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49th Annual Butterfly Festival (Jasper County)

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October 3 @ 9:00 am 4:00 pm

Join us for the 49th Annual Butterfly Festival on Saturday, October 3, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, held around the Courthouse Square in Jasper!

It’s going to be a full day of family fun featuring:

Live music
Local vendors
Food trucks
Weenie dog races
Art and quilt shows
Virtual reality rides
Gel ball fun for kids
Live butterfly release and plant sale
Local museums, historic attractions and free jail tours

Golf cart rides to the Jasper Arboretum
…and so much more!

Vendor spaces are still available! If you would like to showcase your products, crafts, food or business at one of Jasper’s favorite community traditions, contact the Jasper–Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce today.

Make plans to spend the day with us and experience the history, nature and small-town charm of Jasper, Texas!

Jasper, TX United States

Celebrating 25 Years of The Moosehead Cafe! (Houston County)

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September 16 @ 8:00 am 5:00 pm

Location: The Moosehead Cafe

Date: September 16, 2026

Craft, Sip & Connect (Polk County)

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September 17 @ 5:30 pm 8:00 pm

WINOS is getting creative this month!

Grab your girlfriends and join us for WINOs at Handmade Studio & Supplies for a fun evening of creativity!

We’ll be making our own beautiful coasters and no experience is needed! You will get to take home a set of 4!

Handmade Studio & Supplies | 2110 Hwy 190 West Livingston
$25 per person — all supplies provided!

We only have 24 Spots available, so don’t wait to reserve yours!

Register here at the link or QR code below.
https://business.polkchamber.com/events/details/winos-9756

Drug-Free All Stars 2026-2027

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Front row, from left to right: Danica Bell, Lola Lawrence, Katie Williams, Alaina Lovelady, Jely Contreras, Sam Moulder, Robert Richards, Mia Mitchell, and Mary Michael Todd. Second row, from left to right: Katia Zapata, Diane Monsalvo, Aanvi Manda, Jaslynn Martinez, McKenna Hooks, Julieth Cura, Kate Goodman, Aaliyah Martinez, and Taylor Crocker. Third row, from left to right: Abigail Boothe, Spring Havard, Mari Marquez, Regina Hill, Antonia Lin, Sidra Khurshid, Sydney Acosta, Emily Luna, Miler Stewart, and Adeline Allen. Fourth row, from left to right: Kayla Rodgers, Ava Lyons, Raya Timoteo, Brianna Colvin, Piper Early, Riley Brown, Maddyson Hernandez, Yaslene Rios, and Maddox Frankens. Fifth row, from left to right: Bayleigh Lebel, Julia Cherry, Angela Sarmiento, Caiden Goetzman, Aasiyah Khan, Kenyce Butler, Andres Montoya, Genesis Camacho, and Tristen Havard. Sixth row, from left to right: Valerie Escobedo, Jadyn Holmes, Cole Jones, Landon Courtney, Abby Hess, Litzy Velasquez, Balistir McCain, Savannah Kezar, and Jeremiah Martinez. Top row, from left to right: Maci Nesbett, Corbyn Brent, Rolando Gonzalez, Bosten Curl, Aaron Simpson, and Wesley Bennett.

The Coalition is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 Drug-Free All Stars for Angelina County. The Drug-Free All Stars are a group of high school seniors from Angelina County who are selected to serve as role models for their community by living an alcohol, drug, and tobacco-free lifestyle. Drug-Free All Stars are active through the school year volunteering in the community to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle. Recently, the Drug-Free All Stars attended training on the topics they will use throughout the year during their volunteer opportunities; including Youth Advocacy and the Media, Addiction & the Brain, Industry Impact, and 8 Things to Know about Substance Use. Thank you to Kellen Kruk, previous Drug-Free All Star and youth substance use prevention advocate, and Shelly Doss, Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council, for the training on youth advocacy and addiction. The All Stars this year consist of 61 students from six Angelina County high schools, including: Central, Diboll, Hudson, Huntington, Lufkin, and Pineywoods Community Academy. The Drug-Free All Star program is funded by a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes in Texas.

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

Fall Festival (Sabine County)

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September 25 @ 2:00 pm 3:00 pm

Fall Festival is on the way, and volunteers are needed to make it extra special for our residents. Families welcome.
Call for info and join the fun!

Location:
355 FM-83, Hemphill, TX 75948-8300

Date & Time:
September 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Reverse Raffle Remix (Angelina County)

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October 17 @ 6:00 pm 9:00 pm

The Chamber is bringing a fresh event to Lufkin this fall, and you won’t want to miss it.

Reverse Raffle Remix, presented by Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, is a night filled with great food, fun, and nonstop excitement. From the moment the doors open until the final ticket is revealed, you’ll have the chance to enjoy dinner, games, a bucket raffle, whiskey pull, live auction, and plenty of opportunities to win throughout the evening.

