August 19, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Join us for the 2025 East Texas Wildlife Expo featuring engaging wildlife education, expert-led discussions on local ecology, hands-on exhibits, conservation resources and more! $20 per person with Lunch provided! Utilize the QR Code on the flyer for registration!
Get tickets HERE
At this time of the year, many gardens in East Texas begin to look tired. Even my own Black-eyed Susan and Purple Coneflowers are completing their annual show. As it gets warmer, the heat takes its toll. But while your landscape may be ready for a rest, pollinators are just entering one of their most critical seasons. Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects need dependable sources of nectar and shelter in late summer and fall to prepare for either migration or to store enough resources for winter survival.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension research highlights several native plants that are standouts for late-season forage. Goldenrod (Solidago spp.) is one of the best-known fall nectar sources, and it thrives in our soils with little care once established. Frostweed (Verbesina virginica) is another underappreciated native—its tall white blooms in late September are a magnet for migrating monarchs. Maximilian sunflower (Helianthus maximiliani) brings a splash of yellow to landscapes and roadsides, attracting bees and butterflies alike.
One of the biggest advantages of these native species is their resilience. Being ‘native’, they’re well adapted to East Texas conditions, which means they can handle both our summer heat and occasional dry spells without constant watering or fertilizer. Once established, they require little maintenance beyond occasional thinning or deadheading.
If you want more immediate results this year, look to transplants. Perennial salvias, lantanas, and Mexican bush sage are excellent additions in late summer. They’ll bloom well into fall, extending the availability of nectar sources during a period when many plants are winding down. As perennials, they can be depended upon to return year after year. These species not only draw a variety of pollinators but can also add color to your landscape when much of thit is starting to brown.
But flowers are only part of the equation. Pollinators need suitable habitat. Many native bee species are ground-nesters, so don’t worry over covering every bare spot with mulch. Leaving patches of exposed soil gives some beneficial insects a place to dig their nesting tunnels. For butterflies, keep some host plants in your landscape—milkweed for monarchs, passion vine for gulf fritillaries, and fennel or dill for swallowtails.
Water is another critical resource, especially during dry spells. That old bird bath or even a shallow dish filled with pebbles or marbles and topped with water gives insects a safe place to land and drink without the risk of drowning. Change the water frequently to keep it fresh and mosquito-free.
Lastly, be mindful of pesticide use. Always read and follow the instructions on any insecticide, organic or otherwise. Avoid spraying during bloom periods or when pollinators are active. If you must use a pesticide, apply it in the early morning or late evening when fewer insects are foraging.
By taking a few simple steps now, you can create a pollinator-friendly landscape that supports these essential creatures through the fall. The payoff will come not only in a healthier local ecosystem but also in a vibrant, buzzing garden next spring.
To learn more about pollinator plants, be sure to attend our free, noon gardening program this Tuesday, August 19 at the Angelina County Extension office. Guest speaker Dawn Stover will provide the program. Entitled “I Will Survive: Right Plant, Right Place!”, this informative program will share her decades of hands-on experience in pollinator gardening and native plant conservation. Dawn Stover is the founder and owner of The Nectar Connector. Stover is a longtime advocate for using locally adapted native plants to attract and support butterflies and other beneficial insects. The seminar will be from 12 to 1 pm at 2201 S. Medford Dr, Lufkin, Texas.
Can I Be Sure God is With Me? (Psalm 23:6)
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
“The verse means that God will dwell with me all my life,” says Devon, age 10. “It also means that God will stay with me in my house.”
Devon, God stays at my house, too. But as King David recalled his days as a shepherd boy, I think he had something greater in mind.
First, let’s consider what Collin, 6, says about being shadowed by goodness and mercy: “God will follow us wherever we go.”
Do you ever sense that someone is following you? Sheep always have this sense because sheepdogs constantly follow them. Dogs keep sheep from straying and ward off predators with their loud barking.
After Francis Thompson read this psalm, he wrote his celebrated poem, “The Hound of Heaven.” Like a faithful sheepdog, God pursues us with his love. Some let God catch them, and others just keep running.
At times, our awareness of God’s pursuit and presence is more acute, says Jordan, 11: “Sometimes when I am scared, like when I have to go outside in the dark, I pray. And I feel God with me. He’s there. I know He is because after I pray, I don’t feel as scared anymore.”
