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Capitol Update: Addressing Border Security and the Daylight Savings Time Debate in Texas

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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As the days grow increasingly shorter with the change in seasons, many East Texans wonder why it’s necessary to change our clocks back an hour around this time every year. Over the last several weeks, my office has received numerous phone calls regarding the observation of Daylight Savings Time in Texas. While some support changing the clocks back, many others simply don’t understand why we must “fall back” every year only to see the sunset before supper time. While there are two sides to every issue, you might be interested to know that during the most recent legislative session, the Texas House overwhelmingly passed HB 1422, which would authorize the observation of Daylight Savings Time year-round so that Texans would never have to change their clocks again. Though this bill ultimately failed to make it through the Senate, I believe this issue merits further consideration from the voters of Texas to decide whether we stay on Standard Time or observe Daylight Savings Time year-round.  

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

Capitol Update

As you may know, the Legislature is in the final weeks of the third called special session. I’m pleased to report that the Texas House recently passed several key bills aimed at addressing our ongoing border crisis. Given the federal government’s failure to secure our southern border, the State of Texas has taken matters into its own hands by enacting policies to deter the surge of illegal activity occurring at the border.

House Bill 4 creates a state-level offense for a person who is found to have entered our country illegally, which allows Texas peace officers with the statutory authority to detain migrants and order them back to the nation from which they came. Since illegal entry is not currently a crime under state law, law enforcement officers can only arrest migrants for the offense of criminal trespass when permitted by landowners. By allowing illegal entry to prosecute at the state level, HB 4 would enable state authorities to use discretion in detaining migrants without having to rely on the cooperation of landowners. HB 4 is one of the strongest border security bills in our state’s history and will provide law enforcement officers with the tools and authority necessary to keep Texans safe.   

House Bill 6 appropriates $1.5 billion for the construction, operation, and maintenance of barriers and fencing at our southern border. The State of Texas cannot wait on Washington D.C. to deliver the resources necessary to construct physical barriers along the Rio Grande. With drug and human trafficking surging across the country, the State of Texas has taken bold and decisive action by providing the necessary investments to fund the construction of a permanent barrier.

Since the start of 2023, the Texas Legislature has dedicated a historic $6.5 billion to border security operations. Though the issue of border security is far from resolved, rest assured that the State of Texas will continue to lead the way in the ongoing effort to secure the border. 

3rd Annual Nacogdoches Dia de Los Muertos: Day of the Dead Fun Run (Nacogdoches County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Location of the Run:
507 E. Hospital St. Nacogdoches, TX  75961 (East side of Fredonia Brewery)
Description:

Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), is a time when families gather to honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit the living families in homes, businesses, and cemeteries. This is a joyful festivity for families and the community.

PACKET PICKUP: Packet pickup will be the day before the race location is to be determined.

SHIRTS: ONLY THE FIRST 100 5k Participants to register are guaranteed a performance t-shirt. Shirts for the 1 mile are not included in the registration.

AWARDS and MEDALS:  ALL 5K and 1-mile participants will receive participation medals upon completion of their distance. We will have awards for the top overall male and female finishers for the 5K. We will also be giving out awards for each age group.

Race Day Timeline: Start time: 1 mile begins at 8 am and the 5K begins at 8:30 am

RACE DAY REGISTRATION: Race Day registration will be available until 7:30 am

More information will be posted on the race site and NacSeries site.

DIRECTIONS

Race Website:
Additional race information can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/TX/Nacogdoches/DiadeLosMuertosDayoftheDead5k.

Strategic Tactics for Optimal Protection Training (San Augustine County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Join the Family Crisis Center of East Texas for S.T.O.P. “Strategic Tactics for Optimal Protection” Training!

Save the Date: Tuesday, November 7

Location: Pitzer Garrison Convention Center, 601 N 2nd St, Lufkin, TX 75901

Registration: 7:30 am – 8:15 am

Presentations: 8:15 am – 5 pm

Don’t let Election Day keep you away from this invaluable opportunity! Cast your vote early so you can be part of this extraordinary event brought to you by the agency.

Learn from World-Renowned Experts

Discover the power of de-escalation and safety training, guided by renowned experts (see flyer for speaker lineup). Gain situational awareness, and early recognition skills, and boost your confidence and skills in handling aggression.

