Home Blog Page 68

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By
Carey Kinsolving
-
0

What Can We Learn From Jesus Inviting His First Disciples To Follow Him?

“We can learn from John the Baptist to tell people who Jesus really is,” says Danae, 10. “John had many followers himself, but he didn’t try to compete with Jesus.”

Nothing is more challenging to successful ministers than to keep pointing people to Jesus Christ. Everyone has the tendency to take credit for a work that the Lord did through us. Don’t do it. Keep pointing people to Christ.

“Jesus invited simple fishermen to follow him,” says Emily, 12. “I think he did that to show us that God’s love is for everyone, not just the people who are pretty, smart or popular.”

Jesus didn’t set up a recruiting office at the Jerusalem school for rabbis. He began his ministry in a remote desert place where two disciples of John the Baptist followed him.

“What do you seek?” Jesus asked them. By asking this question, Jesus forced his disciples to think about their motives. People follow Jesus for different reasons.

Many Jews wanted the Messiah to overthrow the Romans. They saw Jesus as a splendid king (Isaiah 9 and 10). Jesus didn’t come the first time to crush his enemies, but to put himself into the hands of those who would crush him (Isaiah 53). Jesus had to explain to his disciples that the cross must come before the crown.

When the disciples asked Jesus where he was staying, he said, “Come and see” (John 1:39). When we follow Jesus, he doesn’t show us everything at once. Every day, we must come and see what he has for us.

“We can learn that once we learn about Jesus, we should tell others,” says Anna, 10.

After only one day with Jesus, Andrew told his brother Simon, “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). When Jesus saw Simon, he immediately changed his name to Cephas, which means stone or rock. The name Cephas in the Aramaic language is the same as Peter in Greek.

When we follow Jesus, we give up our own identity for one that God gives us. Jesus knew that Simon would change. His testimony that Jesus is the Christ would serve as the foundational rock upon which Jesus would build his church (Matthew 16:13-20).

“Jesus wants everyone to come to him,” says Rebekah, 6. “Jesus has time for everyone and will not say u2018hurry up’ or tell them to go away because he is busy.”

In an age where technology speeds up the way we communicate with each other, it’s hard to imagine a God who has time for us. If we don’t make time to “come and see” Jesus, we’ll never get to know him in a way that motivates us to tell our loved ones about him. Spending quality time with Jesus will result in telling others about him.

“When you are being open and willing to allow people to follow you, it might make them curious,” says Sarah, 11.

Jesus provoked people’s curiosity. We see that all the way through his ministry. He asked a lot of questions to which he already knew the answers.

Think about this: Jesus was the master fisherman of people. He knew how to provoke people’s curiosity so that they wanted to know more about God.

Memorize this truth: “Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men’” (Matthew 4:19).

Ask this question: Are you fishing for people by pointing them to Jesus Christ?

______________________________________________________________________________________

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. 

Lufkin Creative’s Heritage Festival 2025

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0

November 1, 2025 @ 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Celebrate culture, creativity, and community at the Heritage Festival 2025 in the heart of Downtown Lufkin!

Join us at Cotton Square for a vibrant day filled with:
Artisan and handmade vendors
Cultural performances and music
Interactive activities for families
Food that celebrates diverse traditions

This annual event highlights the richness of heritage and creativity in our community and we’d love for you to be part of it.

When: Saturday, November 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Where: Cotton Square, Downtown Lufkin
More Info & Vendor Applications Coming soon at: www.LufkinCreative.com

Bring your friends and family, support local artists and makers, and enjoy a celebration of culture in the heart of Lufkin!

Lufkin Creative

Cotton Square Park

Related Events

Vote “Yes” on Proposition 4: A Smart Investment in Texas’ Future

By
Senator Robert Nichols
-
0

Texans pride themselves on building — building businesses, communities, and opportunity. But none of that works without reliable water infrastructure. On November 4th, Texans have the chance to vote “YES” on Proposition 4 and support the future of our state’s economy by making a generational investment in water infrastructure. 

This constitutional amendment is not just about pipes and pumps — it’s about ensuring that the Texas economy continues to grow. Proposition 4 creates a dedicated funding stream using $1 billion annually of existing state sales tax revenue to modernize our aging water systems, expand supply, and support local utilities. In total it represents a $20 billion investment though the year 2047. No new taxes, no new bureaucracy — just smart investment in water projects that will allow communities to grow and keep Texas open for business.

