Boxcar BBQ: A Smokin’ Success Story from Lufkin, Texas

By

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May 8, 2024

In the bustling heart of Lufkin, Texas, a local culinary gem is making waves. Boxcar BBQ, founded by chef-turned-pitmaster Jeremy Staggs, has quickly become a cornerstone of the community, bringing people together with the irresistible allure of smoked meats and genuine Texas hospitality. As Boxcar BBQ prepares to transition to a new, permanent location, the story of its growth reflects a journey of passion, quality, and community engagement.

From Humble Beginnings to Culinary Dreams

Jeremy Staggs’ culinary journey is as flavorful as his BBQ. After attending culinary school in Houston, Staggs discovered a fiery passion for BBQ, a discovery that would eventually lead him to open Boxcar BBQ in 2019, with its doors opening in Lufkin by March 2023.

“The first time I smoked a rack of ribs, I knew I was hooked,” Staggs recalls. “It was the smokey, sweet, and robust flavors that drew me in.”

Unique Offerings at Boxcar BBQ

What sets Boxcar BBQ apart is not just the quality of its food but also its commitment to local sourcing and innovative flavors. The restaurant proudly offers Nolan Ryan grass-fed Texas-raised brisket, pork spareribs, turkey breast, pulled pork, and locally made sausages.

“Once we move to our new location, we plan to start making our own sausage,” Staggs adds, emphasizing his dedication to local craftsmanship.

Every side dish at Boxcar BBQ, from the chipotle bacon potato salad to the poblano coleslaw, is made fresh daily. The restaurant also features a unique monthly tres leches cake, with past flavors including Turtle and Death by Chocolate, showcasing Staggs’ culinary creativity.

A New Home on East Burke Avenue

Looking forward, Boxcar BBQ is set to move to 213 E. Burke in Lufkin, a relocation that promises exciting expansions.

“Our new location will allow us to seat 100 people inside and significantly increase our smoking capacity with a new 1000 gallon smoker,” explains Staggs. This expansion is not just physical but also culinary, with plans to introduce more sides and seasonal offerings that rotate with the East Texas seasons.

Engagement with the Lufkin Community

Community is at the heart of Boxcar BBQ’s operations. The restaurant frequently donates to local churches and schools, reinforcing BBQ as a medium of community and care.

“Every person is special, and we handle each individual with care,” says Staggs, who makes an effort to remember customers’ names and orders, personalizing the dining experience.

Vision for the Future

As Boxcar BBQ looks to the future, its vision remains clear: to continue focusing on quality and local-first ingredients. “In 5 years, we hope to grow into a destination not just for East Texas but for the entire state,” Staggs shares enthusiastically. With plans to open other culinary concepts, the future of Boxcar BBQ is as promising as the flavors it serves.

A Taste of Texas Available Nationwide

For those not in Texas, Boxcar BBQ extends its reach through its website, where fully smoked and vacuum-sealed BBQ is available for nationwide shipping. Visit Boxcar BBQ to order a taste of Texas delivered straight to your door.

As Boxcar BBQ continues to grow and serve the community, its story remains a testament to the power of passion, quality, and genuine Texas hospitality. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, a visit to Boxcar BBQ is sure to leave a lasting impression, one smokey flavor at a time.

Governor Abbott Provides Update On State Ongoing Response To Severe Weather, Flooding In East Texas

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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May 8, 2024

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unnamed — (PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 5/6/24)

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today held a briefing with state and local officials and provided an update on the state’s ongoing response to severe weather and flooding conditions impacting East Texas communities during a press conference in Conroe.

“Even in a heart-wrenching event like the catastrophic storms and floods we have witnessed in East Texas, we have also seen the resiliency of Texans who are willing to lend a helping hand to protect their fellow Texans,” said Governor Abbott. “The No. 1 thing we want to do in severe weather events is to protect lives. There are 232 agencies, including state, local, and federal agencies, that are responding to these storms. At the state level, we have evacuated 124 people and rescued 58, including 99 pets. There are well over 500 people who have been rescued at operations at the local level, and we cannot thank local emergency response officials enough for all they have done. As rivers continue to rise for days, we urge Texans around those regions to listen to local officials and take the precautions needed to protect themselves and their properties. I also want to point out, it is not worth it to risk your life to drive through high waters. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.”

