TxDOT campaign reinforces state laws to combat rising trend in pedestrian and cyclist deaths
AUSTIN – On his 10th birthday in 2020, Victor Petersen received a brand-new bicycle. Just three months later, his life was tragically cut short in a crash while riding his bike through his northwest Houston neighborhood.
Sadly, similar tragedies continue to plague our state. In 2023, 914 bicyclists and pedestrians died in traffic crashes in Texas. It’s part of a rising trend in recent years as pedestrian deaths went up 22% and bicyclist fatalities increased 58% from 2019–2023.
Nearly five years after his death, Peterzen’s family is working with TxDOT’s “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign this spring to remind Texans to follow traffic laws and share the road safely with people walking and biking.
“Pedestrians and cyclists are among our most at-risk road users, and too many of them are killed or injured in our communities each year,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “If everyone looks out for each other and follows the rules of the road, we can help prevent these terrible crashes.”
TxDOT’s campaign aims to raise awareness among all Texans—drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike—of the shared responsibility to help everyone get where they’re going safely. To support this goal, the “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign is sending teams of “walking billboards” around the state to share vital safety messages in crash-prone areas.
Know the rules. Save a life.
If you’re driving:
Stop and yield for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
Give bikes space and pass at a safe distance.
Yield when turning and always check for pedestrians and cyclists.
Follow the speed limit and adjust for conditions.
If you’re walking:
Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
Stick to sidewalks, but if none exist, walk facing traffic on the left side unless it is obstructed or unsafe.
If you’re biking:
Follow traffic laws and stop at red lights and stop signs.
Ride in the same direction as traffic and use bike lanes or ride as near as possible to the right-hand curb.
Use hand signals for turns or stops.
Equip your bike with lights at night, using a white light on the front and a red light or reflector on the back.
“Be Safe. Drive Smart” is an important part of TxDOT’s Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. initiative. Drive like a Texan is about embracing the pride, camaraderie, and responsibility of being a Texan on the road. By making thoughtful choices, we can all help keep each other safe. Learn more at DriveLikeATexan.com.
The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of November 12, 2024. To view additional traffic safety data, visit TxDOT’s Traffic Safety Data Portal online.
The Texas Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining 80,000 miles of road and for supporting aviation, maritime, rail and public transportation across the state.
First, you’ll be getting another press release from me tonight. Our men’s basketball team lost in the Region XIV Tournament semifinals on Friday, but there’s a very good chance the team will receive an at-large bid for the upcoming national tournament. A “Selection Show” takes place tonight (Sunday, March 16) at 7 p.m., and the team then will learn if they’re going to keep dancing in March.
In addition, we’ll be sending out our post-season basketball superlatives later this week. We have several Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners on the lists.
Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
No. 12 Roadrunner Basketball Falls in Semifinals, Awaits At-Large Selection
The Roadrunners opened the Region XIV Conference Tournament in Baytown on Thursday with a convincing 81-44 win over Tyler Junior College, but fell 58-48 to Panola College (the eventual tournament champ) during Friday’s semifinals.
Against Tyler on Thursday, AC saw five Roadrunners post double figures in scoring: Christian Jones (15 points), Kyle Morgan and Daemon Ely (14 points each), Chris Carpenter (12 points) and Jordan Mathews (10 points). Kanaan Holder finished with eight points.
Angelina College’s Daemon Ely (23) hits a tough shot over a Tyler Junior College defender during Thursday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament quarterfinals game in Baytown. The No. 12 Roadrunners hammered the Apaches by an 81-44 final to advance to Friday’s semifinals against Panola College. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)
Ely added 14 rebounds to his totals, while Mathews added eight boards.
AC converted nine three pointers on the night, with Jones drilling three of those. Holder, Carpenter and Morgan hit two treys each.
The ‘Runners’ season may not have ended just yet. After finishing the season with a record of 26-6, a No. 12 national ranking and the No. 1 defensive team in the nation, AC’s guys very likely will receive an at-large bid for the upcoming NJCAA National Championship Tournament taking place in Hutchinson, Kansas starting on Saturday, March 22.
