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Residential Energy Plans Explained: Fixed vs. Variable Rates

Lee Allen Miller

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November 12, 2024

Residential Energy Plans Explained: Fixed vs. Variable Rates

If you live in Texas, you have the benefit of choosing your energy provider thanks to the deregulated energy market managed by ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas). While having the power to choose your provider is a big advantage, it also means you have to decide between different types of energy plans. The two main options are fixed-rate and variable-rate plans, and understanding the difference can help you make the best choice for your home and budget.

In this article, we’ll break down what fixed-rate and variable-rate plans are, the pros and cons of each, and why a fixed-rate plan can often be the best choice for stability and savings.

What is a Fixed-Rate Energy Plan?

A fixed-rate energy plan offers a set price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) that remains the same for the entire term of your contract, typically ranging from 6 to 36 months. Once you sign up for a fixed-rate plan, your rate won’t change, regardless of market fluctuations or seasonal price spikes.

Benefits of a Fixed-Rate Plan:

Price Stability: Your rate is locked in for the contract term, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected rate increases.
Predictable Bills: Fixed rates make it easier to budget since you’ll know your rate won’t change.
Protection from Market Volatility: You’re shielded from price spikes that can occur during high-demand periods, such as extreme heat in the summer or a winter cold snap.

Drawbacks of a Fixed-Rate Plan:

Early Termination Fees: If you cancel your contract before it ends, you may be subject to early termination fees.
Missed Market Dips: While a fixed rate protects you from rising prices, you also won’t benefit from any temporary dips in energy prices.

Ideal for: Homeowners who value stability, have a set budget, and want peace of mind knowing their rate won’t change over time.

What is a Variable-Rate Energy Plan?

A variable-rate energy plan, on the other hand, fluctuates with the market. This means your rate can go up or down from month to month based on factors like energy demand, weather, and wholesale market conditions.

Benefits of a Variable-Rate Plan:

Flexibility: You can often switch providers or plans without penalty since variable-rate plans usually don’t have a contract.
Potential for Lower Rates: During periods of low demand, you may pay less per kWh compared to a fixed-rate plan.

Drawbacks of a Variable-Rate Plan:

Unpredictable Bills: Rates fluctuate each month, so your bill could vary significantly, making it harder to budget.
Exposure to Market Spikes: During high-demand periods, such as summer or winter, rates can spike significantly, leading to much higher bills.

Ideal for: Customers who are comfortable with price fluctuations and don’t mind the risk of higher bills in exchange for potential savings during low-demand months. However, this plan can be risky, especially in Texas, where extreme weather can drive prices up unexpectedly.

Why a Fixed-Rate Plan is Often the Safer Choice in Texas

In the ERCOT market, energy prices can be highly volatile due to Texas’s unique weather patterns, from scorching summers to sudden winter freezes. In recent years, many Texans have experienced sharp price hikes on variable-rate plans during extreme weather events. With a fixed-rate plan, you’re protected from these market surges, allowing you to maintain predictable energy costs.

For example, during peak demand periods, such as during a summer heatwave, variable-rate customers may see their rates double or even triple. With a fixed-rate plan, you pay the same rate regardless of how high the market spikes, making it a more secure and budget-friendly option for most homeowners.

How Amerigy Energy Can Help

Choosing the right energy plan can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Amerigy Energy, we’re here to help you make sense of your options and find the plan that best fits your needs and budget. Our team specializes in securing competitive, fixed-rate plans that give you stability and peace of mind, so you’re not left vulnerable to market fluctuations.

Contact us today for a personalized consultation, and let us help you lock in a plan that’s right for your home at 877-631-8875. With Amerigy, you’ll have the confidence of knowing your energy rates are protected—no matter what the Texas weather brings. Want to shop on your own, try our residential shopping page at https://amerigyenergy.com/shopnow

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

Honoring Veterans

Rachel Lauren

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November 11, 2024

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Today is Veterans Day, a federal holiday in the United States that honors all who have served in the U.S. armed forces, whether they’re alive or they’ve passed away. This is a day to show our appreciation for the sacrifices veterans have made to protect our freedoms and our country. There are so many veterans today who don’t get the recognition and appreciation they deserve. Unfortunately, many are even homeless. It’s important to show how much we care for them and thank them for serving their country.

