City of Lufkin to Celebrate Grand Opening of New Pickleball Courts at Chambers Park
LUFKIN, TEXAS – July 25, 2025 – The City of Lufkin and the Parks and Recreation Department will host the grand opening of the new pickleball courts at Chambers Park on Wednesday, July 30 at 9:00 a.m. The event will be followed by free open play for all skill levels beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The ceremony will recognize the latest recreational addition to the city’s park system and is part of an ongoing commitment to improve and expand outdoor amenities in Lufkin.
There’s always a seat at the table, and in August, it’s one with statewide impact.
Join us Friday, August 1 at 12 PM for our First Friday Luncheon, presented by Lufkin Coca Cola Bottling Company! We’re honored to welcome Dawn Buckingham, Texas Land Commissioner, who will speak on the role and impact of the Texas General Land Office.
This time of year, when it’s hot and no one is visiting their deer stand or favorite patch of woods, bucks are quietly doing something pretty remarkable — they’re growing antlers. While it doesn’t get the attention of fall rut or hunting season, summer is a critical time for white-tailed deer, especially for wildlife enthusiasts interested in improving the whitetail deer herd’s health or antler size on their property.
Here’s a word to impress your fellow deer enthusiasts: antlerogenesis. It is defined as the process of antler formation and development in deer. It’s not just trivia. Understanding this process helps explain why summer nutrition matters so much.
According to Dr. Marcus Blum, a Texas A&M AgriLife Assistant Professor and Extension Wildlife Specialist, June through August is the peak period for antler growth. In fact, under the right conditions, bucks can grow up to half an inch of antler per day. That’s not a typo. In fact, antler velvet is actually one of the fastest-growing tissues of any mammal.
Antlers in velvet are very much alive. They are full of nerves and blood vessels, delivering the nutrients needed to build bone. That’s where habitat and nutrition come in. Blum explains that bucks depend heavily on high-quality forage during the summer months — particularly plants rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus.
So, what are they eating to grow those head-turning racks? The list includes native forbs, legumes, and woody browse species. Blum points out that deer forage on over 100 different species in a given region, which makes plant diversity a crucial piece of the puzzle. In other words, you don’t need a monoculture of one magical food plot crop — you need a variety of healthy, native plants.
For landowners or hunting-lease holders looking to give their deer the best shot at strong antler development, Blum recommends a few key habitat practices. First, encourage plant diversity by managing forbs and browse with proper grazing and brush control.
Next, consider planting warm-season food plots, especially legumes like cowpeas, lablab, or soybeans. These are high in protein and offer sustained nutrition through the summer.
Mineral supplements are also important, especially in areas where soils or forage are known to be low in calcium or phosphorus. Antler growth puts huge demands on the buck’s mineral balance.
Another important but sometimes overlooked piece of the equation is water. Drought during summer doesn’t just stress plants, it stresses deer too. Less water means less forage, and lower-quality food. But it’s more than that: deer need water to digest and process what they eat. In short, good water means better nutrient use, and better nutrient use means better body condition and antler growth.
If you are on a hunting lease or own your own land and want to see more from your deer, consider this a gentle nudge to think about summer habitat as a management tool. Whether your goal is producing better antlers, improving herd health, or simply stewarding your land well, now is the time to act.
Blum sums it up well: “By aligning summer habitat management with the nutritional needs of bucks during antlerogenesis, landowners and wildlife managers can positively influence antler size and overall herd health — key goals for both trophy and population-focused management programs.”If you’d like more information on deer habitat, forage plants, or pasture management practices, look up Texas A&M AgriLife Whitetail deer management do an internet search for “AgriLIfe popular whitetail deer resources” or go directly to https://wildlife.tamu.edu/publications/popular-publications/deer/.
AgriLife Extension expert shares how to avoid dehydration or heat-related illnesses
Summer’s all about fun, but it can quickly turn dangerous if you’re not staying cool and hydrated all summer long. High heat and humidity can raise your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke — serious health threats that are often overlooked.
Why is staying hydrated and heat safety crucial in the summer
Whether on a beach vacation, by the pool or doing yard work, summer weather can negatively affect your health. Lopez said high humidity, along with elevated temperatures, can cause your body to sweat more as it tries to cool down.
