34th Annual Sassafras Festival in DOWNTOWN San Augustine!
Historic downtown Square FREE entry
Friday, October 25th- Vendors may start setting up! Saturday, October 26th-Sassafras Festival and the Rae Estes Outlaw BBQ Association Sanctioned BBQ Cook-Off
Location:
Historic Downtown San Augustine, Texas
This is the LARGEST event held in San Augustine County and we can’t wait to see everyone!
We have arts & crafts vendors, food vendors, kids activities, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, the Classic Car “Shine & Show” and cookers coming to compete in the BBQ Contest….ALL coming from all over Texas and Louisiana to set up and enjoy their weekend in San Augustine County!
Check out out our website https://visitsanaugustinetx.org/ for details or Follow us on FB to stay up to day on all of the festivities and details for this amazing weekend.
For more information contact the chamber at 936-275-3610.
Brandon Hudson has found a rather unique way of connecting the past with the present. He does it with his art.
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The native Texan and artist takes old slides – yes, those ancient forms of PowerPoint – art professors once used for instructional purposes and added his own touch to convert those old prints into painted canvas.
Hudson will display his works in a gallery titled “Splash the Hippocampus” scheduled to run in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery from Sept. 23 through Oct. 25. An artist’s reception will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24 in the ACA foyer.
This work, an oil on inket print on canvas titled “Grand Façade, 1972-2023” is an example of artist Brandon Hudson’s works scheduled for display in an upcoming Angelina College Center for the Arts gallery. The exhibition, “Splash the Hippocampus” runs Sept. 23 through Oct. 25, with an artist’s reception scheduled for Sept. 24. (Contributed image)
Hudson’s method includes “sifting through old slide libraries to select and manipulate certain photos that feel like shared memories and uses them to make prints onto canvas.” In doing so, Hudson “transforms them into a bridge of the past and present: from inspirational teaching images of long-ago scenes to a new and present object, now meant to generate a notion of the sublime within one’s own psyche.”
Hudson exhibits his works nationally and has worked in numerous private collections. His recent accolades include a solo show at the President’s Gallery at Texas A&M University-Commerce, a Finalist in the 2022 Texas Photo Society National Photo Award, and group exhibitions at the Masur Museum, the Fort Worth Art Center, the CICA Museum, Marin MOCA, and the Foley Gallery in New York. He also co-curated the exhibition The Language of Perpetual Conditions for the Ronald Silverman Fine Arts Gallery at Cal State LA. In 2016, he received a Working Artist Photography Grant Award.
After residing in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA for 12 years, he now oversees the studios at Texas A&M University-Commerce as the Art Facilities Coordinator and teaches Drawing and Photography courses.
Both the gallery and the reception are open and free to the public. For further information, please contact Le’Anne Alexander at lalexander@angelina.edu.
As the vibrant colors of fall start to settle in, temperatures cool down, and our energy needs begin to shift. While summer energy savings might have focused on keeping your home cool, fall presents its own opportunities to cut back on energy use while staying cozy. Here are five easy ways you can save energy at home this fall:
1. Maximize Natural Light
With shorter days and cooler weather, it’s tempting to turn on the lights earlier and keep them on longer. Instead, take advantage of natural daylight by opening your curtains or blinds during the day to let sunlight warm your home naturally. You’ll reduce the need for electric lighting and heating, keeping your home brighter and warmer at no extra cost.
2. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors
As temperatures drop, drafts can make your home feel chillier, prompting you to crank up the heat. One of the most effective and affordable ways to save energy is by sealing drafts around windows and doors. Use weatherstripping or caulking to block cool air from seeping in and warm air from escaping. This simple fix can lower your heating costs significantly.
3. Adjust Your Thermostat
During fall, it’s smart to adjust your thermostat settings to align with the changing weather. Try lowering the temperature a few degrees, especially at night or when you’re away from home. For every degree you lower your thermostat, you can save up to 1% on your energy bill. Better yet, install a programmable or smart thermostat to make these adjustments automatic and even more efficient.
