If Customers Can’t Find You, They Can’t Choose You: How to Get Noticed Online in Texas Forest Country

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/graduated-senior-and-transfer-camp-june-24th-2025-registration-1419613986649?aff=erellivmlt

Hey, sports fans,

Not a lot going on this past week athletics-wise, but our programs are going all-out with various camps over the next month or so. The upcoming baseball and softball showcases are to provide opportunities for possible future Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners to show off their skills, while the youth camps continue to help youngsters develop their abilities and love for the games.

Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:

Looking for More Lady Roadrunners, Roadrunners

Both the Angelina College softball and baseball programs earlier this month welcomed new head coaches for each sport.

Now the teams are offering opportunities for possible future Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners to show off their talents, with both programs offering talent showcases targeting uncommitted and unsigned players (including transfers) looking for a new home.

The Lady Roadrunner softball program under new coach Kassie James will host a graduated senior/transfer camp from 3-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24 at the Angelina College softball field. Cost is $30 per player, and check-in is at 2:30 p.m. Players will get a tour of the entire facility from 6:30 – 7 p.m.

For registration and other info, click the following link:

The Roadrunner baseball program under new head coach Jon Phillips will host its showcase for uncommitted prospects (including graduates and transfers) starting at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 at Poland Field on the AC campus.

For registration and other info on the baseball showcase, click the following link:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/baseball-summer-evaluation-showcase-july-2nd-2025-registration-1419633314459?aff=oddtdtcreator

For further information, contact the coaches: Kassie James (kjames@angelina.edu) and Jon Phillips (jphillips@angelina.edu).

Summer in The City 2025 (Angelina County)

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June 24, 2025

June 28 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Lufkin’s Celebration of the Arts includes an official mural celebration, music, and community honors

LUFKIN, TEXAS — June 23, 2025 – Downtown Lufkin is turning up the volume on culture and creativity with an unforgettable night of art, music, and community at Summer in the City, featuring country music icon Dale Watson live at Cotton Square on Saturday, June 28.

This free outdoor concert is the centerpiece of Lufkin’s Celebration of the Arts, a special evening that also includes the official unveiling of the new Cotton Square Mural, public recognition of key community leaders, and a proclamation designating Downtown Lufkin as a Cultural District.

The Cotton Square Mural, designed and led by Becky Cota and Sandi Adams, reflects Lufkin’s diverse heritage and creative energy. Its public debut will be followed by special presentations honoring the Lufkin Forward project and community collaborators.

Event Schedule – June 28, 2025

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Cotton Square | Downtown Lufkin

• 7:00 PM – Live music from local musician, Logan Tucker

• 7:40 PM – Community Arts & Culture Presentations

• 8:00 PM – Concert: Dale Watson

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Presented by:

• Brookshire Brothers

• A-1 Party Rentals

• Sound Techs

• Visit Lufkin

Bring your lawn chairs and come early to explore the downtown art scene, grab dinner from our local food truck, and enjoy a night celebrating everything that makes Lufkin a creative, connected, and vibrant destination.

This is one of the biggest nights of the summer—you don’t want to miss it.

For full event info and updates, visit www.visitlufkin.com

Visit Lufkin

(936) 633-0262

Cotton Square Park

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DRTV Health News: Intermittent Fasting Holds Its Own Against Calorie Counting New Study Finds

By

Lee Miller

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June 22, 2025

View the full study on BMJ.com

lunch-time-concept-spoon-and-a-fork-on-a-plate-2025-01-08-02-38-02-utc — Photo by Yulia Panova

A new global analysis published in The BMJ finds that intermittent fasting may be just as effective as traditional calorie-restricted diets when it comes to losing weight and improving markers of heart and metabolic health.

The comprehensive study-spanning 99 randomized clinical trials and more than 6,500 adults – compared the health impacts of intermittent fasting (IF) methods like alternate day fasting (ADF), time-restricted eating (TRE), and whole day fasting (WDF) against calorie restriction (CER) and unrestricted, or “ad libitum,” diets.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers found all forms of intermittent fasting and calorie restriction were significantly more effective than unrestricted eating in promoting weight loss. Notably, alternate day fasting emerged as slightly more effective than traditional calorie restriction—helping participants lose, on average, 1.3 kilograms (about 2.9 pounds) more than those simply cutting calories. However, experts emphasize that the difference is statistically modest and may not have a major clinical impact on its own.

“Minor differences were noted between some intermittent fasting diets and continuous energy restriction,” the authors noted. “The current evidence suggests both strategies offer comparable benefits for weight loss and cardiometabolic risk factors.”

Which Intermittent Fasting Strategy Works Best?

