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My five cents… A monthly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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On October 25, 1886, the Texas State Fair opened in Dallas. For 137 years, the Fair has operated in Dallas. During the first State Fair, a rival organization opened the Dallas Exposition at the same time. Both fairs were successful and drew crowds of over 35,000 people a day at the time. Eventually, the groups merged and became the State Fair of Texas. The current fairgrounds in Fair Park were the original location of the Dallas Exposition. The grounds were expanded in 1936 when it became the site of the Texas Centennial Exposition.

Here are five things happening around your state:  

1. Texas ranks as one of the most talented states

According to a recent report, Texas is one of the most talented states in the nation. Texas ranked third in a list that evaluated how many film, music, sports, and comedy stars are from each state. Only New York and California exceed Texas’ over 8,000 native-born stars. Those two states are boosted by actors and comedians, whereas Texas excels with the most professional athletes. There are more than 1,000 more notable athletes from Texas than the next highest-ranking state, Illinois. Most star athletes from Texas play football or baseball, but there are still significant numbers of basketball and hockey players as well. Texas is followed by Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Florida, Michigan, New Hersey, and Massachusetts.

2. Third special session update

This month, the Governor called the Legislature back for the Third Called Special Session. Topics on the call include border security, public safety, ending COVID-19 vaccine mandates, and education savings accounts. The Senate got started quickly, passing five Senate bills in our first week of special session. Senate Bill 1 establishes the education savings account program. While I did not vote for SB 1, it passed the Senate and is now in the House. Senate Bill 2 is a wide-ranging public school finance bill that includes teacher pay raises, an increase in the basic allotment, and an increase in school safety funding. Senate Bill 4 relates to border security especially penalties for smuggling or operating a stash house. Senate Bill 11 also relates to border security creating a criminal offense of improper entry from a foreign nation. Lastly, Senate Bill 7 prohibits private employers from adopting or enforcing a requirement for employees to have the COVID-19 vaccine. All of these bills passed the Senate and are now in the House where they are being further refined and debated. This special session will last a maximum of 30 days, bringing it to a close around November 9.

3. Jacksonville-based business to be featured on Shark Tank

Shark Tank, a business reality television series, is set to feature local Jacksonville businessmen for their innovative new product. Called the “Krapp Strapp,” the product helps outdoorsmen when nature calls while they’re in the woods. The simple, but effective, invention was developed by Keith Lindsey and Bob Legg of Air Boss Outdoors. While their top selling products are waterfowl decoys, this new product is the one that opened the door for them to appear on the show. Be sure to tune into the episode which will air November 3.

4. Texas hits new record for job growth

Texas’ job count hit a historic milestone last month, surpassing 14 million jobs. Employment increased by over 61,000 positions over the month, marking 31 consecutive months of growth. Texas’ annual growth rate of 3.2 percent beat the national growth rate by 1.1 percentage points. Employment in nine of Texas’ eleven major industries expanded over the month. Those industries are trade, transportation, utilities, professional and business services, private education and health services, and manufacturing.

5. TWC awards training grant to Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas  

The Texas Workforce Commission announced this month it awarded Workforce Solutions Deep East Texas a $15,000 grant for High Demand Job Training to prepare workers in East Texas for long-term, high-demand careers. The High Demand Job Training program is part of a statewide effort to support collaboration between Workforce Development Boards and local economic development entities. The partnerships create job training programs for high-demand occupations. The grant will be used in conjunction with Crockett Economic and Industrial Development Corporation to help over 60 students from the local school district earn certifications in occupations such as healthcare, forklift operations, and risk management.

Fall Pasture Weed Decisions

By
Cary Sims
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Following the rough drought that we had, many pastures were full of weeds that persisted while cattle grazed on what little grass grew beside and under the weeds.