4. Service Your HVAC System
Before the cold fully sets in, make sure your heating system is running at peak efficiency. Scheduling an HVAC tune-up ensures that your furnace or heat pump operates smoothly and consumes less energy. Change your air filters regularly, as dirty filters force your system to work harder, using more energy and driving up your utility bill.
5. Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting
With the fall season comes earlier sunsets and longer nights, meaning you’ll rely on artificial lighting more. Consider switching to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last significantly longer. Installing dimmer switches can also allow you to control the brightness and save even more energy.
By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy the beauty of fall while keeping your energy bills in check. Ready to explore more ways to save energy this season? Contact Amerigy Energy today for a free consultation on the best energy-saving tips and electricity plans for your home! 877-631-8875
This article is part of a regular weekly column provided by Amerigy Energy, your trusted partner for residential and commercial energy solutions across East Texas.
In the heart of Lufkin, Texas, a small business is doing more than just serving health drinks—Total Transformation has become a community beacon for wellness, energy, and connection. Opened in the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, this family-run shop has grown into a beloved staple of the Texas Forest Country, offering locals a way to boost their health while building personal relationships.
Through their popular Loaded Teas and a deep-rooted commitment to helping others, Total Transformation has redefined what a nutrition shop can be. We spoke with the owners to hear their incredible story of personal transformation, community support, and their vision for the future.
From Personal Transformation to Community Impact
The name Total Transformation isn’t just about healthy choices—it reflects a personal journey of change. One of the owners shared, “The name came from my husband’s experience—he lost over 160 pounds using the products we now sell. The idea of ‘Total Transformation’ just made sense because it’s what we’ve lived.”
What started as a home delivery service during the pandemic quickly grew into something larger. In November 2020, the couple opened their storefront at 1865 West Frank Avenue, and they’ve been helping locals ever since. Their success has even inspired family members to open independent locations in Center, Texas, and Niagara Falls, New York.
But for them, the heart of their business will always remain in Lufkin, where their mission is to help others live healthier, happier lives.
Loaded Teas: The Energy Boost That’s Taken Lufkin by Storm
When you mention Total Transformation in Lufkin, people inevitably rave about their Loaded Teas. These energy-packed drinks are the shop’s biggest hit, providing customers with a delicious, vitamin-rich way to stay energized throughout the day. With a blend of B1, B7, B12, and C vitamins, these teas have become a go-to for local teachers, professionals, and employees at companies like FedEx and Brookshire Brothers.
“We have regulars who stop by every morning for their Loaded Tea,” the owners say with a smile. “Teachers especially love them because they provide energy without the crash you get from coffee or sugary energy drinks.”
But it’s not just about teas. Total Transformation also offers protein shakes, pre- and post-workout drinks, and other wellness products, making it a one-stop destination for anyone looking to take charge of their health.
A Leap of Faith During the Pandemic
Opening a business during the pandemic was a risky move, but for the owners of Total Transformation, it was a leap they had to take. “The pandemic hit, and my husband had to close his mechanic shop, and I left my job. We needed a way to support our family,” the owners shared.
With no prior experience in running a business, the couple turned to family for advice. “My mother-in-law had been in this industry for over 10 years, and she encouraged us to give it a try. We started making home deliveries, and by November, we had our own shop.”
Despite the initial uncertainty, Total Transformation quickly earned a loyal following, thanks to their friendly service and focus on building relationships. “We didn’t know everything about running a business, but we knew how to treat people well—and that’s been our key to success.”
Empowering Others to Transform Their Lives
Total Transformation isn’t just focused on selling products—they’re committed to empowering others to start their own businesses. The shop has become a training hub for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to distribute health and wellness products, providing mentorship and hands-on support.
“We love helping others build their own businesses,” the owners explain. “It’s so rewarding to see people succeed in growing their customer base and making a difference in their communities.”
Thanks to this support, new distributors are thriving across Texas, helping to expand the reach of Total Transformation’s mission.