What You’ll Learn:
-De-escalation Training
-Real-World Threat Response
-Active Shooter Training
-Stop the Bleed Training

This training is funded by a generous grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company.

Admission is FREE and the program is open to the public, but seating is LIMITED. Secure your spot now through online registration at https://bit.ly/STOPTraining

Complimentary Lunch, Snacks, and Drinks are provided.

For more information or inquiries, please contact Melissa Wheeler at 936-639-1681 or email her at mwheeler@fccet.com.

Adopt A Family for Christmas (San Augustine County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Join the Family Crisis Center of East Texas for the heartwarming Adopt-a-Family program! This is your chance to bring joy and warmth to survivors of abuse and their children, who are determined to build violence-free lives.

Here’s how it works:
Send an email request to aturner@fccet.com or call Angela Turner at 936-639-1681 to adopt a family. The deadline is Friday, December 1!

Families of all sizes are available for adoption. You will be emailed the wish list of a family and instructions for gift delivery. Shop for two wish items plus an item of clothing or shoes per family member.

Outside of Lufkin? No problem! Unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at the Nacogdoches, San Augustine, or Crockett outreach office too. Please include wrapping supplies so the parent can feel included in the joy of giving.

Last year, the incredible East Texas community made Christmas brighter for 86 families in need, including a total of 188 children. Let’s keep the tradition of kindness alive and shine a light of hope together! 

Governor Abbott Travels To Israel, Reaffirms Unwavering Support

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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(PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 11/2/23)

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott this morning arrived in Israel to reaffirm Texas’ enduring and unwavering support of the State of Israel, the Israeli people, and Israel’s right to self-defense amid acts of war by the brutal terrorist organization Hamas. This is Governor Abbott’s third trip to Israel since elected Governor in 2015.

“There is a deep, enduring bond between Texas and Israel, with the blessings of freedom and burdens of vigilance embedded in the histories of both our people,” said Governor Abbott. “Unfortunately, never has freedom in Israel been more threatened than it is right now—and the people of Israel are vigorously fighting to defend it. I look forward to gaining a deeper understanding of this horrific war and how we can continue to help Israel safeguard their freedom during this trip. Texas stands ready to offer our complete and total support to Israel in their fight against brutal terrorist organizations like Hamas.”

During the trip, Governor Abbott will meet with Israeli officials and visit with victims and impacted families to gain first-hand knowledge about the impacts of the Israel-Hamas war and ways Texas can continue to support Israel—America’s strongest ally in the Middle East. The Governor is joined on the trip by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt. This trip is coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel and the Consulate General of Israel to the Southwest.

Governor Abbott has taken significant action to bolster security and combat antisemitism across Texas amid acts of war against the State of Israel and innocent civilians by the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, including: 

Previous significant actions Governor Abbott has taken to ensure Texas maintains a strong and supportive relationship with Israel include: establishing the Texas Holocaust, Genocide, and Antisemitism Advisory Commission; awarding more than $19 million through his Public Safety Office for security enhancement projects to houses of worship, such as synagogues; and banning all state agencies from engaging in business or investments with companies that boycott Israel.

1st Annual Chili Cook Off (Shelby County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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1st Annual Chili Cook-Off to be held at J’s Bar & Grill on Sunday, November 5! Awesome opportunity to show off your Chili cooking skills!!

Date Information:
Sunday, November 5, 2023

Location:
1510 Southview Circle Center TX

50$ registration fee (Must register by November 1st)

On the Fast Trax to Success

By
Gary Stallard
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This 2024 Chevy Trax SUV is a gift from JM Chevrolet in Lufkin to Angelina College. AC launched its “Fast Trax” initiative this year as a way to increase student engagement and success, and the new car is the grand prize in a drawing taking place in May of 2024. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)

JM Chevrolet Donates New Car for Angelina College Student Initiative

J.J. Weibe, president and principal dealer of JM Chevrolet and Lufkin, is a familiar face around Angelina College. He and his wife Marcy are regulars at numerous AC events, from athletics to arts and all things in between.

So when he heard about an ongoing Angelina College initiative to help students learn more about experiencing all college life has to offer, he didn’t hesitate to find a way to add some extra drive to the program.

AC’s “Fast Trax to Success” initiative began earlier this year. Students collect points by attending various Angelina College events such as the aforementioned athletics and arts events, but also through events sponsored through various student organizations.

