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This weekend on FreeCast
Capitol Update: Reflecting on Texas Independence Day and Community News
Last week, Texans from every corner of the state celebrated our Independence Day. Let us never forget that glorious day on March 2, 1836, when 59 brave delegates met at Washington-on-the-Brazos and declared their independence from Mexico and the tyranny of Santa Anna’s authoritarian government. A little over a month later, The Republic of Texas was born at the Battle of San Jacinto, when General Sam Houston and his ragtag group of volunteers charged Santa Anna’s army on hallowed ground and secured the future of our homeland.
Texas remained a sovereign state until 1846, when it was annexed and became the 28th state admitted into the United States of America. The same principles of liberty, pride, and sovereignty, for which our ancestors fought so fiercely, persist to this day. Each one of us bears a responsibility to live up to the legacy of our forefathers and work together to build an even brighter Texas for our children and future generations of Texans to come. God bless Texas!
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
Last week, the Veterans Land Board, which the Government Land Office administers, announced that it will partner with the Texas Veterans Network, a non-profit that seeks to connect veterans with a variety of resources across Texas, to connect veterans with benefits they are eligible to receive as a result of their service. I applaud the GLO for their commitment to our men and women who served their country and hope that any veteran in need of services will take advantage of this opportunity. For more information on the services offered by this unique program, please visit combinedarms.us/tvn.
On a more somber note, and as many of you are aware, a family in House District 9 from Polk County is experiencing unimaginable heartache after losing their 11 year old daughter, Audrii Cunningham. Please join me in praying for the family and all those affected by this devastating tragedy, and may God impart His comfort and peace to fill the absence felt across our community.
If you’d like to honor Audrii’s memory, please consider making a donation to the Audrii Cunningham Memorial Scholarship that was recently established at Livingston ISD. This scholarship was created as a way to honor Audrii and her love for school. Donations may be made to the Audrii Cunningham Memorial Scholarship by mailing funds to “Green & White Scholarship Fund – Audrii Cunningham,” PO Box 1297, Livingston, TX 77351.
The mobile office is on the road again this month, and our District Director will look forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: March 6 at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9-11 a.m.; March 13 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Livingston from 9-11 a.m. and at the Tyler County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; March 20 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/.
McMorries Adding New Doctor, Changing Name, Expanded Services
McMorries Obstetrics Gynecology & Infertility is planning several upcoming changes, including a new name, the addition of board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist Brian Drake, MD, FACOG, more services, renovations, updated signage, and an expanded service footprint in East Texas.
The practice officially became Nacogdoches Women’s Center this month and will continue serving patients from its location at 4710 N.E. Stallings Dr. in Nacogdoches.
“Creating ways to better serve our patients is part of our calling,” said Kyle McMorries, MD, FACOG. “We want to make evidence-based, compassionate women’s care as accessible as possible to as many women in East Texas as possible. We’ve been working hard to offer a wider range of services to a wider range of women. Our new name better defines our comprehensive commitment to caring for women in our community.”
Dr. Drake joins Dr. McMorries, providers Kristin Reese, RN, FNP-C, and Mallory Maisel, RN, FNP-C, and a full staff committed to caring for women through all ages and stages of their lives. provides a range of services, including obstetrical care for high- and low-intervention pregnancies, vaginal delivery and cesarean section, vaginal hysterectomy, cancer screening, treatment of endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic pain, evaluation and treatment of infertility problems, contraception and family planning and evaluation and treatment of menstrual problems. His specializations also include minimally invasive, and Da Vinci robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery.
“The whole team at Nacogdoches Women’s Center is excellent, and they have created a wonderfully comfortable environment where women can feel heard, supported and cared for,” Dr. Drake said. “I’m looking forward to settling in and getting to work serving patients old and new.”
Dr. Drake graduated from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Lubbock in 1997. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Akron General Medical Center/NEOMED and is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is an American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellow, has been named a Checkbook Top Doc, has received a Patients’ Choice Award, and has been named to the Health Grades Honor Roll.