The Selection Show takes place at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. AC Athletics will send out an announcement immediately following the show.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Ends Season at Conference Tournament
A “What Might Have Been” season came to an end on Wednesday, with the Angelina College Lady Roadrunner basketball team closing out its 2024-2025 campaign with a hard-fought, 73-60 loss to Blinn College at women’s opening round of the Region XIV Conference Tournament in Baytown.
An AC team dealing with season-ending injuries to key players all season long entered Wednesday’s game with just seven players dressed to play – and with three of those players hobbled with various ailments. AC’s ladies played the Lady Bucs to a 13-13 draw after one full quarter and trailed by just five at 31-26 at the half. Even the third period saw the teams scrapping while keeping things close, with Blinn outscoring the Lady Roadrunners 20-18 in the quarter.
Finally, midway through the final stanza, the Lady Buccaneers were able to put together a 12-2 scoring run to take control and finish AC’s season.
AC sophomore India McMahon finished off her brilliant career with a 34-point night. Shanice Ferguson added night points and eight rebounds, and Alecia Rivera-Scott and Lanaijha Johnson added eight points each.
The game marked the final games as Lady Roadrunners for McMahon, Ferguson, Rivera-Scott, Carly Gates, Taegan Moore and Kya Cook.
AC and first-year head coach Randy McKelvey finish the season with a record of 11-17.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Puts Together Hot Streak
Don’t look now, but your Lady Roadrunner softball team has gotten hot at exactly the right time – and they’re tied for first place in the Region XIV South Zone.
Head coach Brette Kohring spent most of February experimenting with her lineups, and now the team has found its footing, this week sweeping a pair of doubleheaders in conference play.
After falling 8-0 and 6-4 to LSU-Eunice in Monday’s non-conference doubleheader, AC’s ladies swept Alvin College on Wednesday, downing the Dolphins 6-2 and 4-2 at Lady Roadrunner Field. In the opener, Izzy Allen drove in four runs (with Riley Davila scoring three of those) and Emily Zunker added another two RBI to back starting pitcher Madison Johnson, who tossed a complete game in the circle. Johnson allowed just one earned run over her seven innings of work.
The nightcap saw Zunker, Elizabeth Craig and Addison Dawes drive in the runs, while pitcher Jessi Sumpter also threw a complete game, striking out six while giving up a single earned run.
On Saturday, the Lady ‘Runners took two from Lamar-State Port Arthur, sweeping the Seahawks 5-4 and 4-3 in a pair of one-run thrillers. In Game 1, Craig and Allen each bopped solo homers, and River Hulsey drove in a pair of runs. Johnson tossed another complete game, fanning five Seahawks.
Game 2 saw AC win in walk-off fashion, with Zunker smashing a hard ground ball misplayed for an error allowing Youna Pean to score the game winner in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Davila (2 RBI), Zunker and Hulsey drove in AC’s runs, and Sumpter went the full seven innings in the circle, striking out three while allowing just one earned run.
The Lady Roadrunners (12-20, 5-1) will be on the road this week, first at Blinn College on Wednesday and at Coastal Bend Community College on Saturday.
Wednesday’s doubleheader in Brenham starts at 2 p.m.; Saturday’s twin bill in Beeville is set for a 12 p.m. start.
AC Baseball Earns Three Wins This Week
The Roadrunner baseball team got the week off to a hot start on Monday, hammering Joliet College 17-7 in seven innings. Mark Henderson homered and drove in three runs, Cooper Molnes also finished with three RBI and Diesel Gonzalez drove in two more. Connor Ficarra, Michael Herndon and Jake Morris also added an RBI each in the win.
AC then pulled off the Wednesday sweep of conference foe Northeast Texas Community College, beating the Eagles 4-3 and 7-1 at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Game 1 saw Molnes drive in the eventual game winner with his RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning to put AC on top by the eventual final 4-3 margin. Dylan Parker drove in two runs for the Roadrunners, while starting pitcher Ethan Jezierski earned the win after allowing just two earned runs over six innings. Relieve Sean Bazmore closed out the game in the seventh.
