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Young Artist Brings Family Memories to the Angelina County Fair

By
Cary Sims
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When visitors walk through the Arts and Crafts entries at the Angelina County Fair next week, they may notice something unusual among the entries — a set of seashell trees with interchangeable seasonal toppers.

Those trees were created by Lanna Rice.

Lanna, the daughter of Luther and Lindsey Rice, is carrying on a family tradition of participating in the county fair along with her older brother, Ledger. Lanna’s mom says she is a very sweet kind gentle soul, who loves Jesus and making friends. She is a 9-year-old in 4th grade at Pineywoods Community Academy in Lufkin.

Her parents were both involved in youth livestock and project programs growing up, and now they are watching their own children experience many of the same opportunities.

Last year Lanna showed rabbits and entered cookies in the fair. This year she decided to try something different by entering the Arts and Crafts division while also showing a goat.

Her project began with a collection of seashells gathered during family vacations.

“My arts and crafts project this year is a set of seashell trees with interchangeable tops,” Lanna explained. “My family collects seashells when we go on vacations and my mom had a lot saved. I wanted to make something unique so I came up with the idea of interchangeable magnet toppers so they can change with the seasons.”

Her mother Lindsey says the fair allows children to explore different interests.

“It’s all about finding what you like and enjoy doing,” she said. “I love seeing our kids grow and discover what they enjoy and what they’re good at. Sometimes it’s stressful, but it’s worth it for the kids.”

The Rice family has certainly stayed busy with fair projects. Ledger has shown pigs, goats and lambs and is building a kitchen hutch for the arts and crafts competition this year. He is also involved in both FFA and 4-H and recently served as an ambassador for the fair.

Lanna’s goat project has also tested her determination.

“The goat she has this year can be really stubborn,” Lindsey said with a smile. “But she shows him who is boss. We’ve seen some grit in her this year that we didn’t know was there.”

The Arts and Crafts division at the fair, sponsored by SafeCo Security Systems, includes categories such as fine arts, photography, woodworking, metal-work, and an open division. Nearly 300 students from across Angelina County will enter projects ranging from jewelry and quilts to benches, mosaics, sculptures and photography.

Creating her project required patience — and plenty of hot glue.

“The hardest part was the glue,” Lanna said. “I did so much gluing and even burned myself. But I learned you can use thimbles on your fingers so you don’t burn yourself.”

Despite the challenges, she says creating art has been worth the effort.

“It’s fun and exciting, but also a little nerve-wracking,” she said. “It builds confidence knowing you were the person who put in the hard work.”

Entries will be judged Thursday afternoon at the fairgrounds, with results announced later that evening. The top projects from the pre-junior, junior and senior divisions will be sold during the youth auction on Saturday at 4 p.m.

As for me, I’ll be pulling for Lanna’s seashell trees.

Projects like hers remind us that the county fair is not only about livestock. It is also a place where young people can discover creativity, learn patience, and take pride in something they built with their own hands.

For more information about this year’s fair, visit www.angelinacountyfair.com. 

Why Electricity Works Differently for Homes and Businesses in Texas

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Electricity advice often sounds universal — but it isn’t. The rules for homes and businesses are different in ways that matter for your bottom line.

If you run a business in a deregulated Texas market, you probably shop for electricity the same way you do at home: compare a few plans, pick the lowest rate, and move on. It’s a reasonable instinct. But it’s also a mistake, because commercial and residential electricity operate under fundamentally different rules — and those differences directly affect what you pay.

Residential vs Commercial Power

Residential electricity pricing in Texas is built around simplicity. You pay based on how many kilowatt-hours you consume, choose between fixed or variable rates, and sign a contract that’s typically 12 to 24 months. Demand charges — fees based on your peak usage at any single point in time — usually don’t apply. The average residential rate in Texas currently sits around 15 to 16 cents per kWh, though shoppers who compare plans and time their purchases to spring or fall can find rates starting below 9 cents.

Commercial electricity adds layers that don’t exist in the residential world. Businesses face demand charges that measure not just total consumption but peak usage intensity. They encounter load profiles — detailed analyses of when and how electricity is consumed throughout the day — that directly influence pricing. Pass-through fees, customized contract structures, and supplier bidding processes are all part of the commercial landscape.

The practical impact is significant. Two businesses using the exact same total amount of electricity can pay very different bills depending on their demand profiles. A restaurant that fires up all its equipment at once has a different cost structure than an office with steady, even consumption. The restaurant’s demand spikes drive up costs even if its total kWh usage is lower. Understanding this distinction is the first step toward managing commercial electricity costs effectively.

