Ladies, it’s time to connect, share, and be Unapologetically You! Join us next week, on Tuesday, October 14, for our Women’s Networking Luncheon, presented by Southside Bank, and moderated by the amazing Ashley Berry.
Bronze Sponsors: Ellen Temple Ferrera’s Heating and Air Conditioning GENCO Federal Credit Union Hospice in the Spines Ray’s Drive-in Cafe The Flower’s Loft
Join us on Saturday, December 6th in the Oldest Town in Texas for a spectacular show of Christmas cheer! Downtown Nacogdoches turns into a scene from a Hallmark movie, with fabulous holiday displays in shop windows and luminous light displays. Families line the brick streets while Christmas lights sparkle, and local organizations put on a show with decorated floats. The theme this year is “A Musical Christmas” with entries highlighting their favorite musical or Christmas song.
Stay tuned for more information about the event, plus tons of fun activities before and after the parade!
Parade Entry Form: Visit the link above to download a form, or stop by the Nacogdoches Visitor Center for a printed copy! Contact the Nacogdoches Area United Way for more information about parade entries. Phone: 936-564-5869. Email: christmasparadenac@outlook.com
Lufkin Creative invites the community to come together for Heritage Festival 2025 on Saturday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cotton Square in Downtown Lufkin.
This annual festival is a celebration of art, culture, food, and community, featuring live performances, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and cultural demonstrations that showcase the diverse heritage of East Texas.
“Heritage Festival is a day where art and culture come alive right in the heart of Lufkin,” said Sibyl Delgrolice, board member at Lufkin Creative. “It’s a time to celebrate creativity, honor traditions, and enjoy the talents of our local artists, musicians, and makers.”
The 2025 entertainment lineup includes: 10:00 AM – Clint Briley 10:50 AM – Slack | Voz Brillante Dual Club 11:15 AM – Marie Jarreau 12:00 PM – Grupo Ketzaly 12:30 PM – Garcia Brothers TBD – Academy of Gymnastics and Dance
Attendees can look forward to live music, traditional dance performances, artisan booths, cultural exhibits, and delicious food from local vendors. The festival also features the Heritage Festival Coloring Contest, open to participants of all ages, with entries displayed at the event.
Vendor spaces are still available for artists, makers, food vendors, and nonprofits offering cultural or heritage-related activities. Interested vendors can apply online at www.LufkinCreative.com/HeritageFestival.
This free community event is hosted by Lufkin Creative, an organization dedicated to supporting local artists and promoting the value of art and culture in Lufkin.
Heritage Festival 2025 is a rain-cancellation event. In the event of rain or severe weather, the festival will be canceled.
About Lufkin Creative: Lufkin Creative is a nonprofit organization that celebrates the arts, supports local artists, and builds creative connections within the Lufkin community. Through events, education, and partnerships, Lufkin Creative works to make art accessible and to highlight the cultural heritage that makes Lufkin unique.
In today’s fast-paced world, leaders and businesses are tempted to cut corners. Maybe it’s rushing a project, stretching the truth to land a deal, or choosing convenience over conviction. But while shortcuts can bring quick wins, they almost always cost more in the long run.
Proverbs 10:9 says it plainly: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.
Integrity Builds Trust
Trust is the foundation of leadership. Customers, employees, and communities all want the same thing – leaders they can count on.
A leader who compromises for convenience may see short-term results, but credibility will erode over time. On the other hand, leaders who honor their word and do the right thing – even when it’s costly – earn loyalty that lasts.
Shortcuts Have Hidden Costs
It may feel easier to bend the rules, but shortcuts always carry hidden price tags. A project done hastily may need to be redone. A half-truth eventually comes to light. A compromise of values rarely stays small – it demands more each time.
Better to do it right the first time than spend years repairing the damage later.
Integrity Requires Courage
Let’s be honest: integrity isn’t always easy. Sometimes it means losing a deal or watching someone else move ahead. But in the end, it’s the courageous leaders who inspire trust and set the example for future generations.
Joshua 1:9 reminds us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Three Simple Ways to Lead with Integrity This Week
Keep Your Word. Follow through on even the smallest promise.
Choose Clarity Over Comfort. Speak the truth, even when it’s hard.
Think Long-Term. Ask, “How will this decision look five years from now?”
That’s a Wrap
In Texas Forest Country, we know that character still counts. Leaders who walk in integrity not only succeed in business – they bless their families, churches, and communities. Shortcuts may be tempting, but integrity always pays off.
This week, choose the harder right over the easier wrong. Your people – and your legacy – are worth it.
Our soccer teams experienced a slightly lighter load this week (save for one heartbreaking loss on the road for the men), but we had plenty of other stuff keeping our plates full of sports.