Cole Standley homered and drove in three runs in AC’s 7-1 win in the nightcap. Ficarra, Molnes, Gonzalez and Ryan Lewis also added RBI. Winning pitcher David Wilson struck out five Eagles in seven innings without allowing an earned run to earn the win, while Austin Gaskins tossed three innings of scoreless relief.
AC on Saturday fell in both ends of a doubleheader against first-place Bossier Parish Community College, losing 12-3 and 13-3 at home.
The Roadrunners (12-15, 4-8) play at Dallas College-Brookhaven in a Tuesday doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. AC then hosts TCS Post Grad in a doubleheader set for a 1 p.m. start at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
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:
Tuesday, March 18:
Roadrunner Baseball at Dallas College-Brookhaven, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Farmers Branch, TX.
Wednesday, March 19:
Lady Roadrunner Softball at Blinn College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Brenham, TX.
Saturday, March 22, 2025:
Roadrunner Baseball vs. TCS Post Grad, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m., Poland Stadium.
Lady Roadrunner Softball at Coastal Bend CC, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Beeville, TX.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
BAYTOWN, TX – For the No. 12 Angelina College Roadrunner basketball team, the recipe for a season’s worth of success has seemed fairly simple: Suffocate the opposing offense by employing the nation’s No. 1 defense, and then play the hot hand on the offensive end.
Thursday night in Baytown, the defense did its usual stellar job, while the offense provided some icing on the cake.
The ‘Runners held Tyler Junior College to just 21 points in the first half on the way to AC’s convincing 81-44 win in men’s quarterfinal action of the Region XIV Conference Tournament at Lee College in Baytown.
The Roadrunners (18-4) advance to Friday’s regional semifinals against No. 9 Panola College. The two teams split their season series, with the ‘Runners beating the Ponies at Shands Gymnasium by a 67-55 margin in overtime and Panola winning 50-42 in Carthage.
Against Tyler on Thursday, AC saw five Roadrunners post double figures in scoring: Christian Jones (15 points), Kyle Morgan and Daemon Ely (14 points each), Chris Carpenter (12 points) and Jordan Mathews (10 points). Kanaan Holder finished with eight points.
Angelina College’s Daemon Ely (23) hits a tough shot over a Tyler Junior College defender during Thursday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament quarterfinals game in Baytown. The No. 12 Roadrunners hammered the Apaches by an 81-44 final to advance to Friday’s semifinals against Panola College. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)Angelina College’s Kyle Morgan (3) drives to the rim against the Tyler Junior College defense during Thursday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament quarterfinals game in Baytown. The No. 12 Roadrunners hammered the Apaches by an 81-44 final to advance to Friday’s semifinals against Panola College. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)Angelina College’s Chris Carpenter (4) dribbles toward an open space against the Tyler Junior College defense during Thursday’s Region XIV Conference Tournament quarterfinals game in Baytown. The No. 12 Roadrunners hammered the Apaches by an 81-44 final to advance to Friday’s semifinals against Panola College. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)
Ely added 14 rebounds to his totals, while Mathews added eight boards.
AC converted nine three pointers on the night, with Jones drilling three of those. Holder, Carpenter and Morgan hit two treys each.
Friday’s semifinal game is set for an 8 p.m. tipoff at Lee College in Baytown. Live streaming will be available at TSBN Sports.
LEAD Academy is set to host their highly anticipated MEGA Fundraiser later this month, bringing community members together for a delicious meal and worthy cause. The academy, which operates under the motto “Learn | Encourage | Achieve | Disciple,” has organized this fundraiser to support educational initiatives for students.
A Fiesta for the Future
On Friday, March 28, Harmony Hill’s LOC in Lufkin will transform into a celebration of educational opportunities as supporters gather for a Fajita Dinner beginning at 6:00 PM. The event promises not only a delicious meal but also features both live and silent auctions with proceeds benefiting educational initiatives throughout the region.
