Join us on Friday, September 27 at 8 AM for September’s Power Networking Breakfast, presented by Angelina College SBDC! We are excited to welcome Denise Thompson, Account Leader at Etech as our featured speaker and monthly sponsor.
Location:
Chamber Community Room – 1615 S. Chestnut Lufkin
Come learn the importance of community involvement within your company. We will see you there!
Attendance is free! While registration is not required, it is strongly encouraged to help us plan accordingly. Register today at bit.ly/PNB-0924.
In a world where faith often intersects with hobbies, one man has created a unique way to blend his love for off-roading with his devotion to Christ. Dwayne Greenwood, founder of Jeepin for Jesus, started this movement seven years ago with a simple mission: to be a light in the off-roading community while sharing the message of faith in Jesus Christ. What began as a small Facebook group has grown into a thriving community of more than 21,000 followers, and its annual Off-Road Expo draws hundreds of participants each year.
A Vision Born in the Sand
Dwayne’s inspiration for Jeepin for Jesus came unexpectedly during an outing with his family to “Go Topless Weekend,” a popular off-roading event. What he anticipated would be a fun day of Jeep culture quickly turned into a heart-wrenching experience.
“I was heartbroken by all that I saw,” Dwayne shared. “Both men and women were heavily intoxicated, and there was nudity everywhere. As I sat there playing in the sand with my grandson, I prayed for God to send someone to be a light in this darkness. Then it hit me — God sent me there to be that light.”
That day, Jeepin for Jesus was born. It began as a humble Facebook group, where Dwayne could share his experiences and spread the message of faith in the off-roading community. Today, that group has swelled to more than 21,700 members and serves as a place of connection and encouragement for Jeep enthusiasts across the country who share a love for both off-roading and Jesus.
Faith and Off-Roading: A Unique Blend
Dwayne’s approach to blending faith and off-roading is simple but powerful. He likens the need for a “spotter” in off-roading — someone to help guide drivers through difficult trails — to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in life.
“When we go off-roading, we need a good ‘spotter’ to help guide us through the difficult trails, over obstacles, and down into the valleys,” Dwayne explained. “The same is true with our faith. Without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we’ll find ourselves upside down in a ditch. But when we listen to Him, He guides us along the path of righteousness, and we stand amazed at His goodness when we make it through the other side.”
A Growing Event
The Jeepin for Jesus Off-Road Expo started seven years ago, and with each passing year, it has grown beyond expectations. What began as a small gathering of Jeep enthusiasts has now become a staple event in the Texas Forest Country region, attracting families from across the state.
“Our goal from the beginning was to create an event that the entire family could enjoy,” Dwayne said. “We want people to put down their phones and get outside, enjoy fellowship with their neighbors, and have fun with their families.”
The event is free to attend, making it accessible to everyone, and this year promises to be the biggest yet. For the first time, a petting zoo will be included, along with favorites like the Show and Shine, flex ramp, car crush, and raffles. Dwayne, however, is most excited about the people who attend.
“As much as I love the Jeeps, the vendors, and the activities, it’s the people that make this event special,” Dwayne said. “Seeing smiles on faces and hearing laughter — that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Fun for the Whole Family
What sets Jeepin for Jesus apart from other off-roading events is its clear focus on family. Dwayne and his team work hard to ensure that every family member — from toddlers to adults — has something to enjoy.
“We’ve always wanted this event to be family-friendly,” Dwayne explained. “We’ve got amazing vehicles to show off, great vendors, and a petting zoo this year to make sure the kids have something to enjoy, too.”
By offering free admission, Jeepin for Jesus removes any financial barriers that might prevent families from attending. The result is an inclusive, fun-filled day that everyone can enjoy.
Impact and Community Outreach
Beyond the fun and fellowship, Jeepin for Jesus has become a force for good in the community. The organization frequently participates in outreach activities, including speaking engagements at schools, churches, and drug rehab centers, feeding the homeless, and even attending “Go Topless” weekends to hand out free water, snacks, and Bibles.
“We aren’t there to scare the hell out of people,” Dwayne said with a smile. “We’re there to love the hell out of people. Once people understand what our mission is, they usually accept us, and many even support our efforts.”
The most rewarding part of Jeepin for Jesus for Dwayne has been seeing lives changed and people touched by the message of love and faith.
