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Angelina College Weekly Update 

By
Gary Stallard
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Hey, sports fans,

This past week saw our men’s basketball on the road for three games (and pulling off a massive upset) while the Lady Roadrunners stuck around for some work at home, including the weekend’s Angelina Classic.

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

Roadrunner Basketball Spends Week on the Road, Shocks No. 1 South Plains

A week’s worth of traveling saw the Roadrunner men’s basketball team finish with its biggest win of the young season.

At Saturday’s East/West Challenge in McKinney, Texas, the ‘Runners beat No. 1 South Plains CC in a 68-60 shocker. Christian Jones led AC in scoring with 30 points, including the game-clinching free throws in the final seconds. 

The Roadrunner defense locked down a high-powered Texans team averaging more than 80 points per game. 

In Friday’s game at the East/West Challenge, AC pushed Collin County CC before a late run propelled the Cougars to a 63-48 win at the ‘Roadrunners’ expense. Jordan Mathews led AC with 10 points and 12 rebounds. 

Earlier in the week, the ‘Runners topped Dallas College-Eastfield by a 59-50 score, with AC’s Kyle Morgan leading the team in scoring with 13 points. Quasim Boyd added 10 points and four steals, and Kanaan Holder and Chris Carpenter chipped in with nine points each.

The Roadrunners host Strength ‘N Motion at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday as part of a women’s/men’s basketball doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium. 

Lady Roadrunner Basketball  

(Basketball photos by Clara Sonet)
(Basketball photos by Clara Sonet)

On Tuesday, the Lady ‘Runners got big nights from India McMahon (25 points) and Lanaijha Johnson (19 points, 9 rebounds) to pull away from Southern University-Shreveport in a 74-63 AC win. Shanice Ferguson added 11 points and eight boards, while Maria Andrade led both teams with 13 rebounds.

(Basketball photos by Clara Sonet)
(Basketball photos by Clara Sonet)

Friday saw the Lady Roadrunners hosting the Angelina Classic, and AC pushed No. 13 McLennan College hard before fading late in a 59-50 loss to the Highlanders. McMahon led the Lady ‘Runners in scoring with 21 points, followed by Ferguson and Lanaijha Johnson with nine points each. 

Saturday vs. LSU-Eunice, AC’s ladies built a 20-point lead in the second half and hung on to hold off a late Lady Bengal charge, with the Lady Roadrunners taking the 65-57 win to close out the Classic. McMahon finished with 18 points, Johnson added a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds and Andrade just missed the double-double with 10 points and nine boards. 

The Lady Roadrunners (4-4) host Western Gulf CC at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20 as part of a women’s/men’s basketball doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium. 

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:

Wednesday, Nov. 20:

Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Western Gulf CC, 6 p.m., Shands Gymnasium

Roadrunner Basketball vs. Strength ‘N Motion, 7:30 p.m., Shands Gymnasium

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

Identifying Johnson Grass and Worrying about Prussic Acid

By
Cary Sims
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From time to time, I’ll have questions about a good forage grass that we love to hate: Johnson grass. Johnson grass is a member of the sorghum family. Its scientific name is Sorghum halepense. If you’ve ever seen the plump yellow to orange heads of grain sorghum being grown in the dryer, grain-producing areas, you may be surprised to learn this robust grain is related to the (often cussed) Johnson grass.

Over my years in this job, I’ve had a number of questions about properly identifying Johnson grass. I grew up with lots of Johnson grass in our pastures in Johnson County, just south of Fort Worth. Here in east Texas, the predominant, large grassy weed is Vasey grass, which is sometimes, locally called “bull grass”. 

From a distance, you can easily recognize Johnson grass with its upright, airy seed head with pink-ish color.

Look up images of both on a search engine. You’ll quickly notice the difference. While much less prominent, the typical location for Johnson grass in our area is roadsides where management and input differ greatly. 

Vasey grass (Paspalum urvillei) is related to Bahiagrass. I have a book entitled Common Texas Grasses and it eight species of Paspalum grasses listed in it. Even crabgrass is in the Paspalum family. 