Brandie Hathorn, the principal of L.E.A.D. Academy, explains the importance of the MEGA Fundraiser, “Our fundraiser is of utmost importance as we are not publicly funded. Our fundraisers allow us to keep tuition affordable for all families who wish to join us. Our goal is to give children a safe, Godly environment in which to receive a well-rounded education.”
Tickets and Tables Available
Individual tickets for the fundraiser are priced at $70 per person, offering attendees the chance to enjoy a festive evening while contributing to educational advancement. For those looking to attend with friends or colleagues, reserved tables are available at $400 for a table of six or $500 for a table of eight.
The pricing structure allows for businesses and organizations to show their support through table sponsorships while providing flexibility for individual community members to participate.
An Evening of Giving and Community
The MEGA Fundraiser will feature a delicious Fajita Dinner along with exciting live and silent auctions. These auctions traditionally feature items donated by businesses and talented individuals from across the region, creating opportunities for unique purchases while furthering the academy’s educational mission.
LEAD Academy will be accepting tax-deductible donations, with checks payable directly to the organization for those unable to attend but still wishing to contribute.
Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
Businesses looking to make a larger impact can participate in several sponsorship tiers for the event. LEAD Academy has created multiple levels to accommodate various budgets and visibility preferences:
The Platinum tier ($10,000+) includes two tables of eight at the event, tabletop sponsorship signage, Facebook mentions, company logo placement on banners in the school auditorium and field fence for 2025, and exclusive placement on school merchandise for the 2025-2026 school year (excluding sport team uniforms). Platinum sponsors also receive a live company shoutout when prizes are given.
Gold sponsors ($10,000) receive many of the same benefits, including two tables of eight, tabletop signage, social media recognition, and logo placement on school banners. Silver ($5,000) and Bronze ($1,000) tiers offer a single table of eight with tabletop signage and Facebook mentions.
A special Giveaway Prize sponsorship is also available, which includes a live company shoutout during the prize presentation.
Community Support Makes the Difference
Education remains a cornerstone of community development, and events like the MEGA Fundraiser provide essential resources for programs that might otherwise go unfunded. From classroom supplies to innovative teaching tools, LEAD Academy works to enhance educational experiences for students throughout Lufkin and surrounding areas.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, interested community members can contact Brandie Hathorn at 936-465-7299.
The fundraiser will be held at Harmony Hill’s LOC building in Lufkin, located at 2305 S John Redditt Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904.
As businesses continue to rely on technology for daily operations, the challenge of managing IT infrastructure has grown increasingly complex. Many companies, in an effort to optimize their IT services, engage multiple vendors for different aspects of their technology needs—one for cybersecurity, another for cloud storage, and yet another for network support. While this approach might seem logical, the reality is that juggling multiple IT service providers can lead to higher costs, inefficiencies, and security risks.
The Fragmentation Problem
The biggest issue with multiple IT vendors is a lack of cohesion between different services. When different providers are responsible for different aspects of an IT infrastructure, it often results in miscommunications, compatibility issues, and delays in resolving technical problems. Business owners frequently find themselves caught in a frustrating cycle of vendor finger-pointing when issues arise, slowing down operations and creating uncertainty.
Additionally, cost predictability becomes difficult when companies have to manage various contracts, pricing structures, and billing cycles. What might seem like an efficient solution can ultimately lead to escalating expenses and inefficiencies in IT management.
Security Concerns and Compliance Risks
Having different vendors handling various security measures can create vulnerabilities. One provider may prioritize data encryption, while another focuses on firewall protection, leaving gaps in overall security coverage. Without a unified approach, businesses can inadvertently leave themselves exposed to cyber threats, compliance violations, and regulatory risks. A fragmented IT strategy can mean serious consequences, including data breaches and legal liabilities.
The Case for Integrated IT Solutions
A growing number of businesses are shifting toward integrated IT services to ensure consistency, security, and efficiency. An all-in-one IT approach provides:
✔ Seamless system integration—reducing downtime caused by vendor misalignment.
✔ Cost efficiency—eliminating redundant services and providing predictable IT expenses.