Governor Abbott was joined at the briefing and press conference by Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Congressman Morgan Luttrell, Senator Brandon Creighton, Representative Trent Ashby, Representative Charles Cunningham, Representative Stan Kitzman, Representative Will Metcalf, Representative Steve Toth, Montgomery County Judge Mark J. Keough, Liberty County Judge Jay Knight, Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson, Walker County Judge Colt Christian, Huntsville Mayor Russell Humphrey, Conroe Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux, The Woodlands Township Chairman Dr. Ann Snyder, and other state and local officials.

At the press conference, the Governor pledged Texas’ continued support to communities that need assistance recovering from these storms and urged impacted Texans to report their damage using the TDEM Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT) tool. Additionally, the Governor thanked the brave first responders and emergency management personnel who are working around-the-clock to protect their fellow Texans.

East Texas communities impacted by severe weather and flooding conditions are encouraged to complete TDEM’s iSTAT self-reporting damage survey to help state and local officials identify damages and determine the state’s eligibility for federal and disaster assistance. The survey is available is both English and Spanish and can be accessed by visiting damage.tdem.texas.gov.

Texans are urged to monitor local forecasts, make an emergency plan, and follow instructions of emergency response officials. Never drive or walk through flooded roads, and do not drive around barricaded roadways. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Texans can access flood information at TexasFlood.org, find flood preparedness tips at TexasReady.gov, check road conditions at DriveTexas.org, and locate severe weather resources at tdem.texas.gov.

Governor Abbott continues to take action to provide all available resources to help support local communities from the impacts of severe weather, including:

Readying state emergency response resources ahead of wildfire and severe weather threats last week
Issuing a disaster declaration for counties affected by recent storms and deploying additional state emergency response resources in anticipation of severe weather and flooding last week
Increasing the readiness level of the State Emergency Operations Center to help support requests for state assistance from local officials

final — *(PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 5/6/24)*

*(PHOTO: Office Of The Governor, 5/6/24)*

Boudreaux Campbell Leads a Stellar Lineup at the Dallas-Fort Worth Western Sports Extravaganza

By

Lee Miller

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May 8, 2024

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23-609-0289 — Boudreaux Campbell during the second round of the PBR UTB So Cal Showdown in Los Angeles CA. Photo by Josh Homer/ Bull Stock Media. Photo credit must be given on all uses.

This May, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is set to become the heartland of Western sports, featuring an epic lineup of events that spotlight the very best of rodeo. Among the stars, Crockett’s own Boudreaux Campbell stands out as he prepares to make a triumphant return to the PBR World Finals, leading the charge in a festival that will distribute nearly $5 million in prizes across several high-profile competitions.

Boudreaux Campbell: A Hometown Hero at the PBR World Finals

The festivities begin with the PBR World Finals, taking place from May 9-12 at the Cowtown Coliseum in Fort Worth, and concluding at the monumental AT&T Stadium in Arlington on May 18-19. Campbell, a seasoned bull rider from Texas Forest Country, is ready to captivate the home crowd and vie for the prestigious gold buckle and a $1 million bonus. The PBR World Finals, known for its fierce competition, will this year award a historic total of $3.13 million, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.

Women’s Rodeo World Championship: Showcasing Female Prowess

Following closely on the heels of the bull riding event, the Women’s Rodeo World Championship kicks off on May 13, with its finale set for May 18 at AT&T Stadium. This event celebrates women’s rodeo at its finest, featuring hundreds of athletes competing across four disciplines and offering a $750,000 purse, marking it as the richest all-female rodeo event.

Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo: A New Frontier in Rodeo Entertainment

The excitement peaks with the inaugural Kid Rock’s Rock N Rodeo on May 17 at AT&T Stadium. This innovative event combines the thrill of a team-formatted rodeo with the dynamic performance of Kid Rock live in concert, along with a lucrative $1 million prize pool. It promises to be a spectacular blend of music and sports, offering a unique experience for attendees.

The Metroplex Turns Rodeo Central

With such a diverse and rich lineup, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is undoubtedly the place to be for rodeo enthusiasts this May. As Boudreaux Campbell and other top athletes gear up for their respective events, fans from around the nation are expected to flock to Texas for this unparalleled celebration of Western sports culture.

As the community and fans rally behind Campbell and his fellow competitors, the anticipation builds not only for the thrilling competitions but also for the profound impact these events have on promoting and celebrating the Western lifestyle and sportsmanship. This 10-day extravaganza is not just a series of competitions; it’s a showcase of resilience, skill, and the enduring spirit of the rodeo.

Texas Forest Country Living Magazine
1511 S Chestnut St
Lufkin Tx 75901
(877) 537-8780

Angelina College Weekly Update

By

Gary Stallard

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May 6, 2024

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Friends and fellow Roadrunners: As they say in show business, “That’s a wrap.”

(I guess someone in show business said it. I really have no clue, but it sounds good here.)

The last of the Angelina College Athletics seasons came to an end this week, with the Roadrunner baseball team battling for a playoff spot all the way until the very last day of the season.

Alas, the team came up short, meaning our AC teams competing in-game action are finished for this year.

In other words, we’re on to 2024-2025.

However, there will still be news items coming your way throughout the summer. We’ll soon learn of our softball and baseball postseason superlatives, and we have graduation coming this Friday (along with an Athletics group photo shoot of all our student-athletes scheduled to graduate), along with various other news and updates – including upcoming camp dates, to name but a few.

Not to mention big news regarding our website and social media (see below).

From all of us at Angelina College Athletics, we’d like to thank you for your constant support of all six of our Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner teams. Our student-athletes, coaches, and staff appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.

If you thought this year was great, just wait until next year.

Can’t wait to see you again at the games.

Roadrunner Baseball Ends Season

Just two weeks ago, the Roadrunners appeared dead in the water. Too many injuries piling up and not enough games left to catch up with a playoff spot.

Or so they thought.

AC entered the week having clawed its way back to within reach of the fourth and final berth for the upcoming Region XIV Tournament. Starting this past Wednesday, AC was three games back of Panola College with three games remaining.

Paris College gave AC’s hopes a boost by sweeping Panola College in their three-game series, and the ‘Runners moved to within two games with Wednesday’s 10-8 at Bossier Parish CC. Dalton Mullins and Michael Herndon drove in three runs each in the win, with Herndon ripping a line-drive, three-run homer in the fourth inning. Christian Letendre and Mark Henderson also added RBI in the win.

AC needed to win both games at BPCC on Saturday but fell 8-3 and 12-4 in what proved to be the season finales.

The Roadrunners finished the season with a record of 22-31, 11-19.

Lady Roadrunner Softball, Roadrunner Soccer Play Softball Scrimmage

Some Roadrunner soccer players were forced to use their hands – for once.

The Lady Roadrunner softball team invited some of the guys over to try their hands (literally) at softball for a fun afternoon scrimmage. The Animals and the Bananas (who named these teams?) waged an epic battle at Lady Roadrunner field, with the Bananas taking a convincing 6-2 win.

Great athletes are great athletes, but all present agreed the soccer guys should probably continue sticking to using their feet.

Changes, Upgrades Coming to AC Athletics Web Site, Social Media

Angelina College Athletics’ official website (www.angelinaathletics.com) and all related social media will be getting a massive, much-needed overhaul over the summer. Joining our staff are some true website and graphics wizards, and they’re going to help with the redesign and upkeep of all our forms of internet and social media presence going forward.

We’ll send out word once we have everything ready to launch.

