Etech and Strickland Plumbing Take The Top Spots at The 29th Blueberry Golf Bash

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October 13, 2026

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce played its 29th Annual Blueberry Golf Bash on Oct. 9 at Woodland Hills Golf Course, and the scorecards are in.

Etech 2 won the gross division — Mike Horton, Austin Dewitt, Bud Dewitt and Basey Swearingen. Lumberjack National took second with Austin Dewitt, Matt Augustine, Ben Bowser and Trey Pinnell. Austin Bank finished third on a scorecard playoff with Dustin Beavers, Nick Boland, Paul Holland and Davis Robinson.

In the net division, Strickland Plumbing, HVAC & Electric came in first with Cade Powell, Chase Serrano, Luis Hernandez and Jesus Hernandez. Ferrara’s Heating & Air Conditioning was second — Billy Dicks, Jason Johnson, David Carrizales and Dyane Carrizales. Lumberjack Harley-Davidson took third with Russell Brewster, Brian Lowrance, Jack Christensen and Trinity Bailey.

The chamber said the weather and the course both held up, and that the day did what the Golf Bash is for: putting business people on a course together for a few hours instead of across a desk. Entry money supports chamber programs. Team scores are posted at golfgenius.com, and the chamber is still adding photos to the event album.

The chamber thanked the players, volunteers and sponsors who ran the tournament.

Coming up

SFA Chamber Connection meets Wednesday, Oct. 14, and the LN Session follows Thursday, Oct. 15.

The weekend fills up fast. Swing in the Streets is Friday, Oct. 16, and Nevermore: A Night in the Mind of a Madman runs Friday and Saturday. Saturday, Oct. 17 brings StrEAT Feast and Main Street Market Days, Tobaccodoches, Octoberfest at Fredonia Brewery, the Keep Nacogdoches Beautiful Fall Sweep community cleanup challenge, the Stone Fort Museum Birthday Bash and the Nacogdoches Farmers Market.

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce is at 2516 North St., Nacogdoches, TX 75965. The phone number is 936-560-5533 and the calendar is at Nacogdoches.org.

Scare on the Square (Jasper County)

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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October 13, 2026

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October 31 @ 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Scare on the Square is coming this Halloween—and we would love for you to participate!

Schools, organizations, townships, churches, businesses and individuals are encourage & welcomed to join us. It’s completely free to set up! Simply decorate a booth or your vehicle’s trunk and hand out candy or other goodies to the children.

Last year, our community filled the streets around the Courthouse Square, and we’re hoping to make this year just as much fun!

October 31

Trick-or-treating begins at 5:00 PM

Around the Courthouse Square in Jasper

Bring your creativity, your candy and your Halloween spirit! If you would like to participate, send us a message to let us know you’re coming.

Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce

(409) 384-2762

View Organizer Website

jaspercc@jaspercoc.org

Jasper County Courthouse Square

Jasper, TX United States

36th Annual Sassafras Festival (San Augustine County)

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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October 13, 2026

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October 24 @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

The San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce is open daily from 8:30 to 3. Stop by to pick up forms for Sassafras events, including the Ray Estes barbecue competition and photo contest, or to sign up as a vendor if you haven’t already. While you’re there, see Ursella Graves Hightower and give her a big welcome.

Location: Historic Downtown San Augustine, Texas
Date & Time: October 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM

San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce

Historic Downtown San Augustine, Texas

Angelina College Soccer Teams Push Toward the Playoffs with A Sweep and Two Draws

By

Gary Stallard

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October 13, 2026

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By Gary Stallard
AC Athletics

Hey, sports fans,

AC soccer teams each hosted a pair of home matches this past week, and both groups gave fans plenty of reasons to get loud.

The Roadrunner men posted a pair of shutout wins, while the Lady Roadrunners fought to a pair of draws (despite being down several injured players). The results keep both teams in the hunt for an upcoming postseason berth.

