Angelina College’s Marie Kenembeni capped her sensational freshman season with a host of post-season accolades, including appearances on two different All-American lists: The NJCAA All-American (Third Team) list and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (First Team) list.
All that after racking up First Team All-Region and All-Conference in Region XIV.
Now the Cameroon native will launch her Lady Roadrunner sophomore campaign a little early after her selection to play in the JUCO Top 40 All-Star event taking place July 20-23 at Clayton State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Kenembeni finished the 2022-2023 season averaging 12.9 points and 12.6 rebounds per game while drilling 35.2 percent of her three-point attempts.
For AC head coach Byron Coleman, Kenembeni’s All-Star honor makes the fourth straight season a Lady Roadrunner has participated in the biggest showcase event available for NJCAA women’s basketball. In fact, just this week he received a request to “borrow” Kenembeni’s jersey for display in a Hall of Honor.
Coleman said he believes Kenembeni has only begun tapping into her wealth of talent.
“She had a phenomenal year, first of all,” Coleman said. “Any time you make two different All-American teams in one season, that speaks highly itself. She’s still getting accustomed to being here and being so far away from home and family, but that’s a mental part. Once she gets through that, she’ll definitely be one of the top 15-20 players in the country next year.
“I think as long as she keeps working like she does, the sky’s the limit for her.”
This recent week brought us cooler temperatures in the 90s as opposed to reaching 100. As summer just started a couple of weeks ago on June 21 and officially ends on September 23, I thought it would be of interest to look at how our landscapes can thrive in our difficult summers.
Our part of the world has some wonderful landscapes, which often come with the challenge of thriving in intense heat. Throughout the summer, our area faces scorching temperatures that demand innovative strategies for heat management. Thankfully, by using well-adapted plants and our own design choices, our landscapes can not only survive but also flourish amidst the blistering sun.
First, let’s plant only well-adapted plants or native plants. I know this may not be exciting for many, but these plants have adapted mechanisms to conserve water. Utilizing drought-resistant plants in landscaping helps to minimize water consumption, reducing the strain on water resources.
Xeriscaping, a landscaping approach developed in response to water scarcity, plays a crucial role in heat management. By utilizing water-efficient plants, reducing turf areas, and incorporating mulch to minimize evaporation, xeriscaping significantly reduces water usage while maintaining aesthetic appeal. This technique is widely adopted in southern landscapes to combat heat and save on the water bill.
Find a way to incorporate additional shade. We are certainly blessed with worlds of trees. Trees and their abundant shade often are the downfall of lawns which find it hard to grow, but trees and their canopies create shade for cooler microclimates. If you don’t need more trees, consider adding arbors, pergolas, and umbrellas in your outside spaces to shield against the sun, enabling you and your family to enjoy the outdoors while staying protected.
Perhaps the most difficult for me to wrap my head around is the design of outdoor structures. Indeed, I have a fire pit in our backyard, but I only chose to use that for a few months out of the year. What I long for is an airy structure with an outdoor ceiling fan. One thing I don’t think we get enough of is wind. And well-placed fans are much needed for outdoor relaxation.
Often overlooked are water features, such as fountains, ponds, and small waterfalls. These are not only visually appealing but also help cool the surrounding environment. The process of evaporation from these water sources aids in lowering ambient temperatures. In addition to their aesthetic value, these features act as natural “evaporative coolers,” providing relief from the heat while creating a soothing atmosphere.
Lastly, your irrigation system plays a vital role in managing heat stress in southern landscapes. Modern irrigation techniques, including drip irrigation and smart controllers, deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and water waste. Moreover, sensors and weather-based irrigation controllers adjust watering schedules based on real-time weather conditions. This prevents overwatering and optimizes plant health.
We are no strangers to heat and our landscapes have found innovative ways to cope with and adapt to the challenges posed by extreme heat. Native plants, xeriscaping, shade structures, water features, efficient irrigation systems, and hardscaping techniques can collectively contribute to the management of heat stress. By implementing some combination of these strategies, we can continue to enjoy the beauty of our backyards, even amidst soaring temperatures. While others worry about climate change, we can find ways to enjoy the outdoors and survive our summer heat.
The Angelina County Extension office will be holding their Noon Gardening Program on July 18 on “Water Conservation in the Landscape”. The program will be from 12- 1 pm. Our guest speaker is Chanelle Svehla, County Extension Agent in Sabine County. She will be discussing irrigation strategies for the landscape. This event is hosted by local Volunteer Master Gardeners.
Book reveals poignant moments between husband and wife while sharing the final months of the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Vietnam.