Veterans Day History

Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day, was first established as a U.S. legal holiday to honor the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918, an armistice agreement was signed, bringing an end to the fighting. In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day, a day of remembrance for those who had served and sacrificed during the Great War, while also emphasizing the hope for lasting peace.

Initially, Armistice Day was dedicated specifically to honoring World War I veterans. The legislation that made it a federal holiday emphasized November 11 as a day to celebrate the cause of world peace and to remember the brave men and women who had served in that historic conflict.

In 1947, Raymond Weeks, a Navy veteran of World War II, saw the need to honor all veterans who had served in defense of our country. He organized the first National Veterans Day celebration, broadening the focus to include all those who had worn the uniform. Weeks tirelessly worked for decades to make this a nationwide observance, leading the celebration in Birmingham, Alabama, until his death in 1985. His dedication and vision were pivotal in expanding the meaning of the day, transforming Armistice Day into the inclusive Veterans Day we honor today—an opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.

Show Them You Care

So many veterans fought valiantly and passed away honorably fighting for our country, and while others did leave with their lives, they will forever live with both visible and invisible scars. The trauma and life-threatening experience they faced is beyond our imagination, and it was all for our freedom and for our country.

Show your gratitude to those brave men and woman. Write letters, talk with them, spend time with any veterans you know, volunteer at places that support veterans, participate in a local veteran parade and/or festival; anything you can do to show your appreciation for them, do so. Even just simply showing interest and talking with them will make their day.

Giving Thanks to the Brave Soldiers

Without their sacrifices and without their choice to fight for not only theirs, but all of our freedom for our country, we would not have the luxuries we have today. That is why it is so important to exercise our freedom and our rights.

Everyone at Texas Forest Country Living recognizes these brave veterans. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to all veterans; alive, or passed away. Your sacrifices will always be remembered.

Angelina College Weekly Update

Gary Stallard

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November 11, 2024

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Hey, sports fans,

This week saw our nationally ranked Roadrunner soccer team end its run for a “three-peat” (a third straight appearance in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament) in a gut-wrenching loss in the conference tournament semifinals in Tyler, while AC’s basketball teams offered home fans a doubleheader sweep Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium.

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

No. 13 Roadrunners End Season with Hard-Fought Loss in Semifinals

One goal short. Just one goal.

The Roadrunner soccer team was determined to get to the national tournament for a third straight season, but a tough road trip to face No. 3 Tyler Junior College in the conference tournament semifinals left AC’s guys on the short end of a season-ending, 2-1 loss to the Apaches Tuesday in Tyler.

After the teams battled to a scoreless draw in the first half, Tyler scored a pair of goals within five minutes to open the second half. The Roadrunners finally hit the nets with a goal from Elias Taj in the 83^rd minute, but a determined AC charge in the final 30 seconds went for naught, bringing the ‘Runners’ 2024 season to a close.

The Roadrunners finished the season with a record of 10-4-2 after spending the entire season ranked among the nation’s Top 20.

Lady Roadrunner Basketball Wins Home Opener, Drops Pair in Tyler Classic

In their home opener, the Lady Roadrunners got something from every player, leading to AC’s 69-60 win over Hill College Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium.

India McMahon led the team in scoring with 21 points, going 7-of-11 from the field and 3-of-5 from three-point range. McMahon also converted all four of her free-throw attempts and swiped three steals.

Teammate Lanaijha Johnson notched a double-double, finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds, and Alicia Rivera-Scott added 16 points.

A swarming Lady ‘Runner defense held Hill College to just nine points in the first quarter, limiting the Lady Rebels to just 32 percent shooting from the field.

The Lady Roadrunners spent Friday and Saturday at the Herb Richardson Classic in Tyler, falling 62-52 to No. 12 Collin County CC on Friday before dropping a 74-45 decision to South Plains CC on Saturday.

