Managing operational costs is critical for businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to large commercial operations. Energy expenses often account for a significant portion of those costs, and making smart energy decisions can free up funds for other priorities, whether it’s new equipment, staffing, or expanding your services.
At Amerigy Energy, we specialize in helping businesses of all sizes—from small shops to large commercial operations—find the right energy plan to maximize savings. Here’s how one Central Texas company was able to cut its energy costs by 20% after switching to Amerigy.
The Challenge: Rising Energy Costs
“Lone Star Printing,” a mid-sized print shop based in Central Texas, had been experiencing rising energy bills for the past two years. With 50 employees and a large amount of energy-intensive equipment, the business’s monthly electricity bill was steadily increasing, cutting into its profitability.
“We were in a long-term contract with our previous provider, and the costs kept creeping up every month,” said Mark Robinson, the owner of Lone Star Printing. “We didn’t realize how much we could save by exploring other options.”
Like many businesses, Lone Star Printing was out of contract on a variable plan, where market fluctuations led to unpredictable energy bills—especially during periods of peak demand.
The Solution: Switching to Amerigy Energy
After a neighboring business recommended Amerigy Energy, Mark decided to reach out for a free consultation. Our team worked closely with him to analyze the company’s energy usage and identify opportunities for savings. Based on our analysis, we suggested switching to a fixed-rate longer term energy plan, which would stabilize their rates and lower their overall energy costs.
“Amerigy showed us the breakdown of our usage and explained how a fixed-rate plan would help us save in the long run,” Mark said. “The process was seamless, and we saw the savings almost immediately.”
The Results: 20% Energy Savings
Within the first month of switching to Amerigy, Lone Star Printing saw a noticeable reduction in their energy costs. Over the year, the company saved approximately 20% on its monthly electricity bill.
Before switching, their average monthly energy bill was $5,000. After switching to a fixed-rate plan, their monthly energy costs dropped to $4,000—a savings of $1,000 per month. Over the course of a year, this totaled $12,000 in savings.
For Lone Star Printing, these savings allowed them to reinvest in new printing technology and expand their marketing efforts, driving further growth for the business.
Why Amerigy Energy?
Competitive Rates for All Businesses: Whether you’re a small, medium, or large business, Amerigy Energy offers some of the most competitive rates in the Texas market, thanks to our extensive network of energy providers.
Custom Solutions: We tailor our energy plans to suit your business’s unique needs, providing cost-effective solutions for small businesses as well as large commercial operations.
Transparent Pricing: We believe in clear, straightforward pricing. No hidden fees or complicated terms—just energy savings that help you manage your budget more effectively.
A Call to Action for Texas Businesses
Whether you run a small business, a mid-sized company, or a large commercial operation, the chances are you could be paying too much for electricity. If you’ve noticed your energy costs rising, it’s time to explore more competitive options. Don’t let outdated contracts and variable-rate plans eat into your profits.
Contact Amerigy Energy today for a free consultation. Our experts will review your current plan, analyze your energy usage, and help you find the best solution to cut costs and boost your bottom line. 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 the ERCOT Market of Texas.
AUSTIN – While fall and winter give Texans a much-needed reprieve from the summer heat, the change in seasons also brings fewer daylight hours, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians and keep them safe.
October was the deadliest month for pedestrians last year, with 80 pedestrians dying in Texas traffic crashes. It was also the month that Lisa Torry Smith was killed in a crash in 2017 as she was walking her 6-year-old son to kindergarten in Missouri City. A motorist drove through a crosswalk, hitting Lisa and leaving her son with a broken leg and fractured pelvis—and without a mother.
A new law in her honor now requires drivers to stop and yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks. Lisa’s sister, Gina Torry, is now advocating for pedestrian safety.
Sadly, Lisa’s story is just one of many. Over the last five years, pedestrian traffic fatalities in Texas have increased by 22%, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding everyone to be extra cautious and alert.
“As the fall and winter months usher in shorter days and less light, pedestrians are at increased risk on our roads,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “Drivers may struggle to see pedestrians in lower-light conditions and must stay alert to avoid preventable collisions. Likewise, pedestrians can take extra precautions to be seen by drivers when walking after dark.”
