Exciting News!
Lee Allen Miller will be speaking at #NRB2025! Join him for an insightful workshop:
Workshop:
How to Unite Social, Streaming, Broadcast, and Cable to Build a Powerhouse Outreach
Date/Time Information:
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Location:
Longhorn Exhibit Hall Workshop Stage
I’ll be moderating a discussion with industry leaders:
Phil Cooke – The power of storytelling across platforms
Nils Smith – AI, Web3 & the future of digital outreach
Michael Clarke – Integrating traditional broadcast with modern strategies
Don’t miss this chance to unlock new media strategies for your ministry or nonprofit!
NRB 2025 Workshop (Angelina County)
Black History Month (Houston County)
Join Commissioner Lesley Briones and #HCPrecinct4 as we honor Black history, culture, and contributions at our Black History Month Celebration! The event will include a panel discussion, history exhibits, and live music.
Date/Time Information:
Thursday, February 27 (11 a.m.)
Location:
Higher Dimension Church
RSVP REQUIRED AT: https://bit.ly/bhc-social
Prevent the Spread of Oak Wilt in Texas
Oak wilt is one of the deadliest tree diseases in the United States, killing millions of trees across 76 Texas counties. Texans can help prevent it from spreading by avoiding pruning or wounding oak trees from February through June.
“Prevention is key to stopping the spread of oak wilt,” said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Forest Health Coordinator. “Any new wound on an oak tree can be an entry point for infection including those produced by pruning, construction activities, livestock, land or cedar clearing, lawnmower, string trimmers and storms.”
Small insects, called sap beetles, move spores of oak wilt fungus to new trees and are very active in late winter and early spring. Because of this, pruning or wounding trees should be avoided from February through June and no matter the time of year, all oak tree wounds should be painted immediately.
Oak wilt is caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum. The fungus invades the xylem, the water-conducting vessels of the trees, and the tree responds by plugging the tissues, resulting in a lack of water to the leaves, slowly killing the infected tree.
All oaks are susceptible to oak wilt. Red oaks are the most susceptible and can die in as little as one month after being infected. Live oaks show intermediate susceptibility, whereas white oaks are the least susceptible, but they are not immune to infection.
Oak wilt can spread two ways – above ground by sap-feeding beetles or underground through connected roots.
The disease spreads above ground by sap beetles more rapidly in late winter and spring because of high fungal mat production and high insect populations. During this time, red oaks that died of the disease last year may produce spore mats under the bark. With a fruity smell, these mats attract small, sap-feeding beetles that can later fly to a fresh wound of any oak tree and infect it, starting a new oak wilt center.
The second way oak wilt can spread is underground by traveling through interconnected root systems from tree to tree. Oak wilt spreads an average of 75 feet per year by the root system. This occurs primarily in live oaks and is responsible for the majority of spread and tree deaths in Central Texas.
Oak wilt is often recognized in live oaks by yellow and brown veins showing in leaves of infected trees, known as veinal necrosis. This time of year, it may be difficult to diagnose oak wilt due to seasonal transitioning of oak leaves in the spring – when evergreen oak trees shed their old leaves while simultaneously growing new leaves. The signs of oak wilt can be seen on a majority of leaves when a tree is fully infected. Landowners should contact a certified arborist if they are unsure if their tree is infected.
“For red oaks particularly, one of the first symptoms of oak wilt is leaves turning red or brown,” said Gomez. “While red oaks play a key role in the establishment of new disease centers all oaks can move oak wilt through root grafts, particularly live oaks.”
To stop the spread of oak wilt through the root system, trenches can be placed around a group of trees, at least 100 feet away from the dripline of infected trees and at least four feet deep, or deeper, to sever all root connections. Another common management method for oak wilt is through fungicide injection. The injections only protect individual trees that have been injected. The best candidates for this treatment are healthy, non-symptomatic oaks adjacent to and up to 75 to 100 feet away from symptomatic trees.
Other ways to help prevent oak wilt include planting other tree species to create diversity in the area; avoiding moving firewood; and talking with neighbors about creating a community prevention plan for oak wilt. Infected red oaks that died should be cut down and burned, buried or chipped soon after discovery to prevent fungal mats that may form.