“We realize not everyone will understand our way of doing things, but this is what God put on my heart seven years ago, and it’s been an amazing ride,” Dwayne said. “I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Looking to the Future
While the Off-Road Expo continues to grow, Dwayne and the Jeepin for Jesus team have their sights set on an even bigger event next April — Jeep Beach in Daytona, Florida. This will be the largest event they’ve attended, with 25,000 Jeeps and over 250,000 attendees expected.
“I don’t know what the future holds,” Dwayne said, “but I know who holds it. We are simply a group of Jeepers who love Jesus and have a passion for reaching those who do not know Him yet.”
As for the future of Jeepin for Jesus, Dwayne remains committed to following wherever the Spirit leads. “As long as God allows me, I’ll keep Jeepin for Jesus. It’s been a heck of a ride, and I’m excited for what’s to come.”
For more information on Jeepin for Jesus and the upcoming Off-Road Expo, visit jeepinforjesus.com or follow their Facebook page. Be sure and attend this Saturday, 9/14/2024. Visit the event page here.
LUFKIN – Crews are scheduled next week to replace striping on the concrete pavement at the US 59 and BU 59/SL 287 South Interchange in Lufkin. The work is scheduled to be done at night, with minimal work conducted during the day.
Motorists should plan for slight delays and detours if traveling during work hours. The work on US 59 will be from the Tulane overpass to the Whitehouse overpass and will include frontage roads from SL 287 from the Tulane Bridge to the end of the concrete pavement. Existing striping will be removed, including stop bars and crosswalk striping. Each night through the week, crews will replace the striping that has been removed.
Stripe-A-Zone, Grand Prairie TX, will serve as contractor for the work that should be completed by Sept. 20, weather permitting.
“This is an extremely busy area with lots of traffic,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “Motorists are urged to reduce speed through the work zone if traveling during nighttime hours. There should be minimal impact to traffic during daytime hours. TxDOT urges motorists to expect delays, and obey all traffic control through this area.”
AUSTIN — Texans who sustained losses from Hurricane Beryl have one month remaining to apply for federal assistance. The deadline is October 10, 2024.
Since the disaster declaration in July, FEMA has helped nearly 673,700 Texas households with $704.7 million in financial assistance. FEMA specialists have been working in 22 counties helping people apply for assistance.
FEMA crews have visited 174,203 homes and 9,285 public locations. More than 45,000 residents have visited the 42 Disaster Recovery Centers located within the state. More than 26,100 families have stayed in hotels temporarily at the expense of the State and FEMA because they could not return to their homes.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved $247.8 million in low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofit organizations, and businesses affected by Beryl.
Homeowners and renters in Austin, Bowie, Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Orange, Polk, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity, Walker, Waller and Wharton counties with uninsured losses from Hurricane Beryl may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
Texans have several options for how to apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters can:
▪ Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
▪ Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
▪ Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
▪ Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find the center location nearest you go to fema.gov/drc. Disaster Recovery Centers operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday – Saturday, closed Sunday.
Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4798 September 2024
DR 4798-TX NR-XX One Month Remains to Apply for FEMA Assistance in Texas
To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofit organizations, and businesses of any size. Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster or by calling 800-659-2955. SBA representatives are available to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at the Disaster Recovery Centers throughout the affected area. Business Recovery Centers are operating at the University of Houston Downtown Marilyn Davies College of Business, Trini Mendenhall Community Center in Houston and East Montgomery County Improvement District in Montgomery County.
For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4798. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at @femaregion6.
Join us for the 40th Annual Texas State Forest Festival, presented by Brookshire Brothers, from September 19-22! Located at George H. Henderson Jr. Expo Center, Lufkin Texas.