We have a natural tendency to fear and worry because we sense that many things in our lives are beyond our control. A simple trip to the grocery store could result in a fatal car accident. Sheep under the care of a good shepherd don’t always have to know “Why?” They can rest in the care of the shepherd.
Under the care of a wise shepherd, sheep graze on weeds and naturally fertilize barren, scrubby areas so that they become lush pastures. Similarly, those who receive God’s grace transform barren deserts into fields of goodness and mercy.
Now, we come back to the house, as in “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Brook, 10, says, “This means to be dwelling under the love of the Lord.”
“The house of the Lord” is not a physical building. Solomon’s temple didn’t exist when David wrote this psalm and has long since been destroyed. Originally, the word “church” meant a gathering of Christians, not a building of stained glass and pews. Early Christians met in homes, under trees in open fields and even underground in catacombs when hiding from Roman soldiers.
Adrianna, 8, explains it this way: “We will live in his kingdom forever.”
Amazingly, Adrianna has captured the sense of dwelling in the Lord’s house. It’s in the same sense that we say the House of Windsor or the House of Stuart. It doesn’t refer to a literal house but to a royal family or kingdom. Just as the sheep belong to the shepherd’s house, God’s people belong to the house or kingdom of the Lord Jesus.
As with every royal house, one must be born into it. Jesus told a Jewish ruler that he couldn’t even see God’s kingdom unless he was born by God’s Spirit. Today, God dwells in living temples — in the hearts of people who have trusted the Good Shepherd as the Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world.
Think About This: Receive Jesus by faith into your temple, and he will welcome you into his royal house.
Memorize This Truth: Psalm 23:6 as quoted earlier.
Ask This Question: Do goodness and mercy increase wherever you go?
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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.
I know it’s not nice to brag, but this year’s rainfall has been a welcome boost—enough to say, so far, things are really good. For homeowners, fruit growers, stockmen, and hay producers alike, our rainfall in 2025 is making all the difference. It’s not a guarantee that we won’t see drought later in the remaining year, but it’s a trend worth celebrating.
Recent rain across our part of East Texas is already setting the stage for better hay yields. AgriLife Extension experts reported that first cuts of hay, especially of volunteer annual ryegrass were substantial. Of course, this all rides on continued rain and prudent fertilization. Soils have adequate moisture now, warm-season grasses are going strong, and hay inventories are building.
Visiting with a couple of cattlemen earlier this week, they both reported two good hay harvests to date and were looking forward to their third hay harvest soon. “It’s not every year you see such green pastures around here in August,” one remarked.
One local blueberry operation told me that they still have not had to turn on their irrigation system at the time we spoke in mid to late-June.
In the home landscape, our continuity of showers is delivering the best lawn-care news in a while. Grass is greening up and less supplemental watering is needed. I don’t know any scientific reasoning for rainwater making a greener yard that well water, but our rains have kept our landscapes and gardens looking good.
Looking at the rainfall recorded at the Angelina County Airport; the January through July rainfall total was 36 inches – over six inches over the average for that same time frame. For the first few days of August (Thursday, Aug 7 at the time this is written) the total was already 1.25”. That one and a quarter inch doesn’t even recognize the nearly four inches that I got at my place just north of Lufkin in the Clawson Community last weekend on August 1 and 2.
Visiting with retired Air Force Meteorologist, Matthew Addison, he said, “Localized rainfall can be extremely localized, especially in East Texas where convective events (like summer storms) can dump inches in one area and leave another nearby spot dry (just like the 4” we had recently).” He continued, “Typically, even though one area of the county may get heavy rain today while others get nothing, next week, that location that got nothing today will get something next week…so it really does just ‘even out’ over the course of the year.”
But if you expect rain to continue, don’t throw out your water-wise routines just yet. I’ve heard several wise residents remember that we are just a few weeks away from drought. Across the state, drought conditions still exist in other regions. And even a substantial rain doesn’t automatically end a dry spell. So, while your lawn looks great today, conservation is still smart management.
For hay producers, this spring and early summer rain was a lifeline- a valuable window to grow hay (so long as you found time to bale it!)