Not only is saving oak trees important for our ecosystem and health, but also for property values and community aesthetics. Loss of trees due to oak wilt can reduce property values by 15 to 20 percent.
Some cities and municipalities, including Austin, the City of Lakeway, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Round Rock, have oak wilt programs in place with municipal foresters dedicated to managing the disease. Texans can also contact their local Texas A&M Forest Service representative with any questions about this devastating disease.
For more information on oak wilt identification and management, visit https://texasoakwilt.org/ or the Texas A&M Forest Service website at https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/.
Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update
Hey, sports fans,
We’re officially in full Spring Swing, with four of our teams currently in action. This week saw the No. 18 Roadrunner men’s basketball and the Lady Roadrunners’ basketball teams split their games in conference play; the Roadrunner baseball team with a home-and-home series against Wharton County Community College; and the Lady Roadrunner softball team (finally) getting a chance to open its regular season at this past weekend’s Mardi Gras Invitational in Youngsville, Louisiana.
Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
No. 18 Roadrunners Fall at No. 8 Panola, Bounce Back to Beat Paris
The No. 18 Roadrunners found themselves in an outright dogfight Wednesday night in Carthage, with the Ponies eventually pulling away late for a 50-42 win over the ‘Runners. The two teams waged a defensive battle all game long, but AC tied the score with just two minutes to play before Panola held off the ‘Runners’ charge. Chris Carpenter led AC with 13 points in the loss.
On Saturday, the Roadrunners took down Paris Junior College by a 56-51 final. Kyle Morgan hit for 14 points, while Carpenter and Jordan Mathews added 10 points each.
The win pushes AC’s record to 17-3, 10-2 for the season. The ‘Runners travel to Baytown on Wednesday to face Lee College at 7 p.m. before returning home on Saturday to host the No. 2 Trinity Valley Community College Cardinals. Game time at Shands Gymnasium is 4 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Beats Panola, Falls to No. 13 Trinity Valley
AC’s ladies opened the week with a big road, beating the Panola College Fillies 52-37 in Carthage. India McMahon led AC with 18 points, and Lanaijha Johnson added yet another double-double to her resume with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
On Saturday, the Lady Roadrunners slugged it out with No. 13 Trinity Valley Community College, with the Lady Cardinals eventually holding off AC’s best effort to win 71-59 at Shands Gymnasium.
McMahon fought her way to a 17-point game, Johnson finished with 14 points and eight rebounds and Alannah Nerocker chipped in with 12 points. Shanice Ferguson added 10 rebounds for the Lady Roadrunners, now 10-10, 3-4 on the season.
The Lady ‘Runners are off this week, with a scheduled bye on Wednesday. Saturday’s scheduled game against the Dallas Angels has been canceled.
AC Baseball Tangles with Wharton College in Three-Game Stand
After opening the season last weekend with two straight walk-off wins in a doubleheader against Galveston, the Roadrunners took on Wharton College in a three-game stand that opened with a doubleheader on Friday in Wharton and wrapped up with AC’s home game on Sunday.
On Friday, the Pioneers managed a walk-off win, scoring in the bottom of the seventh for a 1-0 win over the ‘Runners. AC’s Ethan Jezierski tossed five innings of scoreless ball, striking out four batters.
AC would bounce back in the nightcap, pounding the Pioneers for a 12-1 win. Stefano Ramos rocked a solo homer, Michael Herndon drove in four runs and Ryan Beaty finished with two RBI as the Roadrunners hammered out 16 hits over seven innings.
Starting pitcher David Wilson allowed just one earned run while striking out four in 3.2 innings. Relievers Sam Nitzke, Luke Harrington and Bradley Burkhardt teamed up to keep the Pioneers scoreless the rest of the way.
On Sunday at home against those same Pioneers, the Roadrunners found themselves trailing 9-3 heading into the bottom of the ninth inning. Then AC’s Mark Henderson launched a three-run homer over the left-field wall, and Landon Bailey’s infield single scored Michael Herndon to cut the deficit to just two runs at 9-7. However, with the tying runs on base, the ‘Runners just couldn’t manage the final big hit, with Wharton squeezing out the 9-7 win.
Diesel Gonzalez and Ryan Lewis also homered in the game.