Of the three intermittent fasting strategies:

Alternate Day Fasting (ADF): Produced the greatest weight loss and modest improvements in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Whole Day Fasting (WDF) and Time-Restricted Eating (TRE): Also led to weight loss, but benefits over calorie restriction were minimal.

No significant differences were observed between fasting and calorie restriction for blood sugar control (HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or insulin sensitivity across most trials.

A Closer Look at Adherence

While the initial weight loss findings are promising, the study also revealed a common challenge: sticking to the diet. Trials shorter than 24 weeks saw adherence rates above 80%, but long-term studies (52 weeks or more) often dropped below 25% adherence, especially with whole-day fasting.

What Does This Mean for You?

For people looking to manage their weight or reduce cardiometabolic risk, this study confirms what many health professionals have been saying: the best diet is the one you can stick to.

“The slight edge seen with alternate day fasting shouldn’t overshadow the larger message,” said the researchers. “Intermittent fasting offers flexibility. That means more people might find it easier to follow over time compared to counting calories every day.”

However, not everyone should try fasting. Older adults, people who are pregnant or nursing, and individuals with a history of disordered eating or low blood pressure should consult a healthcare provider first.

Not a Magic Bullet

Intermittent fasting isn’t a magic bullet—but it is a valid and flexible option in the fight against obesity and heart disease. Whether you choose to fast, restrict calories, or combine both approaches, consistency and sustainability are still the keys to long-term success.

Source: Semnani-Azad et al. Intermittent fasting strategies and their effects on body weight and other cardiometabolic risk factors: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. The BMJ, June 2025.

From our sister publication http://www.Drtvchannel.com

Capitol Update: Final Countdown for Bills—and a Fight for East Texas Water

By

Rep. Trent Ashby

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June 20, 2025

Sunday, June 22, is the final day for Governor Abbott to sign or veto bills passed during the 89^th Legislative Session. Without either action, the bill will become law and will either take effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature or on September 1, 2025, depending on whether or not the bill received the necessary two-thirds vote in both chambers to take immediate effect.

As my fellow legislators and I await the Governor’s decision on the remainder of the bills we sent to his desk, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share a relevant statistic. During the most recent session, members of the House and Senate filed a total of 8,719 bills, a new record. Of this staggering sum, only 1,014 bills reached the Governor’s desk for approval, which underscores just how difficult it is to pass a bill through the entire legislative process.

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…

Capitol Update

This past week, I had the opportunity to testify before the Neches and Trinity Valleys Groundwater Conservation District (NTVGCD) in opposition to a permit application that would allow Redtown Ranch Holdings LLC and Pine Bliss LLC to pump more than 15 billion gallons of groundwater annually from the Carrizo-Wilcox and Queen City aquifers. This amount represents nearly 98% of the district’s sustainable production capacity, which is roughly equivalent to the annual water usage of more than two million Texans.

The implications of such a permit are deeply concerning. If approved, this project could jeopardize access to water for countless rural residents, businesses, farms, school districts, and hospitals across East Texas. Our local water supplies are not an unlimited resource, and our region should not be asked to carry the cost of growth elsewhere in the state.

What’s more, the application itself is incomplete. It lacks basic information such as draw-down modeling, mitigation plans for impacted well owners, and a clear explanation of how the water would be used or exported. Without this transparency, it is impossible to responsibly evaluate the long-term consequences of the project.

Put simply, water is the lifeblood of our region. As our most abundant natural resource, East Texans sincerely appreciate the critical importance of water to the success of our communities, agricultural producers, and businesses. As such, any effort that would threaten the sustainability of this precious natural resource will be met with strong opposition.

Ultimately, the NTVGCD board voted to move the permit application to the State Office of Administrative Hearings where a formal hearing will be conducted here in East Texas sometime after 90 days. This proposed groundwater project will also be investigated further by the House Committee on Natural Resources in a public hearing at the Texas Capitol on July 15. As a member of this committee, I look forward to working with the Committee Chairman and fellow East Texan, Rep. Cody Harris, to further scrutinize this project and advocate on behalf of our region.

The mobile office will take a break from the road in July but will return in August. In the meantime, 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/.

Power Networking Breakfast (Angelina County)

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June 20, 2025

June 27 @ 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Join us next week on Friday, June 27, at 8 AM for June’s Power Networking Breakfast, presented by Angelina College SBDC!

There’s always a seat at the table for you at Chamber events, especially when it comes to growing your network and learning from local leaders.

We’re excited to welcome back Shane Tatum, President of Integra Insurance, as our featured speaker and monthly sponsor. Shane will share insights on the power of resilience in business and leadership. Come be inspired by Shane’s message while connecting with fellow Chamber Investors.