It didn’t hurt one bit to have some kids on-hand showing support. The Nacogdoches Roadrunners, a youth soccer team coached by current Roadrunner soccer player Victor Martinez, walked the team out Friday for the kickoff against Blinn College. At halftime, A&D Legacy Cheer combined three squads (Southern Royalty, Bella Beauties and Magnolia Magic) to stir up the crowd with a dance performance.

On the hardwood, the Roadrunner basketball team picked up four big pre-season wins at the Mullens Jamboree in Duncanville.

This week will feature another huge soccer doubleheader on Friday (along with a Sophomore Night celebration) and the Region XIV Basketball Media Day taking place Wednesday at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens. The event will announce the coaches’ pre-season polls.

We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.

Here’s a quick rundown of recent events, along with what’s coming up next:

Roadrunner soccer sweeps the week

The Roadrunner soccer team is peaking at just the right time, and there was no bigger sign of the squad’s momentum than in this week’s two matches.

AC opened the week with a convincing win on Tuesday, beating Louisiana State University-Eunice by a 2-0 final. The Runners broke open a tough first-half defensive battle with a Rolando Gallegos goal in the 55th minute off a Ryudai Seki assist. AC’s Kanta Maruyama put the match away with an absolute bomb from near midfield in the 68th minute, and the Roadrunner defense behind keeper Harrison Bond finished with the clean sheet.

Friday’s match against Blinn College proved even bigger. AC entered the contest in a second-place tie with the Buccaneers, then proceeded to post another 2-0 shutout to take over sole possession of second place in the Region XIV South Zone.

Against Blinn, AC’s Diego Ramirez in the 30th minute took a feed from Angel Benitez and bounced his kick over the Buc keeper for a 1-0 lead. Benitez provided another assist in the 82nd minute, finding Leeyon Phelan in the box for the match-sealing goal off a header.

The two wins leave the Roadrunners (4-3-2, 4-2-2) a half game behind first-place Coastal Bend Community College (4-3-1, 4-2-1) in the conference standings with just three AC matches remaining.

The Runners will host Texas Southmost College on Friday, Oct. 16 starting at 7:30 p.m. The team will host its Sophomore Night in a pre-game ceremony.

Lady Roadrunners soccer draws with LSUE, Blinn

An injury-ravaged Lady Roadrunner team managed to play to a pair of draws against two of the conference’s best teams this week, playing LSU-Eunice to a 1-1 tie on Tuesday before using a miraculous, last-second goal to pull even with first-place Blinn College on Friday.

Tuesday’s match saw the Lady Runners clinging to a 1-0 lead before LSUE found the net with a little more than a minute left in the match to finish with the 1-1 result. AC’s Beatriz Almeida scored her team’s lone goal in the 50th minute, with Olivia Loyola providing the assist.

AC’s ladies bounced back on Friday against Blinn. Trailing 2-1 with the clock winding down to the end of regulation, AC’s Gisela Oyonate headed home the tying goal with just 8.7 seconds remaining in the match, leaving the teams in a 2-2 draw.

Almeida scored the Lady Runners’ first goal in the 42nd minute, giving her six goals on the season.

The results keep the Lady Runners in the playoff chase. AC (4-6-1, 4-4-1) is locked into a tie for second place with LSUE, just one match behind Blinn College (6-4, 5-3) with just two matches remaining in the regular season. [[Editor: verify — Blinn’s record is given with no ties, but the same item has Blinn drawing AC 2-2 on Friday. Keep as submitted; Gary Stallard can confirm at (936) 633-3256.]]

The Lady Roadrunners will host Texas Southmost College on Friday, with kickoff set for 5 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.

The team will host a Sophomore Night ceremony before the match.

Roadrunner basketball takes four at Mullens Jamboree in Duncanville

The Roadrunner basketball team is gearing up for what the group hopes will be a big season, and judging from the early results, they have every reason for those expectations.

The Runners traveled to the Mullens Jamboree in Duncanville this past weekend and came away with some impressive pre-season wins.

AC on Friday topped Southwest Mississippi 51-43, and followed up with a 54-31 win over the College of Southern Idaho.

On Saturday, the Runners ran past [[Editor: missing — the opponent’s name dropped out of the submitted copy; the score given is 64-50]] 64-50 before capping the weekend with a 64-61 win over Dallas College-Mountain View.