For homeowners enjoying greener grass, this is a chance to ease off overwatering (and resulting water bill) and let nature do its work—without losing sight of potential drought ahead.
So yes, it’s good so far. Let’s use this window wisely—harvest smartly and water responsibly to keep momentum going, should the skies slow down again.
Hey, sports fans,
Yes, we’re back, and we’re ready for the next 10 months of Angelina College teams hitting the pitch, the court and the field as we see how our teams can try and top last season’s successes. Our athletes are pretty much all in place on our campus, and our soccer teams already are practicing full-blast.
After our Media Day photo shoot with the soccer players this past Tuesday, followed two days later by New Student Orientation, our Lady Roadrunner soccer team got the game action underway with a road scrimmage at McNeese State University on Thursday. Both the Lady ‘Runners and Roadrunners will host a pre-season doubleheader at home this coming week, giving AC fans a chance to see the new-look squads in action.
We’ve also got the 18th Annual Guy Davis Golf Tournament at Crown Colony Country Club on the schedule, with the traditional Pre-Tournament Kickoff Dinner taking place on Friday, followed by the tournament itself on Saturday. We’ll wrap up the week with our annual Meet the Roadrunners Banquet on Sunday, August 17.
As a reminder, our faculty and staff report back full-time on Monday, Aug. 11, and the first class day for the new semester is Monday, Aug. 18.
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:
Lady Roadrunners Battle McNeese in Season-Opening Scrimmage
Lady Roadrunner soccer head coach Sergio Gardea said he was pleased with his team’s attitude and effort during Thursday’s first scrimmage at McNeese State University, an NCAA Division I program.
AC’s ladies battled the Cowgirls nearly all match long before falling 2-0, but Gardea noted how strong his squad looked in the second half.
The Lady ‘Runners host their first home appearance this Tuesday, August 12 as part of a women/men soccer doubleheader against Wiley College. Kickoff for the women’s match is 5 p.m. on the AC Soccer pitch at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
The men will kick off at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Neither match will be live streamed since these are pre-season scrimmages.
Meet the Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunners Soccer Players
Attached to this email, you’ll find the final Fall 2025 rosters for both the Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner soccer teams. While both rosters feature key returners from the 2024 season, each team has a long list of new faces, and we’re excited to introduce them to our fans.
We should have both rosters up and running on the website within the next few days. You’ll be able to view player photos and information at www.angelinaathletics.com.
Coming Soon: Big Events for Angelina College and AC Athletics
The 18th annual Guy Davis Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, August 16 at the Crown Colony Country Club in Lufkin. The kickoff dinner will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 15 at Crown Colony. The tourney features a five-man scramble format with two separate shotgun starts: One in the morning, and another in the afternoon.
Click this link for more information on the golf tournament: https://angelina.prestosports.com/information/directory/guydavistourney
On Sunday, August 17, we’ll host our annual “Meet the Roadrunners” banquet featuring all our incoming student-athletes and their families, along the all the Athletics staff. The event runs from 2:30-5 p.m. inside the AC Conference Center.
In addition, AC’s Sixth annual “Dinner at the Diamond” event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 down on the baseball field at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
The golf tournament and Dinner at the Diamond are very important fund-raisers for Angelina College and its students – not to mention just a lot of fun for everyone involved.
We’ll have registration links and other information for these events to send out in the coming weeks. We just wanted to give you enough time to mark your calendars.
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 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:
Tuesday, August 12:
Lady Roadrunner Soccer vs. Hinds College (scrimmage), 5 p.m. at the AC Soccer Stadium/Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex.
Roadrunner Soccer vs. Hinds College (scrimmage), 7:30 p.m. at the AC Soccer Stadium/Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex.
Friday, August 15:
Roadrunner Soccer vs. LSU-Shreveport (scrimmage), 3 p.m. at the AC Soccer Stadium/Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
We’ll see you at the games.
Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614
How to Regain Control Over What You’re Really Paying For
In Texas Forest Country, we work hard for our money.
We check receipts, watch for sales, and don’t mind spending—but we want to know we’re getting what we paid for.
But there’s one bill that quietly slips through, month after month, without much question:
Your electricity bill.
And in more cases than we like to admit, that’s exactly how the big power companies want it.
