Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

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January 21, 2026

Hey, sports fans,

Both Angelina College basketball teams were on the road this past week against some tough competition in conference play, and both squads suffered some tough losses. They’ll look to bounce back this next week with even more league play, including a women’s/men’s doubleheader coming up this Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium.

In addition, our softball and baseball teams are preparing for their respective season openers, with the Lady Roadrunner softball team set for its official season opener Friday in Tyler.

We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.

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

Roadrunner Basketball Splits Conference Games This Week

Two tough road losses, both by a combined five points.

On Saturday at Kilgore College, the Roadrunners suffered an absolute heartbreaker of a loss after a pair of last-second Ranger free throws.

AC lost 59-57 when the first-place Rangers hit two freebies with 2.7 seconds to play in the game. Julius Crosby led AC with 11 points, with Daemon Ely and Ronald Durham adding nine points each.

The loss followed Wednesday’s 62-59 overtime defeat at Blinn College. Kai’Ree Murray led AC with 15 points, Clarence Payia added 13 and Durham another 10 in the loss.

The Roadrunners (9-8, 3-6) will look to bounce back at home on Wednesday against Lamar State College-Port Arthur. Game time at Shands Gymnasium is 7 p.m.

AC will close the week with another road trip on Saturday at Navarro College in Corsicana. That game tips off at 4 p.m.

Lady Roadrunner Basketball

The Lady ‘Runners pushed a very good Blinn College team for more than three quarters on Wednesday, but AC’s ladies just didn’t have the firepower to keep up in the latter stages of the game as the Lady Bucs pulled away for a 70-59 win in Brenham. The Lady Roadrunners got 22 points and five steals from Timberlyn Washington and 13 points from Aminah Dixon.

On Saturday, AC fell 95-60 at Tyler Junior College.

The Lady Roadrunners (5-9, 1-2) will host Kilgore College at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday before traveling to Paris on Saturday to face Paris Junior College in a game set for a 2 p.m. start.

AC Baseball, Softball Schedules Are Available for Viewing

Both the Roadrunner baseball and Lady Roadrunner softball teams are just days away from opening their Spring 2026 seasons. Both programs feature first-year head coaches (Jon Phillips with baseball and Kassie James with softball), and there’s excitement brewing for what is sure to be some exciting times on the diamonds.

The Roadrunner baseball team opens with a scrimmage at East Texas Baptist University in Marshall on Thursday, Jan. 22 (3 p.m.) before hosting the regular-season opener against Temple College in a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.

The Lady ‘Runner softball team will see its first action on Friday, Jan. 23 at Tyler Junior College in Tyler. The doubleheader is set for a 1 p.m. start. AC’s ladies won’t host their home opener until Wednesday, Feb. 4 when the Lady Roadrunners host Northeast Texas Community College in a doubleheader set for a 1 p.m. start at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.

Here are the links to the teams’ schedules:

Roadrunner Baseball schedule:

https://angelinaathletics.com/sports/bsb/2025-26/schedule

Lady Roadrunner Softball schedule:

https://angelinaathletics.com/sports/sball/2025-26/schedule

Baseball, Softball Set Final Rosters

With their new seasons set to open next week, both the Roadrunner baseball and Lady Roadrunner softball teams have finalized their official rosters (see attachments). Both teams have a mixture of key players returning from last season, along with plenty of new faces ready to make an impact.

Fans will be able to view the rosters, photos and bios on the AC Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com) by the end of this week.

Potential Schedule Changes:

As always in East Texas, the potential exists for schedule changes because of inclement weather. We try to put out the word as soon as we get it, but the quickest way to confirm game days and times is to visit the AC Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com) to view the most updated schedules. We’ll also send out word on social media (AC Athletics Facebook and Instagram, etc.), but the on-line schedule will always serve up the most recent updates.

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:

Wednesday, January 21:

Lady Roadrunner Basketball vs. Kilgore College, 5:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium

Roadrunner Basketball vs. Lamar State College-Port Arthur, 7:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium

Thursday, January 22:

Roadrunner Baseball at East Texas Baptist University (scrimmage), 3 p.m. in Marshall, TX

Friday, Jan. 23:

Lady Roadrunner Softball at Tyler Junior College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Tyler (season opener)

Saturday, January 24:

Lady Roadrunner Basketball at Paris College, 2 p.m. in Paris, TX

Roadrunner Basketball at Navarro College, 4 p.m. in Corsicana, TX

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

We’ll see you at the games.