✔ Stronger cybersecurity—ensuring a unified approach to protecting company data and infrastructure.
✔ Faster issue resolution—eliminating vendor disputes and streamlining troubleshooting processes.
✔ Scalability—allowing businesses to adapt IT services as they grow, without unnecessary complexity.
The Future of IT Management
As businesses continue to evolve, so should their approach to IT management. The traditional model of piecing together IT services from multiple vendors is quickly becoming outdated. By consolidating IT services, businesses can improve efficiency, reduce risk, and streamline costs—giving them more time to focus on growth rather than troubleshooting tech problems.
For business owners looking to simplify their IT infrastructure while enhancing security and efficiency, evaluating the benefits of integrated IT solutions could be the first step toward a more sustainable and scalable future.
Call us at (936) 237-3030 Lufkin/Conroe | (979) 703-8715 Bryan/College Station
In today’s fast-paced world, leadership is often equated with power, influence, and achievement. But faith-driven leadership calls us to a different standard—one that prioritizes servanthood, integrity, and purpose over personal gain.
As I discuss in Entrepreneurship God’s Way, true leadership isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about trusting God, aligning with His plan, and leading with purpose.
Faith as the Cornerstone of Leadership
The best leaders in history—biblical and otherwise—shared one thing in common: they led with faith, not fear. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us:
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
A leader who surrenders to God’s direction is one who builds something lasting, impactful, and fulfilling—not just in business, but in every area of life. When faith is the foundation, leadership becomes a calling, not just a position.
How Faith Strengthens Leadership
Faith isn’t just a personal belief—it’s an active force that shapes our approach to leading others. Here’s how faith-driven leadership creates lasting impact:
1️. Faith Brings Clarity – Leadership requires making tough decisions. Instead of relying solely on logic or emotions, faith allows leaders to seek divine wisdom and move forward with confidence.
2️. Faith Builds Resilience – Challenges are inevitable, but faith reminds us that God is in control. When setbacks come, we don’t have to panic—we can trust that God is working all things for good (Romans 8:28).
Faith Inspires Others– A leader grounded in faith sets an example. Employees, colleagues, and peers notice when a leader stands firm in values, treats people with kindness, and operates with unwavering integrity.
Faith Redefines Success– The world measures success by numbers; faith measures it by impact, purpose, and alignment with God’s will. True leadership isn’t just about winning—it’s about serving.
Practical Ways to Lead with Faith
Start with Prayer – Before big decisions, meetings, or challenges, invite God into your leadership. Ask for wisdom, clarity, and discernment.
Seek Biblical Guidance – The Bible is filled with leadership wisdom—from Moses’ patience to Nehemiah’s vision. Study scripture to develop leadership rooted in faith.
Be a Servant Leader – Leadership isn’t about being first—it’s about lifting others up. Jesus modeled servant leadership by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). How can you serve your team today?
Trust God with the Outcome – Sometimes, leadership means taking risks. Faith-driven leaders don’t rely solely on their own strength but trust God to open and close doors in His timing.
Faithful Leadership Leaves a Legacy
The best leaders don’t just build companies—they build people. Leadership rooted in faith inspires, uplifts, and transforms those around us. Whether you lead a business, a team, or a family, remember:
Your influence is your legacy. Lead with faith, and you will leave a lasting impact.
How has your faith shaped your leadership? I’d love to hear your thoughts—drop a comment on our social media post!
About Lee Allen Miller
Lee Miller is a faith-driven entrepreneur, speaker, and author of Entrepreneurship God’s Way: Building Faith-Driven Success in Business. His mission is to help leaders merge faith and business for greater impact.
For weekly leadership insights, follow Lee on social media and subscribe to his blog. Let’s lead with faith, serve with purpose, and impact lives together!
The pace of session continues to pick up and important deadlines are around the corner. Committee hearings, voting, and debating on the Senate Floor take up most of my days. Only a little over 80 days left!
