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Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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Hey, sports fans,

We had all six – yes, count ‘em, six – of our teams involved in action this week, from soccer’s spring games to our basketball teams steaming toward the end of their respective regular seasons to our baseball and softball teams trying to swim their way across the diamonds in an effort to get in a few games.  

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

No. 17 Roadrunner Basketball  

If Roadrunner sophomore Chris Carpenter was hoping to make his final year at AC a memorable one, he’s certainly done a great job.

Already with a couple of big-time buzzer-beaters under his belt, Carpenter added another memorable shot to his resume on Wednesday.

Carpenter drained a three-pointer with less than one second remaining in the first overtime period to help the No. 17 Roadrunners hold off Tyler Junior College in a 71-70 thriller at Shands Gymnasium. 

Carpenter finished with 13 points and five assists. Kanaan Holder led AC in scoring with 17 points, with Daemon Ely adding 11 points and eight rebounds. 

On Saturday in Bossier City, La., the Roadrunners handled the Cavaliers in a key 59-48 win behind 12 points from Holder and 11 points each from Carpenter, Jordan Mathews and Christian Jones. 

With Saturday’s win, the ‘Runners (21-5, 14-4) climb back into second place in the Region XIV standings. AC will travel to Port Arthur on Monday to face Lamar State College-Port Arthur in a game postponed from Jan. 22. Game time is 7 p.m.

On Wednesday (2/26), AC will host Coastal Bend CC at 7:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium. Finally, on Saturday, AC will be at Kilgore College to face the Rangers starting at 4 p.m.   

  

Lady Roadrunner Basketball  

The Lady Roadrunners, still missing key players because of injury (including leading scorer India McMahon) dropped tough one at Paris College on Wednesday, falling to the Lady Dragons by a 61-56 final despite a big night from Lanaijha Johnson.

Johnson led AC with 21 points and nine boards, with Alannah Nerocker adding 16 points and Alecia Rivera-Scott chipping in another 10 points. 

Saturday at No. 15 Trinity Valley CC, the Lady Roadrunners just didn’t have the firepower to keep pace with the Lady Cardinals in a 91-45 loss in Athens. 

 

The Lady Roadrunners (10-14, 3-8) will host Coastal Bend CC on Wednesday (2/26) in a women’s/men’s home doubleheader starting at 5:30 p.m. AC then will play at Tyler JC at 2 p.m. on Saturday (3/1) at Wagstaff Gymnasium in Tyler. 

AC Baseball Drops Pair to Alvin, Bounces Back with Sweep at Temple

The Roadrunners on Monday hit a brick wall in the form of a solid Alvin College pitching staff, with Alvin sweeping the doubleheader by 8-5 and 5-1 scores at Poland Stadium. 

In the opener, AC got three hits in three at-bats from leadoff hitter Connor Ficarra, who also scored four of his team’s runs in the 8-5 loss. Jacob Tanguma added two hits and a pair of RBI, while Cole Standley, Diesel Gonzalez and Stefano Ramos each drove in a run.

Ficarro drove in AC’s only run in the 5-1 loss in Game 2.

Saturday at Temple College, the ‘Runners posted an impressive bounce-back performance, sweeping the Leopards 10-5 and 7-3 in Temple.  

In the opener, Diesel Gonzalez drove in three runs with a sixth-inning, three-run homer, Cooper Molnes collected three hits in three at-bats and the Roadrunners cruised to a 10-5 win over the Leopards. Starting pitcher Sam Nitzke struck out six hitters over his four innings of work, and relievers Colby Turner and Evan Mendoza teamed up to wrap things up without allowing an earned run between them.

In the nightcap, Stefano Ramos went deep with a two-run blast, while Ashton Wagner and Ryan Lewis added two RBI each in a 7-3 AC win. 

The ‘Runners (7-7) host Navarro College in a Wednesday (2/26) twin bill set for a 1 p.m. start at Poland Stadium. AC will be in Carthage on Saturday (3/1) for a doubleheader set for a 3 p.m. start.   

Lady Roadrunner Softball Swept at Tyler JC

Bad weather all week prevented the Lady Roadrunners from hitting the diamonds anywhere, with games rescheduled for later dates. Not until Saturday were the Lady ‘Runners able to see any action, as the team traveled to Tyler JC for a doubleheader. After dropping the opener 8-7 in heartbreaking fashion, the Lady Roadrunners were shut down 13-0 in five innings in the nightcap. 

In Game 1, Megan Luce and Trinnity Blatz each drove in a pair of runs, and Riley Davila, Katherine Page and River Hulsey each picked up an RBI.  

The Lady Roadrunners (5-11, 0-2) were scheduled to host Trinity Valley CC on Monday (2/24), but those games have been postponed because of rain. (At the time of this writing, the teams were discussing playing here at AC on Friday, 2/28). 

On Wednesday (2/26), AC’s ladies will face the same Lady Cardinals in Athens, with that twin bill set for a 2 p.m. start.

The Lady Roadrunners will end the week with a Sunday (3/1) doubleheader at home against Bossier Parish CC. First pitch for Game 1 is set for 1 p.m. 

Soccer Teams Open Spring Season

The Lady Roadrunners’ soccer team kicked off its Spring 2025 season against Louisiana State University-Shreveport this past Saturday at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex. 