When your body loses more fluids than it takes in, dehydration can occur. Consuming enough water and other fluids is vital for regulating body temperature, maintaining energy levels and supporting overall health.
Warning signs of dehydration and heat-related illness
It’s important to recognize your body’s warning signs early.
Lopez said these can all be signs your body needs more water:
Thirst or dry mouth.
Headache, fatigue or dizziness.
Irritability or difficulty concentrating.
Dark-colored urine or infrequent urination.
Lopez said profuse sweating is an important warning sign to replace fluids to stay hydrated. However, a sudden decrease in sweating can also indicate that you may be reaching heat exhaustion or heat stroke-levels of dehydration.
Simple tips to stay hydrated all summer
Lopez shared these practical tips:
Drink water consistently throughout the day, even when you’re not thirsty.
Use a reusable water bottle during camps, sports or outdoor activities. Keeping water easily accessible encourages more frequent drinking.
Infuse water with fruits or vegetables like strawberries, cucumbers or lemons to add flavor without added sugar.
Pack hydrating snacks, such as watermelon, cucumbers and oranges when heading outdoors. These refreshing foods help support fluid intake.
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing to help stay cool and comfortable.
Use a cooling towel, dip it in ice water and wrap it around your neck to help regulate body temperature.
Replenish fluids with sugar-free electrolyte drinks, especially after sweating heavily.
Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol, as they can increase fluid loss and contribute to dehydration.
Take breaks in the shade or go indoors regularly to cool off and prevent overheating.
Children, older adults and people with certain health conditions may be more sensitive to heat and dehydration.
“Having a general understanding of how to stay hydrated during the hottest time of year will help you beat the heat,” Lopez said.
Market conditions remain largely unchanged from two years ago, with strong demand for sawtimber, coming primarily from pine trees in East Texas.
On the flipside, there is an oversupply of smaller-diameter trees, keeping pulpwood prices soft, Taylor said.
East Texas timberland at the heart of production
Roughly one-fifth of the state, concentrated in 43 East Texas counties, provides about 12 million productive acres of timber out of roughly 22 million acres in the region.
Most of the land is privately owned, predominantly by small family landowners. A portion of the land is owned by timber investment management organizations and real estate investment trusts. An even smaller portion is public land.
The pine-dominated forests of East Texas supply dimensional lumber like two-by-fours and two-by-sixes, a backbone of the construction industry. Hardwood markets remain more variable, and the state’s pulp and paper industry faces continued challenges from oversupply, Taylor said.
Still, recent reinvestments and expansions by mills in the region signal confidence in the future of the Texas timber industry, he said.
Housing starts and timber markets remain linked
While the Texas timber sector generally operates as a net-importer state, trade with Mexico and Canada accounts for 88% of Texas’ exports and 42% of its imports in 2024, Taylor said.
The solid wood industry is closely tied to regional housing construction. Sawtimber markets are driven by demand for dimensional lumber and track trends in homebuilding, which have been mixed in recent years.
“Housing starts nationwide have slowed, and that does affect our markets to some degree,” Taylor said. “But Texas is doing better than much of the country. Housing construction here has held up relatively well. In fact, Texas housing starts have seen a recent increase after a two-year slowdown and that’s helped keep our sawtimber markets stable.”
Texas remains a significant contributor to national new home construction, accounting for nearly 17% of the nation’s total new homes. Taylor added that steady homebuilding activity in Texas is one reason mills have reenergized and reinvested in operations, with some even expanding.
Mass timber and new markets show promise
One bright spot is the growing interest in mass timber, a group of engineered wood products that is increasingly used in multistory commercial buildings. Advances in manufacturing have allowed laminated solid wood products to meet strength, stability, and safety requirements for large, open-span, and/multi-story construction. Mass timber is often used in place of concrete or steel.
“Architects and engineers are increasingly recognizing the aesthetic appeal and energy-efficiency of wood and mass timber, making them a practical choice for larger-scale projects,” Taylor said. “It’s a renewable and beautiful resource that also saves on heating and cooling costs. That’s one of the more exciting developments we’re seeing.”
Helping small landowners manage and profit
While industrial and large landowners benefit from economies of scale, most Texas timberland is held in smaller tracts — often under 100 acres — where sustainable forest management can be cost-prohibitive. The Texas A&M Forest Service is addressing this challenge by expanding financial assistance programs to help small landowners pay for management practices like thinning, site preparation and planting.
