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When Tech Support Becomes the Problem: A New Cybersecurity Threat Hits Home

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Criminal in hoodie and gloves typing on laptop keyboard in dark room

Most people think of hackers in hoodies behind screens. But what if the real threat is the person on the other end of the help desk line?

A disturbing new trend is sweeping the tech world—and it’s one that every business owner in East Texas should know about. Cybercriminals aren’t just breaking in through firewalls anymore. They’re walking in the front door—through tech support.

The Risk You Didn’t See Coming

Big companies like Coinbase and major retailers have been targeted not by high-tech hacking, but by manipulating or bribing tech-support workers—often in outsourced call centers.

Here’s how it works:

  • A criminal calls pretending to be a legitimate employee.
  • A support worker is tricked into disabling security features like multi-factor authentication.
  • Suddenly, the attacker has full access to sensitive systems or customer data.

It’s social engineering at its most dangerous—and it’s already causing real financial losses across the country.

Why Local Businesses Aren’t Immune

If it can happen to a Fortune 500 company, it can happen here in East Texas, too. Small and mid-sized businesses often:

  • Use third-party or remote IT support without strict controls.
  • Skip regular staff training on fraud and cyber scams.
  • Assume internal systems are secure when they aren’t being actively monitored.

That’s a costly assumption in 2025.

What Castleberry Services Is Doing About It

Castleberry Services, based right here in Lufkin, is taking action to help protect local businesses.

Here’s how they do it differently:

  • Local, fully trained support teams—no outsourcing.
  • Tight access controls that limit what tech support can change or access.
  • Real-time monitoring of IT systems and support activity.
  • Employee security awareness training to spot scams before they happen.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis to Lock the Door

Your business may be running smoothly today—but it only takes one mistake to let a criminal into your systems. Castleberry Services can help you lock down your IT support process before it’s too late.

Call (936) 237-3030 or visit castleberryinc.com to schedule a free security consultation.

This article is part of a regular business technology column brought to you by Castleberry Services—helping local businesses grow smarter and more secure across Texas Forest Country and beyond.

Pulling Together for a Cleaner East Texas: 11th Annual Clay Shoot Fundraiser Returns This August

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Lufkin, TX — Out here in Texas Forest Country, we know that keeping our communities beautiful takes more than just a few good intentions—it takes people who show up, roll up their sleeves, and get involved. That’s exactly the spirit behind the 11th Annual Clay Shoot Fundraiser, hosted by Angelina Beautiful/Clean, happening Saturday, August 9, 2025, at The Pines Sporting Clays in Lufkin.

From the crack of the first shotgun blast to the final round of prize giveaways, this isn’t just another East Texas event—it’s a celebration of everything that makes our region strong: good people, great food, healthy competition, and a shared commitment to keeping Angelina County beautiful.

Participants can expect a full day of fun beginning at 8:00 AM, including:

  • Live music and games that bring out the smiles
  • Tasty bites and cold drinks to fuel the fun
  • Prize drawings and raffles worth showing up for
  • And most importantly—100 targets to test your aim

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or just coming out to cheer on a team, this event welcomes everyone with open arms. And every dollar raised goes straight back into the community, funding litter prevention, environmental education, and beautification projects in the schools, parks, and neighborhoods we call home.

“We love this event because it blends two of our favorite things: the outdoors and community pride,” said Heather Eoff, Executive Director of Angelina Beautiful/Clean. “When folks come out to shoot, they’re also helping teach our kids to care for the Earth and keeping our streets, rivers, and forests clean.”

From sponsors and volunteers to friends just stopping by for the barbecue, the clay shoot has become a summer staple. If you’ve never been, now’s the year to join in.

 Event Details:

  • What: 11th Annual Clay Shoot Fundraiser
  • When: Saturday, August 9, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Where: The Pines Sporting Clays, 311 Spring Lake Dr, Lufkin, TX
  • Hosted by: Angelina Beautiful/Clean
  • Why: To support local beautification and environmental efforts

For registration, sponsorships, or volunteer opportunities, visit
www.angelinabeautifulclean.org or sign up directly at Zeffy.com

“Don’t Be This Guy”: Fake Facebook Accounts, Racist Memes, and a Political Career in Ruins

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It reads like a script for a satirical political drama — except it really happened, right here in Texas.