Vasey grass is very prominent in local pastures and, as I’ve learned, is often mistaken for Johnson grass. Vasey’s seed head has little color, being ‘greenish grey’ with the seed head clumped together, often leaning over a bit. 

The good news is that Vasey grass does not have the prussic acid issues. And Vasey grass is by far the more common vegetation of the two that you may find.

What may not be known is that Johnson grass can be a great forage. It’s protein and digestibility are up there with Coastal bermuda grass, and the productivity (tons per acre) is right up there as well. Johnson grass in its younger stages of growth is so desirable that it can be grazed out of a pasture if not stocked correctly.

Now that we know more about each of these grasses, let’s talk more about the potential for Prussic acid and what we can do as stockmen to safeguard against it. 

Prussic acid, more correctly called hydrocyanic acid (a cyanide based compound), develops in Sudan grass or sorghum grasses which are severely stressed. One of these stressors is frost. The hydrocyanic acid develops within only a few hours after the frost and should dissipate within a few days

As of this printing in our part of the world in east Texas, we have yet to have our first frost. 

According to my favorite pasture reference book, Southern Forages, stockmen should wait seven days after a frost event before retuning livestock to graze on pastures with Johnson grass. By waiting, you will ensure that the prussic acid levels have subsided to safe levels. 

Often, I’ll find myself recommending waiting 14 days to give producers and myself an added margin of safety. 

If you bale a hay meadow with Johnson grass shortly after a frost, you only have to wait until the hay has properly cured (as you should be doing anyways) to be free of worry. 

However if you are one that is working with the new ensiled hay bales (wrapped in plastic) you’ll need to wait much, much longer. Research results vary, but studies from Iowa State University and others strongly suggest you delay feeding silage for eight weeks after ensiling. If the forage likely contained high prussic acid levels at time of harvest, hazardous levels of prussic acid might remain, and the silage should be analyzed before feeding.

The Red Kettle Campaign: A Tradition of Hope and Community Support

By
Rachel Lauren
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From left to right: Wendy Walker advisory board Chairperson, Lee Miller, Mayer Mark Hicks, Callie, Macy

At 10:00 AM, a friendly competition took place between the mayors of Lufkin and Nacogdoches. The event was held at Brookshire Brothers, located at 1807 W. Frank in Lufkin, with the Mayor of Lufkin competing against the Mayor of Nacogdoches, whose location was at 1420 N. University Dr.

KSWP conducted a live remote broadcast from Nacogdoches, while Kicks 105 did the same from Lufkin, both airing from 10 AM to 12 PM. During this time, Brookshire’s pledged to match a portion of the funds raised. A live band performed in Lufkin, represented by Central High School, and another band played in Nacogdoches, represented by The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters and local musicians from The Salvation Army church.

The Red Kettle Campaign is more than just a holiday tradition—it’s a symbol of the deep generosity and community spirit that defines East Texas. As the familiar bells ring outside local stores and businesses, they serve as a reminder of the powerful impact we can have when we come together to support those in need.

A Community of Generosity

In East Texas, where neighbors take care of neighbors, every contribution to the Red Kettle represents more than just a donation. It’s a tangible expression of hope and solidarity for families and individuals facing difficult circumstances. Whether it’s dropping in a few coins or a larger bill, each donation plays a vital role in funding the life-changing services provided by The Salvation Army.

“East Texans are known for their warm hearts and their willingness to lend a hand,” said Lee Miller, Vice Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. “This season, every contribution, no matter how big or small, helps provide essential programs and services that uplift families, children, and individuals in our area.”

Funds that Make a Real Difference

The funds raised through the Red Kettle Campaign go toward a range of critical programs and services. These include feeding the hungry, providing clothing and shelter for those in need, and offering emergency financial assistance. In times of hardship, The Salvation Army serves as a beacon of hope, offering a lifeline to those who need it most.

