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Minor Sting Operation

By
Larry Waldorp
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In an effort to decrease the dangers and consequences of alcohol purchased by minors in our county, The Coalition, Inc. partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct alcohol stings. Under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, juveniles under the legal age to drink/purchase alcohol are used as decoys to enter businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and then attempt to purchase alcohol.

“Underage drinking has unintended consequences for youth, such as increased risk for sexual assault, car crashes and long-term addiction. It is essential that local retailers train their employees on the laws concerning the sale of alcohol to minors, and they set an expectation among their staff to ask for ID and deny alcohol sales to anyone under the age or 21,” said Sharon Kruk, executive director of The Coalition. “Businesses that responsibly sell alcohol are a respected part of our community. We want our community to work together to keep youth safe.”

During the January and February minor sting operations, there were four stores who sold to minors and 26 who did not. We commend those stores who did not sell alcohol to minors in our community and recognize them for helping to combat underage drinking:

· Walgreens, 102 N Timberland Drive;

· Big’s #3807, 1910 N Timberland Drive;

· Loves Travel Stop , 5614 US Hwy 59 N;

· La Michoacana, 416 Atkinson Drive;

· Valero Gas N Go, 401 N Timberland Drive;

· HEB, 111 N Timberland Drive;

· Big’s #3815, 612 S Timberland Drive;

· Family Dollar, 730 South Timberland Drive;

· Family Dollar, 419 N Timberland Drive;

· Big’s #3850, 3019 S John Reddit Drive;

· Wal-mart #140, 2500 Daniel McCall Drive;

· On the Road #103, 4110 S 1st Street;

· Brookshire Brothers #1, 301 S Chestnut Drive;

· CVS, 1204 E Lufkin Avenue;

· Pilot Travel Center, 1920 E Denman Avenue;

· Big’s #3820, 2400 E Denman Avenue;

· Dollar General, 2422 E Denman Avenue;

· On the Road #102, 2909 E Denman Avenue;

· Huntington Travel Center, 191 S US Hwy 69, Huntington;

· Tobacco Barn #52, 104 N Main, Suite B, Huntington;

· Dollar General, 790 Hwy 69 S, Huntington;

· Family Dollar, 593 Hwy 69 South, Huntington;

· Coleman’s, 188 Old Hwy 147, Zavalla;

· Lakeview Grocery, 5896 Hwy 147, Zavalla;

· Homer Mini Mart, 7075 Hwy 69 S;

· JR Food Mart, 1114 E Denman Avenue.

Four businesses did sell to minors and administrative action was taken against the individuals who sold the alcohol:

· Timberland Chevron, 804 N Timberland Drive;

· Brookshire Brothers Express #81, 198 E Main Street, Zavalla;

· Brookshire Brothers #52, 104 N Main, Huntington; and

· Dollar General, 231 Hwy 147, Zavalla.

Sale to a minor is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both. Persons 21 or older can be held liable for damages caused by intoxication of a minor under 18 if the adult knowingly provided alcoholic beverages to a minor or knowingly allowed the minor to be served or provided alcohol beverages on the premises owned by or leased by the adult.

4 Ways to Get Involved This Global Volunteer Month

By
Statepoint
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Global Volunteer Month, celebrated throughout April, is a time to recognize people who actively support their communities through volunteerism and active civic engagement. It’s also a time to get in on the action. However, if you’re like many people, you may not know where to begin.

Research from Points of Light, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to take action that changes the world, shows 73% of people believe that volunteering is more important than ever, yet 66% think they can’t make a big impact in their communities. Global Volunteer Month can help point people in the right direction.

“April is an annual opportunity for companies and nonprofits to inspire individuals to action, share stories of those doing good, and create a pathway for continued engagement,” said Diane Quest, interim president and CEO, Points of Light. “Over the past four years since our inaugural Global Volunteer Month, we have seen people increase their commitments to creating a just and equitable world.”