Guy Davis Golf Tournament Date, Location Set

The 17^th Annual Guy Davis Golf Tournament has a date now, along with a temporary change in location.

The tournament, hosted by the Roadrunner Foundation, serves as the biggest fundraiser for all our AC Athletics programs.

This year’s tournament will take place on Saturday, August 17, with the pre-tournament kickoff dinner taking place on Friday, August 16.

Because of the ongoing course renovations at Crown Colony Country Club – the usual site for the tournament – this year’s golf will take place at the Neches Pines Golf Course in Diboll, Texas.

Crown Colony will still serve as the site for the kickoff dinner.

We’ll send out more details as the event draws nearer.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Camp Roadrunner – Angelina College’s Camp Roadrunner is a series of recreational and athletics camps offered throughout the summer for youngsters of various age groups (Kindergarten through 5^th grade). On the Athletics side, there will be camps offered in every sport. Here are the current schedules by sport:

Baseball: June 3-5.

Softball: June 10-13.

Basketball: June 10-13; June 24-27; and July 15-18.

Soccer: June 10-13; and July 15-18.

Here’s the link providing pertinent information regarding registration and requirements: https://www.angelina.edu/camproadrunner/

In addition, there likely will be various evaluation camps offered for prospective athletes. We’ll send out notifications as the information is provided to us.

For up-to-date information on any potential schedule changes, AC fans can visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on social media (@ACAthletics on X/Twitter, or Angelina College Athletics Facebook page.)

Reminder: Nearly all Angelina College games (even road games) are live-streamed on TSBN Sports. Visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com), look for the scrolling schedule on the right, and click the blue “Video” link for the game you’re wanting to watch. (If there’s no blue link, that means TSBN isn’t streaming that particular game.)

For any other information, contact Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614

Navigating Floodwaters: Comprehensive Safety and Recovery Guide for Texas Forest Country Residents

By

Lee Miller

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May 3, 2024

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Livingston — https://www.facebook.com/DroneBrosOfficial

With Texas Forest Country facing unprecedented torrential rainfall leading to widespread flooding, understanding how to respond effectively can be critical. Flooding can threaten lives, damage property, and disrupt communities. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions for residents and business owners on how to deal with flooding in homes, businesses, and cars.

For Homeowners

1. Immediate Safety Measures

Evacuation: Follow local evacuation orders without hesitation. Know your community’s evacuation routes and have a pre-planned meeting point.
Utility Shut-off: Safely turn off all utilities at the main switches or valves to prevent electrical shock or gas leaks. Only do this if it does not involve standing in water.

2. Protecting Valuables and Documents

Store important documents such as birth certificates, property deeds, and insurance policies in waterproof containers. Consider keeping digital copies in secure cloud storage.

3. Structural Safety

Inspect your home for any visible structural damage such as cracks or foundation movement before re-entering after a flood.
Contact professionals to inspect and confirm that your home is safe to enter, especially for gas leaks, electrical system damage, and water supply contamination.

4. Clean-up and Mold Prevention

Remove standing water as quickly as safety allows. Use pumps or buckets and then mop up residues.
Circulate air with fans, open windows, and use dehumidifiers to dry out the premises.
Remove wet contents immediately to prevent mold growth, which can start within 24 hours. Separate salvageable items from ruined ones.

5. Handling Insurance

Document all damage thoroughly with photos and videos before starting significant clean-up efforts for insurance claims.
Contact your insurance company promptly to report the damage and follow their instructions on necessary documentation and claims processes.

For Business Owners

1. Preparing and Protecting Your Business

Implement a flood action plan that includes staff training on safety measures and emergency procedures.
Use sandbags and flood barriers to protect entry points. Move valuable inventory and equipment to higher levels.

2. Business Continuity

Develop a business continuity plan that includes maintaining critical operations from an alternative location if the main site is compromised.
Regularly back up all business data to a remote or cloud service to ensure that you can maintain business operations even if physical records are destroyed.