The highlight of the night is the reverse raffle, where the last ticket remaining takes home the $10,000 grand prize. Join us on Saturday, October 17, at The Grand of First and experience a new Chamber tradition that’s sure to become a favorite.

416 South 1st St.
Lufkin, TX 75901 United States
+ Google Map
(936) 632-8444
View Venue Website

Capitol Update: Remembering 9/11 and Supporting Our Veterans

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Twenty-five years ago, on September 11, 2001, our nation experienced one of the darkest days in American history. Nearly 3,000 innocent lives were lost in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93.

As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, we pause to remember those who lost their lives, the families whose lives were forever changed, and the heroic first responders who answered the call without hesitation. We also honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who answered their nation’s call in the years that followed.

Though a quarter-century has passed, we must ensure that the memory of that day — and the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism demonstrated in its aftermath — is never forgotten. I hope you will join me this week in remembering the lives we lost and praying for their families.

For the men and women who served in the years that followed, the sacrifices of military service did not always end when they returned home. Adjusting to civilian life can mean finding a new career, continuing an education, or seeking care for injuries sustained during service. Ensuring veterans have the support they need through that transition is an important part of honoring their service.

Supporting our veterans remains an important part of the interim work underway at the Capitol ahead of the 90th Legislative Session. Recently, the Senate Select Committee on Veteran Affairs held a hearing to examine the resources available to transitioning service members and consider how Texas can better protect veterans seeking the benefits they have earned.

Among the issues on the agenda were helping veterans translate their military experience into civilian careers, strengthening access to trusted claims assistance, and protecting veterans and their families from deceptive practices. Applying for benefits can be a complicated process, and no veteran should be taken advantage of while seeking assistance.

For those of us who call East Texas home, these issues affect people we know and care about. Our veterans are our neighbors, coworkers, and family members. Whether they are returning from service or have been home for decades, they deserve access to dependable support in the communities where they live.

That’s why I was pleased to see Governor Abbott announce more than $3.3 million in grants last month to support veteran services across East Texas. Administered by the Texas Veterans Commission, the awards include funding for Polk and Trinity counties, the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, and the Salvation Army in Lufkin.

Together, those four recipients were awarded $904,000 for financial assistance and housing support. These grants put resources in the hands of local organizations and county offices that work directly with veterans and understand their families’ needs. They also provide a practical example of how state and local partners can work together to support those who have served.

With the next legislative session just a few months away, I’m paying close attention to these efforts and where additional work is needed. Supporting our veterans and their families will remain a priority, and I’m grateful to the local organizations and individuals who carry out that work in our communities every day.

The mobile office is on the road again in September, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates at the following times: September 16 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 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 at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening at your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: Rep. Trent Ashby on Facebook.

Lufkin District Weekly Update: Sept. 14 – Sept. 18

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Below is a description of the work planned for Sept. 14 through Sept. 18 in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lufkin District.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather conditions and material availability.

Lufkin Area Office (Angelina, Houston, and Sabine counties)

Angelina County construction projects 

  • US 59, Redland Project.The contractor will continue daytime bridge work and nighttime 
  • Business (BU) 59/First Street, resurfacing and stripingStriping, line and symbol painting will continue. 
  • Farm-to-Market Road (FM) 324, bridge replacement and roadway rehabilitation.The contractor will lay road base, requiring traffic to follow flaggers and a traffic light through lane closures. Crews will work on bridge components and pour concrete. Stay alert for trucks and equipment entering and leaving the job site. 
  • State Loop (SL) 287, auxiliary and turn lanes.The east and westbound main lanes will be milled between the railroad bridge and Copeland Street, requiring daily lane closures. Advance signage alerting drivers to a detour for a closure of the Southwood Drive in the near future, pending completion of ongoing work. 
  • State Highway (SH) 94, bridge and culvert maintenanceCrews will begin maintenance on the Jack Creek bridge and a tributary culvert on SH 94. The work will require right-hand lane closures. 

Angelina County maintenance projects

Maintenance crews will perform culvert work on FM 3373 and will work on delineators on US 59. Herbicide work will occur throughout the county. 

Houston County construction projects

  • SL 304, overlay.Ongoing slope and shoulder work will require intermittent lane closures. Traffic will need to continue following a pilot vehicle and flaggers as concrete work, guard rail and non-mow strip work occurs near the railroad bridge. Mailbox installations and mowing will also occur. 
  • FM 2076, rehabilitation and roadway widening.Traffic will follow a pilot car during the day while materials are delivered to the job site. At night, traffic will be controlled by a signal.  
  • FM 227, widening and rehabilitationEquipment will be moved into the area early in the week with work expected to begin midweek. The project covers 3.3 miles of FM 227 east of the FM 2544 intersection. 

Houston County maintenance projects

Sealcoating is planned on FM 3313. Herbicide and patching work will occur, and crews will address other issues on US 287 and FM 1272.  

