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Texas A&M Forest Service Awards $951,000 to Landowners for Prescribed Fire

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Texas A&M Forest Service awarded over $951,000 to 168 landowners to conduct prescribed fires this year. This funding will treat 35,138 acres.

Prescribed fire is a strategic land management tool that uses low-intensity fire on a specific area of land to achieve set goals. Prescribed fire is the most effective and efficient land management tool for decreasing the risk of catastrophic wildfires by reducing hazardous fuels.

“Over the past 10 years, our prescribed fire grants have treated over 100,000 acres helping reduce the risk of wildfire,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Community Resiliency Coordinator. “Our prescribed fire grants prioritize wildfire mitigation and emphasize protecting homes, communities and natural ecosystems.”

Texas A&M Forest Service offers four grants to landowners to complete prescribed fires on private lands across the state, each with unique goals. Residents in the Panhandle and West Texas are eligible for the State Fire Assistance for Mitigation – Plains Prescribed Fire grant. The remaining available grants focus on East and Central Texas and include the Community Protection Program grant, State Fire Assistance for Mitigation – Central and East Texas grant and Neches River and Cypress Basin Watershed Restoration Program – Prescribed Fire grant.

Each program reimburses landowners up to $30 per acre, for a maximum of 800 acres per recipient. Applicants apply in the fall and are notified of their grant award between October and December, depending on the grant. Once contracts are signed, the burns are typically conducted from January through June.

“While Texas A&M Forest Service proudly conducts prescribed burns on public lands as part of our conservation education efforts, we do not conduct the burns in these grant programs,” said Stafford. “Prescribed burns through these grant programs are conducted by a private or commercial Certified and Insured Prescribed Burn Manager.”

The Texas Department of Agriculture oversees the licensing program in Texas and having a certified and insured manager conduct the burn provides liability protection for the landowner and ensures best practices are being followed. It also certifies that prescribed fires being conducted in tandem with this program are done so safely and take into account all ecosystem factors.

Following the burn, management goals and the ecosystem are monitored by Stafford and her team.

“Prescribed burning in Texas is most often conducted in the winter or spring during mild weather conditions,” said Stafford. “Within a few weeks, these sites will show green shoots of new growth and by the end of the growing season native grasses, wildflowers and more palatable browse have replaced the overgrown brush and litter, all of which will increase wildlife value and make for the beautiful Texas landscape we all love.”

The Texas Longleaf Conservation Assistance Program, an additional Texas A&M Forest Service forest conservation assistance program for East Texas landowners, is now accepting proposal applications. Prescribed burning is considered a conservation method and is eligible under this grant.

For more information on prescribed burning, burning safety, benefits and more, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/PrescribedBurns/.

For more information on grants provided by Texas A&M Forest Service and partners, visit https://texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/fundingconnector/.

The Invisible Backbone: How Low-Voltage Cabling is Powering Texas Forest Country Businesses

By
Alec Castleberry
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Technicians are installing optic fiber.

When John opened his boutique marketing firm in Texas Forest Country, he had no idea how crucial his business’s infrastructure would be to its success. He focused on hiring top-tier talent, refining his services, and building a strong brand. But within months, he found his business struggling—not because of a lack of customers, but because of slow internet, dropped calls, and unreliable network connections. Frustration mounted as clients waited on lagging video calls, and his team struggled with slow-loading cloud applications.

One morning, after yet another failed client presentation due to connectivity issues, John decided it was time to take action. A conversation with a fellow business owner led him to explore the world of low-voltage cabling—the invisible backbone of modern business infrastructure.

What is Low-Voltage Cabling?

Unlike the standard electrical wiring that powers lights and heavy machinery, low-voltage cabling carries data, voice, and video signals with efficiency. From high-speed internet to security systems, these structured cables keep businesses connected, productive, and secure.

