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Tropical Storm Warning Issued for Texas Coastal Regions

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Texas Forest Country Should Prepare for Heavy Rainfall

As summer heats up, the weather in Texas Forest Country is becoming more unpredictable. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Tropical Storm Warning, affecting both inland and coastal regions. The warning follows the formation of a tropical system in the Bay of Campeche, which is expected to intensify and bring significant weather impacts to our area.

Tropical Storm Details

Currently located about 410 miles southeast of Brownsville, TX, the tropical system is moving north at a speed of 7 mph. With wind speeds reaching 40 mph, the storm is projected to strengthen further and make its way toward the central Mexican Gulf coast. This development has prompted the NWS to issue Tropical Storm Warnings for coastal areas including Kenedy, Willacy, and Cameron counties.

Governor’s Response and State Preparedness

In response to the tropical weather threat, Governor Greg Abbott has activated state emergency response resources.

“Texas stands ready to deploy all resources and assistance needed to help support communities in Southeast Texas that are in the path of a potentially devastating tropical storm,” said Governor Abbott.

He urged Texans to remain weather aware and heed the guidance of local officials to ensure safety.

To support the tropical weather response operations, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) has activated the following resources:

  • Texas A&M Task Force 1 and Texas Task Force 2: Urban Search & Rescue Teams and Swiftwater Rescue Boat Squads
  • Texas National Guard: Ground Transportation Platoons with high profile vehicles and helicopters with hoist capability
  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department: Game Warden search and rescue boat teams
  • Texas Department of Public Safety: Tactical Marine Unit boats, rescue swimmers, and search and rescue aircraft
  • Texas Department of Transportation: High profile vehicles and road condition monitoring personnel
  • Texas Emergency Medical Task Force: Severe Weather Packages

Additional resources have been readied by TDEM for mobilization as needed, including incident management teams, saw crews, and monitoring by various state commissions.

Potential Impacts on Texas Forest Country

Residents of Texas Forest Country should prepare for heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and gusty winds. Rainfall totals are expected to range from 4 to 8 inches, with some areas seeing up to 10 inches or more. This heavy rain could lead to significant flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and near rivers.

Coastal areas will face additional challenges, including storm surges up to 3 feet, high surf, and dangerous rip currents. The combination of these conditions poses a threat not only to property but also to personal safety, especially for those planning beach trips.

Flood Warnings and River Conditions

In addition to the tropical storm warning, multiple flood warnings are in effect for rivers in the region:

  • Sabine River Near Deweyville: Minor flooding continues with impacts on roads and low-lying areas.
  • Angelina River Near Lufkin: Minor flooding expected, with river stages currently above flood levels.
  • Neches River Near Alto: Minor flooding occurring, with river levels expected to fall below flood stage by early Friday.
  • Trinity River at Riverside: Moderate flooding impacting homes and roads, with levels expected to decrease gradually.

These flood warnings highlight the need for vigilance and preparedness, particularly for those living near these waterways.

Precautionary Measures

Residents are urged to complete any necessary preparations to protect life and property. This includes securing outdoor items, preparing for potential evacuations, and having an emergency plan in place. With the possibility of isolated tornadoes, it is crucial to have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and to know the safest places to shelter.

For those planning trips to the coast, be aware of the hazardous conditions and consider postponing travel until the storm passes. Coastal flooding, high surf, and strong winds make beach activities extremely dangerous during this period.

Stay updated with the latest weather information through reliable sources such as NOAA Weather Radio and local news outlets. For detailed updates and safety tips, visit Weather.gov.

Governor Abbott’s Safety Tips

With hurricane season underway, Governor Abbott reminded Texans to follow these flood preparedness and safety tips:

  • Know the types of flood risk in your area.
  • Sign up for your community’s warning system.
  • Build an emergency supply kit. For more information, visit Texas Ready.
  • Keep important documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies.
  • Protect your property by moving valuables to higher levels, decluttering drains and gutters, and considering a sump pump with a battery.
  • Be extremely cautious of any water on roads or in creeks, streams, storm drains, or other areas. Never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways and always observe road barricades. Remember, turn around, don’t drown.

Texans are urged to implement proactive measures to prepare for incoming weather, including making an emergency plan, following instructions from emergency officials, and monitoring local forecast information. For more preparedness tips, visit TDEM and Texas Ready.

Stay Safe and Informed

The unpredictability of tropical weather underscores the importance of staying informed and prepared. By taking proactive measures and heeding official warnings, we can protect ourselves and our communities from the potential impacts of this tropical storm.