Here are five things happening around your state:
Bill filing deadline approaching
Friday, March 14 is the sixtieth day of session and marks the bill filing deadline for the 89th Legislative Session. After Friday, only local bills and emergency item bills are allowed to be filed. At this time, over 2,500 bills and joint resolutions have been filed in the Senate and almost 5,000 have been filed in the House. By the end of the day Friday, there may be even more bills filed. From this point forward, the pace of session accelerates and the days get longer. As always, if there are bills of interest, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.
Senate Committee on Transportation holds first hearing
This week, the Senate Committee on Transportation, which I chair, held our first hearing. We heard testimony on 9 bills and 1 concurrent resolution from several different members. I authored Senate Bill 1555 which was heard in committee. SB 1555 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 25, by Senator Alvarado, stem from a tragic incident in Houston last December. Sergio Ivan Rodriguez was on his way to school and tragically lost his life while crossing a set of train tracks near Milby High School. Senate Bill 1555 would create a grant program through the Texas Department of Transportation to award grants for railroad grade separation projects. The grants would go to political subdivisions for rail-roadway projects, which could include a pedestrian bridge. Relatedly, SCR 25 is a resolution urging the City of Houston to construct a pedestrian bridge over the rail crossing near Milby High School to ensure students can get to school safely. Further, the Legislature would ask the City name the bridge in honor of Sergio Rodriguez.
Senate Bill 16 filed
Senator Bryan Hughes filed Senate Bill 16 this week to further secure our elections by ensuring that only legal citizens vote in Texas elections. The bill would require anyone registering to vote to supply proof of citizenship at that time. That proof could include a passport, birth certificate, citizenship papers, or other identification issued by the United States. If citizenship cannot be verified, the person would be registered to vote only for federal elections, not state elections. It also creates a mechanism for registrars to verify the citizenship of existing registered voters. Protecting our elections from non-citizens who are not eligible to vote is the next step in ensuring our elections are free, fair, and secure.
Bills expanding FCIC authority pass committee
This week, the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice, chaired by Sen. Pete Flores, heard testimony on three bills I filed related to the Financial Crimes Intelligence Center (FCIC). FCIC was created in 2021 by the Legislature initially to combat card skimming devices at motor fuel terminals, especially at gas stations. Today, the FCIC is the statewide fusion center that coordinates investigations for various types of organized financial crime. One of the bills I authored would expand the Center’s statutory authority to include all kinds of payment fraud. Senate Bill 1499 changes statute to reflect FCIC growing role in combating financial crime.
As evidence of the value FCIC brings the state, this week two people were arrested in the Dallas area for their role in a multi-million dollar credit card fraud scheme. FCIC played a central role in investigating the case in coordination with local police departments, US Customs and Border Protection, and Texas DPS. The operation is estimated to have prevented more than $5.2 million in potential losses to victims. Authorities seized a fully operational card skimmer factory which was designed to affix skimmers to ATMs. They also discovered hundreds of altered credit cards, $16,000 in cash, and other card skimming tools and equipment.
UT System approves new ag and forestry building at SFA
Late last month, the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved an additional $5 million for the construction of a new forestry and agriculture building at Stephen F. Austin State University. The additional funding will support an Agricultural Engineering and Technology Building. The project will be funded in part by the Permanent University Fund, a fund exclusively benefiting UT System and A&M System schools. SFA joined the UT System officially in 2023 after extensive community input.
The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, recently completed their annual event, Project Sticker Shock. The Project Sticker Shock campaign is aimed at preventing underage drinking by reminding adults not to provide alcohol for minors. The 58 Drug-Free All Stars stickered 30 grocery and convenience stores throughout Angelina County to help prevent underage alcohol use. The Coalition, Inc. and the Drug-Free All Stars would like to thank Brookshire Brothers, La Michoacana Meat Market, Hernandez Grocery, Big’s convenience stores, Walgreens on Frank Ave., and Coleman’s convenience store for participating in this year’s Project Sticker Shock.