This year, Points of Light is partnering with leading sponsor Phillips 66 and supporting sponsor UPS to encourage individuals, nonprofits and corporate partners to engage in their communities. As part of the campaign, they are sharing four great ways to participate:

  1. Stay Local: While volunteering with any type of mission can help to better the world, people tend to be more impacted by volunteer opportunities from which they can observe the fruits of their labor. Collaborate with local nonprofits to affect change in the place where you live, work and play. Visit Points of Light Engage, https://engage.pointsoflight.org/, to find an opportunity today in your city or zip code and based on your interests.
  2. Volunteer With Friends and Family: Families can support their communities by volunteering together. Consider working at a local food bank, participating in community clean-up initiatives, or organizing donation drives for local charities. Volunteering as a family not only provides a chance for quality time together but also encourages children to develop empathy and social responsibility. By volunteering, families can strengthen relationships, build community connections, and make a positive impact in their communities.
  3. Recognize and Expand What You’re Already Doing: While many of us think about volunteering in a formal way with longer time commitments and structures, civic engagement comes in all forms. Informal actions like helping a neighbor and leveraging your purchase power all make up civic action. Ask yourself: how could I take three to five actions around one cause area that’s important to me to make greater impact? Find out how through the Points of Light Civic Circle https://www.pointsoflight.org/civic-circle/.
  4. Say a Simple Thank You: At its core, Global Volunteer Month is about thanking those already volunteering and making an impact. Take a minute to send a thank you to a special volunteer in your life or an organization that is giving its time and talent to make your community stronger.

“There are many paths to living a full, civic life. Now is the perfect time to make a plan to join the celebration, today and every day,” says Quest.

Now is the Time to Prep Your Lawn and Garden for Warm Weather

By
Statepoint
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It may feel like warm weather is still a way’s off, but you should already be getting your lawn and garden spring-ready, according to experts.

“One thing I don’t think people realize is that to get your grass, shrubs and other plants looking good in the spring…all that preparation starts right now,” says Major League Fishing bass pro, Brian Latimer, or “Blat” as he is known by fans.

To help homeowners prep for spring, Latimer has partnered with lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark, to offer his four, go-to tips:

  1. Pull Those Weeds: According to Latimer, the most important step in prepping your lawn and garden for spring is weeding. “I have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to weeds,” he says. “Watch those sneaky weeds growing in your shrubs and ground covers, because those are going to be the first ones that show their heads in the spring.”

While weeding isn’t the most fun you can have in your yard, it’s worth the effort. Latimer also recommends putting a pre-emergent out now while cool-season weeds germinate. This is especially important if you have warm-season grass. While you can use pre-emergent on your planting beds as well, he recommends hand-pulling them if you can.

  1. Tidy up with Selective Pruning: Pruning will make your shrubs look nice and tidy, however Latimer recommends being careful in your efforts, avoiding plants that are budding. Pruning buds will keep your flowers from being as prolific in the springtime. You can check for buds by combing your hands through the foliage.
  2. Get Rid of Pests: Certain spring pests should be treated for in the colder months. Latimer is especially wary of fire ants, as they’re one of the most active lawn pests in spring. Treating them early will minimize their activity and mitigate potential problems they cause when the weather warms up. “I can promise you they are going to be everywhere in warm weather, so treat them now,” he says.
  3. Get Those Leaves up: Latimer knows that leaf blowing or raking is time-consuming, but he says that getting fallen leaves off the ground is essential. Not only are leaves on your lawn an eyesore, but they can also keep a lot of excess moisture from winter rain, snow and ice stuck in your soil. This creates the potential for root rot, active pests and germinating weeds.

Latimer offers more insights in “4 Tips to Prep Your Backyard for Spring,” a recent video from Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners make the most of outdoor spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark videos.

There’s no time like the present to plan for the future. With these great tips in mind, it’s time to brave the brisk weather and get your lawn and garden prepped for spring.

Appleby Community Farm Invites You To Their Music Festival

By
Stanton Zbylot
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Appleby Community Farm is holding its music festival on April 15, from 12:00 P.M.- 6:00 P.M. The festival is located at Appleby Community Farm, 11825 U.S. 59 Nacogdoches, TX 75964. There will be many music types such as folk, country, and Central American. All artists are local to East Texas.

There will be many food trucks and food vendors such as Shali’s Indian Kitchen and Waffles with a Twist. There is nothing better than food and music! Many local performing artists will be there like Lauren Alexander, Enrique Munguia, and many more. For more information about Appleby Community farm, visit applebycummunityfarm.com.