The Lady Roadrunners’ next spring match will take place at home on Friday, March 21 against McNeese State University. The match kicks off at 6 p.m.  

The Roadrunner men will see their first action of the spring on Tuesday (2/25) in Houston as AC faces Houston Christian University at 7 p.m.

The men’s squad will host just one match for the spring season: An April 5 match against the University of Texas-Tyler set for a 2 p.m. kickoff.  

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 couple of AC Athletics Weekly Updates.  

Soccer Teams Hosting ID Camps in March

Both Angelina College soccer teams will be hosting ID camps in March as the programs continue to identify new talent. 

The Roadrunner men will host their ID Camp from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 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 $60 if players register by Feb. 21. After Feb. 21, the cost will be $75.

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:

Monday, Feb. 24, 2025:

Lady Roadrunner Softball vs. Trinity Valley CC, DH starting at 1 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. 

No. 17 Roadrunner Basketball at Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 7 p.m. in Port Arthur. (Game is a reschedule from 1/22/2025). 

Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025:

Roadrunner Men’s Soccer Spring Match at Houston Christian University, 7 p.m. in Houston. 

Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025:

Roadrunner Baseball vs. Navarro College, DH starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. 

Lady Roadrunner Softball at Trinity Valley CC, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Athens, TX.  

Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Coastal Bend CC, 5:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium on the AC campus. 

No. 17 Roadrunner Basketball vs. Coastal Bend CC, 7 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium. 

Saturday, March 1, 2025:

Roadrunner Baseball at Panola College, DH starting at 3 p.m. in Carthage, TX. 

Lady Roadrunner Basketball at Tyler JC, 2 p.m. in Tyler, TX. 

No. 17 Roadrunner Basketball at Kilgore College, 4 p.m. in Kilgore, TX.

Sunday, March 2, 2025:

Lady Roadrunner Softball vs. Bossier Parish CC, DH starting at 1 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

Deep East Texas Students Attend Advocacy Day

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Two Angelina County youth serving on the Youth Leadership Council for Texans for Safe & Drug-Free Youth recently attended Advocacy Day in Austin. Texans for Safe & Drug-Free Youth is the statewide coalition focused on alcohol, tobacco and marijuana prevention for youth, and its Youth Leadership Council members work closely with local coalitions to create community change for youth prevention. Cameron Headly, Central High School, and Savanna Soverns, Pineywoods Community Academy, received information on a range of topics specific to youth prevention: restricting alcohol access, cannabis derived products, and tobacco prevention policies. Texans for Safe & Drug-Free Youth trained on how to talk to elected officials regarding these topics and helped the youth role-play different scenarios. In the afternoon, the students went to the Texas Capitol and met with Representative Trent Ashby and the staff of Senator Robert Nichols. The students shared what they learned about the dangers of substance use by youth, prevention measures to implement to reduce access, and ways to prevent youth tobacco use, including additional funding for prevention. Thank you to Representative Ashby and Senator Nichols’ staff for meeting with the Youth Leadership Council members and listening to the issues that youth in our community face regarding tobacco and alcohol. 

 

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 on the dangers of youth substance use or the Youth Leadership Council program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Answering the Call: Volunteer Fire Departments Keep Rural Communities Safe

By
Rachel Lauren
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Image by eastmanphoto on Envato Elements

When emergencies happen in our small towns, it’s often our neighbors who show up to help. Volunteer firefighters drop whatever they’re doing – dinner with family, sleep, or work – to rush toward danger when everyone else is running away. These everyday heroes keep our rural communities safe without the big budgets of city fire departments.

Hearts of Service

The men and women who volunteer at our local fire stations come from all walks of life. You might not realize that your child’s teacher, the mechanic who fixed your car, or the cashier at the grocery store might be the same person who shows up in turnout gear when there’s an emergency.

Many volunteers come from families where serving has become a tradition, with parents, children, and even grandchildren all wearing the same department patch. Others joined after firefighters helped them during a tough time, or simply saw a way they could make their hometown safer.

More Than Just Firefighting

Despite what their name suggests, our volunteer fire departments do much more than just put out fires. They’re usually first on the scene for car accidents, medical emergencies, storm damage, and search operations when someone goes missing.

In the most remote parts of our region, these volunteers might arrive 15 or 20 minutes before an ambulance can get there. Those minutes can save lives when someone is badly hurt or having a heart attack.

Training and Equipment Challenges

Running a fire department isn’t cheap, but many volunteer stations operate on shoestring budgets. While city departments get steady tax money, our rural departments often piece together funding from fish fries, barbecues, grants, and donations.

The training isn’t easy either. Volunteers spend evenings and weekends learning firefighting skills, emergency medical care, hazardous materials handling, and more. They give up their free time to make sure they’re ready when we need them most.

Community Support Systems

The relationship between fire departments and our towns works both ways. When departments hold fundraisers, they become community events where everyone catches up while supporting a good cause.

Fire departments give back too. They teach kids about fire safety at schools, help elderly neighbors install smoke detectors, and join in parades and festivals. They’re woven into the fabric of our small towns in ways that go far beyond emergencies.