A Community-Centered Business
At the core of Total Transformation is a deep connection to the Lufkin community. From sponsoring local sports teams to supporting school programs, the shop is committed to giving back to those who have supported them.
“We sponsor cheer teams, baseball teams, and other local events. We love being part of this town, and we’re grateful to our customers for their support,” the owners say. “We wouldn’t be here without them.”
Total Transformation’s personal touch is evident in every aspect of their business. The owners chose not to install a drive-thru, encouraging customers to come inside, say hello, and feel like they belong. “We greet every customer with a smile, and we try to remember their names. That connection is everything to us.”
Big Dreams for the Future
Looking ahead, the owners have big dreams for the future of Total Transformation. “In the next five to ten years, we hope to open more locations around Lufkin and possibly expand into a bigger space,” they share.
While they’re still working on new ideas, one thing is certain: their commitment to growth and serving their community remains unwavering.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those considering starting their own business, the owners of Total Transformation offer some simple yet powerful advice: “Don’t hesitate—just go for it.”
“When we first signed our lease, we were nervous about committing for three years, but you have to take the risk if you want to grow,” they say. “Now, we’ve renewed for another five years, and we’re excited about what’s to come. If you believe in your business, you’ll find a way.”
A Place of Positivity and Belonging
Total Transformation isn’t just a place for energy drinks and health supplements—it’s a space that offers a sense of belonging. One of the owners shared a touching story about a customer who feels at home in their shop.
“He told us that coming here is a break from the negativity in his life. Our shop gives him a place where he can see smiling faces and feel uplifted. That’s exactly the environment we want to create.”
With every interaction, every Loaded Tea, and every smile, Total Transformation is building a brighter future for Lufkin—one sip at a time.
Total Transformation is located at 1865 West Frank Avenue, Lufkin, TX. Stop by to enjoy their Loaded Teas, protein shakes, and wellness products, and experience the positive energy they’ve created for yourself.
Football season is finally here, and in the Texas Forest Country, that means one thing—it’s time to tailgate! Whether you’re a die-hard high school football fan or gathering with friends and family for a big college or NFL game, tailgating is an essential part of the football experience in Texas. From grilling to games, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to make your tailgate party a touchdown.
1. Tailgating Essentials: What to Pack
Tailgating in Texas is serious business, and you need to make sure you’re well-prepared for an epic game day. Here’s a checklist of must-have items for any tailgate in the Texas Forest Country region:
Coolers: Pack a large cooler with plenty of ice to keep your drinks cold throughout the day.
Chairs: Comfortable folding chairs for relaxing between plays.
Canopy Tent: Protect your crew from the Texas sun with a sturdy tent or canopy.
Portable Grill: A good-quality portable grill is a tailgating staple for all your BBQ needs.
Tables: Foldable tables are great for serving food and drinks or playing games.
Plates, Cups, and Utensils: Opt for eco-friendly disposables or bring reusable sets to cut down on waste.
Trash Bags: Keep your tailgating area clean and respectful with plenty of trash bags.
Speakers: Set the mood with music before the game starts.
First Aid Kit: Accidents happen, so it’s always good to have a first aid kit handy.
2. The Texas Tailgate Menu: Southern Classics
In Texas, the food is as much a part of tailgating as the game itself. From BBQ to finger foods, here are some tailgating menu ideas that are sure to score points with your guests:
Grill Favorites
Brisket Sliders: Smoked brisket on mini buns, served with pickles and BBQ sauce.
Jalapeño Poppers: Stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon, these are always a crowd-pleaser.
Texas-Style Ribs: Slather on your favorite BBQ sauce and grill to perfection.
Sausage Links: Easy to grill and perfect for sandwiches or on their own with mustard.
Chicken Wings: Marinate in a variety of flavors—buffalo, BBQ, or honey garlic—and grill them up crispy.
Side Dishes
Potato Salad: A Southern staple, make it loaded with bacon, cheese, and green onions.