Admission is $40 dollars per person, non-refundable. All tickets are E-tickets, which are tickets on your phone. To purchase tickets visit eventbrite.com.

Taming Toxic Positivity at Work ‘Imperative,’ Expert Says

By
Statepoint
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Toxic positivity in the workplace refers to the pressure placed on employees to maintain a positive attitude, even in situations that may be challenging or difficult. While this emotional suppression may seem harmless, it can create and exacerbate stress and prompt a myriad of other negative effects on an employee’s mental health and work performance. And it’s pervasive.  According to a Science of People study,  over half (67.8%) of respondents said they experienced toxic positivity from someone in the prior week, alone.

  • Employees may feel like they cannot express negative emotions, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
  • This pressure can also lead to burnout, as employees are expected to maintain a constant positive attitude regardless of their workload or other stressors.
  • Toxic positivity can also impact an employee’s work performance. Employees may feel like they cannot express concerns or suggest improvements, which can hinder creativity and innovation.
  • This pressure to maintain a positive attitude can also lead to a lack of authenticity in the workplace, as employees may feel like they have to put on a facade rather than being their true selves.
  • Repression of emotion has been correlated with certain mental disorders, including clinical depression.

Ultimately, toxic positivity can create a toxic work environment and culture that can negatively impact an employee’s mental and cognitive health and, consequently, their work performance—as well as that for a team, department and company at large. The opposite of creating an open listening environment in the workplace, emotional suppression and toxic positivity is a readily addressable and rectifiable circumstance that can greatly benefit from tactical intervention like active listening with trained professionals.

Organizationally, leaders need to establish and build upon a culture of authentic engagement, collaboration and trust. The kind that can only be compelled through true active listening so that employees feel they can express their true feelings, opinions, ideas and emotions and, in doing so, be heard, valued and supported. In turn, business and industry will realize an array of benefits, from increased productivity and higher staff retention rates to lower absenteeism and presenteeism exemplified by the ‘quiet quitting’ trend.

Making Sense of College Costs and Financial Aid

By
Statepoint
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That moment when your child receives an acceptance letter to a coveted college is a time to feel pride in their achievements and excited about their future. It’s also a time to make sense of the school’s price tag. That’s where financial award letters come into play.

“You’ll receive an award letter from each school your student was accepted to listing all the details of the financial aid package,” says Angela Colatriano, College Ave Student Loans. “This information helps you figure out what’s covered and how much your family is expected to pay.”

Unfortunately, if you’re like many parents, you may not be prepared for everything you read in these award letters. In a recent College Ave Student Loans survey, only 30% of parents who received award letters said they received as much aid as they expected, and 74% said they found the expected family contribution surprisingly high. Colatriano also notes that because the layout of these letters varies from school to school, it can be hard to compare their terms.

To help you decipher your financial aid award letters and figure out how to pay for college this fall, consider these tips and insights:

  1. Sort grants and scholarships from other aid: If your child was awarded a federal grant or scholarships from the college, they will be listed on your award letter. These do not need to be repaid and are applied directly to the school’s tuition. You can also pursue outside scholarships. One easy one to apply for is the College Ave $1,000 monthly scholarship sweepstakes. Encourage your student to apply for scholarships year-round, as every little bit helps.
  2. Delve into federal aid: The award letters will show you if your student qualified for the Federal Work-Study program. Likewise, schools will list any federal student loans you’re eligible to receive. Don’t forget to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to qualify.
  3. Meet the gap: If after accounting for grants, scholarships and federal aid there is still a gap between school costs and what you can afford, consider how you can reduce costs or get more funding. For example, you may reconsider your choice of school or have your student take on a part-time job. You might also want to shop around for a private student loan. If you do so, make sure you borrow only what you need. Also, look for a lender offering favorable terms, repayment options and interest rates. College Ave Student Loans offers resources to help you navigate paying for college, including a student loan calculator to show what your monthly payments could look like. To learn more, visit CollegeAve.com.
  4. Look before you leap: Remember that most types of financial aid come with terms and conditions. For example, a scholarship may require a student to maintain a certain GPA for it to be renewed the following semester. Federal and private loans will have interest rates and repayment terms. Before accepting or pursuing any type of financial aid, be sure you understand what’s involved.
  5. Get assistance: When in doubt, don’t be afraid to reach out to your school’s financial aid office for assistance. They are a great resource to help you and your family navigate the financial aid process.