TxDOT is taking to the streets with its “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign during October’s National Pedestrian Safety Month, reminding drivers to slow down and watch for people walking.
TxDOT encourages everyone to follow the safety tips below to prevent a deadly crash.
For drivers:
Stop and yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.
When turning, yield the right of way to pedestrians.
Put your phone away before you begin driving and pay attention so you’re prepared if pedestrians enter your path.
Be cautious when passing stopped buses or other vehicles that can block your view of pedestrians.
Follow the posted speed limit and drive to the conditions.
For people walking:
Cross the street only at intersections and crosswalks. Look left, right, then left again before crossing.
Make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Don’t assume traffic will stop for you.
Follow all traffic and crosswalk signals.
When walking, put away electronic devices that take your attention off the road.
Stay visible. Wear reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart” 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 to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of August 6, 2024. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible formaintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail, and public transportation across the state.
As we near the 2024 Election Day on November 5, I’d like to offer a friendly reminder that the early voting period will begin on October 21 and will end on November 1. While I always encourage folks to take advantage of the early voting period to avoid Election Day lines, what’s most important is that you plan to participate in the process by exercising your right to vote. For more information about early voting locations, what you’ll need to bring with you to the polling locations, or any other questions you may have, please visit www.votetexas.gov.
With that, we’ll step back into our examination of House interim charges. . .
House Interim Charge: Licensing & Administrative Procedures
The House Committee on Licensing & Administrative Procedures has jurisdiction over all matters related to the oversight of businesses and industry in Texas, the regulation of the sale of alcohol, and the Alcoholic Beverage Code. The Committee also has jurisdiction over the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the Texas Real Estate Commission, and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
During the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of a number of bills, including House Bill 1859 and 3579. HB 1859 waives certain renewal fees for an air conditioning and refrigeration contractor license and allows students in certification programs to act as air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. HB 3579 allows the executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to issue an emergency order halting the operation of a massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR believes human trafficking is occurring at the location.
House Interim Charge: International Relations and Economic Development
The House Committee on International Relations and Economic Development has jurisdiction over many matters including the relations between Texas and other nations, workforce training, and economic development. The Committee also has jurisdiction over a number of agencies including the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office and the Texas Workforce Commission.
During the interim, the Committee will monitor the implementation of House Bill 1755 and 4451. HB 1755 established the Lone Star Workforce Fund and a grant program to support workforce training programs to help fill the demand for a skilled workforce in Texas. Additionally, it will provide Texans with the opportunity to be trained and equipped with the skills necessary to obtain sustaining, full-time employment. HB 4451 seeks to address current and future workforce needs. The bill requires the Texas Workforce Commission to work with Texas’s 28 local workforce development boards to determine the availability of apprenticeships aligned with the industries represented on the high demand occupation list.
Additionally, the Committee will study the early childhood education industry. Specifically, the Committee will evaluate the current state of the industry and review current early childhood policies and evaluate their effectiveness.
The mobile office is still on the road again this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on October 16 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/.
Go on down to Stargazer Ranch in Livingston for a free admission, open venue & vendor event. There will be a good selection of vendors, food, live music, fun and bonfire. Entertainment for the whole family!
Ranger Eric from Lake Livingston State Park will have a booth and educate the kids on wildlife & conservation.
-Over 20 Vendors (11a-5p) -Yard Games -Food Truck, plus more food options -Raffle: Free 2 Night Stay on the Ranch -Photo Mini Sessions by Holly -Bounce Houses by Sarah -Face Painting by Sheri -Live Music by Brian
Kirbyville High School hosts: Spirit of Christmas Fun Run & Festival! This event is to raise money to help spread the spirit of Christmas to KCISD students and their families who are in need during the holiday season. During and after the 5k we will have live music, bounce houses, games, food, and fun for the whole family. Registration begins at 8am, the race begins at 9am, and the festival will extend until 12pm.
Parking will be behind the home side bleachers at KHS Wildcat Stadium (bus loop parking lot) OR behind the KHS Wildcat gym (by the tennis courts).