Looking at grown pastures that are full with goatweed (Wooly croton), Bitter sneezeweed, pigweed, ragweed, or horseweed, it is common for many stockmen to want to spray them to kill them. The problem is that all of those are summer annuals. As summer annuals, they are near the very end of their lifespan and have already made seed for the next year.  To spray them now, would be a futile use of any herbicide and I typically recommend to mow the fully matured summer annual weeds down just to improve the look of the pasture. Any seed formed by these summer annuals will make their way onto to soil anyways.

But if your pastures are full of dogfennel, horse nettle, blackberry/dewberry vines, curly dock, pokeweed, and the tall yellow blooming goldenrod, these are perennials that we can fully expect to come back from the roots next spring. 

Yet another classification of plants are biennials which have a two-year life cycle. Biennials such as wild carrot, thistles, and mullein start their growth in one season, then bloom and bear seed the following year. If you have fought thistles in the past, you know that they are currently in their “rosette” stage and will send up a main stalk with bloom come next spring. 

Finally, every fall and early winter is the time for the ‘winter’ annual plants to begin their growth. The spring flush of growth in your pastures that may contain buttercup, prickly lettuce, wild mustard, wild geranium, henbit, or buttercup.  

So, what is best for each of these weed issues? The answer differs for each one. Starting with summer annuals, a spring or early summer herbicide application is the obvious choice. Forage producers are often taught from research that a lower application rate of herbicide is very effective against seedling annuals. The same herbicide rate’s effectiveness decreases as the plant matures, reaching the point where the highest rate of an herbicide will have very little effect on a mature annual.

The perennial weeds provide more options. You can certainly treat perennials early in the growing season, but fall offers another great time to hit them as they are storing up reserves in their roots for the winter.

Fall is also a good time to treat biennials as they will continue through the winter to become a larger problem in the spring. I think of the thistles in my pasture now which are difficult to see as they lie low in their rosette state but will show themselves proudly in the spring.

Lastly, the winter annuals can be treated in the fall with a pre-emergent. A big conflict exists for stockmen who will be depending upon winter pastures of ryegrass, small grains, and clovers.  These valuable winter forages also start from seed in the fall and early winter and a preemergent herbicide does not know the difference between desired seeds and weed seeds.

Reviewing the weeds I listed above, there are obviously many more that were left out. If you don’t know the names of your weeds and their growth habits, I encourage you to learn them. Study the enemy of your good pastures.  Weeds take up vital space, water, and nutrients. A great weekly newsletter to learn about pasture management is ‘Forage Fax”. Look that up on your internet search engine and subscribe to the weekly email.  

Hope Fest (Nacogdoches County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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When:
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at 5:00 PM

Where:
Davy Crockett Memorial Park
600 Bradshaw
Crockett, TX 75835

For More Info:
Hope Fest
936-544-8562

Fall Festival at Central Baptist Church, Livingston (Polk County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Date/Time Information:
Sunday, October 29, 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Location
Central Baptist Church
503 N. East Avenue
Livingston, Texas 77351

Fees/Admission
Everything is FREE!
Website
https://www.centrallivingston.com
Contact Information
Pam McIntyre Ministry Assistant
Send Email

Free Fun for the whole family! There will be lots of decorated booths featuring games and activities with candy and prizes!

Some of what you can expect:  games and activities, food, candy, prizes, bounce house, hayride, face painting, live music and so much more.

AC Soccer Teams Set for Postseason

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Antonia Henao (11) dribbles around a defender during Friday’s match against Southmost College. The Lady Roadrunners open the Region XIV postseason in Friday’s regional quarterfinals, with AC hosting Paris College in a match scheduled for a 5 p.m. kickoff. (Morgan Bridwell/AC Athletics photo)

Lady Roadrunners, No. 7 Roadrunners to Host Regional Quarterfinals

The Angelina College Lady Roadrunners and the No. 7 Roadrunners finished off their regular seasons this past week, and both teams are heading into the postseason with a full head of steam.

The Lady ‘Runners blasted Southmost College on Friday, winning 8-0 behind three goals each from Marlen Flores and Camilla Bedin. Estephany Aguilar and Suzy Palos also scored in the win.