The Roadrunners (3-2) play in Alvin on Wednesday, with a doubleheader against the Dolphins scheduled to start at 1 p.m. AC then hosts Temple College in a twin bill scheduled to start at 1 p.m. Saturday at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Splits Four Games at Mardi Gras Invitational
Finally, the Lady Roadrunner softball team got the opportunity to play some official games. After Wednesday’s schedule home opener against Cisco College was a washout, AC’s ladies hit the road to Youngsville, Louisiana for the two-day Mardi Gras Classic.
Friday’s doubleheader opened with a 16-5 loss to No. 4 Northwest Florida State Community College. Katherine Page drove in a pair of runs, while teammates Trinnity Blatz, and Emily Zunker added an RBI each.
The Lady Roadrunners rebounded in the nightcap, beating Hinds College 7-1 behind a strong overall performance from Jessi Sumpter. The freshman from Neches went 4-for-4 at the plate, homering and driving in a total of three runs. Sumpter also earned the pitching win, tossing a complete game while striking out five and allowing just one earned run. Izzy Allen, Elizabeth Craig and Blatz added an RBI each.
Saturday’s action opened with the Lady ‘Runners’ 13-11 win over Bishop State CC. Allen homered and drove in four runs, and Emily Zunker added another three RBI. Page, Sumpter, Blatz, Craig and Taylor Milliken each drove in a run. Madison Johnson, Megan Luce and Sumpter teamed up in the pitching circle for the win.
AC closed out the Invitational against Meridian CC, with the Lady Roadrunners falling in a 7-3 final. Allen and Sumpter each drove in a run in the loss.
The Lady Roadrunners (2-2) will host their home opener on Wednesday, Feb. 5 against Tyler Junior College. The doubleheader at Lady Roadrunner Field is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.
On Friday, AC Softball will open the Angelina Invite featuring four teams playing eight games over two days. See the schedule below for games and times.
Soccer Teams Hosting ID Camps in March
Both Angelina College soccer teams will be hosting ID camps in March as the programs continue to identify new talent.
The Roadrunner men will host their ID Camp from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 1 at the AC Soccer Complex on the AC campus. The camp is for prospective players in 9th through 12th grades. The cost for the camp is $60 if players register by Feb. 21. After Feb. 21, the cost will be $75.
The Lady Roadrunners’ ID camp takes place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 at the AC Soccer Complex on the AC campus. The camp is for prospective players in 9th through 12th grades. Cost for the camp is $30 if players register by Feb. 21. After Feb. 21, the cost will be $50.
Here’s the link for registration and other information for both Soccer ID camps:
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/mens-soccer-camp-collection-3998183
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:
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025:
Lady Roadrunner Softball vs. Tyler Junior College (AC home opener), DH starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field on the AC campus.
Roadrunner Baseball at Alvin College, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Alvin, TX.
No. 19 Roadrunner Basketball at Lee College, 7 p.m. in Baytown, TX.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball: BYE
Friday, Feb. 7:
Lady Roadrunner Softball Hosting Angelina Invite at Lady Roadrunner Field:
Kilgore College vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 10:30 a.m.
Kilgore College vs. Angelina College, 1 p.m.
Paris College vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 3:30 p.m.
Paris College vs. Angelina College, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025:
No. 19 Roadrunner Basketball vs. No. 2 Trinity Valley CC, 4 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.
Roadrunner Baseball at Temple College, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Temple, TX
Lady Roadrunner Softball Hosting Angelina Invite at Lady Roadrunner Field:
Paris College vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 10:30 a.m.
Paris College vs. Angelina College, 1 p.m.
Kilgore College vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 3:30 p.m.
Kilgore College vs. Angelina College, 6 p.m.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
We’ll see you at the games.
Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614
Planning the Perfect Date for Valentines Day with Your Special Someone
Can you believe it’s already February? Time sure does fly by in a flash. With Valentine’s Day only a little over a week away, now is the time to start planning. While life can get busy and special days like this can slip your mind, it’s important to take the time and spend this day with the person you love.
The towering pine trees and charming small towns of East Texas create the perfect backdrop for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Whether you’re celebrating decades together or planning a first date, our region offers countless ways to make February 14th truly special. Here’s your guide to creating magical moments in the Piney Woods.