A Call to Action

As the holiday season unfolds and the bells ring in the weeks to come, it’s a reminder that each contribution is a chance to make a real difference. Whether it’s through giving a little or a lot, the Red Kettle Campaign helps bring out the best in our community—a community that is always ready to show kindness, compassion, and support.

“I hope that as we hear those bells, we remember that each ring is a call to action,” Miller continued. “It’s an opportunity to show the kindness and giving spirit that make our community so special. Let’s make this Red Kettle season one of the most impactful yet.”

Strengthening Our Community

This holiday season, as we join together to support the Red Kettle Campaign, we continue a long-standing tradition that uplifts our neighbors and strengthens the bonds of our community. Every donation counts, and together, we can make a meaningful difference.

From left to right: Wendy Walker advisory board Chairperson, Lee Miller, Mayer Mark Hicks, Callie, Macy

Holiday Hoedown (Nacogdoches County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Join us for holiday greetings with Santa, refreshments, and snacks at the Annual NacSpace Alive After 5.

Date/Time Information:
December 5, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Location:
2400 N Stallings Dr
Nacogdoches, Texas

Holiday Hoedown (Nacogdoches County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

Join us for holiday greetings with Santa, refreshments, and snacks at the Annual NacSpace Alive After 5.

Date/Time Information:
December 5, 2024, from 5:30 pm to 7 pm
Location:
2400 N Stallings Dr
Nacogdoches, Texas

San Augustine Main Street Lighted Candy Cane Christmas Parade

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Kick off the holiday season with us at the San Augustine Main Street Lighted Candy Cane Christmas Parade! Join us on Friday, December 6th, at 6 PM for an evening of holiday lights, festive treats, and family fun as downtown San Augustine transforms into a magical Candy Cane Lane.

Date: Wednesday, December 6th
Time: Parade starts at 6 PM; Kid’s Barrel Rides open at 5 PM
Location: Downtown San Augustine

Enjoy:
Free Candy for the Kids
Kid’s Barrel Rides starting at 5 PM
Holiday Vendors with Festive Gifts and Treats
Lighted Floats & Holiday Music

With our Candy Cane theme, Main Street will be aglow with lights and holiday cheer! Bring your family and friends, grab a cozy spot, and enjoy this festive tradition with our community.

Interested in Joining the Parade?
Contact Tammy Barbee @ Texas Star Retail for parade entry details. All are welcome to bring their holiday spirit!

Stay tuned to San Augustine Main Street for updates. We can’t wait to celebrate with you on December 6th!

New Traffic Signal Set for Activation in Angelina County

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – Motorists should remain alert beginning next week on SH 103 at FM 842 as crews activate a new traffic signal.

Commissioners recently approved the placement of the traffic signal after a speed study was completed that met the required markers for the installation of a new traffic control signal device. Portable message boards are in place and the new signal will be activated on Nov. 19.

Motorists should obey all traffic control through the area, stay alert for drivers who are not aware of the new signal, reduce speed and be prepared to stop. The traffic signal is enforceable by law enforcement once it is activated.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.

National Seat Belt Day: Safety Comes First

By
Rachel Lauren
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Photo by Remy Lovesy on Unsplash

A lot of people, especially young teens, don’t realize the safety of a seat belt. It is there to prevent you from flying out of the windshield of your car if you have a wreck. It’s also there so you don’t get flown around in a car; instead, the seat belt keeps you seated.

Let’s Look at the Statistics

According to https://www.nhtsa.gov/, in 2022, 25,420 people were killed in passenger vehicle accidents in 2022 alone. Of those killed, about 50% were not wearing a seat belt. That’s 12,710 people that potentially could have lived if they were only wearing their seat belts.

Seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing seat belts, just in 2017. Think of how many people could have been saved in the last DECADE if they wore their seat belts. That would be more than just a few people.