Our men’s basketball team got its scrimmage season started in Oklahoma, and our softball and baseball teams showed off big in some fall games.
We’ve also got a former Lady Roadrunner making big news on the big stage as she competes for a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) title.
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:
No. 12 Roadrunner Soccer Falls at No. 18 Coastal Bend CC
Look up the word “heartbreaker” in the dictionary, and you may find the No. 12 Roadrunners’ Tuesday match at No. 18 Coastal Bend Community College.
AC’s men took an early 1-0 lead over the Cougars after a Shuto Ishikawa unassisted goal, but CBCC struck twice late: Once in the 83rd minute to even the match – and then again with just three seconds to play, knocking off the Roadrunners 2-1 in Beeville.
With the loss, the Roadrunners (6-2-1, 4-2-1) dropped down to second place in the Region XIV South Zone.
AC will travel to Louisiana State University-Eunice on Tuesday as part of a women’s/men’s doubleheader kicking off at 5 p.m. The men will follow at 7:30 p.m.
On Friday, the Lady ‘Runners and Roadrunners will be in Brenham to face Blinn College in another women’s/men’s doubleheader scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start.
NOTE: Both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners will celebrate their respective Sophomore Night activities on Friday, Oct. 24, when both teams will host LSUE-E at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Men’s Basketball Opens Scrimmage Season in Oklahoma
Roadrunner head coach J.J. Montgomery and his staff consisting of Eric Colbert and Byron Coleman know they’re entering the season with a big target on the team’s back – courtesy of a high pre-season ranking and last year’s Elite Eight appearance in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament.
Toss in a loaded roster with guys fighting for playing time, and it’s going to take the staff a minute to find all the right combinations.
On Thursday at the Oklahoma Jamboree in Norman, Oklahoma, the ‘Runners took one of three in the one-hour scrimmage format, with the coaches shuffling the lineups as the team learns each player’s best fit.
This week, the ‘Runners will be at the Fort Worth Jamboree in Fort Worth, Texas on Friday, Oct. 10. AC faces North Idaho College at 2 p.m. and Eastern Arizona College at 7 p.m.
Those scrimmages take place at the Game On Sports Complex in Fort Worth.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Sweeps Nelson University
AC’s softball ladies traveled on Friday and picked up an impressive sweep of the Lady Lions, with the Lady ‘Runners winning 7-4 and 4-1 in Waxahachie.
Audrey Richardson, Eastyn Wilkie and Emily Zunker each drove in a pair of runs in the 7-4 opening-game win. Pitchers Jessi Sumpter, Jaycee Knighton and Ella Stephenson teamed up to hold the Lady Lions to four runs on three hits.
The nightcap saw Elizabeth Craig, Ella Berger, Kassidy St. Clair and Molly McCormack picking up the RBIs in the 4-1 win. Sumpter, Richardson and Knighton teamed up to no-hit Nelson’s lineup, with the lone run scored an unearned version.
AC Softball’s next fall game is on Thursday, Oct. 9 at the University of North Texas in Denton, TX. The doubleheader starts at 2 p.m.
Roadrunner Baseball Pounds HBT in Fall Home Game
A big crowd showed up on Sunday to watch the Roadrunner baseball team put on some offensive fireworks, as AC walloped HBT Scout 34-3 at Poland Stadium.
AC’s Daigan Venable inflicted the most damage with his bat, driving in five runs with four hits. Stefano Ramos added three RBI, and a host of ‘Runners managed to dent the plate as AC tallied 34 hits in the game.
Next up for the Roadrunners is a home doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 10 against San Jacinto College. First pitch for the opener is set for 1 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Former Lady ‘Runner Natasha Mack Playing for WNBA Title
PHOENIX, AZ – SEPTEMBER 28: Natasha Mack #4 of the Phoenix Mercury looks on during the game against the Minnesota Lynx during Game Four of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs semifinals on September 28, 2025 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
As a member of the Angelina College Lady Roadrunner basketball team under former head coach Byron Coleman, Natasha Mack was a two-time NJCAA All-American and the first Lady ‘Runner ever selected in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft following her career at Oklahoma State.
Mack in 2019 also led the Lady ‘Runners to their only NJCAA Division I National Tournament.
Now, the Lufkin native is playing on an even bigger stage – and for an even bigger prize.
Currently a member of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, Mack and the Mercury are playing for a WNBA title, with Phoenix battling the Las Vegas Aces – who won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 – in a best-of-seven finals series.
Mack, named one of the league’s top defenders by Sports Illustrated, finished the regular season with 99 blocked shots.
Vegas topped the Mercury 89-86 in Game 1 of the series, following up with a 91-78 win over Phoenix on Sunday. Mack pulled down 10 rebounds in Sunday’s losing effort.