This Fall Festival is everything you love about fall festivals and then some! There are plenty of games and activities for you and your family to check out. Everything from pumpkin bowling and corn hole to live music and an antique tractor show is what this festival is about. There will be games, a kitty train ride, a bake sale, and face painting. There will be a fantastic fried fish lunch served from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM served with fries and hush puppies. If you can’t make it in time for the fried fish, they will have a concession stand open where you can purchase hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, candy, and drinks as you visit the fall fest. The best part is it’s free because their mission is to get everyone together, have a good time, and eat some good food. Just bring your family down in Troup, Texas for this family-friendly event.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – More than $235,000 in scholarships will be available for students in the Forest Resource Track in the Texas A&M Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology. The funds for this scholarship have been provided by the profit made from timber sales on the John Henry Kirby State Forest by Texas A&M Forest Service.
This scholarship will award ECCB freshmen and transfer students, including enrolled Texas A&M Forest Service employees and interns, $4,000 annually.
“We wanted to create scholarships specifically for those studying forest resources, as well as for those who work and do internships at Texas A&M Forest Service,” said Al Davis, Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. “This is to encourage undergraduate students to work for Texas A&M Forest Service and for current employees to pursue further education in advancement of the agency’s mission.”
The first recipients of this scholarship are anticipated to be announced in spring 2025 and awarded for the fall 2025 semester. The scholarship will be awarded to recipients in two increments at the beginning of each semester.
Katy Gonder, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, said the scholarships supporting the education and training of the next generation of professionals enrolled in the department’s Forestry Resources Track are an investment in the future of forestry in Texas.
“These scholarships provide essential financial support while connecting Texas A&M students to our state’s rich history of forest management,” she said. “The Forestry Resources Track prepares students to enter the profession as skilled foresters by combining classroom learning with hands-on experiences fieldwork and internships with organizations like Texas A&M Forest Service.”
Dr. Gonder shared that the ECCB program currently has 18 students enrolled and anticipates it to grow to 40 students within several years.
Scholarships are awarded competitively using a standardized scoring system established by Texas A&M University, considering factors such as high school academic performance, leadership qualities, community service, special talents, first-generation college status and academic achievements in challenging circumstances.
“The scholarships will mean a great deal to students within our forestry program,” said Jeffrey W. Savell, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor and Dean for Agriculture and Life Sciences. “It is a wonderful opportunity to help them on their academic journey and to set them up for success as they enter a field where graduates can find great opportunities and fulfilling careers.”
Non-Texas A&M Forest Service affiliated students must complete the scholarship application in their admissions application.
The Kirby State Forest was gifted to Texas A&M Forest Service in 1929 by lumber baron John Henry Kirby. Since then, Texas A&M Forest Service foresters have managed the forest which is divided into 13 management stands.
As trees become larger, they require more nutrients, sunlight and water so the process of thinning continues throughout the life of the stand of trees. In most forests, thinning begins around age 15 and continues to be conducted in intervals of seven to 10 years.
“This scholarship exemplifies the value of leadership that we practice at Texas A&M Forest Service,” Davis said. “It is always a full circle moment to see the fruition of 100 years of forestry practices on our state forests invest in the natural resource pioneers of tomorrow.”
As you all know, downtown Lufkin has been under construction since April. Because of the rain, it dragged the project on for what felt like forever. However, after the rain let up and the weather got dry, the construction project finally picked back up. In fact, finishing construction went quite swift. Now, they’re just putting in some final touches before the ribbon cutting this Thursday.
When is the Ribbon Cutting?
Photo by Beka GlasgowPhoto by Beka Glasgow
The roads finally being freed of all the construction and blockages has been long-awaited. Not just because it was inconvenient to walk around all of it, but also because now businesses in downtown can finally get to normal. Due to construction, it was a hassle to drive or even walk anywhere in downtown. All of those local shops and places to eat lost a lot of business because of the difficulty getting from place to place. They’ll surely be relieved when business is booming again.
Photo by Beka GlasgowPhoto by Beka GlasgowPhoto by Beka Glasgow
The ribbon cutting for the revitalized streets and sidewalks of downtown is on October 17th, Thursday, 2024 at 10am on 108 S First St. You’ll definitely want to be there! It’ll be a chance to stop by all the local shops, bakeries and more. There will also be a complimentary water and coffee station outside Standpipe Coffee as you make your way down the revitalized streets of downtown Lufkin.
Photo by Beka Glasgow
Mark Your Calendars!