Taral Patel, a once-rising figure in Fort Bend County politics, was caught running a digital smear campaign… against himself.

Yes, you read that right.

According to a recent Texas Ethics Commission order, Patel created fake Facebook accounts with names like “Antonio Scalywag,” “Paul Rosenstein,” “Jennifer Tremaine,” and “Jane Donnie.” He used these accounts to post racist and xenophobic attacks — not on others, but aimed at himself — only to then share those same posts publicly as “evidence” of the hate he was facing during his campaign.

If it sounds absurd, it is.

Unfortunately for Patel, the paper trail wasn’t just sloppy — it was practically neon-lit. Meta, Google, T-Mobile, Chase Bank, and even IP address logs all pointed right back to him. One fake account even used a stranger’s photo without consent.

What started as a misguided attempt to sway public sympathy turned into a series of criminal charges. Patel ultimately pleaded guilty to multiple misdemeanor violations of Texas Election Code §255.005 — which prohibits misrepresenting one’s identity to influence an election. He was sentenced to 24 months probation, 200 hours of community service, and found himself publicly reprimanded by the Texas Ethics Commission.

Here’s the Sad — and Funny — Lesson:

Trying to “catfish” your way into elected office using racist sock-puppet accounts isn’t just unethical… it’s criminal.

And in today’s world of IP tracing, digital forensics, and AI-based monitoring — you will get caught.

What Can We Learn?

Whether you’re running for office, managing a business, or just posting in your local Facebook group:

  • Be authentic.
  • Don’t manufacture drama for attention.
  • And above all, don’t break the law trying to manipulate others online.

In East Texas, we pride ourselves on real values: hard work, honesty, and community integrity. Let this bizarre story be a warning — and a reminder — to keep our politics (and social media) clean.

Because the next headline could be about you.

Here’s the Texas Ethics decision.

The Legacy of Liberty: Leadership Rooted in the Hart of America

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Part 1: The Signer in My Blood – Discovering John Hart’s Brave Stand for Liberty

By Lee Allen Miller, TFCL Publisher

Growing up in East Texas, I always knew my roots ran deep. But I didn’t fully appreciate just how far back my family’s story reached – until I traced it to the very founding of our nation.

I am the five-times great-grandson of John Hart, one of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence.

That fact humbles me. It also challenges me.

John Hart was not a famous man in his time. He wasn’t a general or a lawyer or a wealthy planter. He was a farmer, a husband, a father of thirteen, and a devout Christian. He was a man who lived simply but believed deeply in liberty, faith, and the dignity of every individual. And when the time came to choose between comfort and conviction, he chose conviction.

He signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 at the age of 65, knowing full well it could cost him everything. And in many ways, it did.

Who Was John Hart?

John Hart was born around 1711 in Hopewell Township, New Jersey. He lived a quiet life for much of his early years, working as a farmer and miller. He was not a man of privilege or position. He didn’t write books or seek the spotlight. But in the eyes of his community, he was known as “Honest John Hart” – a man of integrity, deeply respected by his neighbors for his sound judgment and unshakable faith.

He entered public service slowly, first as a justice of the peace, then in the colonial legislature of New Jersey. But as tensions with Great Britain grew in the 1770s, Hart’s convictions pushed him forward. He aligned with the growing Patriot cause, even as it became clear that opposing the Crown would cost many their livelihoods – or worse.

In 1776, at the age of 65, John Hart was selected to represent New Jersey in the Second Continental Congress, replacing a delegate who opposed independence. That July, he joined 55 other men in signing one of the most revolutionary documents in history: the Declaration of Independence.

It was a bold move, especially for a man in the later years of life. Unlike some of the younger signers, Hart wasn’t chasing glory. He was sacrificing everything he had – his property, his reputation, even his life – for a future he might never see. And indeed, he didn’t.