Coleslaw: Fresh and crunchy, the perfect complement to smoky BBQ.
Texas Caviar: A mix of black beans, corn, peppers, and onions, served with tortilla chips.
Mac and Cheese: Go extra cheesy for a dish that everyone will love.
Finger Foods
Chips and Queso: You can’t go wrong with this Texas classic.
Pig in a Blanket: An easy and portable favorite.
Deviled Eggs: A classic appetizer with a little Texas twist—add some smoked paprika or jalapeño.
Desserts
Pecan Pie Bars: Portable, sweet, and filled with Texas pecans.
Brownies: Everyone loves chocolate, and they’re easy to grab and eat.
Drinks
Sweet Tea: A Texas must.
Lemonade: Refreshing and pairs well with BBQ.
Beer & Cocktails: For the adults, stock up on local Texas craft beers, and for a Southern twist, mix up a batch of bourbon lemonade or margaritas.
3. Game Day Setup: Make Your Tailgate Stand Out
Set up your tailgate area like a pro with these tips:
Decorate in Your Team’s Colors: Show your support with team banners, flags, and tablecloths.
Set Up a Snack Station: Keep a table loaded with snacks and drinks so people can graze throughout the day.
Create a Seating Area: Arrange chairs around a central table for easy conversation and comfort.
Bring Lawn Games: Cornhole, ladder toss, or washers are perfect games to play while waiting for kickoff.
4. Tailgating Games: Keep the Fun Going
Tailgating isn’t just about food—it’s about fun! Keep your guests entertained with these classic tailgating games:
Cornhole: A tailgating favorite, set up a cornhole board and see who has the best aim.
Ladder Toss: Simple but competitive, this game is great for adults and kids alike.
Football Toss: Bring a couple of footballs and challenge your friends to a friendly throwing competition.
Giant Jenga: Set up a life-size Jenga set and let the competition begin.
5. Tailgating Safety: Stay Smart on Game Day
While tailgating is all about fun, it’s also important to keep safety in mind. Here are a few tips to ensure everyone has a great time:
Grill Safety: Keep your grill away from the tent and have a fire extinguisher nearby.
Stay Hydrated: It can get hot, so make sure to drink plenty of water along with those game day beverages.
Don’t Drink and Drive: Always designate a driver or plan for transportation if you’re consuming alcohol.
Weather Prep: Texas weather can change in an instant. Be prepared with sunscreen, hats, rain gear, and even blankets for those cooler evenings.
6. Top Tailgating Spots in Texas Forest Country
Tailgating is all about location. Whether you’re gathering in your backyard, at a high school football game, or in a stadium parking lot, here are some top spots to tailgate in Texas Forest Country:
Lufkin High School Abe Martin Football Stadium: The home of the Panthers, this is a prime spot for Friday night football tailgating.
Stephen F. Austin State University (Nacogdoches): If you’re cheering on the Lumberjacks, the tailgating scene here is always lively.
Sam Houston State University (Huntsville): Bearkat fans know how to tailgate—join the crowd for some serious game-day festivities.
Lake Livingston State Park: Tailgate by the water and enjoy fishing or camping before or after the game.
7. Tailgating Etiquette: Be a Good Neighbor
Make sure your tailgate is fun for everyone by following some simple etiquette rules:
Be Considerate: Keep the noise at a reasonable level and be mindful of your neighbors.
Share the Grill: If you have extra space on the grill, offer to cook for others.
Clean Up: Always leave your tailgating spot cleaner than you found it. Bring plenty of trash bags and recycling bins.
8. Post-Game Party: Keep the Fun Going
The game might be over, but the fun doesn’t have to end. If you’re not ready to call it a day, keep the celebration going with:
Post-Game Feast: Bring out the leftovers and let everyone enjoy the food one more time.
Campfire Hangout: If you’re tailgating at a park or campground, light a fire and toast marshmallows.
Game Recap: Gather around to talk about the game’s highlights and share your favorite moments.
Tailgating in Texas Forest Country is more than just a pre-game activity—it’s a tradition that brings people together to celebrate football, food, and community. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or heading to a local game, this guide has everything you need to make your tailgate a winning event. So fire up the grill, grab your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable football season.
For more tips and ideas, follow us at Texas Forest Country Living and share your favorite tailgating moments with the hashtag #TFCLivingTailgate.
It’s been a interesting last 12 months for hay producers in our area. Last year at this time, we were in a drought with hay prices easily reaching $100 or more per round bale. This past spring and early summer, this part of the world received rainfall that certainly grew lots of grass, lots of weeds, and made it difficult for many to find a window to cut, cure, and bale hay.
With a cursory glance at local markets, I’ve found hay prices ranging from $40 to $80 per role. Below I’ll take some time and put hay purchasing decisions on equal footing. We’ll examine how to price hay equally by weight. When buying hay, I know too many producers that ask about the size of the bale without knowing anything about the weight or its quality.
It should be stated that folks that buy hay ‘by the ton’ are already where we should be. When you purchase hay by the ton then one really does not care what size the bale is. If you stack a flatbed trailer with 4X4’s or 5X6’s, purchasing by weight is the smartest way to go.
Thus, for the many cattlemen still buy hay by the bale, it seems a nearly impossible task to eyeball a bale of hay and determine the quantity and quality of hay that’s within it. To make it more difficult, you must match the asking price to the other prices for hay that match loosely by bale size. It truly is a daunting task.
To help us get a better idea of the volume of hay in a bale, let us use some basic equations that we learned in geometry in high school. A round bale is nothing more than a cylinder. The volume of a cylinder is measured as 3.14 times the radius squared times the height of the cylinder (V= π R2 x H). If we apply that to a 4X4 bale of hay, we come up with a volume of 50.27 cubic feet. If you take that same formula and apply it to a 5 by 5 bale of hay, then you come up to 98.18 cubic feet. Surprisingly, a 5X5 bale is indeed double the volume of a 4X4.
For those who are interested and the remainder of the common bale sizes, here are the basic bale sizes: a 4X4 = 50 cubic feet of hay, a 4X5 = 79, a 4X6 = 113, 5X5 = 98, and 5X6 = 141 cubic feet.
Research from several universities and commercial sites say that hay density can vary from 9 to 12 pounds per cubic foot. In the bales I have examined, I have seen a very loose bale of hay at just under 9 lbs. per cubic foot and others as high as 11 lbs. per cubic foot. But for simplicity, I’m going to assume a density of 10 lbs per cubit foot. At 10 lbs/cubic foot, a 4X4 would be about 500 lbs. and a 5X5 would be just under 1,000 lbs., coming in around 980 lbs.
Even with the assumptions above, using a good set of public scales would be an excellent choice. At a national gas station chain in our town, the first time across the scales to get the weight is $13.50 and the next time is just $4. So for less than a $20, you can take a full load of hay and then an empty load of hay. Take the difference between the two weights and divide by the number of bales. You’ll then know the average weight of the bales. Bonus tip, fill up your gas tank before each weight to eliminate any error caused by the fuel weight.
Not convinced? We’ll take a hard look at a $60 bale of hay. If it is a loosely wrapped 4X4, then you could be spending $0.13 per pound. But if was a tightly baled, 5X5 round bale, you could end up with an investment of $0.06 per pound of hay.
And finally, let’s look at this another way. If you are confident that the $60, loosely wrapped (at 9 lbs. per cubic foot), 4X4 was a good purchase, then you could also justify spending $140 on a tightly wrapped (at 11 lbs. per cubic foot), 5X5 bale. Run the math for yourself.
Cattlemen run a business with incredibly tight margins. I tip my hat to those who do well year after year with increasing input costs and facing unpredictable weather. Let the numbers above prod you and encourage you to make wise decisions as we continue to wait for rain.
To better help with this major purchase, the Angelina County Extension Office is hosting an Evaluating Hay Sales and Purchases seminar on this Tuesday, Sept 17 at 6:30 pm at the Extension office. There is no fee for the program. The Angelina County Extension office is located at 2201 S Medford Dr, Lufkin, Texas.
AUSTIN – A car seat can be a lifesaver, but only if it’s installed and used correctly.
Whether you’re going to school or taking a family trip, knowing how to properly install a car seat is absolutely vital. To help spread the word about the importance of car seat safety, TxDOT is partnering with former NASA rocket scientist Shayla Rivera to launch the Save Me With a Seat campaign during National Child Passenger Safety Week, Sept. 15-21.
The campaign will make a stop in Lufkin on Sept. 26, at the The Children’s Clinic, 205 Gene Samford Drive in Lufkin from 2 -6 pm.
“It’s extremely important that parents schedule a car seat check today,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Ensuring car seats are installed correctly is one of the most important things a parent or caregiver can do to protect their children in a crash.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half (46%) of all car seats have been installed incorrectly. TxDOT invites parents to schedule a free car seat safety check by visiting SaveMeWithASeat.org and entering their ZIP code to find the nearest TxDOT traffic safety specialist in their area. TxDOT offers free car seat safety checks year-round.
During September, the Save Me With a Seat campaign will make stops in eight Texas cities and showcase the Are You Ready for Takeoff? interactive educational experience. Parents, caregivers and their kids will get a chance to learn how to properly buckle up and be secure in their car seats before a simulated journey into space. The campaign also features retired NASA rocket scientist Shayla Rivera. A native of Puerto Rico and a mother herself, Rivera focuses on the importance of keeping kids safe and secure in their car seats.
Texas law requires all children under the age of 8 or shorter than 4 feet, 9 inches, to be in a car seat when riding in a passenger vehicle. Failure to properly restrain a child can result in a ticket of up to $250. In 2023, 47 children younger than 8 years old were killed in Texas traffic crashes, and 320 were seriously injured.
Save Me With a Seat is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel, like wearing a seat belt, driving the speed limit, never texting and driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. #EndTheStreakTX asks all Texans to commit to driving safely to help end the streak of daily deaths.
A relatively quiet week evolved into a busy weekend on our diamonds, our men’s soccer team held its place in the nation’s top five and the long-anticipated unveiling of our new website finally arrived to give us yet another reason to celebrate.
Oh, and an AC legend got some props on a national stage.
Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
Roadrunner Soccer Maintains Fifth Spot in National Rankings
The men’s soccer team got a much-needed break this week, getting nights off on both Tuesday and Friday, but the team nevertheless held its spot in the national rankings.
Monday’s polls showed the Roadrunners holding fast at No. 5, with a pair of big road trips on tap for this week.
The ‘Runners, 4-0 on the season and at the top of the Region XIV conference standings, travel to No. 9 Tyler Junior College on Tuesday, Sept. 17 and to Blinn College on Friday, Sept. 20.
Friday’s match at Blinn College should be available on TSBN Sports. Check the website schedule for the link.
The ‘Runners’ next home match is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24 against Ranger College. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., and the match will be live streamed on TSBN Sports.
Lady Roadrunners Play Tough, Fall at No. 4 Navarro
The Lady Roadrunners hit the road to Corsicana on Tuesday to face the undefeated and fourth-ranked Navarro College Lady Bulldogs, and AC’s ladies didn’t back down from the challenge.
Navarro eventually would pull out the 2-0 win, but the Lady ‘Runners showed their growth over the season’s first five matches. In its two losses against the conference’s two leading teams, AC has allowed just two goals per match against teams averaging more than five goals per contest.
AC will face Blinn College in Brenham on Friday, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. The match will be live streamed on TSBN Sports. Check the AC Athletics website for the link.
The Lady ‘Runners’ next home appearance is set for Friday, Sept. 27 against LSU-Eunice starting at 5 p.m.
New-Look Website is Up and Running
If you haven’t given it a peep already, check out our new-look website (www.angelinaathletics.com). While we’re proud of the result, we’re also still working to build some key components, and those will take some time. In addition, we’ve already encountered some minor (and expected) glitches, but we’re working through those as quickly as we can.
In the meantime, we’re thoroughly enjoying the cool new look along with the easier-to-navigate pages.
We’d love to hear your feedback. Feel free to email Sports Information Director Gary Stallard (gstallard@angelina.edu) or Manager of Athletics Operations Brett Reeves (mareeves@angelina.edu) with your comments.
Former Lady ‘Runner Mack Throws out First Pitch at MLB Game
Since finishing her career at Angelina College, where she established nearly every offensive and defensive record in the books, Natasha Mack has been on a career whirlwind. Following her time at AC, Mack graduated from Oklahoma State University, was a 2nd round draft pick of the WNBA’s Chicago Sky and spent some time playing overseas in Spain, Turkey, Poland and New Zealand. Earlier this year, she met Dallas Maverick superstar Luka Doncic in an elevator.
And this past week, Mack threw out the ceremonial first pitch for Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks.
Mack, the first player in Angelina College history drafted by the WNBA, currently plays for the Phoenix Mercury. This season, Mack has come off the bench to average 3.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while clocking 15.2 minutes per game.
The Mercury have clinched a playoff spot with three games remaining in the regular season.
Baseball Holds Big Weekend Tournament
This past weekend featured sunny weather and three whole days filled with baseball.
A perfect fall combination.
The Roadrunners hosted their “Round Robin Tournament” featuring a total of five teams. The tourney wrapped up on Sunday, with Bossier Parish CC, Panola College and Navarro College offering a tripleheader.
The Roadrunners get some time off before traveling to Temple College on Friday, Sept. 27 for a 1 p.m. game. AC’s next home game is set for Thursday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m. vs. Spartan Post Grad.
The Lady Roadrunner softball team finally got to see some live action, playing its first fall doubleheader on Saturday against a good Nitro team. With so many new faces on the Lady ‘Runner roster, AC head coach Brette Kohring and assistant Sandy Lopez made sure nearly every player got some game action.
AC’s ladies will be at Northeast Texas Community College this Wednesday, Sept. 18 for a noon start. The Lady ‘Runners then return home for a doubleheader against the CyFair Intruders on Sunday, Sept. 22. The first game is scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
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: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free. Any link offering streaming for a fee is a scam.
Upcoming schedules:
Tuesday, September 17:
Lady Roadrunner Soccer at No. 3 Tyler Junior College, 5 p.m., Tyler, TX
In the wake of the 23rd anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks that stole almost 3,000 American lives, we reflect on the selfless courage of the first responders who rushed into harm’s way to save countless others. Though we mourn the fearless men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice that solemn September morning, we reaffirm our gratitude to all of the brave men and women who wear the uniform and badge today. Together, we can reclaim the spirit and unity that followed 9/11 and honor those who lost their lives. God bless their sacrifice; God bless their memory; and may God continue to bless the United States of America.
With that, we’ll dive back into our examination of House interim charges. . .
House Interim Charge: Higher Education
The House Committee on Higher Education has jurisdiction over matters related to post-secondary education at public colleges and universities across Texas. The Committee also has jurisdiction over the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation, the Prepaid Higher Education Tuition Board, and many other agencies.
Over the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of many bills including House Bill 8, Senate Bill 25, and Senate Bill 412. HB 8 established a public junior college state finance program that ensures community colleges across Texas can access foundational levels of funding for instruction and operations and establishes a program to provide financial aid to certain high school students enrolled in dual credit courses. HB 8 incentivizes public junior colleges to focus on graduating students who are ready to enter the workforce with a certificate or degree or plan to transfer to a four-year university.
SB 25 dramatically increased funding and resources for nursing education and training programs. Among its many provisions, the bill made part-time nursing faculty eligible for loan repayment assistance and extended the Nursing Innovation Grant Program, which provides grants to institutions to promote the education, recruitment, and retention of nursing students and qualified faculty. SB 412 ensures that pregnant and parenting students are granted certain accommodations and excused absences at higher education institutions so that they can attend to family responsibilities while pursuing their degrees.