AC’s ladies will host Southern University-Shreveport at 6 p.m. on Tuesday at Shands Gymnasium.

On Friday and Saturday, Angelina College will play host to the Angelina Classic. The Lady Roadrunners play McLennan College at 6 p.m. on Friday and LSU-Eunice at 2 p.m. on Saturday. (See below for the full Angelina Classic schedule.)

Roadrunner Basketball Tops Dallas College-Eastfield, Moves to 2-0

Angelina College’s Roadrunners have opened the season with two straight home wins, moving to 2-0 on the year with Wednesday’s 75-51 win over Dallas College-Eastfield at Shands Gymnasium.

Kanaan Holder led AC with 19 points, Christian Jones came off the bench to tally 18 points and the Roadrunners smoked the nets from three-point range, hitting 12-of-25 attempts (48 percent) from beyond the arc. Jones knocked down all three of his trey attempts, and Kyle Morgan added three more threes to finish with nine points. Chris Carpenter added nine points and five assists, and Dominick Baptiste hit a pair of threes on his way to an eight-point night.

The Roadrunners will face the same Eastfield team in Dallas on Monday, with tipoff scheduled for 6 p.m.

AC then will spend the weekend as participants in the East/West Challenge in McKinney, TX. The ‘Runners face Collin County CC at 2 p.m. on Friday and South Plains CC at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

Montgomery Guest Speaker at Broaddus ISD

Continuing the AC Athletics mission of providing service to the entire East Texas community, AC athletic director and head men’s basketball coach J.J. Montgomery spent a day visiting with students of Broaddus ISD, explaining the importance of education as it pertains to their life goals.

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, visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com).

Upcoming schedules:

Monday, Nov. 11:

Roadrunner Basketball at Dallas College-Eastfield, 6 p.m. in Mesquite, TX

Tuesday, Nov. 12:

Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Southern University-Shreveport, 6 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.

Friday, Nov. 15:

Angelina Classic at Shands Gymnasium: Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. McLennan College, 6 p.m.; other Classic games include SWCC vs. LSU-Eunice at 2 p.m. and Western Gulf CC vs. Tyler JC at 4 p.m.

Roadrunner Basketball at Collin County CC, 2 p.m., East/West Challenge in McKinney, TX

Saturday, Nov. 16:

Angelina Classic at Shands Gymnasium: Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. LSU-Eunice, 2 p.m.; the other Classic game includes Tyler JC vs. McLennan CC at 12 p.m.

Roadrunner Basketball at South Plains CC, 2 p.m., East/West Challenge in McKinney, TX

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

A Season of Service: Honoring Voters, Hunters, and Our Texas Veterans

Rep. Trent Ashby

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November 11, 2024

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A Season of Service: Honoring Voters, Hunters, and Our Texas Veterans

I want to start this week’s column by expressing my sincere gratitude to everyone who exercised their right to vote in our most recent election. The American people have spoken in a historic fashion and provided our elected leaders with their vision and expectations for our country, state, and local communities. I am deeply honored to serve as your State Representative, and I remain firm in my commitment to promote and protect the interests and values that make our region such a special place to call home.

With the arrival of November, hunters across the state have finally taken afield and embraced the much-anticipated 2024 hunting season. With white-tailed deer and duck season upon us, I want to remind all of my fellow hunters to make sure you’ve purchased your hunting license and federal duck stamp before heading out to the woods.

I’d also like to encourage you to consider downloading the Texas Outdoor Annual App and the Texas Hunt & Fish App. The Outdoor Annual App allows you to access information about hunting season dates, bag limits and regulations, and public land open for hunting. The Texas Hunt & Fish App allows you to purchase your hunting license through the app, access your license on your device, and even report your take – all from the convenience of your phone. For more information, please visit www.tpwd.texas.gov.

With that, we’ll dive back into our examination of House interim charges. . .

