LUFKIN, TEXAS – Get ready to dance under the stars in the heart of Lufkin as Summer in the City continues with another exciting free concert at Cotton Square! On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Grammy-winning Los Texmaniacs take the stage from 8 PM to 10 PM, with rising Tejano artist Enrique Munguia opening the night.
The evening kicks off at 7 PM with food and drink vendors ready to serve, including Dos Amigos Food Truck serving crowd-favorite tacos and plates, and The Lemon Plug pouring refreshing lemonade to keep you cool.
Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes, and your appetite — it’s going to be a night of Conjunto rhythms, bold flavor, and community connection.
What to Expect:
Free live music featuring Conjunto powerhouse Los Texmaniacs
Opening performance by Enrique Munguia
Street food from Dos Amigos Food Truck
Fresh lemonade from The Lemon Plug
Family-friendly atmosphere in Downtown Lufkin
This Summer in the City concert series is presented by Brookshire Brothers and made possible with support from A-1 Party Rentals, Sound Techs, Visit Lufkin, and our many generous community partners.
For more information and event updates, visit VisitLufkin.com or follow @VisitLufkin on social m
Colorful Telecommunication Colorful Ethernet Cables Connected to the Switch in Internet Data Center
From automation to AI, modern business is changing fast—but is your wiring ready to keep up?
As more East Texas businesses embrace technology to streamline operations, one thing becomes clear: your building’s cabling is no longer just background noise. It’s the backbone of everything—your internet, your cameras, your security, even your factory floor.
And if it’s outdated or disorganized, it can quietly sabotage growth, automation, and even compliance.
Why Infrastructure Matters Now More Than Ever
If your business is adding smart systems—like cameras, sensors, or factory automation—then your low voltage wiring needs to be up to the task. Many local businesses are surprised to learn that:
Old or DIY wiring causes connection issues
Interference between systems (like security and internet) can slow things down
Unlabeled or undocumented wiring can lead to major headaches during upgrades or inspections
Castleberry’s Solution: Build It Right the First Time
Castleberry Services, based in Lufkin, designs and installs smart low voltage infrastructure for businesses across East Texas. Whether you’re wiring a factory, upgrading a retail space, or adding security to a church or school, our team creates clean, future-ready systems that do more than just “work”—they perform.
Here’s what Castleberry delivers:
Fast, reliable connections for automation and smart tech
Secure wiring for access control and camera systems
Clearly labeled and mapped networks for easier upgrades and inspections
Scalable designs that grow with your business
We don’t do patch jobs—we build systems you won’t outgrow.
Ready for Tomorrow’s Technology? Start with Today’s Wiring.
Whether you’re managing a facility, expanding a plant, or upgrading an old commercial space, the foundation of your tech success is hidden behind your walls. And if it’s not built for the future, it’s already behind.
Call Castleberry Services at (936) 237-3030 or visit castleberryinc.com to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
This article is part of a regular column presented by Castleberry Services—your trusted local partner for low voltage, IT, and security solutions across Texas Forest Country.
LUFKIN, TEXAS – Get ready to dance under the stars in the heart of Lufkin as Summer in the City continues with another exciting free concert at Cotton Square! On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the Grammy-winning Los Texmaniacs take the stage from 8 PM to 10 PM, with rising Tejano artist Enrique Munguia opening the night.
The evening kicks off at 7 PM with food and drink vendors ready to serve, including Dos Amigos Food Truck serving crowd-favorite tacos and plates, and The Lemon Plug pouring refreshing lemonade to keep you cool.
Bring your lawn chairs, dancing shoes, and your appetite — it’s going to be a night of Conjunto rhythms, bold flavor, and community connection.
What to Expect:What to Expect:
Free live music featuring Conjunto powerhouse Los Texmaniacs
Opening performance by Enrique Munguia
Street food from Dos Amigos Food Truck
Fresh lemonade from The Lemon Plug
Family-friendly atmosphere in Downtown Lufkin
This Summer in the City concert series is presented by Brookshire Brothers and made possible with support from A-1 Party Rentals, Sound Techs, Visit Lufkin, and our many generous community partners.