As John discovered, upgrading his office with properly designed low-voltage cabling wasn’t just about faster internet—it was about reliability. His network performance improved, his team no longer lost hours troubleshooting IT issues, and his customer interactions became seamless. What seemed like a behind-the-scenes upgrade turned out to be the key to keeping his business running smoothly.

Why Texas Forest Country Businesses Depend on Low-Voltage Cabling

1. Keeping Businesses Connected

In today’s digital economy, downtime is more than an inconvenience—it’s a revenue killer. Whether it’s a retail store processing payments, a law firm handling confidential client communications, or a healthcare office managing telemedicine appointments, a stable network is critical. Low-voltage cabling ensures uninterrupted connectivity, reducing costly downtime and increasing efficiency.

2. Enhancing Security and Surveillance

Security is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes. Modern access control systems and surveillance cameras rely on low-voltage infrastructure to function effectively. Without it, businesses risk blind spots in their security, leaving them vulnerable to theft and unauthorized access.

3. Preparing for Future Growth

For business owners like John, growth isn’t just about hiring more employees—it’s about ensuring their technology can scale with them. A well-planned low-voltage cabling system allows businesses to expand their operations without constantly worrying about upgrading their networks.

Future-Proofing Local Businesses

John’s story is one of many in Texas Forest Country. Across the region, business owners are realizing that their success depends not just on great products and services, but on a reliable infrastructure that supports their goals. Investing in low-voltage cabling may not be the flashiest decision a company makes, but it’s one of the most important.

For businesses looking to optimize their networks, improve security, and prepare for long-term success, low-voltage cabling isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.

About Castleberry Service: Since 1998, Castleberry Service has been a trusted provider of IT infrastructure, security solutions, and managed services for businesses and high-end residential clients. With expertise in low-voltage cabling and network optimization, Castleberry Service helps businesses stay connected and secure in a rapidly evolving digital world.

How East Texas Businesses Are Winning with Social Media in 2025

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Overview of four young contemporary friends lying and sitting on the floor and using mobile gadgets while social networking

In the heart of East Texas, where small businesses thrive on community support and word-of-mouth, the digital world is becoming just as important as a friendly handshake. More than ever, local businesses are turning to social media to grow, connect, and compete—not just with each other, but with big-box retailers and national chains.

The good news? In 2025, businesses right here in the Texas Forest Country are proving that with the right strategy, even the smallest brand can have a big impact online.

From Storefronts to Screens: How Local Shops Are Adapting

Walk through downtown Lufkin, Nacogdoches, or Livingston, and you’ll see businesses that have been staples in the community for years—family-run cafés, homegrown boutiques, and service providers who know their customers by name.

But step into their online world, and you’ll find something just as engaging:

  • A boutique owner using Instagram Reels to showcase new arrivals, leading to sellouts within hours.
  • A local bakery using TikTok to show behind-the-scenes clips of fresh pastries being made, drawing in customers from miles away.
  • An IT company sharing customer success stories on Facebook, educating the community about MSP ROI.

It’s proof that social media isn’t just for big brands—it’s a game-changer for small businesses, too.

The Social Media Trends Transforming Local Businesses

So, what’s working for businesses in East Texas? Here are the trends shaping success stories right here in our backyard.

1. Video Is King 

If there’s one thing that’s dominating social media, it’s video. Whether it’s a 15-second Instagram Reel, a before-and-after home remodel clip on TikTok, or a full-length Facebook Live Q&A, businesses that use video are seeing more engagement, more shares, and more customers walking through the door.

 Case in Point: When a  gym started posting quick, motivational workout tips on Instagram, their membership sign-ups doubled in just three months. Customers weren’t just watching—they were connecting, engaging, and showing up.

 What You Can Do:

  • Post short, engaging videos about your business—whether it’s a product demo, a team introduction, or a behind-the-scenes look.
  • Keep it authentic. Customers don’t want polished, corporate-style ads—they want real stories from real people.

