Join us at the Angelina County Expo Center located at 1200 Ellen Trout Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904, for the Badders Law Firm Bull Bash Presented by Lufkin Ford on March 2nd, 2024, starting at 7:30 PM.
Presented by Stagecoach Productions, this Xtreme Bull Bash features top bull riders from the PRCA World Standings and contestants who have advanced through the Xtreme Bulls qualifying events. Witness thrilling 8-second rides, pyrotechnics, and some rocking tunes for an unforgettable experience.
Secure your tickets now! Ticket prices are as follows:
– Lower Reserved Seating: $40-$75
– Upper Reserved Seating: $30
– Adult General Admission: $20
– Child General Admission (Ages 6-10): $10
– Children 5 and under: Free in General Admission Only
Please note that all reserved seating is one price for all ages.
Don’t wait too long to purchase your tickets, as prices increase by $5 on March 2nd at 8 AM.
The first row in the upper section is reserved for handicap seating. Get ready for an electrifying show!
COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service is awarding $8.25 million through the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative, a financial incentives program to fund non-industrial, private, small-acreage landowners. The five-year project, led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and funded by the USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities grant, will provide financial incentives to agricultural commodities across Texas.
The Texas Climate-Smart Initiative program incentivizes farming practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or sequester carbon beyond normal practices. Carbon sequestration is the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, and the Texas Climate-Smart initiative aims to maximize this carbon capture potential while simultaneously producing high-quality fiber for the timber industry.
“We are excited for the opportunity to help Texas forest landowners achieve their carbon-focused forestry goals while improving the overall health and vigor of their trees through this financial incentives program,” said Michelle Moore, Texas A&M Forest Service Staff Forester.
Landowners interested in conducting science-based, carbon-focused forest management practices may apply for funds for one of five categories available through the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative for forestry practices including stand establishment, forest fertilization, herbicide application, prescribed burning, and forest thinning.
“Purposeful, prudent, and proactive forest management is essential to maintaining the environmental sustainability of our forests while also securing landowners’ generational investments in their forests,” said Moore. “This program is expanding the accessibility of climate-smart practices to many Texans – especially those that are at an “economy of scale” disadvantage in traditional markets.”
For more information on the Texas Climate-Smart Initiative application process, frequently asked questions, newsletter signup and more, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/climatesmart.aspx.
In just its second fall semester since inception, Angelina College’s “First Year Free” initiative is already seeing Angelina County students reaping big rewards.
During the past fall semester, nearly 300 Angelina County high school graduates enrolled at AC, and all were able to attend tuition-free. Through the utilization of various “layering” methods involving scholarships, other forms of financial aid and the AC Challenge Scholarship Fund, the initiative successfully upheld its goal of “making college education more accessible to the talented individuals in our community.”
Krista Brown, Associate Vice President of Student Services, said that because “First Year Free” is still relatively new, the college wants to ensure word gets out early enough for students and parents to begin planning for their next step after high school graduation.
“Many individuals remain unfamiliar with the financial aid process due to all of the changes made by the federal government this year,” Brown emphasized. “We want to reassure students that regardless of their situation, they can attend the first year free upon graduating from an Angelina County high school and meeting our requirements” (listed at https://www.angelina.edu/firs-year-free/).
Eligibility requirements including graduating from an Angelina County high school, applying to Angelina College, applying for federal aid (FAFSA), applying for possible AC scholarships and enrolling at AC as a full-time student (a minimum of 12 semester hours).
While federal financial aid uses “cutoffs” regarding income brackets, the First Year Free initiative ensures all Angelina County students can start college without financial burden.
“Angelina College proudly stands behind the ongoing initiative of First Year Free, ensuring that all students in our community have the opportunity to pursue higher education,” Brown said.
“We’re already seeing and hearing so many positive results, and we can’t wait to see others enjoying the same benefits.”
LUFKIN – TxDOT would like to express its heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Audrii Cunningham whose body was discovered Tuesday near US 59 at the Trinity River Bridge in Polk County.
The agency understands the need and desire of the public to express their sympathy with condolences and remembrances at the scene where she was found. For the safety of all motorists and pedestrians, TxDOT urges the public to refrain from leaving vehicles on the shoulder, placing any remembrances, ribbons, signs, flowers or toys on US 59, the bridge or bridge railings of the Trinity River Bridge.