Drug-Free All Stars attend Project Sticker Shock Kick Off Press Conference. First row from left to right are Jazlyn Gurrola, Diboll HS All Star; Sidnee Thompson, Lufkin HS All Stars; Caelyn Ford, Lufkin HS All Star; Lila Knapp, Lufkin HS All Star; Kate Amend, Lufkin HS All Star; Miley McHaney, Lufkin HS All Star; Alexis Pelletier, Lufkin HS All Star; and Reagan McDonald, Lufkin HS All Star. Back row from left to right are Brody Finley, Diboll HS All Star; and Brayden Wilson, Diboll HS All Star.
Madison Watson, Hudson HS Drug-Free All Star, stickers at a local alcohol retailer.
The Coalition hopes Project Sticker Shock makes the community aware of the dangers of providing alcohol to minors; not only is it against the law, but it can have deadly consequences. Lufkin High School Drug-Free All Star, Reagan McDonald, commented, “Project Sticker Shock allows us to actively prevent underage drinking in our community. By going to places like Brookeshire Brothers, we were able to locally advocate against providing alcohol to minors in our community.” Research shows that teens who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop substance dependence later in life than those who wait to drink until age 21 or older.
Sergio Jimenez, Central HS Drug-Free All Star, and Hannah Jones, Diboll HS Drug-Free All Star, sticker at the Pollok Brookshire Brothers.
Diboll Drug-Free All Stars Isis Luna and Hailey Lovelady place stickers on a package at the Diboll Brookshire Brothers.
Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. The Drug-Free All Stars are a group of high school seniors that serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. For more information about the Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.
Hayden Strickland, Kason Oliver, and Landon Segrest are students at Huntington High School and are enrolled in the Ag Structures, Design, and Fabrication Class. In just over a week, they’ll exhibit a custom-made hanging day bed at the Angelina County Fair.
Hayden and Kason have been in the agricultural program for two years now as sophomores, while Landon is a Junior and is in his third year in the program.
When asked why they decided to build this particular project, Hayden answered, “We didn’t want just a regular yard swing, so we decided to go above and beyond and build something that could be remembered. So…we went as big as we could.” They settled on a twin sized bed.
Their entry is part of the Ag Mechanics show and will be entered into the Home and Recreational Use division. Common entries in this division may include Bar B Q pits, picnic tables, greenhouses, birdhouses, or other home recreational type projects. Other divisions in the Ag Mechanics contest include Ag Machinery & Equipment, Livestock & Poultry Equipment, Tractor Restoration, and Trailers.
Kason said, “The hardest part of the build was doing the design on the armrest. We had to figure out how to design that.” Hayden added, “Getting all the angles and measurements right was hard. And it also just has to look good.”
While the originally started working on it in October, they have had plenty of other classwork that kept them busy. “It is only recently that we have really been able to work on it a lot.”
For the final competition, it will have a mattress and custom cover. Hayden said, “We took some memory foam and cut it to size. Then I got my grandma to sew a cover for it.” Hayden’s grandma is Cindy Counts.
Kason explained, “It is made from all kinds of lumber – 1×6, 4×4, and 2×4’s and is suspended by a three-quarter inch rope at each corner. We stained the wood ‘Sunlit Walnut’.” Hayden added, “Everyone was surprised when I told them ‘rope’. But the rope is rated for 4,800 lbs., so with each corner being fully supported, it will handle quite a load!” He also added that there are a couple of metal plates in places to give it added strength.
Hayden Strickland, left, and Kason Oliver apply stain and finishing touches to the twin-sized hanging day-bed that they are entering in the Angelina County Fair. (Not pictured is the third team-member, Landon Segrest). These students attend Huntington High School and will be competing in the Home and Recreation Division of the Ag Mechanics Show at the Expo Center in Lufkin on Wednesday, March 26.
“It is designed to be outside, but whoever buys it can hang it where ever they want,” said Kason. Entries are Home and Recreation division are not eligible to make it into the auction on Saturday evening, March 29, but the builders are quite emphatic that it is for sale.
There are three ag science instructors at Huntington High, Blake Whitworth, Kristen Powers, and Robert Williams. The supervising teacher for this project is Mr. Williams. When asked what he hopes these and other students gain from these projects, Williams had a good bit to say. “Of course they get to learn about measuring and using different tools that the project requires,” he said, “They also learn problem solving skills, teamwork and working as a group. They share duties and responsibilities and learn to do all this on a deadline.”
