AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) today encouraged Texans to participate in this year’s Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday starting Saturday, April 26, through Monday, April 28.
“Having emergency supplies on-hand is one of the best ways Texans can keep themselves and their loved ones safe during emergency weather events,” said Governor Abbott. “I encourage all Texans to take advantage of this tax-free holiday to purchase emergency supplies, such as flashlights, first aid kids, or fire extinguishers, in order to be prepared for any potential severe weather or disasters.”
The Emergency Supplies Sales Tax Holiday was established in 2015 after Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 904 into law. It allows Texans to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies tax free, in-store or online, during the designated weekend each year.
With spring storms in the forecast and hurricane season beginning on June 1, Texans are encouraged to take advantage of this annual opportunity and proactively prepare an emergency supply kit. Texans are urged to review disaster preparedness tips at tdem.texas.gov/prepare and visit TexasReady.gov to locate information on emergency planning resources, including guidance on assembling a supply kit.
The El Camino Real Sale on the Trail takes place this year, Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3, along 111 miles of the historic El Camino Real de los Tejas. Make plans to drive the trail for yard sale bargains! Hop in your car and go along Hwy 6 in LA starting at Natchitoches and then west across Toledo Bend Lake to Texas Hwy 21 into Milam, TX, and beyond to Nacogdoches for a great adventure and great finds!
Along the trail, shoppers will find new and used items sold by local businesses and private individuals. If you are a shopping warrior, collector, or just looking for fun, a weekend shopping the trail is a wonderful way to take advantage of the beautiful spring scenery and historical markers along the El Camino Real de los Tejas.
Designated as a National Historic Trail in 2004, El Camino Real de los Tejas has existed for more than 300 years. The Spaniards and the French who marked the trail were followed by early missionaries of multiple faiths and later by such men as Stephen F. Austin, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and Sam Houston. Keep up with the latest news on Facebook.
If you want to participate and be located by travelers on the official Sale on the Trail map as a roadside/yard/garage sale or as a vendor, please complete the registration form below.
Before completing the registration form — if you’re not sure where on the trail you can set up your booth, check out the different hubs in Sabine Parish that are along the trail and a perfect place for you to join in on the fun. Decide where you’d like to have your booth, take note of the address, and use that exact address as your ‘location’ on the registration form. If you’re listing a location of your own, it MUST be on the El Camino Real route and you MUST include a complete address… this way, shoppers will know exactly where to find you!
Growth is the goal of every business, but scaling up successfully isn’t just about hiring more people or increasing production. If your IT infrastructure can’t handle expansion, your business could face major roadblocks.
The IT Challenges of Growth
Many businesses underestimate the impact of IT on growth. As operations expand, IT needs become more complex. Without the right systems in place, companies can experience:
Slow, outdated technology – Systems that once worked fine may suddenly slow productivity and frustrate employees.
Security gaps – As companies grow, so do cybersecurity risks. More data, users, and devices mean more opportunities for cyber threats.
Unnecessary costs – Constant IT upgrades and emergency fixes can drain budgets if businesses don’t plan for scalable solutions.
Lack of integration – Without a well-structured IT system, adding new technology can create inefficiencies instead of streamlining processes.
How Businesses Can Stay Ahead
To scale successfully, businesses need IT solutions that grow with them, not hold them back. Here’s how to stay ahead of the curve:
✔ Cloud-Based Infrastructure – Instead of constantly upgrading hardware, businesses can scale up or down with cloud solutions that adjust to demand.
✔ Proactive Cybersecurity Measures – Growing companies become bigger targets for hackers. Investing in scalable security solutions ensures data remains protected.
✔ IT Support That Evolves With Your Needs – Working with a managed IT provider helps businesses anticipate challenges before they impact operations.
✔ Automation & AI Integration – Automating repetitive tasks and using AI-powered analytics can streamline growth and prevent bottlenecks.
Final Thoughts
As businesses expand, IT can either be a powerful tool for success or a major obstacle. Companies that invest in scalable IT solutions can grow with confidence, avoiding costly tech setbacks and keeping operations running smoothly. Is your business ready for the next stage of growth? If your IT isn’t keeping up, it may be time to rethink your strategy.