House Interim Charge: Defense & Veterans’ Affairs

The House Committee on Defense & Veterans’ Affairs has jurisdiction over all matters related to our military bases in Texas, national defense-related issues, emergency defense preparedness, and state-level veterans’ programs. The Committee also has jurisdiction over the Texas Military Department, the Texas Veterans Commission, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and many other state agencies.

During the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of House Bills 90 and 671. House Bill 90 expands the benefits available to members of the Texas Military Department (i.e., the Texas National Guard and the Texas State Guard) and their survivors. Examples of those benefits include compensation for travel to and from a duty station, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a compensable injury while on active duty, and financial assistance to surviving spouses of our state’s military forces killed in the line of duty. I was proud to coauthor HB 90, which provided much-needed relief and protection to the men and women who serve our great state, and I was pleased to see it pass through the Legislature last year.

House Bill 671 directs the Texas Veterans Commission to conduct a suicide prevention campaign for veterans and establish a website to inform veterans of the state mental health services available to them. If you, or someone you know, are a veteran and need help, please visit https://veteransmentalhealth.texas.gov or call 988 and press 1.

The Committee will also study the federal criteria for initiating military base closures, evaluate the strength of bases operated by the Texas Military Department, and make recommendations to prevent base closures in Texas.

Finally, the Committee will study compliance in Texas with the Veterans Auto and Education Act, which allows active-duty service members and their spouses to transfer professional licenses from other states should they be stationed in Texas. Recommendations will be made to ensure our military personnel and their spouses can successfully continue to transfer their professional licenses to Texas.

The mobile office is on the road again in November, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: November 13 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the Tyler County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; and November 20 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

5 Fun Things to Do if You’re Bored at Home

Rachel Lauren

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November 8, 2024

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5 Fun Things to Do if You’re Bored at Home

Sometimes we all get a little bored, especially if we’re constantly in a routine doing the same thing day in and day out. At the same time, not everyone can constantly go out and about because they may not be able to afford it. That’s okay though, because you don’t always have to spend money and go out to have fun!

1. Themed Movie Night

Photo by Tatiana_Mara on Envato Elements

A themed movie night would be the perfect excuse to bring friends together, have fun, and catch up! Pick a movie you all love, everyone can bring a snack, and dress like you’re from that movie. It might cost a little to buy some snacks, but it’s definitely not as expensive as the movie theatre. You can also talk as much as you want!

2. Scavenger Hunt

Photo by Masson-Simon on Envato Elements

Scavenger hunts are always fun and full of memories, especially with friends and family. Plan a scavenger hunt and go out for a walk! Give a list of items everyone must find throughout their walk and make it a competition. This is also a great opportunity to get out of the house and take a breath of fresh air.

3. Spell Your Name Activity Game

If you have kids, this is the perfect game to bond with them and help them practice spelling. This game takes each letter of the alphabet and assigns activities you have to do if you use that letter to spell your name. For example, if R had the activity, “Do 5 jumping jacks”, you would have to do those 5 jumping jacks if an R is in your name. You would do the activities in the order of how your name is spelled.

4. Craft a Vision Board

A vision board is a collection of images, quotes, and other items representing your goals and dreams. Putting one together can be a fun way to get in touch with what you want out of life – and it’s a great way to kill time on a boring night at home. You can also do this with friends as a way to get to know one another better. This might cost some money to get the supplies, but everything you need can be found at the dollar store! Plus, you might already have most of the supplies you need.

5. A Talent Show at Home

Get everyone involved in a talent show right at home, whether it’s just family or friends as well. After some planning, you can take turns performing. You might be surprised at the hidden talents of your loved ones, or they might be surprised by you. This would definitely be a day full of fun and good times.

Don’t Stop Here

These are only 5 examples of what you can do to make life more fun. It’s important to set aside time so you can enjoy things like this. Don’t let these be the only thing you try though! There’s plenty more you can do at home if you feel bored doing the same thing all the time.

