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Hop to The Easter Eggstravaganza

By
Rozalin Martin
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Join us for the big hunt Saturday, April 8th for a gigantic egg hunt filled with 10,000 eggs and baskets of fun. The egg hunt will take place in waves by age group. The egg hunts will be facilitated inside the fences of the softball fields.

Please see all the requirements per age group before you arrive. To ensure all eager egg hunters get an opportunity to find eggs, there is a 15 egg limit per child. Once you have reached the maximum amount, we ask all hunters to exit the hunting areas. All participants are encouraged to bring their own basket or bag to keep their easter findings safe. 

There will also be free pictures with the Easter Bunny, Free lunch provided be Pilgrims. Live radio broadcast from Townsquare Media, face painting and fun giveaways. Please join us for an amazing Easter day.

Managing Fire Ants

By
Cary Sims
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I had a phone call a couple of days ago from a gentleman that wanted to know how he could get rid of all the fire ants on his acreage.  ‘Acreage’ implied quite a large piece of real estate and an expense that could be very costly. I suggested that we just work on the areas around the house, garden, and barns and he seemed to agree with that idea.

Fire ants are native to South America. They entered the U.S. through Mobile, Alabama, probably in soil used for ships’ ballasts. They were accidentally introduced around the 1930’s and have been spreading since.

Red imported fire ants are very aggressive, efficient competitors. Since the 1950’s in Texas, the ant has been spreading north, west and south. They now infest the eastern two-thirds of the state, and most every urban area in west Texas. While the bad news is that they are a permanent problem, the good news is that, with relatively little cost and effort, you can prevent most of the problems they cause using currently available methods.

Fire ant colonies usually take the form of large dirt mounds. You can also find nests in rotting logs, around trees, under pavement, or under buildings. Fire ants can also set up home indoors, or (frustratingly) inside electrical equipment and utilities, which can certainly cause a short circuit at an inopportune time. Fire ant nests will not have a single nest entry, but rather, several entrances under the mound. When the nest is disturbed, many fire ants will swarm out to attack the intruder.

Fire ants are omnivorous. They eat plants, insects, oils, and sugars, but they are only able to ingest liquids. Larvae break down solid food into liquids for fire ants by regurgitating digestive enzymes onto the food. Some fancy terminology that I learned some years ago about fire ants are that they are “thermo regulatory“ and “hydro regulatory”. Thermo regulatory means they work to maintain a body at a particular temperature whatever its environmental temperature. Hence in the winter, you do not see many fire ant colonies above the ground, but during the warmer spring and summer months, we readily see their mounds above the surface of the ground.

Likewise with hydro regulation, they can tunnel deep into the ground to find water in times of drought and will build mounds above the soil to escape waterlogged soils. Indeed, they will often seem to go away when they are just deeper in the ground looking for moisture and more moderate temperatures.

But all most folks really want to know about fire ants is how to get rid of them.

Baits can be used over a large area or on individual mounds. Two common ingredients, hydramethylnon and sulfluramid, kill ants by preventing them from converting food into energy. Avermectin is derived from a soil fungus and inhibits nerve function. As a broadcast treatment it works like an insect growth regulator. While baits are effective, they are slow and may take several weeks.

There are several individual mound treatment options available on the market. Dusts, granules and drenches all have their place so long as you follow the instructions.

There are also some long-lasting residual insecticide treatments. With this tactic, a contact insecticide is applied to the lawn and landscape surface. This is more expensive than other control methods, but it may be more effective in smaller areas because ants that move into treated areas will be eliminated as long as the chemical is active. Granular products are best applied with a push-type fertilizer spreader and must be watered in after treatment. Faster-acting contact insecticides, such as the pyrethroids, eliminate ants on the surface for months but may not eliminate colonies nesting deeper in the soil.

If you wish to go the organic route, organic products that contain ingredients such as boric acid or diatomaceous earth can kill ants, but their effectiveness to kill whole colonies has not been consistently demonstrated.