A new cost-share program, expected to roll out this fall, will reimburse up to 80% of the costs of qualifying management activities.
“These programs make it possible for smaller landowners to actively manage their timber and keep their forests healthy, which is critical for reducing fire risk, minimizing losses to insects and disease, and maintaining productivity,” Taylor said.
Landowners can visit the Funding Connector to identify funding opportunities available for their specific properties.
AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:
map of the 12 Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service districts.
Central
A break in rainfall allowed fields across the district to dry out, enabling producers to resume operations. Corn harvest progressed rapidly, with good yields reported. Hay cutting and baling were widespread, with many producers finishing first cuttings and starting second ones. Armyworms were reported in several counties. Cotton was blooming with good boll loads reported, and sorghum neared maturity. Producers stressed the importance of continued sunshine and dry weather to prevent crop stress and potential aflatoxin. Pastures and livestock remained in very good condition, supported by full stock tanks and strong cattle markets.
Rolling Plains
Extreme heat moved into the district, drying pasture grasses and stressing some crops. Cotton showed strong growth and was performing well in most counties. Timely rainfall could help crops. Despite the heat, livestock remained in good condition, with ample forage available.
Coastal Bend
Drier conditions allowed corn and grain sorghum harvests to continue, though some fields showed reduced yields due to earlier drought. Corn continued to dry down and harvest was in high gear in some areas. Rice harvest began in early planted fields. Cotton appeared healthy with good yield potential. Hay production remained active, though some pastures showed signs of heat stress. Range and pasture conditions were fair to good. Livestock and forage availability remained steady.
East
Drier conditions helped dry saturated soils, enabling producers to catch up on hay production. Pasture and rangeland conditions were good, while subsoil and topsoil moisture remained adequate. Garden and vegetable production slowed. Cattle markets were strong, with higher prices reported in Anderson and Houston counties. Armyworms, grasshoppers and horn flies were present, and wild pig damage persisted in pastures and croplands.
Southeast
Forage harvest and hay production continued across the district, though scattered showers delayed field operations in some counties. Corn, rice, and sorghum made strong progress, while cotton and soybean development remained steady. Range conditions improved in some areas while other areas reported weather-related delays. Armyworm infestations increased in several areas, and rice kernel smut was reported in Waller County. Pasture and rangeland conditions varied from fair to excellent, with livestock conditions mostly good.
South Plains
Steady rainfall continued to support crop and pasture growth in the district. Most crop conditions ranged from fair to excellent. Growth regulators were applied to manage development ahead of forecasted heat. Pastures and livestock remained in good to excellent condition.
Panhandle
Light showers and cooler temperatures supported strong growth in summer crops. Most corn had tasseled or was tasseling, and sorghum performed well. Some insect pressure from cotton leafhoppers and fall armyworms was reported. Unharvested wheat remained in fields due to delays. Rangeland growth slowed, but cattle were in excellent condition. Soil moisture ranged from short to adequate.
North
Hot and humid weather continued in the district with some counties receiving sporadic rainfall. Soil moisture varied from adequate to surplus. Pasture and range conditions ranged from fair to excellent. Harvest of winter wheat, hay and garden crops progressed. Apples and figs benefited from earlier cool temperatures and wet conditions. Livestock remained in good condition, and no major pest or disease issues were reported.
West Central
Widespread flooding early in the week gave way to isolated rainfall and receding waters. Fields remained saturated, with producers still unable to enter some areas. Forage and cotton growth rebounded strongly following rains. Weed pressure increased rapidly. Standing water persisted in low-lying areas, and early planted sorghum neared harvest. Range conditions remained favorable, and livestock losses were minimal. Pastures greened up, and livestock conditions improved. Some producers reported hay losses and damaged fences.
Southwest
Widespread rainfall provided drought relief across the district, reviving pastures and filling stock tanks. Flooding occurred in parts of Kinney County, though soil moisture levels still lagged in some areas. Corn and grain sorghum matured quickly. Hay harvest resumed in drier areas. Pecan orchards showed good nut sets. Armyworms and Bermuda grass stem maggots were reported. Livestock markets held steady, and overall herd conditions were good. Wildlife also showed signs of recovery.