3. Communication

Establish a communication strategy to keep employees, customers, and suppliers informed during and after the emergency.
Use social media, your company website, and local media to update stakeholders on your business status and recovery progress.

For Motorists

1. Avoiding Floodwaters

Never attempt to drive through floodwaters. Just 12 inches of moving water can float a car, and roads under water may be damaged or washed away.
If your vehicle becomes surrounded by water, abandon it and seek higher ground if you can do so safely.

2. Vehicle Recovery

Do not start your car after it has been flooded; this can cause more damage. Have it inspected by a professional mechanic.
Check your vehicle insurance policy for flood damage coverage and understand the terms for making a claim.

General Preparedness Tips

1. Building an Emergency Kit

Your kit should include water, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, and necessary medications.

2. Staying Informed

Monitor weather updates and emergency notifications through a NOAA weather radio or trusted media and online sources.
Understand the flood risk in your area and the signs that indicate you should evacuate or move to higher ground.

3. Community Support

Check on neighbors, especially the elderly, disabled, and families with small children, who might need additional help during a flood.
Volunteer with local relief efforts if you are able and it is safe to do so.

Being prepared and knowing the correct steps to take before, during, and after a flood can make a significant difference in safety and recovery. Residents of Texas Forest Country should prioritize these guidelines to protect themselves, their property, and their community.

Photo from video – https://www.facebook.com/DroneBrosOfficial

7th annual Dueling Pianos (Angelina County)

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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May 3, 2024

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Tickets are on sale now for the 7th annual Dueling Pianos, presented by Commercial Bank of Texas!

The Leadership Lufkin Alumni Association is bringing the Fun Pianos – Traveling Dueling Pianos show back to Lufkin, on Friday, June 7, 2024, for their annual fundraiser. Purchase tables or tickets now before it’s sold out.

Contact the Chamber at (936) 634-6644 to secure your spot or for sponsorship information.

Date/Time Information:
Friday, June 7, 2024, from 8 pm to 11 pm

Location:
Pitser Garrison Convention Center

Red Cross Opens Multiple Shelters in Response to Rising Water

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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May 3, 2024

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Thursday, May 2, 2024- The American Red Cross opened shelters in Liberty, Polk, and San Jacinto Counties in response to the recent flooding due to rain and the rising waters around the rivers.

“This flooding is affecting many of our communities,” Shawn Schulze, Regional Chief Executive Officer, of Texas Gulf Coast Red Cross said. “The work that our Texas Gulf Coast Red Cross teams and partners are doing is ensuring that each struggling family has a warm meal, a safe place to sleep, and a ton of hope, comfort, and care!”

Open Shelters:

HARRIS COUNTY
Philippian’s New Faith Baptist Church
7858 Angus Street
Houston, TX 77028

LIBERTY COUNTY
Calvary Baptist Church
816 N Blair Ave
Cleveland, TX 77327

POLK COUNTY
Dunbar Gym
1103 Dunbar Street
Livingston, TX 77351

SAN JACINTO COUNTY
San Jacinto County Disaster Shelter
255 Live Oak

Coldspring, TX 77331

To find a shelter, visit redcross.org/shelter, check the Red Cross Emergency App, or call 1 800-RED CROSS.

Anyone who plans to stay in a Red Cross shelter should bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents, and other comfort items. They should also include any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, and durable medical equipment and/or assistive technology if applicable. While the Red Cross can provide medical equipment and/or assistive technology loaners, it may take a little time depending on the inventory on hand and the availability of delivery systems to get them to the shelter.

How to help
We know people are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster. Our first priority is to provide shelter and support to those affected, and financial donations are the quickest and best way to get help to those who need it most. Your financial donation to the Red Cross helps provide shelter, meals, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning, and other assistance during disasters like this. Visit redcross.org/donate to make a donation or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to support disaster relief.