Protecting East Texas and Ensuring Sustainable Growth

One of the most important provisions in Proposition 4 is the prohibition against funding projects that pump and transport fresh groundwater out of East Texas. This provision, which I and many of my East Texas colleagues fought for, protects local aquifers from over-pumping while encouraging innovation in other regions — desalination on the coast, water reuse in urban centers, and more efficient water systems statewide.

This balance matters economically. Depleting East Texas aquifers would devastate local industries — agriculture, timber, tourism — that depend on groundwater availability. By keeping that water where it belongs and investing instead in technology and infrastructure upgrades, Proposition 4 protects East Texas groundwater and promotes growth that lasts.

Investing in our Past and our Future

Texas communities and companies depend on robust water infrastructure to grow and remain competitive. Yet across Texas our water systems are old, leaky, and outdated. Each year, we lose billions of gallons through broken pipes and inefficient treatment systems. According to some reports Texas must invest at least $154 billion over the next 50 years just to upgrade existing water and wastewater infrastructure—and that’s before accounting for population growth, drought, and climate volatility.  Many smaller towns and rural systems, especially in East Texas, don’t have the tax base or bond capacity to shoulder that burden alone.

Proposition 4 addresses this directly. It provides predictable, long-term funding for the repair and replacement of critical infrastructure and for projects that expand water supply through desalination, conservation, and other new water projects. This investment in our existing infrastructure and creation of additional water supplies will ensure Texas companies and communities have the water they need to continue to grow and succeed.

The Bottom Line

Approval of Proposition 4 is helping Texas manage one of its biggest risks: water availability. It’s a rare chance for bipartisan action that strengthens infrastructure, protects natural resources, and safeguards our state’s economic future.

On November 4th, cast your vote for Texas’ future. Vote YES on Proposition 4 — to fix what’s broken, protect what’s precious, and ensure every Texan has the water resources we all deserve.

‘Runners Picked Second, Lady ‘Runners Seventh in Region XIV Coaches’ Polls

By
Gary Stallard
-
0

Conference Holds Basketball Media Day on Wednesday

Region XIV held its annual conference Media Day Wednesday in Tyler, with coaches offering information on the upcoming seasons while casting votes for where they think their competitors will finish the upcoming year.

Angelina College’s Roadrunners, coming off an Elite Eight finish in the NJCAA National Tournament in March of 2025, were picked to finish 2nd behind defending national champions Trinity Valley Community College.

This a year after the ‘Runners were predicted to finish seventh among the league’s eight teams. AC’s men finished 29-7 (including a 15-0 record at home) in 2024-2025.

AC’s Lady Roadrunners under first-year head coach Addie Lees are picked to finish seventh in the standings. 

Lees is familiar with Region XIV, having spent four years on the sidelines at Kilgore College. She let the room know she hasn’t changed one bit, and the qualities she’s displayed her entire head coaching career are the same ones everyone will see with her players. 

“What can you expect from Angelina College women’s basketball?,” Lees asked Wednesday’s crowd. “A lot of grit, a lot of discipline, a lot of integrity and a lot of gratitude. These are our core values we strive to implement each day.

“We say our players are extensions of their coaches, so you may or may not see a little feistiness from some of our players. That’s me.”

Lees acknowledged her staff – including new assistant coach Mercedes Corona – along with “the people all around me on the Angelina College campus.”

Lees also noted she’s starting the year with an entirely new roster, with not a single player returning from the previous season. 

“We have some great new players coming in,” Lees said. “Our focus this entire fall has been on setting a standard and building a strong foundation.

“We’re excited. We prepare to compete, and every day is a game day.”

As for the team’s style, Lees was as upfront as always: 

“We’re Roadrunners, and Roadrunners move fast. Slow feet don’t eat, and if they don’t figure that out pretty quickly, they’ll be sitting next to me on the bench.”

Roadrunner head coach and athletic director J.J. Montgomery congratulated the other conference coaches who reached far into last year’s national tourney (and finished No. 1 in the nation defensively) before discussing the new season – and new expectations. 

Someone asked me if we get bored playing defense, and I mentioned last year’s game with Panola, which saw a 16-12 score at halftime,” Montgomery laughed. “Defense has pretty much become our identity, so you can expect a lot of the same thing.”

While lauding last year’s group and its accomplishments, Montgomery said he’s excited about this year’s group.