“Because safety is our priority, we ask all motorists to be alert for pedestrians through this area in coming days. We also urge pedestrians to refrain from stopping or parking near the roadway. We understand those who would like to leave remembrances of Audril, but we urge pedestrians to refrain from parking or exiting their vehicles near US 59, or leaving condolences on the bridge,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer.
Crews will patrol the area in coming days and monitor the condolences that are placed near the roadway or left near the scene.
With basketball’s regular season winding down to its final weeks, baseball and softball seasons are picking up steam, meaning there’s plenty of game action taking place on the Angelina College campus. We had everything from walk-offs to buzzer-beaters to keep things rowdy around here.
Following is a recap of the week, along with information on upcoming events.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Splits Games
AC’s ladies handled Jacksonville College 93-54 Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium, with Amyria Walker leading the way for AC with 23 points. Alecia Rivera-Scott came off the bench to drill six three pointers on her way to an 18-point night, while India McMahon added 14 points and Janay Quinn 11 points in the win.
On Saturday, however, the Lady ‘Runners’ six-game winning streak came to an end in Athens, with No. 12 Trinity Valley Community College handing AC a 77-52 loss.
Nevertheless, the Lady Roadrunners (17-8, 9-2) maintain their hold on first place in the Region XIV conference standings with five games remaining in the regular season.
The Lady ‘Runners host Blinn College Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium, with tipoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. AC will close out the week at Tyler Junior College on Saturday. That game is set for a 2 p.m. start.
NOTE: AC’s Walker still leads Region XIV in scoring at a 19.9 points-per-game clip.
Roadrunner Basketball Drops Heartbreaker to No. 11 Lee College
When AC’s Xavier Owens let fly a three-pointer that swished the net at the buzzer signaling the end of regulation, the Roadrunners had every right to feel as if they were about to steal another game against the No. 11-ranked Navigators from Lee College. After all, the ‘Runners had managed to erase an eight-point deficit in about 90 seconds to force overtime.
But the Navigators managed to hold off the Roadrunner charge, handing AC an 82-72 loss Saturday at Shands Gymnasium.
Eddie Evans scored 16 points to lead the ‘Runners, followed by Nehikare Igiehon with 15 and Owens with 14.
Despite the loss, the Roadrunners (16-9, 7-7) still sit in third place in the Region XIV South Zone standings with five games left to play on the regular-season schedule.
AC’s men travel to Jacksonville College on Tuesday for a 7 p.m. game and will host Lamar State College-Port Arthur Saturday at 4 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Takes Five Wins this Week
The Lady ‘Runners opened their week with their first three-game winning streak of the season and capped the week with a doubleheader split against a nationally ranked team.
AC on Wednesday took both games of a twin bill at Kilgore College, beating the Lady Rangers 11-2 and 15-4. Riley Davila tripled twice in the opener, and Skyler Martin, River Hulsey and Lindsey McKnight each drove in two runs.
In the nightcap, Martin and Kaetlyn Dunbar each homered, with Dunbar finishing with four RBI and Martin three.
On Friday, the Lady ‘Runners handled Monroe College (NY) by a 9-1 final. Davila finished with three hits (including another triple) in three trips to the plate, and Hulsey rocked a three-run homer.
Friday evening’s game with No. 15 Butler CC (KS) saw the Lady ‘Runners fall 16-8, but in Saturday’s doubleheader against the same Grizzlies’ team, AC rallied to win a thrilling 12-11 game in walk-off fashion. Gabree-Ella Harris set off the celebration with a line drive single to left field to score Davila with the game-winner. Martin drove in four runs in the game, Davila accounted for three RBI and Lorelei Graham drove in two more.
Butler would hold off another AC rally in Saturday’s nightcap, with the Lady ‘Runners falling 8-5 despite erasing a five-run deficit.
Davila certainly earned herself conference Player of the Week considerations with her five-game numbers: 17-24 at the plate for an astronomical .708 batting average, 12 runs scored, five RBI, three triples and a double.
The Lady Roadrunners are on the road at Paris College on Wednesday and in Denison (TX) on Saturday against Grayson College at the Grayson College Invite. Both those doubleheaders start at 1 p.m.
