Join us for the 3rd Day Party with the Houston County Cossacks! All are invited to our Clubhouse for a day of brotherhood and fun. Bring your family, friends, and children – we’ve got a bounce house for the kids, exciting motorcycle games, and even a best-looking motorcycle contest with trophies up for grabs! Public participation in the games is encouraged, so bring your bikes and let’s make it a memorable day. If you’re entering the contest, there’s a $20 entry fee. Check out the details on our flyer, and feel free to call us if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you there! SYLC ???
LUFKIN – A reduction in the speed limit was recently approved by Lufkin City Council for a busy Lufkin street with signs scheduled to be set in the coming days.
The speed limit on FM 324/Southwood Drive in Lufkin will be lowered from 55 miles per hour to 45 miles per hour from SL 287 (outside the loop) to approximately 0.8 miles south of SL 287.
The Lufkin City Council voted to lower the speed limit based on a recent speed study conducted by the TxDOT Lufkin District. In accordance with the Texas Administrative Code, Title 43, Part 1, Chapter 25, Subchapter B, the City is responsible for preparing and passing a city ordinance or resolution establishing the lower speed limit based on the speed study conducted by TxDOT.
Motorists are urged to stay alert and obey the new lower speed limit. Once signs are set, the new speed limit will be enforceable.
Another full week of Angelina College Athletics action (we sure stay busy around here) including a new coaching hire, some recognition for some deserving student-athletes, and – of course – plenty of game action.
Here’s a recap of the week, along with a list of upcoming events:
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Remains Atop Standings
The Lady Roadrunners have remained perched atop the Region XIV basketball standings for most of the season. On Saturday, they stayed there – by a mere two points.
AC’s ladies traveled to Kilgore to battle the second-place Lady Rangers and escaped with a thrilling 83-81 win. The result kept the Lady Roadrunners (16-8, 8-1) with just one loss in conference play while Kilgore dropped to 14-9, 7-2.
In Saturday’s win, Maria Kenembeni wrecked the Rangers with a 25-point, 13-rebound effort. Amyria Walker added 23 points and Janay Quinn another 10 for AC. Collectively, the Lady Roadrunner defense forced 17 Kilgore turnovers, converting most of those to transition scores on the AC end.
The Lady ‘Runners host Jacksonville College Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. before traveling to Athens on Saturday to take on No. 13 Trinity Valley Community College at 2 p.m.
Roadrunner Basketball Splits Road/Home Games this Week
AC’s guys rebounded from Wednesday’s road slip (an 81-68 to Coastal Bend Community College in Beeville) with a solid performance at home on Saturday. The Roadrunners topped Victoria College in a 76-63 win at Shands Gymnasium.
Xavier Owens led the team with 16 points, while Keddric Mays added 14 points in the win.
The ‘Runners (16-8, 7-6) still hold the third-place spot in Region XIV’s South Zone, two games back of second-place Blinn College and two games ahead of fourth-place Coastal Bend.
AC gets the night off on Wednesday before hosting No. 12 Lee College on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner Softball with High-Speed Week
No team was busier this week than the Lady Roadrunner softball team, which played a total of eight games in six days – capping the week Sunday in Waco.
The Lady ‘Runners began the week with their home opener on Monday, sweeping Kilgore College 15-7, 7-1 at Lady Roadrunner Field. In the opening game, AC’s Skyler Martin drove in eight runs, including a grand slam. Riley Davila drove in another four runs, and Kaetlyn Dunbar doubled twice in the win.
In the late game, it was Dunbar’s turn to trot the bases, with the sophomore rocking a three-run homer and finishing the game with three RBI. Davila drove in two more to help AC cap the sweep of the Lady Rangers.
AC dropped both games of a doubleheader Wednesday at No. 18 Bossier Parish CC (losing 11-0, 8-0) before hitting Waco for the rain-soaked McLennan Tournament. The Lady ‘Runners actually led Crowder College 2-0 on Saturday before rains washed out the game and left it declared a “no contest.” AC then battled No. 6 McLennan before falling 4-1.
The Lady ‘Runners are scheduled to play at Kilgore College on Wednesday in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m.
AC then will play four straight games at home beginning on Friday: The Lady Roadrunners play Monroe College and Butler College starting at noon on Friday, then play Butler twice on Saturday starting at 2 p.m.