Finding New Volunteers

Getting new volunteers isn’t as easy as it used to be. Busier work schedules, longer commutes, and family needs make it hard for people to commit the time needed for training and responding to calls.

Departments are getting creative to solve this problem. Some offer more flexible training options, create special roles for people who can help but can’t fight fires, and start junior programs to get teenagers interested in serving when they’re old enough.

Helping Each Other Out

When big emergencies happen, one department can’t handle everything alone. That’s why our local departments have agreements to help each other out when needed.

This teamwork crosses county lines and town boundaries. We saw this in action during recent wildfires when volunteers from departments across the region worked side by side with state forestry crews and federal firefighters to protect homes and forests.

The Personal Cost

Being a volunteer firefighter means making sacrifices that most people don’t see. It’s missing family dinners when the pager goes off, driving your own vehicle to the station at 2 a.m., and sometimes witnessing terrible things that are hard to forget.

The toll can be especially heavy in small towns where volunteers often know the people they’re helping. After tough calls involving friends or neighbors, departments are learning how important it is to take care of their members’ mental health too.

Looking Forward

As our rural communities change, fire departments are changing too. Some are starting to have a few paid staff working alongside volunteers, especially during weekdays when many volunteers are at their regular jobs.

Better technology is helping too. Improved communications, safer gear, and better training tools are making departments more effective, even with limited resources.

What hasn’t changed is the spirit behind it all. In a world where community connections sometimes feel weaker, volunteer fire departments show us what it means to truly be neighbors – showing up for each other not because it’s easy, but because it matters.

Mitigating The Impacts of Invasive Species in Texas

By
Lee Allen Miller
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COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Invasive species cause many negative impacts to the Texas landscape, from the displacement of native trees to potentially killing entire species. Because of their widespread impact, Texas A&M Forest Service takes great lengths to help mitigate their impacts and is highlighting those efforts during National Invasive Species Awareness Week.

Invasive species have two main characteristics: they are non-native to an ecosystem and their introduction is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment or human health. Non-native species are those that do not naturally originate in the area or region where they are found.

“Human activity is often responsible for introducing non-native and invasive species into new ecosystems,” said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator. “This includes planting ornamental trees and plants or accidentally transporting insects in wood packaging material, firewood or other goods.”

Invasive species are dominant and grow well in non-native environments because they lack natural competitors, predators and diseases that normally regulate their populations in their natural environment.

Texas A&M Forest Service works to mitigate the spread and impacts of invasive species through proactive forest health management strategies. The agency also partners with other research organizations to track the spread of invasive pests, diseases and tree species.

Invasive species currently posing a significant risk to Texas include:

Emerald ash borer

Native to eastern Asia, the emerald ash borer (EAB) is a destructive, invasive wood-boring pest that has killed millions of ash trees in the U.S. and Texas. EAB was first detected in the U.S. in 2002 and was first reported in Texas in Harrison County in 2016. Since then, EAB has been detected in 27 Texas counties.

Adult EAB lay eggs in the bark of ash trees in the spring and early summer and the larvae burrow into the bark. The larvae feed on the phloem and cambium, disrupting the flow of nutrients within the tree leading to its death. EAB emerge from the tree as adults, leaving D-shaped holes in the bark.

EAB are easily spread long distances by human activity, especially by the transportation of firewood. They can also travel in unprocessed ash logs, ash nursery stock and other ash commodities.

Texas A&M Forest Service works with communities to develop, communicate and implement local EAB preparedness plans. And while the agency assists with planning, trapping and monitoring, the Texas Department of Agriculture is ultimately responsible for EAB management and coordination in Texas.

Saltcedar

Saltcedar trees are dominating wildlands and ranches, especially in the Texas panhandle, exacerbated by the loss of cottonwood and willow trees to wildfires. They were first introduced in the U.S. as an ornamental tree in the 1800s but escaped cultivation in the 1870s.

Saltcedars are aggressive invasive trees that can consume nearly 200 gallons in a day and their leaves and stems secrete high concentrations of salt into the ground around them. These factors diminish nutrients for native species. Additionally, saltcedars lack desirable protein for foraging wildlife.

Saltcedars are highly resistant to control, including mechanical management. The best removal method is spraying imazapyr or imazapyr in addition to glyphosate onto the tree.

Brazilian peppertree

Brazilian peppertree has invaded thousands of acres in coastal habitats since its introduction to Texas in the 1950s. This invasion has caused the shading and killing of native vegetation as well as allergic reactions in some people.

Since 2014, Texas A&M Forest Service has worked with the Texas Gulf Region Cooperative Weed Management Area in Port Aransas to address Brazilian peppertree in the region through eradication and education.

The agency has also been collaborating on a project led by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center to reduce the impacts of Brazilian peppertree in the Texas Gulf Coast since 2023. The study aims to integrate tiny insects called thrips, referred to as a biocontrol, with ongoing mechanical and herbicide management of the Brazilian peppertree.

Researchers will release new insects and monitor the trees over two years to evaluate the impacts. The U.S. Forest Service provided funding for the project.

Laurel wilt and the red bay ambrosia beetle

Laurel wilt is a vascular fungal pathogen spread by the red ambrosia beetle. The pathogen was first reported in Texas in 2015 and has spread eastward, killing more than half a billion trees in the Lauraceae family. This loss has severely impacted redbays, sassafras and the avocado industry in the southeastern U.S.