2. Local Businesses Are Selling Directly on Social Media ️

Forget sending customers to a website—social commerce is making it easier for people to buy directly from their favorite brands without ever leaving their social media feeds.

Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok now have built-in shopping features, and businesses that use them are seeing more sales than ever.

 Case in Point: A boutique in Nacogdoches started using Instagram Shopping to showcase products, allowing customers to purchase with a single tap. The result? A 40% increase in online sales in just a few months.

 What You Can Do:

  • Set up Facebook and Instagram Shops to make browsing and buying seamless for customers.
  • Host live shopping events where you showcase products and answer questions in real-time.

3. The Rise of Micro-Influencers 

People trust people more than they trust ads. That’s why businesses are seeing success by partnering with local influencers—East Texas residents with engaged followings who can authentically promote brands.

 Case in Point: A new coffee shop in the area partnered with five local food bloggers to promote their grand opening. Each influencer posted their experience, shared exclusive discounts, and encouraged their followers to visit. The shop saw record-breaking sales in their first week.

 What You Can Do:

  • Identify local influencers (they don’t need thousands of followers—just an engaged audience).
  • Offer them an exclusive experience or product in exchange for a post or review.

4. Community Over Everything 

In East Texas, relationships matter. Businesses aren’t just selling products—they’re part of a community. That’s why businesses that create online communities—through Facebook Groups, VIP memberships, or behind-the-scenes content—are thriving.

 Case in Point: A Texas home improvement store created a Facebook Group for DIY home projects. They post weekly tips, answer questions, and encourage members to share their own projects. Not only has their store traffic increased, but they’ve built a loyal customer base that keeps coming back.

 What You Can Do:

  • Create a Facebook Group around your business niche (example: a gardening store could run a “Texas Gardening Tips” group).
  • Provide exclusive content—whether it’s discounts, early access to sales, or educational tips.

The Future of Business in Texas Forest Country Is Digital

While small-town charm will always be part of what makes East Texas special, the reality is clear: businesses that embrace social media will have the edge in 2025 and beyond.

And the best part? You don’t need a huge marketing budget—you just need the right strategy.

That’s where MSGPR comes in. As a local marketing and PR agency, we help East Texas businesses:
✅ Create eye-catching social media content that attracts customers.
✅ Develop winning video strategies for Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
✅ Build online communities that keep customers coming back.
✅ Set up social media shopping for seamless e-commerce.

Ready to grow your business in 2025? Let’s make it happen—contact us today!

That’s a Wrap!

Social media is no longer optional—it’s essential for businesses of all sizes. And as many East Texas entrepreneurs are proving, the businesses that thrive are the ones that embrace the change.

So, whether you’re a restaurant owner in Lufkin, a retail shop in Nacogdoches, or a service provider in Livingston, there’s never been a better time to turn followers into customers.

And who knows? Your next big success story might just start with a single post.

Finding a Balance: Screen Time Vs. Outdoor Activities

By
Rachel Lauren
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Image by YuriArcursPeopleimages on Envato Elements

In today’s digital age, kids are increasingly fixed on screens instead of going outside and spending some time in the sun. From smartphones to tablets, video games to virtual learning, technology has become an integral part of young lives. Yet, it can also be detrimental to not only social lives in some ways, it can hold people back from getting much-needed exercise and outdoor activity.

The challenge isn’t about eliminating screen time altogether — it’s about finding the right balance. Pediatricians and child development experts agree that while digital literacy is important, the physical and mental benefits of outdoor activities are essential for healthy development.

The Science Behind Screen Time

Research shows that excessive screen time can lead to issues like poor sleep quality, decreased attention span, and negative affects on vision. Studies indicate that children who spend more than four hours daily on screens are four times more likely to experience reduced physical activity levels.

The blue light emitted from screens can disrupt natural sleep patterns, particularly when used before bedtime.