Roadrunner Baseball Falls at Temple College
AC Baseball’s only two games of the week were on the road against a strong Temple College team, with the ‘Runners coming out on the short end of 9-6, 10-3 finals.
Taz Pate homered and drove in three runs in the opener, then added a solo shot for another RBI in the nightcap.
The Roadrunners (2-6) on Wednesday will travel to Alvin College for a pair of seven-inning games starting at noon. AC returns home on Saturday for a twin bill against Temple College starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.
Gardea Named Head Women’s Soccer Coach
Sergio Gardea, who has spent the past few years helping build Jacksonville College programs, recently was named the head coach of the Lady Roadrunners. Not only does Gardea bring familiarity with a tough Region XIV conference, he also brings a resume filled with success as both a player and a coach.
Gardea also worked at Jacksonville with current AC men’s head coach Martin Melchor and was instrumental in lifting the Lady Jaguar program to new heights.
For his full story and bio, visit the Angelina College Athletics website at www.angelinaathletics.com
Nice Ring to It: Roadrunner Men’s Soccer Receives Conference Championship Rings
In 2023, the Angelina College men’s soccer team accomplished a program first – and it wasn’t even their trip the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas.
No, the team already had been there, done that when it came to qualifying for a national tournament. After all, the program’s first appearance at nationals had occurred the year before.
What the program had never done was win a Region XIV conference championship. Despite knocking on the door for several years, not until 2023 did the Roadrunners finally kick down the door with emphasis.
The ‘Runners didn’t lose a regular-season match in 2023, finishing the year 13-2-2, with the only losses occurring in the national tournament. One of those losses came to the eventual national champion.
And for the first time, the Roadrunners captured the Region XIV conference title, beating Northeast Texas Community College in the quarterfinals, Blinn College in the semifinals and Tyler Junior College in the finals.
On Friday, Angelina College staff presented the team and coaches with rings commemorating the big milestone.
TINY DANCERS
Allison Wethington, 8 (wearing pink) and Ava Nash, 12 (wearing maroon) performed at half time of Saturday’s Roadrunners vs. Victoria College basketball game. The two tiny dancers are part of the Academy of Gymnastics and Dance in Lufkin, and they did a beautiful job entertaining the crowd.
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.
This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball subject to change with pending inclement weather):
Roadrunner Baseball:
Wednesday, Feb. 14: AC at Alvin College, DH starting at 12 p.m. in Alvin.
Saturday, Feb. 17: AC vs. Temple College, DH starting at 1 p.m., Poland Field on the AC campus.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball:
Wed., Feb. 14: AC vs. Jacksonville College, 6:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
Sat., Feb. 17: AC at Trinity Valley CC, 2 p.m. in Athens.
Roadrunner Basketball:
Saturday, Feb. 17: AC vs. Lee College, 4 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium
Lady Roadrunner Softball:
Wednesday, Feb. 14: AC at Kilgore, DH (doubleheader) starting at 1 p.m. in Kilgore (could possibly be moved to AC)
Friday, Feb. 16: AC vs. Monroe College (12 p.m.); AC vs. Butler CC, 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 17: AC vs. Butler CC, DH starting at 2 p.m.
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.)
For the past few years, the Angelina College Lady Roadrunner soccer team has been on the cusp of achieving a berth in the NCJAA Division I National Tournament.
With hiring of its new head coach, the program is hoping to take those next big steps very soon.
Sergio Gardea, who has spent the past few years helping build Jacksonville College programs, recently was named the head coach of the Lady Roadrunners. Not only does Gardea bring familiarity with a tough Region XIV conference, he also brings a resume filled with success as both a player and a coach.
Gardea also worked at Jacksonville with current AC men’s head coach Martin Melchor, and Gardea said the Lufkin area’s reputation was a big reason he chose to take on this role.
“Even though I’m not from the East Texas area, I’ve been living here for the past 10-12 years, so I’m very familiar with this area,” Gardea said. “I’m familiar with how the Lufkin community is when it comes to supporting our students striving to graduate, and I’m familiar with how important soccer is in this area.
“Also, I’ve already been coaching, so I know a lot of teams in this area. I know the level of competition, and I know what it takes to win. That’s the main thing: To have a successful program in this region, and to have a nationally ranked team.”
