‘Dead Letter Office’ Display to Run Through February
Angelina College’s School of Visual and Performing Arts will host artist/photographer Chris Ireland for an exhibition at the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery.
Ireland’s display, titled “Dead Letter Office”, will open Jan. 11 and will close with an artist’s reception starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 10 with an artists’ reception in the ACA foyer.
Ireland’s bio relates how he “risked being grounded as a child” when he borrowed his mother’s camera without her permission. His love for creating art through a lens led to his pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art and a Master of Fine Arts in Digital Media from Washington State University.
With a current focus on “representations of family and personal experience through the vernacular of photography,” Ireland’s works have been featured in exhibitions at numerous venues both nationally and internationally, including the Center of Contemporary Art in Seattle, WA, the Colorado Photographic Arts Center in Denver, CO, Filter Photo Space in Chicago, IL, Umbrella Arts Gallery in New York, NY, the San Antonio Public Library, and the Houston Center for Photography.
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Ireland currently lives and works in Fort Worth, Texas. Most recently, he was the founding head of the Department of Visual Arts & Design at Tarleton State University, and now serves as the Executive Director of the Texas Photographic Society.
From the artist’s statement:
This image, titled “Corner Sunset”, is an example of the work from artist/photographer Chris Ireland scheduled for display during an Angelina College Visual and Performing Arts exhibition on the AC campus. The exhibition, titled “Dead Letter Office” will open Jan. 11 and run through Feb. 10 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery, with a closing artist’s reception taking place on Feb. 10. (Contributed image)This image, titled “Cicadas”, is an example of the work from artist/photographer Chris Ireland scheduled for display during an Angelina College Visual and Performing Arts exhibition on the AC campus. The exhibition, titled “Dead Letter Office”, will open Jan. 11 and run through Feb. 10 in the Angelina Center for the Arts Gallery, with a closing artist’s reception taking place on Feb. 10. (Contributed image)
“The images I use in my work come from databases of images, real estate sites, social media, and archives. Created from multiple images captured in a variety of spaces (and non-spaces), each composition is shaped slowly, over time, layer by layer, to replicate a mental experience. The work probes my relationship to home, marked by the loss of its certainties and an overall sense of placelessness. Fragmented images, full of overlaps and distortion, like a corrupted hard drive dreaming of a place to return to.”
Admission to the exhibition and reception is free and open to the public.
When winter arrives in East Texas, lawns may look inactive—but appearances can be deceiving. While grass often goes dormant during colder months, what happens below the surface can have a major impact on how your yard performs in spring.
Dormant grass is still alive, storing energy and protecting its root system. Winter damage—such as soil compaction, early weed growth, or freeze stress—often goes unnoticed until warmer weather reveals thin grass, bare patches, or invasive weeds.
Winter is also a critical time for weed prevention. Many common weeds begin establishing roots while lawns are dormant, giving them a head start before spring growth begins. Addressing weeds early is far more effective than trying to control them later.
Flowerbeds benefit from winter attention as well. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and protect plant roots from sudden cold snaps—something East Texas weather is known for.
Perhaps most importantly, winter is a season for planning. Evaluating problem areas, preparing beds, and scheduling maintenance early can save time and money when spring arrives.
A little attention during winter can make a big difference in how your yard looks and performs all year long.
About the Author
Billy Forrest is a seasoned East Texas lawn care professional with decades of experience in lawn maintenance, weed control, and landscape care. His practical, no-nonsense approach is shaped by years of hands-on work in local soil and weather conditions, helping homeowners protect and improve their property year-round. Connect with him at www.A1LawnandLandscape.com
New calendars. Clean inboxes. Fresh goals. We tell ourselves, This year will be different.
But if you’ve been leading long enough – whether in business, ministry, or your own home – you know something sobering: A new year doesn’t automatically produce a new leader.
Real change doesn’t come from flipping a calendar page. It comes from something far deeper – a reset of direction, priorities, and obedience.
That’s what January is really for.
A Reset Is Not the Same as a Restart
Most people treat January like a restart. Leaders treat it like a reset.
A restart assumes everything was broken. A reset assumes the mission still matters – but alignment drifted.
In leadership, drift is dangerous because it’s subtle. You don’t wake up one morning off course. You wake up busy, productive, and slightly misaligned. And before long, momentum replaces mission.
That’s why January matters.
It gives leaders space to ask the uncomfortable but necessary questions:
Why am I really doing this?
What am I carrying that God never asked me to carry?
Where did success quietly replace stewardship?