This vascular fungal pathogen, transported and cultivated by the beetle to be used as a food source for larvae, can kill trees in less than a month.

Texas A&M Forest Service is working with public and private partners to study the spread and distribution of the disease/insect complex.

Silktree/Mimosa

Mimosa trees are widely used in landscaping due to their fragrant purple flowers and silky petals that bloom in the spring. This Asian native tree was introduced to Texas in 1745. Mimosas adapt to a wide variety of soils, and its seed coat is impermeable, allowing years-long dormancy.

Because of their large spanning canopy, mimosa trees can severely reduce sunlight and nutrients for native species.

Mimosa trees resprout with vigor when trimmed or wounded. Mimosas should be cut down to the stump, and then immediately thoroughly sprayed with herbicides to ensure the tree is killed down to the roots. Larger mimosa trees can be injected with Imazapyr or Triclopyr herbicides as a safer alternative to cutting the tree down.

Since invasive species are often introduced by human activity, Texas A&M Forest Service recommends mindful tree planting and activities. Moving firewood can be a culprit in transporting diseases, so it should be burned near where it is purchased or cut down.

Additionally, landowners can help prevent the spread of these invasive tree species and diseases by diversifying the native tree species on their land, creating a naturally competitive ecosystem. Learn more about planting the right tree in the right place: https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/.

Angelina College Pays Tribute to Phillips: Speakers, Crowd Honor Legacy of AC’s Second President

By
Gary Stallard
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Dr. Larry Phillips was president of Angelina College when construction of Shands Gymnasium began. He spent plenty of time there over the years, both while serving in his professional role and as a fan in his post-retirement life. He led Commencement ceremonies inside the facility, and he watched his Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner basketball teams compete there.

It seemed only fitting that his memorial service would take place on the Shands Gymnasium floor.

AC on Sunday held a memorial service for Phillips, who passed away on January 27 of this year. Phillips, just the second president in Angelina College’s 56-year history, served in the role from 1991 until his retirement in 2015.

With a crowd of family, friends, former employees and student-athletes filling the seats, guest speakers paid tribute to Phillips’ life and legacy. Current AC president Dr. Michael Simon, who succeeded Phillips, spoke of Phillips’ love of the college – “He seemed to know every tree and landmark on this entire campus” – and its people, along with Phillips’ vision for reaching students wherever he could locate them. Simon also mentioned how much “family” meant to Phillips, whether it was his own or the AC family. 

Angelina College president Dr. Michael Simon speaks to the crowd during Sunday’s memorial service inside AC’s Shands Gymnasium. AC honored the life and legacy of the late Dr. Larry Phillips, the former president who passed away in January. (Gary Stallard photo for the AC News Service)

Dr. Patricia McKenzie worked alongside Phillips for the entirety of his tenure, and she told the crowd of his work in expanding the AC reach throughout its 13-county service area. McKenzie shared the tale of having Phillips return from a meeting or conference somewhere only to have everyone involved in his next meeting break out the “yellow legal pads.”

Former Angelina College Vice President Dr. Patricia McKenzie addresses the crowd during Sunday’s memorial service inside AC’s Shands Gymnasium. AC honored the life and legacy of the late Dr. Larry Phillips, the former president who passed away in January. (Gary Stallard photo for the AC News Service)

“He’d come up with so many new ideas, and he wanted to make sure we wrote all of them down,” McKenzie said. “And he always wanted those old-school yellow legal pads.”

The final speaker for Sunday’s memorial was Phillips’ younger brother Gene, who shared childhood tales while highlighting Larry’s leadership – “He always took charge of whatever we were doing, and he made sure we were taken care of while we did it” – along with Larry’s incredible intelligence gleaned through voracious reading habits. Gene also mentioned a few of his brother’s “invented golf shots.”

Gene Phillips shares stories of his late brother Larry during Sunday’s memorial service. Angelina College held the tribute inside Shands Gymnasium to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Larry Phillips, who served as the college’s second president from 1991 until 2015. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)

Gene stressed his older brother’s knack for “showing up.” Whether it was a basketball game (both Larry and Gene were standout collegiate basketball players), a family event or a professional obligation, Gene said, his brother was going to be there. 

“There were so many times my family would have an event somewhere, and Larry would tell us he wasn’t sure if he could make it,” Gene said. “Then, about 10 minutes before the game or whatever would start, he’d just show up.”

Gene added, “I have no doubt that when Larry entered the gates of Heaven, the Lord Jesus himself greeted him and told him, “I knew you’d show up.’”

Spring’s Colorful Canvas: Where to Find Beautiful Wildflowers Across the Region

By
Rachel Lauren
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0
Image by DanThornberg on Envato Elements

When winter says goodbye, our countryside wakes up with beautiful colors everywhere you look. Bright bluebonnets, pretty primroses, and many other wildflowers turn ordinary roadsides and fields into amazing natural art shows that you won’t want to miss.

Want to make some great family memories or take some beautiful pictures? These natural displays are perfect for that. And the best part? You don’t have to drive far to see all this beauty – some of the prettiest wildflower spots are just a short drive away.