Nacogdoches Women’s Center will be expanding in-office and area services, including expanding access to DaVinci surgical procedures. In-office services will include nitrous for procedures requiring local anesthesia, hysteroscopies, and expanded treatment for urinary incontinence.
In addition, Dr. McMorries will continue to serve as supervising physician for Rusk Women’s Center, providing support to Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Robbin Langston and reducing the travel time for many East Texas women who need access to professional women’s care.
With the recent changes announced for area maternal programs, Dr. McMorries wants to assure East Texans that maintaining and expanding access to comprehensive women’s care is a primary focus of his and his peers.
“There is a drastic shift towards regionalization of maternal care,” Dr. McMorries said. “In the last few years, we have seen the closure of maternal services in Center, Carthage, Marshall, Crockett and Jasper, and patients are migrating to regional centers like Nacogdoches. In the long run, the consolidation of maternal services into one facility at Nacogdoches Medical Center will ultimately increase the quality and types of services available in a sustainable and scalable way. We have an excellent group of doctors and midwives in town with years of experience. I’m confident that Nacogdoches will position itself solidly as a regional center equipped to manage women’s health for many years to come.”
Nacogdoches Women’s Center provides preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic women’s health and wellness care and comprehensive treatment from adolescence through post-menopause. Providers deliver care using evidence-based practices and meet individual patient needs in a comfortable, efficient, and independent medical office environment.
Nacogdoches Women’s Center is located at 4710 N.E. Stallings Dr. in Nacogdoches. To schedule an appointment, call 936-560-2666.
Swinging into Community: The Story of Nac Swing Dance
In the heart of Nacogdoches, Texas, a unique community has been flourishing, one swing step at a time. Nac Swing Dance, founded by Catie Munguia, isn’t just about dance; it’s about connection, history, and joy. This swing dancing community, offering lessons, social dance events, workshops, and performances, has become a vibrant part of the Texas Forest Country region.
A Dance of Passion and Purpose
Catie Munguia’s journey into the world of swing dancing began in 2006, in the very same Rec Center dance room in Nacogdoches where Nac Swing Dance now thrives.
“I really loved it,” Munguia recalls about her first encounter with swing dancing.
Her passion for the dance took her to Austin, where she became deeply involved in the swing dancing scene. However, upon returning to Nacogdoches in 2016, she realized something was missing — the swing dance community she loved. Inspired by swing dancing groups in Tyler and Rose City Swing in Longview, Munguia decided to bring swing dancing back to her hometown in February 2020.
Building More Than Just a Dance Community
What sets Nac Swing Dance apart is its commitment to building a community that extends beyond the dance floor.
“What we’re really doing here is building a community, and that extends well beyond Nacogdoches,” Munguia explains.
This initiative has led to connections with swing dancing groups in Tyler and Longview, creating a network of dancers that support and strengthen each other’s communities.
Dancing Through the Decades
Nac Swing Dance offers a variety of events and classes, from beginner swing dancing lessons followed by social dances to more intermediate level workshops. One of the signature events, Swing In The Streets, sees the community coming together to dance under the moonlight in downtown Nacogdoches.
“To me, it’s powerful to see my community coming together through dance,” Munguia says, highlighting the joy and playfulness that swing dancing brings to people’s lives.
A Legacy of Joy and Connection
Munguia’s vision for Nac Swing Dance is clear: to grow the community and create more opportunities for people to learn and enjoy swing dancing.
“This was never meant to be a personal project; I want this to become a community that is much larger than me!” she states.
With local teachers emerging and the community taking ownership, Nac Swing Dance is on its way to becoming a permanent fixture in the area’s cultural landscape.
Swinging Forward
Looking ahead, Munguia is excited about the possibility of expanding the East Texas Swingout event, a collaborative effort with swing groups in Tyler and Longview. This event symbolizes the growing interest in swing dancing and the potential for even greater community engagement.
A Dance for Everyone
Through Nac Swing Dance, Catie Munguia has not only revived swing dancing in Nacogdoches but has also created a space where everyone is welcome.
Nac Swing Dance stands as a testament to the power of dance to bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and joy that transcends the dance itself.