FLOODING SAFETY

Turn around, don’t drown! Stay off the roads. If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
Tune into your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates. If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, prepare to evacuate quickly if necessary. Follow evacuation orders and don’t return until officials say it is safe.
Stay away from floodwaters. Beware of snakes, insects, and other animals that may be in or around floodwaters and your home.
Keep children and pets away from hazardous sites and floodwaters.
If power lines are down, don’t step into puddles or standing water.

DOWNLOAD EMERGENCY APP Download the free Red Cross Emergency App to find shelter information and weather and emergency alerts for more than 35 different situations. Red Cross apps are available in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:  

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross. 

The Value of Consulting Foresters for Landowners in Texas Forest Country

By

Lee Miller

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May 2, 2024

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By Lee Miller, Publisher & Tree Farmer

In the lush expanses of Texas Forest Country, landowners often face the challenge of managing their woodlands effectively. Whether the goal is to maximize timber production, enhance wildlife habitat, or ensure the health of the forest, employing a consulting forester can be a game-changer. Here’s how consulting foresters can assist landowners in achieving their land management objectives.

Expert Guidance on Forest Management Consulting foresters bring specialized knowledge and expertise that can significantly benefit landowners. They are trained to manage forests sustainably while achieving the landowner’s economic and ecological goals. A consulting forester can develop a comprehensive management plan that addresses:

Timber appraisal and marketing
Forest health assessment
Disease prevention and control
Reforestation and species selection

Maximizing Economic Returns One of the primary reasons landowners should consider hiring a consulting forester is to maximize the economic returns from timber sales. Consulting foresters can conduct thorough timber inventories, appraise the timber’s value, and market the timber to potential buyers. By having a deep understanding of the timber market, they can negotiate better sale terms, ensuring that landowners receive fair compensation for their wood.

Stewardship and Conservation Beyond timber management, consulting foresters can guide landowners in wildlife habitat improvement, soil conservation, and water quality enhancement. This holistic approach to land management not only supports biodiversity but also contributes to the conservation of the ecosystem. For landowners interested in conservation easements or participating in state and federal conservation programs, a consulting forester can navigate the complex application processes and compliance requirements.

Navigating Regulatory Compliance Forest management often involves navigating a maze of local, state, and federal regulations. Consulting foresters can help ensure that landowners comply with laws related to endangered species, wetlands, and other environmental protections. This expertise is crucial in avoiding legal issues and fines that can arise from non-compliance.

Educational and Recreational Enhancement For landowners looking to enhance the educational and recreational value of their forests, consulting foresters can design trails, create educational signage, and develop wildlife viewing areas. These enhancements not only make the land more enjoyable but can also increase its value.

Choosing the Right Consulting Forester When selecting a consulting forester, it’s important for landowners to look for credentials such as certification from the Society of American Foresters, Association of Consulting Foresters or similar professional organizations. References from other landowners and a clear understanding of the fees and services provided are also essential considerations.

For landowners in Texas Forest Country, investing in the services of a consulting forester can lead to more effective management and greater enjoyment of their forested property. With the right guidance, these woodlands can be preserved and enhanced for future generations while also providing immediate economic and recreational benefits.

Motorcyclist Deaths on the Rise in Texas

By

Rhonda Oaks

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May 2, 2024

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Look twice for motorcycles during National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

AUSTIN – When you see a motorcycle on the road, it’s not just a bike – it carries someone’s best friend, someone’s child, someone’s parent, someone’s spouse. Nearly 600 people riding motorcycles were killed in crashes in Texas last year, and more than 2,400 riders were seriously injured.

One of those hurt was Al Peterson, a Leander man who almost died last May when another driver turned left in front of him. Peterson was thrown 20 yards from his motorcycle fractured several ribs, his left leg, and pelvis, and suffered severe internal injuries. The crash nearly took him away from his wife and three children.

Motorcycles are smaller and harder to spot, which is why taking an extra moment to double-check for them can mean the difference between life and death. The number of motorcyclists killed in 2023 increased by 7% from the year before, and intersection fatal crashes increased by 21%. Drivers can help stop this rising trend by always looking twice for motorcycles because there’s a life riding on them.