History of the Seat Belt

https://www.oswaldserviceinc.com/ records that in the late 1800s, an English engineer named George Cayley came up with the idea for the seat belt, but it wasn’t meant for cars at the time. Instead, he designed it to keep pilots from falling out of their gliders. The first seat belt designed specifically for cars—a lap belt—was patented in 1855 by Edward J. Claghorn, an American inventor. His goal was to improve safety, especially for people riding in New York City taxis. However, seat belts didn’t become common in cars until the mid-1930s, when safety testing started to show their importance. After more research and studies, doctors pushed for seat belts to be included in all vehicles to help protect passengers.

It wasn’t until 1959 that Volvo introduced the three-point seat belt, the type we’re familiar with today. Designed by Swedish engineer Nils Bohlin, this new seat belt offered protection for both the upper and lower body. Soon after, U.S. car manufacturers were required to include seat belts in every car. Before 1966, seat belts were often sold as optional add-ons, and you could even buy them at gas stations. By 1975, most other developed countries had followed the U.S. lead and made seat belts mandatory in all vehicles.

Buckle Up!

Now that you know how important wearing your seatbelt is, make sure to always buckle up even if it’s a short drive. In fact, not only is it not safe, it is illegal in the state of Texas to not wear your seat belt while driving, or even riding as passengers.

Wearing seat belts saves lives. Don’t add onto the aforementioned statistics. Drive smart, and be safe.

SALVATION ARMY’S RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN RETURNS, BRINGING LOVE BEYOND CHRISTMAS

By
Rachel Lauren
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0
Image by wandeaw on Envato Elements

Lufkin, Texas (November 15, 2024) at 10:00 am at Brookshire Brothers on 1807 W. Frank for Lufkin, the Mayor will be there for a friendly competition against the Mayor of Nacogdoches located at
1420 N. University Dr.

KSWP will do a live remote in Nacogdoches, and Kicks 105 will be doing a live remote in Lufkin from 10am-12pm, and Brookshire’s will match a portion of what is raised during that time. We will have a live band in Lufkin represented by Central High School, and one in Nacogdoches represented by The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters and local players from The Salvation Army church.

The Salvation Army is excited to announce the return of its annual Red Kettle Campaign in Lufkin, spreading joy and the festive spirit of Christmas. As The Salvation Army’s primary fundraising initiative, the Red Kettle Campaign plays a vital role in providing life-changing programs and services throughout the year. These programs include food assistance, shelter for people experiencing homelessness, emergency financial assistance, youth programs and disaster response.

“Since its humble beginnings in 1891, when a Salvation Army Captain used a crab pot to collect funds in
San Francisco, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown to become one of the most recognized charitable
initiatives worldwide,” said Captain Jenifer Phillips of The Salvation Army in Lufkin. “The funds raised
through the red kettle will serve as a lifeline in our community, offering essential assistance such as
nourishment, shelter and vital social services to those in their greatest time of need.”

From the beginning of November until Christmas Eve, red kettles will be stationed outside various
stores and local businesses in Lufkin from Monday to Saturday. Last year, The Salvation Army
successfully raised $75,000 through the campaign, and this season, they are aiming to raise $80,000 to
support the community.

“We are immensely grateful for the spirit of giving in our community and the unwavering support we
receive from our generous donors and corporate partners,” added Captain Phillips. “Together, we can
ignite hope and provide support to those in our community who are in the most need.”

The Salvation Army is also seeking volunteers to ring the bells at the red kettle locations. Those
interested can sign up by visiting RegisterToRing.com or by calling 936-634-5132.

To donate or learn more about how you can support The Salvation Army this Christmas, please visit
southernusa.salvationarmy.org/lufkin or call 936-634-5132.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps nearly 24 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,000 centers of operation around the country. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org Follow us on X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

Texas A&M Forest Service Honors Personnel and Service at 2024 Annual Meeting

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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TYLER, Texas ¾ Texas A&M Forest Service held the agency’s annual personnel meeting today in Tyler, Texas. Statewide agency employees gathered to recognize the past year’s agency accomplishments and employee achievements.

“Our agency has had a successful year of overcoming many challenges,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis. “This year’s personnel meeting was a great day to reflect on our growth, improvements and employee success.”