Dinner Under the Stars
For an unforgettable dining experience, consider Auntie Pasta’s in downtown Nacogdoches. This local favorite offers intimate table settings in a historic brick building, serving up handmade Italian cuisine that rivals any big-city restaurant. Make your reservation early – their Valentine’s special includes house-made tiramisu for two.
In Lufkin, The Angelic Bean offers a uniquely cozy dining experience with their special Valentine’s evening service. While known for their coffee and pastries by day, they transform their charming space for an intimate dinner service featuring local ingredients and live acoustic music.
Natural Beauty
Before dinner, take advantage of our region’s natural beauty with a peaceful afternoon at Martin Dies Jr. State Park in Jasper County. The park’s walking trails offer stunning views of B.A. Steinhagen Lake, and you can rent a canoe to paddle through the cypress-lined waterways. Pack a light picnic and find one of the quiet spots overlooking the water – it’s perfect for sharing quiet moments together.
The Angelina National Forest also provides a beautiful setting for afternoon adventure. The trail around Boykin Springs offers an easy walk through towering pines, past a historic CCC-era spring-fed pool, and alongside a gentle stream – ideal for couples seeking tranquility before their evening plans.
Creative Date Adventures
For couples looking to try something different, the Historic Antique District in downtown Center offers a delightful afternoon of treasure hunting together. Stroll hand in hand through shops like Heritage House Antiques and The Carousel, where you might find vintage valentines or the perfect meaningful keepsake to commemorate your day together.
In San Augustine, Mission Dolores State Historic Site offers fascinating guided tours perfect for history-loving couples. The site’s peaceful grounds and rich history provide an engaging afternoon of exploration and learning together.
Sweet Endings
Cap off your evening at the beloved Confection Connection in Lufkin, where local chocolatier Sarah Martinez creates handmade truffles and pralines that rival any big-city chocolate shop. Their Valentine’s boxes can be pre-ordered with custom messages and locally inspired flavors like pine nut praline and Texas honey lavender.
For a more casual dessert date, visit Sweet Shop in Livingston, where they’re offering special Valentine’s treats including their famous hand-dipped strawberries and homemade fudge. Their cozy seating area provides a charming spot to enjoy your desserts together.
Making Memories
Remember, the most important ingredient for Valentine’s Day isn’t where you go, but who you’re with. These local treasures provide the setting – the magic comes from sharing these moments with someone special. Make your reservations early, as our local favorites tend to fill up quickly for this holiday.
Don’t forget to check each venue’s social media pages for special Valentine’s promotions and updated hours. Many locations are offering special packages and prix fixe menus exclusively for February 14th, making this the perfect opportunity to explore the heartfelt side of our beautiful Deep East Texas region.
Take Control of Your Energy Costs with Smart Meters
When it comes to managing energy bills in Texas, understanding your usage is key—and smart meters are here to help. These high-tech devices, already installed in many homes and businesses across the Texas Forest Country, provide real-time insights into how and when you use electricity. For residents in the ERCOT market, where prices often fluctuate based on demand, smart meters are an essential tool for reducing costs and improving efficiency.
Even better, tools like Smart Meter Texas allow you to access your usage data in 15-minute intervals, giving you the power to make informed decisions about your energy consumption.
What is a Smart Meter?
A smart meter is a digital device installed by your utility company that tracks your electricity usage and sends the data to your provider automatically. Unlike traditional meters, smart meters eliminate the need for manual readings and offer detailed reports that you can access online.
With a Smart Meter Texas account, available at SmartMeterTexas.com, you can view your electricity usage in near real-time, giving you greater control over your energy habits.
How Smart Meters Help Reduce Costs
- Monitor Usage in Real-Time
Smart meters let you see exactly when your energy usage spikes, whether it’s during peak demand periods or when appliances are running more than they should. With Smart Meter Texas, you can track your usage in 15-minute increments and adjust accordingly.
Example: Run appliances like dishwashers or washing machines during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower rates.
- Spot Inefficiencies
Smart meters can reveal areas where your home or business is wasting energy, such as older appliances or systems running unnecessarily. For instance, if your usage stays high during hours when your business is closed, you might need to look at equipment schedules or phantom loads.
Pro Tip: Tools like Smart Meter Texas allow you to set alerts for high usage, so you can catch inefficiencies before they cost you more.