Angelina College’s Marlen Flores (9) looks for an open teammate during Friday’s match against Southmost College. The Lady Roadrunners open the Region XIV postseason in Friday’s regional quarterfinals, with AC hosting Paris College in a match scheduled for a 5 p.m. kickoff. (Morgan Bridwell/AC Athletics photo)

Flores’ three goals helped her establish a new program record for goals in a season with 28. In addition, Ana Rendon broke the program record for assists in a single match with five.

Right after the ladies’ match on Friday, the No. 7 Roadrunners hammered Southmost College by an 11-0 final. Omar Mora scored five goals, setting a new program record for goals in a match.

Angelina College’s Omar Mora (10) pushes the ball up the pitch during Friday’s match with Southmost College. The No. 7 Roadrunners open the Regional Quarterfinals at 7 p.m. on Saturday, hosting Northeast Texas Community College at the AC Soccer Complex. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)

Filliph Kamfjord and Kaito Ueki each added a pair of goals, and Eric Ortiz and Christian Delgado chipped in with a goal each.

The two AC teams closed out their regular seasons at Jacksonville College on Tuesday. The Lady Roadrunners took a 3-1 win over the Lady Jaguars, with Flores, Rendon and Haidee Benitez finding the back of the net.

Bryan Aguirre (7) of Angelina College slips around the Coastal Bend goalkeeper for a goal during an earlier match. The No. 7 Roadrunners open the Regional Quarterfinals at 7 p.m. on Saturday, hosting Northeast Texas Community College at the AC Soccer Complex. (Maria Andrade/AC Athletics photo)

The ‘Runners then won their sixth straight match with a 4-0 shutout over the Jaguars – giving the AC men 21 goals in their last three matches.

The Roadrunners’ (10-0-2) win vaulted them into the first seed in all of Region XIV, having completed the season without a loss. The Lady Roadrunners (7-3-1) jumped over Jacksonville College for second place in the conference’s South Zone.

Now, because of those big finishes, both AC teams will open the postseason at home.

The Lady ‘Runners on Friday will host the Women’s Regional Quarterfinals, taking on Paris Junior College in a match scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. at the AC Soccer Complex on the Angelina College campus. The winner will travel to Tyler Junior College on Sunday for a 2 p.m. start. AC beat the Lady Dragons 7-1 back on September 5.

Angelina College’s Antonia Henao (11) dribbles around a defender during Friday’s match against Southmost College. The Lady Roadrunners open the Region XIV postseason in Friday’s regional quarterfinals, with AC hosting Paris College in a match scheduled for a 5 p.m. kickoff. (Morgan Bridwell/AC Athletics photo)

The Roadrunners will get their turn on Saturday, playing host to Northeast Texas Community College at 7 p.m. at AC’s soccer complex. The ‘Runners blanked NTCC 2-0 back on September 1.

All home matches will be live streamed on the AC Athletics YouTube channel (roadrunner_athletics). Admission to the matches is free.

The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

2023 Sassafras Festival (San Augustine County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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What:
2023 Sassafras Festival

When:
Saturday, October 28, 2023

Where:
Downtown Square
San Augustine, Texas

Contact Information:
936-275-3610
Email

October 28th is the BIG DAY. 2023 Sassafras Festival. Don’t miss your chance to get your spot. We are already booking lots of Vendors. Call us at 936-275-3610 or email us @ saccc611@gmail.com. Food Vendors, Arts & Crafts, Woodwork, and Boutiques, we want whatever you have to show off and sell.