A native of El Paso, Gardea graduated from Americas High School, serving as the boys soccer team’s goalkeeper, where he earned All-City Goalkeeper honors following his senior year. His skills landed him a spot at Cisco College, helping the team to its first national ranking in the history of the program.
Later, Gardea transferred to UT-Tyler, and in 2011 helped the team to the American Southwest Conference and ASC Tournament championships. That same season, UT-Tyler advanced to the final eight in the NCAA Division III national tournament – the farthest any Patriot men’s soccer team had ever advanced in a national tournament.
In addition, Gardea holds the Patriot program record for most shutouts by a goalkeeper.
He feels his experiences at the junior college level will provide a big benefit to his players.
“I understand the whole process of being a JUCO player and having that dream of going to a four-year school,” Gardea said. “I’m also aware that at a junior college, a lot of these kids are going to be first-generation college students, and for some, it will be their first time coming to the United States.
“That’s something with which I’m completely familiar,” Gardea added. “I was a first-generation college student. I was the first person in my family to attend college, and I also came here from Mexico, so I can understand those feelings. It’s a hard transition coming from one country to another, and I understand those challenges completely.”
Asked to describe his approach to coaching, Gardea specified the importance of a mental approach for every player.
“I would say decision-making is the most important thing I coach,” Gardea said. “I give them some guidance, but I also want to make sure they’re making the right decisions all the time. Soccer is not a sport where you can just call a timeout and reset everything. I have to make sure the girls know the plan, that they can make decisions and that they can see the game.
“A lot of my soccer philosophy relies on decision-making and practice. That’s not just for soccer, but also for life, because those players are going to have to make decisions all their lives.”
Gardea will have several key players returning from the 2023 season, and he said those women, along with a strong class if incoming freshmen, means the program won’t endure any “rebuilding stage.” In fact, Gardea said he’s already got the program’s goals in place.
“We want to continue what the Angelina College women’s program has done for the past three years, which means achieving national rankings,” Gardea said. “We hope to be the first AC soccer women’s team to qualify for the national tournament.”
Gardea is the son of Sara Santiesteban and Sergio Gardea, Sr., and the brother of Liz Hernandez.
Mark your calendars! The first Candidate Forum of 2024 will be held on February 29, 2024 at The Pines Theater. This is YOUR opportunity to hear from local candidates! Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, GLS, for their support of the Candidate Forum.
In 2023, the Angelina College men’s soccer team accomplished a program first – and it wasn’t even their trip the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Wichita, Kansas.
No, the team already had been there, done that when it came to qualifying for a national tournament. After all, the program’s first appearance at nationals had occurred the year before.
What the program had never done was win a Region XIV conference championship. Despite knocking on the door for several years, not until 2023 did the Roadrunners finally kick down the door with emphasis.
Angelina College men’s soccer players react after opening their commemorative rings during Friday’s ceremony. The team received the rings after notching the program’s first-ever Region XIV Conference Championship in 2023. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
The ‘Runners didn’t lose a regular-season match in 2023, finishing the year 13-2-2, with the only losses occurring in the national tournament. One of those losses came to the eventual national champion.
And for the first time, the Roadrunners captured the Region XIV conference title, beating Northeast Texas Community College in the quarterfinals, Blinn College in the semifinals and Tyler Junior College in the finals.
The Angelina College men’s soccer team received this ring during a ceremony held on Friday on the AC campus. The ring signified the program’s first-ever league championship in Region XIV competition, as the Roadrunners qualified for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament for the second consecutive year. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
On Friday, Angelina College staff presented the team and coaches with rings commemorating the big milestone.
“Doing something like that for the first time is a big deal, and these guys were able to bring Angelina College its first Region XIV championship,” AC head coach Martin Melchor said. “Not only that, but they did it by going undefeated and playing in spectacular fashion.”
Angelina College men’s soccer players pose with coaches and staff during Friday’s ceremony. The Roadrunner men’s soccer team received their rings for winning the Region XIV Conference Championship in 2023 – the first league win in program history. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
While the ’23 season offered memories galore, Melchor –who earned the Coach of the Year award in 2023 – said his favorite was the night his Roadrunners topped perennial powerhouse Tyler for the conference title.
“It will hard to be the feeling of watching the guys run to our fans in the stands immediately after winning the championship,” Melchor said. “The celebration was just as good as the victory.”
During Friday’s ceremony, several incoming freshmen were on-hand. Although they weren’t part of the ’23 squad, the new Roadrunners were there to feel a part of the newly established tradition.
Angelina College’s Luan Rangel shows off his newly acquired ring during Friday’s ceremony. The Roadrunner men’s soccer team received their rings for winning the Region XIV Conference Championship in 2023 – the first league win in program history. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
“I want to set an expectation and a standard of winning for this program,” Melchor said. “The new guys know the bar is set high, and being part of the best men’s soccer team in Region XIV comes with high expectations.”
Along with the players, a few AC staff and administration members received rings as well. Among those was Angelina College president Dr. Michael Simon, who the players praised for his support, especially at the national tournament.
The ceremony was indeed a big deal, but Melchor doesn’t want it to be the last one.
“I hope this just one of many ring ceremonies we get to host at Angelina College,” Melchor said.
The Coalition recently held its annual Drug-Free Business Partnership luncheon to recognize businesses in the community that value drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free workplaces. The luncheon featured Officer Jermaine Galloway, known nationally as Tall Cop. Officer Galloway shared information regarding ever-evolving drug trends and provided ways to prevent them in our community.
The Coalition also recognized several businesses in attendance for their continued commitment to drug-free workplaces. Special recognition was given to the Drug-Free Business Partnership’s new and upgraded members. 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. The Coalition is one of the oldest substance abuse prevention community coalitions in the United States. For information about participating in the Drug-Free Business Partnership, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.
See below for pictures and captions of recognized businesses.
New Members
Three businesses were honored as new members of the Drug-Free Business Partnership of The Coalition. Pictured from left: Heidi Speaker, Speaker Orthodontics; Viry Cruz, 6 Degrees Wealth; Viry Cruz and Ruth Contreras, JC’s Party Rentals.
Upgraded Member
In appreciation of their dedication to a drug-free community, The Coalition recognized Angelina Beautiful/Clean as an upgraded member of the Drug-Free Business Partnership. Pictured is Kelly Shrout, Executive Director, Angelina Beautiful/Clean.
Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars and Drug-Free Council Members
Angelina County Drug-Free All Stars and Drug-Free Council Members represented The Coalition at the annual Drug-Free Business Partnership luncheon. Pictured back row, from left: Sidnee Thompson, Lufkin Drug-Free Council Member; AnaLia Rosales, Diboll Drug-Free Council Member; Zach Rowell, Hudson HighSchool All Star; Cooper Hatcher, Central High School All Star;Adrian Hernandez, Huntington High School All Star; Trinity Landin, Hudson Drug-Free Council Member.
Front row, from left: Chloe Wyatt-Chittum, Diboll High School All Star; Cara Phillips, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School All Star; Erin Keely, Zavalla High School All Star; Justice Jackson, Lufkin High School All Star; Kaylie Blaylock, Pineywoods Community Academy All Star. The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County and Drug-Free Councils are funded by a grant through TxDOT with the goal of reducing underage drinking.
Sustaining Platinum Members
Drug-Free Business Partnership Sustaining members at the Platinum level were honored at the annual Drug-Free Business Partnership luncheon. Pictured, back row from L to R: Josh Havard, Lufkin Daily News; Kim Garcia, Burke; Breanna Murphy, St. Luke’s Health-Memorial; Conssandra Williams, Angelina College; Justin Risner, Central ISD; Maci Dover, Whataburger/GVCS; Chris Logan, Alcohol & Drug Awareness Council.
Front from left: Melissa McKnight, Texas Department of Transportation; Kim Herman, Hospice in the Pines; Martha Hernandez, Angelina County & Cities Health District; MelissaWheeler, Family Crisis Center of East Texas; Michelle Ross, KSWP/KAVX Radio; Sheila Adams, Lufkin ISD; Sylvia Weathers, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School.
Sustaining Gold Members
Gold level Sustaining members of the Drug-Free Business Partnership include back row from left: Lindsay Mott, Goodwill;John Riley, UBank; David Flowers, Huntington ISD, Zach Crawford, Zavalla ISD; Alyssa Bowie and Shanie Sanford, Pregnancy Help Center.
Front row from left: Tara Watson-Watkins, Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce; Suzy Childers, Security & Guaranty;Michelle Briley, Commercial Bank of Texas; Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific; Sarah Morgan Taylor, Morgan, Bartlett, Baggett &Shands Insurance.
Sustaining Silver/Bronze Members
Silver and Bronze Sustaining members of the Drug-Free Business Partnership include back row from left Travis Barnes, Loggins Plumbing; Kendall Beattie, Elite Medical Home Care; Amanda Yarbrough, Crown Forest Apartments; Ruth Contreras, JC’s Party Rentals.
Front row, from left: Becca McMahon, Skelton, Slusher, Barnhill, Watkins, Wells, PLLC; Heidi Speaker, Speaker Orthodontics; Melissa Roberts, Integra Insurance Services; Kelly Shrout, Angelina Beautiful/Clean; Viry Cruz, 6 Degrees Wealth and JC’s Party Rentals.
AUSTIN – Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced this week that his office received more than 500 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.
State Representative Trent Ashby (R – Lufkin) had this to say about grant funding that will be awarded to rural law enforcement offices in House District 9:
“I am immensely pleased to report that every county in House District 9will 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 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. Senate Bill 22 was designed to prioritize rural Texas by allocating state funds to support salary increases for law enforcement offices in rural counties, allowing them to compete with larger cities for qualified officers and enhance operations through criticalinvestments in additional patrol cars or safety equipment. I was proud to have worked intently on Senate Bill 22, serving on the House Conference Committee to negotiate the final version of the bill, and ensure this legislation reached Governor Abbott’s desk for his signature.”
Trent Ashby is in his sixth term as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He is the Chair of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation & Tourism and serves on the House Committee on Transportation. He currently represents a six-county region that includes: Angelina, Houston, Polk, San Augustine, Trinity, and Tyler Counties
Often, I get the inquiry about that “green and grey fungus that is killing my tree.” At this time of the year when most leaves are off trees and shrubs, these growths are easier to see.
The “fungus” referred to is probably lichen.
Lichens are often blamed for the decline and death of numerous shrubs and trees in landscapes. That’s not too surprising because these unusual plant-like organisms are commonly seen on the exposed limbs and trunks of declining or dead shrubs and trees.
But look carefully around the landscape or other locations and you’ll find them on fence posts, rocks and even gravestones.
These often inconspicuous, hardy, and adaptive plants are a combination of a fungus and an alga. This union or symbiosis produces a long-lived organism that does not look like either the fungal or algal partners. Both partners contribute to the growth of the lichen. The alga uses photosynthesis, like other plants, to produce food while the fungus supplies water and essential minerals and produces a structure that protects the alga from extreme environmental conditions.
Lichens colonize a wide range of exposed surfaces of limbs, stumps, fence posts, soil, rocks, and other living and nonliving objects. They are firmly attached to these hard surfaces.
They are most numerous on limbs and trunks of large mature trees and shrubs in full sun, particularly those plants with badly thinned canopies. Most lichens will not thrive on heavily shaded twigs and branches of healthy woody plants.
Few lichens are found in areas with high levels of ozone, sulfur dioxide, acid rain, and other common air pollutants. As such, lichens are an indicator of good air quality.
Truly, lichens rarely have anything to do with causing poor growth or death of shrubs and trees. Instead their appearance is often related to damage from environmental stress or poor management. Exposed limbs on damaged plants simply give lichens access to the sun they need for growth with little competition.
One way to think of a lichen infestation is as the engine light on your car’s dashboard. When the engine light comes on, we know that is an indicator of what is going on in the engine. We wouldn’t expect a mechanic to fix our dashboard; rather he will fix the engine so the indicator light is not on.
Lichen is the dashboard indicator light that your tree or shrub is having problems.
Good plant vigor is the best defense against lichens. Heavy infestations of lichens are most common on shrubs and trees in declining or poor health and certainly common on dead limbs. Following the right location, recommended plant establishment, watering, and fertility practices will promote the development of a thick leaf canopy, which will inhibit lichen growth on twigs and limbs. Better growing conditions and soil fertility may stimulate new plant growth and ultimately suppress lichen growth.
Light pruning of affected limbs will remove some lichens and stimulate new shoot growth which may help shade out the remaining lichens. Trees and shrubs in extremely poor condition often will not respond to better care and should be replaced.
Presently, no pesticides are registered for the control of lichens commonly found on the twigs and branches of shrubs and trees. If you want to spray with a fungicide, you may reduce their numbers, but you are not addressing the real cause of them- poor tree health.