“Last year was special for us in making it to the national stage, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids,” Montgomery said. “They competed hard and represented us in the right way.

“Those kids were special, but I can honestly say I think we’ve gotten better because of the overall talent and the depth we have. We brought back eight kids from a team that went 29-6 last year. We added some transfers, and those guys are some dogs. You all know what I mean by that, and you recognize them when you see them. Every team needs guys like that.”

Montgomery closed by sharing how last year’s success has raised the bar in arguably the nation’s toughest junior college conference. 

“We have a deep group, a great group, and we’ve set the expectations higher,” Montgomery said. “We know every night in Region XIV is going to be a dogfight.”

The Lady ‘Runners’ season opener is on Saturday, Nov. 1 at McLennan College in Waco. Tipoff is at 2 p.m.

The Roadrunners open the regular season on Monday, Nov. 3 against Hinds Community College. Game time at Shands Gymnasium is 6 p.m. 

AI and Small Business: How Conservative Entrepreneurs Can Use Technology Without Losing Their Values

By
Lee Allen Miller
-
0
Woman seated in a cafe using a laptop

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just for Silicon Valley giants. It’s reshaping industries, transforming customer service, streamlining operations, and creating opportunities for even the smallest business owners.

But with every new wave of technology comes a tension: how do we embrace innovation without compromising our values?

As a conservative, faith-driven entrepreneur, I believe the answer is simple: we lead with principles, not fear. AI is a tool-powerful, yes, but still a tool. Like a hammer, it can build or it can destroy. The outcome depends on the hands that wield it.

In this post, I want to explore how small businesses-especially those led by conservative entrepreneurs-can leverage AI while staying true to faith, family, and integrity.

Insight #1: AI Is a Servant, Not a Master

One of the greatest dangers with new technology is allowing it to master us instead of serve us. Entrepreneurs who rush headlong into AI risk making it their strategy instead of their support system.

For small businesses, AI should amplify your strengths:

  • Automating repetitive tasks so you can focus on relationships.
  • Providing data insights so you can make wiser decisions.
  • Helping you reach more customers without losing your personal touch.

What AI should never do is replace the very things that make your business distinct-your integrity, your faith-driven approach, and your human connection.

Insight #2: Values Should Drive the Tools You Choose

Not every AI tool aligns with conservative, faith-based values. Some technologies are built with agendas that clash with your worldview. That’s why discernment matters.

Ask questions like:

  • Does this platform respect privacy, or does it exploit customer data?
  • Does this tool help me build community, or does it isolate people?
  • Does this solution encourage honesty, or does it tempt me to cut corners?

Remember: technology reflects the intent of those who create it and those who use it. As Proverbs 4:23 reminds us: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Guard your business the same way.

Insight #3: Conservative Entrepreneurs Have a Distinct Advantage

The world is rushing toward AI adoption with little thought to ethics or long-term consequences. This is where conservative values provide an edge.

  • Personal responsibility ensures you don’t blindly outsource decisions to machines.
  • Stewardship helps you use technology wisely, without waste or reckless spending.
  • Family and community focus ensures AI doesn’t replace human connection but strengthens it.
  • Truth and integrity anchor your use of AI so that what you produce is reliable, not manipulative.

In a market full of shortcuts and hype, businesses that use AI responsibly and ethically will stand out. Customers are already wary of bots and automation. When your business uses AI transparently while keeping a human face, trust grows.

Insight #4: Faith Keeps Technology in Perspective

As people of faith, we know AI is not all-powerful. It cannot create life, replace the soul, or substitute for God’s wisdom. It is simply another tool in humanity’s toolbox.

Faith reminds us that our identity is not in our efficiency or innovation, but in Christ. That grounding frees us from the pressure to chase every trend or bow to every new platform. We can adopt what’s helpful, reject what’s harmful, and move forward with clarity.

Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” That applies to how we use technology as much as any other part of life.

Practical Action Steps for Small Business Leaders

If you’re wondering how to get started with AI without losing your values, here are three practical steps:

1. Start Small, Stay Intentional

Don’t jump into every new tool. Choose one or two AI applications that directly solve a problem in your business (like scheduling, invoicing, or customer support).

2. Keep the Human Touch

Make AI your assistant, not your replacement. For example, let AI draft emails-but review and personalize them before sending. Use AI for research, but add your insight and conviction.

3. Establish Boundaries

Decide upfront what you will and won’t use AI for. Put policies in place for your business: no dishonest use of AI, no replacing human jobs unnecessarily, no compromising customer trust.