Get ready for four days of non-stop fun and entertainment, including:
– Thrilling carnival rides
– Live music at the Swinging Axe stage, thanks to Visit Lufkin
– ♂️ The 5th Annual Lumber-JACKED 5K & Fun Run, presented by S&W Expert Collision Repair
– Delicious food from BBQ to fresh-squeezed lemonade
– Local brews from Rusty Axe Brewing Company
– Bear Hollow Wood Carver live carving
– The 3rd Annual Big Axe BBQ Competition, presented by Ferrara’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc
– New this year – Washer Tournament, presented by McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
– Pineywoods Car Show, presented by Bryan’s Paint and Body
– East Texas Cheerleading & Pom/Dance Championships, presented by Integra Insurance
– New shows like Scott’s World of Magic and the Off-Axis Stunt Show
– The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show
– Children’s Festival, presented by Hijinx Trampoline Park and hosted by Angelina Beautiful/Clean and Texas Forestry Museum
– ️ Vendor Market Days for unique shopping on Saturday & Sunday
Visit TexasStateForestFestival.com for all the details, including entry forms, ticket prices, volunteer opportunities, and schedules. Don’t miss out on this incredible event – bring your family and friends for a weekend of unforgettable fun!
LUFKIN – As Tropical Storm Francine approaches the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast, TxDOT wants motorists to be prepared for possible heavy rainfall that could impact East Texas. Francine is expected to grow to Hurricane strength by landfall on Wednesday, but rain is expected on Wednesday in the Lufkin District ahead of the storm’s landfall.
Lufkin District crews are preparing and will monitor roadways, ditches, and other areas prone to flooding throughout the day on Wednesday and into Thursday.
“Our crews stand ready to respond to any impact that might be felt from Francine here in the Lufkin District,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer. “While it appears Louisiana will feel the major impacts of this storm, TxDOT crews will be prepared to assist other districts to the south, should they need it. Here at home, we urge motorists to slow down, and prepare your home and family ahead of time.”
To be prepared for possible flash flooding, which is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in Texas, remember these safety tips:
Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Never walk, swim, or drive through still or moving flood waters. The water may be hiding dangers such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damage to the road. As little as six inches of fast-moving water can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle, even a pickup truck or SUV.
Stay informed about weather conditions when you are driving.
Be especially careful driving at night when it can be harder to see flood dangers.
If your vehicle stalls in deep water, leave it, and move to higher ground if you can do so safely.
Texas law states that motorists should never drive around barricades blocking low water crossings or flooded roadways. Penalties include fines up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail. Also, tampering with roadway signs or barricades is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to two years in jail. For more information on preparing for flash flooding, visit https://www.txdot.gov/safety/severe-weather.html.
Save the Date! Join us for a lunch & learn networking day. Specialty coffee bar, lunch and door prizes along with our keynote speakers, Eddie Hopkins, Nick the Wifi Guy and Jeremy Raley with Crime Stoppers, will make this an event to be sure not to miss! Seating is limited, please contact the Chamber as soon as possible to “Save a Seat.” This event is sponsored by; Hollis Tire, Green Star Realty, Jasper Java, First Insurance, Wiliford & Son, OCBM, Bobbie’s Bokay, Down Home Roots Herbal.
I will see everyone on Tuesday for the Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Chamber’s Lunch & Learn! What’s better than serving the public with knowledge and food!! We have a full house and look forward to seeing everyone for this event!
Date/Time Information:
September 10, 2024, from 10:30 am to 12 pm
Location:
500 South Wheeler St., Jasper, TX, United States, Texas 75951
Another big week at AC Athletics, with our men’s soccer team climbing a few notches in the national rankings – and backing the rise with a huge win over another ranked team – and the new website scheduled to make its appearance this very week.
Baseball has started its fall schedule, and softball is coming in right behind the guys.
Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
No. 5 Roadrunners Take Two Wins This Week
On Monday, the Roadrunner men’s soccer team learned it had made an impressive jump in the NJCAA Division I national rankings, with AC moving from No. 8 to No. 5 following a pair of impressive, season-opening wins in Week 1.
This past week, the ‘Runners showed they’re worthy of such lofty regards.
AC began the week with a hard-fought road win at Paris Junior College, taking the 3-2 win on a late goal (83rd minute) from Elias Taj to seal the match. Earlier, Mario Bedford managed to catch the Dragon keeper out of the net and lofted a shot over the defense and into the net; and AC’s Patricio Villalobos scored on a direct kick in the 48th minute, ripping his kick past both the Paris wall and the keeper.
AC then faced its toughest challenge of the young season on Friday, hosting the No. 8 LSU-Eunice Bengals – a team that has traditionally given the Roadrunners fits.
The only “fits” taking place on Friday were the ways the AC offense managed to fit the ball into the net in an impressive 4-0 win in front of the home crowd.