Why That Difference Matters

Applying residential logic to commercial accounts can lead to unnecessary costs. A homeowner who overpays by a couple of cents per kWh on a 1,000 kWh monthly bill loses about $20 a month. A business using 50,000 kWh per month that makes the same mistake is losing $1,000 a month — $12,000 a year. Scale that across multiple locations and the impact grows quickly.

Businesses benefit from understanding not just how much power they use, but when and how they use it. Simple operational adjustments — like staggering equipment startup times or shifting discretionary loads to off-peak hours — can reduce demand charges without reducing total consumption. Contract timing also matters more for commercial accounts, because wholesale electricity prices fluctuate seasonally and the rates available during spring are often meaningfully different from those available in summer.

Larger commercial customers — those spending more than about $2,500 per month on electricity — also have access to a competitive bidding process where multiple suppliers compete for their contract. The rates available through this process are often significantly lower than published retail prices. But this advantage only materializes if the business engages the process proactively, typically 60 to 90 days before a contract expires.

Awareness Over Complexity

Business owners don’t need to master electricity markets to manage their costs well. They just need to know that the rules are different from what they experience at home, and that a few key practices — understanding their demand profile, timing their contract renewals, and working with someone who knows the commercial market — can make a meaningful difference.

The average all-in commercial rate in Texas is currently about 9 cents per kWh, roughly 35% below the national average. That’s a structural advantage of operating in the ERCOT deregulated market. But capturing that advantage requires approaching electricity as a business decision, not a household chore. The pricing is different. The contracts are different. The opportunities are different. And the payoff for getting it right is proportionally larger.

This article is part of an ongoing energy education series for Texas Forest Country Living.

The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Electricity markets are complex and subject to change. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By
Carey Kinsolving
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How Did God the Father Glorify Jesus?

“If I were Jesus, I would ask God for a golden throne, a diamond crown, and a sword made of lightning,” says Tyler, 10. “That would be glorious!”

That would definitely turn some heads, but Jesus had something even better in mind.

In John 17, Jesus prayed right before he went to the cross. Instead of asking to escape the pain, he prayed, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You.”

Jesus wasn’t thinking about glitter or gold. He wanted to finish the mission God gave Him. He showed who God really is by giving eternal life to those who believe. Jesus said eternal life means knowing “the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3).

Now, hold on. Didn’t Jesus say eternal life is going to heaven? Nope. He said eternal life is knowing God.

You could live forever and still be miserable if you didn’t know the God who made you. Eternal life isn’t just about the length of your life. It’s about a relationship with God. Jesus came so we could be reunited with God, not just after we die, but right now.

You don’t have to wait until heaven to start eternal life. If you have trusted Jesus as your savior, you already know the Father, and He knows you. That’s eternal life in action.  

It might be hard to believe, but God wants to spend time with you. Before Adam and Eve sinned, God came in the cool part of the day to walk with them in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:8). God’s desire from the beginning is to make us in his image (Genesis 1:27).

“Eternal life is like being in God’s family forever,” says Bella, 10. “And you never get kicked out!”

That’s the kind of life Jesus was praying about. He wanted to glorify the Father by giving people something far better than riches or comfort: a never-ending relationship with God Himself.

“God glorified Jesus by raising Him from the dead,” says Max, 9. “Now He’s the King forever!”

Yes! Jesus glorified the Father by doing everything He was sent to do, even dying on the cross for our sins. And the Father glorified Jesus by raising him from the dead and restoring him to the glory He had before the world began.

“God glorified Jesus by showing He was really His Son,” says Ella, 8. “When He rose from the dead, people knew.”

Jesus didn’t need lightning or a diamond sword to prove who He was. The empty tomb was enough. God the Father glorified Jesus by making His victory over death loud and clear.

And here’s the amazing part: Jesus shares that glory with all who trust him as their savior. As we meditate upon God’s unconditional love for us, we reflect the glory of Jesus in a world that is desperately looking for love in the wrong places.

Not only that, but the love offered by most people is conditional or performance based. Jesus did all the performing for us when he offered himself as a sacrifice for our sins. God never changes and neither does his love for us.

Think About This: God glorified Jesus by raising Him from the dead and restoring Him to the glory He shared with the Father before the world began.

Memorize This Truth: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son also may glorify You” (John 17:1).

Ask This Question: How can I glorify Jesus with the life he has given me?

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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. 