 

Drug-Free All-Stars Tour the Angelina County Jail

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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For the Drug-Free All-Star October meeting, the All-Stars toured the Angelina County Jail and received training to participate in alcohol compliance checks. The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County are a group of high school seniors who serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. The All Stars saw first-hand the consequences of substance misuse and what daily life is like for inmates. Texas Alcohol & Beverage Commission Sergeant Bryant Jones trained the Drug-Free All Stars to conduct alcohol compliance checks to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors by local businesses. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2021), 15.1% of youth aged 12 to 20 used alcohol in the past month. Alcohol compliance checks are an important prevention strategy to reduce alcohol access for minors. A special thank you to Sheriff Tom Selman, Warden Nick Gardner, Judge Billy Ball, Captain Alton Lenderman, Mental Health Deputy Jennifer Payne, and Sergeant Bryant Jones for providing this experience for the All-Stars.  To find out more about the Drug-Free All-Star program, contact Abby Baker at (936) 634-9308. The Drug-Free All-Star program aims to reduce underage drinking, and in partnership with TxDOT, reduce crashes, injuries, and death on Texas roadways.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes, and behaviors, in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. Visit The Coalition’s website at www.angelinacoalition.org or follow @TheCoalition936 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

AC Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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What a week for Angelina College Athletics. We had some big matches and record-setting performances in soccer, an AC coach inducted into his high school alma mater’s Hall of Fame, and plenty of baseball and softball action.

Here’s a recap, along with what’s coming up next.

Soccer Teams Shine, Recognize Sophomores on Friday

The soccer week began on Tuesday, with the No. 8 Roadrunners taking down first-place Coastal Bend Community College 6-1 in a spirited affair. Six different Roadrunners scored goals in the win: Bryan Aguirre, Liam Anderson, Omar Mora, Lennart Poth, Kaito Ueki, and Christian Castaneda.

On Friday, the Roadrunners hammered Southmost College 11-0 behind five goals from Mora – breaking the single-match scoring record of four set in 2018. Mora netted his first goal in the match’s first 30 seconds and capped his day with a goal late in the match. For the season, Mora has 14 goals, tied for eighth nationally.

Other ‘Runners hitting the nets included Filliph Kamfjord and Kaito Ueki with two scores each and Eric Ortiz and Christian Delgado with a goal each.

The win pushed the Roadrunners (9-0-2) to first place in Region XIV’s South Zone. They’re the only team in the conference without a loss.

Also on Friday, the Lady Roadrunners pounded Southmost College by an 8-0 score. Marlene Flores and Camilla Bedin notched the hat trick with three goals each. Flores’ goals gave her 15 for the season, tied for 13th nationally. Those goals also established a new program record for career goals with 28 (so far).

Lady ‘Runner Ana Rendon also etched her name into the record books with her five-assist performance – a new single-match record for the program. Rendon is currently tied for 13th nationally in the assists category.

Others scoring in the match were Estephany Aguilar and Suzy Palos.

AC’s teams both recognized their sophomores on Friday during pre-match ceremonies. The Lady Roadrunners honored sophomores Allyson Gonzales, Ana Rendon, Marlene Flores, Antonia Henao, Haidee Benitez, Esperanza Cuevas, and Camilla Bedin.

Roadrunner sophomores included Shota Tokuhisa, Rochaine Baker, Bryan Aguirre, Omar Mora, Kevin Nava, Luan Rangel, Jordan Casanova, Kaito Ueki, and Christian Delgado.

Both AC soccer teams close out their regular seasons on Tuesday at Jacksonville College. The Lady Roadrunners kick off at 2 p.m., with the men following at 4:30 p.m.

The Lady ‘Runners and ‘Runners have qualified for their respective conference tournaments set to begin on Friday, Oct. 27. Opponents, dates, times and locations will be announced following Tuesday’s matches.

AC’s Coleman was Inducted into the Wall of Honor

Lady Roadrunner head basketball coach Byron Coleman on Friday was inducted into the Diboll Hall of Honor. Coleman was a multi-sport athlete for the Lumberjacks in the early ‘90s, and this past season he won his 300th career game as the head coach of the Lady Roadrunners.

Congratulations, Coach Coleman.