“With so many competing financial pressures, it’s more important than ever for college-bound families to understand the ins and outs of their financial aid offers and what they’re responsible to cover each year,” says Colatriano.

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update March 12 through March 18, 2023

By
Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Athletics this past week saw both the Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner basketball seasons end at the Region XIV Tournament in Tyler, the softball team take a much-needed break heading into conference play and the ‘Runner baseball team keeping busy heading into Spring Break.

In addition, former head basketball coach and athletic director Guy Davis was part of a special tribute during Thursday’s conference tournament game in Tyler.

Following is a re-cap with upcoming events.

Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner Basketball:

The basketball heartbreak started with the Roadrunners’ opening-round game of the Region XIV conference tournament on Tuesday. AC built a lead early in the second half, only to see Bossier Parish Community College storm back, force overtime and snatch a 62-55 win to eliminate the ‘Runners and end their season.

On Wednesday, the Lady ‘Runners battled a very good Panola College team, falling 59-54 at Wagstaff Gymnasium at Tyler Junior College.

The Roadrunners end their season at 14-16, and the Lady Roadrunners finish up with a record of 16-13.

Post-season accolades should come out within the next few days, and there are sure to be players from both the AC men’s and women’s teams on those lists.

Guy Davis Honored at League Legends Ceremony:

During half time of Thursday’s men’s quarterfinal game, Region XIV officials honored five legendary coaches from the heyday of Region XIV basketball. Former AC men’s basketball head coach and athletic director Guy Davis was one of those honored, joining Leon Spencer (Trinity Valley Community College), Dale Dotson (Lon Morris College), Scott Gernander (San Jacinto College) and Lewis Orr (Navarro College). The five coaches combined for 156 years of coaching experience and more than 3,100 wins.

Roadrunner Baseball:

The Roadrunners kept busy all week, splitting a doubleheader at Northeast Texas Community College on Wednesday. AC dropped the opener by a 6-2 score before bouncing back for an 8-1 win in the nightcap.

In the win, Jaxon Hansen drove in three runs, while Dalton Mullins added two RBI. Christian Letendre and Mason Lampe each drove in a run, and pitchers Garren Nail, Taylor Seay and Tyler McCuistion teamed up to hold the Eagles to a single earned run.

On Saturday, the ‘Runners swept Joliet College out of Chicago, winning 10-5 and 5-0 at Poland Field. C.J. Schoettlin and Mario Mendoza each homered in the twin bill, and Hansen drove in another three runs, giving him a team-leading 20 for the season. Pitchers Matthew Tippie and Carson Courtney held Jolie to three earned runs in the opener; and Elian Balmaceda, Carson Dearing, Mason Lampe and McCuistion teamed up to blank the Wolves in the nightcap.

The ‘Runners (14-13, 4-8) host a single, nine-inning, non-conference game against Alvin College starting at 3 p.m. on Monday at Poland Field. AC then travels to Paris College to resume conference play on Wednesday, following that with a Saturday doubleheader against Navarro College. First pitch on Saturday is 1 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.

Lady Roadrunner Softball:

AC’s ladies tangled with Kilgore College on Monday, splitting a pair of one-run games in Kilgore. AC lost 3-2 in the opener, but roared back for a 9-8 win in the nightcap. Bailey Frenzel homered and drove in four runs, Kaetlyn Dunbar added a homer and three RBI and Skyler Martin knocked in a pair of runs in the win.

Morgan Louviere earned the win in the pitching circle, holding the Rangers to a single earned run over 6 1/3 innings. Gianna Wade pitched 2/3 of an inning in relief.

After some much-needed time off, the Lady Roadrunners (9-11) this week will open conference play with a pair of home stands. AC will host Alvin College in a Wednesday doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on the AC campus; the Lady ‘Runners then host Lamar State College-Port Arthur on Saturday in a twin showing starting at 1 p.m.

FYI, Angelina College is on Spring Break all this week. The campus will re-open on Monday, March 20.

However, I’ll be around for all our games if you need any help or have any questions.

See you at the games!