Scripture gives us the framework:
“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” – Proverbs 16:3
Notice the order. Commit first. Then plan.
Leadership Begins With Alignment, Not Activity
One of the biggest leadership mistakes I see – especially among high-capacity entrepreneurs – is confusing motion with obedience.
We measure leadership health by:
Revenue
Growth
Engagement
Expansion
God measures leadership health by:
Faithfulness
Integrity
Stewardship
Obedience
January is the checkpoint where those two scorecards collide.
If your calendar is full but your spirit is tired, that’s not a time-management issue. That’s a leadership alignment issue.
Strong leaders pause long enough to ask:
Am I leading where God has assigned me – or just where opportunity is loudest?
The Hidden Power of a One-Sentence “Why”
Early in my entrepreneurial journey, I learned something the hard way: When your “why” is fuzzy, everything else becomes negotiable.
Join us Thursday, January 15 at 5:30 PM for the first Cheers with the Chamber of the year, hosted by Parkwood in the Pines.
Cheers with the Chamber is a great opportunity for networking and building connections within the community. It is also a wonderful way for Chamber Investors to showcase their business and all that they have to offer.
Most Texas business owners don’t wake up one morning and choose a bad electricity rate.
It usually happens quietly—without warning.
Electricity contracts across Texas often include automatic renewal clauses. When a contract reaches the end of its term, the account may roll into a higher rate unless action is taken in advance. Many owners don’t realize anything changed until months later, when the cost shows up on their bill.
Why Timing Matters More Than People Think
In Texas, electricity pricing is influenced heavily by timing. The most competitive rates typically appear 90 to 120 days before a contract expires. That window gives customers options. Miss it, and pricing leverage drops quickly.
This is why experienced energy buyers plan ahead rather than reacting at the last minute.
Why Doing Nothing Is Still a Decision
Leaving an account unattended doesn’t keep it neutral. In deregulated markets, doing nothing often means paying more than necessary—especially during high-demand periods.
The takeaway for business owners is simple: knowing your contract end date matters just as much as knowing your rate.
A Practical Next Step
A quick bill review can reveal:
When a contract expires
Whether a rate is competitive
What options exist before renewal
This article is part of an ongoing energy education series provided by Amerigy Energy.
The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce is requesting Commemorative Art Proposals for the 36th Annual Texas Blueberry Festival presented by Tipton Ford to be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Nacogdoches.
Many of our valued Chamber members have asked for their festival art proposals to be considered. The Chamber is offering that opportunity!
What Did Jesus Mean When He Said, “Knock, And It Will Be Opened To You”?
”I keep on asking my mom if I can play Nintendo, and she finally says yes,” says Clyde, 7.
Well, Clyde, there’s no doubt you’ve learned that persistence pays off. Your mother knows this, too. Give your mom a break, and apply that same persistence to things of God. You might be surprised at how much more rewarding it is.
“When you are dead, you are knocking on the door to get into heaven. When you ask to come in, the door will open,” says Connor, 6.
Jokes abound about Saint Peter examining credentials for entering the pearly gates. Some people believe in second chances such as reincarnation. Let’s see what the Bible says.
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28).
Jesus died for our sins one time, and we have one life in which to decide whether we’ll trust him with our eternal destiny.
“Keep on trying hard, and you will receive everlasting life,” says Bruce, 11.
This is a common belief that appeals to our pride. Many things in this life are earned by persistent hard work. Eternal life is not one of them. The price is higher than anyone can pay. That’s why God sent the Lord Jesus to pay the price for us.
“If you keep asking Jesus into your heart, someday he will come,” says Sara, 8.
Sara, Jesus isn’t reluctant to impart his life to those who want it. Begging isn’t required. Jesus freely gives his eternal life to anyone who will “believe in him,” as John 3:16 so clearly states.
If our eternal destiny isn’t at stake here, why did Jesus command us to knock?
“If you pray for something, and God doesn’t answer it right away, he will answer you if you keep on praying,” says Gerald, 6.
When Jesus spoke of knocking, he also mentioned asking and seeking. To illustrate what he meant, Jesus asked, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11).
Even evil people give good gifts to their children. How much more does a good God give gifts to his children who ask? This is where persistence pays huge dividends. The key is to make sure you’re asking for the right things and persist in asking, seeking and knocking.
“Don’t quit following Jesus for one day. He will reward you,” says Grace, 10.
In the context of knocking, this is persistent prayer for the advance of God’s purpose and plan. We can pray boldly and confidently about many situations revealed in Scripture.
For example, we know it’s God’s will for Christians to pray for government leaders “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (I Timothy 2:2).