Nature’s Medicine Cabinet

The outdoors serves as a natural playground that can counteract many negative effects of excessive screen time. The filtered sunlight through our pine canopy provides the perfect amount of vitamin D, essential for growing bones and improved mood.

Walking through local nature trails or participating in outdoor sports increases physical activity, improves cardiovascular health, and strengthens muscles naturally. The fresh pine-scented air and natural surroundings have been proven to reduce stress levels in both children and adults.

Finding the Right Balance

Creating a healthy balance starts with small steps. Setting aside dedicated outdoor time each day, even just 30 minutes, can make a significant difference. Local parks like Mission Tejas offer family-friendly trails perfect for weekend adventures.

Parents can lead by example by participating in outdoor activities with their children. Whether it’s fishing at Lake Sam Rayburn, hiking through Davy Crockett National Forest, or simply playing catch in the backyard, these moments create lasting memories while building healthier habits.

The Social Connection

While social media promises connection, real-world interactions in nature offer deeper bonds. Group activities like nature scavenger hunts, team sports, or community garden projects provide opportunities for children to develop social skills in a natural setting.

These face-to-face interactions help develop empathy, communication skills, and emotional intelligence in ways that screen-based interactions simply cannot match. Local community centers and parks departments offer numerous organized outdoor activities that bring young people together.

Moving Forward Together

As we embrace the digital future, let’s not forget that screens aren’t everything. By encouraging a healthy mix of screen time and outdoor activities, we’re not just improving our children’s health—we’re connecting them to their roots and preparing them for a more balanced future.

Remember, every moment spent under our majestic pines is an investment in our children’s wellbeing. The next time you hear “I’m bored,” consider it an opportunity to explore the natural wonders waiting just outside your door.

NRB 2025 Workshop (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Exciting News!

Lee Allen Miller will be speaking at #NRB2025! Join him for an insightful workshop:

Workshop:
How to Unite Social, Streaming, Broadcast, and Cable to Build a Powerhouse Outreach
Date/Time Information:
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Location:
Longhorn Exhibit Hall Workshop Stage

I’ll be moderating a discussion with industry leaders:
Phil Cooke – The power of storytelling across platforms
Nils Smith – AI, Web3 & the future of digital outreach
Michael Clarke – Integrating traditional broadcast with modern strategies

Don’t miss this chance to unlock new media strategies for your ministry or nonprofit!

Black History Month (Houston County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Join Commissioner Lesley Briones and #HCPrecinct4 as we honor Black history, culture, and contributions at our Black History Month Celebration! The event will include a panel discussion, history exhibits, and live music.

Date/Time Information:
Thursday, February 27 (11 a.m.)

Location:
Higher Dimension Church

RSVP REQUIRED AT: https://bit.ly/bhc-social

Prevent the Spread of Oak Wilt in Texas

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Oak wilt is one of the deadliest tree diseases in the United States, killing millions of trees across 76 Texas counties. Texans can help prevent it from spreading by avoiding pruning or wounding oak trees from February through June.

“Prevention is key to stopping the spread of oak wilt,” said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator. “Any new wound on an oak tree can be an entry point for infection including those produced by pruning, construction activities, livestock, land or cedar clearing, lawnmower, string trimmers and storms.”

Small insects, called sap beetles, move spores of oak wilt fungus to new trees and are very active in late winter and early spring. Because of this, pruning or wounding trees should be avoided from February through June and no matter the time of year, all oak tree wounds should be painted immediately.

Oak wilt is caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum. The fungus invades the xylem, the water-conducting vessels of the trees, and the tree responds by plugging the tissues, resulting in a lack of water to the leaves, slowly killing the infected tree.

All oaks are susceptible to oak wilt. Red oaks are the most susceptible and can die in as little as one month after being infected. Live oaks show intermediate susceptibility, whereas white oaks are the least susceptible, but they are not immune to infection.

Oak wilt can spread two ways – above ground by sap-feeding beetles or underground through connected roots.