For more information and event updates, visit VisitLufkin.com or follow @VisitLufkin on social media.
We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming Education First Networking Breakfast on Tuesday, July 22nd at 7:30 AM! Whether you’re a familiar face or joining us for the first time, this event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, community leaders, and friends over a delicious breakfast.
Location: 2014 S Wheeler Street Jasper, TX Tuesday, July 22nd at 7:30 AM
Highlights: Great food, engaging conversations, and a chance to mix, mingle, and build lasting connections.
Come start your day with positive energy and great company. We look forward to seeing you there!
Can I Trust the Lord to Supply My Needs? (Psalm 23:1)
Psalm 23 is one of the most beloved Scriptures in the entire Bible. Its simple, yet profound truths have provided comfort to millions for three millennia. My friends have plenty of ideas about what King David meant when he wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
“Every time you go to the store, you don’t have to ask for everything,” says Meredith, 6. Or as Haleigh, 9, says: “He will supply every need. I should realize that there is a big difference between my needs and wants.”
Sheep receive comfort from hearing their shepherd’s voice because they know he will lead them to green pastures to meet their needs. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who calls his sheep by name and sacrifices his life for them (John 10). God’s people should expect to hear God’s voice when they meditate upon Scripture and follow the Good Shepherd with a whole heart.
“A shepherd sings to his sheep,” says Katlin, 10.
The Psalms were originally sung. It’s easy to imagine David the shepherd boy singing Psalm 23 as he plucked his harp in the midst of his flock under the stars of the Judean hill country.
“I think it means we are his sheep, and we don’t know anything,” adds Olivia, 8.
Of all livestock, sheep require the most care. Without a shepherd, sheep are easy prey for predators. Sheep that fall down with a full coat of wool are said to be “cast.” They can’t even stand up on their own without help from their shepherd.
OK, sheep are dumb. But that’s only half the story. The prophet Isaiah wrote: “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6).
Not only are we dumb like sheep; we’ve taken a wrong path. But the Good Shepherd has made provision, says Nicole, 10: “He will lead you to make right choices. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He keeps you away from danger, and he loves you so much he gave his life for you. If we believe in him, we will go to a place where there are no deaths, no sicknesses and no sin.”
The prophet Isaiah also wrote, “And the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6).
“A shepherd will protect his sheep,” says Sara, 9. “It’s just like having kids wander off.”
We’re good at wandering off on our own trails. After denying the Lord Jesus three times, the Apostle Peter was “cast” or knocked off his feet by doubt, self-pity and guilt.
Three times, the Good Shepherd asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Three times, Peter affirmed his love for the Lord. Twice, the Lord replied, “Feed my sheep,” and once, he said, “Shepherd my sheep” (John 21:15-17).
The Lord knows how to restore us to fellowship with him and useful service to others when we’re cast down and depressed over real or imagined failures. Those who stay close to the shepherd will experience his protection and provision.
The following variation of Psalm 23:1 from an anonymous 6-year-old might help the next time failure knocks you down: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall want him.”
Think about this: Nothing in this life can meet our needs and wants like fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Memorize this truth: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1).
Ask this question: Are you looking to the Lord to meet your needs and fulfill your desires?
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.
Megaphone, speaker and black woman leading a street protest for change, equality and democracy. Noi.
Helping East Texas Businesses Turn Interest Into Action
Here in the Texas Forest Country, folks love supporting local businesses. But sometimes, even the best businesses miss a simple (but important!) step: telling people exactly what to do next.
Whether it’s visiting your shop, signing up for your service, or calling you for a quote—if you don’t clearly ask, customers might walk away without taking action.