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

Counting the Cost: Biblical Planning for the Year Ahead

By

Lee Allen Miller

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January 21, 2026

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Most leaders love vision.
Some tolerate discipline.
Very few enjoy counting the cost.

And yet, Jesus made it unmistakably clear: you don’t build first and ask questions later. You plan before you proceed.

That principle hasn’t changed – whether you’re leading a business, a ministry, or a family.

Jesus Wasn’t Anti-Vision – He Was Anti-Naivety

When Jesus talked about leadership, He didn’t romanticize it. He grounded it in reality.

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?”
– Luke 14:28

This wasn’t about money alone.
It was about commitment, endurance, and follow-through.

Too many leaders announce bold plans without ever asking:

What will this require of me?
What will this demand of my team?
What must I give up to do this well?

Vision without cost-awareness creates unfinished towers – and credibility problems.

Why Leaders Avoid Counting the Cost

Counting the cost forces honesty.

It reveals:

Overcommitment
Capacity limits
Competing priorities
Hidden trade-offs

And leaders – especially capable ones – don’t like limits.

We assume:

We’ll “figure it out”
We’ll “add resources later”
We’ll “make it work somehow”

But faith is not presumption.

Biblical leadership doesn’t ignore reality – it submits plans to wisdom.

Every “Yes” Has a Hidden Price Tag

One of the most dangerous leadership habits is saying yes without identifying the cost.

Every yes costs:

Time
Energy
Focus
Opportunity

If you don’t decide what you’re willing to give up, life will decide for you.

Strong leaders ask hard questions upfront:

What will I stop doing if I start this?
What relationships will feel the pressure?
What standards must not slip under strain?

Counting the cost protects what matters most.

Faith-Driven Planning Is an Act of Stewardship

Planning isn’t a lack of faith – it’s an expression of it.

Scripture consistently affirms preparation:

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance.”
– Proverbs 21:5

Diligence isn’t frantic activity.
It’s thoughtful, intentional leadership.

Faith-driven leaders don’t rush into commitments to impress others. They plan carefully to honor God with the outcome.

What Counting the Cost Looks Like in Real Leadership

Counting the cost isn’t complicated – but it is uncomfortable.

It means asking:

Do we actually have the margin for this?
Are we solving a real problem – or chasing growth?
Will this distract from our core assignment?

It also means acknowledging something leaders hate to admit:
You cannot do everything well at the same time.

Wise leadership chooses depth over breadth.

A Practical Cost-Counting Framework

Before locking in major goals for the year, walk through this:

1. Define the Objective

What are you actually building – not what sounds good?

2. Identify the Cost

Time, money, energy, people, focus.

3. Name the Trade-Off

What must be reduced, delayed, or eliminated?

4. Assess Sustainability

Can this be done with excellence – not just enthusiasm?

5. Seek Wise Counsel

Plans mature when tested by trusted voices.

This isn’t about shrinking vision.
It’s about strengthening execution.

Your Action Step This Week

Choose one major goal for this year.

Then answer this question honestly:

What will this cost me – and am I willing to pay it?

If the answer is no, that’s not failure.
That’s wisdom.

Better to adjust the plan now than abandon it later.

That’s a Wrap

Strong leaders don’t fear the cost – they respect it.

They plan before they promise.
They measure before they move.
They build what they can finish.

Next week, we’ll turn inward and tackle one of the hardest truths in leadership: you must lead yourself before you can lead anyone else.

Lead wisely.

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By

Carey Kinsolving

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January 20, 2026

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How Can You Tell If Someone Loves Jesus?

“If you love Jesus, you keep his commandments, and he will give you a helper,” says Vincent, 7,

If you want to make people angry, tell them what to do. Give them some commandments. If you want to make people fighting angry, tell them there’s nothing they can do to earn an eternal home in heaven. Religious people delude themselves by imagining they can earn God’s favor.

If God’s salvation is provided by his free grace through faith alone in Christ alone, what’s with the commandments? Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).