[Lufkin, TX] – Local author James Slack will be signing copies of his book, “Dear Janie,” at the Lufkin/Angelina Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 13, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. located at 1615 S. Chestnut in Lufkin, Texas.
After finding an old shoebox of letters written to his wife while he served during Vietnam, Slack was simply looking for a way to preserve these memories. These letters reveal poignant moments shared between the young husband and wife, and his almost daily letters created a unique journal. He was the last registrar of the 85th Evacuation Hospital and shares what he witnessed, from dustoff to hospitalization. It became the story of the final months of the 85th, its dedicated staff, and the soldiers it served as the war in Vietnam was winding down.
Slack grew up in Lufkin, Texas. He earned a BA in Vertebrate Zoology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1968 and taught high school chemistry in Crockett before becoming commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Medical Service Corps in 1969. He served two years at Ft. Gordon, Georgia before being assigned as Registrar for the 85th Evacuation Hospital in Phu Bai, Vietnam in 1971. Upon completing his military commitment, Slack worked eight years in the pharmaceutical industry with the Upjohn Company in Marshall and Dallas, Texas. Following a career change, he retired in 2012 after serving thirty years as a banker in his hometown.
He is active in various civic activities and has served on numerous committees and boards, including the Rotary Club, Planning and Zoning Commission, Woodland Heights Medical Center, Blood Center East Texas, and the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center in Houston. He is a multi-gallon blood doner. Slack is the recipient of two of his community’s highest awards for community service.
James has served as a deacon and then an elder for over thirty years with his church in Lufkin. Bass fishing and bow hunting are his favorite outdoor activities.
He and his beloved wife, Janie, have been married for 54 years and raised three daughters: Shannon, Jessica, and Cameron. Now, they have been blessed with three sons-in-law, John, Lee, and Deacon, plus seven grandchildren!
His book is available for purchase on Amazon and will be available for purchase locally at the book signing. You can meet the author in person at Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce on July 13 from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is free to attend. The author will be signing books and if time permits, briefly sharing the origins of “Dear Janie” and its impact since publication.
Feature: Preview of the Forum on Rural Economic Development by Texas Forest Country Partnership (TFCP) Chair and Tyler County Chamber President Cathy Bennett and TFCP Vice Chair and San Jacinto County Commissioner David Brandon.
Local leaders will give reports.
via GoToMeeting
Nacogdoches Chamber Stakeholder Conference Call –
Jul 11, 2023, 10:00 – 11:00 AM (America/Chicago)
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. https://meet.goto.com/276404741
You can also dial in using your phone. +1 (312) 757-3121 Access Code: 276-404-741
About Cathy Bennett
After retiring and moving to East Texas in 2005, Cathy Bennett became involved in her community and in the region. She first served on the Property Owner’s Association of Ivanhoe in Tyler County and was actively involved in it’s incorporation in 2009. She then served as council member until 2014 at which time she became Mayor and served in that capacity until Dec. of 2022. During that time, she served on the DETCOG Board and on the DETCOG Economic Development Committee. She is currently Chair of the Texas Forest Country Partnership and President of the Tyler County Chamber of Commerce.
AUSTIN — As the Texas population continues to boom, TxDOT is drafting a record-breaking 10-year transportation plan and now the public is invited to weigh in on the projects proposed in their communities.
To help guide transportation projects over the next decade, TxDOT is seeking public input on the draft 2024 Unified Transportation Program (UTP), the state’s 10-year transportation plan. The draft 2024 UTP totals $100 billion, which is $15 billion more than the 2023 plan. The increase primarily comes from growth in revenues from Proposition 1 (passed in the 2015 legislative session) generated by oil and gas severance fees dedicated to highway improvements.
“The UTP is TxDOT’s road map to developing projects across the state,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “It’s important to work with our transportation partners and hear from the public to guide transportation improvements that address congestion and enhance safety.”
Projects included in the UTP will improve safety, address congestion and connectivity, and preserve roadways for Texas drivers. The UTP also addresses public transportation, maritime, aviation, rail, freight and international trade, and bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.
The public is invited to learn about the UTP and participate in a virtual public meeting on July 6 at 2 p.m. (CST) and a virtual public hearing on July 25 at 2 p.m. The public may join the meeting and hearing by phone or online via TxDOT Public Involvement.
The draft 2024 UTP public comment period begins Friday, July 7, 2023, and ends Monday, Aug. 7, 2023, at 4 p.m. (CDT). There are multiple ways to comment throughout the process, and they can all be found on the Public Involvement section of TxDOT.gov, along with recordings and presentations from each meeting and hearing. Comment forms are also available in English, Arabic, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin, Spanish and Vietnamese.