More importantly, students also collect points for visiting – and using – the numerous resources available across the campus: The tutoring center, the writing labs, the library, the public health resource center, the success coaches – all those services in place to help students and their drives to succeed.

Each event or source attended allows students to scan a QR code and accumulate points. Once a student reaches 25,000 points, he or she earns entry into a drawing taking place in May of 2024.

The prize?

That’s where Weibe and JM Chevrolet entered the picture.

This 2024 Chevy Trax SUV is a gift from JM Chevrolet in Lufkin to Angelina College. AC launched its “Fast Trax” initiative this year as a way to increase student engagement and success, and the new car is the grand prize in a drawing taking place in May of 2024. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)
Members of both JM Chevrolet and Angelina College pose with the 2024 Chevy Trax the dealership donated as part of AC’s “Fast Trax” initiative. The program encourages students to collect points through participation in various campus events and services in order to enter a drawing for the new car. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)

The dealership on Tuesday revealed its donation to the contest: A spanking-new 2024 Chevrolet Trax SUV – colored Angelina College blue, of course. In May, one lucky student will be the proud new owner of one sweet new vehicle. Weibe and his staff joined several Angelina College members, including President Dr. Michael Simon, for a brief ceremony on the dealership’s grounds.

The Fast Trax program, with Associate Vice President of Student Services Krista Brown and her staff as the original brainchildren, has gotten off to a quick start. When Brown mentioned her idea to Marcy Weibe, it was immediately on the fast track to husband J.J.’s ear.

“When Krista approached us about it, for me it was about getting the kids involved in college life again, especially after the pandemic,” J.J. Weibe said on Tuesday. “It was almost as if we all went into a hole at the time, and we wanted to get those students out of those holes and fired up about being college students. Going to the games, the events, seeing their advisors. Just getting back to the normalcy of college.

“To be honest, I was all about it once I heard what the college wanted to do.”

As a long-time supporter of the college, Weibe said having a community college with so much focus on the community is a “huge asset.”

“I love having Angelina College here,” Weibe said. “To have this right here in our town where students can leave high school and get involved in higher education without having to leave home is such a phenomenal situation for everyone involved.

“For me, I just love attending all the AC events and seeing so many of our local kids continuing there, whether it’s athletics or whatever. I’ve watched so many youngsters over the years go to AC and become young adults doing very well right here in East Texas.”

Brown said the dealership didn’t hesitate in making its offer once the word got out.

“Honestly, it’s pretty remarkable that JM Chevrolet came in with this type of partnership,” Brown said. “I was at a luncheon with Marcy (Weibe) last spring and kind of pitched the idea, so when I met with J.J. and the staff later, he was already onboard. Marcy laid all the groundwork to make this easier.

“But J.J. and the entire staff here at JM have been incredibly supportive in making this happen, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Rowdy the Roadrunner (left) poses with (from L-R) JM Chevrolet president J.J. Weibe, Marcy Weibe and Angelina College president Dr. Michael Simon during Tuesday’s presentation. The dealership donated the 2024 Chevy Trax as part of AC’s “Fast Trax” student initiative. (Gary Stallard/AC News Service photo)

Brown added that providing such a prize is yet another way to show students how committed the entire college is to see them fulfill their eventual educational and professional goals.

“The program is not just to engage students with events but with all our services,” Brown said. “Sometimes students just aren’t aware despite our efforts to inform. But the data shows that if students are engaged and using available services, they’re going to be more successful.

“That’s why we created this project, to highlight those opportunities and help them identify important resources. We hope to increase their overall engagement, which in turn helps them form new relationships. All that combines to increase the success rates in their classes.”

For further information, contact Krista Brown at kbrown@angelina.edu.

Gary Stallard’s email address is gstallard@angelina.edu.

New Funding Approved for Pedestrian Safety Statewide

By
Rhonda Oaks
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Maintenance contracts also approved

LUFKIN – The Texas Transportation Commission on Thursday approved $345 million for new construction projects statewide, including more than $4.8 million in the Lufkin District for new sidewalks, bikeways, and other types of infrastructure for the Lufkin District.

Commissioners approved 83 projects statewide that will improve access and provide safety enhancements for mobility options to schools, jobs, and local destinations. This historic investment in alternative pathways includes improvements to the City of Lufkin, the City of Coldspring, and the City of Huntington.