With the teams waging their typical, physical battle throughout the first half, the score remained level until Filliph Kamfjord took a beautiful cross from teammate Samuel Bouable and tucked the shot away for a 1-0 lead with just 33 seconds remaining before the break.
In the second half, the relentless Roadrunner attack broke all the way through the LSU-E defense. Bouable – who would finish the match with three assists – fed Unathi Radebe for a goal in the 60th minute. AC’s Elias Taj received a sliding pass from Kamfjord across the box for the 3-0 lead; and Eldon Reneau capped the scoring with a beauty of a lob over the Bengal keeper despite having a defender dragging him down from behind.
The Roadrunners (4-0) get a break this week before hitting the road for some key matches. AC travels to Tyler Junior College on Tuesday, Sept. 17 and to Blinn College on Friday, Sept. 20.
The ‘Runners’ next home match is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 24 against Ranger College. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
Lady Roadrunners Split Conference Games This Week
AC’s ladies picked up a tough road win Tuesday at Paris Junior College, overcoming a scoreless first half to pick up two key goals in the second.
Estephany Aguilar fed Paula Suarez for a goal in the 51st minute, and Michelle Naderman converted Sarah Riboe’s dish for another score to lead the Lady Roadrunners to the 2-1 win.
On Friday, the Lady Roadrunners fell to a tough Trinity Valley Community College team, losing 2-0 to fall to 2-2 on the season.
AC travels to Corsicana to face Navarro College on Tuesday. Kickoff is set for 4:30 p.m.
IT’S HERE: Changes, Upgrades Coming to AC Athletics Web Site
Following months of anticipation, the new-look Angelina College Athletics website is scheduled for its big rollout later this week. The site will incorporate social media, along with several other user-friendly tools – not to mention looking just plain cool.
NOTE: As is always the case with such a big transition, we anticipate glitches along the way. It may take some time to iron those out, so it’s a good idea to follow possible schedule changes on our social media sites: the Angelina College Athletics Facebook page or @ACAthletics on X (formerly known as Twitter).
The ‘Runner baseball team opened its fall season on Friday, played again on Sunday and is heading toward this weekend’s Roadrunner Round Robin Tournament, scheduled to run Sept. 13-15 at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Currently, the ‘Runners’ schedule for the weekend is as follows:
Friday, Sept. 13: AC vs. Temple College, 12 p.m.; AC vs. Navarro College, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 14: AC vs. Panola College, 10 a.m.; AC vs. Bossier Parish Community College, 7 p.m.
The Lady Roadrunners’ softball team will also get its fall schedule into full swing starting with a home doubleheader on Saturday, Sept. 14 against the Houston Nitro. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
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.
Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics website, look at the scrolling schedule on the right and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smartphones, 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 10:
Lady Roadrunner Soccer at Navarro College, 4:30 p.m., Corsicana, TX
Friday, Sept. 13:
Roadrunner Baseball: AC vs. Temple College, 12 p.m.; AC vs. Navarro College, 6 p.m., Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Saturday, Sept. 14:
Roadrunner Baseball: AC vs. Panola College, 10 a.m.; AC vs. Bossier Parish Community College, 7 p.m., Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Lady Roadrunner Softball: AC vs. Nitro 18U, doubleheader starting at 2 p.m., Lady Roadrunner Field on the AC campus.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas— After 43 years of leadership and dedication to Texas A&M Forest Service, Bill Oates, Associate Director and private landowner rights champion, retires.
Oates—known in the agency and around the state as an outspoken personality—might surprise you. His ceiling-high collection of 1970s soft and acid rock vinyl records rings through the halls from the stereo speakers almost every day of the week. The era and artist selection of the day is entirely unpredictable—Elton John today, maybe Lynyrd Skynyrd tomorrow.
Holding a conversation with Oates has one simple challenge: you must hold the conversation over his music. If you can cut through the sound, Oates may start by exclaiming, “I don’t have a good memory,” before recollecting a four-decade-old story like it happened yesterday.
His eclecticism and deep tie to historical knowledge of forestry led him to become an energetic driving force throughout the agency and Southeast U.S. in diverse ways.