Don’t miss this one-day only celebration of Blues, Arts, Food and more! Historic Camp Street in Crockett Texas comes alive again with rich music and art history. Bring your own lawn chair and set up on Camp Street park to listen to a lineup of local Texas musicians.
Stroll through the walkable Artist Market, celebrating small local visual artists. Grab a bite to eat at the food truck park.
There’s something for everyone – kids can gain hands-on experience with art and music during free kids activities time.
Free event! Come checkout all the fantastic options for all things natural health! We will have food trucks, vendors, speakers, and informational booths. Have questions about natural health alternatives? We will have Jessica Larkin with Down Home Roots Herbal and Mark Vorderbruggen (Merriwether) with Medicine Man Plant Co doing Q&A’s and foraging walks all day! There will also be MANY other vendors that are VERY knowledgeable of creditable, natural health alternatives! Herbal, holistic, mental health, physical health, food health, and so much more! Vendors will be selling all things natural, homestead goods, leather works, wood works, and much, much more!
Vendor applications are available now! We are looking for natural products, information, wellness, etc… Booths for information and/or items for sale. We are not doubling vendors, so hurry and contact us at downhomerootsherbal@gmail.com or in store, Julie at Broussard Farms, or The Chambers of Commerce for an application form. We want this to be everybody’s go-to event for the RIGHT information to all thing’s natural health and alternative medicines! We are looking for but not limited to…. speaker’s/informational booths, homesteading, leather and wood works, yoga, singing bowls, sourdough bakers, health foods, holistic, gardeners, and so on! Contact Down Home Roots Herbal, Julie with Broussard Farms, or the Chambers for a form today! This is a free event!
Our Lady Roadrunner softball and Roadrunner baseball teams are churning toward season’s end, with both teams fighting for berths in their respective conference tournaments scheduled to start in early May.
In addition, our Lady ‘Runner soccer team held a camp this past weekend featuring prospective players matching up against current players.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
AC Baseball Takes One of Three from Paris
Photos by Clara Sonet for AC Athletics
The Roadrunners opened their weekly schedule with a heartbreaking, walk-off loss at Paris Junior College on Wednesday, with the Dragons scored a run on a fielder’s choice in the bottom of the 10th inning to take the 4-3 win in Paris. Ryan Lewis homered and drove in two runs, and Stefano Ramos added an RBI in the loss.
In Wednesday’s home doubleheader against those same Dragons, AC got a gem of a pitching performance from Damon Anthony, who went the distance in the Roadrunners’ 3-1 win at Poland Stadium. Jacob Tanguma homered and drove in a pair of runs to lead the offense.
Photos by Clara Sonet for AC Athletics
The nightcap saw the Dragons take the series with a 13-3 win in five innings.
The Roadrunners (8-16, 19-25) open a huge series against Northeast Texas Community College this week. The teams play a single, nine-inning game starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday at Poland Stadium before wrapping up the series with a doubleheader Saturday at Mount Pleasant. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m.
AC currently sits four games back of NTCC’s Eagles with six conference games remaining in the regular season.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Falls in Alvin, Splits with Coastal Bend CC
Photos by Clara Sonet for AC Athletics
The Lady ‘Runner softball squad dropped 7-1, 7-2 losses Monday at Alvin before splitting Wednesday’s home doubleheader against Coastal Bend Community College. AC’s ladies dropped the first game by a 6-3 score, with Katherine Page and Jessi Sumpter each driving in a run.
Ac bounced back in the nightcap, getting a three-RBI game from Page, two more RBI from River Hulsey and another three runs driven in from Sumpter, Kiersten Bradshaw and Addison Dawes. Sumpter was solid in the circle, striking out three while allowing just one earned run. Emma Flayol pitched a scoreless inning of relief.
The Lady Roadrunners (15-33, 8-12) will close out their regular season this week with a pair of road trips to Houston and Galveston. AC faces San Jacinto College on Monday in Houston, with the doubleheader set for a 1 p.m. start.
The Lady ‘Runners then finish off the week Wednesday at Galveston College. That twin bill also starts at 1 p.m.
AC sits two games back of fourth-place Alvin College in the South Zone standings as the teams close out the season battling for a spot in the upcoming conference tournament.
Lady Roadrunner Soccer Holds Camp for Prospects
Photos by Clara Sonet for AC Athletics
This past Saturday morning saw Lady Roadrunner soccer head coach and some of his current players hosting a camp for prospective players.