The Bottom Line: Principles Over Platforms

AI is not a threat to conservative entrepreneurs-it’s an opportunity. But only if we use it wisely.

The businesses that win in the AI era will not be those who blindly adopt every tool, nor those who resist technology altogether. The winners will be those who combine timeless values with timely innovation.

So embrace AI. Use it to grow, to serve, and to lead. But never forget-technology changes, principles don’t.

Want to know more . . .

Here in the Pineywoods of East Texas, we know that values like faith, family, and integrity still matter. If you’d like to go deeper, I invite you to join my AI Mastermind Collective. Each week, we explore the latest and greatest AI tools, strategies, and features-always through the lens of faith, integrity, and conservative values. It’s a place for entrepreneurs and leaders to learn together, share practical insights, and apply AI responsibly in their businesses. https://MSGPR.com/ai

Halloween Bash at Lost Frontier (Sabine County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0

October 25, 2025 @ 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Get ready, because our local favorites Next of Kin are back to rock the house with some of your favorite dancing songs, including:

Fireball Whiskey (their original hit!) • Mathilda • Hello Josephine • Marie Laveau • Never Been to Spain • Bony Marony • Don’t Mess with My Toot Toot • Twist • Let It Rock

If you’ve been here in the past, you know these guys bring the good times and keep the dance floor full!

Costume Contest: Your mission—outdress our servers (and that’s no easy task, because they come dressed to the T every year.

Drink Specials: Including our seasonal Drunken Pumpkin Martini + more wicked cocktails!

Bring your friends, your best costume, and your dancing shoes because this is one Halloween night you don’t want to miss at Lost Frontier! $5 cover charge at the restaurant!

Lost Frontier RV Park and Bar & Grill

360 Frontier Dr., Hemphill, TX 75948

Related Events

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By
Carey Kinsolving
-
0

How Do We Know That Jesus Is The Messiah?
 
I asked this question to children as part of the Children’s International Arts Festival at KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Alexandria Dubinin, 12, wrote a wonderful essay that won her family of six a dude ranch vacation at Stagecoach Trails Guest Ranch in Yucca, Arizona. Here is her winning essay:

“Jesus gave us many signs to prove that we was the Messiah. He fulfilled prophecies, performed miracles and changed peoples’ lives.

“We know Jesus is the Messiah because Jesus knew who Nathanael was and what he was doing before Philip had introduced him to Jesus. Through this story we can be sure that Jesus knows who we are and what we are doing every day. Only God has the ability to do this.

“Another way we know that Jesus is the Messiah is because he fulfilled all the prophecies that were made many years before Jesus came to the earth. One of the earliest prophecies was made in Deuteronomy 18:15,18. It tells us that the Lord will raise up a prophet who will know everything. ‘A prophet’ refers to Jesus and Jesus knows everything: past, present and future.

“Another prophecy is found in Isaiah 9:6-7. It says that the Lord will send a king who will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. He will reign forever in peace and justice. Through these prophecies and others, we know Jesus is the Messiah. He is the only way to salvation.

“Yet another way Jesus shows us that he is the Messiah is through the many miracles that he performed, miracles that only God can do. Jesus healed the sick, turned water into wine and changed peoples’ lives. Jesus will continue to change our lives when we choose to follow him.

“Unfortunately, many people do not believe that Jesus is the Messiah despite all these signs. Many have never even heard. That is why it is our job as Christians to share the good news that Jesus is the Messiah and what he did for us to all the ends of the earth.”

I like the way Alexandria developed her essay. We have prophecy, miracles and changed lives. These three validate the messianic claims of Jesus Christ. Isn’t it amazing that most people never take the time to investigate these claims?

Author and Oxford don C.S. Lewis is famous for his statement that Jesus Christ is either a liar, a lunatic or God. He can’t be just a good man or a prophet because Jesus clearly claimed to be God (John 10:22-33). Good men and true prophets don’t lie. If Jesus wasn’t God, he was either the greatest deceiver of all time or a mad man.

When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to Corinthian Christians, he boasted that Jesus appeared to more than 500 men at once in his resurrection body (I Corinthians 15:6). He even said most of the 500 were still alive at the time of his writing. Jesus’ proclamation of victory over death wasn’t done in a dark corner. He dared his readers to validate his claims.

