Texas A&M Forest Service Swears in New Law Enforcement Investigator

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July 21, 2026

July 30 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Do you ever feel like you need an edge to get ahead, or you would like to be more successful?

You can be.

And it’s not another degree or certification.

It’s a focus on the fundamentals, Join Sid Walker for an engaging and interactive workshop where you will explore the 12 Keys of Success. In this session, you will get a fast-paced overview of all twelve principles, then take a deeper dive into a select few that can make an immediate impact in your life and work.

Sid Walker is a consultant, author, and leadership development professional with extensive experience helping individuals and organizations achieve success. A former Nacogdoches resident, he worked in development at Stephen F. Austin State University and served on the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Vice Chair of Community Development. Since 2014, Sid has specialized in nonprofit consulting and leadership training. He is the author of What’s Next: Find the Road to Your Success and is a frequent speaker on professional development, leadership, and organizational growth. Sid combines practical experience with strategies that inspire audiences to take action and reach their goals.

Expect a dynamic experience with interactive discussion, practical insights, and a live Q&A where your questions take center stage. Whether you are looking to grow professionally or personally, this workshop will give you tools you can start using right away.

Reserve your spot now! You won’t want to miss it!

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

(936) 560-5533

2516 North St, Nacogdoches, TX 75965-3518, United States

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Nac in a Nutshell (Nacogdoches County)

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July 21, 2026

CLICK HERE TO APPLY FOR YOUR FREE VENDOR SPACE NOW

August 5 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce and Stephen F. Austin State University personally invite local businesses to participate in the 2nd annual Nac in a Nutshell resource fair from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 25.

Not a selling opportunity; the goal is to introduce first year SFA Students to our local businesses. Information, demonstrations, and promotional giveaways are highly encouraged.

This event is FREE to all vendors.

CLICK THE “REGISTER” BUTTON TO SPONSOR ==>
$500 Community Partner (includes recognition in event materials and social media)
$1,000 Event Partner (includes Community Partner benefits plus your business name printed on the event t-shirt)
$1,500 Premier Sponsor (includes Community Partner benefits plus Event Partner benefits plus logo placement on the event t-shirt and program, along with featured recognition on social media.

In-kind donations are also appreciated.

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

(936) 560-5533

SFA Norton HPE Complex

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Behavior Change Management That Works! (Jasper County)

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July 21, 2026

July 25 @ 9:30 am – 10:30 am

Join us for an engaging and practical FREE “Behavior Change Management That Works!” virtual training designed for professionals working with young children. “1 “Clock Hour Available.

This session is ideal for:
• Childcare providers & home daycares
• Head Start staff
• ABA therapists
• Church nurseries
• Early childhood educators
• High school child development teachers & students
• Preschool teachers & program staff
• Parents/Caregivers

Learn real-world, evidence-based strategies for understanding challenging behaviors, improving communication, supporting positive behavior, and creating structured learning environments that help children thrive.

Saturday, July 25, 2025
9:30 AM – 10:30 AM (Virtual Training)

Registration is required. Click the link to register: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/eu79m28nwx

Jasper-Lake Sam Rayburn Area Chamber of Commerce

(409) 384-2762

jaspercc@jaspercoc.org

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Texas A&M Forest Service Announces First Purchase of Dedicated Wildland Firefighting Aircraft

By

Lee Allen Miller

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July 21, 2026

Texas A&M Forest Service announces first purchase of dedicated wildland firefighting aircraft

BRYAN, COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M Forest Service is building a state-managed fleet of wildland firefighting aircraft, beginning with the purchase of two SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters.

The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in December 2027, with the second anticipated to follow three to six months later.

“Texas families and communities depend on strong protection from wildfires,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This investment in a dedicated fleet of firefighting aircraft gives our responders faster response times and greater strength to contain fires. Texas can now better respond when disaster strikes.”

The primary objective is simple: get aircraft on a fire sooner. The sooner firefighters can attack a wildfire from the air, the greater the opportunity to contain it before it grows into a larger, more destructive incident.

In 2025, Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments responded to 6,304 wildfires that burned 132,366 acres across the state. During those responses, wildfire suppression aircraft flew 1,589 hours and made 1,345 drops, delivering more than 1 million gallons of water and fire retardant.