“People are so hungry for connection,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of a community where people can connect with each other and themselves.
Photos provided by Catie Munguia.
My five cents…A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols
Next week, voters will make their voices heard in the Texas primaries. Don’t forget to make a plan to vote on March 5!
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. TEA announces the opening of Texas Student Heroes Award nominations
This month, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced that nominations for the annual Student Heroes program are open. The program recognizes Texas public school students in prekindergarten through high school who do an outstanding volunteer service that benefits their fellow students, schools, or communities. One student from each of the 15 State Board of Education districts is recognized. Nominations can be submitted by anyone, including school personnel, other students, parents, or community members. To nominate a student, fill out the nomination form on TEA’s website and include a brief essay submitted by the nominator describing the student’s work. For questions, please email heroes@tea.texas.gov or call the SBOE support office at (512) 463-9007.
2. William B. Travis’ letter returns to the Alamo
This month, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) announced that the original letter from Travis written at the Alamo pleading for back up and aid will return to the Alamo for a month to be displayed. The letter is on loan from the Texas State Library Archives Commission to the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center from February 23 through March 24. This comes just in time for Texas to celebrate Texas Independence Day on March 2. Because of the brave sacrifices of the men who paid the ultimate price defending the Alamo, Texas went on to win the war for independence from Mexico and the Republic of Texas was born. We celebrate that independence 188 years later. Viewing this historic document, which famously declared ‘Victory or Death,’ is a remarkable opportunity for the public to enjoy.
3. Comptroller marks Unclaimed Property Day, $4 billion in unclaimed property
On February 1, the Comptroller joined other states’ unclaimed property administrators to celebrate the fourth annual Unclaimed Property Day. Unclaimed property includes things such as forgotten utility deposits or other refunds, insurance proceeds, dividends, mineral royalties, dormant bank accounts, and abandoned safe-deposit boxes. The Comptroller’s Office reported it has returned more than $4 billion in unclaimed property since the program began in 1962. The state currently holds more than $8 billion in cash and other valuables through the program. The average value of an approved claim is more than $1,000. To check to see if you have Unclaimed Property, visit www.ClaimItTexas.gov.
4. Wildfire rages in the panhandle, already one of the worst in state’s history
This week, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 Texas counties in response to the ongoing and widespread wildfires. The Texas Panhandle is facing losses to life and property as over a million acres have burned. These fires are already considered the worst in state history. The largest active fire is the Smokehouse Creek Fire, which started in Hutchinson County. Firefighters from across the state have been deployed to the region to help contain the fires, as well as the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other emergency response personnel. Our prayers are with our West Texas friends during this difficult time.
5. Texas School Safety Center releases District Audit Report on safety and security in school districts
This month the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) released the 2020-2023 District Audit Report (DAR). The purpose of the DAR is to provide key results of the safety and security audits completed by school districts over the three year period. To be clear, this is a self-assessment completed by districts and submitted to the TxSSC for review. The report reflects insights developed from those audits on an aggregate level. The findings in this report highlight districts ongoing commitment to safety – 99.4% of districts reported completing audits for all of their instructional facilities during this cycle, 99.7% of districts reported having a school safety and security committee, and 98.7% of districts reported adopting a multi-hazard emergency operations plan for use in their district’s facilities. However, there were some key findings that need improvement, namely only 35.8% of districts had not reported their safety and security audit results to their district’s board of trustees and only 40.5% of districts reported conducting an active threat exercise, including an active shooter simulation during the 2020-2023 audit cycle. While much has been done over the past several years to improve school safety, these audit reports show that there are still improvements to be made.
Texas A&M Forest Service Encourages Caution as Wildfire Potential Increases Over the Weekend
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The largest wildfire in Texas history is actively burning today. The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County is burning a total of 1,075,000 acres across Texas and Oklahoma and is 3% contained.
Since Sunday, February 25, Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 56 wildfires burning more than 1,256,328 acres.
There are three additional active wildfires in the Texas panhandle today: the Grape Vine Creek Fire in Gray County at 30,000 acres and 60% contained; the Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County at 142,000 acres and 30% contained; and the Magenta Fire in Oldham County at 2,500 acres and 65% contained.