The disease spreads above ground by sap beetles more rapidly in late winter and spring because of high fungal mat production and high insect populations. During this time, red oaks that died of the disease last year may produce spore mats under the bark. With a fruity smell, these mats attract small, sap-feeding beetles that can later fly to a fresh wound of any oak tree and infect it, starting a new oak wilt center.

The second way oak wilt can spread is underground by traveling through interconnected root systems from tree to tree. Oak wilt spreads an average of 75 feet per year by the root system. This occurs primarily in live oaks and is responsible for the majority of spread and tree deaths in Central Texas.

Oak wilt is often recognized in live oaks by yellow and brown veins showing in leaves of infected trees, known as veinal necrosis. This time of year, it may be difficult to diagnose oak wilt due to seasonal transitioning of oak leaves in the spring – when evergreen oak trees shed their old leaves while simultaneously growing new leaves. The signs of oak wilt can be seen on a majority of leaves when a tree is fully infected. Landowners should contact a certified arborist if they are unsure if their tree is infected.

Oak wilt is often recognized in live oaks by yellow and brown veins showing in leaves of infected trees, known as veinal necrosis.

“For red oaks particularly, one of the first symptoms of oak wilt is leaves turning red or brown,” said Gomez. “While red oaks play a key role in the establishment of new disease centers all oaks can move oak wilt through root grafts, particularly live oaks.”

To stop the spread of oak wilt through the root system, trenches can be placed around a group of trees, at least 100 feet away from the dripline of infected trees and at least four feet deep, or deeper, to sever all root connections. Another common management method for oak wilt is through fungicide injection. The injections only protect individual trees that have been injected. The best candidates for this treatment are healthy, non-symptomatic oaks adjacent to and up to 75 to 100 feet away from symptomatic trees.

Other ways to help prevent oak wilt include planting other tree species to create diversity in the area; avoiding moving firewood; and talking with neighbors about creating a community prevention plan for oak wilt. Infected red oaks that died should be cut down and burned, buried or chipped soon after discovery to prevent fungal mats that may form.

Not only is saving oak trees important for our ecosystem and health, but also for property values and community aesthetics. Loss of trees due to oak wilt can reduce property values by 15 to 20 percent.

Some cities and municipalities, including Austin, the City of Lakeway, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Round Rock, have oak wilt programs in place with municipal foresters dedicated to managing the disease. Texans can also contact their local Texas A&M Forest Service representative with any questions about this devastating disease.

For more information on oak wilt identification and management, visit https://texasoakwilt.org/ or the Texas A&M Forest Service website at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/.

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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Hey, sports fans,

We’re officially in full Spring Swing, with four of our teams currently in action. This week saw the No. 18 Roadrunner men’s basketball and the Lady Roadrunners’ basketball teams split their games in conference play; the Roadrunner baseball team with a home-and-home series against Wharton County Community College; and the Lady Roadrunner softball team (finally) getting a chance to open its regular season at this past weekend’s Mardi Gras Invitational in Youngsville, Louisiana. 

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

No. 18 Roadrunners Fall at No. 8 Panola, Bounce Back to Beat Paris

The No. 18 Roadrunners found themselves in an outright dogfight Wednesday night in Carthage, with the Ponies eventually pulling away late for a 50-42 win over the ‘Runners. The two teams waged a defensive battle all game long, but AC tied the score with just two minutes to play before Panola held off the ‘Runners’ charge. Chris Carpenter led AC with 13 points in the loss.

On Saturday, the Roadrunners took down Paris Junior College by a 56-51 final. Kyle Morgan hit for 14 points, while Carpenter and Jordan Mathews added 10 points each. 

 

The win pushes AC’s record to 17-3, 10-2 for the season. The ‘Runners travel to Baytown on Wednesday to face Lee College at 7 p.m. before returning home on Saturday to host the No. 2 Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals. Game time at Shands Gymnasium is 4 p.m. 