Although God’s people are redeemed and forgiven, it doesn’t shield them from self-deception. Our capacity to fool ourselves is greater than we can imagine. God never gave his commandments as a way for us to secure a home in heaven. No one has ever kept them perfectly except Jesus.

Immediately after Jesus said those who love him would keep his commandments, he said he would send a helper who would be with all believers forever (John 14:16). Our helper is God himself in the person of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Bible scholar Warren Wiersbe wrote this: “The Spirit living within the disciples would take the place of the Savior living beside the disciples.”

God wants us to live beyond commandments. Love surpasses commandments, but the commandments give us a starting point to know if we’re living in harmony with Jesus. It’s like flying on an airplane versus a road trip in the car. Flying is a different realm.

God’s commandments keep our feet on the ground. They protect us from self-delusion. Love is like flying! There are no stop signs or traffic lights when flying above the clouds.

What if I woke up tomorrow morning to a list of 10 commandments from my wife? Do I really need commandments to bring her flowers and dark chocolate or to take her out to a restaurant she enjoys?

“If you love Jesus, you will shine to the world,” says Hope, 9. One of the ways you might be a light in this world is very practical, says Audrey, 7: “If someone falls down, you do not laugh and you help them up.”

When someone falls, it’s easy to laugh. It takes compassion to imagine yourself in someone else’s shoes, especially when everyone is laughing.

During Jesus’ ministry, he constantly reached out to undesirables. Touching a leper was at the top of the taboo list. Jesus not only touched lepers, he healed them (Matthew 8:1-4).

“You can tell someone loves Jesus if they read the Bible, pray and obey,” says Josiah, 6.

On Broadway, someone who can sing, dance and act is called a triple threat. Josiah has identified the triple threat in God’s family. Christians who study the Bible, pray and obey God will always be a triple threat. The dark realm of Satanic evil will flee when facing a triple-threat believer.

Think about this: Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another. If a believer says he loves God, but hates his Christian brother, he’s deluded.

Memorize this truth: “If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also,” (I John 4:20-21).

Ask this question: Are you living the life of love for God and your brothers and sisters in Christ?

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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 twice a week in a free, email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.

Drug-Free All Stars Attend Teen Court

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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January 20, 2026

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615439474_122143530800421179_9184541091712066995_n — Front row from left to right: Vivian Montes, Miranda Paulin, Georgia Conrad, Nathalie Jacobo, Rachel Modisette, Kristi Skillern, Addyson Franklin, Samantha Saulsbury, and Reagan Strother. Second row from left to right: Je’Mya Coulter, Brooklyn Hernandez, Allison Montero, Lauren Woodward, Hailei Fontenot, Abby Baker, Dana Duran Solis, Rhyla Jacildo, Za’Nyia Johnson, Joey Riccio, and Celeste Cruz Third row from left to right: Officer Chris McClurg, Madison Hamilton, Angel Concha, Ja’Marcus Nieves, Barret Price, Charla Raines, Alondra Cura, Rhett Merrel, Luke Murrell, Parker Tanksley, Savannah Bergman, Taelor Riley, Rebekah Sapp, Marlee Jones, Presli Flowers, Gavin Bowman, Marti Allen, Savanna Soverns, Back row from left to right: Natalie Purvis, John Oliphant, and Carson McDaniel

For the Drug-Free All Star January meeting, the All Stars visited the City of Lufkin’s Teen Court to see how the court functions to prevent juvenile repeat offenders and recognize lessons learned through the judicial process. The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County are a group of high school seniors who serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. The Drug-Free All Star program, in partnership with TxDOT, aims to reduce crashes, injuries, and deaths on Texas roadways. Teen Court was launched to give juveniles with Class-C misdemeanors a chance for accountability and redemption. The Drug-Free All Stars heard from volunteer Teen Court Judge Kristi Skillern about why Teen Court exists and how the program benefits student volunteers and participants. Throughout the hearings in the cases, students saw how small mistakes can lead to major consequences. The Coalition, Inc. expresses thanks to Kristi Skillern, City of Lufkin Attorney and Teen Court Judge; Nancy Zamarripa, Teen Court Coordinator; and Teen Court youth volunteers and participants. The Drug-Free All Stars appreciated seeing how Teen Court works to improve the choices of teens in our community.

