours. Often, these texts include a link which appears to be to “TxTag” and is signed from the “Toll Roads Team.” TxDOT has reminded customers that they do not send text messages about unpaid tolls. If TxDOT needs to reach a customer, the message will likely be sent from a 22498 number, but any legitimate messages will not be in reference to unpaid bills. TxDOT is working to take down the fraudulent websites impersonating their operation. 

Navigating IT Challenges: Insights from Alec Castleberry

By
Alec Castleberry
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Side view portrait of black man as system administrator setting up server and using smartphone

In today’s fast-paced digital world, businesses rely on their IT infrastructure like never before. But as companies grow, so do the challenges of managing technology effectively. From unreliable support to increasing cybersecurity threats, IT obstacles can impact operations, security, and growth. Having worked closely with businesses to optimize their IT strategies, I’ve seen firsthand how addressing these challenges head-on can make all the difference.

The Hidden Costs of Unreliable IT Support

Nothing halts productivity faster than inconsistent IT support. When systems go down, deadlines are missed, customers are left waiting, and revenue suffers. Many businesses don’t realize how much time and money is lost due to frequent IT disruptions.

The Fix: At Castleberry Services, we believe in proactive IT support—monitoring systems 24/7 to identify and resolve issues before they escalate. Reliable, always-on assistance ensures businesses can focus on growth without worrying about unexpected IT failures.

Cybersecurity in the Age of Digital Threats

Cyberattacks are no longer a distant possibility—they are an everyday reality. Whether it’s a small business or a large enterprise, no one is immune. Weak security measures leave companies vulnerable to data breaches, malware attacks, and financial losses.

The Fix: Businesses must invest in strong cybersecurity protocols, from secure network setups to employee awareness training. At Castleberry, we help companies implement multi-layered security solutions that keep sensitive data safe and operations running smoothly.

The Chaos of Multiple IT Vendors

Many companies use a patchwork of IT providers—one for network management, another for security, and another for software solutions. The result? Confusion, inefficiency, and rising costs.

The Fix: A unified IT approach simplifies management and improves efficiency. Castleberry Services integrates all IT solutions under one roof, eliminating the need for multiple vendors and ensuring a seamless technology experience.

The Trap of Rigid IT Contracts

Many businesses feel stuck in long-term IT contracts that don’t evolve with their needs. They either overpay for unnecessary services or struggle with inadequate support.

The Fix: Flexible IT solutions allow businesses to scale without unnecessary expenses. Castleberry offers adaptable service agreements that match real-time needs, ensuring businesses only pay for what they truly require.

The Case for Proactive IT Management

Waiting for IT problems to arise before fixing them is a costly strategy. Preventative maintenance and proactive monitoring are key to avoiding expensive and time-consuming failures.

The Fix: A strategic IT plan that prioritizes monitoring and maintenance prevents downtime and keeps operations running at peak efficiency. Castleberry Services focuses on identifying potential issues before they disrupt business, ensuring continuity and reliability.

Looking Ahead

The digital world isn’t slowing down, and neither are the challenges businesses face when managing IT. By addressing these common pain points with proactive solutions, businesses can ensure they remain competitive and resilient in an ever-evolving landscape.

At Castleberry Services, we’re committed to helping businesses navigate these challenges with expert-driven IT strategies that enhance security, efficiency, and long-term success. If you’re ready to take control of your IT future, let’s talk.

Transformation of Cardiovascular Care in Deep Texas (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Join us this Friday, February 28 at 8 AM for our Power Networking Breakfast at The Heart Institute of East Texas!

Location:
310 Gaslight Blvd., Lufkin

Dr. Ravinder Bachireddy will dive into “The Transformation of Cardiovascular Care in Deep East Texas,” sharing groundbreaking advancements that are changing the way we prevent, diagnose, and treat heart disease.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Angelina College SBDC, and our February Sponsor, The Heart Institute of East Texas.

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