“Preparing for the next wildfire season begins long before the first fire starts,” said Robert L. Albritton, chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “This investment gives Texas A&M Forest Service dedicated resources that will improve readiness, strengthen response capabilities and better protect Texans and their communities.”

For decades, Texas has relied on federal resource-sharing agreements and a partnership with the Texas Military Department for aerial wildfire suppression. Those partnerships will continue as Texas builds a dedicated, state-managed fleet that provides dependable aviation resources and greater operational flexibility during periods of high wildfire activity.

“Texas is growing, and so is the risk of catastrophic wildfire,” Chancellor Glenn Hegar said. “These aircraft will give Texas A&M Forest Service another critical tool to respond quickly, support firefighters on the ground and help protect lives, property and natural resources across our state. This investment strengthens Texas’ ability to respond when every minute counts.”

The new helicopters will provide firefighters with precision water drops, enhanced structure protection, improved access to rugged terrain and the ability to quickly return for additional water, allowing crews to remain engaged throughout suppression operations. The aircraft also establish the foundation of a permanent, state-managed aerial firefighting capability that can be expanded as Texas’ needs continue to grow.

The 89th Texas Legislature appropriated $257 million to Texas A&M Forest Service for the purchase, operation and maintenance of wildfire suppression aircraft. The helicopter purchase represents the first phase of a planned expansion over the next two years that includes additional aircraft, including multimission fixed-wing aircraft and large airtankers.

“The Legislature made a commitment to strengthen Texas’ wildfire preparedness, and today’s announcement puts that investment to work,” said state Rep. Ken King. “These aircraft will help ensure firefighters have the resources they need to protect lives, property and our rural communities.”

Texas A&M Forest Service fire managers select aircraft based on each incident’s size, location, fuel conditions and potential threats to lives and property to ensure the most effective aviation resources are used for every wildfire.

The helicopter purchase followed the State of Texas procurement process administered by the Texas Comptroller’s Statewide Procurement Division. Texas A&M Forest Service consulted an Aviation Task Force representing 12 partner organizations, issued a Request for Information to identify operational requirements, and later issued a Request for Proposals through the Electronic State Business Daily. Following evaluation of the submitted proposals, the contract was awarded to Bell Textron Inc.

“This is a force multiplier for our state’s wildfire preparedness,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief Jared Karns. “Aviation resources provide tremendous support to firefighters on the ground, including life- and property-saving intelligence for fire managers, access to otherwise inaccessible areas, the ability to deliver large volumes of water and fire retardant to slow the spread and reduce the intensity of wildfires, and rapid turnaround times that keep aircraft engaged in the fight.”

For more information about the Texas A&M Forest Service aerial wildland firefighting program, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/topics/aviation.

About The Texas A&M University System

The Texas A&M University System is one of the largest and most impactful higher education systems in the country, with an annual budget of $9.1 billion. Its statewide network includes 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, eight state agencies, Texas A&M–Fort Worth, and the Texas A&M–RELLIS Campus. The A&M System serves nearly 175,000 students and reaches millions more through research, service, and outreach programs each year. With nearly $1.6 billion in annual research expenditures, the A&M System fuels innovation, supports communities, and drives Texas’s economy forward.

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This release originally appeared in The Texas A&M University System newsroom here:

For stock Texas wildfire images, visit: https://agrilife.photoshelter.com/galleries/C00004ctr0uNLkTQ/G0000SWP0ZodbSJw/Wildfire-Stock-Images-and-Videos

Lufkin District Construction Updates

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July 21, 2026

Good afternoon,

Below is a description of the work planned for July 20 through July 24 in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) Lufkin District.

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

TxDOT will host a virtual public meeting with an in-person option at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. The public is invited to come learn about the US 59 Livingston Upgrade North (Future I-69) project.

The virtual meeting will be available by searching “Livingston Upgrade North” at TxDOT.gov. The in-person option will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Polk County Commerce Center, 1017 HWY 59 Loop North, Livingston, Texas.