South
The district experienced rising temperatures, little rainfall and drying soils. Pastures and rangeland began to decline despite earlier rains. Heavy rain in northern areas caused localized flooding. Grain and corn harvest progressed, though yields were below average. Cotton and sesame crops advanced steadily, with open bolls reported in cotton fields. Citrus and pecans developed well. Peanut crops were irrigated and podding. Livestock and wildlife benefited from forage availability. Cattle markets remained strong, and wildlife activity was high, with frequent quail and turkey sightings.
How Can God Help Me When I’m Really Down? (Psalm 23:3)
“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23:3).
“It means he fixes our soul,” says Graham, 8. “When we are down, he puts us back on our feet,” adds Wes, 10.
The author of this Psalm started as a shepherd boy and became a king. As a shepherd, David restored many scared sheep by setting them on their feet. Sheep with thick wool get top-heavy. If they fall over, they can die of heat exhaustion from struggling to right themselves. They’re easy prey for predators.
We, too, become top-heavy with all kinds of problems, frustrations and bad choices. “God took the wrong things out of my soul,” says Rahim, 11. “He puts more and more love in your soul,” adds Kelly, 10.
Recently, a friend of mine described a series of personal crises that left her reeling. Admittedly shaken, she described her healing process as getting filled up with God’s love instead of her problems.
“God makes me happy when my heart isn’t” is the way Janet, 11, describes God’s restoring touch.
After we get back on our feet, we must use our feet to follow the good shepherd in paths of righteousness. For Grace, 10, the path is “not to cheat. God tells me if it’s good or bad if I watch something on TV.”
Even though the author of Psalm 23 was a skilled shepherd, the psalm is written from the perspective of a sheep in the dry, Judean hill country. It’s easy to get lost in the desert.
How can sheep make any sense out of crisscrossing paths on hillsides that often look exactly alike? Which trails lead to pasture or water and which ones lead to death? The lesson of Psalm 23:3 is that sheep don’t have to know where the paths lead. The good shepherd knows.
Just as a shepherd’s reputation depends on the welfare of his sheep, so God’s reputation is at stake when his people follow him. That’s why he leads us in paths of righteousness “for His name’s sake.”
“He leads us in paths of righteousness because he wants us to tell other people about God,” says Chris, 10. “His name will go around the world so everyone will know God is alive,” adds Anna, 8.
Upholding God’s reputation has practical implications for Rebecca, 10: “It means that you should not be ugly to other people.”
But what if the path of righteousness leads to a place where people are ugly to you? Remember the words of John the Baptist when Jesus came to him for baptism in the Jordan River? “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
In the ultimate paradox, the good shepherd became a sacrificial lamb. The supreme path of righteousness led to a bleak, barren cross where people mocked and spat upon one who had never sinned. In spite of this cruelty, Jesus offered himself as the only acceptable sacrifice for our sins.
Jesus’ resurrection broke the bonds of death. His ascension to the right hand of God guarantees his kingdom will be fully established.
“He keeps me forever and leads me to heaven by a path, so I can shout his name,” concludes Roy, 11.
Think About This: God has a path or destiny for you that will bless you and honor him.
Memorize This Truth: Psalm 23:3 previously quoted.
Ask This Question: Can you set aside your ideas long enough for God to show you his path for your life?
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.
Scottie Scheffler just won The Open – one of golf’s most iconic championships. For many athletes, that would be the mountaintop. But when asked what it felt like, his answer surprised everyone:
“You win it, you celebrate, you get to hug your family… and then it’s like, ‘Okay, now what are we gonna eat for dinner?’”
It was real. Raw. Honest. And it holds a powerful lesson for leaders today: success without purpose is hollow.
Lesson 1: Success Is Fleeting, Significance Is Eternal
Scottie admitted, “The feeling of winning just doesn’t last that long.” That’s true in business, in leadership, in life. The deals close, the applause fades, the promotion becomes the new baseline. As Scripture reminds us:
“What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul?” – Mark 8:36
Winning is fun – but it doesn’t last. Leaders who focus only on the next achievement often find themselves asking: Why do I want this so badly?
Lesson 2: Your Identity Is Not in What You Do
“I would much rather be a great father than I would be a great golfer,” Scottie said.