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

The Worst Time of Year to Lock in an Electricity Rate in Texas

By

Lee Allen Miller

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January 19, 2026

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When electricity demand peaks in Texas, headlines tend to follow.

Heat waves, grid stress, and record usage often dominate the conversation—especially during summer. Unfortunately, that’s also when many Texans make long-term electricity decisions.

Why Peak Seasons Can Be Costly

During high-demand periods, electricity prices tend to rise. Locking a long-term rate at the height of demand can mean paying a premium long after conditions normalize.

That doesn’t mean summer contracts are always wrong—but they should be entered carefully and with context.

Planning Beats Panic

Experienced energy users understand that timing matters. Monitoring the market outside peak stress periods often provides more flexibility and better pricing options.

Planning ahead removes urgency from the equation—and urgency is usually what drives costly decisions.

What Texans Can Do Instead

Rather than reacting to headlines, consumers can:

Track contract expiration dates
Review usage patterns
Monitor pricing trends ahead of renewal

Even basic awareness can make a meaningful difference over time.

This article is part of an ongoing energy education series provided by Amerigy Energy.

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About the Author
Lee Miller is a Texas-based energy professional and business owner with years of experience helping residential and commercial customers navigate the state’s deregulated electricity market. Through his work with Amerigy Energy, he focuses on education, transparency, and helping Texans understand how timing, contracts, and market conditions impact their power bills.

Dry Conditions and Increased Vegetation Set Stage for Higher Wildfire Risk in Texas

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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January 19, 2026

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Firefighters battle parts of the reignited Smokehouse Creek fire outside of Miami, Texas on Saturday, Mar 02, 2024. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Wildfire activity across the state is expected to increase this winter and spring as above-normal vegetation dries and becomes highly flammable.

The dormant wildfire season, which occurs during winter and spring, is typically characterized by fire activity that occurs in freeze-cured grasses and increased wind speeds associated with passing dry cold fronts.

Above-normal grass growth across much of Texas in 2025 will support increased wildfire potential into early spring 2026.

Areas along and west of Interstate 35, including the High Plains, Rolling Plains and Southern Plains, have heavy grass loads that could support large, hard-to-control fires under dry and windy conditions. Exceptional grass loading in the Hill Country and Cross Timbers poses similar risks, while South Texas and the Lower Gulf Coast remain lower threat until grasses freeze-cure.

Silage smolders in a pile on land in Roberts County, Texas on Thursday, Feb 29, 2024. (Sam Craft/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)

Texas A&M Forest Service wildfire response has trended 136% above normal from October 2025 through mid-January 2026, with agency personnel responding to 434 wildfires that burned 11,425 acres during this period.

“Wildfire activity has increased across the state, driven by underlying drought conditions and above normal grass production from last year’s growing season,” said Jared Karns, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “With a La Niña climate pattern forecasted, Texas is expected to experience more conditions that favor wildfire activity more often.”

The Climate Prediction Center forecasts a La Niña pattern for early 2026, bringing warmer and drier-than-normal conditions to much of Texas from January through March. These conditions are also expected to increase wildfire risk during the dormant fire season.

“We are closely monitoring the increased likelihood of wildfire effective weather in Texas, including conditions associated with Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreaks,” said Luke Kanclerz, Texas A&M Forest Service Predictive Services Department Head. “These outbreak events have historically resulted in multiple large, high impact wildfires that can be difficult to contain and are an immediate threat to public and firefighter safety.”

Since 2005, wildfires that ignite under Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak conditions represent only 3% of reported wildfires but have accounted for 49% of the total acres burned. Under these conditions, grasses dry rapidly and become highly flammable where even a small spark can ignite a wildfire that spreads rapidly.

Nine out of 10 wildfires in Texas are human caused. Texas residents are encouraged to stay wildfire aware. Avoid outdoor activities that could spark a wildfire during warm, dry and windy conditions. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.