During the meeting, Davis spoke on many agency highlights from this year including giving over $20 million through the Rural VFD Assistance Program, over $38 million through the Community Wildfire Protection grant, and over $16 million to landowners and communities to improve natural resources.

“I am respectful of our past and excited about our future,” said Davis. “With the help of the Texas Legislature and our employees’ adaptability, we stand ready to conserve and protect Texas.”

During the meeting, agency leadership recognized 78 employees for five years or more of service including: Kirk Risinger, Radio Communications Specialist IV in Hudson for 25 years of service; Bryan Young, Resource Specialist V in Lufkin for 25 years of service; Michael Dunivan, Area Operations Chief in San Antonio for 30 years of service; Joel Hambright, Regional Operations Chief in Huntsville for 30 years of service; and Ricky Holbrook, Fire Coordinator V in Livingston for 35 years of service.

Employees who consistently deliver excellent service above-and-beyond regular job duties were presented with Director’s Awards. 

Donna Smith, Business Assistant III in McGregor, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Field. Smith is known to be an uplifting and encouraging spirit, supporting the office and her team in the field. She goes above and beyond by supporting the agency’s mission and activities through helping with Pac-testing, tree planting, administrative training, Sisters in Fire, Texas Abor Day and Smokey Bear events.   

Adam DeWitt, Project Coordinator in College Station, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Office. DeWitt has demonstrated excellence in project management, technical analysis and process improvement for the Capacity Building Department. His leadership in the development and implementation of FireConnect will have lasting impacts on the agency and fire department cooperators.

Kayla Walkoviak, Business Assistant II in Conroe, received the Director’s Award for Support Staff Professional. Walkoviak has been an integral part of the agency for seven years showing indispensable leadership in district logistics, finances, grant management, reporting and resource tracking. In addition to business functions, she actively engages in prescribed burning on the Jones State Forest and assists with education and outreach events.

Jason Ellis, District Forester IV in Jacksonville, received the D.A. “Andy” Anderson Information and Education Award. Ellis works tirelessly to provide sound educational experiences to visitors of the Fairchild State Forest. He teaches FFA and 4-H members and students from Stephen F. Austin State University and Texas A&M University.

Michelle Moore, Staff Forester II in Lufkin, received the Director’s Award for Technical Forestry. Moore leads the agency’s Electronic Land Management Records program which supports field staff. She is also the Project Director for Texas Climate Smart Initiative’s Forest Commodity Team.

Matthew Moore, Resource Specialist IV in Palestine, received the Charles Krenek Award for Resource Specialist. Moore is dedicated to servicing his district, the agency and all of Texas through wildfire response to assisting landowners. He has a wealth of knowledge and serves on the Employee Advisory Council; is an instructor for chainsaw, ATV/UTV and forklift operations; and is a member of the hand crew.

John Hawkins, District Forester IV in New Boston, received the Byron “Jeff” Durant Prescribed Fire Excellence Award. Hawkins has planned and executed prescribed burns on 6,616 acres from 2022 to 2024 in our North Region. He has strengthened partner relationships which has helped develop the next generation of prescribed burn managers, ensuring the continued success and safety of prescribed fire operations.

The Director’s Award for Team Effort – Best Interdivisional Project was awarded to a group who has elevated the Civil Air Patrol Partnership, increasing aerial fire detection and forest management. This team is comprised of Mike Sills, Staff Forester IV in Dallas; Buster Robinson, Incident Aviation Operations Officer in Palestine; James Russell, Regional Coordinator in Nacogdoches; Billy Whitworth, Area Operations Chief in Nacogdoches; and Courtney Blevins, Staff Forester V in Fort Worth.

Texas A&M Forest Service and the Civil Air Patrol have a Memorandum of Understanding to assist with aerial fire detection. This partnership helped this group facilitate Wildland Fire Behavior training for Civil Air Patrol pilots and observers.

Texas A&M Forest Service is proud to recognize agency accomplishments and employee achievements while looking forward to the future and the coming year of service.

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