Roadrunner Baseball Drops Pair of Doubleheaders
The Roadrunner baseball team dropped a pair of doubleheaders this past week, falling 11-1 and 11-6 Wednesday at Alvin College and 13-0, 8-6 Saturday against Temple College at Poland Field on the AC campus.
In Wednesday’s 11-6 loss to Alvin, Cole Standley drove in three runs while going 2-for-4 at the plate, and Mason Lampe added an RBI with a solo homer.
In Saturday’s 8-6 loss to Temple, the ‘Runners’ Sean Bazmore picked up three RBI in the loss. Kristopher Grimes and Ryan Lewis also drove in a run each.
The Roadrunners (2-10) are on the road Monday at Dallas College-Mountainview (1 p.m. start) before returning home for Wednesday’s doubleheader against Alvin College. First pitch at Poland Field is at 1 p.m.
AC will close the week with a single, nine-inning game at home against Dallas College-Eastfield on Saturday, Feb. 24.
West Sabine Tigers Shoutout
Members of both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams from West Sabine High School showed up to support the Lady Roadrunners during Wednesday’s home game against Jacksonville College. They were loud and awesome all night long.
UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE:
Women’s/Men’s Basketball Sophomore Day: Saturday, March 2. AC teams hosting Coastal Bend CC in a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. Sophomore Day festivities will take place before each game.
Tyler Rayburn Baseball Tribute: Tyler Rayburn was a key (and very popular) part of the Angelina College baseball team for a couple of years. Sadly, we lost Tyler when he passed away in 2023, but the Roadrunner baseball program plans to honor his memory with a tribute tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at Poland Field. The Roadrunners host TCS Post Grad in a doubleheader that day, so the ceremony (including a ceremonial first pitch) will take place before the first game, currently scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.
Softball National Champions 10-Year Reunion: Yes, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Angelina College’s only national title: The Lady Roadrunner Softball team’s 2014 national championship. Current plans include hosting a reunion ceremony tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 20, when the Lady Roadrunner softball team will host Blinn College in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. We’ll issue more information once we’ve solidified all the plans.
Region XIV Basketball Conference Tournament Information
This year’s Region XIV Basketball Conference Tournament will take place from March 12-16 at Tyler Junior College’s Wagstaff Gymnasium in Tyler. The tourney opens on Tuesday, March 12 with the men’s first round starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 features the women’s opening round, also starting at 1 p.m.; Thursday is the men’s quarterfinals round; Friday is the men’s and women’s semifinal round; and Saturday marks the championship games for both women (4 p.m.) and men (7 p.m.). Tournament winner earns an automatic bid to its sport’s respective national tournament (Casper, WY for the women and Hutchinson, KS for the men), and tourney runners-up are virtually guaranteed an at-large bid.
Full brackets won’t be available until after the final regular-season games on Wednesday, March 6.
This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball subject to change with pending inclement weather):
Roadrunner Baseball:
Monday, Feb. 19: AC at Dallas College-Mountain View, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Dallas
Wednesday, Feb. 21: AC vs. Alvin College, DH starting at 1 p.m., Poland Field on the AC campus.
Saturday, Feb. 24: AC vs. Dallas College-Eastfield, single 9-inning game starting at 1 p.m., Poland Field on the AC campus.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball:
Wed., Feb. 21: AC vs. Blinn College, 6:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
Sat., Feb. 24: AC at Tyler JC, 2 p.m. in Tyler.
Roadrunner Basketball:
Tuesday, Feb. 20: AC at Jacksonville College, 7 p.m. in Jacksonville.
Saturday, Feb. 24: AC vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 4 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.
Lady Roadrunner Softball:
Wednesday, Feb. 21: AC at Paris College, DH (doubleheader) starting at 1 p.m. in Paris.
Saturday, Feb. 24: AC at Grayson College (Grayson Invite), DH starting at 1 p.m. in Denison, TX.
For up-to-date information on any potential schedule changes, AC fans can visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on social media (@ACAthletics on X/Twitter, or Angelina College Athletics Facebook page.)
Meet the Houston County Sheriff candidates for the Republican Primary Zak Benge and Sheriff Randy Hargrove. Sponsored by Messenger and the Crockett Area Chamber
Come hear what the Houston County Sheriff Candidates have to say!