“People who walk and bike make up about 1 out of every 5 deaths on roadways here in Texas,” Texas Transportation Commissioner Alvin New said. “These projects will help the state move closer toward the goal of zero deaths by giving people a place to walk and bike separate from traffic.”

In Lufkin, more than $1.7 million was approved for new sidewalks from Angelina Street and Atkinson Drive. The project will construct more than 1 mile of 6-foot-wide sidewalks along Angelina Street from Groesbeck Avenue to Abney Avenue, as well as along Atkinson Drive from Angelina Street to Timberland Drive. This project will close the existing sidewalk gap and add new pedestrian infrastructure.

In Huntington, $130,525 was approved for a bicycle/pedestrian master plan that will evaluate new bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in the city of Huntington that will include sidewalks, signalized intersections in multiple locations, and other safety measures.

In Coldspring, $3 million was approved for SH 150 West for pedestrian improvements. The project will construct a 5-foot-wide sidewalk along SH 150 from SH 156 to the Coldspring-Oakhurst High School campus. It will be constructed on the east side of the highway and will connect to an existing sidewalk east of Live Oak Street.

Texas is seeing a rising trend of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. In 2022 there were 830 pedestrians and 92 bicyclists killed, and over the last five years, both have risen nearly 30-percent statewide. These projects will help improve safety for people walking, biking, or using wheelchairs, including 24 projects that will go in areas with a high pedestrian crash history across the state. The projects were selected after a competitive call for projects from cities and counties across the state.

Commissioners also approved $1.7 million in maintenance contracts for the Lufkin District. Angelina, Houston, and Trinity County maintenance sections were approved for $1 million for limestone rock asphalt materials that will be used for road repairs on BU 69. Maintenance sections in Polk and San Jacinto counties were approved for $716,170 to be used for on-call traffic control on US 59.

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

No. 7 Roadrunners Rally Past NTCC

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College’s Kaito Ueki (22) flicks the ball over the Northeast Texas Community College keeper for a goal during Saturday’s match. The No. 7 Roadrunners advanced to the semifinal round with a 4-2 win over the Eagles. (Maria Andrade/AC Athletics photo)

AC Advances to Conference Wednesday’s Semifinals

The seventh-ranked Angelina College Roadrunners have gone unbeaten all season thanks largely to a scoring machine disguised as an offense. The team scored a total of 21 goals over its final three regular-season matches.

So it was a little surprising to see the team off to a slow start in Saturday’s regional quarterfinal match against Northeast Texas Community College.

NTCC took a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute and led 1-0 at the half – and then the aforementioned AC offense found its stride.

The ‘Runners came out of the gates in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals on the way to a 4-2 win over the Eagles at the AC Soccer Complex in Lufkin.

Mere seconds after just barely scoring on a header in the box, AC’s Kaito Ueki redeemed himself with a sweet move around the NTCC keeper and a goal with the flick of Ueki’s foot to even the match. Two minutes later, Bryan Aguirre took a pass from Omar Mora and worked through Eagle defenders to give AC a 2-1 lead with his goal.

Angelina College’s Liam Anderson (9) wins a ball in the box during Saturday’s match against Northeast Texas Community College. The No. 7 Roadrunners advanced to the semifinal round with a 4-2 win over the Eagles. (Maria Andrade/AC Athletics photo)

Just three minutes after assisting Aguirre, Mora blasted a rocket from outside the box for a 3-1 AC advantage, and after the Eagles cut the lead to 3-2 in the 74th minute, Roadrunner Shota Tokuhisa used a Mora run and cross to finish off with the match’s final score.

Angelina College players swarm teammate Omar Mora (10) after his goal during Saturday’s match against Northeast Texas Community College. The No. 7 Roadrunners advanced to the semifinal round with a 4-2 win over the Eagles. (Morgan Bridwell/AC Athletics photo)

The No. 7 Roadrunners (10-0-2) next host Blinn College (7-5) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at the AC Soccer Complex on the Angelina College campus.

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

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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Soccer photos by Maria Andrade and Morgan Bridwell

One Angelina College season came to an end, another has extended its year for another round of playoffs and two AC teams are about to tip off their new years.