Roadrunners Escape with Round One Win

By
Gary Stallard
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Daemon Ely (23) of Angelina College drives for a layup against Bossier Parish Community College defenders during Tuesday’s game. The Roadrunners rallied late for a 69-62 win in the men’s Region XIV Conference Tournament opening round in Baytown. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

AC Rallies Past Bossier Parish Community College Tourney Opener

BAYTOWN – For a long stretch in the second half, it appeared the Angelina College Roadrunners’ stay in Baytown might be a short one.

The ‘Runners withstood a blistering three-point barrage from Bossier Parish Community College, rallying late for a 69-62 win in the opening round of the Region XIV Conference Tournament Tuesday in Baytown.

The Cavaliers hit 12 treys in the game, with Mazin Lumori accounting for four of those. BPCC used the hot shooting to overcome AC’s early dominance: The Roadrunners led 30-15 to open the game and 39-26 by the end of the first half, showing exactly why the group recently finished as the No. 1 defensive team in the nation for the second straight season. 

However, the Cavs’ offensive surge midway through the second half erased the double-digit deficit, leading to a 60-52 Bossier Parish lead with just five minutes to play in the game.

The Roadrunners held it all together, getting big buckets from Kai’Ree Murray, Clarence Payia, Zacc Sells and Daemon Ely in the final minutes to eliminate the Cavaliers.

Angelina College’s Kai’Ree Murray (2) hits a jumper over Bossier Parish Community College defenders during Tuesday’s game. The Roadrunners rallied late for a 69-62 win in the men’s Region XIV Conference Tournament opening round in Baytown. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)
Angelina College’s Clarence Payia (20) attacks the rim during Tuesday’s game against Bossier Parish Community College. The Roadrunners rallied late for a 69-62 win in the men’s Region XIV Conference Tournament opening round in Baytown. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)

Payia led AC with 14 points and nine rebounds. Julius Crosby slashed his way to 13 points, while Sells and Jordan Mathews finished with 10 points each. The Roadrunners managed a crucial 17 points off the bench as compared to the Cavs’ two. 

Tony Montgomery scored 17 points to lead the Cavaliers in scoring.

The Roadrunners (19-12) next will face No. 3 seed Tyler Junior College (20-10) in Thursday’s regional quarterfinals. Game time at Lee College in Baytown is 8 p.m. 

The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.

Texas Forestry Association to Host Regional Meeting

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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LUFKIN, Texas — Forest landowners, industry leaders and forestry professionals from across East Texas will gather at the Texas Forestry Association Regional Meeting set for April 30 at Eden Hill Event Venue in Lufkin, Texas.

Forestry contributes billions annually to the Texas economy, supports thousands of rural jobs and sustains millions of acres of working forests across the state. East Texas remains the heart of that impact. TFA’s regional meetings provide a platform for informed dialogue, collaboration and forward-looking discussion among those directly responsible for stewarding and strengthening the resource.

“These meetings are an opportunity to keep our members informed and engaged,” said Rob Hughes, TFA executive director. “Forestry plays such an important role in both the economic and environmental health of our state, and it really makes a difference when we can come together at the local level.”

Attendees will receive updates on legislative and regulatory developments, industry trends and association initiatives, while also engaging with peers who share a commitment to the long-term health and productivity of Texas forests.

The free event is open to TFA members and nonmembers. The evening will begin with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information, visit texasforestry.org or contact the association at tfa@texasforestry.org or (936) 632-8733.

Capitol Update: County Fair Season Returns as Texas Economy Continues to Grow

By
Rep. Trent Ashby
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Deep East Texas is finally warming up, and that means Spring is upon us! The return of warm weather also signals that county fair season is back in many of our communities. As a proud supporter of our youth involved in FFA, 4-H, and FCCLA, I hope you all will make an effort to get out and support these students who will showcase their projects in the coming weeks. Always remember that investing in our youth is investing in the future of our community’s prosperity. I hope to see you at the fair!

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

Capitol Update

The Texas economy continues to boom, further solidifying our state’s position as a global leader in business and developing technologies.

Last week, the Comptroller of Public Accounts announced that sales tax revenue for February totaled $4 billion, almost 4% more than this time last year. The service sector grew by almost 10%, while receipts from the retail trade sector, the largest sector, were up more than 4% compared with last February.

Additionally, ExxonMobil announced that it would move its legal incorporation to Texas from New Jersey, which reflects the strength of Texas and its predictable corporate laws and modern, business‑focused legal system. This move advances Texas’s position in the world as a leader in business and industry and positions our state to further dominate the corporate landscape and ensure our economic growth reaches new heights.

Finally, the Texas Workforce Commission announced that it has launched a streamlined State of Texas Application on WorkInTexas.com. The updated application simplifies the hiring process to help attract new talent to jobs in Texas and is part of a broader state effort to reduce red tape and burdensome regulations in government.