Pecans In Your Landscape

Cary Sims

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November 8, 2024

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I was at Mrs Hattie’s home in Lufkin many years ago, admiring her productive pecan trees. She had two pecan trees. One in the front yard and another in the back yard. Both were planted years ago by her mom. And both made excellent pecans every fall. Mrs. Hattie preferred the one in the front yard as the shell was much thinner and easier to remove.

I was there because she had some concerns over the spots on the tree’s leaves. The spots were fungal, and being late in the year, nothing to be concerned about. I was, however, mighty impressed with the pecan crop she was about to have.

It just doesn’t seem the norm to have a good pecan crop off of our pecan trees. Every week throughout each fall, I’ll have someone ask why they never get a decent pecan harvest. Often the meat of their pecans is blackened and shriveled up.

If you are fussing about yours, the problem is likely from a very common fungal disease called scab.

Scab is the most important fungal disease in east Texas pecans. Control is not realistic for homeowners, so the selection of a disease resistant variety is very important.

It is true that smaller trees may be sprayed with a fungicide for the first few years with small sprayers. Yet homeowners normally do not have access to high-volume spray equipment required for season-long disease control on large trees. And if they did, it would not be economically feasible.

When choosing a pecan variety for home planting, the most important factor after finding a good well drained site is scab disease tolerance or resistance.

Plant one of these varieties: Choctaw, Cheyenne, Cape Fear, Caddo, Desirable, Kiowa, Oconee, Pawnee, Houma, or Forkert. Can you try another variety? Certainly. Just realize these were selected for resistance to our greatest problem: pecan scab disease.

For best results, you must plant in a site with well-drained soil. Remember, space and ample sunlight is essential for maintaining productivity over the long term.

Nitrogen is essential for good pecan growth. As a guide, apply 1 lb. of 33-0-0 per inch the trunk is wide each time you fertilize. For example, a one foot wide trunk needs 12 lbs. of N fertilizer spread evenly under the drip-line.

Don’t forget to water when our weather turns dry. The most common reason for dry pecan kernels dropping too soon is due to dry soil conditions in mid-summer on through the final formation of pecans. Both last last and this year saw a really dry late summer and early fall which resulted in some pecan crops being dropped.

On smaller trees, foliar zinc sprays to the leaves are very helpful for pecan growth in Texas. Soil applications of zinc are just not effective. Zinc is needed for leaf expansion, so applications should be made frequently in the early portion of the growing season for maximum growth.

How long until you get pecans from a newly planted tree? The longest estimated time on a variety is 12 years while some are reported to bear in 4-5 years.

Follow these tips and you, like Mrs. Hattie may have some of the best pecans in town.

2024 Miss Merry Christmas (San Augustine County)

Diana De Leon Bon

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November 8, 2024

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2024 Miss Merry Christmas (San Augustine County)

Swing by the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce and grab your form for the 2024 Miss Merry Christmas. We also have the San Augustine Main Street lighted Christmas parade forms.

The contestants Entry Form is available at the Chamber Office. Entry Deadline: November 22, 2024.

Date/Time Information of the Event:
Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 2 pm
Location:
Augus Theater
110 E. Columbia Street
San Augustine TX, 759720

TxDOT Partners with DPS to Help End the Streak of Daily Deaths on Texas Roadways

Rhonda Oaks

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November 8, 2024

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TxDOT Partners with DPS to Help End the Streak of Daily Deaths on Texas Roadways

AUSTIN – Every day for the past 24 years someone has died on a Texas roadway. Every. Single. Day.

On the anniversary of the last deathless day on Nov. 7, 2000, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are working together to share safe driving messages in hopes to finally ending this deadly streak.

The two agencies are joining forces because ending fatal crashes takes all of us. TxDOT is working to engineer safety solutions and educate drivers on safe practices while DPS enforces the laws of the road. However, drivers are the most important partners, which is why DPS troopers will be handing out tip cards during traffic stops to encourage safe driving behaviors.

“After more than two decades, it’s long past time to end the streak of daily deaths on our roadways, but it’ll take all of us to get it done,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “Each life lost is a mother, father, brother, sister, or friend, and we need to work together to make sure everyone can get home safely.”