That statement is a wake-up call. In a culture obsessed with productivity and status, he reminds us that who we are matters more than what we achieve. God never called us to be the world’s top performer – He calls us to be faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Leaders rooted in identity – not performance – lead with peace, not pressure.
Lesson 3: Your Platform Is Not Your Purpose
Scottie continued:
“I’m not out here to inspire the next generation of golfers… because what’s the point?”
But ironically, that humility is what does inspire. He recognizes that the platform – even one built on excellence – isn’t the point. The spotlight can be used for good, but it can’t fulfill the soul.
Jesus said:
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” – Matthew 6:33
Purpose isn’t found in the stage, the scorecard, or the stock price. It’s found in seeking God first.
When the Applause Fades, Only One Thing Remains
Scottie’s reflections are deeply human:
“This is not the place to look for satisfaction… it just doesn’t satisfy.”
That’s a truth every leader must wrestle with. We were created for more than the next deal, the next trophy, the next achievement. We were created for relationship with the living God.
Jesus Christ is the only one who truly satisfies the heart. The peace He offers isn’t dependent on performance. The purpose He gives isn’t temporary. As Jesus said:
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – John 10:10
If your soul has been whispering, What’s the point? – He is.
Final Challenge:
Scottie’s vulnerability is refreshing – and it leaves us with a deeper question: What truly satisfies the soul? His words ring true for all of us:
“It just doesn’t satisfy… I don’t know the point.”
The truth is, nothing in this world can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Why? Because we weren’t made for this world. We were made for a relationship with our Creator.
The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:8:
“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…”
That’s the invitation for every leader, every athlete, every person: not to stop working, achieving, or dreaming – but to recognize that only through Jesus Christ can our lives have eternal purpose.
You may have the trophies. The corner office. The title. The applause.
But if your soul is still asking, What’s the point? – Jesus is the answer. He offers rest for the weary, peace for the anxious, and purpose for those who are willing to follow Him.
Lead well. Dream big. Work hard. But don’t look to worldly success for what only Christ can provide.
Whether you’re holding a trophy or just trying to hold it all together – Jesus is the foundation your leadership was meant to rest on.
Battery Backups Are Helping Locals Stay Lit, Safe, and Comfortable
It was the middle of the night during last February’s thunderstorm. Wind gusted through the pines. A branch snapped somewhere out back. And then—darkness.
Sound familiar?
Power outages are becoming more common across the Texas Forest Country. From hurricanes and tornadoes to grid stress and ice storms, the electricity we rely on is no longer something we can take for granted.
But there’s good news: more families and small businesses are discovering battery backup systems—and finally getting some peace of mind.
A Smarter Way to Ride Out the Storm
For decades, we’ve leaned on gas generators when the lights go out. They work—but let’s be honest:
They’re noisy
They need fuel
They smell
And they’re not exactly neighbor-friendly
Today, battery technology has changed the game. Battery backups are silent, clean, and automatic. Some even store solar energy from the day and give it back to you when the grid shuts down.
MCF Solar, a locally owned company right here in Lufkin, has been helping Forest Country families design custom backup systems for both homes and businesses.
“The Only House on the Block with Lights On”
That’s how one Polk County family described it. When Winter Storm Uri knocked out power in 2021, their solar system (with a battery backup) kept:
Their lights on
Freezer and fridge running
A space heater working
Their cell phones and laptops charged
While neighbors bundled up and waited, they stayed warm, safe, and connected.
Is a Backup System Right for You?
Think about your household or business:
Do you have a deep freezer full of food? Rely on Wi-Fi or power for your job? Have medical devices or sensitive electronics? Want to protect your family during hurricane season? Live out in the country where outages last longer?
If you answered yes to any of these, it might be time to look at battery backup options.
Want a Free Evaluation?
You don’t need to commit to anything. Just call 877-631-8875 and ask for:
Bryan if you’re interested in home solutions
Lee if you’re a church, shop, or business needing something commercial or off-grid
They’ll walk you through your current setup and show you what it would take to stay powered—no pressure.
Final Thought
Storms happen. Grids fail. But in East Texas, we take care of our own—and we prepare.
If your plan for the next power outage is still candles and a cooler, it might be time to think bigger.