This modernized application process implemented by the Commission will ensure that Texans have every opportunity to find a good, high-paying job and participate in our growing economy. I thank the Commission for modernizing the application process and working towards making state government more responsive and efficient, which will make Texans more prosperous than ever.

The mobile office is still on the road this month, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on March 18 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Spring Lawn Wake-Up: How to Read What Your East Texas Lawn Needs as the Season Begins

By
Billy Forrest
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Spring in East Texas rarely arrives all at once. One week may feel like winter, the next like early summer. For lawns, this transition period is critical—and how homeowners respond often determines how their yard performs for the rest of the year.

Rather than rushing into spring maintenance, the healthiest lawns follow a thoughtful sequence.

Understanding the Spring Transition

As daylight increases and soil temperatures begin to rise, grass roots slowly come out of dormancy. During this time, growth may look uneven, and weeds often appear before turf fully fills in. This early imbalance can be misleading, causing homeowners to apply treatments too aggressively or too soon.

Addressing Priorities First

Early spring lawn care focuses on creating the right environment for grass to grow strong:

  • Managing early weed pressure before it becomes widespread
  • Mowing only when grass is actively growing and avoiding short cuts
  • Clearing debris that blocks sunlight and airflow

These steps support gradual, even growth rather than forcing quick results.

Why Patience Pays Off

Heavy fertilization and aggressive watering too early can do more harm than good. Grass needs time to establish strong roots before it can handle rapid growth or stress from warmer weather. Rushing the process often leads to shallow roots, thinning turf, and persistent weed problems.

A Smarter Way to Approach Spring Lawn Care

Instead of treating spring as a single event, it’s better viewed as a transition period. Paying attention to soil conditions, growth patterns, and timing helps lawns respond naturally and perform better throughout the season.

Setting the Stage for the Year Ahead

Lawns that are allowed to wake up gradually—without being pushed too hard—are better equipped to handle summer heat and maintain healthy color and density.

Spring success isn’t about doing everything at once. It’s about doing the right things, in the right order, at the right time.

Drug-Free All Stars Complete Project Sticker Shock

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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Drug-Free All Stars attend Project Sticker Shock Kick Off Press Conference. First row from left to right are First row, from left to right are Sarahi Sanchez, Lufkin HS All Star; Vanessa Sanchez, Central HS All Star; Jolina Hernandez, Lufkin HS All Star; Celeste Cruz, Lufkin HS All Star; Leanne Burke; PCA HS All Star. Second row, from left to right are Rebekah Sapp, Huntington HS All Star; Rhyla Jacildo, PCA HS All Star; Audrey Barton, Huntington HS All Star; Victoria Alonso, PCA HS All Star; Nevaeh Garcia, PCA HS All Star. Back row, from left to right are Joesph Riccio; PCA HS All Star; Madison Hamilton, PCA HS All Star; Addyson Arnold, Lufkin HS All Star.

The Drug-Free All Stars of Angelina County, funded by a grant from TxDOT, recently completed their annual event, Project Sticker Shock. The Project Sticker Shock campaign is aimed at preventing underage drinking by reminding adults not to provide alcohol for minors. The 71 Drug-Free All Stars stickered over 30 grocery and convenience stores throughout Angelina County to help prevent underage alcohol use. The Coalition, Inc. and the Drug-Free All Stars would like to thank Brookshire Brothers, La Michoacana Meat Market, Hernandez Grocery, Big’s convenience stores, Walgreens on Frank Ave., Little Boots Grocery in Huntington, and Coleman’s convenience store in Zavalla for participating in this year’s Project Sticker Shock. 

Through Project Sticker Shock, The Coalition intends to make the community aware of the dangers of providing alcohol to minors; not only is it against the law, but it can have deadly consequences.  Huntington High School Drug-Free All Star, Rebekah Sapp, commented, “Sticker Shock is very important because it gives adults in the community a physical reminder of the very real dangers of providing alcohol to minors. By placing the stickers, we not only hope to educate, but to prevent harm to our community.” Research shows that teens who start drinking before age 15 are four times more likely to develop substance dependence later in life than those who wait to drink until age 21 or older.  

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. The Drug-Free All Stars are a group of high school seniors that serve as role models for the community by living an alcohol, tobacco, and drug-free life. For more information about the Drug-Free All Star program, contact Abby Baker at The Coalition at 936-634-9308.