Texas AgriLife encourages the “Texas Two-Step” method where you both treat individual colonies and then bait for long term residual control.  While this is best accomplished in the fall, I bet most folks will want them gone now and then are willing to retreat again in October.

Whatever you choose, always follow the label for whichever product you choose. There is a wealth of good information contained in the tiny print on the back of the package. Closely follow the label directions.

Escape Room: To Be or Not To Be

By
Rozalin Martin
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Try to escape out greatest challenge yet with a Shakespeare theme on Friday, March 31st from 4-5 PM.

3 Food Hacks I Use Everyday

By
Stanton Zbylot
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Have you ever had difficulties doing a task, but then you remember that really cool hack? Food hacks make life so much easier and save time. So here are three of the best kitchen hacks I use on a daily basis.

How to soften your butter

Photo By Sorin Gheorghita On Unsplash

If you are like me you keep your butter in the fridge, but that can be frustrating when you need to spread it on a piece of bread. If you have a little time you can get a bowl and soak it with hot water from your sink. Then place the bowl upside down over the butter. If you are in a little time crunch, you can get a cheese grater, and grate your butter. It will be much easier to spread like that.

Bring your Stale Bread Back To Life

Photo By Markus Spiske On Unsplash

Do you have a loaf of Stale bread? Well, this is how you can bring it back to life. You can put a little bit of water on the top of the loaf and put it in the oven for a couple of minutes. This hack works better with french baguette style bread, and it has to be a whole loaf.

Keep Chopped Herbs Longer

Photo By Anna Hliamshyna On Unsplash

Usually, after you chop herbs they go bad pretty fast, and you end up wasting them! Here’s how to make them last longer. If you store herbs like flowers, changing out the water occasionally, the herbs will last much longer!

I hope these food hacks make your life a little easier.

Swing Into The Sunshine Golf Tournament

By
Rozalin Martin
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The 40th Annual Sunshine Golf Tournament is coming close! The Volunteer Services Council is honored to host this year at Crown Colony Country Club to help support the Lufkin State Supported Living Center.

There will be a pre-party dinner on June 9th at 6:30 PM for the players and sponsors and the tournament will be held on June 10th with two time options, from 7:30 AM or 1:30 PM. Prizes will be available based on flights the entire day

We hope to see you there, don’t miss out on this fun filled day!

The New Home Essentials

By
Stanton Zbylot
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Photo By Evelyn Paris On Unsplash

Your home is the center of everything you do. You want your home to be vibrant and full of life. When people come over, you want them to feel comfortable. Every home is different, but that is what makes your home unique. Here are some ways to improve your home to make your life more comfortable.

A Reading Nook

Photo By Julia Peretiatko On Unsplash

If you love reading, a reading nook is perfect for your home. I know it may sound a little silly, but having a dedicated reading place in your home can help you stay focused and relaxed. It is recommended that you put your reading nook somewhere quiet with a view out of a window. This will be a perfect place to read any book from romance to thriller.

Brighten Up Your Entryway

Photo By Collov Home Design On Unsplash

Your entryway is the first thing you see as you walk into your home. It is also the first impression of your home. Your entryway may be small, but you can still enhance the look and feel of walking through the door. It is recommended to have a seat that goes with your decors such as a bench or couch. Also, have a place to put your shoes and a mirror to liven up the space.

Greenery Goes Anywhere

Photo By Teemu Paananen On Unsplash

You can put greenery in the kitchen, living room, entryway, and pretty much all over your home. You can use colorful flowers for vibrance and fun, or you can have succulents for a more comfy feel. Either way, greenery makes your home feel more alive. If you don’t like real plants, fake plants will work in your favor!

I hope this gives you the inspiration to brighten up your home!

The Museum of East Texas Is Having There Annual Odd Ball

By
Stanton Zbylot
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The annual Odd Ball event at the Museum of East Texas is here. This year’s theme is going to be Emerald City. This event is a fundraiser for the museum. The Odd Ball will be held this Friday, March 31, 2023; it is a four-hour event lasting from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm, located at 503 N 2nd St Lufkin, TX 75901.