My five cents…

By
Senator Robert Nichols
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A weekly column from Sen. Robert Nichols

by Sen. Robert Nichols, Senate District 3

It’s time to spring forward! Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend. Remember to set your clocks forward Saturday night.

Here are five things happening around your state:

1. Bill filing deadline   

This Friday, March 10 marks the end of the bill filing period for the 88th Legislature. After Friday, no more general law bills can be filed. There are exceptions for local bills. After the deadline, the Legislature and the public will have a good idea about the total number of bills filed and what they do. Then, the real work begins. More bills will be voted out of committee and begin to make their way through the process. From now until May 29, we’ll be hearing and voting on legislation at a rapid pace.

2. Senate school safety legislation filed, referred to committee  

Last week, I filed Senate Bill 11 which builds on the work of previous legislatures on school safety. The bill is based on the work of the Senate Special Committee to Protect All Texans, which I chaired. There are six main components of this legislation: increasing the school safety allotment by creating a per campus funding formula, establishing the Office of School Safety and Security, delineating responsibility between TEA and the Texas School Safety Center, creating School Safety Review Teams, enhancing truancy prevention tactics, and allowing districts to share discipline records for students who transfer schools.

During our committee hearings, we heard from school districts that the current school safety allotment rate of $9.72 per student per year was insufficient to meet their needs. For districts that get little funding, maintaining a high standard of safety and security depletes already limited funding for their classrooms. In the bill as filed, each district would receive $15,000 per campus in their district. On top of that, districts would receive $10 per student per year for school safety. The creation of School Safety Review teams is another essential piece to school safety. The team would work with districts on school safety and physically go to each campus and evaluate the school’s safety and security. These important reforms will help enhance our children’s safety at school.

3. Supplemental budget bill heard in committee  

This week, the Senate Finance Committee heard Senate Bill 30, the supplemental appropriations bill. The supplemental appropriations bill is used to close out the previous biennium budget process and appropriate any left over funds. Included in the supplemental appropriations bill is $3.8 billion to pay customer rate relief charges associated with Winter Storm Uri, $2.3 billion to expand inpatient mental health care capacity, $600 million for school safety and security grants, and $1 billion for a benefit enhancement for retired teachers, among other things. The funds come from a mix of federal and state dollars. The bill was voted out of committee and will go to the floor soon.

4. First bills voted out of Senate  

This week Senate Bill 372 and Senate Bill 728, both by Senator Joan Huffman, were voted on the Senate Floor and sent to the House this week. This marks an important milestone in the legislative session. Senate Bill 372 creates a criminal offense for the unauthorized disclosure of non-public judicial opinions and judicial work product. In the summer of 2021, someone working at the US Supreme Court leaked a draft of the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, an opinion which overturned Roe v. Wade. This bill would protect Texas judicial opinions from being leaked. The other bill, Senate Bill 728, brings the state in line with the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. This bill would require clerks to report certain information related to juvenile mental health records to the Department of Public Safety, which reports information to the National Interstate Criminal Background Check System (NICS). These records will be part of the background check conducted when a person buys a firearm from a Federal Firearms Licensee.

5. THECB offers new low-interest loan option

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board is now offering a new low-interest loan option for Texas students. The Future Occupations and Reskilling Workforce Advancement to Reach Demand (FORWARD) Loan Program is designed to help students who are seeking to obtain a high-value credential in a high-demand occupation. The loan should help reduce the debt burden on students by allowing students to repay the loan over 10 years. The loans are open to students that will be able to complete their program in two years or less and are in high-demand programs like technology, nursing, teaching, supply chain/transportation and logistics, and energy.

 LEAGUE OF LEGENDS

By
Lee Allen Miller
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LEAGUE OF LEGENDS: Region XIV officials Thursday in Tyler honored five legendary head coaches (L-R): Leon Spencer, Dale Dotson, Guy Davis, Scott Gernander and Lewis Orr — a combined 156 years of coaching experience and more than 3,000 wins. (Gary Stallard/Angelina College Athletics photo)

Makenzie Thigpen showing her second year at the Angelina County Youth Fair

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Makenzie Thigpen competed in the Angelina County Fair last year with her hog ‘Queen”(pictured). This year, she’ll be competing with another hog, ‘Smokey’, at 8 am, Friday, March 24. 