Williams continued, “As we get really close to the Fair, they have to put together their record keeping forms, which includes their budget and cost effectiveness of the project. Huntington FFA will be entering 12 projects in the Ag Mechanics show this year.”
All divisions of the Ag Mechanics show will move their work in on Tuesday, March 23 from 5 to 7 pm. Judging of their work begins the next day on Wednesday at 8 am. The judges will be looking at and scoring them on aesthetics, authenticity, an interview with the judges, and documentation on costs, photos of the build, and a mechanical report.
The Ag Mechanics show is sponsored by Jarvis Farm Equipment. Top winners in each division receive prizes sponsored by the following: Georgia Pacific, Angelina West Fraser, Roy O’Martin, Waukesha-Pearce Industries, Doggett Machinery, and Standbridge Color.
The entire County Fair is from Monday, March 24 thru Saturday, March 29 concluding with the sale on Saturday. The auction will be Saturday evening in the main arena starting at 4 pm. For more information about the Angelina County Fair, go to angelinacountyfair.com.
One hundred eighty-nine years ago, on March 15, 1836, the founding fathers of Texas convened at Washington-on-the-Brazos. In the face of tyranny and an advancing army from Mexico City, these brave men gathered to discuss and debate the foundations for a new, representative republic. As we reflect on the courage of these men, many of whom fought and died for Texas’s independence, I am reminded of the responsibility I am bestowed with as your state representative. As long as I have the honor to serve the people of Deep East Texas, I will work every day to preserve the freedom and prosperity our founding fathers had in mind when they met so many years ago.
Additionally, this week and last, schools across Texas are enjoying Spring Break. As thousands of students and families look forward to a brief reprieve from the demands of school. If you and your loved ones are hitting the road for a little rest and relaxation, I want to encourage everyone to plan their trips accordingly and please use resources like drivetexas.org to check highway conditions as you embark on all Spring Break adventures. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
There has been a flurry of activity at the Capitol this week. Bills from House members continue to be referred to their respective committees, committees are holding meetings at a regular pace, and priority bills for the House are starting to materialize.
Two of those priority bills are House Bill 16 and House Joint Resolution 7. HB 16 adds different water supply proposals to projects allowed to access the Texas Water Fund, which was established during the 2023 Session. This bill also allows the Texas Water Development Board to purchase and hold out-of-state water rights to meet future water demands in Texas.
HJR 7 proposes a constitutional amendment that will permanently dedicate a revenue stream to the Texas Water Fund. HJR 7 will dedicate $1 billion per biennium from existing state and sales tax revenue for water infrastructure and water supply projects. Providing the necessary funding to meet the demands of a growing state is a priority this session, and I look forward to considering both of these bills in the coming weeks.
As the legislative process progresses, the workload for members increases. Just this week, myself and my colleagues on the House Public Education Committee conducted a committee hearing on House Bill 3, which would establish education savings accounts for school choice. The Committee received over 12,500 public comment submissions and heard from hundreds of witnesses during the committee hearing, which adjourned after almost 23 hours. My office has heard from hundreds of constituents on both sides of this issue who are passionate about their position.
It’s important to know that the bill is in the early stages, and the process of modifying the bill from its current version is just beginning. I’m confident that this bill will undergo quite a few changes over the coming weeks, and I look forward to working with Chairman Buckley and my colleagues on the committee to make improvements based on the thoughtful testimony we received in our recent hearing.
As I mentioned earlier, bills continue to be referred in the House. This week, a number of my bills were referred, including House Bill 1507. HB 1507 provides volunteer firefighters with a tuition exemption for fire science courses at our colleges and universities. This legislation will provide volunteer fire departments, especially those in rural communities that are experiencing a shortfall in manpower, a substantial tool for the recruitment and retention of firefighters to respond to local emergencies.
The mobile office is still on the road this month and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on March 19 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 am or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 pm.
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/.