The new faces got the opportunity to run drills with guidance from the veterans before squaring off in match-type action.
AC’s ladies will host further camps in the near future, and we’ll be sure to keep everyone updated.
AC’s Camp Roadrunner Sessions Set for Summer 2025
Over the past few years, Camp Roadrunner has become a “gotta do” event for youngsters throughout East Texas, with the recreational and youth sports camps drawing bigger crowds every summer.
Following are the dates for each Youth Sports Camp:
Baseball: June 2-5
Soccer: June 9-12; July 7-10
Basketball: June 9-12
Softball: June 9-12
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games will be 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 (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
Monday, April 21, 2025:
Lady Roadrunner Softball at San Jacinto College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Houston, Texas.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025:
Lady Roadrunner Softball at Galveston College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Galveston. (Regular-season finale)
Roadrunner Baseball vs. Northeast Texas Community College, single, nine-inning game starting at 3 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Saturday, April 26, 2025:
Roadrunner Baseball at Northeast Texas Community College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Mount Pleasant, TX.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
Join us THIS Friday, April 25 for Power Networking Breakfast, presented by Angelina College SBDC, and this year’s Chamber 360 at 8 AM in the Chamber Community Room.
Chamber 360 is designed for new, current, and prospective Investors, offering a comprehensive guide to maximizing your membership benefits. Discover how to maximize the benefits of your membership by leveraging the tools, resources, and relationships available to you. This event also provides a great opportunity to connect with other Investors, give brief remarks, meet the Chamber team, and explore the valuable support you can access.
Attendance is free! While registration is not required, it is strongly encouraged to help us plan accordingly. Register today at bit.ly/PNB-0425.
Video marketing isn’t a trend—it’s the present and future of digital engagement. With platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Facebook Video dominating online spaces, businesses that ignore video marketing are missing out on a massive opportunity to connect with their audience.
Why Video Content is Essential
1. Increases Engagement
Consumers are far more likely to interact with video content than with static images or text.
Fix It: Incorporate videos in your social media, website, and email campaigns to boost engagement rates.
2. Improves Conversion Rates
Video content is proven to increase conversions by helping potential customers understand your product or service better.
Fix It: Add explainer videos, testimonials, or product demonstrations to your website to encourage conversions.
3. Enhances SEO Rankings
Google prioritizes video content, making it easier for businesses to rank higher in search results.
Fix It: Optimize videos with SEO-friendly titles, descriptions, and tags to increase visibility.
4. Builds Trust and Credibility
A well-produced video allows you to showcase your brand personality and expertise in a way that static content cannot.
Fix It: Use videos to tell your brand story, introduce your team, and share customer success stories.
5. Adaptable to Any Marketing Strategy
From social media clips to long-form educational content, video can fit into any marketing strategy.
Fix It: Develop a video marketing strategy that includes various formats like live streams, tutorials, and promotional videos.
How MSGPR Can Help You Leverage Video Marketing
At MSGPR, we create compelling video content tailored to your brand’s needs. Whether you need short-form social media clips, professional commercials, or engaging explainer videos, we bring your brand to life through high-quality production and strategy. Ready to harness the power of video marketing? Contact MSGPR today to create video content that converts and captivates!
As we celebrate the Easter Holiday, we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who endured unimaginable agony and suffered death on the cross so that we might be saved. As we remember that darkest of days, we also find hope and celebrate in knowing His sacrifice would be the beginning of an ever-lasting light that would shine upon the Earth as a pathway to eternal salvation. He has Risen!
“But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.’” – Matthew 28:5-6
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
This past week, the House passed House Bill 2, which provides the largest investment of new funding in our state’s history into our public schools. With no new investments in public education formula funding since 2019, and with the impact of inflation and rising costs on our over 1,100 school districts across the state, this measure was desperately needed to support our students and teachers.
Among the money appropriated for public education, HB 2 dedicates over $3 billion to increase per-student funding and teacher pay, nearly $1 billion to increase funding for rural and mid-sized schools, $1.5 billion in new funding for special education services, $1.5 billion in additional funding for pre-K and reducing achievement gaps, and $750 million in incentive pay for high-performing teachers.