The UTP is updated annually, and TxDOT works with its transportation partners to identify projects to be included. Public comments and feedback are a very important part of developing the plan. Available in English and Spanish, a UTP Fact Sheet provides an overview of the program.
The Texas Transportation Commission approves the UTP annually in accordance with Texas state law at its August commission meeting and publishes the approved UTP on TxDOT.gov.
J.J. Montgomery (left) and Guy Davis pose inside Shands Gymnasium during a recent visit. Davis, the long-time head basketball coach and athletic director at Angelina College, has retired and passed those titles to Montgomery. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Guy Davis spent 46 years with Angelina College, serving as the men’s head basketball coach and athletic director. Over those years, he encountered countless players and coaches, all of whom he considered special pieces of his life.
This past year, as Davis stepped aside from AC and into retirement, one of those former players was there to receive the long-held torch.
J.J. Montgomery, who just finished his second season as the Roadrunner men’s head basketball coach, was earlier this year named AC’s new athletic director, succeeding his mentor.
Montgomery played for Davis’ Roadrunner teams from 2001-2003, finishing as the all-time leader in both single-season and career scoring. In fact, his retired jersey rests inside Shands Gymnasium. Yet his basketball skills alone weren’t going to be the primary indicator of his future role, Davis said during a recent interview.
“I was fortunate that J.J. was here in Lufkin, so I’d known of him for years before he played for me,” Davis said. “I knew his mom and dad, and they’re really great people. So yeah, everybody knew J.J. was a special person. It wasn’t just me.
“J.J. was one of those people who knew what he could do. He moved around, playing professionally overseas, coaching a little at the JUCO level, coaching at the high school level. He was successful everywhere he went.”
When Davis needed a new men’s basketball coach in 2021, he found Montgomery coaching a girls’ high school team. One conversation with the school’s principal told Davis all he needed to hear about Montgomery’s character.
“I talked to the principal, and I asked about J.J.,” Davis said. “The principal told me J.J. was Teacher of the Year in his first year. You didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to see what J.J. was.”
Under Davis’ leadership, AC athletics programs grew in both size and achievements. The college now boasts six teams: men’s and women’s soccer and basketball, baseball and softball. The Lady Roadrunner softball team won the college’s first national championship in 2014, and there have been numerous national tournament appearances, along with several All-Americans in every sport.
Montgomery was one of those All-Americans. Asked if he could have pictured this scenario back when he was a player, he simply laughed.
“No, because at the time, being that young, all we did was think about playing basketball,” Montgomery said. “My dream was to play in the NBA, maybe play overseas, so at the time teaching kindergarten or high school, or teaching at a junior college, those thoughts never crossed my mind.
“To be sitting here next to this man today, in this position? You couldn’t make this up. This is all God, man. I’m speechless.”
J.J. Montgomery (left) and Guy Davis share stories during a recent visit. Davis, the long-time head basketball coach and athletic director at Angelina College, has retired and passed those titles to Montgomery. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Montgomery related how demanding Davis was as a coach, sharing a story of a game in which Montgomery scored 35 points, only to have Davis point out several missed free throws. It was, Davis said, his way of ensuring his players continued to push themselves.
“That’s what I want to take from him in this job: Just never settle,” Montgomery said. “Always do the best I can do. If you know Coach Davis, you know this (program) is everything to him. He kept grinding and working hard, and that’s the mindset I have, to be dedicated and committed to Angelina College, and to see all of our sports succeed.
“Coach Davis laid a great foundation for all of us, and I’ve learned so much from him.”
LUFKIN – Crews will set barricades this week in various locations throughout the Lufkin District as annual seal coating operations are expected to begin by July 17, weather permitting.
The seal coat process extends the life of an asphalt roadway and enhances the safety of the roadway by helping to prevent cracks and potholes.
Roads that are scheduled for seal coat treatment and the work limits for each include:
Angelina County:
SH 63, from 5 miles north of the Jasper County line to the Jasper County line.
SH 147, from the south end of the SH 147 Bridge to SH 63.
FM 2497, from SH 94 to US 59.
FM 1818, from FM 58 to US 69.
FM 325, from BU 59/Timberland Drive to SL 287/US 59.
Nacogdoches County:
SH 21, from FM 95 to the San Augustine County line.
SL 34, from FM 95 to SH 21.
FM 95, from SL 34 to SH 103.