Stay safe, Texas Forest Country, and keep an eye on the skies as we navigate this weather event together. Don’t forget to visit our Hurricane Preparedness page HERE

Drug-Free All-Star Scholarship Recipients

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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With the help of community sponsors, The Coalition, Inc. presented scholarships to six outstanding Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars. The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, are high school seniors in Angelina County who serve as role models in the community throughout the year. Six outstanding Drug-Free All Stars were selected for their commitment to promoting a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle to their community and their involvement in the program throughout the year. The 2023-2024 Drug-Free All Stars went above and beyond to share a message of prevention, including social media posts, press conferences, videos, school presentations, and more. The six Drug-Free All Stars selected to receive a scholarship were Natalie Courtney, graduate of Lufkin HS; Dulce Flores, graduate of Diboll HS; Kenady Hathorn, graduate of Lufkin HS; Giselle Jaime, graduate of Central HS; Cara Phillips, graduate of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School; and Alexander Tiu, graduate of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School. Thank you to the community partners who made these scholarships possible: Abeldt’s Pharmacy; Southside Bank; Southwood Drive Animal Clinic; KSWP/KAVX; Contractor’s Supplies, Inc.; Whataburger/GVCS; Texas Materials Group; Lufkin Printing Company; and Morgan Insurance.  We are proud of the accomplishments of the 2023-2024 Drug-Free All Stars and wish them luck in all their future endeavors.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about the Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Cara Phillips, graduate of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School, with her scholarship from Texas Materials Group. Pictured with Tarra Glaze and Shawna Randolph.
Natalie Courtney graduate of Lufkin HS, with her scholarship from Whataburger/GVCS. Pictured with Suzy Childers, The Coalition.
Alexander Tiu, graduate of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School, with his scholarship from Morgan Insurance and Lufkin Printing Company. Pictured with Sarah Taylor, Morgan Insurance, and Justin Barkley, The Coalition.
Giselle Jaime, graduate of Central HS, with her scholarship from Southside Bank and Southwood Drive Animal Clinic. Pictured with Cassidy Kirkland and Clayton Corley, Southside Bank.
Dulce Flores, graduate of Diboll HS, with her scholarship from Abeldt’s Pharmacy. Pictured with Jeffrey Abeldt, Abeldt’s Pharmacy.  
Kenady Hathorn, graduate of Lufkin HS, with her scholarship from Contractor’s Supplies and KSWP/KAVX. Pictured Randy Batten, Contractor’s Supplies, and Michelle Ross, KSWP/KAVX.

TxDOT Spotlights Impact, Loss from Drunk Driving

By
Rhonda Oaks
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An average of 89 Texans were killed every month in alcohol-related crashes in
2023

AUSTIN – We all know that drunk driving is dangerous and yet people still choose to get behind
the wheel impaired, causing on average 65 alcohol-related crashes every day last year. Three
Texans died daily as a result — their lives extinguished at the hands of those who never thought
they would be responsible for a roadside tragedy.

Making the choice to drive drunk instead of finding a sober ride home can lead to serious
consequences, including a lifetime of anguish. This is the painful reality for Charles and Shenica
Trammell of San Antonio, who will never see their child again.   
“We taught our son to serve others, not knowing that he would actually die while doing so,” said
Shenica Trammel. Her 21-year-old son and Texas Wesleyan University football player Charles Jr.
was killed while changing a friend’s tire on the side of the road in Fort Worth.  
“All because someone made the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking,” she said.
  
Shenica and her husband Charles are among the faces seen and voices heard in a traveling
exhibit showcasing first-person testimonial videos by survivors, offenders and those who’ve
suffered the loss of a loved one to a drunk driver.    
July and August are the calendar’s two deadliest months for drunk-driving fatalities. Heading into
these months, TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is spotlighting these stories of grief
and remorse to emphasize the importance of driving sober and the consequences of drinking and
driving.  

“Drunk driving can change lives forever,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “In the
worst case, families lose loved ones or face devastating injuries. But even when there isn’t a
crash, the decision to drink and drive can ruin careers and relationships. That’s why we want
everyone to know how important and easy it is to always plan ahead for a sober ride.”
Beyond the possibility of taking a life – including your own – driving impaired and getting a DWI
can result in time-consuming legal hassles and fines and fees up to $17,000.

The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign’s Faces of Drunk Driving overlaps with heightened law
enforcement efforts to keep Texas roads safe during the Independence Day holiday. From June
21 through July 7, increased patrols aim to reduce the number of DUI-related crashes, injuries,
and fatalities.    

Even though the number of drunk driving deaths on Texas roadways in 2023 is down 15% from
2022, we must strive to continue that trend. TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign 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.

Cattlemen’s Seminar Rescheduled for Friday in Hudson

By
Cary Sims
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An annual program for cattle producers in East Texas was cancelled in May due to wet weather and rescheduled for this coming Friday. The “Pineywoods Cow Congress” was postponed due to the rainfall creating wet conditions at the host ranch. This coming Friday, June 21, Sunnyhill Ranch, the guest speakers, vendors, and AgriLife Extension organizers will again try to hold this seminar.

An abundance of rainfall is rarely unappreciated. It is the timing of the rainfall that has frustrated many hay producers in the region. The expression, “make hay while the sun shines” is incredibly important as hay needs to cure (dry out) so that it can be wrapped into bales and stored for later consumption by livestock. The frequency and abundance of rain for the past several weeks has delayed much of the hay production in the region.

Additionally, the excessively wet soils have hampered field operations. Wet soils don’t hold up well under heavy tractors or fertilizer trucks. It was ultimately the excessively wet ground that cancelled last months meeting. While the host ranch has a great entrance driveway and parking for their family and farm equipment, the arrival of many more trucks would have created deep ruts in the pasture as well as possibly getting folks stuck.

Yet with a decent chance of rain still in the forecast this upcoming week, area County Extension Agents are pressing on with the hope that we can hold the program this Friday, June 21.

Dubbed the Pineywoods Cattle Congress, the day long program will be at the Sunnyhill Ranch from 8:00 am until 3:00 p.m. at 7611 State Highway 94, Lufkin, Tx. This ranch that was started in the 1950’s by Bill Pate is located west of Lufkin between Hudson High School and the Neches River on the south side of Hwy 94.

Topics for the day include breeding soundness of bulls, bull selection, economic outlook for the beef industry, the “Economics of a Cow”, and weed control of grassy weeds by using a ‘wick’ applicator.

Guest speakers include Dr. David Anderson, Professor and Extension Economist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service; Lane Dunn, Shelby County Extension Agent for agriculture;  and local veterinarian, Dr. Bradley Clary.  

The last session of the day will focus on the reduction of weedy grasses that plague many pastures in the area. The group will learn about the successful efforts by the host Pete Johson in his work to control Vaseygrass and Smutgrass . Both grasses are of little to no value for beef production, can be quite invasive, and have proven difficult to control.  Johnson has utilized a “wick applicator” that wipes herbicide onto the taller vegetation and does not affect the preferred grasses that have are favored and have been grazed down shorter by cattle.

Sponsors for the field day are Heritage Land Bank, Jarvis Farm Equipment, and GrassWorks. Farm equipment will be on display and will provide demonstrations in the afternoon for those that are interested.

Individuals with Pesticide Applicator licenses with the Texas Department of Agriculture will receive one CEU towards their pesticide license.

Early registration is requested by Tuesday, June 18. Participants are requested to provide a courtesy call to the Angelina County extension office at 936-634-6414 x 0, to help plan for the program and the lunch meal.

The Pineywoods Cattle Congress, it is a non-profit, non-political, educational event organized by Extension offices in Angelina, Nacogdoches, Panola, Sabine, San Augustine and Shelby Counties.

For more information contact me at 936-634-6414 x 2.

Angelina College Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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Hey, sports fans,

This week got loud on the Angelina College campus. We kicked off three more AC Athletics camps (soccer, basketball and softball) after last week’s baseball camps. We had kids dribbling, throwing, hitting and giggling all over the place, all while learning new skills for their favorite games.

Not to mention the massive slip-‘n-slide featured on Thursday. Even the grownups wanted their time on the water.

While baseball and softball completed their summer youth camps, basketball and soccer still have some more camps coming our way.

Oh, and we’ve got big, big news coming soon regarding our athletics website and social media.

Here’s what’s heading our way:

Focus on FUNdamentals

AC Athletics Programs Hosting Youth Summer Camps

Angelina College Athletics programs are hosting a series of youth summer camps in conjunction with the college’s “Camp Roadrunner” recreation camps. The camps focus on building both fundamentals and love of the game; instructors include the AC coaching staff and players/volunteers.

The camps are open to youngsters from kindergarten through 5th grade. The cost for each camp is $110. Attendees can make this a full-day camp by purchasing a Recreation Camp “Add-on” for $75.00.) Sessions run from 9 a.m. until noon each day.

For registration and other information, visit https://www.angelina.edu/camproadrunner/ and look under the “Athletic Camps” section for the desired sport.

Following are the dates and locations by sport:

Basketball –June 24-27, July 15-18, Shands Gymnasium on the AC campus.

Soccer –July 15-18, AC Soccer Complex on the AC campus.

Changes, Upgrades Coming to AC Athletics Web Site, Social Media

We’re gonna need a bigger website.

Angelina College Athletics’ official website (www.angelinaathletics.com) and all related social media will be getting a massive, much-needed overhaul over the summer. Joining our staff are some true website and graphics wizards, and they’re going to help with the redesign and upkeep of all our forms of internet and social media presence going forward.

Our tentative launch date for all the new-look media is August 1st. That’s when we’re hoping to reveal the new website, along with all the revamped (and possibly reborn) social media sites.

In the meantime, we’ll be posting on all those sites to make everyone aware of the coming changes. Some of the current sites needly only a little updating, while others may have to disappear completely in order to make room for the new version.

As always, we’ll keep you updated all the way up until the big date.

Guy Davis Golf Tournament Date, Location Set

The 17th Annual Guy Davis Golf Tournament has a date now, along with a temporary change in location.

The tournament, hosted by the Roadrunner Foundation, serves as the biggest fund-raiser for all our AC Athletics programs.

This year’s tournament will take place on Saturday, August 17, with the pre-tournament kickoff dinner taking place on Friday, August 16.

Because of the ongoing course renovations at Crown Colony Country Club – the usual site for the tournament – this year’s golf will take place at the Neches Pines Golf Course in Diboll, Texas.

Crown Colony still will serve as the site for the kickoff dinner.

We’ll send out more details as the event draws nearer.

For any other information, contact Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614

LifeShare Blood Drive @ Rave Financial Jasper Experience Center

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Help us save lives by donating blood!
Rave Financial is hosting a blood drive Friday, June 14th from 1:00 PM until 5 pm at our Jasper location.
Be sure to eat and drink before donating and please bring your ID.
You can schedule your appointment ahead of time by visiting this link: https://donor.lifeshare.org/…/sch…/drive_schedule/267634

Power Networking Breakfast (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0

Join us for this year’s Chamber 360 on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 8 AM in the Chamber Community Room.

Chamber 360 is designed for new, current, and prospective Investors, offering a comprehensive guide to maximizing your membership benefits. Learn how to leverage the tools, resources, and relationships available through your membership. This event also provides a great opportunity to connect with other Investors, give brief remarks, meet the Chamber team, and explore the valuable support you can access.

Attendance is free! While registration is not required, it is strongly encouraged to help us plan accordingly. Register today at bit.ly/PNB-0624.

Ribbon Cutting – Marsh McLennan Agency, Ben Honeywell (Nacogdoches County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Celebrating New Chamber Member

Date & Time

Thu Jul 11 2024 at 04:30 pm
(GMT-05:00)

Location
2516 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-3518, United States

Work Beginning on San Jacinto County Bridge

By
Rhonda Oaks
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This aerial photo was shared with Bluebonnet News by Dr. Jimmy Smith of Artesian Lakes Resort. It shows the collapse of a section of the FM 787 bridge in Romayor.

LUFKIN – A pre-construction meeting was held last week signaling the start of a new construction project in San Jacinto County.

Work is scheduled to begin in coming days on FM 3278 to lengthen the Trinity River Bridge on the San Jacinto County line due to channel migration. Additional spans will be added to the bridge.

Hodges and Son Construction Company, Inc., Omaha TX, is serving as contractor for the $4.8 million construction project. The work is scheduled to be completed in Summer 2025, weather permitting. Crews are placing construction barricades June 17 with work beginning thereafter.

Motorists are urged to stay alert for workers and moving equipment near the lanes of traffic. Obey all traffic control in the area and prepare for delays as this work progresses.

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

Mid Morning Coffee (Houston County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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0
Join us for our next Mid-Morning Coffee gathering hosted by Maestro’s Grooming Speakeasy!

 Date: 6/20/24
 Time: 9:30 a.m.
 Location: Maestro’s Grooming Speakeasy, 208 Goliad Ave. Crockett, TX

Connect with fellow business owners and professionals over a cup of coffee and engaging conversations. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity to network and build meaningful connections within the Crockett business community.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic chance to expand your network and discover what’s happening in the Crockett Area business community! See you there!
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