You’ve probably seen Texas bluebonnets before – they’re those blue flowers that make blue carpets along the highways and in open fields. But there’s so much more to see! Keep an eye out for bright yellow black-eyed Susans, pink and white evening primroses, and the eye-catching red-and-yellow Indian paintbrush.

If you go to wetter areas, especially near the Big Thicket, you might find pitcher plants – they’re pretty cool because they actually eat bugs! And don’t forget to look for dogwoods with their pretty white flowers that light up the forest. They don’t bloom for long, so seeing them feels extra special.

Prime Viewing Locations

Want a guaranteed beautiful display? Take a drive along Highway 21 through Sabine National Forest. You’ll see miles and miles of colorful flowers. Why not pack some sandwiches and drinks and stop at one of the forest’s picnic areas? There are even short walking paths that lead to more wildflowers hiding away from the road.

If you’re near Nacogdoches, check out the Ruby M. Mize Azalea Garden at Stephen F. Austin State University. While it’s famous for its 400+ kinds of azaleas, you’ll also find plenty of native wildflowers in the natural areas of the garden.

Angelina National Forest is another great spot, especially along Forest Service Road 303. The way the bright flowers look against the tall pine trees makes for really pretty photos that the whole family will love.

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

Some of the best wildflower spots are the ones fewer people know about. The Neches River area in Davy Crockett National Forest has amazing riverside wildflower shows that not many people get to see. You can get there through Apple Springs in Trinity County.

If you’re up for a drive to the eastern part of our region, Martin Dies Jr. State Park in Jasper County offers a special mix of wetland wildflowers with B.A. Steinhagen Lake in the background. The trails are easy to walk, making this spot perfect for families with little kids or folks who have trouble walking far.

Near Livingston in Polk County, the quiet trails of Lake Livingston State Park burst with spring colors. The park has both pine forests and hardwood bottomlands, which means you’ll see lots of different kinds of wildflowers.

When to Go

Wildflower season typically begins in early March and extends through May, with different flowers blooming at different times. Morning visits are nice because you’ll see dew on the petals and more wildlife moving about. If you’re taking pictures, try going about an hour before sunset – the light makes everything look extra pretty.

Try visiting on weekdays if you can – there will be fewer people, especially at the popular spots. And if you can go after it rains, the colors look brighter and more vivid, making those slightly cloudy days perfect for both looking and taking photos.

Respectful Viewing Tips

It’s tempting to pick flowers or sit among them for pictures, but please remember these delicate plants need our respect. Stay on the paths, don’t step on flowers, and just take pictures instead of picking anything.

Bringing a camera or even just your phone is perfect for capturing these beautiful moments. And if you download a plant identification app before you go, you can learn the names of flowers you’ve never seen before. A trip to see wildflowers can be both fun and educational for everyone.

Community Connections

Many towns have special events during wildflower season. In San Augustine, they have yearly Wildflower Trail festivities with guided tours and programs about taking care of native plants.

The Tyler County Dogwood Festival celebrates dogwood blooms but also shows off many other wildflowers through exhibits and driving tours that take you to the best viewing spots in the county.

These community events are great places to learn from people who know a lot about plants while supporting groups that work to protect our natural treasures for our kids and grandkids to enjoy.

Looking Beyond Spring

Spring has the most dramatic flower shows, but our region has beautiful blooms all through the warm months. Summer brings bright orange butterfly weed, while fall gives us golden goldenrod and purple asters.

When we notice and appreciate these natural cycles, we feel more connected to the land around us. Each season has its own special beauty, reminding us just how lucky we are to live in this part of Texas.

Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or just moved here, taking time to see the spring wildflowers gives you a chance to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the simple yet amazing beauty that’s all around us every day.

Staying in Touch with Mission Control: A Leadership Lesson in Faith

By
Lee Allen Miller
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by Lee Allen Miller

My pastor for the last month has been speaking on the armor of God. This week, he drew a great picture of the power of prayer being like the spinach from the old popeye cartoon that gave the weakling sailor power. Prayer gives us that power!

In every space mission, there’s one unshakable reality—mission control never loses contact with the spacecraft. Except when it moves to the dark side. The radio silence isn’t because mission control left, but because the spacecraft has moved into a position where it can no longer receive the signal. Yet, mission control remains, ready and waiting for that moment when the signal is restored, when communication is reestablished, and guidance can flow once again.

Isn’t that a perfect analogy for our relationship with God?

God never moves. He never leaves. He remains constant, unwavering, always reaching out to us. But sometimes, we drift. We move into the shadows—distracted, discouraged, or deceived—and we find ourselves in the dark, unable to hear Him. And often, it’s in those dark times that we need Him most.

Navigating the Dark Side

Life will take us into difficult places. Maybe it’s a season of struggle, failure, or grief. Maybe it’s doubt, fear, or the pressures of the world that drown out God’s voice. We may feel like we’ve lost the signal, like we’re out there alone. But the truth is—God hasn’t gone anywhere. We have.

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness.” There is a real enemy who wants to keep us in the dark, who wants us to believe the lie that we are disconnected, that we are alone. But we are not. Mission control is still there. God is still there. And He has given us everything we need to stay connected.