5 Simple Ways to Add Powerful Calls to Action (CTAs)
1. Tell Them Exactly What to Do
Don’t leave your customers guessing. A clear, strong CTA like “Call Today” or “Visit Us This Weekend” can make all the difference.
Local Tip: Every post, flyer, and website page should have a friendly invitation to take the next step.
2. Use Action Words
Powerful words like “Get,” “Shop,” “Discover,” and “Join” encourage people to act now.
Local Tip: Make it sound inviting and easy!
3. Create a Sense of Urgency
If it’s a limited-time offer or a special event, say so! People are more likely to act when they know time is short.
Local Tip: Try phrases like “This Weekend Only” or “Spots are Filling Fast!”
4. Make it Easy to Follow Through
If you’re asking customers to call, make sure your phone number is easy to find. If you want them to visit, give them clear directions.
Local Tip: Double-check your contact info and links—nothing frustrates customers more than a broken button!
5. Repeat It!
It’s okay to remind people more than once. Not everyone acts the first time they see your message.
Local Tip: Repeat your call to action at the beginning and end of your posts, ads, or emails.
Helping Local Businesses Grow Stronger
At Texas Forest Country Living, we want to see every East Texas business thrive. A clear, confident call to action can help you turn interest into real results—whether that’s more foot traffic, more calls, or more happy customers.
Need help getting your message out there? We’re here to help your story—and your success—shine!
The Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College recently recognized three new recipients of the Nonprofit Leadership Management Certificate following completion of the course. Pictured are (L-R) AC president Dr. Michael Simon, Erin Gentry (Naranjo Museum of Natural History), Happy Willhoite (Love INC, Nacogdoches), Stanley Cleberg (Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Woodville) and NPLC Director Heather Kartye. (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)
Three Local Leaders Earn Completion Certifications
The Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College on Wednesday recognized three new graduates of its program with a ceremony held inside AC’s Technology Workforce Center.
The Nonprofit Leadership Center at Angelina College recently recognized three new recipients of the Nonprofit Leadership Management Certificate following completion of the course. Pictured are (L-R) Erin Gentry (Naranjo Museum of Natural History), Happy Willhoite (Love INC, Nacogdoches) and Stanley Cleberg (Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Woodville). (Gary Stallard photo for AC News Service)
Happy Willhoite (Love INC, Nacogdoches), Erin Gentry (Naranjo Museum of Natural History) and Stanley Cleberg (Sleep in Heavenly Peace Organization) each received the Nonprofit Leadership Management Certificate following completion of the course, which includes six eight-hour core classes: Nonprofit Financial Management, Donor Development, Board Governance Essentials, Marketing and Communication, High Impact Leadership and Human Resources Management.
Also required is a minimum of two electives, which includes various conferences and “Lunch-and-Learn” sessions.
Heather Kartye, Director of the NPLC, praised the recipients for their ability to work together while completing the rigors of the course.
“I know you guys are kind of your own cohort now after bonding throughout these classes, and it’s amazing to see you here and celebrate your accomplishment,” Kartye said. “You guys worked very hard to meet all the requirements, and we’re so proud to see you receive your awards.”
Willhoite, a Nacogdoches native, said Love INC – a national organization with just two chapters in Texas – partners with area churches to “mobilize them to serve the community.”
“My director, Patty Goodrum, showed me this Nonprofit Leadership Center here at AC, and Heather (Kartye) was once part of the Family Crisis Center,” Willhoite said. “We had some relationships already in place, but I wanted to learn more about nonprofits while understanding how other organizations work together. We want to promote this program (Love INC) as much as possible.”
Gentry, who serves as Executive Director of the Naranjo Museum of Natural History in Lufkin, said the NLPC
“I believe in the community, and I also believe it’s important to pursue education to continue to bolster yourself so you can give back even more,” Gentry said.
“This is a very creative community, and we’ve seen a rise in artists coming together,” Gentry added. “We’re looking into a variety of what I like to call ‘Edu-tainment’ spaces where one gets a little bit of entertainment and a little bit of education. It’s a perfect blend, and that’s really what I’m trying to bring into the museum and expand for us as we move forward.”