FM 343, from FM 225 to US 59.
FM 225, from 5.1 miles south of SH 21 to CR 715.
FM 225, from 0.8 miles south of SH 204 to 5.1 miles south of SH 21.
Polk County:
FM 356, from the Trinity County line to the end of state maintenance.
FM 3126, from US 190 to FM 2457.
FM 350, from US 190 to the end of state maintenance.
Trinity County:
SH 94, from US 287 to 1.6 miles south of FM 358.
SH 94, from 1.3 miles south of FM 358 to the Neches River Bridge.
Houston County:
US 287, from SL 304 to 1.1 miles south of FM 232.
US 287, from the Anderson County line to 3.2 miles south of the Anderson County line.
SH 21, from SL 304 to 2.5 miles south of FM 1733.
SH 21, from 2.5 miles south of FM 1733 to FM 1733.
FM 227, from BU 287 to FM 3016.
San Jacinto County:
SH 150, from FM 945 North to SH 156.
FM 980, from the Walker County line to US 190.
San Augustine County:
SL 547, from SH 21 to SH 21.
FM 353, from SH 147 to the Shelby County line.
Shelby County:
SH 87, from Collier Street to SH 147
SH 87, from US 59 to US 96.
FM 353, from the San Augustine County line to SH 87.
Sabine County:
SH 87, from FM 83 West to FM 2928.
FM 2426, from FM 1 to SH 87.
As the seal coat project begins, motorists are urged to remember this is a moving operation. There will be signs, barricades, and traffic control in place. Reduce speed and obey all traffic control. Stay alert for workers near the lane of traffic and moving equipment throughout the work zone.
(FULL DAY RECREATION CAMP, K-5TH GRADE) Join the fun at Angelina College’s recreational camps – explore nature, learn new skills, and make memories. Sports camps are also available for athletes of all levels, with expert coaching and top-notch facilities. Register now for a summer to remember!
The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce Annual Civic Auction will take place on July 29th at the Expo Building beginning at 7:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Title sponsors for this year’s event are Shelby Savings Bank and AR Brothers Construction.
The evening will begin with a delicious meal for $25 per person. Reserved tables of eight are also available for $200 and include 40 raffle tickets to use at the event (this is a value of $70 free!) Only 20 tables will be sold. Admission tickets and table reservations are available now!
Don’t miss the opportunity to get your “Early Bird Special” now! This package includes a packet of 35 tickets and a special ticket for the Early Bird Drawing for $75! Remember this bundle is $100 at the door and does not include a chance in the drawing. The Early Bird Special is available until 5 pm the Friday prior to the event. This year’s Early Bird Special drawing winner will receive a beautiful black and silver Ruger LCP Max pistol.
The games will begin with a “Pick of the Litter” game with only 100 tickets being sold at $20 each with the winner allowed to have the “Pick of the Litter” of ANY auction item – a chance to get a real “return on investment” as a $20 ticket could bring home a prize worth $1,000 or MORE!!!! Raffle tickets are currently available in bundles of 5 tickets for $20, 15 tickets for $50, and 35 tickets for $100 at the Chamber office. Bundles will also be sold at the door. At the event, attendees will place their raffle tickets in the bags of the items they would like a chance on. Raffle prizes include home décor, women’s clothing and accessories, hunting gear, gift certificates, furniture and so much more! In the “Hi-Lo” game, players pay their fee ($5 for one guess, $10 for three) and declare whether he thinks the next card will be higher or lower than the dealers. If you’re wrong, you’re out. If correct, you keep playing! The number of wins is tracked as you choose to “stay with your score” or take another chance. Bust, you’re out and recorded at your last “staying” number. The player with the highest record at the end of the night will win a Ruger 350 American Ranch Riffle. The “54 Card” game will also take place with a standard deck of cards cut in half. Buy half a card for $10 and the other half goes into the drawing. After all cards are sold, 1 is drawn, matching half will win a Savage 17 Hornet Magnum. Attendees can also try their luck at three rounds of “BINGO.” BINGO cards will be $25. Over 30 live auction and silent auction items will also be offered throughout the night. In addition, many free Door Prizes will be drawn throughout the night!
Chamber Board Members and Staff are currently working hard to secure fantastic items and will be announcing more game prizes and sponsors soon. If you or your business would like to donate an item or make a monetary donation that we will use to purchase an item, please contact the Chamber or any Board Member. The annual Civic Auction is the largest fundraiser for the Chamber. All proceeds go to the improvement and promotion of San Augustine County – its businesses, lifestyle, and people.
