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Annual Huntington Catfish Festival

By
Rachel Lauren
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Annual Catfish Festival This Saturday!

Come over to Centennial Park, Huntington, Texas, and have some fun! Share the news with your family and friends because the Annual Huntington Catfish Festival is being held THIS SATURDAY, October 5th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be music, arts and crafts, entertainment, a car show, vendors, food trucks, and so much more. Get there early so you can grab a good parking space, as the event will surely be packed out!

Live Music at the Festival

I’m sure you’re wondering who is singing at the festival this year. Don’t worry, we have the rundown! This year there are 5 different performers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.:

9AM – Avery Powers

10AM – Ransomed Quartet

11AM – Logan Tucker

12PM – Emmy Lou

1PM – Crimestoppers Band

Activities at the Festival

Not only is there music, plenty of shops and food vendors, a car show, games for the kids, and other various activities, there is also tournament and weigh-in. You don’t want to miss that! Another fun activity at the festival to highlight is the Catch Tank. In this fun game, you can catch your own catfish in a 3200 gallon fresh water tank! If you’ve never been fishing, now’s your chance!

Don’t forget that the Catfish Festival is THIS SATURDAY from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In Centennial Park, Huntington, Texas. Bring your friends and family, or even bring a date!

CLICK TO SEE EVENT

Diboll Day 2024: A Family-Fun Celebration for All Ages Brought to you by Georgia Pacific!

By
Rachel Lauren
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Diboll, Texas – October 5th, 2024 – Old Orchard Park

Get ready for a day packed with excitement, family fun, and community spirit as we gear
up for Diboll Day 2024, happening this Saturday, October 5th, at Old Orchard Park! This
year’s event promises to deliver something for everyone, with various activities, great
food, and exciting entertainment.

Diboll Day at a Glance

“Diboll Day has always been about celebrating our incredible community. It’s a time for friends, families, and neighbors to come together and enjoy a day filled with fun and fellowship. We invite everyone to come out and be a part of this special event. Whether you’re here for the kids’ activities, great food, or to catch up with old friends, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!” – Rodney Cheshire, President of Diboll Day.

Starting at 10 AM with a parade running through the town, everyone will move to the
park, and it will come alive with the sounds of laughter and music as we kick off the
day’s festivities. Children’s Area, sponsored by Pilgrim’s Pride and Kimberly Eakin Kia
will feature inflatable games, a Petting zoo, a Snake Encounter show, a Magic Show,
Balloon artists, and face painting to keep the little ones entertained all day. The DJ will
keep the energy high, spinning upbeat tunes throughout the day, ensuring everyone
stays in the spirit of celebration. Our Queen Coronation will be at Noon with tons of
other information on the Commercial Bank of Texas Stage!

Performances at the Festival

We are thrilled to host performances by local dance groups, showcasing their talents
and adding rhythm to the festival atmosphere. Join us at the East Texas Powersports
Stage at the basketball court to see the teams from local high schools, community
groups and The Academy of Gymnastics and Dance. Don’t miss the Tug of War
competition, a crowd favorite, where teams will battle it out to see who has the ultimate
strength and team spirit!

Food and Activities

Of course, no festival is complete without great food! Come enjoy a wide variety of local
food vendors offering everything from classic festival fare to Southern favorites. For
those looking for unique items, the craft vendors will have plenty of handmade goods
and gifts.


Diboll Day 2024 is all about celebrating community, creating memories, and bringing
everyone together for a day of fun. Whether you’re here for the food, the crafts, or the
chance to win at Tug of War, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this
incredible day of festivities!

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, October 5th, 2024

Time: Parade at 10 AM, Park beginning after parade. Ending around 4 pm.
Location: Old Orchard Park, Diboll, TX

Join us for a fun, food, and community spirit day at Diboll Day 2024!

CLICK HERE TO SEE EVENT

Diboll Day 2024

By
Rachel Lauren
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0
The Diboll Day Parade kicks off at 10am on the traditional parade route through town.
Park activities are from 11am-4pm! Head on down for food, family activities, and crowning the 2024 Diboll Day Queen!
Parking is available at the Lottie & Arthur Temple Civic Center, and shuttles will be available into the park.

Huntington Catfish Festival 2024

By
Rachel Lauren
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0

Don’t miss this year’s Annual Huntington Catfish Festival! Bring along your family and friends to experience the fun together. There will be music and entertainment, a car show, vendors, food trucks, games, and more!

Go Med Mobile Revolutionizes Urgent Care in Lufkin

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Lufkin area residents now have a new and innovative option for healthcare with the launch of Go Med Mobile, a freestanding clinic offering a modern approach to urgent care. By integrating mobile and telehealth services, Go Med Mobile provides a patient-first experience that is centered around convenience, accessibility, and quality healthcare.

Go Med Mobile offers a wide range of services, including primary care, BioTe pellet therapy, DOT exams, IV hydration, weight loss services, and drug screenings. The clinic’s innovative model combines traditional in-clinic care with telehealth options and mobile visits, allowing patients to receive care at home, work, or wherever it’s most convenient. This focus on patient needs allows Go Med Mobile to reduce the time and hassle often associated with traditional healthcare visits, putting control back in the hands of the patient.

“Go Med is designed to put the patient first by bringing care to where it’s needed. Convenience and quality care don’t have to be separate expectations when it comes to healthcare, especially for those with children or elderly family members who are unable to easily make in-person visits,” said Jennings Naranjo II, APRN FNP-C, owner and chief clinician at Go Med Mobile.

The clinic’s mobile services include sick visits, sutures, urgent care, and IV therapy, with appointments available via televisit or in-person house calls. The traditional healthcare model—marked by crowded waiting rooms and time-consuming clinic visits—is being left behind in favor of a system where care can be brought directly to patients in the comfort of their own homes. In addition to mobile services, Go Med Mobile offers a patient-centered in-clinic experience designed for efficiency and personalized care.

“You should not have to leave your home when you’re sick,” Naranjo explained. “Time and access should never be barriers to health and well-being. We’re using technology to increase access to quality care in East Texas, and I’m excited to help expand the region’s commitment to being a medical hub.”

Go Med Mobile’s unique care model aims to make healthcare more accessible to all by accepting both insurance and cash pay options. New patients are currently being accepted, with the clinic’s grand opening scheduled for October 1, 2024.

About Go Med Mobile

Go Med Mobile is transforming healthcare in East Texas by offering convenient, high-quality care through a combination of house calls, telemedicine, and in-clinic services. By leveraging modern technologies and prioritizing patient needs, Go Med Mobile provides a hassle-free healthcare experience designed to fit into the lives of busy families, individuals, and those with limited mobility. Whether in-clinic or at home, Go Med Mobile is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and patient-centered.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.gomedicalmobile.com or call 936-634-6334.

Angelina College Students Receive Global Seal of Biliteracy Awards

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Spanish Instructor Dr. Annette Gillum (center) presents students Pedro Barboza-Soto (left) and Sarah Cook with their certifications from the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a “uniform standard used to empower awardees to be a valuable asset in multilingual environments.” Gillum began the program at AC just this year. Not pictured: Savannah Bragg. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)

New Program Assists Students in Earning International Credential 
As the world continues to connect through global marketing, bilingual education and other forms of international outreach, the need for those able to exhibit proficiency in more than one language becomes even more pronounced.

This year, Angelina College Spanish instructor Dr. Annette Gillum found a way to ensure students who wish to do so are able to earn an extremely valuable credential in that very area.

On Friday, Gillum presented three AC students the Global Seal of Biliteracy, a credential awarded in 50 different countries and recognized internationally. Those students – Pedro Barboza-Soto, Sarah Cook and Savannah Bragg – earned the seal through a series of language proficiency tests.

“Students have to prove they’re biliterate in at least two languages, and that goes beyond being bilingual,” Gillum said. “The exam tests proficiency in reading, listening, speaking and writing. 

“We’re presenting them with certificates now, but the students can also register and receive digital badges which are extremely useful in gaining employment and scholarships.”

Gillum said this group marked the first time she’d administered the tests as this is a new program for Angelina College. Those three were students in her Spanish class, and Gillum offered the proficiency testing in lieu of a final exam in her class. 

“These students were with me for a few semesters, but I just started mentioning this to them back in the spring,” Gillum said. “I asked who would be interested in participating in this, and they wanted to do it. 

“This is our first time doing this, but I want to start publicizing it to get more people interested.”

Gillum added that the program also will benefit for whom English isn’t their first language; those individuals can learn proficiency while earning the Global Seal of Biliteracy at the same time.

In addition, considering the large number of international students enrolled and attending on the Angelina College campus, along with the college’s desire to serve entire communities, Gillum said she hopes to see the participation grow to include faculty members as well. 

“We’re looking to see where we can take it from here,” Gillum said. “Some students know languages other than Spanish, so we’re looking to open up the test to accommodate those students. 

“We’d love to involve our faculty as well. We’re a Hispanic-serving institution here at Angelina College, and it would be great to be able to say we have instructors with the Global Seal of Biliteracy. We’re still working out how to make all of this grow.”

For further information regarding the Global Seal of Biliteracy program, contact Annette Gillum at agillum@angelina.edu. 

Shorter Days Bring Higher Risk for Pedestrians

By
Rhonda Oaks
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LUFKIN – 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 is the deadliest month for pedestrians, with 80 pedestrians dying in Texas traffic crashes in 2023. In the Lufkin District in 2023, there were 48 traffic crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in 13 pedestrian fatalities and 13 pedestrian serious injuries.

“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’s educational campaign includes TV and radio spots, billboards and digital advertising. TxDOT will also bring 34 street teams­­­­—walking billboards wearing safety messages—to areas that saw the greatest number of pedestrian fatalities last year. The street teams will be deployed in places where motorists and pedestrians share the road.

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 stay alert, 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 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.

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

Governor Abbott Appoints Huntington’s Dakota Marks To Statewide Health Coordinating Council

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Dakota Marks and reappointed Emily Hunt, D.N.P. to the Statewide Health Coordinating Council for terms set to expire on August 31, 2029. Additionally, the Governor has named Yesser Zeid, M.D. chair of the Council. The Council ensures health care services and facilities are available to all Texans through health planning activities. Based on these planning activities, the SHCC makes recommendations to the Governor and the Texas Legislature through the Texas State Health Plan (TSHP). The Council also provides overall guidance in the development of the TSHP, submission of the plan to the governor, and promoting the implementation of the plan.

Dakota Marks of Huntington is an account executive with Townsquare Media. He is a member of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce, Angelina Rotary Club, and the Nacogdoches Jaycees. Additionally, he serves as a volunteer instructor for Junior Achievement of Angelina County and a coach for the Huntington Youth Softball Association.

Emily Hunt, D.N.P. of Houston is the director of advanced practice providers for the Texas Children’s Urgent Care and a part-time faculty instructor at Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners. Hunt received a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Iowa and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Rush University.

Yasser Zeid, M.D. of Tyler is the CEO, president, and medical director of Zeid Medical Group, PLLC and chief medical officer at Huntsville Memorial Hospital. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a member of the Texas Medical Association (TMA), American Medical Association, International College of Surgeons, and American College of Healthcare Executives. Additionally, he is former chairman of TMA Committee on Maternal and Perinatal Health. He has served as a gubernatorial appointee on the Statewide Health Coordinating Council since 2016. Zeid received a M.B.B.Ch., Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, from Ain Shams University, Master of Science in Health Care Transformation from The University of Texas at Austin and is expected to receive a Master of Healthcare Administration from Trinity University in August 2025.

Understanding the Energy Market: How Are Electricity Rates Determined?

By
Lee Allen Miller
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0

Electricity rates in Texas can often seem unpredictable, especially with fluctuations in monthly bills and ever-changing energy prices. For businesses and homeowners alike, understanding how these rates are determined is crucial to managing costs and making informed decisions about your energy provider.

In Texas, the energy market operates under the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million customers. So, how exactly are electricity rates set in this dynamic and complex market? Let’s break it down by the key factors that influence pricing.

1. Supply and Demand

The foundation of electricity pricing in ERCOT’s competitive market is supply and demand. When demand for electricity is high (such as during a hot Texas summer when everyone is running air conditioning), prices tend to rise. Conversely, when demand is lower (during milder seasons like fall and spring), prices usually decrease.

On the supply side, the available generation capacity from power plants (both renewable and non-renewable) plays a role. When supply is plentiful, and there are no major disruptions, prices remain stable or low. However, any imbalance—such as power plant outages or reduced output from renewable sources like wind and solar—can drive prices up.

2. Natural Gas Prices

In Texas, natural gas is a significant driver of electricity prices since it’s the primary fuel used for power generation. As natural gas prices fluctuate, so do electricity rates. When natural gas prices increase due to global market conditions, geopolitical events, or changes in domestic production, electricity rates tend to follow suit.

Texas is fortunate to have abundant natural gas resources, which generally helps keep prices lower than in many other states. However, any surge in natural gas prices can still affect the cost of generating electricity, which is then passed on to consumers.

3. Weather and Seasonal Fluctuations

Weather is one of the biggest variables influencing electricity rates in the ERCOT market. Extreme temperatures—whether from a blistering summer heatwave or an unexpected winter freeze—cause demand for electricity to spike as consumers and businesses increase their heating or cooling usage.

These periods of high demand often lead to a rise in prices due to the strain on the grid. Additionally, weather conditions impact the availability of renewable energy sources. For instance, cloudy days can reduce solar power generation, while calm days can limit wind power production, leading to increased reliance on natural gas or other fossil fuels.

4. ERCOT Grid Conditions and Market Design

ERCOT operates an energy-only market, which means that power generators only get paid for the electricity they produce and sell. This structure encourages competition but can also lead to volatility in pricing, particularly when grid conditions are tight.

If ERCOT anticipates potential grid strain, it can call for conservation efforts or even enter into emergency conditions, which may cause a temporary price spike. These situations highlight the need for grid reliability and efficient generation capacity to meet demand without significantly increasing costs.

5. Regulatory and Policy Changes

While Texas has a deregulated electricity market, meaning consumers can choose their energy provider, certain policies and regulations still impact electricity rates. For example, rules about renewable energy integration, grid improvements, or environmental regulations can affect the costs for power generators, which may then be passed on to end users.

Texas has also seen efforts to increase grid reliability following extreme weather events, such as Winter Storm Uri in 2021. Any changes to grid reliability requirements or incentives for weatherizing infrastructure could influence future electricity rates.

6. Your Choice of Provider and Plan

One of the unique advantages of Texas’s deregulated market is the ability to choose your electricity provider and the type of plan that fits your needs.

Electricity rates vary depending on the provider, the plan (fixed-rate or variable-rate), and the contract length.

  • Fixed-rate plans offer price stability, locking in a consistent rate over a set period. This can help you avoid fluctuations in market prices.
  • Variable-rate plans fluctuate with the market, which means you could see lower rates during times of lower demand but also be exposed to higher prices when demand spikes.
  •  

At Amerigy Energy, we help you navigate these options and find the best plan for your home or business, ensuring you’re not overpaying for electricity.

Transparency You Can Trust

Understanding how electricity rates are determined in the ERCOT market can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial for controlling your energy costs. At Amerigy Energy, we believe in transparency, offering competitive rates that reflect the current market while providing you with personalized service.8

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions that align with your energy needs, whether you’re looking to switch providers or simply understand why your bill fluctuates. Contact Amerigy Energy today to explore how we can help you secure the best electricity plan for your business or home.

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.

Old Wettermark Building/Roma’s Italian Kitchen Announced as Finalist for the 2024 Texas Downtown Association President’s Awards Program

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

Finalists for the 2024 Texas Downtown’s President’s Awards Program have been announced. For over 30 years the awards program has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns. 

The Old Wettermark Building/ Roma’s Italian Kitchen has been selected as a finalist for Best Renovation/ Restoration/ Rehabilitation. The building at 124 E. Main in Nacogdoches was originally purchased and built to be a branch of the Wettermark State Bank. The plot was purchased in 1896, and the building was designed by Diedrich Rulfs. The bank was successful for several years, but after the cotton market crashed, Ben S. Wettermark, former mayor and prominent businessman, stole the contents within the bank and fled to South America. Over the next century, this building was home to multiple businesses including barber shops, a pool hall, and drug stores. In 2022, the building underwent a major renovation to become a restaurant with apartments on the second floor. Now, the new Roma’s Italian Kitchen is a bustling restaurant that has quickly become a go-to spot for dinner or happy hour. 

Texas Downtown was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The organization is an independent, statewide nonprofit that represents cities and towns of all sizes, economic development corporations, chambers of commerce, local associations, small businesses and individuals. 

We are so happy to be recognized as one of three finalists for the 2024 Texas Downtown’s Presidents Award Program”, said Kim Crisp, owner of the building. “Our family has had a long legacy of living in Nacogdoches Texas, and we believe that each renovation helps breathe life back into our beautiful downtown main street and ensures future success for businesses located there. 

Over one hundred entries were submitted in several categories from communities across the state. Categories include: Best Commercial Interior, Best Renovation/ Rehabilitation/ Restoration, Best New Construction, Best Public Improvement, Best Promotion, Best Downtown Business, Best Downtown Partner, Best Economic Game Changer, and Resiliency Award. 

Winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 29th at the Awards Gala, in conjunction with the 2024 Texas Downtown Conference in Abilene, TX. 

As a finalist, The Old Wettermark Bank Building/ Roma’s Italian Kitchen is eligible to win the People’s Choice award as well. The People’s Choice Awards allows the public to vote on their favorite downtown project, organization and small business in Texas. 2024 People’s Choice Awards voting will be open through 5 p.m. Friday, October 4 in Texas Downtown’s Facebook photo album that will be pinned to the top of the page. 

For more information about the President’s Awards, the Texas Downtown Annual Conference, or other programs of the Texas Downtown Association, please visit 

https://texasdowntown.org/programs/presidents-awards

For more information contact: 
Tori Huddleston 
City of Nacogdoches 
Main Street Program 
huddlestont@nactx.us

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