Cleberg is chapter co-president for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Organization, an international group with chapters in 49 of the 50 United States, as well as in Canada and the Virgin Islands.
“We build beds for kids who don’t have them. Our mission is to solve child ‘bedlessness.’ It’s a made-up word, but it works,” Cleberg laughed.
Cleberg said currently the total of beds delivered is up to more than 275,000 nationally. His Woodville chapter supplies Tyler, Jasper, and Sabine counties.
“These are all hand-crafted beds built by volunteers, and it’s made of wood, so if I kid can break it, he’s going to have to work hard at it,” Cleberg said. “We build beds once per month, and we try to deliver around 25 beds per month in our service area.”
Cleberg said completing the NPLC course at Angelina College offered several benefits, including expanding recruiting efforts.
“For me, it’s an opportunity to improve my ability to work with other organizations,” Cleberg said. “We try and work with our local organizations such as Child Protective Services, local law enforcement and local churches. I wanted to use this opportunity not only to connect, but also to recruit in hopes of finding people willing to jump in and help start new chapters.
“We’re hoping to find another brave soul to help us start a chapter here in Angelina County. We’re always looking for volunteers. Our website is shpbeds.org, and we have a Facebook page at ‘Sleep in Heavenly Peace Woodville.’”
For further information on Angelina College’s Nonprofit Leadership Center, contact Heather Kartye at hkartye@angelina.edu.
Dallas, Texas (July 6, 2025) – Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) teams are working around the clock to provide meals, hydration and Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) in Central Texas communities affected by devastating flooding. Rain is forecast to continue Sunday in areas already overwhelmed with flooding after the Guadelupe River crested with historic levels of waterflow.
Local officials have confirmed more than 50 fatalities in Kerr County as a result of the raging floodwater that struck in the early hours of July 4, with multiple individuals still reported missing. Search and rescue is ongoing as roads are steadily being cleared and the river level slowly recedes.
“The Salvation Army is currently serving in the affected communities of Hunt, Ingram, and Kerrville. We have three fully stocked mobile feeding units that began Saturday morning serving survivors at emergency shelters in Kerrville,” said Major Phil Swyers, with The Salvation Army in Kerrville. “However, when word was received that the road to Hunt was reopened, we sent the two units from San Antonio to serve impacted residents in that city which had been cut off since Friday.”
Since service began on July 4, The Salvation Army has served 1,700 meals, 290 snacks, and more than 10,000 drinks. Cleanup kits, hygiene kits, blankets and other essential items are available.
“The Kerrville mobile kitchen and disaster team has been stationed at the City West Church in Ingram providing around the clock support to first responders and law enforcement personnel,” said Swyers. “It is estimated that close to 1,000 additional first responders representing many different agencies have arrived in Kerrville over the last two days. It has been a blessing for The Salvation Army to provide 24-hour support as they tirelessly work to help in our community. They have been grateful to receive a meal, drink and a word of encouragement or prayer from our team.”
In San Angelo, The Salvation Army staff and volunteers served first responders and flood survivors from the mobile kitchen throughout the day staged at Hargraves Auto. Service will continue Sunday with additional support arriving in the form of the Big Lake Rapid Response Unit and a trained EDS team from Midland.
The Salvation Army leadership in Kerrville is working closely with County and State Officials and will begin to accept in-kind donations from the community and beyond. This is a huge logistical undertaking, and The Salvation Army will manage the receiving, organizing and distribution of those supplies to impacted individuals and families in the coming days, support by Texas EDS staff.
“Kerrville is a relatively small community with a population of only around 27,000 people. The Salvation Army has worked in this community for many years, and we are uniquely positioned to step forward and partner with the county and city in this way,” said Swyers. “However, we need the communities continued to support in the form of donations and volunteers.”