There will be delicious food, beer, and wine. You can also participate in a live auction, silent auction, or both. Don’t forget to enter into the raffle. The tickets are 100$, you can also add on an unlimited specialty cocktail for 25$ extra dollars. The food, wine, and beer all come with the $100 ticket. You can purchase your ticket at eventbrite.com, or by contacting Sherry at (936) 639-4434. Tickets are going fast so get yours now!

For more information, visit metlufkin.org.

Hearts for Hope Dinner and Auction to Fundraise Women’s Program

By
Larry Waldorp
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The Mosaic Center will hold a dinner and auction event on Tuesday, April 11, 2023 at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center, located at 601 N. Second Street, Lufkin, Texas. This fundraising event will honor 18 years of ministry for the Mosaic Center, with doors opening at 5:30 pm and dinner being held at 6:00 pm.

The Mosaic Center is a non-profit organization that offers women hope and guidance through Jesus, looking to strengthen them through the means of economic stability. They offer assistance to female students and graduates, and programs that target parenting to aid women with kids.

Each seat is $50, with a table of 8 costing $400 and table of 10 is $450. There will be live, silent, and dessert auctions, along with raffles and roses.

For more information, visit https://mosaiccenter.org/hearts-for-hope.

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
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March 19 through March 26, 2023

You had to be there.

That’s about the only way to describe what transpired with the Roadrunner baseball team in Wednesday’s home doubleheader against Bossier Parish Community College.

In addition, both AC basketball teams released their post-season accolades lists, and Lady ‘Runner basketball coach Byron Coleman landed another All-American.

Following is the week that was and the week ahead.

Roadrunner Baseball:

A walk-off win is a pretty big deal in baseball, complete with last-minute drama and crazy celebrations.

The Roadrunners managed to walk it off twice on Wednesday against Bossier Parish CC.

AC trailed 10-3 in its final at-bat in the opener, then proceeded to score eight runs to win in walk-off style. Dalton Mullins’ drive to right field scored Noah Pate with the game winner in the ‘Runners 11-10 win.

As if that weren’t enough, the Roadrunners did it again in the nightcap. With BPCC leading 18-15 in the bottom of the ninth inning, AC’s Heladio Moreno tied the game with a three-run, bases-clearing double. Moreno then won the game with a dusty, head-first slide into home when the ball bounced away from the Cavaliers’ defense. The Roadrunners celebrated yet another walk-off in the 19-18 win.

The ‘Runners would drop a doubleheader at Tyler Junior College on Saturday, falling 12-0 and 7-3 in Tyler.

AC plays a single, nine-inning game at Alvin College on Monday beginning at 2 p.m. The Roadrunners (19-17, 9-11), then host Panola College in a conference doubleheader at Poland Field starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus. AC closes out the week with Saturday’s doubleheader at Northeast Texas Community College in Mount Pleasant starting at 1 p.m.

Lady Roadrunner Softball:

AC’s ladies hit a rough patch on the road this week, losing 9-4 and 3-2 at Blinn College on Wednesday before dropping identical 11-10 losses Saturday at Coastal Bend Community College.

The Lady ‘Runners (12-16, 3-5) play host to conference-leading Galveston College on Wednesday in a home doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start. AC then travels to Houston on Saturday for a doubleheader against San Jacinto College starting at 4 p.m.

Basketball Postseason Accolades:

Lady Roadrunner head basketball coach Byron Coleman now can boast yet another All-American.

AC’s Marie Kenembeni, a freshman from Cameroon, recently earned First-Team All-American honors according to the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA). Kenembeni, who averaged a double-double (12.6 points per game, 12.9 rebounds per game) also earned First Team All-Region and First Team All-Conference honors.

Teammate Shanbriah Rule (10.6 points per game) was named Honorable Mention All-Region.