Battery backup is here—and it works. Ask your neighbor. Or better yet, become the house they call next time the lights go out.
This week was a little slow action-wise, but we’re picking up steam as we near the end of the summer. We’ll be sending out announcements regarding some brand-new, recently hired assistant coaches, and it’s looking as if we’re (finally) getting to finalize all our sports schedules (soccer schedules have already been released).
And don’t forget our big annual events heading this way. We’re providing those dates below, and there’ll be more info coming soon.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
Coming Soon: Big Events for Angelina College and AC Athletics
The 18th annual Guy Davis Golf Tournament will take place on Saturday, August 16 at the Crown Colony Country Club in Lufkin. The kickoff dinner will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 15 at Crown Colony.
On Sunday, August 17, we’ll host our annual “Meet the Roadrunners” banquet featuring all our incoming student-athletes and their families, along the all the Athletics staff. The event runs from 2:30-5 p.m. inside the AC Conference Center.
In addition, AC’s Sixth annual “Dinner at the Diamond” event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27 down on the baseball field at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
The golf tournament and Dinner at the Diamond are very important fund-raisers for Angelina College and its students – not to mention just a lot of fun for everyone involved.
We’ll have registration links and other information for these events to send out in the coming weeks. We just wanted to give you enough time to mark your calendars for those
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.
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 Friday, August 1 at the Angelina College soccer pitch on the AC campus.
Click the following link for all registration and other information:
For any other questions, contact head coach Kassie James at kjames@angelina.edu.
Baseball ID Camp Scheduled for August
The AC baseball team under new coaches Jon Phillips and Cody Crowder in August will host a camp for possible future Roadrunners.
The camp, open to all high schoolers and current college transfers, will take place from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 at Poland Stadium on the Angelina College campus.
Schedule Releases for All AC Athletics Teams Coming Soon
All six Angelina College athletics teams are finalizing their 2025-2026 schedules (both soccer teams’ schedules are available now), and those schedules should be ready for release very soon. 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.
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 at www.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.
Since my last column, our state has been ravaged by the devastating floods that occurred in Central Texas on July 4. Wherever I go and whoever I talk to, someone has either been directly impacted by the floods or knows someone who has. This tragedy is a sobering reminder that we are all Texans and when one of us suffers, we all suffer. My family and I hold the victims of this catastrophe and their bereaved loved ones in our thoughts and prayers, and I encourage all of us to continue to do so.
On Monday, July 21, my fellow Legislators and I will return to Austin for the beginning of the First Called Special Session of the 89th Legislature. I look forward to returning to the Capitol to undertake the important work to consider ways to improve our disaster response and recovery efforts and, importantly, provide relief to our struggling friends and neighbors.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
This week, on June 15, the Texas House Natural Resources Committee, of which I am a member, met in Austin to investigate the egregious taking of groundwater in Anderson, Henderson, and Houston counties by Pine Bliss, LLC, and Redtown Ranch, LLC.
As a special note, I would like to thank each and every witness who traveled to Austin to testify about the effects of these proposed projects. The commitment of folks from across East Texas to come to their State Capitol and make their voice known was inspiring and helped raise awareness for this issue among members of the Legislature.
During the hearing, committee members heard from a wide array of folks directly involved in this project. State agencies, local elected officials, agricultural and forestry organizations, and passionate local citizens all testified that these projects, which aim to extract over 15 billion gallons of groundwater per year from our aquifers, are problematic and will have a severe impact on our region.
Additionally, the proprietor of Pine Bliss and Redtown Ranch testified before the committee. He made it clear to the committee, in no uncertain terms, that this project is intended to send East Texas’s water to other regions of our state.
Let me be clear, I am an ardent supporter of private property rights and will always stand for the rights of Texans to use the resources on their property in the way they deem fit. We are all fortunate to call East Texas home and should be able to take advantage of our bountiful resources.
But this project fails to protect the property rights of its neighbors and is a bridge too far. I am unequivocally opposed to this project and will do everything in my power to halt it. We must protect East Texas’s groundwater from exploitation, which will impact our residents, our communities, and our future.
The mobile office is on the road again in August, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: August 6 at the San Augustine County Courthouse from 9:30-11:30am; August 13 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; August 20 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 my Capitol office may be reached 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/.