Area Office Projects

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

Angelina County

US 59, Redland Project.
Construction and cement treating the northbound frontage road will occur.
Business (BU) 59/Timberland Drive, resurfacing and stripingNight operations to mill, lay and stripe the road will continue. Lane closures will occur.
FM 324, bridge replacement and roadway rehabilitation.
Deck panels will be installed. Dirt work and bridge caps will occur, requiring intermittent lane closures.
US 69, cable median barrier.
Contractors will continue working on the barrier on US 69 south of Zavalla and US 59 south of Livingston.
State Loop (SL) 287, auxiliary and turn lanes.
Nighttime work to pave southbound SL 287 will begin Sunday, July 19 and will require lane closures. Milling will continue at the entrance ramp from College Drive and Feagin will occur during the day. The entrance ramp and U-Turn at Feagin Drive will be closed for the duration of this phase of the project. Drivers will utilize the detour provided and need to watch for construction personnel and equipment entering and leaving the area.

Houston County

SL 304 overlay.
Slope and shoulder work will continue, requiring intermittent lane closures.
FM 2076, rehabilitation and roadway widening.Prime coat will be applied and widening operations will continue. Daily lane closures will occur.

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

Polk and San Jacinto counties

US 59, cable median barrier.
Work on the barrier will occur between Livingston and Goodrich.

Polk County

US 59, Corrigan Relief Route.
The contractor is preparing for the final deck pour on a portion of the US 287 bridge and will set expansion joints and deck panels at another location. At the south railroad bridge, work will occur on the southern approach slab. At the north bridge, they well set panels and build forms. Pavement priming and bridge-rail installation will occur at several locations. Shoulder and earth work is planned at the south and north tie-ins. Shafts for signage will be drilled in various locations.
FM 2610 at Menard Creek.
Finishing work on the bridge structure, guardrail installation, and hot mix preparation will occur.
County-road bridge projects.
- Piney Creek on Carmona Road: column preparation will continue.
- Long King Creek on Old Bearing Road: bridge deck work will occur.

San Jacinto County

US 59, Shepherd to Cleveland upgrade to interstate standards.
The contractor will install U-turn bridge deck panels, add stabilizing sand and embankment in several locations, and install concrete barrier at the FM 2914 exit ramp.
SH 156, Stephen Creek bridge replacement.
Preparation and layout for the next phase of drill shafts will occur.
SH 150 sidewalk project.
Excavation ahead of sod placement is planned.

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

Nacogdoches County

US 59 intersection improvements at SL 224.
Work on milestone items will continue.
SH 7 and CR 724, Morral Bayou bridge project.
The contractor is removing embankment and the detour bridge.
SH 21, safety treatmentThe contractor will work on driveway and side-street transitions, with daily lane closures.

Sabine County

US 96, road rehabilitation
Soil improvement work will continue. Drainage inlets will be installed. Daily lane closures are expected.

Shelby County

County road bridge projects.

Silt fence will be removed at the CR 3689 and CR 1440 bridges. The contractor will place seed at both locations.
Guard-rail work will be performed at various county-road bridge locations.

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 Texas: Kind, Courteous, Safe.

Tim Monzingo
Public Information Officer
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Lufkin District
timothy.monzingo@txdot.gov | 936-208-5651 | TxDOT.gov

Capitol Update: Addressing Texas Water Needs, Growth, and Infrastructure Challenges

By

Rep. Trent Ashby

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July 20, 2026

As the Texas House begins interim work ahead of the 90th Legislative Session, the House Committee on Natural Resources has been tasked with studying several important issues that impact Texans every single day. This committee has jurisdiction over the conservation and development of water resources across our state. The 11-member committee also regulates all local water-related entities, such as groundwater conservation districts, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and the Texas Water Development Board.

The House Committee on Natural Resources has been charged with monitoring the implementation of HJR 7 and SB 7. HJR 7 is the most significant funding source for water supply and infrastructure in Texas history. The bill created a constitutionally dedicated revenue stream for the Texas Water Fund and was approved by voters last November. This revenue stream sets aside $1 billion a year of state sales and use tax revenue for 20 years, until 2047.