Additionally, the Committee will evaluate the alignment of postsecondary success incentives across all education systems in Texas, as well as interagency collaboration for the “Building a Talent Strong Texas” plan. This initiative seeks to increase the attainment of postsecondary credentials, postsecondary credentials of value, and research, development, and innovation.
Finally, the committee will review the status of “Name, Image & Likeness” (NIL) across the state and the country and decide what, if any, action is needed to update state law as it affects our colleges in this policy area.
The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on September 18 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11 AM and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 PM.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 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/.
Angelina College this week held a public hearing regarding the proposed tax rate for the upcoming annual budget, with the new rate approved and set for final review in September.
In August, AC’s Board of Trustees viewed the annual budget and tax-rate proposal the college’s administration submitted. Prior to approval, the board offered a public hearing, where members of the public are invited to lend their voices. Following this week’s public vote, the board will now move forward on final budget approval.
According to AC president Dr. Michael Simon, the approved tax rate for the upcoming rate will be .159115, which includes maintenance and operating (.145505), or 14.5 cents. The principal and interest is .013610, adding up to just a 7.19 increase in tax revenue for the college.
“I can’t express enough how much Angelina College appreciates the support Angelina County citizens have shown over the years,” Simon said. “We couldn’t be the college we are without their support and investment.”
Simon also stressed the importance of assuring the public that the trustees and administration are devoted to ensuring such an investment pays off for the entire community.
“They (trustees and administrators) see themselves as stewards of those dollars, and we want to make sure we get the absolute best return on value we possibly can for our taxpayers,” Simon said.
Simon also mentioned the “1/3, 1/3 and 1/3” approach, meaning the college strives to keep the taxpayer investment, the tuition fees, and the state reimbursement as close to balanced as possible to prevent extra burdens on the public. Currently, Simon said, AC’s tuition and fees generate more revenue than tax revenue does in the annual budget.
“We’ve really tried to be protective of our taxpayers and make sure we’re balancing our approach in how we build the revenue,” Simon said.
In return, Simon added, the college wants to reciprocate the public’s investment in every way possible. For example, AC has been diligent in obtaining federal monies such as Pell Grants to ensure students can afford to attend. According to Krista Brown, Associate Vice President of Student Services, AC awarded approximately $13 million in total aid in 2023-2024, with the college projected to award more than $15 million in 2024-2025.
The results are evident, as the college awarded degrees and certifications to nearly 700 graduates this past year – the highest number of graduates in several years.
Simon said in addition to newly qualified professionals, another benefit is an influx of revenue returned to area businesses.
“Those are federal dollars we bring in, and through our payroll and through our programs, the services we purchase locally – that money goes right back into this community,” Simon said. “It’s money that otherwise wouldn’t come into this area that we’re putting right back into the entire area’s economy.”
Just as important as the monetary returns, Simon added, is the human element.
“Not only are we a good investment because we put value back into the community, but I think of all the businesses that will say to me – both in the private and public sectors – ‘We couldn’t do it if we didn’t have AC nurses, or AC fire fighters or police officers, or AC accountants, or AC welders – all these professions we’re helping create right here on our campus through education and training,” Simon said. “Businesses can’t function without trained and qualified talent, and we have continued serving as a major resource for those needs for more than 50 years.”
Finally, Simon added, as Angelina College celebrates its 56th year of existence, the public deserves credit for the overall financial health of the institution, which regularly earns high marks from the governing bodies. The state performs a financial analysis of all 50 community college districts in Texas, Simon said, using the “same metrics one might use in a small business or even a household.”
“You’re looking at income vs. savings, a return on capital, those sorts of things,” Simon said. “And Angelina College’s financial health far exceeds the state’s minimum requirements in every one of those categories.
“That’s how we are ensuring that this college is here for this community for another 50 years.”