This past week in Angelina College Athletics was busy, but not as busy as this next week is going to be.

Here’s a quick recap, along with the upcoming events over the next few days.

Lady Roadrunners End Season in Semifinal Round

Their head coach was hired just before the season began, leaving him very little time to recruit. The team itself opened the season short-handed and finished the entire year that way – even after recruiting a few softball players to help get the group through some rough spots.

Despite numerous obstacles, the Angelina College Lady Roadrunner soccer team surpassed all expectations, qualifying for the regional semifinals for the fourth straight season.

Alas, the season ended again a couple of games short of a national tournament invitation.

AC’s ladies won their quarterfinal round at home on Friday, beating Paris College 5-2 behind a hat trick from Camilla Bedin. Along with Bedin’s three goals, the Lady ‘Runners got another goal from Marlene Flores and an impossible bender from Ana Rendon on a corner kick.

But on Sunday in Tyler, the short-handed Lady Roadrunners saw their season come to an end with an 8-1 loss to the No. 3 Lady Apaches. Marlene Flores scored AC’s lone goal, leaving her with 18 for the season and 31 for her career – both Lady Roadrunner program records.

Lady ‘Runner sophomores playing in their final games for Angelina College included Allyson Gonzalez, Ana Rendon, Marlene Flores, Antonia Henao, Haidee Benitez, and Camilla Bedin.

AC’s ladies finish their season with an 8-4-1 record.

No. 7 Roadrunners Advance to Semifinal Round

AC’s men shook off a slow start to Saturday’s regional quarterfinal round against Northeast Texas Community College to take a 4-2 win over the Eagles.

NTCC took a 1-0 lead in the 35th minute and led 1-0 at the half – and then the AC offense found its stride.

The ‘Runners came out of the gates in the second half, scoring three unanswered goals on the way to a 4-2 win over the Eagles at the AC Soccer Complex in Lufkin.

 Kaito Ueki, Omar Mora, Bryan Aguirre and Shota Tokuhisa found the nets in time to extend AC’s undefeated (11-0-2) season.     

Next up for the ranked ‘Runners is the semifinal round. AC will host Blinn College on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Angelina College. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

AC Basketball Teams Tipping off Regular Seasons

Both AC basketball teams have wrapped up all their pre-season work.

Now it’s time to get down to business.

The Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners both tip off their 2023-2024 regular seasons this week.  AC’s ladies open the season on the road at Hill College on Wednesday, following that with two games at the McLennan Classic in Waco. The Lady Roadrunners face North American University at 2 p.m. on Friday and McLennan College at 6 p.m. on Saturday. Those games take place on the McLennan College campus.

The Lady ‘Runners’ home opener will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 against Grayson College.

The Roadrunner men will host Strength and Motion in their season opener at 4 p.m. on Saturday at Shands Gymnasium. Two days later (Monday, Nov. 6), AC will host Honor Armour Lions at 5 p.m., also at Shands Gymnasium.

Lady Roadrunner Softball Still Rocking Fall Ball

The bats and gloves are heating up even as the temperatures outside are cooling considerably, as the Lady Roadrunner softball team continues its extensive fall schedule. AC is scheduled to play at Northeast Texas Community College at 3 p.m. on Tuesday; the team will host a doubleheader against Excel Elite starting at 4 p.m. on Saturday and play host to Illusions Gold Creech in a Sunday (Nov. 5) twin bill scheduled for a 1 p.m. first pitch.

Roadrunner Basketball Continues Mentorship Program

Angelina College athletic director and head men’s basketball coach and his Roadrunner players have for some time been participating in a mentorship program for Angelina County youth, going back to January of 2023 when the ‘Runners invited the youth and several dignitaries to Shands Gymnasium.

At a recent Lufkin Independent School District meeting held last Friday, the Roadrunners were acknowledged along with the kids for all the success this program has had in a short time.

Another reminder – especially with our weather trying to get all crazy on us – to visit the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com) to view all our sports schedules for the most recent updates. One may also follow on Facebook (Angelina College Athletics) or on the artist formerly known as “Twitter” (X). Look for @ACAthletics.

Aaaand…another reminder: Admission to all AC Athletics events is free, but fans are asked to leave all artificial noisemakers at home. They’re not legal, and game officials have the option of penalizing the home team for those offenders in the stands.

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