Lady Roadrunner Basketball Beats Panola, Falls to No. 13 Trinity Valley

AC’s ladies opened the week with a big road, beating the Panola College Fillies 52-37 in Carthage. India McMahon led AC with 18 points, and Lanaijha Johnson added yet another double-double to her resume with 15 points and 14 rebounds.

On Saturday, the Lady Roadrunners slugged it out with No. 13 Trinity Valley Community College, with the Lady Cardinals eventually holding off AC’s best effort to win 71-59 at Shands Gymnasium. 

McMahon fought her way to a 17-point game, Johnson finished with 14 points and eight rebounds and Alannah Nerocker chipped in with 12 points. Shanice Ferguson added 10 rebounds for the Lady Roadrunners, now 10-10, 3-4 on the season.

The Lady ‘Runners are off this week, with a scheduled bye on Wednesday. Saturday’s scheduled game against the Dallas Angels has been canceled. 

AC Baseball Tangles with Wharton College in Three-Game Stand

After opening the season last weekend with two straight walk-off wins in a doubleheader against Galveston, the Roadrunners took on Wharton College in a three-game stand that opened with a doubleheader on Friday in Wharton and wrapped up with AC’s home game on Sunday.

On Friday, the Pioneers managed a walk-off win, scoring in the bottom of the seventh for a 1-0 win over the ‘Runners. AC’s Ethan Jezierski tossed five innings of scoreless ball, striking out four batters.

AC would bounce back in the nightcap, pounding the Pioneers for a 12-1 win. Stefano Ramos rocked a solo homer, Michael Herndon drove in four runs and Ryan Beaty finished with two RBI as the Roadrunners hammered out 16 hits over seven innings. 

Starting pitcher David Wilson allowed just one earned run while striking out four in 3.2 innings. Relievers Sam Nitzke, Luke Harrington and Bradley Burkhardt teamed up to keep the Pioneers scoreless the rest of the way. 

On Sunday at home against those same Pioneers, the Roadrunners found themselves trailing 9-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. Then AC’s Mark Henderson launched a three-run homer over the left-field wall, and Landon Bailey’s infield single scored Michael Herndon to cut the deficit to just two runs at 9-7. However, with the tying runs on base, the ‘Runners just couldn’t manage the final big hit, with Wharton squeezing out the 9-7 win.

Diesel Gonzalez and Ryan Lewis also homered in the game. 

The Roadrunners (3-2) play in Alvin on Wednesday, with a doubleheader against the Dolphins scheduled to start at 1 p.m. AC then hosts Temple College in a twin bill scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Saturday at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.

Lady Roadrunner Softball Splits Four Games at Mardi Gras Invitational

Finally, the Lady Roadrunner softball team got the opportunity to play some official games. After Wednesday’s schedule home opener against Cisco College was a washout, AC’s ladies hit the road to Youngsville, Louisiana for the two-day Mardi Gras Classic.

Friday’s doubleheader opened with a 16-5 loss to No. 4 Northwest Florida State Community College. Katherine Page drove in a pair of runs, while teammates Trinnity Blatz, and Emily Zunker added an RBI each.

The Lady Roadrunners rebounded in the nightcap, beating Hinds College 7-1 behind a strong overall performance from Jessi Sumpter. The freshman from Neches went 4-for-4 at the plate, homering and driving in a total of three runs. Sumpter also earned the pitching win, tossing a complete game while striking out five and allowing just one earned run. Izzy Allen, Elizabeth Craig and Blatz added an RBI each.

Saturday’s action opened with the Lady ‘Runners’ 13-11 win over Bishop State CC. Allen homered and drove in four runs, and Emily Zunker added another three RBI. Page, Sumpter, Blatz, Craig and Taylor Milliken each drove in a run. Madison Johnson, Megan Luce and Sumpter teamed up in the pitching circle for the win.