“It can be hard to judge the distance, size, and speed of a motorcycle, which is why we need to pay extra attention when sharing the road,” said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams. “We want everyone to get home safe, and that means drivers should be on the lookout for motorcycles and give them adequate space, especially when turning.”

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Our Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles safety campaign strives to protect motorcyclists and to remind all drivers of safe driving habits.

To help prevent crashes:

§ Check yourself. Always remind yourself to keep an eye out for any motorcycles nearby. This will help your eyes and brain notice motorcycles on the road.

§ Look twice. Use turn signals and check blind spots before changing lanes.

§ Turning left? Avoid turning in front of an oncoming motorcycle. It can be hard to judge their speed and distance, so let them pass first and always use your turn signal to alert them.

§ Pay special attention at intersections. More than a third of all motorcycle fatalities happen at roadway intersections.

§ Make some space. Keep a safe following distance. Motorcyclists can reduce their speed by downshifting, which doesn’t activate the brake light. Treat motorcycles like cars by giving them a full lane when driving or passing.

§ Slow down. Obey posted speed limits and drive according to conditions.

§ Stay alert. Give driving your full attention. Even a momentary distraction can have deadly consequences.

To help drivers fully understand how easy it is to lose sight of a motorcycle and the dangers motorcyclists face, TxDOT is taking its “Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles” campaign exhibit on the road. The exhibit will feature a virtual reality component that gives participants the opportunity to experience from a driver’s perspective how difficult it is to spot motorcyclists in high-risk traffic situations and what close calls and dangerous situations look like from a motorcyclist’s perspective.

TxDOT’s Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

Drug-Free All-Star Banquet

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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May 2, 2024

0

TopHours — The Coalition recently honored the Drug-Free All Stars with the most volunteer hours for 2023-2024. From left to right: Roxana Flores, Diboll HS; Kasie Lopez, Hudson HS; Chloe Napier, Huntington HS; Natalie Courtney, Lufkin HS; De’Andrew Dodd, Pineywoods Community Academy; Alexander Tiu, St. Cyprian’s Episcopal School; Giselle Jaime, Central HS; Dulce Flores, Diboll HS; and Jolie Garcia, Central HS.

The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, are a group of high school seniors that serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. Recently, students were honored for their hard work at the annual Drug-Free All-Star Banquet. Throughout this school year, the All Stars volunteered their time at local events throughout Angelina County and helped spread awareness about drug and alcohol prevention. Thank you to Brent Tanksley, The Coalition Board member, for talking to the All Stars about maintaining their substance-free lifestyle and continuing the good choices they have made this year. Collectively, this group of motivated students volunteered over 1,520 hours this year and worked hard to promote a healthy, substance-free lifestyle on behalf of The Coalition. If you are a current high school junior and interested in the Drug-Free All-Star program, please visit https://www.angelinacoalition.org/youth to download an application. Paper copies can be picked up at The Coalition’s office at 1320 S. John Reddit Drive, Suite C, or at any Angelina County high school. The deadline for applications is Friday, May 31^st.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes, and behaviors, in order to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

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TFCLiving

Boxcar BBQ: A Smokin’ Success Story from Lufkin, Texas

Governor Abbott Provides Update On State Ongoing Response To Severe Weather, Flooding In East Texas

Boudreaux Campbell Leads a Stellar Lineup at the Dallas-Fort Worth Western Sports Extravaganza

Angelina College Weekly Update

Navigating Floodwaters: Comprehensive Safety and Recovery Guide for Texas Forest Country Residents

For Homeowners

For Business Owners

For Motorists

General Preparedness Tips

7th annual Dueling Pianos (Angelina County)

Red Cross Opens Multiple Shelters in Response to Rising Water

The Value of Consulting Foresters for Landowners in Texas Forest Country

Motorcyclist Deaths on the Rise in Texas

Drug-Free All-Star Banquet

TFCLiving

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