Photo by Beka Glasgow
Add this Thursday, October 17th at 10am to your calendar as a day to be remembered! First Street truly has been revitalized, and it’s beautiful. It won’t be boring, that you can count on. Many downtown businesses will have special offers and promotions in honor of the grand opening! It’s a perfect time to explore the shops and restaurants in the area.
Mark your calendars for THIS THURSDAY, October 17th at 10am! First Street has been under construction for April, but it feels like it’s been a lot longer. Well, wait no more! Go and witness the ribbon cutting for the newly revitalized first street. It’s definitely easier to walk around and get from place to place now. There will be a complementary water and coffee station outside Standpipe Coffee as you make your way down the revitalized streets of downtown Lufkin.
Lady Roadrunners, Roadrunners Picked Seventh in Respective Conferences
Region XIV held its annual basketball Media Day this past Wednesday at Tyler Junior College, and the coaches’ polls indicate the league doesn’t expect much from either Angelina College team this season.
Lady Roadrunner head coach Randy McKelvey and Roadrunner head guy J.J. Montgomery believe they’ve got some surprises in store for their opponents.
“You don’t win championships on paper,” McKelvey said. “It just shows how strong our league is, that they consider that many teams better than we are after we were conference co-champions last year.
Angelina College Lady Roadrunner head coach Randy McKelvey addresses the audience during Wednesday’s Region XIV Basketball Media Day held at Tyler Junior College. McKelvey, in his first year as AC’s head coach, and his Lady ‘Runners are picked to finish seventh in the conference in the coaches’ polls. (Travis Tapley photo for AC Athletics)
“Besides, I’ve always thought it’s better to be the hunter than the hunted.”
Montgomery likewise was nonplussed regarding the rankings.
“I’ve been in basketball long enough to know that what you see early in the year isn’t always what you’re going to see at the end,” Montgomery said. “It’s a cliché, but it’s all about how you finish way more than how you start.”
Angelina College head men’s basketball coach J.J. Montgomery discusses his team with the crowd during Wednesday’s Region XIV Basketball Media Day held at Tyler Junior College. The Roadrunners are picked to finish seventh in the conference in the coaches’ polls. (Travis Tapley photo for AC Athletics)
Both AC teams lost heavy to graduation, with the Lady Roadrunners losing a pair of All-Americans along with other key players. The Roadrunners also saw several starters move on to the next level.
In addition, McKelvey is stepping into his first year as a head coach following a solid career as an assistant to Byron Coleman, who retired at the end of the 2023-2024 season. Joining McKelvey is first-year assistant coach Carl Terrell.
All those factors are understandable as reasons for such low rankings, but both AC coaches believe their teams will be better than advertised.
McKelvey has a solid group of returning players to begin building his new team. Sophomores Alecia Scott-Rivera and India McMahon arrived early in the summer in order to get things off to a good start.
“Those two came in this summer and committed to bringing this group together,” McKelvey said. “They’ve been going hard since Day One. It’s starting to show up more and more in practice. Those two are very consistent and reliable, and they’ll have bigger roles on this team.”
Also returning is Maria Escobar, a 6’2” post with a deft touch around the rim. Shanice Ferguson played valuable minutes in 2023-2024, and she’s expected to provide post-play despite coming off an injury. The versatile Carly Gates, another sophomore, adds extra pop to the lineup, especially on the defensive end. And sophomore transfer Kya Cook will play a valuable role in the backcourt, according to McKelvey.
Among the incoming freshman is Jernye McZeal, a 5’11” shooter McKelvey says “plays with great energy.”
“Jernye wasn’t recruited by a lot of schools, but she’s going to surprise a lot of people,” McKelvey said. “She’s one of the better players I’ve run across in my recruiting career.”
Other freshmen expected to make impacts include Lanaijha Johnson, a post player from Center High School in Center, Texas. McKelvey noted Johnson has “made the most progression at this point of any player in my coaching career.”
“She’s going to be a great rebounder for us, and she’s willing to do the dirty work.”
Yet another newcomer catching McKelvey’s eye is Alannah Nerocker from Fort Bend Hightower. Nerocker played the “four” position in high school, but McKelvey has already pegged her as the team’s starting point guard.