Friday morning, March 24th at 8 am in the pavilion of the George H Henderson Exposition Center, Makenzie Thigpen will be competing against 73 other exhibitors in the market hog show. It is the Angelina County Fair and Makenzie has been preparing for months.

Makenzie is an eighth grader at Central Jr High and is active in the Central 4-H club as well as Central FFA.  Her family includes her mom and dad, Leticia and Jeriod Thigpen. She has a sister and a brother, Haily and Cason.  Makenzie has worked hard to help her sister show her hog this year. Haily has epilepsy and other special needs. Younger brother Cason is too young to compete in the regular youth competition but will show Makenzie’s hog in the Pee-Wee show on Saturday, March 25 at 11 am.

This is Makenzie’s second year to show a hog. She says, “I heard the stories from my mom and dad about their experiences showing livestock. We went to the ACF pig show for one of my cousins and I became interested and wanted to get involved.”  

When asked why she chose to show a pig, Makenzie said, “My mom showed pigs in high school, and I thought it would be something I would enjoy also. Last year (my first year) was extremely hard and I didn’t know if I wanted to do it again. As soon as I walked into that show ring, I knew I wanted to do it again because being in the show ring made all those all-nighters, early mornings, late nights and countless hours in the barn trying to get my pig to eat worth it.”

Pigs raised for this year’s show were entered and received an ear tag in December.  From that point until the hog show on Friday morning, March 24, families have been carefully feeding and raising their project. 

Exhibitors usually select their animals when the pigs are 8 to 10 weeks old and weigh from 40 to 80 pounds.  The challenge is to try to predict what that feeder pig will look like at market weight, which is about 250 pounds or 6 months of age.

In addition to a hog project, Makenzie says she will be baking “my Nanny’s delicious apple cake for the FCS this year and plan to become an ambassador next year.”

Once at home, pigs are given prime attention.  The most important nutrient is clean water.  Checking the water is a daily task.  Nutrients and feed intake are monitored closely and there is lots of competition among feed companies to provide the best blended feed to raise a champion.

Makenzie says her hardest part is, “Having to say goodbye to my best friend. I have poured countless hours into making my pig better each day and the goodbye is by far the hardest.”

Exhibitors will practice walking them with a “bat” or “whip” which they use to tap on the shoulders to gently direct which way the hogs will walk in the show ring.

Hogs may weigh no less than 230 lbs. and no more than 280 lbs. at the official weigh-in. Entries that fail to meet these weights will be disqualified.

The Angelina County Fair allows exhibitors to show either a barrow (castrated male) or gilt (young female).  If you watch the show, you will notice that gilts are heavily favored in the competition and, as such, are shown by most exhibitors. 

Her mom, Leticia, says, “Showing in the county Fair was one of my fondest memories in high school. I’d like for her to make those memories also. I’d like her to make friendships built off shared common interest that extend way past the show ring. I’d like her to take pride in something that she has raised and worked hard conditioning to get to the show ring. I’d like for her to become a better version of herself by focusing on making her hogs better than the day before.”  Makenzie’s father showed chickens, rabbits and goats in Angelina County while her mom showed pigs and rabbits in Nacogdoches County.  

Her mom states, “I’d love for her to gain a better sense of the agricultural community. Learn important values and expand her interest in agriculture. I hope she learns in everything she does that hard work pays off. Learn to win and lose gracefully and with a loss to figure out how to come back better next year. How to guide younger kids to the same passion she carries for her pigs.”

Leticia adds, “I’d like for her to understand the importance of sportsmanship. To learn patience and be considerate to her animals and the others showing and their livestock. The importance of consistency and attention to detail. To continue to learn how to handle real life situations by her resilience and perseverance.”

After the judge determines his placing, only the top 52 hogs will be sold at auction starting at 4 pm on Saturday, March 25. 

Looking to the competition, Makenzie states. “I hope to accomplish being a better showman. I also hope to make more friends and inspire possible future showers.”  

Her mom wraps it up by stating, “Livestock showing is no joke. It is hard work, but it will teach your child so many life lessons. I have watched my daughter grow so much in just the two years we have shown. It has been an amazing transformation. Hard work pays off.”

For more information about this year’s Fair, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.

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