AC’s first home scrimmage will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 20 against Strength N Motion, with tipoff scheduled for 5 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.

Basketball schedules available for viewing

We’re still a couple of months away from the start of basketball season, but the Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner teams already have their 2026-2027 schedules in place. Visit the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com) to view those schedules.

Hoops season is going to get here before we know it.

For those who just can’t wait to know, the Lady Roadrunners tip off their regular season Oct. 30 in Baton Rouge against Delgado Community College, following with another game on Saturday against Baton Rouge Community College also taking place in Baton Rouge. The Lady Runners host their first home game on Nov. 6 against Southern University-Shreveport.

On the men’s side, the Roadrunners open their new regular season with a home game against Strength N Motion on Nov. 2 at Shands Gymnasium.

AC baseball, softball fall schedules

The Roadrunner baseball team will open its Fall 2026 schedule this week with an away game against Alvin Community College. The Runners and Dolphins will square off at Lamar University in Beaumont, with first pitch scheduled for 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4.

These are exhibition games, so there won’t be any live streaming available, nor will there be stats or final scores posted. Fall schedules for both the Roadrunner baseball and Lady Roadrunner softball teams are posted at angelinaathletics.com.

Potential schedule changes

As always in East Texas, the potential exists for schedule changes because of inclement weather. We try to put out the word as soon as we get it, but the quickest way to confirm game days and times is to visit the AC Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com) to view the most updated schedules. We’ll also send out word on social media (AC Athletics Facebook and Instagram, etc.), but the on-line schedule will always serve up the most recent updates.

Live streaming reminder

All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)

Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue Video link.

TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)

Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.

Ashby: Hidden Ticket Fees, Cyber Defense and October Mobile Office Stops

By

Rep. Trent Ashby

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October 12, 2026

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By Rep. Trent Ashby

On a Fall Friday evening in Texas, the lights above a high school football field draw a whole town together. Neighbors catch up in the bleachers, volunteers work concession stands to support student clubs, and the drumline sets a rhythm that carries across the stadium. From the players and cheerleaders to the band and drill team, students showcase their talents and bring weeks of hard work to life.

These nights remind us that the home team belongs to everyone, and the pride reaches well beyond the scoreboard. With football season in full swing, I encourage you to bring your family to a game and enjoy the music, excitement, and community atmosphere under the Friday night lights.

In Austin, preparations for the 90th Legislative Session continue as committees hear from Texans and consider changes before we reconvene in January. On September 30, the Senate Business and Commerce Committee examined online ticket sales and the implementation of the Texas Cyber Command.

Anyone who has purchased tickets online knows the frustration of choosing seats at one price, only to discover additional charges at checkout. Families deserve to know the full cost before deciding whether an outing fits their budget.

The committee reviewed ways to improve price transparency and protect buyers from unfair or deceptive practices, including in the resale market. The guiding principle should be straightforward: Texans ought to know what they are buying and what they will pay. A fair marketplace gives consumers clear information and holds sellers accountable for misleading practices.

Protecting Texans online also means safeguarding the systems our communities depend on. Schools, hospitals, businesses, and county governments rely on technology to serve the public. A cyberattack can interrupt essential services, expose sensitive records, and create costly repairs—burdens that can be especially difficult for small businesses and rural communities.

The committee also reviewed House Bill 150, which established the Texas Cyber Command during the 89th Legislature to help prevent and respond to cyber threats affecting governmental entities and critical infrastructure. As the agency takes on these responsibilities, we must ensure it delivers effective protection and uses taxpayer dollars wisely.

These hearings are an important part of our preparation for the next session. Whether a family is purchasing tickets or a county office is safeguarding public records, I will remain focused on practical policies that protect Texans and strengthen the services our communities rely on.

The mobile office is on the road again in October, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: October 14 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 a.m., or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; October 21 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

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 my 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 at your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Incident Management Team Deploys From Texas to Florida to Support Hurricane Isaias Response

By

Lee Allen Miller

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October 12, 2026

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DALLAS (Oct. 10, 2026) – Hurricane Isaias made landfall along Florida’s Gulf Coast on Friday, bringing power outages and damage to communities across the region. In response, The Salvation Army Texas Division is deploying a nine-member Incident Management Team to Florida to support Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) operations underway across the state.

The team will depart Texas on Sunday and deploy to Panama City, Florida, where they will support The Salvation Army Florida Division’s disaster response efforts. Team members are prepared to remain in Florida for up to 14 days, assisting with operational coordination and management as response activities evolve.

“The Salvation Army prepares year-round for disasters such as hurricanes so we can respond quickly when communities need help,” said Texas EDS Director Kathy Clark, who will serve as incident commander. “We’re proud to support our colleagues in Florida as they prepare to serve individuals and families affected by Hurricane Isaias.”

The deployment is part of The Salvation Army’s broader Hurricane Isaias response across Florida, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and other states affected by the storm. With a footprint that spans all 50 states, The Salvation Army is uniquely positioned to meet communities’ needs before, during and after disaster strikes. The Salvation Army provides meals, hydration, cleanup kits along with emotional and spiritual care to support survivors. The Salvation Army is working with federal, state and local emergency management agencies to coordinate and adapt its response efforts as conditions evolve.

Those wishing to support The Salvation Army’s disaster relief efforts may make a financial contribution by visiting HelpSalvationArmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. For the latest information or for details about becoming a disaster volunteer, visit SalArmyEDS.org.

Nacogdoches Library Has A Free Genealogy Day Oct. 16 and A Canva Class Oct. 19

By

TFCL Story Agent

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October 12, 2026

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The Nacogdoches Public Library has two free programs on the calendar this month, and the first one is a week out.

Genealogy Day, Oct. 16

Oldest Town in Texas Genealogy Day is Oct. 16, and it runs entirely online. The library is taking part in the annual Genealogy Lock-In sponsored by the Waco McLennan County Library and the Central Texas Genealogical Society. Libraries across Texas sign on, each one picks presentations from a list, and then streams them for its own community. Nacogdoches is streaming six.

Because it’s all online, you can watch from home, from a deer camp with a signal, or from anywhere else with an internet connection. Register at eventbrite.com to get the program links. Library staff can answer questions at 936-559-2970.

Canva class for adults, Oct. 19

The library is also running a free class for adults on Canva, the online design platform, covering how to build flyers and slideshows. It’s Monday, Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m. The class is free, but the library asks that you register through eventbrite.com.

It’s a practical hour for anyone who ends up making the flyer for a church supper, a club fundraiser or a school event — which, sooner or later, is most people. Canva is free to use at its basic level and runs in a web browser, so there’s nothing to buy before you show up.

If you go

Oldest Town in Texas Genealogy Day — Oct. 16, online only, six programs, free. Register at eventbrite.com.
Canva Flyers & Slideshow Class — Monday, Oct. 19, 5:30 p.m., adults, free. Registration requested at eventbrite.com.
Questions: Nacogdoches Public Library, (936) 559-2970.

Where TxDOT Crews Will Be Working Oct. 12 Through 16, County by County

By

Bobbie Langston

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October 12, 2026

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TxDOT’s Lufkin District has put out its work plan for Oct. 12 through Oct. 16, and it touches nine of the counties this magazine covers. Weather and material deliveries move these timelines, so read it as the plan and not the promise.

Angelina, Houston and Sabine counties

On the US 59 Redland project, cement treatment runs during the day while paving and concrete pouring happen at night. Nighttime repair work is expected to start in the 1100 block of Timberland Drive on Business 59. FM 324 bridge replacement and road rehabilitation continue, with a temporary traffic signal and a pilot vehicle through the work zone. On State Loop 287, crews will prime coat the Southwood Drive exit ramp, and they’ll clean silt from the SL 287 south culvert near the Ellen Trout Zoo, where intermittent closures are possible. Maintenance crews will level SH 103, patch potholes, sweep US 59 and work parts of FM 328.