That same year, British and Hessian forces invaded New Jersey. John Hart was forced to flee his home. His property was raided. His farm was looted. He hid in the woods and slept in caves, while his family scattered. During his time in hiding, one of his daughters died, and he was unable to return to bury her.

After months of evasion, Hart returned to public life in 1777 and was elected Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, where he continued serving until his health gave out. He passed away on May 11, 1779, just three years after signing the Declaration.

He never saw the full fruits of the liberty he helped secure. But he never wavered.

And yet, because of him – and men like him – we stand today in the shadow of that liberty. Free to worship. Free to work. Free to lead. Free to build something that will outlive us.

John Hart’s courage didn’t end with him. It passed down through generations.

My Lineage from Liberty

John Hart’s courage didn’t end with him. It passed down through generations – etched into the backbone of my family and stitched into the values we still live by today.

His son, Edward Hart, took up arms under the command of General George Washington in the New Jersey Campaign, fighting not for glory but for the idea that freedom was worth defending. From him, the spirit of sacrifice and service traveled westward, as the Hart family helped shape the young frontier of a growing nation.

One of Edward’s descendants, Pleasant Hart, became a respected figure in Missouri, serving in the 22nd Missouri Infantry during the Civil War. He stood alongside his son, Robert Calvin Hart, who joined him in uniform and fought to preserve the Union. Their bravery was so distinguished that they were mentioned in official military citations, noted not only for their courage but for their calm leadership in the face of enemy fire.

From war-torn fields to dusty farmlands, the Harts built lives rooted in faith, hard work, and perseverance. They weren’t aristocrats or politicians. They were farmers, teachers, soldiers, and servants – quiet leaders whose lives told a story of resilience.

Eventually, our family’s journey led to Christian County, Missouri, where six generations of Harts are now buried under the oaks of Wise Hill Cemetery. It was there that my great-great-grandfather Elcany Hart, son of Robert Calvin Hart, raised his family. He was a man of character, shaped by a lineage of men who stood firm when others folded. His daughter – my grandmother, Mary Lea Hart Smith – grew up immersed in these stories. She didn’t just inherit their name; she inherited their spirit.

She passed that legacy on to my mother, and my mother passed it on to me.

What It Means Today

As I write this on the eve of Independence Day, I feel both the weight and the wonder of that legacy. Not with pride—but with purpose.

It’s easy to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and flags. But for me, it’s something deeper. It’s personal. Because I carry the blood of a man who signed his name on a piece of parchment that put a target on his back. A man who lost his home, lived in hiding, and buried a child he couldn’t mourn in public—all because he believed that ordinary people should be free.

That’s not just history to me. That’s inheritance. And that inheritance doesn’t come with entitlement. It comes with responsibility.

Leadership isn’t just about ambition. It’s about sacrifice. It’s about showing up when it matters, speaking truth when it’s hard, and doing what’s right even when it costs you. It’s about planting trees you may never sit under—like John Hart did when he signed a declaration he didn’t live to see fulfilled.

In today’s world of instant gratification and shallow popularity, that kind of leadership is rare. But it’s still needed. Desperately.

And that’s the kind of leadership I aspire to bring to my work, my businesses, my relationships, and my walk with God. Whether it’s helping a family navigate legal challenges, guiding East Texans toward energy independence, mentoring young entrepreneurs, or simply being the kind of husband, father, and grandfather who leads with consistency—I want to be the kind of leader who builds lasting impact, not just short-term influence.

That’s what John Hart did. That’s what every generation of my family tried to do in their time. And that’s what I’m committed to doing here and now, in the Pineywoods of East Texas—where faith is still strong, freedom still matters, and families still believe in something bigger than themselves.

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing more of this story—about the Hart family, their trials and triumphs, and how their leadership still shapes mine today. I hope it inspires you to reflect on your own legacy, and the kind of freedom worth passing on.

Because leadership doesn’t start in Washington. It starts at home. In the soil. In the church pew. At the kitchen table. In how we raise our children and how we honor our elders.

And for me, it started in the heart of a man named Hart.