“Just Pay It and Move On” Isn’t Saving You Money
Most people don’t know that in deregulated parts of Texas, electricity providers can change your rate once your contract ends, often without sending a clear notice.
You might still get power like normal.
The lights stay on. The thermostat works.
But your bill? It slowly climbs.
Why? Because many folks get rolled into default “flex” rates that fluctuate with the market—and the market doesn’t always go your way.
A Story from Just Down the Road
A woman in Crockett told us she’d noticed her summer electric bill seemed high, but she blamed it on the heat.
Turns out, her contract had expired two months earlier.
Without realizing it, she was paying over 30% more than she should have—and didn’t even know there was a better option.
What You Can Do to Stay One Step Ahead
You don’t need to be an expert in kilowatts or read every footnote in your electricity agreement.
What you can do is have someone local look over your bill and explain it.
That’s what Amerigy Energy does. They’re a Texas-based team (we’ve written about them before) who offer free bill reviews for both homes and small businesses.
They’ll tell you:
If your rate is outdated
If you’re on a variable plan
If you’re eligible for a lower rate
What your real options are
And they’ll do it without a sales pitch or pressure. Just solid, honest help.
Here’s How to Start
Call 877-631-8875
Ask for Bryan if you’re calling about your home.
Ask for Lee if you run a business, a church, or manage facilities.
Or you can:
Email your latest bill to info@amerigyenergy.com
Or check rates for yourself at AmerigyEnergy.com/shopnow
Final Thought
In a place like Forest Country, we believe in being smart with what God gives us.
We don’t waste. We don’t overspend if we don’t have to. And we help each other stay ahead.
So if your electricity bill hasn’t been checked in a while, maybe now’s the time.
Not because something’s broken—just because it’s smart to make sure someone else isn’t quietly gambling with your wallet.
Angelina College’s School of Health Careers on Thursday held a traditional pinning ceremony for its newest Vocational Nursing program graduates, with a total of 40 students receiving their awards inside Temple Theater.
The new graduates from the Class of 2025 included students from the “Traditional” Vocational Nursing program and from the Multi-Entry/Exit Program (MEEP).
Dr. Winifred Ferguson-Adams, Dean of the School of Health Careers, recognized the wealth of experience joining her on the stage in the form of faculty and staff members.
“If you take all the years of nursing experience available here and add it together, you’re looking at hundreds of years,” Ferguson-Adams said. “And for you new nurses, I consider myself the gold standard for you. If I wouldn’t let you take care of me, I wouldn’t be sending you out to take care of others.”
Joining the staff onstage was the Deep East Texas Nurse Honor Guard, a group comprised of retired, active and student nurses.
Ferguson-Adams cited Florence Nightingale’s mantra as a reminder to the newest nurses that “we will do no harm” while welcoming the new graduates.
“You are entering an honorable and trusted profession as our newest colleagues,” Ferguson-Adams said. “Remember that you are an Angelina College nurse, and we are the best of the best.”
Graduate Mary Kimani provided the invocation, while graduate Neena Smith offered the benediction.
Following are the graduates of the Class of 2025, along with their home towns. (Cities are in Texas unless otherwise specified.)
Vocational Nursing Traditional Students: Angelina Alvarez (Corrigan), Guadalupe Florencio (Center), Ariana Garcia (Nacogdoches), Kristy Hernandez Contreras (Guatemala), Mary Kimani (Kambal, Kenya), Amber Lopez (Livingston), Ashley McAdams (Trinity) and Cynthia Zamora-Hernandez (Lufkin).
Lufkin MEEP (Multi-Entry/Exit Program) Students: Mark Bagonoc (Lufkin), Ricardo Bautista (Huntington), Savannah Bearden (Wells), Christina Bell (Mount Enterprise), Cade Boston (Lufkin), Natalie Cervantes (Alto), Daniel Crespo (League City), Kendra Esquivel (Burke), Amber Evans (Hudson), Abbigail Evett (Huntington), Isabelle Hodge (Lufkin), Ethan Hopson (Lufkin), Valeria Jacobo (Lufkin), Brianna Lee (Livingston), Kryclei Loving (Lufkin), Nikolas McNiel (Livingston), Rachel Middleton (Livingston), Hannah Monroy (Rockwall), Heather Myers (Lufkin), Xavier Randolph (Liberty), Angelique Rodriguez (Lufkin), Shara Rubio (Lufkin), McKenna Simmons (Lufkin), Karson Smith (Diboll), Neena Smith (Shelbyville), Neena Smith (Shelbyville), April Stanbery (Lufkin), Gabriela Tamez (Hudson), Josalyn Urbina (Lufkin), Amber Wetherell (Lufkin) and Bailee Youngblood (Hudson).