McKelvey said his team’s strength will revolve around guard play, and he believes he has the talent and the depth to prove doubters wrong. As is always the case with building a new squad, building chemistry remains an early focus.
“Having them coming together, loving on each other, building each other up and sacrificing for each other – those things take time,” McKelvey said.
“I tell our players, we’re going to be good, but together we’re going to be great.”
On the men’s side, Montgomery expressed confidence in both his returning players and his newcomers. Two players on this year’s roster – Kanaan Holder and Kai’Ree Murray – were major contributors in the past before missing most – or, in Holder’s case – all of the 2023-2024 season because of injury. Kyle Morgan, another sophomore coming off an injury, also is expected to play a big role in the Roadrunner lineup, as is Chris Carpenter, a sophomore point guard who saw ample playing time in AC’s run to the conference tournament. The versatile Morgan Baldwin, the soph post player from Fort Worth, Texas, provides a steady presence in the front court.
One major addition, according to Montgomery, is the arrival of transfer Boris Perucica, a 6’9” big from Niksic, Montenegro.
In fact, Montgomery is lauding this frontcourt group as one of the best he’s experienced in his three years as a head coach.
We haven’t had anyone quite like [Perucica], a big body we can go to when we need a bucket,” Montgomery said. “Christian Jones is another 6’5” guy, and he’s a long, athletic guard who can do a lot of things. He can shoot, he can defend, he can play the passing lanes. Milton Rice (6’5”) is already playing at a high level. He’s super-athletic, one of the most athletic players I’ve seen. His head’s above the rim on rebounds, and he loves to block shots and defend. He’s one of those tough-nosed guys you just slap on the court and say, ‘Go.’ He’s going to compete and play hard every minute.
“I would say out front court. In the past, we had good frontcourt players, but we just didn’t have the right backcourt for those guys. We’ve had some good bigs, but we didn’t have enough other bigs to throw in behind them. This year, we’re loaded.”
Montgomery also acknowledged Ja’Vonte Thomas – a 6’7” “bruiser” – along with Jordan Mathews. Daemon Ely actually competed against the Roadrunners last season while he was part of the Strength ‘N Motion team. His rebound skills and overall tenacity impressed Montgomery and assistant coach Eric Colbert, enough so that they recruited him to join the Roadrunners.
Joining Carpenter in the backcourt will be freshman Qasim Boyd, a true point guard Montgomery calls “the smartest kid on the team.”
“He’s got the heart of a lion,” Montgomery said of Boyd. “He stays in the gym and works so hard at every part of his game. He’s definitely one of the strongest leaders on the team. His ball-handling and decision-making skills are outstanding. Not a lot of players coming right of high school nowadays have a chance for a lot of playing time, but our expectations for QB are very high right now.”
By far the biggest surprise addition – and a great story to boot – is Isaac Uribe, a freshman from Colombia. Uribe arrived last year determined to join the program. Because there was no dorm space available for a non-roster player, Uribe lived in a hotel while walking to class and basketball practice every day. His determination to become a Roadrunner paid off, according to Montgomery.
“You can ask our other players: He’s been our best shooter in every practice,” Montgomery said of Uribe. “I’m talking about he’s not missing shots at all. He’s such a surprise because you usually don’t have walk-on players who stand out like that. He’s already gotten the respect of the other players.”
For now, Montgomery said, the focus is on teaching basketball as it demands at such a higher level than a lot of the new players have experienced. It’s why the next few weeks of scrimmages are vital in building both skills and team chemistry.
“We’re going to keep teaching, knowing the main goal is to be playing our best when conference play begins,” Montgomery said.
The Roadrunners will host a pair of home scrimmages in the coming weeks: vs. Tribulation Prep (6 p.m. on Thurs., Oct. 17); and vs. Legacy (7 p.m. on Wed., Oct. 23). AC’s men will open the regular season at home against Strength ‘N Motion at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2.
The Lady Roadrunners will host Western Gulf in the AC ladies’ only home scrimmage. The scrimmage takes place at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28. The Lady ‘Runners open the regular season at the McLennan Classic in Waco (Nov. 1 and 2) before hosting Hill College at 6 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 6 at Shands Gymnasium.
For both teams’ basketball schedules, visit the Angelina College Athletics website at www.angelinaathletics.com.
