The Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council (ADAC), in partnership with The Coalition, Inc., is hosting free online tobacco cessation classes for adults who want to quit tobacco. There are many benefits for people who quit tobacco, including reduced risk of tobacco-related diseases and early death. With support and encouragement, you can double your chances of successfully quitting. The Freshstart program can be your start to a new life without tobacco! This 4-session program is free for all participants and all materials are included. Two online classes will be offered in July. Both classes will be on Tuesdays, July 9th, 16th, 23rd and 20th. Choose the time that works best for your schedule: 12:00-1:00 pm or 4:30 pm-5:30 pm. For more information, or to register, visit Project-Quit.org or call (936) 634-9308.
Ribbon Cutting MediSlim (Nacogdoches County)
Join Us for a Ribbon Cutting, Celebrating a new chamber member and Grand Opening!
Enjoy Burgers and Refreshments by KICKS 105
Giveaways must be present to win!
Date/Time Information:
Friday, July 12, 2024, at 12:30 pm
Location:
4415 North St, Suite 4
Nacogdoches Main Street Program Receives 2024 Main Street America Accreditation
Nacogdoches, TX 6/27/2024 – Nacogdoches Main Street Program has been designated as an Accredited Main Street America™ Program for meeting rigorous performance standards. Each year, Main Street America and its partners announce the list of Accredited Programs to recognize their exceptional commitment to preservation-based economic development and community revitalization through the Main Street Approach™.
The Nacogdoches Main Street Program’s performance is annually evaluated by the Texas Main Street Program, which works in partnership with Main Street America to identify the local programs that meet Main Street America’s national performance standards. To achieve Accreditation status, Nacogdoches had to meet a set of rigorous standards that include commitments to building downtown revitalization programs, fostering strong public-private partnerships, nurturing economic opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and actively preserving historic places, spaces, and cultural assets.
“I am very proud that Nacogdoches Main Street was recognized as an Accredited Main Street America Program”, said Mayor Randy Johnson. “Nacogdoches’ dedication to the continued historic preservation and economic growth of downtown is a group effort and I am proud to see the hard work pay off.”
In 2023, Main Street America Programs generated $5.6 billion in local reinvestment, helped open 6,630 net new businesses, facilitated the creation of 35,162 net new jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 10,556 historic buildings, and leveraged 1.6 million volunteer hours.
“It is rewarding to have the hard work of our Main Street Advisory Board, downtown volunteers, property and business owners and the City of Nacogdoches celebrated,” says Tori Huddleston, Main Street Manager. “We have an amazing downtown and being recognized for all of our hard work by Main Street America is something we can all be proud of.”
The Nacogdoches Main Street Program strives to make Downtown Nacogdoches a year-round destination where locals and visitors experience the heart of our community rich with history, commerce, entertainment and cultural opportunities. In 2023, the Nacogdoches Main Street program saw several new businesses open downtown and the Main Street Advisory Board was able to grant more $8,000 in beautification grants to downtown businesses. The Nacogdoches
Main Street Program hosts the Wine Swirl every year to raise funds for Beautification Grants, Holiday decor, mural support and other downtown events.
Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,600 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Since 1980, communities participating in the program have generated more than $101.58 billion in new public and private investment, generated 168,693 net new businesses and 746,897 net new jobs, rehabilitated more than 325,119 buildings, and levered over 33.7 million volunteer hours. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.
2024 Main Street Advisory Board Members pictured below:
Brandon Rowell, Danielle LaBauve, Antonia Sanchez, Janie Huggins, Hollie Atherton and Bret Arrant.
My five cents… A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols
Next week, we celebrate our Independence Day on July 4th. Have a safe holiday and enjoy the fireworks!
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. Texas Energy Fund oversubscribed
The Public Utility Commission of Texas announced this month that the newly created Texas Energy Fund (TEF) has received 125 notices of intent to apply for the In-ERCOT Generation Loan program. The notices request almost $40 billion in financing for new dispatchable power generation projects. This indicates strong industry response and interest in the low-interest loan program created by the Legislature last year. The initial program was designed to provide low-interest financing for new construction or upgrades to existing dispatchable electric generating facilities in the ERCOT power region. Currently, the program only has $5 billion available for its various programs. However, the intention of the Legislature was to fund the program in two stages, with an additional $5 billion infusion next session, for a total of $10 billion in new investment. The In-ERCOT Generation Loan Program is one of four TEF programs established by Senate Bill 2627 by Senator Schwertner. All four programs are designed to support the construction, maintenance, modernization, and operation of electric facilities in Texas both inside and outside the ERCOT power region.
2. Teacher Incentive Allotment funds roll out to schools
This month, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced over $290 million in Teacher Incentive Allotment funds have been awarded to almost 25,000 designated teachers. The program was created by House Bill 3 (86 Regular Session) in 2019 to provide top-performing teachers with an accessible pathway to a six-figure salary. Teachers earn designations from their district’s designation system, or a National Board Certification, which generates extra funding for the district. This program incentivizes high-quality teachers to stay in the classroom while receiving better pay. Over 300 districts have fully implemented a TIA program, including many in East and Southeast Texas, and more are working through the rigorous process to implement a program. Programs like these are essential to achieving educational excellence in Texas.
3. Battleship Texas update
The Battleship Texas is still undergoing extensive repairs before it can reopen to the public. Soon the ship will move to Pier A along the channel at Gulf Copper, where the next stage of restoration will take place. It will focus on deck replacement, painting, interior restorations, and the beginning stages of planning the new, onboard museum. While there is still a lot of work to be done before the ship can reopen, the Battleship Texas Foundation is hoping to reopen in 2025 or 2026 at its new home in Galveston. For more information, visit BattleshipTexas.org.
4. Business and Commerce Committee interim hearing update
The Senate Business and Commerce Committee met this month to discuss interim charges including electricity market design, transmitting Texas power, and the impact of Bitcoin mining on the Texas electric grid. The committee heard from officials at the Public Utility Commission, ERCOT, Office of Public Utility Counsel, the Independent Market Monitor, and industry representatives about how the implementation of changes made during the last legislative session are effecting the market. Additionally, the panel heard from Bitcoin miners regarding the industry’s impact to the grid. Bitcoin mines can come online quickly and usually demand a large amount of electricity. The addition of large load to the grid can create scarcity within the market when grid conditions are tight. However, Bitcoin mines are considered “flexible load,” meaning that they can reduce operations and thus reduce their electricity demand. The new market entrants faced skepticism from members about their operations during the hearing, especially considering the load growth projections the committee received from ERCOT. Over the next six years, ERCOT is projecting a possible addition of 40 gigawatts of load compared to last year’s forecast of the same timeframe– a tremendous increase from last year. To meet that much demand, new generation will have to come on the market.
5. Texas-based stock exchange in the works
This month, the Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) announced it had raised approximately $120 million from investors to launch the new trading venture. The TXSE would be an alternative to the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, which some view as too costly and overly regulated. The financing group, which includes BlackRock, Citadel Securities, and dozens of investors, plans to headquarter in Dallas. The TXSE founders said they chose Texas because of it’s explosive economic growth and population growth. Many large companies have relocated to Texas over the past decade and Texas continues to be a pro-business state.
Prevent Wildfires this Fourth of July as Hot and Dry Conditions Persist
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—As Texans make plans to celebrate the Fourth of July, Texas A&M Forest Service encourages everyone to be careful with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.
Approximately 90% of wildfires are caused by humans and their activities, and the Fourth of July is one of the top days for reported wildfires.
Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire officials advise the public to be aware of the very warm and dry conditions that may contribute to wildfire activity as the holiday approaches. While large, resistant wildfires are not expected, little to no rainfall has fallen across north and northeast Texas since early June. Hot and dry weather conditions reduce the moisture content in grass and woody vegetation, which increases the potential for wildfire ignitions.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show hosted by professionals. If you plan to set off your own fireworks:
- Always check for and comply with local government officials’ burn bans or other restrictions.
- Read and follow all warnings and instruction labels on fireworks.
- Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass, and brush.
- Keep a hose, bucket of water, and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
To help prevent wildfires during hot and dry conditions:
- Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
- Ensure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle—they throw sparks.
- Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended, and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.
Burn bans and fireworks restrictions are determined by county governments. Texas A&M Forest Service does not determine, set or lift these restrictions. For information on burn bans, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/burnbans/.
For additional wildfire prevention tips, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/summerwildfires/.
Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy Graduates 15 Cadets
Class 116 Achieves Perfection on TCOLE Results
Angelina College’s Law Enforcement Academy Class 116 is already off to a great start – and the cadets just graduated last week.
The 15 cadets of Class 116 recently notched a 100 percent pass rate on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement exam, something AC Chief of Police Doug Conn attributed to the overall determination of the students and the pushes from the instructors.
“This academy isn’t easy, but neither is this profession,” Conn told the cadets. “We don’t expect anyone to be perfect, but we do want you to be the best you can possibly be. This class did a great job with that.”
The cadets also received a powerful message from keynote speaker James Barge, a long-time game warden. Barge emphasized the “butterfly effect” in the world of law enforcement, alluding to historical events to remind cadets how being in the right or wrong place is often simply a matter of chance.
“Everything we do on a daily basis has an impact on everyone around us,” Barge said. “You’re constantly going to have an opportunity to make a difference, even though right now you may not see how that could happen.
“I believe there’s a Divine Engineer who puts everything together, and He puts people where they need to be. Sometimes you’re going to be late, sometimes you’re going to be early and sometimes you’re going to be right on time to make a huge difference.”
Class valedictorian Juan Mercado reminded his classmates of every test they’d endured together – and not just the ones involving multiple-choice answers.
“Today marks a culmination of months of rigorous training and intense, unwavering commitment,” Mercado said. “We’ve been tested physically, mentally and very much emotionally.
“Through it all, we grew stronger, more resilient and more prepared to serve with honor and integrity.”
While Mercado earned the top academic spot, others receiving awards were Robert Hansard, Jr. (Top Gun); William Treadway (Best Driver); Jonathan Jenkins (Physical Fitness); and Nathan Gallaway (Director’s Award).
The graduates of Class 116, along with their home towns of record, are as follows:
Kenneth D. Bradberry (Lufkin, TX), Logan R. Brown (Cleveland, TX), Cameron A. Coker (Woodville, TX), Dylan D. Dickerson (Livingston, TX), Nathan A. Gallaway (Groveton, TX), Kay H. Garton (Jasper, TX), Robert G. Hansard (Ore City, TX), Jr., Jonathan W. Jenkins (South Boston, VA), Julius L. LaMonica IV (Augusta, GA), Patrick D. Lewis (Kingwood, TX), Juan J. Mercado (Nacogdoches, TX), Ruben Nava (Dallas, TX), Kyle A. Rayburn (Lufkin, TX), Hunter L. Shatney (Muskegon, MI) and William C. Treadway (Jasper, TX).
Angelina College was issued a license to operate a police academy in 12 East Texas counties in September 1993 by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). The Academy offers basic and in-service training courses at sites throughout Deep East Texas with the assistance of an advisory board, which assists in directing the academy.
Academy staff members include Doug Conn, Chief of Police; Lt. Jack Stephenson, Training Manager; Officer Ashley Jowell, Training Manager; and Kim Capps, Administrative Assistant.
Instructors for Class 116 included Lt. Jack Stephenson (Angelina College Police Department), Chief Doug Conn (ACPD), Sgt. Ashley Jowell (ACPD), Lt. Randy Holland (ACPD), Lee Jowell (Lufkin PD), Dalton Estes (Lufkin PD), Rene Gutierrez (Lufkin PD/ACPD), Brad Davis (Lufkin PD), Reagan Mathews (Lufkin PD), Jason Pope (Angelina College Fire Academy), Adam Coats (Central ISD Police Department), Sgt. Corey Bean (Texas Department of Public Safety), Amy Wren (Nacogdoches County District Attorney’s Office), Quintin McClure (Angelina County Sheriff’s Office), Tim Mathews (Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission), Alton Lenderman (Angelina County Sheriff’s Office), Scott Moore (Trinity County Sheriff’s Office), Tom Selman (Sheriff, Angelina County), Pam Hollis (CPR Instructor, Angelina College), Kim Riddle (Harold’s House), Danny Weise (PT Instructor) and Todd Zeneger (PT Instructor).
For information on the AC Police Academy, email policeacademy@angelina.edu.
Black Creek Rising: A Grassroots Music Fest (Tyler County)
Drink Cooler Fee: $10 (BYOB)
We’re looking for vendors and sponsors to make this event even more special! For more information, contact us at events@bcrvenue.com or send a private message on our page.
TITLE SPONSORSHIP: “Presented by” title on all marketing & signage
Cheers with the Chamber (Angelina County)
Axley & Rode, LLP celebrates 75 Years! Come celebrate with us this Thursday, June 27 as they host a Cheers with the Chamber at 5:30 PM.
Cheers with the Chamber is a great opportunity for networking and building connections within the community. It is also a wonderful way for Chamber Investors to showcase their business and all they offer.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Location:
1307 S. First St., Lufkin
Nacogdoches Public Library Receives A National Endowment for the Arts Big Read Grant
June 24, 2024—[Nacogdoches, TX]—Nacogdoches Public Library is one of 62 organizations nationwide selected to receive a 2024-2025 NEA Big Read grant. A grant of $19,400 will support a community reading program focusing on There There by Tommy Orange beginning in October 2024. An initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest, the NEA Big Read broadens our understanding of our world, our communities, and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience.
“The NEA Big Read brings the transformative experience of reading to an entire community,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. “This year’s grantees, including Nacogdoches Public Library, are taking themes off the page and using creative programming to navigate difficult topics, explore new perspectives, and strengthen bonds between neighbors.”
The NEA Big Read offers a range of titles that reflect many different voices and perspectives, aiming to inspire meaningful conversations, artistic responses, and new discoveries and connections in each community. The main feature of the initiative is a grants program, managed by Arts Midwest, which annually supports dynamic community reading programs, each designed around a single NEA Big Read selection.
“Using the captivating power of literature, NEA Big Read events unleash the creative spirit that resides within all of us,” said Torrie Allen, President and CEO of Arts Midwest. “We’re thrilled to support the work of grantees across the nation, including Nacogdoches Public Library, as they inspire conversations and artistic expressions through shared reading experiences.”
Since 2006, the National Endowment for the Arts has funded more than 1,800 NEA Big Read programs, providing more than $25 million to organizations nationwide. In addition, NEA Big Read activities have reached every Congressional district in the country. Over the past 15+ years, grantees have leveraged more than $57 million in local funding to support their NEA Big Read programs. More than 6 million Americans have attended an NEA Big Read event, over 100,000 volunteers have participated at the local level, and over 40,000 community organizations have partnered to make NEA Big Read activities possible. For more information about the NEA Big Read, including book and author information, podcasts, and videos, visit arts.gov/neabigread.
Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities
nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing equitable opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. Visit arts.gov to learn more.
Arts Midwest supports, informs, and celebrates Midwestern creativity. We build community and opportunity across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin, the Native Nations that share this geography, and beyond. As one of six nonprofit United States Regional Arts Organizations, Arts Midwest works to strengthen local arts and culture efforts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, state agencies, private funders, and many others. Learn more at artsmidwest.org.
Nacogdoches Public Library Receives Grant from Dollar General Literacy Foundation
June 24, 2024—[Nacogdoches, TX]—The Nacogdoches Public Library is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded a grant of $2,441.00 from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. This generous grant will support the library’s Summer Reading program, specifically for the project titled “Adventure Begins at Your Library,” which will provide 500 free books for children of all ages this summer.
The “Adventure Begins at Your Library” project aims to foster a love of reading and learning among children and teens during the summer months. By offering a free book, totebag, and other bookish goodies, the program seeks to combat the summer slide and encourage continuous academic development.
Library Assistant Manager Crystal Hicks expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are incredibly thankful to the Dollar General Literacy Foundation for their support. This grant will enable us to enhance our Summer Reading program and provide enriching
experiences for the youth in our community. We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on our young readers.”
The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has a longstanding commitment to supporting literacy and education initiatives across the country. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants to schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations to help individuals of all ages improve their literacy skills and reach their full potential.
The Nacogdoches Public Library invites all children and teens in the community to join the “Adventure Begins at Your Library” Summer Reading program. Registration is free, and participants will have the opportunity to win prizes, participate in exciting events, and discover new books and authors.
For more information about the Summer Reading program and how to participate, please visit the Nacogdoches Public Library website at www.nactx.us/library or contact the library at 936-559-2970.
About Nacogdoches Public Library: The Nacogdoches Public Library is dedicated to serving the community by providing access to information, resources, and programs that inspire learning and enrich lives. The library offers a wide range of services, including book lending, digital resources, educational programs, and community events.
About Dollar General Literacy Foundation: The Dollar General Literacy Foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that help individuals improve their literacy skills and achieve their educational goals. The foundation provides grants to nonprofit
organizations, schools, and libraries to enhance literacy and education opportunities for people of all ages.