For information on the current wildfire situation in Texas, visit https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/wildfire-and-other-disasters/current-wildfire-status/

View the 2026 Dorman Fire Season Outlook: https://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/PredictiveServices/Outlooks/TAMFS_2026_DormantFireSeasonOutlook.pdf

To stay current with fire environment conditions and fire potential, visit the weekly Texas Fire Potential Update at https://ticc.tamu.edu/Documents/PredictiveServices/Outlooks/texas_fire_potential_update.pdf

Texas Producers Invited to Conservation Incentive Program Webinar Jan. 29

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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January 16, 2026

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The Texas Conservation and Sustainability Initiative will host a webinar Jan. 29 to discuss crop, livestock and forestry conservation practices eligible for up to $100,000 in financial incentives. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife) — Wheat on Thursday, Nov 02, 2023 in Amarillo, Texas. (Michael Miller/Texas A&M AgriLife Marketing and Communications)

Texas Conservation and Sustainability Initiative offers $42 million to producers for crop, livestock and forestry conservation practices

The Texas Conservation and Sustainability Initiative, a Texas A&M AgriLife-led program, will host a free, informational webinar on Jan. 29 to help Texas farmers, ranchers and forest landowners learn about available conservation incentives, eligible practices for funding and market opportunities.

The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS. It is led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientists Julie Howe, Ph.D., soil chemistry and fertility professor, and Nithya Rajan, Ph.D., agronomy and agroecology professor, both in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Jason Vogel, AgriLife Research project manager, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, said the program offers financial incentives, up to $100,000, for farmers, ranchers and small forest owners statewide who volunteer to adopt select conservation practices in the areas of pasture and livestock grazing, row crops, forestry, confined animal operations and edge of field.

Project highlights on webinar agenda

The informational webinar will be from 3-4 p.m. and led by Howe. No preregistration is needed, just join the webinar to listen in.

The discussion will provide producers with information on:

Expanded incentive funding, with $42 million available for producers.
Conservation practices eligible for support.
Funding opportunities for larger producers.

Eligible practices vary by operation and may include cover cropping, no-till planting, irrigation and nutrient management, forestry planting, windbreaks and other edge-of-field planting for less productive lands. Forestry practices include nutrient management, tree and shrub establishment, and forest stand improvement. For livestock management, eligible practices may include prescribed grazing, feed amendments and supplements, and pasture and rangeland reestablishment.

To participate, producers must apply and go through the selection process, Vogel said. Selected producers will meet with an implementation planner/ambassador, complete a contract and participate in an environmental assessment evaluation.

““We are focused on helping commodity producers improve the sustainability of their operations,” Howe said. “We have $42 million to help producers adopt these science-based practices developed by NRCS, which are aimed at improving soil health and are more resilient to weather extremes.”

Texas Conservation and Sustainability Initiative accepts applications

Producers can apply for financial incentives, up to $100,000, to adopt conservation practices in pasture and livestock grazing, row crops, forestry and confined animal operations.

INFORMATION TO APPLY

Earth-Kind® Gardening: Smarter Landscapes for East Texas

By

Cary Sims

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January 16, 2026

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Gardening Girl replanting green pasture in home garden Workplace home among plants in the home garden ,agriculture, the concept of freelance, work at home, a cozy place, slow life, mood

This coming Tuesday, January 20, the Angelina County Extension Office will host its monthly noon gardening seminar on Earth-Kind® Gardening. Despite the name, there’s nothing “new-agey” or extreme about it. Earth-Kind® is a Texas A&M AgriLife research-based approach designed to help homeowners maintain attractive landscapes while protecting the environment—and, just as importantly, enjoying the process.

At its core, Earth-Kind® Gardening blends the best of traditional and organic practices into a practical, common-sense system that works especially well in East Texas.

The program is built around seven key principles, starting with planning and design. This may sound basic, but many landscape problems can be traced back to skipping this step. A thoughtful design from the beginning—considering space, sunlight, drainage, and access—prevents costly mistakes and ongoing frustration later. Make a plan, then work the plan. Most landscape problems don’t happen overnight—they happen one plant at a time, usually because something “looked good at the nursery.”

Next comes appropriate plant selection. East Texas offers an enormous selection of plants, but not all varieties perform equally well here. Whether it’s turfgrass, roses, shrubs, fruit trees, or vegetables, choosing varieties adapted to our soils, rainfall patterns, and heat makes the difference between success and constant struggle.

Practical turf areas are another important principle. Long, narrow strips of lawn or awkward patches surrounded by hardscaping are rarely efficient or attractive. When lawn areas are sized and shaped sensibly, they become easier to maintain and less demanding on time, water, and inputs.