Attendance is free! While registration is not required, it is strongly encouraged to help us plan accordingly. Register today at bit.lybit.ly/PNB-0625.

Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce

1615 S. Chestnut
Lufkin, TX 75901 United States + Google Map

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Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for The Cottage Sparrow (Coldspring County)

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June 20, 2025

June 28 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Gather with us around The Cottage Sparrow to celebrate this family owned an operated business in the heart of Coldspring, TX. Join us for an opening prayer over the community and local businesses at 9am. What an exciting way to start your day of shopping on the square!

Come out and show your support for small business on Saturday, June 28th.

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce

(936) 653-2184

chambercoldspringtexas@gmail.com

55 FM 1514 Rd, Coldspring, TX 77331-9518, United States

Salsa Slam: Sabine County Businesses

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June 20, 2025

July 12 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sabine County Businesses are invited to participate in our first annual salsa cook-off.

Rules:

Salsa must be fresh and homemade, NO COMMERCIALLY MADE.
Ingredient listing must be available.
Entrants will provide half-gallon of their salsa for tastings to the public.
Tables maybe decorated festively for the cook off. All must be ready by 10 AM when doors open to public.
Awards will be presented for the top 2 contenders in each category(below).
Judging will be by general public and will be by blind testing—meaning each business will have a number( not to be shared with public) so public judges, and votes on the number they like. Winners will be announced around 2PM

Categories:

Mild, Spicy, and Sweet

Other Info:

Kid Zone available with games, bounce house, etc.

Food truck: Cajun taco truck, ice cream truck, and taco plates with rice and beans will be available for purchase.

Music by DJ

Registration Info: $20/per business entry

Email sabinecountytxchamber@gmail.com for registration or call 512 576 747 or 409 525-9948

$20 per business entry

Sabine County Chamber of Commerce

409-787-2732

VFW 10351 Hemphill, TX 75948

Event Website

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Minor Sting Operation

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June 19, 2025

With funding from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), The Coalition, Inc. recently partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct minor alcohol stings in an effort to decrease the consequences of alcohol purchased by minors. Under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, juveniles under the legal age to drink/purchase alcohol were used as decoys to enter businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and then attempt to purchase alcohol.

“Ensuring that alcohol is not sold to minors is a critical responsibility for businesses, and compliance checks serve as a proactive measure to protect young people from the risky behaviors that result from underage drinking. By conducting regular checks with alcohol retailers, we not only deter illegal sales but also strengthen a commitment to safety that benefits everyone,” says Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition, Inc. “Our partnerships with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department, TABC and TxDOT on this project protect youth and build a safer, healthier community for everyone.”

During the February and May minor sting operations, none of the stores sold to minors. We commend these retailers for not selling alcohol to minors and thank them for helping protect youth from the dangers of underage drinking:

Brookshire Brothers #52, 885 A Hwy 69 South, Huntington;
Tobacco Barn #52, 885 B Hwy 69 South, Huntington;
Huntington Travel Center, 191 Hwy 69 South, Huntington;
Dollar General Store #7405, 790 Hwy 69 South, Huntington;
Brookshire Brothers Express #81, 198 Main Street, Zavalla;
Coleman’s, 188 Old Hwy 147, Zavalla;
Dollar General Store #10131, 231 Hwy 147, Zavalla;
Family Dollar Store #32691, 199 E. Main Street, Zavalla;
Family Dollar #26758, 593 Hwy 69 South, Huntington;
Little Boots Food Mart, 101 North US Hwy 69, Huntington;
Zak’s Food Mart #1, 1910 North Timberland Drive;
Family Dollar Store #26064, 419 North Timberland Drive;
Gas N Go #1, 401 North Timberland Drive;
Murphy Express #8988, 204 South Timberland Drive;
Family Dollar Store #21899, 730 South Timberland Drive;
Big’s #3850, 3019 South John Redditt Drive;
A2Z Food Mart #1, 904 South John Redditt Drive;
Big’s #3819, 103 North John Redditt Drive; and
Lucky’s, 1701 North John Redditt Drive.

Sale of alcohol to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both. Persons 21 or older can be held liable for damages caused by the intoxication of a minor under 18 if the adult knowingly provided alcoholic beverages to a minor or knowingly allowed the minor to be served or provided alcoholic beverages on the premises owned by or leased by the adult.

The Coalition, Inc. is funded in part by a grant from TxDOT to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes in Texas. Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes, and behaviors, all to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information on how to prevent underage drinking, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

East Texas businesses don’t need five IT vendors—they need one that can do it all. And that might just be the smartest switch you can make.

By

Alec Castleberry

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June 19, 2025