AC closed out the Invitational against Meridian CC, with the Lady Roadrunners falling in a 7-3 final. Allen and Sumpter each drove in a run in the loss.

The Lady Roadrunners (2-2) will host their home opener on Wednesday, Feb. 5 against Tyler Junior College. The doubleheader at Lady Roadrunner Field is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. 

On Friday, AC Softball will open the Angelina Invite featuring four teams playing eight games over two days. See the schedule below for games and times. 

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. The 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

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, Feb. 5, 2025:

Lady Roadrunner Softball vs. Tyler Junior College (AC home opener), DH starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field on the AC campus. 

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

No. 19 Roadrunner Basketball at Lee College, 7 p.m. in Baytown, TX.

Lady Roadrunner Basketball: BYE

Friday, Feb. 7:

Lady Roadrunner Softball Hosting Angelina Invite at Lady Roadrunner Field:

Kilgore College vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 10:30 a.m.

Kilgore College vs. Angelina College, 1 p.m.

Paris College vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 3:30 p.m.

Paris College vs. Angelina College, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025:

No. 19 Roadrunner Basketball vs. No. 2 Trinity Valley CC, 4 p.m., Shands Gymnasium. 

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

Lady Roadrunner Softball Hosting Angelina Invite at Lady Roadrunner Field:

Paris College vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 10:30 a.m.

Paris College vs. Angelina College, 1 p.m.

Kilgore College vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 3:30 p.m.

Kilgore College vs. Angelina College, 6 p.m. 

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

Planning the Perfect Date for Valentines Day with Your Special Someone

By
Rachel Lauren
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Image by karmanovalive on Envato Elements

Can you believe it’s already February? Time sure does fly by in a flash. With Valentine’s Day only a little over a week away, now is the time to start planning. While life can get busy and special days like this can slip your mind, it’s important to take the time and spend this day with the person you love.

The towering pine trees and charming small towns of East Texas create the perfect backdrop for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Whether you’re celebrating decades together or planning a first date, our region offers countless ways to make February 14th truly special. Here’s your guide to creating magical moments in the Piney Woods.

Dinner Under the Stars

For an unforgettable dining experience, consider Auntie Pasta’s in downtown Nacogdoches. This local favorite offers intimate table settings in a historic brick building, serving up handmade Italian cuisine that rivals any big-city restaurant. Make your reservation early – their Valentine’s special includes house-made tiramisu for two.

In Lufkin, The Angelic Bean offers a uniquely cozy dining experience with their special Valentine’s evening service. While known for their coffee and pastries by day, they transform their charming space for an intimate dinner service featuring local ingredients and live acoustic music.

Natural Beauty

Before dinner, take advantage of our region’s natural beauty with a peaceful afternoon at Martin Dies Jr. State Park in Jasper County. The park’s walking trails offer stunning views of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, and you can rent a canoe to paddle through the cypress-lined waterways. Pack a light picnic and find one of the quiet spots overlooking the water – it’s perfect for sharing quiet moments together.

The Angelina National Forest also provides a beautiful setting for afternoon adventure. The trail around Boykin Springs offers an easy walk through towering pines, past a historic CCC-era spring-fed pool, and alongside a gentle stream – ideal for couples seeking tranquility before their evening plans.

Creative Date Adventures

For couples looking to try something different, the Historic Antique District in downtown Center offers a delightful afternoon of treasure hunting together. Stroll hand in hand through shops like Heritage House Antiques and The Carousel, where you might find vintage valentines or the perfect meaningful keepsake to commemorate your day together.

In San Augustine, Mission Dolores State Historic Site offers fascinating guided tours perfect for history-loving couples. The site’s peaceful grounds and rich history provide an engaging afternoon of exploration and learning together.

Sweet Endings

Cap off your evening at the beloved Confection Connection in Lufkin, where local chocolatier Sarah Martinez creates handmade truffles and pralines that rival any big-city chocolate shop. Their Valentine’s boxes can be pre-ordered with custom messages and locally inspired flavors like pine nut praline and Texas honey lavender.