- Track the Impact of Energy-Saving Upgrades
Have you recently upgraded your insulation, switched to LED lighting, or installed a programmable thermostat? Smart meters let you track the impact of these changes on your energy bill, helping you see the payoff of your investments.
The ERCOT Connection
In Texas’s deregulated ERCOT market, energy prices fluctuate with demand—especially during hot summers or sudden cold snaps. Smart meters help you stay one step ahead by giving you real-time insights into your energy usage, allowing you to shift consumption and avoid paying peak prices.
How to Get Started
Residents with smart meters can create a free account at SmartMeterTexas.com to:
- View electricity usage in 15-minute intervals.
- Identify high-usage periods.
- Make data-driven decisions to lower your bills.
Why This Matters for Texas Forest Country Residents
In our region, where weather extremes are common, understanding your energy usage can make a big difference in managing costs. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to save on summer cooling bills or a business owner striving for efficiency, smart meters provide the insights you need to take control.
Take the Next Step
Managing energy costs doesn’t have to be complicated. By combining the power of a Smart Meter Texas account with the right electricity plan, you can reduce your energy bills and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Looking for personalized advice? Local experts like Amerigy Energy specialize in helping Texas Forest Country residents find plans that fit their needs and budgets. Contact them today to learn more about how you can maximize the benefits of your smart meter and find the perfect plan for your home or business.
This article is part of our ongoing series to educate and empower the Texas Forest Country community on energy, sustainability, and smart living.
Chamber Day (Angelina County)
The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce is once again partnering with the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce for Chamber Day 2025 as Deep East Texas residents head to Austin, February 11-13, 2025.
Join us Wednesday afternoon for a group photo and the opportunity to meet with agencies and legislators. More details on the full schedule will be available soon at LufkinTexas.org/ChamberDayinAustin.
To RSVP for the Legislative Reception, presented by Commercial Bank of Texas, at the Texas Bankers Association on Wednesday, February 12, visit LufkinTexas.org/ChamberDayinAustin. The RSVP deadline is February 10.
My Five Cents… A Weekly Column from Sen. Robert Nichols
An unspeakable tragedy unfolded in our nation’s capital this week after a mid-air collision between an Army Blackhawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 in what may be one of the worst air disasters in decades. Our hearts and prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, our fearless first responders, and all those affected by this tragedy.
Here are five things happening around your state:
- Senate Finance hearings begin
This week the Senate Finance Committee, led by Senator Joan Huffman, began our hearings on the state budget. The budget has 11 articles that cover different agencies within the state government. The head of each agency comes before the committee and testifies on their budget requests for the next biennium. It is important to hear from the agency leadership to ask for status updates on current and past work and hear about goals for the future of the agency. Our funding choices reflect our priorities as a state. As such, I take these proceedings very seriously, especially since we must be responsible stewards of tax-payer funds. This week we heard from agencies related to the judiciary, public safety, and general government. Next week, we will hear from health-related and education-related entities.
- Abbott surges state resources to border to help federal enforcement
Governor Greg Abbott issued five border-related Executive Orders this week directing state agencies to coordinate and support the federal government with border and homeland security operations. They include directing state agencies to assist federal immigration officers to investigate, arrest, detain, and deport illegal immigrants in the state, directing the Texas Military Department to assist the US Northern Command; deploying additional border barriers; sharing information and intelligence on foreign terrorist organizations with federal law enforcement; and providing Texas land and facilities available for federal partners to lease and use for these efforts. Securing our southern border is vital to the safety of all Texans. The Governor also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to deploy tactical strike teams to help with immigration enforcement.
- Laken Riley Act signed into law
President Trump signed his first bill into law this week. The Laken Riley Act directs immigration enforcement officials to detain and deport people in the US illegally who have committed a crime, including theft, assault, and murder. It passed both chambers with bipartisan support before heading to the president’s desk. The bill was named in memory of a Georgia nursing student who last year went for a run and was murdered by a Venezuelan immigrant in the US illegally. The man had previously been charged with shoplifting in New York. Proponents of the bill argue that had this law been in place, it would have triggered his deportation earlier and prevented the tragedy. This bill is an important step forward in strengthen our border, improving our immigration system, and ensuring that we’re doing everything possible to keep our citizens safe.