Additionally, HB 2 ties per-student funding directly to the growth of local property values, which will yield automatic increases in state public education funding and, importantly, reduce the pressure on local school boards to raise property taxes.
The bill also contains a financial safety net for school districts, which ensures they receive 95% of their funding from the prior school year should they experience a decline in enrollment. Due to the complexity of our school finance system and the inability to predict with 100% certainty the bill’s impact on every school district, a floor has been established so that no district unintentionally loses funding under HB 2’s proposed finance reforms.
HB 2 also requires a minimum of 40% of a district’s per-student funding increase to go towards teacher pay raises, and provides scheduled increases for teachers who have been in the classroom for five years or more.
Finally, HB 2 provides long sought after funding for full day Pre-K programs, invests dollars in schools that extend instruction through after school or summer learning programs, and includes monies to assist our growing number of uncertified teachers with administrative expenses to become certified classroom teachers.
I am immensely grateful to my fellow colleagues on the House Public Education Committee for their tireless work on this measure. With a 144-4 vote by the House, HB 2 now heads to the Texas Senate for their consideration in the coming weeks.
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. 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/.
Tomatoes are widely considered the most popular vegetable grown in home gardens today. I’m not sure who did the research, but I’ve seen it enough places to believe it. You can be that even though I don’t have much of a vegetable garden this spring, I’ve still made sure to plant six tomato plants! They’ve gained popularity largely because they are nutritious and relatively easy to grow.
Tomatoes originated from the Americas and were take back to Europe by the Spanish. Eventually, this fruit made its way around the world. Early on in Europe they were grown as an ornamental plant. Adoption of tomatoes as a food you could eat came about slowly as some had tried cooking the leaves in stews only to get quite ill. It is a fact that the entire tomato plant (except the fruit) contains high levels of alkaloids.
Historians say the first known reference to the tomato in the British North American Colonies was in 1710 somewhere in the Carolinas. Herbalist William Salmon’s plant history book Botanologia is credited with the first mention in north America. The tomato had to overcome a number of myths and false information, but has undoubtedly developed a strong following.
Tomatoes grow best in soils that have lots of organic matter. If possible, spread 2 to 3 inches of organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay over the planting area. Mix this organic material into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil. They need at least 6 hours of sunlight each day.
Most families need only a few plants, so it is best to buy plants and not grow them from seed. If you haven’t planted any tomatoes at this time, buy the healthy but larger, green plants. Do not set out tomato plants until all danger of frost has passed.
If you feel like you are too late for a spring garden, plan on raising tomatoes Transplant fall tomatoes in the garden about 100 days before the first expected frost.
If possible set you plants on raised beds of soil that are about 6 inches high. Make the transplant holes 3 to 4 inches deep and 2 to 4 feet apart in the row. For staked or caged plants, space the rows at least 3 feet apart. For unsupported plants, leave 4 to 5 feet between the rows.
Unlike other transplants, plant each tomato transplant slightly deeper than it had been growing. If your transplants are leggy, set the root ball and stem on their side in an elongated planting hole. Pack the soil loosely around the plant and leave a slightly sunken area around each plant to hold water.
Water transplants slow and deep. Never allow them to get severely wilted.
You will hear gardeners talk about bush and vining varieties. The technical term for this is determinate and indeterminate. Bush (determinate) varieties will grow to a certain size and then bear fruit. Vining (indeterminate) varieties will continue to grow and bear fruit, if cared for, until frost.
While is possible to grow tomatoes without any support, most gardeners choose to support the tomato on a stake or in a cage. Stakes should about six feet long with one foot of it in the soil. When staking tomatoes, you’ll want to pinch out the suckers to maintain a manageable vine. With caging, you can still pinch prune, but it is not as necessary.
For consistent and quality fruits, fertilize and water regularly. Fertilize the plants every 3 to 4 weeks with 1 to 2 level tablespoons of fertilizer.
Determining what kind of tomato to plant may be the hardest part. Suffice it to say that there are several varieties available. I have an entire catalog of tomato varieties in my office and books have been written about the tomato. If you are new to growing tomatoes, simply ask around and try a few out. You’ll want to experiment and enjoy the variety.
If you want to take a deep dive and learn more about the history of the tomato worldwide, I highly recommend the documentary on Amazon Prime “Triumph of the Tomato”.