Oates began his career with the agency in Jacksonville, Texas, as a forester in 1981 following his graduation from Stephen F. Austin University. From his first day on the job, he was in love with forestry and the many adventures that came with it, including fighting wildfires.
Following his first stationing in Jacksonville and the start of his family, Oates was relocated nearly seven times throughout East Texas during which he was named a District Forester in 1984 and a Regional Forester in 1996. Throughout his time in East Texas, Oates displayed his strong connection to the forests and people around him, leading to his promotion to Chief Regional Forester in 2003, where he oversaw all forestry operations in East Texas.
The relocations and duties of a forester came naturally to Oates as he is the son of a USDA Forest Service forester—a career that relocated his family to several states across the Southeast U.S. throughout his childhood. His exposure to the world of forestry through the lens of his dad is what he credits as his earliest and continuous driving passion for forestry.
“My dad once brought home a radio the size of a microwave,” Oates reflects. “This radio is what connected us [the family] to my dad when he was away fighting wildfires. He would radio my mom at night to let her know he was safe.”
Soon, Oates didn’t wait for his dad to call his mom on the radio. Instead, he would endlessly sit by the radio listening to the firefighters and dispatch communication, adding fuel to his ambition of the impact he would later have as a forester.
Oates carried that ambition and knowledge in forestry back to his alma mater, where he taught several forest policy classes in his spare time, which he refers to as one of the most fulfilling experiences of his career.
Before the agency’s mission restructuring in the early 2000s, he shared that the agency’s scope was more limited to East Texas, and very seldom would they leave the region to combat wildfires in Central and West Texas.
However, when he was dispatched to locations outside of East Texas, the thrill of fighting wildfires in a new environment kept him going back for more.
Oates’ career shifted away from on-the-ground forestry and firefighting and more into executive leadership in College Station in 2008 when he was named the Associate Director of Forest Resource Development. In this leadership role, Oates oversaw programs including Forest Stewardship, Urban Forestry, Forest Health, Forest Inventory and Analysis, Water Quality, and Economic Development.
In West Texas, Oates was an instrumental catalyst for Operation Ponderosa, a long-term restoration project that has replanted more than 2,000 Ponderosa pine trees in the Davis Mountains since 2014.
During his tenure in College Station, Oates picked up a new hobby that satisfied his lifelong interest in history. Among the vinyl covers and loose papers in his office sit dust-free artifacts and photographs dating back to the agency’s founding in 1915. He began the motley collection by assisting the curators of the agency’s centennial celebration in 2015 to source historical memorabilia like film and video negatives. Doing so led him to a deeper understanding of the values of the agency.
“I learned so much about the agency that I didn’t know before by taking on this project,” said Oates. “By seeing and reading what the early agency founders did, they were humanized in a certain way.”
Oates was also a forestry leader beyond the agency. He has been a member of the Texas Forestry Association since 1981 and was the organization’s first certified forester. Throughout his time with the Texas Forestry Association, Oates served as a board member and later as the president in 2015.
With 43 years in the industry, Oates said that a lot has changed but the mission and strategies of a forester have remained constant.
“The biggest change I’ve seen in Texas forestry has been within the integrated forest products industry,” Oates said. “Nearly 35% of East Texas land was once owned or managed by forest product companies, but they experienced a large divestiture which added a new complexity for forestry and how we connected with landowners in the area.”
Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Deputy Director, shared that Oates’ impact in forestry exceeds his colorful personality and that his leadership was a catalyst for change within forestry and the state.
“Bill was a champion of private landowner rights,” said Moorehead. “He made sure that Texas landowners were able to practice sustainable forestry, which includes practices such as prescribed fire, to ensure the forests of tomorrow are strong and healthy.”
Oates is the recipient of many awards including the Texas Forestry Association Lifetime Leadership Award in 2022, the Society of American Foresters Leadership Award in 1992, the Texas A&M University System’s Regent Fellow Service Award in 2015 and the Laurence C. Walker Distinguished Service Forestry Award in 2020.
Upon reflecting on his idea of Oates’ legacy, Moorehead shared, “Bill will be remembered for the work he did to make sure Texas forests were sustained and properly managed for all to benefit for generations to come.”
As his legacy is marked on the state and he looks forward to retirement, Oates has no definitive plans, but he imagines his days will be filled with playing golf and spending more time with his family.