SB 7 accompanied HJR 7 and also created the Texas Water Fund Advisory Committee to oversee the Texas Water Fund structure, protects freshwater aquifers and preserves local control over surface water rights, and expands eligibility for shovel-ready reservoirs to be funded by the New Water Supply for Texas Fund.

Additionally, this fund prioritizes rural wastewater treatment projects for assistance from the Texas Water Fund and adds projects under the Flood Infrastructure Fund as eligible for funding from the Texas Water Fund structure. These two funds are extremely important to East and Southeast Texas communities.

Additionally, the Committee is charged with studying a number of important issues to be addressed during the 90^th Legislative Session in 2027.

First, the Committee will study groundwater regulation and make recommendations to

ensure groundwater management is adequately focused on protecting the long-term viability

of the state’s aquifers. As readers know, this is a major issue for our region heading into the next session.

Specifically, the committee will examine if current regulatory and planning practices provide sufficient protection of groundwater resources, the adequacy of groundwater conservation districts’ authority to address impacts from large-scale groundwater production projects, the need for increased investment in groundwater data and modeling tools to support advanced planning, decision-making, and management, and how groundwater production in unregulated portions of the state impacts the aquifer management efforts of existing groundwater conservation districts.

The Committee will also study data center water use and examine the total water usage of data center operations in Texas, including direct and indirect uses. Specifically, the Committee will evaluate regulatory, permitting, and infrastructure considerations for water-efficient data center development, particularly in water-stressed regions, and consider policy options to optimize water resources and enhance water stewardship in the data center sector. My previous column highlighted our recent hearing on this topic.

Finally, the Committee will study the state and regional water planning process, the data used to

project long-term water needs and available water supplies, the efficacy of the criteria used to adopt water supply projects and management strategies, and progress made to address projected water supply deficits.

The mobile office is on the road again in August, and our District Director looks forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: August 5 at the San Augustine County Courthouse from 9:30-11:30 am, August 15 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Court Room in Livingston from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Tyler County Courthouse in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 pm; August 19 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9:30-11:30 am, or at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 pm.

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: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

Kids Superhero: Costume Contest (Houston County)

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July 20, 2026

August 8 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Yes, you guessed it! We will be hosting a Kids Superhero Costume Contest during our National Night Out Out on Saturday, August 8 at the Crockett Civic Center.

Whether your little hero is a classic crime fighter or an original superhero, we can’t wait to see their amazing costumes!

CATEGORIES
– Tiny Heroes (Ages 0–3)
– Junior Heroes (Ages 4–7)
– Super Squad (Ages 8–12)

ELIGIBILITY
– Open to children ages 0–12.
– Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the event.
– Registration is required before the contest begins.

COSTUME REQUIREMENTS
– Costumes may be homemade or store-bought.
– Original superhero creations are encouraged, but costumes inspired by well-known superheroes are welcome.
– Costumes must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages.
– No realistic-looking weapons, sharp objects, or hazardous accessories are permitted.

JUDGING CRITERIA
Judges may score costumes based on:

– Creativity and originality
– Overall appearance
– Attention to detail
– Character presentation or superhero pose
– Enthusiasm and confidence

CONTEST RULES
– The National Nigh Out will begin at 6:00 p.m., and the contest starts promptly at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Please make sure your little hero is registered and ready to go before the contest begins.
– Parents or guardians may accompany younger children if needed.
– Good sportsmanship is expected from all participants and spectators.
– Judges’ decisions are final.
– By participating, parents/guardians grant permission for photos to be taken and used for promotional purposes unless they notify event organizers otherwise.

SAFETY
– Costumes should not obstruct vision or make walking difficult.
– No pyrotechnics, smoke effects, or battery-powered items that could create a safety hazard.
– Please be respectful of other participants and avoid rough play.

The most important rule of all… HAVE FUN!

Be sure to follow the National Night Out 2026 event for more exciting updates. We can’t wait to see our community’s superheroes in action!
National Night Out

Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce

(936) 544-2359

Crockett Civic Center

Back To School: BASH! (Tyler County)

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July 20, 2026

August 1 @ 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

Location: Woodville City Park
Date & Time: August 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM to 3PM

Tyler County Chamber of Commerce

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By

Carey Kinsolving

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July 20, 2026