Think about this: The claims of Jesus Christ backed by predictive prophecy, recorded miracles and transformed lives deserve thorough investigation.

Memorize this truth: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Ask this question: Is Jesus your Messiah?

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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. 

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

By
Gary Stallard
-
0

Hey, sports fans,

Our nationally ranked soccer teams had mixed results this past week, with the women and men sweeping LSU-Eunice on Tuesday before both AC teams fell to Blinn College on Friday, as the regular season winds down into its final two weeks. 

The Lady ‘Runner softball team put up a fight against a Division I opponent, and the Roadrunner baseball team broke out some big offense in a home sweep over San Jacinto College.

And in a little more than a week, we’ll host our first live basketball action inside Shands Gymnasium, as the Roadrunner men will host a home scrimmage on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

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. 17 Roadrunner Soccer Beats LSUE, Falls at No. 12 Blinn

The Roadrunners opened the week on a high note, pounding LSU-Eunice b a 7-2 final Tuesday in Eunice, Louisiana. Jhosua Jory notched his first hat trick of the season, helping AC rally from a 2-0 deficit. Christian Castaneda, Diego Ramirez, Kaisei Nagayoshi and Kanta Maruyama also scored, with Castaneda accounting for two of those assists.

Castaneda’s 11 assists for the season are tied for first place among the NJCAA’s Division I leaders. 

Friday in Brenham, the ‘Runners dropped a 2-0 decision to No. 12 Blinn College.

AC (7-3-1, 5-3-1) next travel to Brownsville on Friday to face Texas Southmost College as part of a women’s/men’s doubleheader scheduled to kick off at 2 p.m.

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. 

No. 14 Lady ‘Runners Blank LSUE, Lose at Blinn College

Juana Bulla scored twice, Anne Vandaele netted another and Olivia Sanchez provided a pair of assists in the No. 14 Lady Roadrunners’ 3-0 win over LSU-Eunice Tuesday in Eunice, Louisiana. 

Goalie Sarah Gonzalez saved all four LSUE shots on goal to help post the shutout.

On Friday, the Lady ‘Runners fell to Blinn College 2-0 in Brenham.

AC’s ladies (7-2-1) still maintained their position atop the Region XIV South Zone standings despite the loss to Blinn, which trails the Lady ‘Runners by two full games.

The Lady Roadrunners travel to Brownsville on Friday to face Texas Southmost College in a women’s/men’s doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.

Lady Roadrunner Softball Keeps Pace with University of North Texas

Facing a Division I softball program is a daunting task for any junior college program, but the Lady Roadrunners under first-year head coach Kassie James aren’t backing away from such a challenge.

Friday in Denton, the Lady ‘Runners jumped out to a 4-0 lead before UNT pulled away later for an 8-5 win over AC.

Eastyn Wilkie, Emily Zunker and Audrey Richardson each finished with an RBI in the loss. Wilkie and Katherine Page also finished with a stolen base each. 

Pitcher Jaycee Knighton allowed just one run on five hits over her five innings of work. Jessi Sumpter tossed another two innings of scoreless relief.

The Lady Roadrunners play at the University of Texas-Tyler on Friday, with the game schedule for a 2 p.m. start. 

Roadrunner Baseball Sweeps San Jacinto College

AC baseball fans have been soaking up the summer-like weather and some good baseball from their Roadrunners, and Friday was another example. 

The Roadrunners, playing in front of another home crowd, swept San Jacinto College by scores of 13-7 and 14-2 at Poland Stadium. 

Daigan Venable, Colton Haas and Cohen Babineaux each drove in two runs, and the ‘Runners capitalized on 10 walks and five hit batsmen from San Jac pitchers to take the win.

In the nightcap, AC’s offense kept rolling with Jackson Batten driving in four runs with two hits. Luke Hamm and Marco Bandiero added two RBI each, and seven ‘Runner pitchers teamed up to hold San Jac to just two runs on four hits. 

 This week, the Roadrunners travel to Houston to face San Jacinto College on Tuesday in a doubleheader set for a 3 p.m. first pitch. On Friday, AC’s at home for another afternoon matinee, hosting TCS Post Grad starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. 

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, Oct. 7:

Roadrunner Baseball at San Jacinto College, doubleheader starting at 3 p.m. in Houston. 

Friday, Oct. 17:

No. 14 Lady Roadrunner Soccer at Texas Southmost College, 2 p.m. in Brownsville, TX. 

No. 17 Roadrunner Soccer at Texas Southmost College, 2 p.m. in Brownsville, TX. 

Roadrunner Baseball vs. TCS Post Grad, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. 

Lady Roadrunner Softball at University of Texas-Tyler, 2 p.m. in Tyler, TX. 

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. 

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614

Making The Most of Your Irrigation Water

By
Cary Sims
-
0

We know that last month was the 2nd driest September in recorded history in Angelina County. And looking ahead, there’s just no rain in any forecast. 

Across Angelina County from 18-hole golf courses to home lawns, and from backyard gardens to commercial blueberry growers, everyone and everything outside is hurting for water. 

How do we efficiently get the most out of our water bill, making sure that every drop we expend gets to the roots that need it most? Below are a couple suggestions. 

First, use a drip system for foundation plantings, landscaped beds, around fruit trees, and in vegetable gardens. Commercial growers have long used a drip system for efficient use of water. From blueberry orchards to watermelon fields, drip emitters have been the water system of choice to effectively place every drop of water. Simple to install kits for homeowners can be found at some big-box stores as well as online.

Second, and what is most likely the case if a sprinkler system is what you use, let’s remember the relatively new strategy: the soak and cycle method. The soak and cycle method breaks up your typical sprinkler cycle into at least 2 different sessions on the same morning to fully allow water to reach deep into the soil. 

You’ve seen it happen countless times: some well-meaning sprinkler system has excess water running out of the yard, down the street, and into the storm drain. It’s a waste of our best water and an unneeded expense to the homeowner. 

The soak and cycle method works best for in-ground sprinkler systems, but for hose draggers (like me) it has merit. The theory behind the method is to soak the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, which is where grass roots should grow. The cycle phase refers to the fact that water will be applied in at least two applications with a pause between for the ground to absorb the water that was first applied. So first we irrigate for a time, wait to allow that water to move into the soil, and then irrigate again. This process still requires you to water all in one or two mornings in the week. You just stretch out the morning time frame to get it all done.

Far too often, people run their systems over the entire lawn for a little bit every other day. Doing this concentrates all the water in the upper portion of the soil, developing a poorly developed, shallow root system. Let us aim to irrigate deeply but less frequently to encourage strong, deep roots.

The first step is determining the rate you are applying water in each zone. 

Set several rain gauges or straight sided cans in your lawn and measure the amount applied in 15 or 30 minutes. This rate of application combined with the infiltration rate will determine how long to run the system in each zone.  

While you are waiting to see how much water accumulates, watch carefully to see when it starts to run off. You’ll use that time for each cycle. 

Cycle then means to water another zone and allow that water that was just applied to soak into the soil. Then you go back to the first zone and apply water again. This may require several soaking and rest periods to apply the needed 1 inch of water per week to keep the lawn healthy while eliminating runoff. Some homeowners may have irrigation run three or four times on the same zone on a chosen morning to allow water to reach deep into the soil.  

Sound difficult? It’s not. Let’s review the steps.

First, determine the flow rate of your sprinkler heads. How many inches of water do they put out per hour? 

Second, carefully observe your lawn to see how long before it quits absorbing water. 15 minutes? 30 minutes?

Third, re-program your time clock to soak and cycle the zones. Remember, the same zone will be watered multiple times on the same day with just enough water to be absorbed. 

Lastly, monitor the lawn for a few weeks and make adjustments based on weather conditions.

Soak and cycle may still be a new concept for lawn watering but once it is figured out, it takes the guesswork out of the equation. You know how much water is being applied, the rate in which the soil can absorb, and your lawn will be better for it. 

Give these tips a try as we eagerly look for rain in the forecast. 

Feed Your Future (Angelina County)

By
Diana De Leon Bon
-
0

October 29, 2025 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Feed your mind while you eat your lunch! Join the Chamber’s Young Professionals Network (YPN) on Wednesday, October 29 for Feed Your Future: Small Bites. Big Takeaways, a young professionals (under 40) series that brings fresh ideas (and local leaders) to the table.

This month’s speaker is the YPN program sponsor: Brandie Garner with Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, sharing real-world advice on insurance and future planning.

Bring your lunch and leave with something even better, knowledge and connections. Limited seating, so register early >>> bit.ly/YPN1025

Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

View Organizer Website

Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

1615 S. Chestnut
Lufkin, TX 75901 United States + Google Map

Related Events

1...676869...760Page 68 of 760