In Houston County, SL 304 overlay work brings intermittent lane closures, with pilot vehicles near the railroad bridge. FM 2076, FM 227 and FM 3016 all have widening or rehabilitation under way — flaggers and a pilot vehicle on FM 2076, culvert work closing lanes on FM 227. Overlay on SH 19 south continues. In Sabine County, crews will lay hot mix on US 96, continue seal coat on FM 83 and start prepping FM 1592.

Polk, San Jacinto and Trinity counties

The Corrigan Relief Route is the big one. Crews will set deck panels and joints for the railroad bridge, pour concrete on parts of the main lanes, work culverts at the north tie-in, and build concrete barriers along the US 287 eastbound lanes. Driveway work along US 287 continues. Elsewhere in Polk County: mill and inlay on US and Business 59 at Diboll and in northern Polk County, Morgan Creek bridge maintenance on US 59, bridge-cap forms at Piney Creek on Carmona Road, and mill and inlay on the US 59 frontage roads. Damaged cable median barrier on US 59 near Corrigan is also getting repaired.

In San Jacinto County, the US 59 upgrade to interstate standards between Shepherd and Cleveland has crews on the U-turn overpass bridge deck and on northbound main lane concrete. Bridge railing work is planned at the SH 156 Stephen Creek bridge replacement. In Trinity County, work on FM 2262 continues and will close lanes.

Nacogdoches, San Augustine and Shelby counties

At US 59 and SL 224, crews continue on the SL 224 bridge and the SH 7 retaining wall. FM 2259 widening brings lane closures for right-of-way prep and driveway pipe. Cement treating on the US 59 turn-lane extensions near Woodland Hills means daily lane closures. On US 259 between SH 204 and FM 698, crews are milling the old surface and laying hot mix. Seal coat continues on SH 21 west with base repairs on FM 95. San Augustine County has work on FM 226 and SH 21, and Shelby County has base repairs and overlay on FM 3172.

TxDOT’s reminder is worth repeating: move over, or slow to 20 mph below the posted limit, when you pass a TxDOT truck, law enforcement or any vehicle running overhead lights on the shoulder.

Lufkin District public information officer Tim Monzingo can be reached at 936-208-5651 or timothy.monzingo@txdot.gov.

Classic Car Show (Sabine County)

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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October 12, 2026

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October 17 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Cruise on in and show off what you’ve got!

Location: 184 Hemphill, Texas 75948
Date & Time: October 17, 2026

Contact: Edith McCauley
(936) 671-2396

Sabine County Chamber of Commerce

409-787-2732

View Organizer Website

184 Hemphill, Texas 75948

Related Events

Power of Pink (Polk County)

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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October 12, 2026

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October 20 @ 11:30 am – 5:00 pm

Join us for “Power of Pink! Beyond the Diagnosis: A Journey of Hope & Healing”

We invite you to an inspiring luncheon dedicated to awareness, strength, and community. We are honored to feature guest speaker Sarah E. McDonald, a powerful motivational speaker, author, and two-time cancer survivor who will share her incredible story of hope and healing.

Date: Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm (Doors open at 11:00 am)

Location: Polk County Commerce Center

Come enjoy an afternoon of fellowship and support, featuring door prizes and a raffle!

Ticket Information:

General Admission: $60
Reserved Table of 8: $500

For more information or to reserve your table: Please contact Tina Alexander-Sellers at 936-639-7676 or 936-676-3340.

Let’s stand together, support one another, and celebrate the journey of hope!

Livingston-Polk County Chamber of Commerce

(936) 327-4929

View Organizer Website

info@polkchamber.com

Coming up

Roadrunner soccer sweeps the week

Lady Roadrunners soccer draws with LSUE, Blinn

Roadrunner basketball takes four at Mullens Jamboree in Duncanville

Basketball schedules available for viewing

AC baseball, softball fall schedules

Potential schedule changes

Live streaming reminder

Genealogy Day, Oct. 16

Canva class for adults, Oct. 19

If you go

Angelina, Houston and Sabine counties

Polk, San Jacinto and Trinity counties

Nacogdoches, San Augustine and Shelby counties

Related Events

Related Events

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