On the men’s side, Patrick Johnson (9.9 points per game, 3.7 assists per game) earned 2nd Team All-Region and 2nd Team South Zone honors, while teammate Xavier Owens (9.2 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game) was named to the All-Conference Honorable Mention list

County Fairs, the Youth, and those Incredible Volunteers

By
Cary Sims
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It has been a great week. At the George H Henderson Expo Center, youth and volunteers have just about wrapped up the 74th Angelina County Fair this week. You will read in other parts of the news about the placings, the livestock, agricultural mechanics, foods, crafts, and other activities that took place. Perhaps the highlights would include our “Reach for The Stars Show” for kids with special needs, and the generous support of the buyers at the auction in addition to the groups that have awarded scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors.

Yet as the auction gets underway late this afternoon, and the ribbons, buckles, and banners will be on display, we would be remiss not to say a special thank you to all the volunteers who make each year’s show a success.

Volunteers are truly the heroes behind the scenes who make our Angelina County Fair successful.

The first contests of the Fair started on Monday. Those were public speaking, shotgun, and ag mechanics. The public speaking event was led by Bo David Williford, a former participant in the Fair and currently an assistant principle at Central High School. Keith Spencer is the superintendent of the Ag Mechanics show. A local businessman, he finds judges to evaluate the wood and metal construction and refurbishing efforts done by teams of students.

New this year were two shooting sports competitions: archery and shotgun. Heather McCall chaired the very first shotgun competition that was held at the Pines Sporting Clays. The archery competition was set up on the east side of the Expo grounds and was led by Christi Grandgeorge and Ryan Merrel.

The Home Economics Division is such a large effort that Janna Brazil and Joel Redus are needed to lead this event. Additionally, there were over 30 judges required for all the organization and judging. Yes, the judges do get to partake in some of the best cakes, pies, cheesecakes, breads, and cookies around, but they also must test and quiz the students about the ingredients, preparation, and nutritional value.

Carrie Shockley is the Arts and Crafts superintendent and oversees the numerous volunteers and judges that help check in and evaluate the projects.

Superintendents for the livestock show divisions include Matt Clifton, Melanie Murray, Andy Gardner, George Wing, Stephen Shockley, Mike Whiteman, Saundra Renfro, Anna Lamb, BoDavid Williford, and Delbert Reynolds. Each of these men and women also have several folks who help with validation, check-in, opening gates and several other tasks for each show.

There are “open events” where you don’t have to be a 4-H or FFA member in Angelina County to participate. These include the ‘Buckle-Bash’ heifer show, a BBQ cook-off, the washer tournament, and

the ‘Reach for the Stars’ special needs show. For those competitions, the respective superintendents are BoDavid Williford, Charlie Gumbles, Melissa Wheeler, and Karen Stafford.

Anita Carraway oversees the Youth Ambassador program. If you watched any part of the Fair, you saw youth in blue vests helping. This youth volunteer program strives to provide high school aged youth fair participants the opportunity to develop and practice advanced leadership skills and become an advocate for their county fair division. Applications are due in mid-September and those selected are responsible for workshops leading up the Fair, helping during their assigned division, as well as generally helping whenever they may be needed.

The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce has numerous volunteers that give of their time for the Fair. The County Fair Board consists of Steve Milligan, Codie Jenkins, David Flowers, Bob Brown, Stephen Corley, Chad Murray, Chris Carraway, Anita Carraway, Greg Modisette, Scott Slusher, Sara Vest, and Preston Loggins. The Fair Board chairman is Todd Kassaw.

Kody Jenkins is the Executive Director for our Fair and does a phenomenal job year-round to ensure a successful event for exhibitors and families alike.

Finally, donors to the auction help reward the youth on Saturday evening. Brookshire Brothers is our presenting sponsor for the Fair. There are numerous, fantastic businesses and families that support the auction, and I also want to personally thank those of you who donated any amount to one of the buyer pools.

If you want to join the auction virtually, donate to the auction, or check out pictures of this year’s winners, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.

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