Reestablishing the Connection

Just as astronauts must prepare for every mission with precision and discipline, we must do the same in our faith. Ephesians 6:13 tells us to “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day.” That means:

Truth as our foundation (v.14) – When deception tries to pull us away, we anchor ourselves in God’s unchanging Word.

Righteousness as our defense (v.14) – We choose to live rightly, keeping our hearts aligned with Him.

Faith as our shield (v.16) – No matter what fiery darts come our way, we trust that God is with us

Prayer as our lifeline (v.18) – Just like astronauts rely on mission control, we must stay in constant communication with God.

We don’t have to wait until the darkness fades to reach out. We can pray in the dark. We can read His Word in the silence. We can choose faith even when we feel far away. And when we do, we’ll find that He was never gone—He was waiting for us to realign, to turn back, to listen.

Mission Control Never Leaves

No astronaut stays in the dark forever. They always come back into the light, back into contact, back into guidance. And so do we. Whether you feel lost today or find yourself drifting tomorrow, remember: God is always there, always speaking, always calling you home. The question is—are you ready to reestablish contact?

God is waiting. It’s time to tune in.

About Lee Miller

Lee Miller was born in Denison, TX and grew up in East Texas with his family. He studied music education at Stephen F. Austin State University taking a job in television on his last day of student teaching. Lee also provides business authoritative expertise to the broadcast industry as a consultant. Presently he is CEO of MSG Resources LLC, which specializes in consulting within broadcast best practices, distribution technologies and media strategy mastery. – – – – – Lee Miller is a well-known veteran of the broadcast media industry with particular experience in leading for-profit and non-profit broadcasting organizations. His career began in Lufkin, Texas in the early 80’s where he progressed from studio operations to creative services and network management. Mr. Miller has since received various professional designations and memberships such as Society of Broadcast Engineers accredited frequency coordinator, The Energy Professionals Association Certified Energy Consultant, and National Religious Broadcasters Television Committee & past Chair. Lee also serves as the Executive Director of the Advanced Television Broadcasting Alliance, is a member of the Advanced Television Systems Committee and is proud to be part of Texas Association of Broadcasters Golden Mic Club, highlighting extraordinary careers in broadcasting. Continued engagement with his community is at the core of his business practices serving on the board of the Salvation Army and as keyboardist for the contemporary worship band at Harmony Hill Baptist Church. Lee lives near Lufkin Texas on one of his family’s tree farms located in the Texas Forest Country region north of Houston. He is married to Kenla and has two grown children, Joshua, COO of MSGPR Ltd Co and Morgan, a Critical Care ICU RN.

The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Rhode Island Red Chickens

By
Lee Allen Miller
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If you’re looking for a hardy, reliable, and downright beautiful chicken breed to add to your backyard or farm, the Rhode Island Red is a top contender. Known for their deep red plumage, excellent egg production, and tough-as-nails resilience, these birds thrive in a variety of settings—from small homesteads to large-scale farms.

At Texas Forest Country Living, we know that raising chickens isn’t just about fresh eggs or pest control—it’s about embracing a sustainable, self-reliant lifestyle. Whether you’re new to poultry or a seasoned chicken keeper, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about caring for Rhode Island Reds.

  1. Why Choose a Rhode Island Red?

Rhode Island Reds aren’t just a pretty bird; they are a dual-purpose breed, meaning they’re good for both egg-laying and meat production. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

 Excellent Egg Layers – Expect 250–300 large brown eggs per year.
Cold & Heat Tolerant – These birds handle Texas heat and cold winters better than most breeds.
Low Maintenance – They are independent foragers and don’t require much pampering.
Great Personality – Friendly but feisty, they integrate well into mixed flocks.

  1. Housing & Coop Setup

A happy hen is a productive hen, so setting up the right housing is crucial.

Coop Requirements

  • Space: Each bird needs at least 4 square feet of indoor coop space and 10 square feet of outdoor run space. If confined, give them even more room to prevent pecking issues.
  • Nesting Boxes: Provide one nesting box per 4 hens, ideally 12×12 inches with soft bedding.
  • Roosting Bars: Chickens instinctively sleep on perches, so install 2-inch wide roosts at least 18 inches off the ground.

Ventilation & Security

  • Good airflow prevents respiratory issues—add ventilation holes near the top of the coop.
  • Secure the coop with hardware cloth, not chicken wire (raccoons can reach through chicken wire).
  • Use predator-proof latches on doors and nesting boxes.
  1. Feeding & Nutrition

Rhode Island Reds are hardy birds, but a proper diet ensures better health and egg production.

Feed Types:

 Chicks (0-8 weeks): Start with a high-protein (18-20%) chick starter feed.
Pullets (8-18 weeks): Transition to grower feed (16-18% protein).
Laying Hens (18+ weeks): Provide layer feed (16% protein) with added calcium for strong eggshells.

Supplements:

  • Oyster Shells – Helps with eggshell strength.
  • Grit (Small Rocks) – Essential for digestion since chickens don’t have teeth.
  • Fresh Greens & Scraps – Chickens love table scraps like fruits, veggies, and grains. Just avoid onions, garlic, avocado, and chocolate.
  1. Free-Ranging & Backyard Life

One of the best things about Rhode Island Reds? They’re fantastic foragers. If you allow them to free-range, they’ll happily hunt for bugs, seeds, and grass, reducing your feed bill.

Pros of Free-Ranging:

 Less feed consumption
Healthier birds with better muscle tone
Natural pest control (they love eating ticks, flies, and grasshoppers)

Cons & Considerations:

 Predator risk – Secure them at night to protect from hawks, foxes, and raccoons.
Garden damage – They’ll scratch up flower beds and eat young seedlings if given the chance.

Pro Tip: If you want the benefits of free-ranging but don’t want your chickens in your garden, try a mobile chicken tractor—a movable coop that gives them fresh grass daily while keeping them contained.

  1. Health & Common Issues

Rhode Island Reds are naturally hardy, but they can still face some common chicken illnesses.

Watch Out For:

  • Mites & Lice – Dust baths and diatomaceous earth help keep parasites away.
  • Respiratory Illnesses – Keep coops clean and well-ventilated to avoid infections.
  • Egg Binding – If a hen struggles to lay an egg, a warm bath and calcium boost can help.

Signs of a Healthy Chicken:

 Bright eyes & red comb
Smooth, shiny feathers
Active and alert behavior
Steady egg production

If your hen looks lethargic, stops eating, or isolates itself, it may be sick. Isolate the bird and check for symptoms.

  1. Winter & Summer Care

While Rhode Island Reds are tough birds, extreme Texas heat and occasional cold snaps require extra care.

Hot Summers:

  • Provide shade & cool water at all times.
  • Freeze water bottles and place them in the coop.
  • Offer electrolytes in their water to prevent heat stress.

Cold Winters:

  • Rhode Island Reds handle cold well, but ensure the coop is draft-free while keeping ventilation.
  • No need for heat lamps—they can be a fire hazard.
  • Provide extra bedding for insulation.
  1. Handling & Behavior

Rhode Island Reds are active and sometimes a bit bossy, but they can also be quite friendly if raised with human interaction.

 Socialization Tips:

  • Handle them from a young age to make them tamer.
  • Offer treats like mealworms to build trust.
  • Be gentle but firm—roosters, in particular, can get aggressive.

If integrating new birds, do it slowly. Keep new chickens separate for at least two weeks before introducing them to the flock.

A Chicken Worth Raising

Rhode Island Reds are the ultimate low-maintenance, high-reward backyard chickens. Whether you’re after farm-fresh eggs, a hardy breed that thrives in Texas, or just a beautiful addition to your homestead, these birds deliver.

By providing proper housing, quality nutrition, and a little care, you’ll enjoy years of productive, happy hens.

Thinking of starting your own flock? Let us know in the comments or share your Rhode Island Red experiences with us at Texas Forest Country Living!

Rails Through the Pines: The Founding and Growth of Lufkin

By
Rachel Lauren
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Image by stockfilmstudio on Envato Elements

The story of Lufkin begins where many Texas town stories do—with the arrival of the railroad. In 1882, as steel rails cut through the dense pine forests of what would become Angelina County, few could have imagined that the small railway stop would grow into the vibrant community we know today.

Railroad Roots

In the early 1880s, the Houston, East and West Texas Railway pushed northward through the East Texas timberlands, creating new opportunities for commerce and settlement. When surveyors mapped the route, they established a stop that would forever change the landscape of the region.

The new community was named after Captain Abraham P. Lufkin, a cotton merchant and personal friend of the railroad’s president. Though Captain Lufkin never actually lived in his namesake town, his connection to the railway secured his place in local history.

A Community Takes Shape

The strategic location of the railway stop quickly attracted attention from nearby settlements. Businesses and professionals from Homer, which was the county seat at the time, began relocating to the promising new railroad town.

This migration accelerated after a fire damaged much of Homer’s business district. The presence of the railroad offered better transportation options for both goods and people, making Lufkin an increasingly attractive option for merchants, timber workers, and families looking to establish new homes.

Timber Boom

From 1890 to 1920, Lufkin experienced a significant growth period fueled by the booming timber industry. The surrounding pine forests provided seemingly endless resources for sawmills and lumber companies that established operations near the railway.

The abundant natural resources combined with convenient transportation created ideal conditions for economic development. As timber companies flourished, they created jobs that attracted workers and their families, further expanding the young community.

Industrial Evolution

The third significant era in Lufkin’s development occurred between 1938 and 1945. This period saw substantial industrial expansion that transformed the community from a railway stop and lumber town into a manufacturing center.

New industries established roots in the area, diversifying the economy beyond timber production. This industrial growth created ripple effects throughout the community, supporting the development of new neighborhoods, schools, churches, and businesses.

Forest Stewardship

Today, Lufkin serves as the headquarters for the national forests of Texas. From this central location, officials manage the Angelina, Davy Crockett, Sabine, and Sam Houston National Forests, along with the Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands.

This administrative role connects Lufkin to its timber heritage while emphasizing modern forest management and conservation principles. The forests that once provided raw materials for early industry now serve recreational, ecological, and sustainable timber purposes.

Economic Diversity

While forestry remains important to the local economy, Lufkin has developed a diverse economic base that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. This diversity has helped the community weather economic changes that might otherwise impact a single-industry town.