Coming Tomorrow (Part 2):

“Pioneers, Patriots, and Preachers: The Generational Courage of the Hart Line”

Lights, Camera, Auction (San Augustine County)

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July 26 @ 6:30 pm 9:00 pm

Please save the date for our annual civic auction. “Lights, Camera, Auction. July 26, 2025. Doors open at 6:30 pm and start at 7:00 pm. It’s the best night of the year for the San Augustine County Chamber of Commerce. We will be selling tickets the first week of June. Pick of the litter, early bird special and other. Tables are $200.00 and admission is $25.00. We are taking donations for our auction now. If you want to be a sponsor or give a gift for the event, give me a call at 936-275-3610 or email saccc611@gmail.com

Donate below
https://square.link/u/W9uIbPqz?src=sheet

$25 ticket

4 Tips for a Safe Fourth of July

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Texas A&M AgriLife experts share guidance on fireworks, heat, food safety and mosquitoes

The Fourth of July is synonymous with fireworks, grilling and outdoor fun, but it’s also a holiday that tops the charts for preventable injuries and accidents. Nationwide, Independence Day celebrations lead to thousands of fireworks-related burns, foodborne illness, heatstroke and even wildfires each year.

Texas A&M AgriLife experts recommend planning ahead and keeping in mind these four key tips to ensure the only surprises this Fourth of July are the fireworks’ dazzling displays.

Texas A&M AgriLife experts provide tips to stay safe on the Fourth of July by celebrating responsibly. (Michael Miller, Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)
Practice firework safety

Texas A&M Forest Service reports that about 90% of wildfires are caused by human activities, and Independence Day is one of the top days for reported wildfires.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional display instead of lighting your own. However, if you’ll be handling fireworks yourself, Texas A&M Forest Service experts recommend:

  • Check local burn bans before you buy or ignite fireworks.
  • Choose an open, clear area away from buildings, trees and vehicles
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks directly.
  • Read and follow all warnings and instruction labels on fireworks.

For more information, view the Firework Safety fact sheet from Texas A&M Forest Service.

Beat the heat

High temperatures and outdoor activities also mean a greater chance for heat-related illness

“Heat exhaustion can occur when the body heats up faster than it can cool down,” said Michael Lopez, DrPH, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service health specialist and assistant professor in the Family and Community Health Unit, Bryan-College Station. “It is the body’s response to excessive loss of water and salt, which can cause symptoms like heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, rapid pulse, headache and nausea.”

He encourages you to stay safe in the heat by protecting your skin and staying hydrated:

  • Hydrate before going outside and bring plenty of water and hydrating snacks like watermelon, cucumbers and oranges. 
  • Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
  • Wear protective clothing or apply broad-spectrum protection with at least SPF 30 and reapply every few hours — more often if swimming or sweating.
Water-rich snacks like watermelon and berries can help guests stay cool and comfortable throughout Fourth of July festivities. (Laura McKenzie/Texas A&M AgriLife)
Prepare food properly

The most common food safety-related issue when grilling is foodborne illness from inadequately stored or undercooked foods, said Jenna Anding, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension nutrition specialist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Nutrition.

Bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses grow rapidly in the “danger zone” between 40 degrees and 140 degrees. Cold foods should be kept chilled until served, and hot foods should be kept above 140 degrees.

To prevent foodborne illness:

  • Watch the clock. Don’t leave perishable items like meats, salads or dairy-based dishes out for more than two hours.
  • Cold stays cold. Use coolers with ice packs for cold dishes.
  • Hot stays hot. Keep cooked food in insulated containers.
  • Prevent cross-contamination. Wash hands frequently, especially after handling raw meat, and use clean utensils and cutting boards.

Stay safe all season

Find more science-backed tips from AgriLife Extension to keep you and your loved ones healthy and protected — wherever the summer takes you.

Explore expert resources

Protect against mosquitoes

Mosquito activity peaks in the early evening, just when many are celebrating with fireworks, noted Sonja Swiger, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension entomologist and professor in the Texas A&M Department of Entomology, Stephenville.