The potential for wildfire activity will increase again for the Plains region Saturday and Sunday due to strong winds and dry fuels.
“Strong winds and warm temperatures have resulted in grasses drying across many portions of Texas,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “As firefighters continue to suppress active fires, we urge Texans to be cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.”
Areas with dry grass may support wildfire activity due to accidental ignitions from activities that cause a spark, including fireworks.
As Texans make plans to celebrate Texas Independence Day March 2, they should use extreme caution when using fireworks or any other outdoor activity.
“Let’s celebrate Texas Independence Day with pride and responsibility,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Prevention Coordinator. “This weekend, let’s honor our heritage by preventing fires. Do your part to prevent wildfires and be safe this holiday.”
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show hosted by professionals. If you plan to set off your own fireworks, please follow these safety tips:
- Before you celebrate, always check and comply with local government officials for any 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 glass or metal.
To help prevent wildfires during windy 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.
Note: Burn bans and fireworks restrictions are determined by county government. Texas A&M Forest Service does not determine, set or lift these restrictions.
Garrett Thornton Will Show His Last Market Steer at the Angelina County Fair
Friday evening at the Angelina County Fair is the market steer show. Garrett Thornton, a Senior at Hudson High, has been showing steers since he was in 10th grade. Outside of raising cattle, his other favorite activities include hunting, golf, tennis, metal forging, writing, and photography. Garrett has three siblings and his parents are Ty and Julie Thornton.
“All of our kids have participated in youth fair projects over the years,” said Ty, “with animal projects including meat rabbits, goats, lambs, steers, and commercial heifers. We have encouraged them to have animal projects primarily because it teaches responsibility for something other than self.”
Garrett’s mom, Julie states, “I think a lot of folks view the fair as just ‘kids and their farm animals.’ Animal projects are certainly a big part of it, but it’s about so much more. Garrett and our other children have always enjoyed participating in the food show, in which they not only have to prepare food, but they have to present it to judges and be able to answer questions and discuss nutrition facts, for example.” She continues, “Another important lesson kids learn is how to win, and how to lose. There are obviously some times when they can enjoy winning and a great financial return with their project, but there are other times when they don’t win, when they don’t make the sale, or even when an animal can get sick and die.”
Sponsored by Southside Bank, the Market Steer division has 32 steers entered. After all the steers are weighed in on Wednesday evening, March 20, the superintendent will break the steers into classes based upon weight. Only 23 of the 32 entered will make the sale on Saturday afternoon.
Garrett states, “The best part of being in the fair is making memories with family and friends. I love the atmosphere during the week, hanging out with friends and eating ribeye sandwiches!”
“The hardest part of being in the Fair,” he continues, “is the time commitment that is required for about a full year after you purchase the animal, to work with them and get them prepared for the show ring.”
His dad affirms, ““These animals require them to get up a little earlier every morning and go out to the barn, rain or shine, to feed and water them, and do it again every evening. They have to spend time working with their animals to prepare them for the show ring, and they learn to know their animals and to watch for signs when something isn’t right. These are life skills that will help them even with their own families one day.”
Garrett adds, “Taking care of an animal project taught me responsibility, discipline, and devotion to tasks. For instance, the animal needs to be fed twice a day no matter where you are, what you are doing, or how you feel. For any plans you make, you still have to consider how you will take care of your animal.”
Steers at our County fair are judged solely on their carcass merit. Breeds and hair color is not considered in the division of classes or in the judge’s placing.
This year’s steer show will be held on the floor of the Expo Center starting at 5 pm on Friday, March 22. Looking ahead, Garrett plans on attending Texas A&M University to major in Molecular Biology and eventually on to Medical School.
For more information about this year’s Fair, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.
