Come have fun at East Texas Party Headquarters with Bluey! This is a family friendly indoor Halloween event with games and crafts.
Times: October 11th from 6-8, and October 12th from 10-12.
REGISTER ONLINE:
Pineywoods Fair
The countdown is on! The Nacogdoches Pineywoods Fair is rolling into town this Wednesday-Sunday. Bring your friends and family for a week of rides, treats, and good times! Let the fun begin!
MET Art Day for Teens
The Kurth Memorial Library has a new partnership with the Museum of East Texas. Teens ages 13-18 are invited to go on the second Thursday of the month at 4:30pm for an art program presented by the Museum of East Texas. All supplies will be provided for this program.
Top 3 Reasons Your Electric Bill Might Be Higher Than Usual
Have you ever opened your electric bill and wondered why it’s higher than expected? While there could be a number of factors at play, understanding the main reasons for a spike in your bill can help you take control of your energy costs. In Texas, particularly in the ERCOT market, there are some specific factors that can cause electric bills to rise.
Here are the top 3 reasons why your electric bill might be higher than usual—and how you can lower it moving forward.
1. Seasonal Demand and Extreme Weather
Texas is known for its extreme weather conditions, especially during the summer months when temperatures can soar well into the 100s. As a result, air conditioning units work overtime to keep homes and businesses cool. This increased usage can lead to a significant spike in energy consumption, driving up your electric bill.
In the ERCOT market, electricity rates are also influenced by demand. During peak periods, when the majority of consumers are using more power, the cost of electricity often rises. This is why your bill might jump during the hottest or coldest months of the year.
How to Mitigate This:
- Use a programmable thermostat: Set your thermostat to raise the temperature slightly during the day when no one is home and lower it just before you return.
- Close blinds or curtains: Keep out direct sunlight during peak hours to naturally cool your home.
- Regular HVAC maintenance: Ensure your air conditioner is running efficiently by scheduling regular tune-ups and changing filters frequently.
2. Inefficient Appliances or Systems
Older or inefficient appliances can be energy hogs, using more electricity than necessary to perform basic functions. In particular, outdated HVAC systems, refrigerators, washers, and dryers can drain electricity, raising your consumption and your monthly bill. Even newer appliances can become inefficient if not properly maintained.
In the ERCOT market, inefficiencies in your home or business can lead to higher consumption, regardless of the energy provider or plan you have. Identifying these energy drains and replacing or upgrading to more energy-efficient models can help bring your electric bill down.
How to Mitigate This:
- Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: Look for ENERGY STAR®-rated products that use less electricity without compromising performance.
- Perform an energy audit: Have a professional check your home or business for inefficiencies, from air leaks to outdated appliances, and get expert advice on potential savings.
- Maintenance: Keep appliances well-maintained by cleaning filters, clearing vents, and checking for signs of wear and tear that may lead to inefficiency.
3. Market Fluctuations and Energy Plan Structure
In Texas, the deregulated energy market means you have the power to choose your electricity provider and plan, however, depending on the type of plan you have—whether fixed-rate or variable-rate—your bill can fluctuate with changes in the market.
- Fixed-rate plans lock in a set price for a specific period, which means your rate doesn’t change regardless of market conditions. However, if you’re coming to the end of your contract, you may be automatically switched to a higher rate if you don’t actively renew or switch plans.
- Variable-rate plans, on the other hand, fluctuate with the wholesale price of electricity. This means during periods of high demand or market instability (for example, extreme weather), your rate can increase sharply, resulting in a higher-than-normal bill.
ERCOT’s energy-only market can also impact prices, especially during tight grid conditions. If grid capacity is stretched thin, the market may experience price spikes, particularly for those on variable-rate plans.
How to Mitigate This:
- Review your electricity plan: Ensure you’re on the right plan for your needs. If you’re on a variable-rate plan and experiencing price surges, consider switching to a fixed-rate plan with Amerigy Energy for more stability.
- Shop around: Don’t assume your current provider is offering the best rate. At Amerigy Energy, we compare rates daily to ensure you get the best price in the market.
- Lock in competitive rates: Avoid the uncertainty of market fluctuations by choosing a long-term, fixed-rate plan that provides consistent pricing.
Take Control of Your Energy Costs
Understanding why your electric bill might be higher than usual is the first step to taking control of your energy costs. Whether it’s extreme weather driving demand, inefficient appliances consuming more power, or fluctuations in the market affecting your rate, there are always ways to lower your bill.
At Amerigy Energy, we’re committed to helping you save. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you find an energy plan that fits your budget and needs.
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.
Tax Considerations on Agricultural Businesses
It happened again this week. A couple had inherited some rural land and they wanted to keep it, perhaps turn it into an agricultural business. Above all, they had lots of questions and wanted to understand the myriad of taxes and regulations that can baffle those outside of the agricultural world.
First of all, putting aside all politics, our government is generally very helpful with taxes and regulations regarding true agricultural producers (farmers and ranchers). I believe this is a well-intentioned effort to support the production of food and fiber. There are lower property taxes for agricultural land and Texas doesn’t charge sales tax for items used in agricultural production.
Let us pause right here to recognize that starting an agricultural business endeavor just to save on some taxes is unwise at best. The amount of effort, overhead costs, and risk involved in raising crops or livestock takes a tremendous understanding of environmental challenges, fluctuating markets, and incredible personal skill. In fact, one of the reasons I urge homeowners to raise a garden is just so that they may have a small appreciation of what farmers do!
Please don’t read the following and be penny wise and pound foolish.
To enjoy any tax benefits, you must have a bona-fide agricultural business. You can’t have a vegetable garden and be called a farmer. You cannot have two pretty cows in a field beside your home and call yourself a rancher. No, you have to be involved in the wonderful, difficult, and challenging work of producing food or fiber.
Starting with property taxes, each county appraisal district will have a set of guidelines for what constitutes agricultural production. My 10 by 20-foot vegetable garden doesn’t make me a farmer. In Angelina County, one has to have at least five acres of vegetable production to receive the open land appraisal designation that we often call the ‘agriculture land valuation’.
Likewise, that same five acres with a couple of cows on it won’t cut it for a commercial cattle operation. Look at the website of the Angelina County appraisal district (if that’s where your land is located), and you’ll find their minimum requirement is 20 acres if on native grass pasture. Of course, if your property is not located in Angelina County, you need to check their guidelines as they certainly can differ.
It is important to note that the open space provision is not an absolute exemption. If the land changes to a nonagricultural use, the owner must pay a rollback tax equal to the tax savings for the 5 most recent years (plus interest accrued from the dates that the taxes were due).
The provision saves taxes only for people who maintain their land’s open space status for more than five years. Nevertheless, this special treatment saves landowners more money in yearly tax savings than any other state or local agricultural tax exemption or provision.
Regarding sales tax, farmers and ranchers are exempt from state and local sales taxes for most agricultural inputs they buy as well as for the products they sell. The exemption covers practically all inputs used exclusively to produce agricultural goods.
While not a new tax law, as of January 1, 2012, agricultural businesses must obtain a Texas Agriculture and Timber Exemption Registration Number (“Ag/Timber Number”) from the state comptroller. The Texas Comptroller’s office has a form you can fill out to apply for an agricultural sales tax exemption for some items that are required for farm and ranch use. You may apply online at the comptroller’s website at www.GetReadyTexas.org.
On the back end, products sold by farms and ranches such as grain, milk, livestock, and produce are also tax exempt. In the state of Texas, food products like flour, sugar, raw meat, milk or produce are not taxable. Go to your favorite local grocer and buy nothing but raw ag products and see how much tax you pay!
Other tax benefits that ag producers are eligible for include motor vehicle sales and use taxes for vehicles specialized for agricultural production. Sales and excise taxes on fuel used on farms and ranches, and lastly some state franchise taxes are exempted.
Regarding regulations, the Texas Department of Agriculture will have a list of any and all regulations that agricultural producers must follow. With few exceptions, I find tremendous support for agriculture in the existing laws.
Go to the Texas Dept of Agriculture’s website and look under the ‘Regulatory Programs’ and you’ll discover that they verify commercial scales, regulate the raw eggs sold wholesale, and several other areas. Ultimately, that state department has a strong consumer protection program, which includes overseeing items like grocery store scales, egg quality, and nursery/floral plants.
Got more questions about a new venture? Schedule a visit with your local County Extension office. It would be prudent to understand the business of agriculture before you expend a number of resources.
Railroad Crossing Slated for Replacement on BU
LUFKIN – The Angelina & Neches River Railroad (A&NR) has plans to replace the railroad crossing surface just north of Walgreens and HEB on BU 59G/North Timberland Drive in Lufkin beginning Oct. 7. The work is scheduled to be done at night.
Work will be performed by contractors and is slated to begin at 9 pm Oct. 7. The road will be opened at 6 am on Oct. 8. It will be closed again at 9 pm through 6 am Oct 9, when the work is scheduled to be complete.
TxDOT will have detours set for motorists at Lufkin Avenue to Chestnut Drive to Paul Avenue headed northbound. Southbound detours will include Paul Ave. to Chestnut Drive to Lufkin Ave. Motorists are urged to obey all traffic control in the area.
As this work is done, motorists are urged to stay alert and reduce speed near work zones and detour areas. Heavier than normal traffic could be experienced and should be expected through the detours.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 633-4395.
Standing with Israel: Honoring the American Hostages on a Day of Remembrance
In the spirit of unwavering support for Israel, Texas Forest Country Living joins Texans across the state in a solemn observance requested by Governor Greg Abbott. On Monday, October 7, 2024, at noon, we will read their names to honor the seven Americans still held hostage by Hamas, the terrorist organization responsible for the horrific attacks that continue to inflict pain and suffering upon Israel and its people.
For the faith-filled community of Texas Forest Country, standing with Israel is not just a stance—it’s a calling. We continue to pray for the protection of Israel and for the safe return of these hostages:
- Edan Alexander
- Itay Chen
- Sagui Dekel-Chen
- Gadi Haggai
- Judith Weinstein Haggai
- Omer Neutra
- Keith Siegel
Governor Abbott has declared October 7 a Day of Observance in Texas, calling for a statewide moment of silence at 7:00 AM. He also asks Texans to reflect on the resilience of the Israeli people and the importance of standing united against evil. As Christians and as Texans, we respond to this call with compassion, solidarity, and prayer, lifting up the families of the hostages and those suffering from the acts of terrorism.
As flags are lowered to half-staff and religious leaders light candles in remembrance, we too encourage our readers to take part in this act of unity. Whether through prayer, reflection, or lighting a candle, we join hands with the global community in standing with Israel and calling for the safe return of these seven Americans.
In a region bound by faith and community, may our voices rise in prayer and support for Israel, knowing that together we can foster hope even in the darkest of times.
Wes Moorehead named Texas A&M Forest Service Deputy Director
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Wes Moorehead has been named Deputy Director of Texas A&M Forest Service. In this role, Moorehead will report to Texas A&M Forest Service Director Al Davis and will oversee the successful implementation of Davis’ and the agency’s statewide, strategic initiatives.
“It is an honor to take on this new role within the agency,” said Moorehead. “As our agency continues to grow, this new role will play a crucial part in turning our strategic initiatives into reality, ensuring that we effectively meet the growing demand for our services across the state.”
Moorehead most recently served as the Associate Director of Forest Resource Protection and Fire Chief since March 2022 where he oversaw wildfire response operations, including response to the Smokehouse Creek Fire during February and March 2024—the largest wildfire in Texas history.
Moorehead began his career with Texas A&M Forest Service in 2001 as a Forest Inventory and Analysis Forester in Kirbyville before transitioning to a District Forester position. He then served as one of three Regional Foresters for the agency based in Nacogdoches.
From 2012 to 2020, he served as the Department Head of East Texas Operations where he was responsible for overseeing the agency’s forestry and firefighting efforts on 12 million acres of forested lands.
Moorehead earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program.
In 2020, Moorehead was the recipient of a Texas A&M University System Regents Fellow Service Award. He was also the recipient of the Outstanding Leadership in the Field of Forestry Award from the Society of American Foresters and has previously been appointed to the Board of Directors for the Texas Forestry Association.
“Wes has more than proven his leadership during his time in the agency and as an Associate Director,” said Davis. “My admiration for him continues to grow as I witness his impact on our operations throughout the state. I am confident that he will continue to create success for the Texas A&M Forest Service mission in this new role.”
The Texas A&M Forest Service Deputy Director role was established this year to increase the capacity of executive leadership within the agency and expand the agency’s incident preparedness and response efforts across the state.
Moorehead shared that 2022 emerged as one of the most significant fire years the state has faced since 2011. The worst summer fire season in the agency’s history occurred in 2023 and the largest wildfire in Texas history burned during spring 2024.
“In recent years, the magnitude and intensity of wildfires have increased across Texas,” said Moorehead. “Now more than ever, it is critical that we are efficient and effective in meeting the needs of all Texans. We are also ensuring that our first responders and personnel have the resources to maximize their potential in whatever capacity they serve.”
As Moorehead looks ahead to the future of the agency, he is committed to unifying the emergency response and natural resource programs, building strong relationships with stakeholders and enhancing personnel development to ensure the efficient delivery of the agency’s programs and services.
“I am optimistic about the direction of the agency and hope to help usher in a new era,” said Moorehead. “While we will undoubtedly face future challenges, I believe we are well-positioned to confront them head-on and make meaningful progress.”
A Weekend of Fun in Nacogdoches, Texas
A Brief History
Nacogdoches is one of the most Historical, if not THE most historical towns in Texas. This town is rich in history. Nacogdoches was the first town to be established in Texas, with Spanish Colonel Antonio Gil Y’Barbo founding it in 1779. Nacogdoches was a Spanish and Mexican colonial outpost and the capital of East Texas until the Texas Revolution, where Texas settlers forced Mexican military out of East Texas.
Some Places to Visit
Life can be busy, but what’s life without a little fun? It’s good to relax and take time to enjoy life. Taking the time to go and visit some shops, places to eat, sights to see, and just hangout with friends and family on a weekend is the perfect way to take a small little vacation without actually taking a vacation. Not sure where to go? That’s okay! We might just have some places that you would love to visit.
Oak Grove Cemetery
Why list a cemetery you ask? Because of its historical value. If you’re a history buff, you would definitely want to visit this place. Four of the signers for the Texas Declaration of Independence are buried here at the Oak Grove Cemetery in Nacogdoches, Texas–Thomas J. Rusk, Charles S. Taylor, John S. Roberts and William Clark.
Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library
Another historically rich location is the Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library is an 1830 breezeway house built by prominent merchant and Texas Revolution leader, Adolphus Sterne. It was lived in by the Sterne family up until 1869, when it was sold to the von der Hoya family. The house stayed in the von der Hoya family until it was donated to the City of Nacogdoches in 1958 as a library. The inside of the Sterne-Hoya Museum shows the history of the Sterne residency during the Texas Revolution as well as the Victorian Period of the Hoya family. The house is furnished with period antiques, family heirlooms, and a Texas history library. The Sterne-Hoya House Museum and Library also has one of the earliest wine cellars in Texas.
The tours are absolutely free, however donations are encouraged!
Website: https://www.nactx.us/696/Sterne-Hoya-House-Museum-and-Library
Meadow Ridge Outdoors
Meadow Ridge Outdoors offer basic gun cleaning, scope mounting, bore sight, and sight-in service on the firearms side. For more extensive work, they work with Matt Hawes Precision Gunsmithing. They also do Cerakote and engraving services, as well as taxidermy! This is a wonderful place to go with your friends to shoot some guns or practice archery at the range.
On said archery side, their professional bow technicians offer initial set-up, tuning, re-stringing, and more.
Website: http://www.mraag.com/
Faceboook: Meadow Ridge Outdoors
The Fortney House
On Friday and Saturday, visit the big Victorian store just three blocks north of Main Street, in the Nacogdoches Historic District of stately old homes. Within the 1897 Victorian shop, you’ll find 14 rooms of Fotney Home’s collections and a huge yard of outdoor art. On Monday through Thursday, you can shop in their store at 320 E. Main St. This location was an old JCPenney store that has been a warehouse for years, but now it’s open with a multitude of clearance items.
This is a wonderful place to go shopping on a girls day out, or even on a shopping date. If you just want to hangout with friends and browse the store, that’s a good idea too. They have plenty of knick-knacks and trinkets, beautiful art pieces, and just a lovely atmosphere overall!
Website: https://www.thefortneyhouse.com/
Facebook: The Fortney House
Stone House Kitchen
Stonehouse Kitchen is a scratch eatery located in Downtown Nacogdoches. Open Monday through Saturday, they serve great food and coffee! This place is perfect for friends and family alike to stop by and grab some coffee and a bite to eat.
Website: https://stonehousekitchennac.square.site/
Facebook: Stone House Kitchen
Instagram: @stonehousekitchennac
Take a Weekend for Yourself
Nacogdoches may be the oldest town in Texas, but it’s far from boring! Along with the places listed above, there’s so many other places to go and things to do in Nacogdoches, especially in downtown Nacogdoches. There are plenty of shops and places to eat. Take a weekend for yourself this month and go visit!