Livingston Area Office (Polk, San Jacinto, and Trinity counties)

Polk/San Jacinto County construction project

  • US 59, cable median barrier.   Leveling work will occur throughout the project area. Concrete repairs will be made in Livingston and Leggett.

Polk County construction projects

  • US 59, Corrigan Relief Route.Crews will perform final work on a section of the US 287 main-lane bridge, and shoulder work will occur near the eastbound main lanes and U-turn area. Steel forms will be set and crews will prepare to pour the north railroad bridge. Work on the main lanes of the south connection bridge will occur. Steel will be tied for driveways along US 287. 
  • US/BU 59, Diboll and northern Polk County mill and inlayCrack repair work will continue.
  • US 59, Morgan Creek bridge maintenanceEmbankment work is planned. 
  • County-road bridge projects.
    • Piney Creek on Carmona Road: Forms for the bridge caps will be assembled.    
    • Long King Creek on Old Bearing Road: Grading will occur along the ditches and slopes. 

Polk County maintenance projects

Mill-and-inlay work will occur on SH 146, requiring traffic to follow flaggers. Sign work and herbicide application will occur in different areas around the county.

San Jacinto County construction projects 

  • US 59, Shepherd to Cleveland upgrade to interstate standards.Crews will continue building rebar forms for the main lanes. Slab and embankment work is planned, and vegetation seeding will occur. 
  • SH 156, Stephen Creek bridge replacement.Crews will prepare for and set concrete bridge panels. 

San Jacinto County maintenance projects

Herbicide application and sweeping will occur along roads throughout the county. Edge work will continue on FM 946. 

Trinity County maintenance projects

TxDOT crews will sweep roads, apply herbicide, and perform sign work throughout the county. Drivers should stay alert for traffic control vehicles accompanying sweeper and herbicide crews.  

Nacogdoches Area Office
(Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and Shelby counties)

Nacogdoches County construction projects

  • US 59, intersection improvements at SL 224.The contractor will continue bridge-foundation work and plans to set beams on Friday. The westbound, main lane of SL 224 will close between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. On Thursday and between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Friday while the beams are set. Westbound traffic will be detoured through the BU 59 traffic signal and onto the westbound frontage road. Z 
  • BU 59, SH/BS 7, SH/BS 21 and FM 2259 stripingManhole, curb and road repair may require nighttime lane closures. 
  • FM 2259, widening and improvementWork is expected to begin Monday.  
  • SH 7/CR 724, bridge replacementsDaily lane closures are expected while the contractor continues work on driveways and seeding. 

Nacogdoches County maintenance projects

Seal coat work on FM 1087 will occur Monday. Mill and inlay operations are planned on SH 7, requiring lane closures. Sign and herbicide work will also take place in various places in the county. 

Sabine County construction projects

  • US 96, road rehabilitationSilt fence and seeding is planned. Hot-mix may be applied, and daily lane closures are expected. 

Sabine County maintenance projects

TxDOT workers will prepare FM 83 for seal coating. Sign and herbicide work is also planned throughout the county. 

San Augustine County maintenance projects

Crews will perform spot base repairs along FM 226. Mill-and-inlay work will occur on SH 147 late in the week. Traffic will follow pilot cars through the work zones on FM 226 and SH 147. Sign and herbicide work will occur throughout the county.   

Shelby County maintenance projects

Base work will continue on FM 3172, requiring traffic to follow directions from flaggers. Sign, patch and herbicide work will occur throughout the county. 

Reminder to Motorists

Drivers are urged to remain alert in work zones, obey posted traffic controls, and watch for construction crews and equipment. Remember to move over or slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing or approaching TxDOT vehicles, law enforcement, and other vehicles with activated overhead lights on the side of the road.

Please remember to buckle up, stay sober, and Drive like a Texan: Kind. Courteous. Safe. 

Tim Monzingo
Public Information Officer
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Lufkin District

timothy.monzingo@txdot.gov | 936-208-5651 | TxDOT.gov

Ribbon-cutting for Haus (Nacogdoches County)

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September 18 @ 4:30 pm 5:00 pm

Haus Design Services wants you to know… 

Your esteemed presence is requested at their Grand Opening.

Haus Design Services. Food. Drink. Friends and Family. Come see what all the fuss, the fine design, and the fun is all about. 

Location: 322 East Main St, Nacogdoches, TX.

Date and Time:
Friday Sep 18, 2026
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM CDT

Coldspring Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon

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September 15 @ 11:00 am 2:00 pm

Join us for the Coldspring Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Luncheon, featuring a delicious meal presented by the CO-CISD Culinary Arts Department under the leadership of Chef Williams!

Guest Speakers:

Superintendent Dr. Taulton

State of the Chamber Address by Chamber President Jon Burns

September 15

11:00 AM

Coldspring-Oakhurst High School

$15 per person

Come hungry, support our students, and connect with your community! RSVP NOW or for more information, call 936-653-2184.

(936) 653-2184

View Organizer Website