The series’ remaining schedule, along with the network televising the event, is as follows:
Game 3: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Game 4: Friday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Game 5*: Sunday, Oct. 12, 2 p.m. (ABC) Game 6*: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m. (ESPN) Game 7*: Friday, Oct. 17, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
*If–necessary games
Baseball Adds “Kids Camp” in October
AC’s baseball team will offer a “Kids Camp” on Monday, Oct. 13 at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. Ages 6-10 will hit the field from 9-11 a.m. (with 8:45 check-in), while ages 11-14 will be on the diamond from 12-2 p.m. (with an 11:45 check-in).
For further questions, contact Roadrunner head baseball coach Jon Phillips at jphillips@angelina.edu or assistant coach Cody Crowder at ccrowder@angelina.edu.
All AC Teams Have Schedules Up and Running Online
Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner fans can now find their favorite teams’ schedules on the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com). For now, only the fall schedules for baseball and softball are in place (with the potential to add more events later), but all other teams, including both women’s and men’s basketball, are ready for viewing and planning.
We’ll update any changes as we receive them.
We can’t wait to see you at the games.
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 website, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page, and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smartphones, 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:
Tuesday, Oct. 7:
No. 13 Lady Roadrunner Soccer at Louisiana State University-Eunice, 5 p.m. in Eunice, LA.
No. 12 Roadrunner Soccer at Louisiana State University-Eunice, 7:30 p.m. in Eunice, LA.
Thursday, Oct. 9:
Lady Roadrunner Softball at the University of North Texas, doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. in Denton, TX.
Friday, Oct. 10:
Roadrunner Basketball at Fort Worth Jamboree (Scrimmages) in Fort Worth, TX: AC vs. Northern Idaho College, 2 p.m.; AC vs. Butler Community College, 4 p.m.; AC vs. Eastern Arizona College, 7 p.m.
All games take place at the Game On Athletic Center in Fort Worth, TX. (No live streaming available for scrimmages.)
AC Baseball vs. San Jacinto College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. (No live streaming for fall games, but fans can follow along on the Game Changer app.)
Saturday, Oct. 11:
Lady Roadrunner Basketball at Shalin Hoops Showcase in Mansfield, TX. (Teams and times TBA.)
Roadrunner Basketball at Fort Worth Jamboree (Scrimmages) in Fort Worth, TX. Teams and times TBA.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
The Coalition, Inc. has partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department in an effort to prevent and reduce the harmful use of tobacco products in rural areas like East Texas, where tobacco-related health problems are more prevalent. With funding from the Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department conducted underage compliance checks for area businesses that sell tobacco.
The age limit to purchase tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, is 21, per the guidelines from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). Out of the 49 attempts in June and July, 6 citations were issued to businesses that sold tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to minors.
Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition, Inc. says, “Our ultimate goal is to keep the youth in our community safe from the harmful effects of underage tobacco use; we are proud to partner with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas School Safety Center to work towards that goal.”
Many businesses that were visited did not sell tobacco to minors and The Coalition and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department commend them for protecting the youth of Angelina County from the dangers of tobacco and nicotine. To see the full list of businesses and whether or not they sold to minors, visit https://www.angelinacoalition.org/blog.
For additional information, please contact The Coalition at (936) 634-9308.
What Is The Difference Between Being Baptized In Water And Being Baptized In The Holy Spirit?
“The water does not do anything except get you wet,” says Matt, 8. “When you get baptized in the Holy Spirit, you get cleansed by God, and he will come into our hearts. Getting baptized means you’re telling the whole world that God has come into your heart.”
On the baptism of the Holy Spirit, Bible scholar JC Ryle wrote: “It consists of the implanting of grace into the inward man. It is the same thing with the new birth. It is a baptism, not of the body, but of the heart. It is well to be baptized into the visible Church; but it is far better to be baptized into that Church which is made up of true believers.”
“The difference is when you get baptized in water, it is a symbol of being purified by God,” says Caleb, 8. “When you get baptized by the Holy Spirit, God has brought you into his kingdom.”
As one who received baptism by immersion as a professing Christian who was trying to work his way to heaven, I can affirm that being baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ is far better. At my first water baptism, I mistakenly thought that salvation was Christ plus my dedication. I thought that salvation was a joint venture. Christ would do part, and I would do part.
As I stood in the church, wet from water baptism but confused from the mixed message, a girl sensed my bewilderment. She invited me to another meeting where a pastor showed me from the Bible that salvation is a free gift that can only be received by faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).
In Old Testament times, the Holy Spirit came upon a few believers for special tasks. The prophet Joel foresaw a time when God would pour out his Spirit on all believers (Joel 2:28-29). Jesus predicted that his disciples would receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit “not many days from now” (Acts 1:5).