For a more casual dessert date, visit Sweet Shop in Livingston, where they’re offering special Valentine’s treats including their famous hand-dipped strawberries and homemade fudge. Their cozy seating area provides a charming spot to enjoy your desserts together.

Making Memories

Remember, the most important ingredient for Valentine’s Day isn’t where you go, but who you’re with. These local treasures provide the setting – the magic comes from sharing these moments with someone special. Make your reservations early, as our local favorites tend to fill up quickly for this holiday.

Don’t forget to check each venue’s social media pages for special Valentine’s promotions and updated hours. Many locations are offering special packages and prix fixe menus exclusively for February 14th, making this the perfect opportunity to explore the heartfelt side of our beautiful Deep East Texas region.

Take Control of Your Energy Costs with Smart Meters

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

When it comes to managing energy bills in Texas, understanding your usage is key—and smart meters are here to help. These high-tech devices, already installed in many homes and businesses across the Texas Forest Country, provide real-time insights into how and when you use electricity. For residents in the ERCOT market, where prices often fluctuate based on demand, smart meters are an essential tool for reducing costs and improving efficiency.

Even better, tools like Smart Meter Texas allow you to access your usage data in 15-minute intervals, giving you the power to make informed decisions about your energy consumption.

What is a Smart Meter?

A smart meter is a digital device installed by your utility company that tracks your electricity usage and sends the data to your provider automatically. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters eliminate the need for manual readings and offer detailed reports that you can access online.

With a Smart Meter Texas account, available at SmartMeterTexas.com, you can view your electricity usage in near real-time, giving you greater control over your energy habits.

How Smart Meters Help Reduce Costs

  1. Monitor Usage in Real-Time

Smart meters let you see exactly when your energy usage spikes, whether it’s during peak demand periods or when appliances are running more than they should. With Smart Meter Texas, you can track your usage in 15-minute increments and adjust accordingly.

Example: Run appliances like dishwashers or washing machines during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates.

  1. Spot Inefficiencies

Smart meters can reveal areas where your home or business is wasting energy, such as older appliances or systems running unnecessarily. For instance, if your usage stays high during hours when your business is closed, you might need to look at equipment schedules or phantom loads.

Pro Tip: Tools like Smart Meter Texas allow you to set alerts for high usage, so you can catch inefficiencies before they cost you more.

  1. Track the Impact of Energy-Saving Upgrades

Have you recently upgraded your insulation, switched to LED lighting, or installed a programmable thermostat? Smart meters let you track the impact of these changes on your energy bill, helping you see the payoff of your investments.

The ERCOT Connection

In Texas’s deregulated ERCOT market, energy prices fluctuate with demand—especially during hot summers or sudden cold snaps. Smart meters help you stay one step ahead by giving you real-time insights into your energy usage, allowing you to shift consumption and avoid paying peak prices.

How to Get Started

Residents with smart meters can create a free account at SmartMeterTexas.com to:

  • View electricity usage in 15-minute intervals.
  • Identify high-usage periods.
  • Make data-driven decisions to lower your bills.

Why This Matters for Texas Forest Country Residents

In our region, where weather extremes are common, understanding your energy usage can make a big difference in managing costs. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to save on summer cooling bills or a business owner striving for efficiency, smart meters provide the insights you need to take control.

Take the Next Step

Managing energy costs doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining the power of a Smart Meter Texas account with the right electricity plan, you can reduce your energy bills and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Looking for personalized advice? Local experts like Amerigy Energy specialize in helping Texas Forest Country residents find plans that fit their needs and budgets. Contact them today to learn more about how you can maximize the benefits of your smart meter and find the perfect plan for your home or business.

This article is part of our ongoing series to educate and empower the Texas Forest Country community on energy, sustainability, and smart living.

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