The manufacturing sector builds on the industrial growth that began in the 1930s and 1940s, providing stable employment for area residents. Agricultural enterprises in surrounding areas contribute to the local economy through both production and processing activities.

Looking Forward

From its humble beginnings as a railroad stop named for a cotton merchant who never lived there, Lufkin has evolved into a multifaceted community with deep connections to both its past and its future.

The railroad tracks that first defined the town still run through Lufkin, a physical reminder of the transportation innovation that sparked its founding. Around those tracks, a community has grown that honors its timber heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

As Lufkin moves forward, it carries with it the legacy of Captain Abraham P. Lufkin and all those who followed the railroad into the pine forests to build a community that continues to thrive almost 150 years after its founding.

Chloe and Mason Stafford Show Family Raised Beef Heifers at The Angelina County Fair

By
Cary Sims
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There are three kinds of cattle competition at our county fair:  steers, commercial heifers and the beef heifer division. The beef heifer division is a haltered cattle class that showcases individual beef cattle breeds.  Angus will compete against Angus and Brahman heifers against other Brahman heifers.  Chloe and Mason Stafford, the children of Shane and Karen Stafford, will be competing again this year in the beef heifer division.  

Their mom Karen Stafford shares, “Shane and I both grew up in 4-H showing animals, and we understand the values it taught us; integrity, leadership, dedication, ethics, and the importance of being a part of something bigger than yourself through community service. We knew we wanted our kids to have the same experiences and opportunities. So, both Chloe and Mason joined 4-H as soon as they were old enough.” 

“In Chloe’s first 4-H year, her first project was a market hog named Lilly. Lilly was a wonderful learning experience for her as she learned the importance of raising her animal, and that animal was 100% reliant in her for everything.  Chloe competed at the Angelina County Fair with Lilly and placed somewhere in the middle of her class, but made the sale which is always the ultimate goal. But that sale night was something none of us were prepared for. I’ll never forget the exact moment it struck Chloe, about 10 minutes before she walked in the sale ring, and she realized what it all meant and that Lilly truly would not be coming back home with us. The emotions hit everyone, but we have always focused the fact that these are market animals in the end. We are here to give them the best life we can while we have them, but ultimately, they have a destination in life. That first year is always the hardest. From there, Chloe and Mason have gone in to enter projects in photography, arts & crafts, fine arts, welding, as well as raising market lambs and breeding beef heifers while still raising her pigs.

“The hardest part is always saying goodbye to the market animals,” Karen asserts. “They are truly the kids’ projects, but it’s also a family commitment often placing us all out in the barn working side by side with parents, kids and animals. And even after all these years, there are still those special animals that strike something inside you and makes that final sale night bittersweet and emotional.” 

In addition to some market animal projects, Chloe and Mason are showing heifers that were born just hours apart on family’s own place in 2023. Both are students at Lufkin High where Chloe is a graduating senior this year and Mason is a junior. 

The Angelina County Fair allows exhibitors to show heifers that are 30 months of age, or younger, on the day of the show.  The beef heifer division is sponsored by Ray & Carl Ray Polk Land and Cattle. Unlike most other divisions in the county fair, there is no limit to the number of heifers that may be entered by the exhibitor.

Breed divisions are in three major groups: English, Exotic or American divisions.  English (or sometimes called British) breeds include Angus, Hereford and Shorthorn. Registered breeds will show in their own breed division and any unregistered animal will show in the “All Other Breeds” class.  Classes for the beef breeding show will be broken down into three age divisions: under one year old, one two years, and over two years of age.  Heifers in a class will be lined up according to age, youngest to oldest as they enter the arena.  

The judge will evaluate the heifer’s growth and development based upon their age as well as their ability to raise a calf when they are old enough. 

“The most rewarding part has been watching our kids grow up in such a strong and inspiring program as 4-H, being surrounded by friends and families that treat my kids as their own,” observed Karen, “Watching all the kids support and cheer for each other…and ultimately watching how our kids have grown and evolved into successful young people. I feel confident in knowing they will be ready for their next steps in life after high school.”

Chloe states, “The most rewarding part of this beef heifer project has been watching all of my winnings and successes pay off due to hard work and dedication throughout the past five years. I’ve learned how to take care of animals before a show, and I’ve learned about the responsibilities it takes at home in order to be successful in the show ring.” 

Both Mason and Chloe agree that the hardest part is “learning how to take the constructive criticism from what the judge says, in each show ring I step into with my heifer, Lady, and improving before the next show. Both Chloe and Mason will be competing in the heifer show at the Expo Center on Friday, March 28 at 2pm.  

At the end of it all, parents Shane and Karen agree, “We hope our kids will gain confidence in themselves, a greater understanding of agriculture and how it supports our daily lives, as well as becoming good stewards, exhibiting good sportsmanship, helping those who might need an extra hand, and the importance of giving back to their community. 

Chloe wants others to participate, saying “I would encourage others to get involved by explaining how I’ve learned a lot about raising different kinds of animals. I would explain how I’ve gained a lot of skills by raising livestock. Such as, the hard work and dedication toward your animal in order to be successful and all of the benefits it gives you for further life skills.”

This year’s Angelina County Fair presented by Brookshire Brothers is set for March 24-29 at the George H Henderson, Jr Expo Center north of Lufkin on Loop 287.  

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