Financial donations are the best way to support The Salvation Army’s ongoing response efforts in Central Texas. To make a donation, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or go to helpsalvationarmy.org. 100% of all donations designated for disaster response will support the relief efforts and help impacted individuals and families.
For more information on The Salvation Army’s current disaster response efforts and specific feeding locations, go to www.salarmyeds.org.
The new soccer schedules are here and ready for your viewing pleasure, and we’ve still got some big sports camps on tap to help wrap up what’s been a busy summer.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
Soccer Schedules Set for 2025 Season
The Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner soccer teams have released their schedules for the upcoming season (which is rapidly approaching), so fans can start making plans to show up and show out while cheering on both AC teams.
Included in the schedule are five home doubleheaders, one of which is the Tuesday, August 12 scrimmage against Wiley College. The ladies kick off at 5 p.m. while the men follow at 7:30 p.m.
Printable versions of the schedules are attached to this email.
Roadrunner Soccer Sets Summer Camp Schedule
The Roadrunner men’s soccer team has added an ID Camp to its busy summer list.
The ID camp, used to identify prospective future Roadrunners, is for grades 9-12 and will take place from 6-8 p.m. on August 1 at the Angelina College soccer pitch on the AC campus.
Click the following link for all registration and other information:
AC’s Camp Roadrunner Remaining Sessions or 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 remaining dates for each Youth Sports Camp:
Basketball: July 7-10 (6-12th Grade); July 21-24 (6th-12th Grade)
Soccer: July 7-10
Athletics Schedule Releases Coming in July
All six Angelina College athletics teams are finalizing their 2025-2026 schedules, and those schedules should be ready for release in early July. We’ll send out hard copies in a group email, and we’ll also send the link to the Angelina College Athletics website for further viewing.
We should have all available schedules loaded on-line this coming week. Naturally, there may be some changes along the way with teams still looking to add events. The best way to follow any possible changes is to visit the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com).
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: No further games scheduled until August.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
If you own or run a business in the Texas Forest Country—whether it’s a feed store, a family clinic, a boutique downtown, or a church—you know that every dollar counts. And that includes your electricity bill.
But here’s the thing: Most businesses in our area are overpaying for power, and they don’t even know it.
We hear this time and time again. “I thought my rate was locked in.” “I didn’t know my contract expired.” “No one ever told me I could shop around.”
Sound familiar?
Why So Many Local Businesses Pay Too Much
It happens quietly. You sign a contract with a provider, forget about it, and one day that contract ends—without warning. Suddenly, you’re on a “flex rate” or default plan, and your bill jumps by hundreds—or thousands—overnight.
We’re talking real numbers from real folks here in East Texas.
One local restaurant owner saw their electric bill shoot up from $1,800 to over $2,600 in a single month. A small-town gym in another part of the state? They were hit with a $4,000 bill after their contract expired without notice.
There Is a Better Way (And It Doesn’t Cost You a Dime)
We recently spoke with the team at Amerigy Energy, a company based right here in Texas that helps homeowners and business owners navigate the retail power market.
They work with over 100 electricity providers and offer free bill reviews for local businesses. That means they’ll:
Look over your current contract Compare rates across the market Suggest smarter plan options for your usage Help you avoid sneaky fees or surprise rate hikes
Think of them like the insurance broker for your power bill—they shop the market so you don’t have to.
A Smart Move for Small Business Owners
Whether you’re running a feed store, managing church facilities, or operating a local salon, the last thing you want is to get blindsided by rate hikes.
Energy costs are one of the easiest expenses to overlook—but also one of the easiest to reduce with just a bit of guidance.
And in towns like Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Crockett, and Alto, we’ve seen the impact a few hundred dollars a month can make on the bottom line.
Want to Know What You Could Save?
Amerigy Energy makes it simple. You can send in a copy of your latest electric bill (no pressure, no obligation), and their team will break it down line-by-line. If there’s a better rate out there, they’ll help you lock it in.