Last year, 4,289 people were killed on Texas roads, and so far in 2024, Texas is averaging 10 roadway deaths a day.

Some of the top causes of crashes make up part of the card that troopers will hand out for two weeks starting Nov. 7. The messages include:

Drive safe speeds
Buckle up
Move over or slow down
Get a sober ride
Avoid distractions

Lives instantly altered

Since Nov. 7, 2000, more than 87,000 people have been killed on Texas roads.

One life lost was Aspen Blessing, a vibrant 18-year-old who was killed in March after her car was struck head-on by a drunk driver in Callahan County. Forever changed by one person’s choice to drink and drive, her family is left with a massive void.

“The hardest part is that Aspen did everything right,” said Jen Blessing, Aspen’s mother. “She was not speeding. She was wearing her seatbelt. She wasn’t distracted. One man’s bad choice cost Aspen, our family, and his family everything.”

Blessing and her family are working with TxDOT to help prevent other families from suffering a similar tragedy.

Roadway safety improvements

TxDOT is committed to enhancing safety on roads throughout the state, investing $17 billion in safety improvements through the state’s 10-year plan. TxDOT also works tirelessly to develop safety innovations that can have significant impacts.

One improvement implemented this year in Fort Worth uses cameras to identify pedestrians on major roadways, targeting areas where people have been hit after trying to cross. It detects them early on, notifies law enforcement and helps them respond before they step out on the road. This has led to a drop in pedestrian crashes on these highways since they were installed in January. It’s just one example of the many innovative and engineering improvements TxDOT makes every year.

Deadly streak nearly ends

In January, Texas experienced one day with just one traffic fatality caused by a driver running a stop sign.

“A single life lost is too many, but this shows us that it can be done,” said TxDOT Deputy Executive Director Brandye Hendrickson. “We’ve been close a few times in recent years. Safety is paramount when we design, build and maintain roads, and it also must be the top priority when we’re driving on them.”

We can all do our part to #EndTheStreakTX of daily deaths.

Cost-Share Program Available to Help Prevent Southern Pine Beetle Threats

Diana De Leon Bon

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November 8, 2024

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Cost-Share Program Available to Help Prevent Southern Pine Beetle Threats

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service is offering landowners financial and technical assistance through the Southern Pine Beetle cost-share program. Applications for this program are open now and will close on Jan. 31, 2025, at midnight.

Eligible landowners can receive technical and financial assistance to reduce the threat of future Southern Pine Beetle infestations and outbreaks.

Landowners may receive up to $50 per acre with a 100-acre maximum to assist with their first forest thinning. They may also receive up to $5 per acre to offset the cost of using a professional consulting forester.

“The Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Program aims to reduce the risk that Southern Pine Beetle poses to our Texas forests by assisting landowners withstand thinning,” said Allen Smith, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Health Coordinator. “This not only reduces the potential for Southern Pine Beetle infestations, it also promotes residual tree vigor and growth and overall stand health.”

Eligible applicants must own a minimum of 10 contiguous acres of pine species; tree stands must be comprised of at least 70% pine trees; tree stands must start with a minimum of 120 square-feet per acre basal area; tree stands must be thinned to 80 square-feet per acre basal area or less; and thinning of stands must be completed within 14 months.

Landowners may receive no more than $5,000 in total for assistance for thinning and/or consulting.

Applications should be submitted through local Texas A&M Forest Service offices.

Notification of application approval status will be completed by March 1, 2025. Applications will be approved based on ranking metrics.

More information about eligibility and cost share rates can be found here: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/SouthernPineBeetlePreventionCostShareProgram/

Christmas in Our Town

Rachel Lauren

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November 7, 2024

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Christmas In Our Town event is getting closer! Santa and Mrs. Clause will be there for pictures! Please share and get the word out. The parking will be at the Onalaska Sports Complex this year.

There will be music, plenty of food and drinks, a bicycle giveaway, and more.

Vendor set-up will start 8:00 AM sharp, and trade days are from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM