Polk County Minority Representative Brandon Prescott has been sworn in as the new President of the Deep East Texas Council of Governments and Economic Development District. The oath of office was administered to Prescott and other DETCOG officers during the organization’s Annual Membership and Awards Luncheon held June 27 at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin.
The other officers for 2024-2025 include San Jacinto County Commissioner Mark Nettuno who is President-Elect, Houston County Judge Jim Lovell serving as Vice President, and Lufkin City Councilman Robert Shankle who is the new Secretary. The immediate Past President, who also serves on the DETCOG Executive Committee, is San Augustine County Judge Jeff Boyd.
“I am excited to begin my year of service as President of DETCOG,” said Prescott. “This is an organization which provides many valuable services to the local governments and citizens of our region. Our goal is to bring people together to improve the lives of the people of this region. It’s an honor to serve.”
Organized in 1966, DETCOG is both a Regional Planning Commission of the State of Texas and a federally chartered Economic Development District. It serves an 11-county region encompassing all of Angelina, Houston, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Trinity and Tyler counties.
The organization is governed by a 54-member Board of Directors, composed of elected officials of counties and cities, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, and various other governmental entities in the region. The Board also includes a Minority Representative from each of its 11 counties. Prescott has represented Polk County in that capacity since 2019. He has served as a DETCOG officer for the past three years.
Ken Brown is a regional solo musician entertaining with his unique style of traditional country music…a crossover music artist from an array of genres. His integration of a variety of elements into the country genre has earned him his popularity with the mainstream audience.
You can hear Ken perform LIVE on stage for a night of traditional country music…KB Country presents a Tribute to the Troubadours!
“I can’t wait to see you there! Get to know my songs before the show!” Ken
Livingston, Texas — In response to the recent heavy rainfall and flooding, the Trinity River Authority (TRA) has issued a “potential failure watch” for the spillway of the Lake Livingston Dam. The announcement came on June 28, 2024, following significant weather events that have compromised the dam’s drainage area.
Current Situation and Safety Measures
According to the TRA, the spillway’s integrity has been adversely impacted by the torrential rains, prompting heightened monitoring and evaluation. While there is no immediate danger of a failure or breach, the potential risk, however remote, has necessitated this precautionary status.
“The day-to-day operation of the dam will continue as necessary, although normal gate operations may vary as conditions dictate,” TRA officials stated in a news release. They emphasized that the declaration aligns with the Emergency Action Plan approved by the TRA, ensuring systematic and proactive measures are in place to address any emerging issues.
Historical Context of Lake Livingston Dam
Constructed in the late 1960s and completed in 1969, the Lake Livingston Dam is a critical infrastructure project designed to provide water supply and flood control for the region. Spanning the Trinity River, the dam has been instrumental in supporting the area’s agricultural, industrial, and municipal water needs.
The dam creates Lake Livingston, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas, which has also become a popular recreational destination. Over the decades, the dam has withstood numerous weather challenges, including the infamous flooding events of the 1980s and early 2000s, which tested its resilience and capacity.
Recent Weather and Impact
The recent heavy rainfall and flooding are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather affecting the region. Historically, Texas Forest Country has experienced significant weather fluctuations, with periods of drought often followed by intense storms. These weather patterns have necessitated robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness plans.
In the past month, the region has received unprecedented rainfall, overwhelming local waterways and drainage systems. This has led to widespread flooding, affecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure like the Lake Livingston Dam. The TRA’s prompt response and implementation of a “potential failure watch” are crucial steps in mitigating risks and ensuring public safety.
Community Response and Preparedness
Local authorities and emergency management teams are on high alert, coordinating efforts to monitor the dam’s status and provide timely updates to the public. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels, including the TRA’s website and hotline.
For additional information and updates, the Trinity River Authority can be contacted at 877-352-3247 or online at trinityra.org.
— Trinity River Authority of Texas (@TRAofTexas) June 28, 2024
TRA Twitter Feed
As the community navigates the challenges posed by the recent weather, the vigilance and preparedness of local authorities are paramount. The Lake Livingston Dam has a long history of serving the region, and with continued monitoring and necessary repairs, it is expected to withstand the current conditions. The TRA’s proactive measures and clear communication underscore their commitment to public safety and infrastructure integrity.
Stay tuned to Texas Forest Country Living for ongoing coverage and updates on the situation at Lake Livingston Dam. Your safety and well-being are our top priorities during this critical time.
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.
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:
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.
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/.
Members of Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy’s Class 116 pose following its recent graduation ceremony. The class finished with a 100 percent pass rate on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement exam. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)
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.
James Barge, a long-time game warden and the keynote speaker for Thursday’s graduation, address the cadets of Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy’s Class 116 inside Temple Theater. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)
“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.
Class 116 valedictorian Juan Mercado address his fellow Class 116 cadets during the recent Angelina College Law Enforcement Academy graduation ceremony held inside Temple Theater. The class finished with a 100 percent pass rate on the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement exam. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)
“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.
Join us for an exciting celebration of American freedom at Black Creek Ranch! Enjoy live music from talented artists, delicious food and drinks, fun games and raffles, and various vendors. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the local VFW Post 2033. BYOB (beverages) & BYOC (chairs)!
Entry wristbands will be on sale at the gate! More details to come!
We are thrilled to announce an electrifying lineup for this year’s Black Creek Rising on July 6th at the beautiful Black Creek Ranch in Warren, TX!
Musical Acts & Performers:
-Tommy Simpson and the Loaded Dice
-No Chaser ft Josh Mullin
-Tyler Dozier
-Jace Nunnelly
-Miller Highlights
-Chris Edwards
-Paige Price
-Michael Paul
-Chance Sims
…and maybe some more surprises!
Join us for a day filled with incredible live music, delicious food, refreshing drinks, engaging games, and awesome vendors. Let’s come together to celebrate our community and support a great cause with proceeds benefiting the Veterans of Foreign War Post 2033 (Woodville).
Vendor and Sponsorship Opportunities: 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.
Sponsors Levels: TITLE SPONSORSHIP: “Presented by” title on all marketing & signage
STAGE SPONSORS: Signage on/around the stage
EVENT SPONSORS: Signage around the venue
Take advantage of this fantastic event. Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and prepare for a day of music, fun, and community spirit!