Think about this: Knocking on heaven’s door on behalf of our country and friends is a ministry to which every Christian is called.
Memorize this truth: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).
Ask this question: Do you believe in the goodness of God so that you will persist in asking him for good things that glorify him?
Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.
We’re back, and we’re already seeing plenty of action. Our Roadrunner men’s basketball team hit the floor this past Wednesday and Saturday after the holiday break, and our baseball and softball teams are preparing to start their 2026 campaigns in just a few weeks. (I’m sending links to the schedules with this release.)
We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
Roadrunner Basketball
The Roadrunners returned a little rusty from the break, dropping a 60-53 decision to Baton Rouge Community College on Wednesday in the team’s first game back on the floor. AC’s Daemon Ely finished with 14 points and 15 rebounds, and Clarence Payia added 10 points, but their efforts weren’t enough to pull out the win.
On Saturday against Paris Junior College, the ‘Runners fell to Paris Junior College in a tough 61-58 loss at Shands Gymnasium. Despite outrebounding the Dragons by a 41-15 margin, AC just couldn’t come up with the big plays needed down the stretch. Jordan Mathews scored 17 and Julius Crosby 16 for the Roadrunners.
AC (8-5, 2-3) will play at Panola College in Carthage at 7 p.m. on Wednesday before returning home on Saturday to face Tyler Junior College at 4 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Cancels Games
The Lady ‘Runner basketball team last played in AC’s 64-50 win over Western Gulf Collegiate back on Dec. 10, and while the ladies were chomping at the bit to get going again, the team will have to wait at least a few more days.
AC was forced to cancel games against McLennan Community College (Jan. 3), at Western Oklahoma State College (Jan. 5) and at Dallas College-Richland (Jan. 7). There are no plans to make up those contests.
The Lady ‘Runners (4-7) will open conference play on Saturday, Jan. 10 against Coastal Bend Community College as part of a women’s/men’s doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
AC Soccer’s Jory Named All-American
Angelina College men’s soccer Jhosua Jory recently earned NJCAA Division I 2nd Team All-American honors, capping his incredible freshman campaign.
Jory, a product of Cinco Ranch High School in Houston, becomes the fifth Roadrunner soccer player in the past four years to receive All-American status, joining Kaito Ueki (2024), Omar Mora (2023), Jaheim Brown (2022) and Juan Lopez (2022).
Earlier this year, Region XIV named Jory its Most Valuable Player while awarding him 1st Team All-Region honors.
With his dazzling combination of speed and ball skills, Jory finished among league leaders in total points (23), goals (9) and assists (5). Those numbers were impressive, but Jory provided an all-time AC Soccer highlight when he nailed the last-second golden goal in AC’s thrilling 1-0, double-overtime win at Blinn College in the Gulf Coast South District Semifinals. With just five seconds before the teams would have headed to penalty kicks, Jory took a lob pass from teammate Kanta Maruyama and banged home the winner to set off a massive celebration.
Jory also added a hat trick (and six total points) in AC’s 7-2 win at Louisiana State University-Eunice on Oct. 7.
Jory has committed to play at Tulsa University.
AC Baseball, Softball Schedules Are Available for Viewing
Both the Roadrunner baseball and Lady Roadrunner softball teams are just a few weeks away from opening their Spring 2026 seasons. Both programs feature first-year head coaches (Jon Phillips with baseball and Kassie James with softball), and there’s excitement brewing for what is sure to be some exciting times on the diamonds.
The Roadrunner baseball team opens with a scrimmage at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall on Thursday, Jan. 22 (3 p.m.) before hosting the regular-season opener against Temple College in a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
The Lady ‘Runner softball team will see its first action on Friday, Jan. 23 at Tyler Junior College in Tyler. The doubleheader is set for a 1 p.m. start. AC’s ladies won’t host their home opener until Wednesday, Feb. 4 when the Lady Roadrunners host Northeast Texas Community College in a doubleheader set for a 1 p.m. start at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
As always in East Texas, the potential exists for schedule changes because of inclement weather. We try to put out the word as soon as we get it, but the quickest way to confirm game days and times is to visit the AC Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com) to view the most updated schedules. We’ll also send out word on social media (AC Athletics Facebook and Instagram, etc.), but the on-line schedule will always serve up the most recent updates.
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)
Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)
Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.
Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
Wednesday, January 7:
Roadrunner Basketball at Panola College, 7 p.m. in Carthage, TX.
Saturday, January 10:
Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Coastal Bend CC, 2 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.
Roadrunner Basketball vs. Tyler Junior College, 4 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