- Entergy starts $137 million project to strengthen grid
The Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) gave Entergy permission to move forward with a $137 million grid resiliency project. The project will be implemented over the next three years and includes rebuilding neighborhood-level power lines to storm-resilient standards, replacing long-distance transmission line and poles that are more resilient, and burying overhead power lines in some areas. These projects stem from work done last session. House Bill 2555 from the 88th Regular Session allows transmission and distribution utilities – those in charge of the poles and wires – to file forward-looking resiliency plans to help mitigate the impact of severe weather.
- TPWD awards $30.9 million in local park grants
This week the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) announced $30.9 million in local park grants. This award amount surpasses previous records and will help create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. The grants are awarded to local government entities as part of a 50/50 match. Once funded, the sites must remain parkland forever, be properly maintained, and open to the public. For more information about the program and how to apply, visit https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/grants/recreation-grants/about-local-parks-grants. In Senate District 3, two awards were made:
- The City of Center received a $250,000 grant for American Legion Park and will support a lighted plaza, pickleball courts, yard games, trails, native landscaping, shade installation, site amenities, and program and interpretive signage.
- The City of Pineland in Sabine County received a $50,000 grant for sustainable and accessible improvements at Pineland Park and playground equipment, surfacing, lighting, and interpretive signage.
Capitol Update: Legislative Session, Committee Assignments, and Community Engagement
This past week, it was a pleasure to welcome a number of constituents from House District 9 in your Texas State Capitol. Among those who made the long drive from Deep East Texas were elected officials from Tyler County and several residents from Angelina and Polk County. It always brings such joy to my heart to see folks from back home and these visits constantly remind me of why I am here in Austin.
I want to extend a warm welcome to each of you to come visit your Texas Capitol during the current legislative session. Never forget our beautiful Capitol belongs to each of you, and if my office can help facilitate a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact either our Capitol or district office.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
With the 89th Legislative Session underway, House members are eagerly awaiting the Speaker’s committee assignments for each member. Members generally serve on two to three committees of varying jurisdictions, often based on their expertise or relevance to their district. To ensure a well-balanced approach to public policy, Speakers have historically worked to include members from diverse backgrounds, encompassing all regions of the state. In the near future, I look forward to sharing my newly appointed committee assignments with the residents of House District 9.
Members of the Legislature are also waiting for the Governor’s top policy priorities, which he will deliver in his upcoming State of the State Address. The Governor’s “emergency items” allow the Legislature to begin conducting public hearings immediately and consider bills on these specific topics. This process, outlined in the Texas Constitution, enables members of the Legislature to focus solely on those most pressing issues at the start of a session. During the first sixty days of a legislative session, members may only act on the Governor’s emergency items.
These past couple weeks, as members continue to stand by for orders, our days have consisted of meetings with constituents, holding stakeholder meetings, and filing legislation. Once legislation begins to make its way through the committee process, I want to encourage all to reach out to my Capitol or district office to let us know your thoughts. It’s important to highlight that I serve as your voice in Austin, and input from folks back home is critical to being an effective representative.
The mobile office is on the road again and looks forward to seeing you on the following dates in the following locations: February 5 at the San Augustine County Courthouse from 9:30-11:30am; February 12 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30am, or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; February 15 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30pm.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and our Capitol office at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/
Ladies Night Women in Business (Jasper County)
Join us for a Fun Ladies Night! Grab your Gal-Pals and Mix, Mingle, and Enjoy our Inspirational Women Guest Speakers, Hilarious Comedian-Funny Amanda, Music Bingo, Door Prizes, Food, and much more! All possible with our event Sponsors; Texas Materials, JEDCO, Sam Rayburn Resorts, Journey Realty, Southern Grace Boutique, and Down Home ROOTS Herbal.
Keynote Speakers: Cindy Perez, Brenda Job, LaShanna Johnson, Soloria Davis, Tressy Morgan, and Angela Carter
Date/Time Information:
March 11, 2025, from 5:30 pm to 8 pm
Location:
Rayburn Country Resort
Fee:
$25 (Includes Dinner and Show)
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!! Reserve your tickets today!!
Contact Information:
409-384-2762
jaspercc@jaspercoc.org