Traditional Vocational Nursing Faculty: Dr. Susan Adams, Dr. Charlet Blades, Patricia Hooks and Mary Hastings.
MEEP Vocational Nursing Option Faculty: Kelley Durr, Vergie Hines, Kathy Jackson, Dr. Nancy McClurg, Anna McReynolds and Dr. Bobbie Williams.
For further information regarding Angelina College Health Careers, email healthcareers@angelina.edu. For information regarding this press release, contact Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
AUSTIN — State Representative Trent Ashby (R – Lufkin) filed two important bills – HB 289 and HB 290 – focused on protecting East Texas water and improving disaster recovery tools for rural communities.
HB 290 directly addresses growing concerns over large-scale groundwater pumping projects in East Texas. Ashby has been at the forefront of the opposition to permit applications submitted to the Neches and Trinity Valley Groundwater Conservation District by Conservation Equity Management Partners. These applications would allow the extraction of over 15 billion gallons of water annually from the Carrizo and Wilcox aquifers – volumes that would seriously threaten local water availability and long-term aquifer health.
“Water is our most precious resource, and the law must reflect that,” said Ashby. “HB 290 closes a legal loophole and ensures local groundwater districts must abide by MAG limits when issuing permits. This legislation would protect our communities today and ensure our children and grandchildren have water tomorrow.”
HB 290 amends the Texas Water Code to prevent groundwater conservation districts from issuing permits that exceed the state’s Modeled Available Groundwater (MAG) figures, which determine an aquifer’s desired future conditions and long-term sustainability.
In addition to legislation aimed at safeguarding East Texas water resources, Ashby also filed legislation to expand disaster relief assistance for rural communities.
HB 289 builds upon HB 3010, which Ashby passed during the 89th Regular Session to create the Rural Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program to help communities rebuild critical infrastructure in the wake of a natural disaster. HB 289 would expand eligibility for counties – including those in the Texas Hill Country – to access recovery assistance funds.
“In times of crisis or growth, rural communities deserve the same tools and protections that urban parts of our state rely on every day,” said Ashby. “This program was designed to provide much-needed assistance to areas just like Kerr County – rural communities, hit hard by a natural disaster, that need help rebuilding roads, schools, and water systems. HB 289 makes a small but vital adjustment to ensure these counties aren’t left behind.”
Rep. Ashby remains committed to supporting rural Texas through proactive, common-sense legislation that reflects local priorities and long-term stewardship.
Trent Ashby is in his seventh term as a member of the Texas House of Representatives. He currently represents a six-county region that includes Angelina, Houston, Polk, San Augustine, Trinity, and Tyler Counties.
September 6, 2025 @ 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
This vibrant festival will honor Zavalla’s rich and unique cultural heritage, rooted in Spanish and Mexican history, shaped by Cajun French Bayou traditions, and grounded in true Texas spirit. It’s a one-of-a-kind celebration you won’t want to miss!
Event Highlights Include:
• Local vendors showcasing handmade crafts, art, and goods
• A wide array of food trucks serving up Cajun, Tex-Mex, Southern comfort, and more
• Activities, games, and family fun
• Live music and more surprises in store!
Mark your calendars and bring the whole family out for a day full of flavor, fun, and community pride as we continue to honor the past and look forward to Zavalla’s bright future.
Let’s keep the celebration going — Bayou-style!
August 14, 2025 @ 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join us next Thursday, on August 14, for an exciting evening at Cheers with the Chamber and our New Investor Showcase, presented by MSGPR Ltd Co! We’re rolling out the red carpet to celebrate all the amazing Investors who’ve joined the Chamber family over the past year, and you’re part of the celebration!
Come mix, mingle, and welcome our newest Investors. Make meaningful connections, swap ideas, grow your network, and bring plenty of business cards!
We can’t wait to see you there!