Swiger recommends taking a few simple precautions to stay protected:

  • Wear light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and full-length pants.
  • Use repellents like DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or 2-undecanone, which are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • If you plan to treat your yard, apply mosquito control products at least 24 hours in advance of an event.

“This time of year, you’ll need to take action to minimize the risk of mosquito bites,” she said.

Whispering Pines Golf Club: The Crown Jewel of East Texas Golf

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When the latest Golf Digest rankings were released this year, golf fans across Texas scanned the list for familiar names. There were the usual heavyweights: Dallas National, Colonial, Austin Golf Club. But amid all the marquee metro-area courses, one name stood out – not just for its placement, but for its location.

Whispering Pines Golf Club in Trinity, Texas, once again claimed its spot as the #1 course in the state – and the only East Texas course to make the list.

For those of us who call this region home, it’s a point of pride. Quiet, pine-covered Trinity isn’t just keeping up with golf’s elite – it’s leading them.

A Vision Among the Pines

Whispering Pines didn’t emerge from a bustling city or an oceanfront property. It rose from the forests and hills along the edge of Lake Livingston – anchored in East Texas tradition and built on a vision that was as bold as it was generous.

In the late 1990s, Texas philanthropist Corby Robertson Jr. set out to create a world-class golf experience that would blend championship-level design with a peaceful, natural environment. He commissioned architect Chet Williams, a protégé of Jack Nicklaus, to carve something special out of the land. What followed was more than just a golf course – it was a calling.

In 2000, Whispering Pines Golf Club opened its gates, but only to a select few. This wasn’t a country club – it was a mission-driven destination with a philanthropic heart.


A Course With a Cause

Today, Whispering Pines exists to support the Spirit Golf Association, a nonprofit dedicated to growing the game and giving back. All proceeds from the club benefit the Spirit Charitable Foundation, which funds youth-focused health and education initiatives around the world.

It’s a refreshing model in an age when most top-tier golf courses focus on exclusivity, luxury, and profit. At Whispering Pines, excellence serves a purpose beyond prestige.

And it shows.

The course itself is stunning – 21 holes (including a 3-hole “Whispering” loop) that play through pine forests, across dramatic ravines, and alongside the glistening lake. Williams’ design challenges the best while embracing the beauty of the landscape. No hole is forgettable. Many are unforgettable.

Golf Digest called it one of the most beautiful and thoughtfully designed courses in America – and it’s hard to argue.

The Spirit of the Game

Every two years, Whispering Pines takes the global spotlight as the host of the Spirit International Amateur Golf Championship – an Olympic-style event that brings together the world’s best amateur players for a week of competition, camaraderie, and culture.

Often referred to as “The Spirit,” the tournament is more than a showcase of young talent. It’s a launching pad for future stars. Alumni include Jordan Spieth, Scottie Scheffler, Brandt Snedeker, Lexi Thompson, and Lorena Ochoa – all of whom played at Whispering Pines before rising to international fame.

But The Spirit is also a deeply East Texan affair. Local volunteers help run the event. Community groups attend the opening ceremonies. And when the flags of 20+ countries rise over Lake Livingston, there’s a palpable sense of pride: this is happening here.

Few people outside our region realize the scale of it. Fewer still understand that this tournament, like the course itself, is rooted in service and generosity. Every participant receives full accommodations, including airfare, and the event’s proceeds go right back into charitable efforts that impact lives around the world.

Why It Matters

In a state overflowing with high-profile golf destinations, Whispering Pines proves that greatness doesn’t need a skyline. It can be found in the whisper of pine needles, the hush of a morning tee shot over misty water, and the roar of an East Texas sunset across rolling fairways.

It’s easy to overlook Trinity, Texas, if you’re plotting a golf trip from Dallas or Houston. But that’s the beauty of Whispering Pines – it doesn’t ask to be noticed. It earns it. And once you see it, you’ll never forget it.

For East Texans, Whispering Pines is more than a top-ranked course. It’s a testament to what’s possible when vision, craftsmanship, and heart come together.