Central HS Drug-Free All Stars Allison Montero and Ethan Basham stickering package of alcohol at Brookshire Brothers. 
Layla McCarty and Kelcie Ponder, Zavalla HS Drug-Free All Stars, stickering at a local Brookshire Brothers location. 
Hudson Drug-Free All Stars Maggie Allen, Aubrey Mays and Lufkin Drug-Free All Stars and Za’nyia Johnson, Miranda Paulin, and Savannah Bergman after stickering at the Hudson Brookshire Brothers.

Solar, Batteries, and the Grid: Setting Realistic Expectations for Texans

By
Lee Allen Miller
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Solar panels and battery systems are becoming more common across Texas. But they aren’t one-size-fits-all solutions — and understanding what they can and can’t do is the first step toward making a smart decision.

Texas is in the middle of a solar and battery storage expansion unlike anything the state has seen before. Utility-scale solar generation broke 17 records in 2025, and Texas is projected to host about 40% of all planned utility-scale solar construction in the country this year. Battery storage is growing just as fast, with Texas expected to overtake California as the nation’s largest battery storage market in 2026.

At the grid level, this is promising. Solar and battery capacity helped ERCOT avoid issuing any conservation alerts during summer 2025 — a notable improvement over recent years. But at the household level, the picture is more nuanced. Whether solar and battery storage make sense for your home depends on your specific situation, and the marketing doesn’t always tell the full story.

When Solar Helps

Solar can be effective when systems are properly sized and matched to how electricity is actually used. A home with strong roof orientation, minimal shading, and high daytime electricity consumption is the ideal candidate. In those cases, solar panels can meaningfully reduce the energy supply portion of your electricity bill and lower your dependence on grid-purchased power.

But solar economics depend on more than just how many panels you install. Buyback rates — what your utility pays for excess electricity your system sends back to the grid — vary by provider in Texas and are often well below retail rates. That means a system that produces more than you use during the day doesn’t return as much financial value as you might expect. Financing terms also matter: a system that looks affordable at a low monthly payment can add up to significant interest costs over a 20- or 25-year loan.

On the positive side, Texas recently passed SB 1252, which simplifies the permitting process for residential solar and battery systems. Cities can no longer add extra local rules or delays for typical home installations under 50 kW and 100 kWh of storage. That removes a real barrier. But easier installation doesn’t change the underlying financial equation — the decision still needs to be based on your home’s actual consumption patterns and financial situation.

Understanding Battery Storage

Batteries provide backup power during outages and flexibility in how you use grid electricity. In a state where extreme weather events have caused grid stress in recent years, the peace of mind that comes with backup power is a real benefit.

Financial savings from batteries, however, depend on how they’re used — not just that they exist. A typical home battery system costs between $10,000 and $17,000 installed before incentives. The 30% federal tax credit that helped offset those costs expired at the end of 2025. Texas still offers property tax exemptions for solar and associated storage, but the upfront math has become more challenging for homeowners considering an installation in 2026.

Batteries make the most sense when you have solar panels to charge them during the day, when you want reliable backup for essential loads during outages, or when you’re on a time-of-use rate plan and can shift your consumption to lower-cost hours. For homeowners who simply want a lower monthly bill without changing their usage patterns, a battery alone is unlikely to deliver the return that marketing materials suggest.

The Grid Isn’t Going Away

Even with renewable technologies growing rapidly, most Texans remain connected to the grid — and that’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Grid-connected solar systems are designed to work alongside the grid, not replace it. Delivery charges from your local utility still apply regardless of how many panels you have on your roof, and those delivery fees typically make up 40% to 50% of a residential bill in Texas.

Understanding that relationship helps set realistic expectations. Solar and battery storage can be valuable additions to a home’s energy setup, but they don’t eliminate the need for a good electricity plan, attention to usage patterns, or awareness of how grid pricing works. The technology is improving and costs are coming down over time. But the decision to invest should be based on informed analysis, not marketing hype.

This article is part of an ongoing energy education series for Texas Forest Country Living.

The information provided here is for general educational purposes and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Electricity markets are complex and subject to change. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

Color Me Drug-Free: An Obstacle Challenge Course

By
Diana De Leon Bon
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On Saturday, March 28, from 9:00AM – 11:00AM, The Coalition and other community partners will be hosting the Color Me Drug-Free: An Obstacle Challenge Course, to celebrate and encourage students to live a healthy and substance-free life. Participants will make their way through an obstacle course filled with fun challenges but watch out! Color will be flying to mark students drug-free!

The first 50 participants will receive a FREE t-shirt (white) that can be worn during the event, and free swag will be awarded, while supplies last! Join us at the Boys & Girls Club of Lufkin field on Saturday, March 28.

Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information about this free event, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308 or visit @TheCoalition936 on social media.

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