Roadrunner Basketball Battles Jarvis Christian College in Scrimmage

In offering a sneak peek for the upcoming season, the Roadrunner men’s basketball team on Wednesday hosted a lively scrimmage against NAIA-level opponent Jarvis Christian College. The ‘Runners fell by just three points in a 69-66 loss, but AC head coach J.J. Montgomery called it “a good learning experience for our team.”

The Roadrunners open the regular season at home against Strength and Motion on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Lady Roadrunner Basketball Hosting Tuesday Scrimmage

AC’s Lady Roadrunners will host their second home scrimmage this Tuesday, taking on NAIA-level opponent Wiley College at 6 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.

AC Baseball and Softball Fall Competitions:

The Roadrunner baseball team wrapped up its fall schedule on Friday against Stephen F. Austin State University, but the Lady Roadrunner softball team still has plenty of fall games on tap. AC’s ladies are at Arlington Baptist University on Friday for a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. The Lady ‘Runners then face Houston Christian University at 4 p.m.

On Sunday, Oct. 29, AC will host the Lady Patriot select team in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field on the AC campus.

For all schedule updates, visit the AC Athletics website at angelinaathletics.com. Fans can also keep up with the action by following the AC Athletics Facebook page or the AC Athletics Twitter account (@ACAthletics).

The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

From Yorktown to Texas Parks: A Historic Commemoration and Proposition 14 Update

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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This past Thursday marked the 242nd anniversary of the Battle of Yorktown. The Battle of Yorktown stands as an important chapter in the annals of history, a timeless tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who yearned for freedom and dared to seize it. On that fateful battleground in 1781, a diverse coalition of American and French forces converged to defeat the British forces controlled by General Lord Cornwallis. As the siege of Yorktown unfolded, a collective resolve to cast off the yoke of tyranny illuminated the path to a brighter future. General George Washington’s strategic brilliance and the unity of purpose among the soldiers exemplified unwavering courage and determination. In the end, their relentless pursuit of freedom prevailed, altering the course of history. The Battle of Yorktown remains a beacon of hope, reminding us that the pursuit of liberty is a powerful force, capable of reshaping the destiny of nations. We commemorate this historic battle, honoring those who gave the last full measure of devotion for the ideals of democracy and independence, and we draw inspiration from their enduring legacy.

With that, here’s this week’s Capitol Update. . .

Capitol Update

This week we’ll dive into our last proposition as we close out our weekly examination of propositions that will be on the ballot as early voting starts this week. As a reminder, Election Day for the upcoming election is on November 7. Early voting for the constitutional amendment election begins October 23 and ends on Nov. 3.

Proposition 14 would establish the Texas Centennial Park Fund. This fund would provide $1 billion for the creation and improvement of our state parks. As we mark 100 years of our state park system this year, this fund would provide Texas Parks and Wildlife with funding to acquire future park land from willing sellers while improving the facility infrastructure across our 89 existing state parks. By increasing access to state parks, Proposition 14 would help to ensure all Texans can enjoy the benefits of safe, well-maintained outdoor spaces that bring communities together, support children’s development, and provide residents with places to explore and experience nature. This significant one-time investment in the parks system would generate additional jobs and tax revenue for the state and its localities. To find parks in your area, please visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks-map.

Reminders

The mobile office is on the road again and our District Director will look forward to seeing you on the following dates in the following locations: November 1 at San Augustine County Courthouse from 9:00 – 11:00 am; November 8 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Livingston from 9:00 – 11 am, or the Tyler County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30 – 3:30 pm; November 15 at the Houston County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Crocket from 9:00 – 11 am, or at the Trinity County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Groveton from 1:30 – 3:30 pm.

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 our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Vicious Fire Kooken (San Augustine County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Ribbon Cutting/Grand opening for our newest members of the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce Vicious fire kooken on October 26, 2023. We are starting at 10:30 AM. Come join us for all the fun.

Location:
San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce parking lot

Date/Time Information:
Thursday, October 26, 2023 at 10:30 am

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