Date/Time Information:
Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 6 PM
Forrest family raising broilers and competing at the Angelina County Fair
9-year-old Alaura Forrest is being helped by her dad, Darel Forrest, as they place new chicks in the pen in which they will be raising them.
There are three County Fair exhibitors in the Forrest family. The youngest two will be showing a pen of broilers in just a few weeks while the oldest will serve in volunteer youth leader role. Alaura, Levi, and Samuel are the kids of Darrel and Crystal Forrest and members of the Blue Ribbon 4-H club in Angelina County.
The youngest exhibitor in the family is Alaura who is nine years old and in third grade. Just old enough to compete in the 4-H program, she has been active in the Pee Wee show since she was three. For quite a while Alaura has been watching her two older brothers participate and has been anxiously waiting until she could also be a participate in the show. Not only will she be showing broilers but will also compete in the arts and crafts division.
Levi is 14 and in the eighth grade. Levi loves music and he and his older brother both serve on the youth worship team at church. This is his third year with broilers and he as has also entered the arts and crafts show.
The oldest is Samuel. He is 17, in 11th grade. He loves playing guitar and piano. He serves on the Sunday worship team and leads the youth worship team band. Samuel is serving his second year as a Youth Volunteer Poultry Ambassador. The Angelina County Fair Ambassador program provides high school aged fair participants the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills as well as become an advocate for the fair and agriculture as a whole.
A “broiler” is a chicken bred specifically to grow muscle efficiently and to be eaten. Their genetics are very different from the egg producing breeds we have in the back-yard egg-laying flock. Raising broiler chickens is an excellent youth project for beginners to livestock exhibiting. Chickens are considerably easier to handle, require less space, and are less expensive than other species.
To be competitive, exhibitors do have a good bit of work to keep the water fresh, the feed filled up and the temperatures correct. Levi says, “The hardest part about being in the Fair is losing sleep to check on the bird’s feed and water.” Additionally, the kids have to keep up with their other responsibilities while raising them. Their father, Darell said, “”Keeping the kids and myself out of the barn might be the hardest part! We all love it!”
Chickens can be raised in a backyard shed or a garage; they do not need a large amount of land. And broilers can often be raised in urban areas where larger animals would be impractical. In fact, it is recommended that broilers be raised in a good shelter to maximize growth and prevent attack by predators.
This is a short-term livestock project lasting only six weeks. The quick time frame of only 6 weeks is very typical of market conditions. On a commercial scale, it typically takes only 6-7 weeks to raise a broiler to market weight.
A broiler chicken eats less than two pounds of feed for every pound of body weight gained. Therefore, a six-pound broiler requires only 12 pounds of feed to complete its 6 week grow-out cycle.
At the county fair, only the best 3 broilers from the original pen are shown in competition by a student. The remainder of the birds never make it to the showgrounds.
“Being with our family as well as other families and supporting the kids that are involved is probably the best part of being in the County Fair”, says Crystal. She continues, “I hope they learn what a vital role farmers and agriculture play in our daily lives. It’s more than a competition. We have a wonderful community that comes together and supports our youth”.
This year’s broiler show at the Angelina County Fair is sponsored by Pilgrim’s Pride and will be held on Tuesday, March 19 starting at 6 pm in the main arena at the George H. Henderson Expo. The entire County Fair is from Monday, March 18 thru Saturday, March 23 concluding with the sale on Saturday afternoon. The auction will be Saturday evening in the main arena starting at 4 pm. For more information about the Angelina County Fair, go to angelinacountyfair.com.
Nestled in the heart of San Augustine, Texas, San Augustine Drug has been a cornerstone of the community since its establishment in 1904. Owned by Mike and Debbie Jackson, this pharmacy and boutique has woven itself into the fabric of the town over its remarkable 120-year history.
A Legacy of Healing and Happiness
Founded by Pharmacist Alonzo Rushing and his brother Ace, San Augustine Drug embarked on its journey to provide essential pharmacy services and a touch of joy to everyone who walked through its doors.
Debbie Jackson, reflecting on the store’s origins, shares in a recent TV interview, “We do have prescriptions prior to 1904 that we have on file, but it was actually founded in 1904, and it’s been in continuous operation ever since.”
The Jacksons took over the reins in 1990 from Debbie’s father, Therman Bridges, continuing a legacy that nearly came to an abrupt end with a fire in 1988. However, the resilience of the community and the dedication of the Jacksons kept the pharmacy’s heart beating, quickly resuming operations down the street while the original site was rebuilt.
More Than Just a Pharmacy
Today, San Augustine Drug stands as a unique blend of a traditional pharmacy and a boutique, offering an array of products and services from essential medical prescriptions to gifts, clothing, and kids’ toys. But perhaps its most famous offering is the Grapefruit Highball, a soda fountain classic that has outlived generations. Invented in 1928 by Casey Jones, a soda jerk turned pharmacist, the drink remains a testament to the store’s rich history and innovation.
A Pillar of Personal Care
The Jacksons have fostered a friendly family atmosphere where every customer is treated with warmth and personal attention.
“Personal interaction is enjoyable,” Mike Jackson says, summarizing the essence of their business philosophy. San Augustine Drug is a place where the hustle of modern life slows down, allowing for genuine face-to-face connections.
Engagement and Evolution
Deeply embedded in the community, San Augustine Drug supports local schools and events, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the town’s well-being. Looking ahead, the Jacksons are excited about celebrating the pharmacy’s 120th anniversary on April 13, 2024. This milestone is not just a celebration of longevity but also a tribute to continuous personal service and the evolution of a business that has grown alongside its community.
A Testament to Time
San Augustine Drug’s journey is a vivid narrative of resilience, care, and community engagement. As the world changes, the Jacksons plan to meet future challenges by staying true to the principles of personal interaction and community support that have defined their business for over a century.
For those looking to embark on their own entrepreneurial journey in the area, Mike Jackson advises, “Find a passion for something you love to do, and a need that’s not being addressed. And follow the rule of life… ‘if you are not growing, you are dying’.”
As San Augustine Drug prepares for its 120th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of history, healthcare, and heartfelt service in East Texas. It’s a story of a business that is more than just a pharmacy; it’s a cherished community member that continues to enrich the lives of those it serves.
Join the celebration of history, healthcare, and heart at San Augustine Drug. Follow their journey and connect with them on Facebook to discover more about this iconic Texas institution.
After a long and welcomed reprieve from Austin, I recently made a trip back to welcome a sizeable delegation of folks from the Lufkin area who were in town for their annual Lufkin/Angelina County Day at the Texas Capitol. While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being back home and spending time traveling the district, the trip to Austin is sure easier when you’re accompanied by a group of great folks from back home.
That said, I want to remind everyone that our office is always ready and willing to welcome you or your family to our State Capitol. With spring break just around the corner and summer right behind it, I want to encourage you to consider making a trip down to Austin for your next family outing. My staff can help coordinate a tour of the Capitol complex, the Texas State Cemetery, and help make arrangements for you to visit other attractions like the Bob Bullock State History Museum or the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library. While you’re here, be sure to drop by the office to say hello – our door is always open!
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
Earlier this month, the General Land Office (GLO) announced that more than $122 million in regional mitigation funds were awarded to several Texas counties to improve streets, drainage, and sewer systems. Among the counties being awarded these funds is San Augustine County, which received funding to repair local street and drainage infrastructure. After the recent flooding in our area, I know these funds will be put to good use. I appreciate the GLO for recognizing the critical needs we have in the Deep East Texas region.
Additionally, Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced last week that his office received hundreds of applications for financial assistance from rural law enforcement offices requesting nearly $125 million for salary assistance using funds made available through the enactment of Senate Bill 22 during the 88th Legislative Session.
I am immensely pleased to report that every county in House District 9 will receive funding from this new rural law enforcement fund. In total, $3.7 million will be distributed amongst our six-county Sheriff offices, as well as some County and District Attorney offices. As I traveled across the district and met with county officials before this past session, it was made abundantly clear to me that more needed to be done to help our rural law enforcement offices recruit and retain qualified officers and purchase much-needed equipment. As a co-author of Senate Bill 22, which established this funding, I am excited to see this announcement of financial support for our local law enforcement agencies. Our public safety officials are vital to protecting our citizens, and I’m proud to see funding being provided to ensure rural counties have the law enforcement funds necessary to recruit and retain those who help keep our communities safe.
The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on February 21 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11 a.m. and at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