Sustainable Forestry and African American Land Retention Workshop (Nacogdoches County)
Date/Time Information:
Thursday, March 21, 2024
1 pm to 4 pm
Location:
Nacogdoches County
Topics:
Heirs’ Property
Forest Management
Timber Harvesting
USDA Programs and Farm No. Assistance
Forest Economic Opportunities
Safety Tips, Smoke Damage Recovery Among Resource Materials
FEBRUARY 29, 2024
Homes and other property have been destroyed by extensive wildfires in the Panhandle – and many more have sustained smoke damage. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers information for those affected by these fires and what to do next to recover from them.
AgriLife Extension provides Texans and others with free, objective, research-based information to help with emergency and disaster preparation and recovery, said Monty Dozier, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery, DAR, program director, Bryan-College Station. The information is available through websites as well as through agency personnel in county offices throughout the state.
The DAR site contains a variety of disaster preparation and recovery materials, including those related to wildfires.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Learn site also provides informational materials on emergency and disaster preparedness and recovery. Most of these materials are free downloads, and several are available in Spanish.
Be Wary of Unexpected Safety Issues
“There are a number of potential safety issues when returning to a home or business after a wildfire or other disaster, such as structural damage, electrical or gas issues and even the risk of contaminated water,” Dozier said. “Texans affected by wildfires and other disasters need to know what new dangers may crop up after a disaster, and their primary concern should be for their own safety and that of their family members.”
Dozier said those affected by recent wildfires should not attempt to reenter the affected area until the authorities have officially said it is safe to return. AgriLife Extension’s Disaster Assessment and Recovery fact sheet Returning Home After a Wildfire provides guidance on some initial recovery steps.
“Once it’s safe to return, bring supplies and wear clothing that will help sustain personal health and safety,” said DAR region chief Bryan Davis. “Some items you should bring with you when returning are a multi-use fire extinguisher, lots of bottled water and a first-aid kit. You should also wear sturdy shoes with thick, preferably non-rubber soles, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and work gloves.”
Dealing with Ash and the Smell of Smoke
Avoid exposure to ash when cleaning up after disaster, said DAR agent Kevin Hoegenauer, New Braunfels. This can best be accomplished by wearing a high-quality protective mask and sweeping or dusting gently to avoid stirring up the ash.
“Ash and small particulates entering the lungs are irritants and can cause breathing difficulty in healthy individuals and make pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular issues even worse,” he said. “Ash is also destructive to painted surfaces, such as cars.”
Hoegenauer said ash from natural sources like grass or brush can be washed from exterior surfaces, as long as care is taken to keep it out of waterways. However, piles of ash and debris from burned buildings should be treated as hazardous waste due to the chemicals stored in them and the chemicals in building materials like treated lumber and plywood.
“Your local emergency management office will have instructions on disposing of that material,” he said.
After a wildfire, the smell of smoke often infiltrates homes, and the lingering odor persists due to tiny microscopic particles that cling to walls, furniture, floors, clothing and various surfaces in the home. Removing the smell can be a difficult job and involve a lot of time, effort and expense. Some useful information on this topic can be found in the fact sheet How to Remove Smoke Smell from a Home on the DAR site.
Reporting Damage to Your Property
Davis added that those with property damage should contact their insurance company, take photos of the damage and begin an inventory of damaged personal possessions for insurance purposes.
“Retain receipts for any supplies purchased for temporary repairs you need to make, as some or all of these costs may be reimbursed by homeowners insurance,” Davis said. “You should also keep a record of any conversations or communications with your insurance company, as well as any contractors or others providing home repairs.”
The Texas Department of Insurance has guidance regarding wildfire-related insurance claims.
Those affected by wildfire can also use the TDEM iStat portal to report personal or business property losses directly. This Texas Division of Emergency Management web app does not replace insurance documentation but provides a quick way for individuals to report losses.
Additional preparedness and recovery information may be found on the Disaster Assessment and Recovery website. Safety tips and wildfire resources are also available on the Texas Ready website and from the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Americana (Angelina County)
Join us on March 3rd at 2:30 pm in the Temple Theater for a musical journey through America’s rich heritage! The Angelina Civic and College Symphonic Bands present “Americana,” featuring a blend of timeless classics and contemporary tunes. Let the melodies celebrate the spirit of the land of the free and the home of the brave. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance!