As we near the 2025 Constitutional Election Day on November 4, I’d like to offer a friendly reminder that the early voting period will begin on October 20 and will end on October 31. While I always encourage folks to take advantage of the early voting period to avoid Election Day lines, what’s most important is that you plan to participate in the process by exercising your right to vote. For more information about early voting locations, what you’ll need to bring with you to the polling locations, or any other questions you may have, please visit www.votetexas.gov.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
This week, we will continue our examination of constitutional amendments on the ballot for the upcoming November election. Specifically, this column will focus on Propositions 7, 9, 10, 11, and 13, which make much needed reforms to our property tax system.
Proposition 7 exempts the homes of our veterans who died as a result of a condition or disease that is presumed to have been service-connected for their surviving spouse. I was proud to support this vital legislation which honors the lives of our servicemen and women and ensures Texas continues to honor their sacrifice by taking care of their loved ones.
Proposition 9 exempts $125,000 worth of ad valorem tax value from properties used for business purposes. Texas is the best place in the world to business, and I was proud to serve as a coauthor of this legislation which will ensure businesses will have reduced expenses and will ensure prices remain low for Texas consumers.
Proposition 10 temporarily exempts homes destroyed by fire from property taxes. When disaster strikes our fellow Texans, we all have a responsibility to help our neighbors recover and get back on their feet. I was proud to support this legislation which will ensure that taxing entities do not impose insult to injury on struggling Texans.
Proposition 11 raises the homestead exemption for elderly and disabled Texans from $110,000 to $200,000. Our elderly neighbors and those with disabilities deserve the respect of affordable home ownership that this proposition puts forward. I was proud to serve as a cosponsor of this legislation which will ensure more financial security and peace of mind for those on fixed incomes.
Proposition 13 raises the homestead exemption for all homeowners in Texas from $100,000 to $140,000. Affordable home ownership is what has made Texas the best place to live work, and raise a family. I was proud to serve as a cosponsor of this legislation which will ensure that Texans will receive meaningful property tax relief in the face of inflation and increased tax rates by local governments.
The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you October 15 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
October 23, 2025
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Salmon Lake Park in Grapeland, TX, is home to the Annual Memorial Day Bluegrass Gospel Festival and the Annual Bluegrass Festival held the 4th weekend in October.
3 unforgettable days of live music, jamming, dancing, and camping under the stars.
Featuring a stacked lineup of award-winning bluegrass artists you won’t want to miss!
Tap through to meet this year’s performers and grab your tickets before they’re gone!
Pictured front row, from left: Alondra Cura, Jolina Hernandez, Georgia Conrad, Samantha Saulsbury, Rhyla Jacildo, Dania Jamie, Charla Raines, and Marlee Jones.
Second row, from left: Gavin Bowman, Presli Flowers, Alyssa Flores, Taelor Riley, Taylor Finch, Miranda Paulin, Vanessa Sanchez, Lauren Woodward, Alyssa Montero, and Hailei Fontenot.
Third row, from left: Joey Riccio, Hermiony Dodd, Madison Hamilton, Carrington Truss, Addyson Franklin, Landree Hamilton, Kenzee Burton, Aubrey Mays, Maggie Allen, Makenzie Spurgeon, and Rebekah Sapp.
Back row, from left: Barret Price, Parker Tanksley, Kyler Allen, Ethan Basham, Landon Cloonan, and Lt. Netherton.
For the Drug-Free All-Star October meeting, the All Stars toured the Angelina County Jail and received training to participate in alcohol compliance checks. The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County are a group of high school seniors who serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. The Drug-Free All-Star program, in partnership with TxDOT, aims to reduce crashes, injuries and deaths on Texas roadways. The All Stars saw first-hand the results of substance misuse and what daily life is like for inmates. During the meeting, Angelina County Sheriff’s Deputy Stephanie Davidson trained the Drug-Free All Stars to conduct compliance checks to prevent the sale of alcohol to minors by local businesses. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2024), 47% of people aged 12 or older used alcohol in the past month, and compliance checks are an important prevention strategy to reduce sales to minors. A special thank you to Sheriff Tom Selman, Warden Nick Gardner, Judge Wes Suiter, Captain Alton Lenderman, TABC Agent Jeremy Alexander, Sheriff’s Deputy Stephanie Davidson, and Lieutenant Netherton for providing this experience for the All Stars. To find out more about the Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at (936) 634-9308.
Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. Visit The Coalition’s website at www.angelinacoalition.org or follow @TheCoalition936 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
This Friday night, we’re bringing our special General Knowledge Trivia to Pineywoods Vineyard in Hemphill — and this one’s extra special because it’s our very first event at this beautiful venue! Get ready for a night of laughter, wine, and friendly competition! Whether you’re a trivia pro or just in it for the good vibes (and the wine), you don’t want to miss this one.
Pineywoods Vineyard 101 N Oak St, Hemphill, TX 75948 Trivia starts at 7:30 PM
Free to play! Bring your best team, grab a glass of local vino, and let’s make this a night to remember, Hemphill!
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.
Closeup web banner of rolled cigarettes on tobacco, smoking concept
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.