Soil improvement follows. Investing time and resources into improving soil before planting pays long-term dividends. Incorporating quality compost improves structure, drainage, nutrient availability, and root development—benefits that no fertilizer program can replace.

Although East Texas averages close to 50 inches of rainfall annually, water management still matters. Earth-Kind® gardening promotes efficient irrigation—using water when plants need it most, particularly during establishment or extended dry periods. A plan for supplemental irrigation reduces stress on plants without driving up water bills year-round.

To conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health, mulching is one of the most effective tools available. Pine straw, bark, and other organic mulches all fit Earth-Kind® principles. Maintaining mulch in landscape beds is one of the simplest ways to improve plant performance and reduce maintenance.

The final principle is appropriate maintenance. Guessing at fertilizer needs is unnecessary and expensive. A soil test—available through Texas A&M or Stephen F Austin State University for less than $20—provides precise recommendations for lawns, flower beds, and vegetable gardens, each of which has different nutrient requirements. Proper watering techniques, such as “soak and cycle,” and mowing turf at the correct height further reduce stress and improve plant health. Scalping a lawn only injures it and sets it back. Scalping a lawn doesn’t make it healthier any more than shaving your head makes you younger.

Local Master Gardener Clara Coziar will be the guest speaker for the seminar, which runs from noon to 1 p.m. at the Angelina County Extension Office, located at 2201 S. Medford Drive in Lufkin, between Café Del Rio and the Farmers Market. There is no cost to attend.

Participants will also receive packets with links to reliable websites, reference materials, and publications for further learning.

Earth-Kind® Gardening isn’t about doing more work—it’s about doing the right work. And for East Texas homeowners, that makes all the difference.

Fourth Friday Luncheon (Nacogdoches County)

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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January 15, 2026

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January 23 @ 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

The Chamber’s monthly membership meeting.

Big changes to the tax code are here. Are you ready?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces substantial updates for individuals and business owners—some beneficial, some limiting, and all potentially impactful.

Polly Etta Sunda (pictured) will be highlighting key provisions that could affect your 2025 tax return, from:

New income-based deduction caps
Permanent bonus depreciation
Updated rules on tips, overtime, and R&D.

Click to register or call 936-560-5533.

Fees/Admission

$30/Chamber members
$35/non members
Registration due by noon, Tuesday, Jan. 21

Contact Information

936-560-5533
Send Email

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

(936) 560-5533

View Organizer Website

The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center

Related Events

How to Winterize Your Lawn and Flowerbeds for East Texas Weather Swings

By

Billy Forrest

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January 14, 2026

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East Texas winters are known for sudden temperature changes, and those swings can take a toll on lawns and landscapes if they’re not properly prepared. While grass may go dormant, roots, soil, and plants are still vulnerable beneath the surface.

Winterizing a yard focuses on protection rather than growth. Simple steps—such as proper mowing height, avoiding excess watering, and minimizing traffic on wet or frozen soil—help preserve grass health through colder months.

Flowerbeds benefit significantly from winter care. Mulching helps regulate soil temperature, retain moisture, and protect plant roots from freeze-thaw cycles that can stress or damage plants.

Shrubs and perennials should generally be left alone during winter, aside from removing dead material. Heavy pruning too early can encourage new growth that won’t survive cold snaps.

Taking time to winterize now can prevent costly repairs and frustration later. A protected lawn and landscape are far more likely to rebound quickly when spring arrives.

Texas Forest Country Living

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

Counting the Cost: Biblical Planning for the Year Ahead

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

Drug-Free All Stars Attend Teen Court

The Worst Time of Year to Lock in an Electricity Rate in Texas

Dry Conditions and Increased Vegetation Set Stage for Higher Wildfire Risk in Texas

Texas Producers Invited to Conservation Incentive Program Webinar Jan. 29

Project highlights on webinar agenda

Texas Conservation and Sustainability Initiative accepts applications

Earth-Kind® Gardening: Smarter Landscapes for East Texas

Fourth Friday Luncheon (Nacogdoches County)

Contact Information

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

The Fredonia Hotel & Convention Center

Related Events

How to Winterize Your Lawn and Flowerbeds for East Texas Weather Swings

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