And as the only East Texas course to make Golf Digest’s prestigious ranking this year, it stands tall – not just as a world-class golf club, but as a symbol of everything that makes this region quietly exceptional.

Know someone who’s played Whispering Pines or been part of The Spirit? Tag them and share your story.

Follow Texas Forest Country Living for more stories that highlight the people, places, and passions that make our region great.

Getting Noticed Online: Should You Focus on SEO or Paid Ads?

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Big Data Domain Web Page SEO Concept

Helping East Texas Businesses Make Smart Marketing Choices

When it comes to getting your business noticed online, two strategies usually come up first: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Paid Ads. But what’s the difference—and which one is right for you here in the Texas Forest Country?

Let’s break it down simply:

What is SEO?

SEO is all about making sure your website shows up naturally (without paying) when people search for businesses like yours.

Local Tip: If someone types in “best BBQ in Lufkin” or “flower shop near Nacogdoches,” good SEO helps your business pop up on that first page!

Pros:

  • Builds trust over time
  • Costs less in the long run
  • Helps you show up to people who are already searching for you

Cons:

  • Takes time to see results (months, not days)
  • Needs regular updates to your website and content

What About Paid Ads?

Paid ads are like putting up a big flashing billboard online—you pay to get seen right away.

Local Tip: You can run ads on Google, Facebook, or Instagram to promote a special sale, event, or grand opening.

Pros:

  • Instant visibility
  • Great for promoting time-sensitive offers
  • You can target specific towns, ages, and interests

Cons:

  • Costs money every time someone clicks or sees the ad
  • Ads stop working when you stop paying

So Which One is Best?

Both have their place.
If you need quick results—like for a big sale or new location—paid ads are a great tool.
If you want steady, long-term growth, investing in SEO is smart.
The best strategy for many businesses is a little bit of both!

Helping Local Businesses Grow Smarter

At Texas Forest Country Living, we love seeing East Texas businesses succeed—both online and offline. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or looking to step up your marketing game, making smart choices between SEO and paid ads can help you grow faster and smarter.

Stay tuned for more simple, actionable marketing tips in every edition of TFCL!

Getting Noticed Online: Should You Focus on SEO or Paid Ads?

Helping East Texas Businesses Make Smart Marketing Choices

When it comes to getting your business noticed online, two strategies usually come up first: SEO (Search Engine Optimization) and Paid Ads. But what’s the difference—and which one is right for you here in the Texas Forest Country?

Let’s break it down simply:

What is SEO?

SEO is all about making sure your website shows up naturally (without paying) when people search for businesses like yours.

Local Tip: If someone types in “best BBQ in Lufkin” or “flower shop near Nacogdoches,” good SEO helps your business pop up on that first page!

Pros:

  • Builds trust over time
  • Costs less in the long run
  • Helps you show up to people who are already searching for you

Cons:

  • Takes time to see results (months, not days)
  • Needs regular updates to your website and content

What About Paid Ads?

Paid ads are like putting up a big flashing billboard online—you pay to get seen right away.

Local Tip: You can run ads on Google, Facebook, or Instagram to promote a special sale, event, or grand opening.

Pros:

  • Instant visibility
  • Great for promoting time-sensitive offers
  • You can target specific towns, ages, and interests

Cons:

  • Costs money every time someone clicks or sees the ad
  • Ads stop working when you stop paying

So Which One is Best?

Both have their place.
If you need quick results—like for a big sale or new location—paid ads are a great tool.
If you want steady, long-term growth, investing in SEO is smart.
The best strategy for many businesses is a little bit of both!

Helping Local Businesses Grow Smarter

At Texas Forest Country Living, we love seeing East Texas businesses succeed—both online and offline. Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or looking to step up your marketing game, making smart choices between SEO and paid ads can help you grow faster and smarter.

Stay tuned for more simple, actionable marketing tips in every edition of TFCL!