When the disciples received the Spirit’s baptism, they began to praise God in foreign languages they had not learned. Jews from foreign countries who had gathered at Jerusalem for the Pentecost feast understood the disciples in their own languages.
In his sermon, the Apostle Peter said this was the fulfillment of what the prophet Joel predicted. The time had come when God would pour out his Holy Spirit upon all believers. About 3,000 Jews trusted Christ as their savior that day and were baptized in water (Acts 2).
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is an historic event that ushered in a new age. It occurred for the Jews on the day of Pentecost, but came later for Gentiles (non-Jews). The Apostle Peter took the gospel to the house of a Gentile named Cornelius. Like the Jews at Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in foreign languages and were baptized in water (Acts 10-11:18).
Think about this: The baptism of the Holy Spirit is not an experience to be sought, but a truth to be believed. Even though every Christian has been baptized by the Holy Spirit into union with Christ, not all are enjoying the fellowship with Christ that comes from being filled with the Spirit.
Memorize this truth: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18).
Ask this question: Have you been filled or controlled by God’s Spirit today?
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.
My favorite tree is the pecan tree. It brings back great family memories, I like its form, and I’m a big fan of eating it.
It is also a tree that causes me the most frustration in local landscapes. I hear it from others frequently, “I’ve planted this pecan tree years ago and I still haven’t gotten the first crop!”
Pecans are a wonderful native tree whose nuts are highly prized in all kinds of dishes or by themselves. Each year I look to purchase a few pounds of pecans that are locally grown. I east them like candy and look forward to them in holiday dishes.
Pecans were named the state tree of Texas over 100 years ago in 1919. Commercial pecan production existed in Texas in the late 1800’s. San Antonio, Texas was the hub of the nation’s pecan processing during the first half of the 20th century. Years later during the 1950’s, several more shelling plants sprang up across the state. The closest to us was Tyler.
But about the pecans in Angelina County, we have a couple difficult obstacles to overcome. This year, and more often than not, a lack of water late in the growing season will cause the pecans to fail to fully develop and drop prematurely. Pecans use a goodly amount of water as the pecan kernel finishes developing. If rainfall or irrigation are lacking in the final stages of growth, then you’ll see a significant crop loss.
Next are limitations with our soil. Much of the land that lays between the Neches River to our west and the Angelina River (now Lake Sam Rayburn) to our east is not a deep, well drained soil.
It’s true that you’ll find some well drained sites, but much of our county has a decent sandy loam topsoil that covers a grey clay in the southern end and red clay to the northern end of the county. However, pecans love well drained soil. And having a shallow topsoil over a clay simply is not a well-drained site most of the time.
Besides finding the right soil for pecans to thrive, we have a common disease called scab. Scab is a fungal disease spread by spores. Spores can be spread by wind or rain and cause new infections throughout an orchard. Scab is capable of several infection cycles throughout the growing season, which can contribute to greater disease severity.
The fungus needs wet conditions to initiate an infection on leaves or shucks, and young developing leaves are especially susceptible. If we have a wet spring (and we do most every year), we can anticipate problems with scab.
Scab will eventually infect the kernel and can greatly reduce the number of pecans that are edible in the fall.
While scab is here to stay, there are some things we can do to manage it. First plant pecan varieties that are resistant. No tree is bullet proof but try varieties such as Caddo, Oconee, Prilop, Elliot, Forkert and Kanza. Others have been planted and have worked but those I just listed show the most scab resistance in a number of trials.
Thinning and pruning pecans trees to allow for better air circulation will allow leaves and kernels to dry out faster to reduce fungal problems. Planting trees on windy sites is also much better than plating in a low-lying area that clings to moisture longer.
There is not really a good spray for homeowners to combat scab. Commercial growers do use some products, but they must be applied with an air blast sprayer into the canopy.
All in all, I think it’s worth a try on well-drained ground. It’s our wonderful, deciduous state tree. And perhaps you’ll get some pecans from time to time. If you want more information about the care for pecans, please give me or any other county agent a holler. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service has worlds more information on what it takes to produce pecans.
The Crockett Area Chamber will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for their new location in Corrigan! The Chamber staff will be in attendance and refreshments provided.
Quality Tire & Brakes + Wheels 400 N. Home St. Corrigan TX, 75939 Monday, October 6, 10 a.m.
The AI Shift is coming! Are you ready? Join Lufkin Association of REALTORS on October 9 for a high-energy session with innovation strategist Alex Goryachev on how to adapt, compete & thrive in the AI era.
Practical ways to use AI in business Tools to work smarter Ideas to future-proof your career & team Oct. 9 | 10am–12pm | Lunch included