Nac Family Bingo (Nacogdoches County)

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July 29 @ 5:30 pm 8:30 pm

Dear Community Partner,

We are thrilled to announce our first-ever Bingo and Hope event in Nacogdoches, Texas on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Nacogdoches Expo Center. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and Bingo begins at 6:00 p.m. This high-energy evening will feature exciting prizes, lively competition for both men and women, and an opportunity to stand behind a cause that directly impacts families in our rural East Texas communities.

While this is our first official event in Nacogdoches, East Texas Alliance of Hope has been serving this community since 2020. We are proud of the support we’ve provided to countless residents through our compassionate, client-centered programs—and we look forward to strengthening relationships and expanding our reach with your help.

East Texas Alliance of Hope is a nonprofit dedicated to walking alongside individuals and families facing poverty, crisis, and barriers to healthcare access. Our core programs include:

  • Care Navigation: Personalized support including case management, resource referrals, financial assistance, transportation, and cancer screening and prevention.
  • Cancer Care: Nonclinical oncology navigation, emotional and practical support for individuals facing a cancer diagnosis, and community education focused on early detection and access to care.
  • Just Kiddin’ Around: Our children’s resale store and social enterprise, where every purchase supports programs for families in need.
  • Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local schools, clinics, and organizations to address gaps in care and strengthen our collective impact.

We believe every person deserves access to quality care, stability, and hope. As we prepare to host this event, we invite you to partner with us—whether by sponsoring, donating prizes, or volunteering. Your support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

To get involved, please contact Michele at info@etxallianceofhope.org. Thank you for considering this opportunity to uplift your community.

With appreciation,
Ashley Berry
Founder & CEO
East Texas Alliance of Hope

936-899-7307

View Organizer Website

3805 N.W. Stallings Dr
Nacogdoches, TX 75964 United States
702-456-2642

What’s Really on Your Power Bill?

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A Closer Look at Those “Mystery Charges” Texans Keep Paying

If there’s one bill every Texan dreads, it’s the electric bill. Especially in a region like ours, where the weather flips from humid to frigid in a heartbeat and we rely heavily on keeping our homes cool or warm.

But what if the real pain of your power bill isn’t the energy use—it’s the charges hiding in plain sight?

We’ve heard from readers across the region:
“I’m using less energy, but my bill hasn’t gone down.”
“I signed up for a cheap plan, so why am I still paying so much?”
“I thought I was going green… but I don’t remember agreeing to these fees.”

Let’s dig in.

The Hidden Charges Most Texans Never See

Here in East Texas, we like things simple and fair. But energy bills? Not so much. Here are just a few fees that might be sitting quietly on your next bill:

Delivery Charges – You’re not just paying for electricity—you’re also paying the utility to deliver it. That’s fair, until the seasonal spikes sneak in.

Minimum Usage Fees – Ironically, if you conserve too well, you could be hit with a fee for not using enough power.

Base Fees – Even if you turn off every switch, some providers charge a monthly flat fee just to keep your account open.

Green Energy Riders – That little green leaf on your plan? It might come with a surcharge you never signed up for.

It’s like ordering a $10 burger and getting a bill for $18 because someone added mystery fries, an extra plate fee, and a seat charge.

So, What Can You Do?

We’re not saying everyone’s being taken advantage of… but we are saying it’s worth a second look. Many folks in Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Livingston, and across the Pineywoods have found that with just a little guidance, they could cut hundreds off their annual power cost—without sacrificing comfort.

If you’re curious, reach out to a trusted local advisor who understands our area and the unique challenges of rural and small-town energy pricing. It doesn’t cost anything to ask the right questions—and it might just save you more than you think.


 Local Tip: Bring Your Bill to the Experts

Amerigy Energy, a Texas-based company that works right here in the Forest Country region, offers free bill evaluations—no strings, no pressure. They’ve helped homes and small businesses across our counties find better rates, dodge hidden fees, and finally understand what they’re paying for.

You can call Bryan at 936-465-2821 or visit AmerigyEnergy.com to learn more.

Final Thought

In East Texas, we take pride in hard work, fair prices, and neighbors helping neighbors. Don’t let confusing bills chip away at your peace of mind—or your pocketbook.

Next time that electricity bill arrives, give it a second look. You might be surprised what’s hiding there.