My Five Cents: A Weekly Column by Senator Robert Nichols

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February 27, 2026

February 24 marked the 190th anniversary of Colonel William B. Travis’ famous “Victory or Death” letter from the Alamo. Though Travis and his fellow Texans made the ultimate sacrifice, their courage helped inspire Texas’ fight for independence. As we approach Texas Independence Day on March 2, I encourage everyone to reflect on the bravery and determination that helped shape our great state.

Here are five things happening around your state:

Onalaska Robotics Team wins state championship

Congratulations to the Onalaska High School robotics team for winning the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation (RECF) – VEX UIL Texas State Championship in the 1A–3A division. This statewide competition brings together top high school robotics teams from across Texas to demonstrate their skills in engineering, programming, and teamwork. This achievement reflects the dedication of these students, their teachers, and their families. Programs like robotics help prepare young Texans for careers in science, engineering, technology, and other high-demand fields. I am proud of these students for representing their school and East Texas so well.

GLO accepting applications for infrastructure project funding following 2024 disasters

The Texas General Land Office (GLO) announced this month that it is accepting applications for $97 million in infrastructure funding through its Local Communities Program to help communities recover from disasters that impacted Texas in 2024, including Hurricane Beryl and other severe storms. These grants support projects that restore and improve public infrastructure and other essential public services. This funding is available to eligible local governments, including cities and counties, located in one of the 92 counties designated for disaster recovery assistance. Eligible counties in East and Southeast Texas include Anderson, Angelina, Cherokee, Hardin, Henderson, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Trinity, and Tyler. Applications must be submitted by March 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://glo.texas.gov.

Texas A&M Forest Service awards $14 million to Texas fire departments

During the 89th Texas Legislature, lawmakers appropriated a historic $192 million to the Texas A&M Forest Service for its Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to help departments across Texas purchase equipment and access training. Of that total amount appropriated, $164 million was awarded in October, followed by $17.6 million in December. The remaining balance of $14 million was awarded this month, completing the full distribution of funds. This funding helps volunteer fire departments purchase essential equipment such as fire engines, protective gear, and communication systems, as well as provide critical training for volunteer firefighters. Many rural communities in East and Southeast Texas rely on volunteer fire departments as their primary emergency response providers, and this program helps ensure they have the resources needed to protect lives.

Texas Space Commission fully commits SEARF funding

The Texas Space Commission was established by the Legislature in 2023 to support the continued growth of Texas’ space and aerospace sector. The Commission works to expand research, encourage innovation, and attract investment in an industry where Texas already plays a major role, particularly with NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the growing presence of private aerospace companies. To advance these efforts, the Legislature created the Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Fund (SEARF) and appropriated $150 million for grants supporting space-related research, technology development, and infrastructure. This month, the Commission approved its final SEARF grant, bringing the total amount awarded to the full $150 million across 24 projects statewide. The most recent award provided $14.15 million to Rice University to establish a Center for Space Technologies within the Rice Space Institute. The new center will support advanced space research and create expanded training and educational opportunities for students and future aerospace professionals.

SFA to relocate the Stone Fort Museum

This month, Stephen F. Austin State University approved plans to relocate the Stone Fort Museum, a historic structure located on its campus in Nacogdoches. Built in 1936, the Stone Fort is a replica of a stone building constructed in 1779 by Antonio Gil Y’Barbo who is widely recognized as the founder of modern Nacogdoches. The original stone structure served as a center of civic, military, and commercial activity and played an important role in the early development of Nacogdoches as a Spanish colonial outpost. Today, the museum houses artifacts and exhibits that highlight the history of the region and its early settlement. University and city officials are working together to identify a new location that will allow the structure to be preserved while accommodating future campus growth.

Angelina Beautiful/Clean Announces 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Day

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Diana De Leon Bon

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February 26, 2026

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February 26 @ 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Lufkin, Texas — Angelina Beautiful/Clean (AB/C) invites Deep East Texas residents to safely clean out their garages, sheds, and under-the-sink storage areas at the 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Day, scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

The free collection event will take place at the City of Lufkin Solid Waste/Recycling Center, 500 Southpark Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

This event is intended for households only and is not open to businesses.

What Residents Can Bring:

• Household cleaning supplies

• Aerosols, paints, and solvents

• Gasoline and diesel fuel

• Antifreeze and motor oil

• Pool chemicals

• Batteries

• Fertilizers

• Latex and oil-based paints and stains

• Pesticides

• White goods

Items Not Accepted:

• TVs and monitors

• Biohazardous waste or medical needles

• Radioactive material

• Smoke detectors

• Ammunition or explosives

• Air conditioning units

• Tires

• Fire extinguishers

The event provides residents with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of hazardous materials that should never be placed in regular trash or poured down drains. While the event is free, cash, check, and card donations to ABC are warmly welcomed to help support future community cleanup and beautification efforts.

Household Hazardous Waste Day is made possible in part through a grant from the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), along with generous support from Lockheed Martin, the City of Lufkin, Angelina County, and CMC Recycling. The event is also supported by donations from businesses and citizens across Deep East Texas.

Angelina Beautiful/Clean encourages all residents to take advantage of this opportunity to protect their homes, their community, and the environment. For more information and a full list of accpted materials, please visit www.angelinabeautifulclean.com, email abclean2025@gmail.com, or call (936) 632-5326

How East Texas Soil Shapes the Health of Your Lawn More Than Fertilizer Alone

By

Billy Forrest

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February 26, 2026

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When a lawn doesn’t perform as expected, fertilizer is often blamed—or overused. Yet many East Texas homeowners discover that even regular fertilization doesn’t always produce the lush, healthy lawn they’re aiming for. The reason usually lies beneath the surface.

Soil health is the foundation of every successful lawn.

Understanding the Role of Soil

Grass depends on soil not just for nutrients, but also for oxygen, water movement, and root development. If soil structure is poor, roots struggle to grow deep and strong, limiting the lawn’s ability to handle stress from heat, drought, or foot traffic.

Fertilizer applied to unhealthy soil may provide temporary color, but it rarely solves underlying problems.

East Texas Soil Has Unique Challenges

Much of the region’s soil contains a high clay content. Clay soil can retain nutrients well, but it often compacts easily and drains slowly. These conditions restrict airflow to roots and increase the risk of standing water after rainfall.

Over time, compacted soil makes it harder for grass to access the resources it needs to thrive.

Why Compaction Matters

Soil compaction reduces pore space within the soil, limiting oxygen and water movement. Lawns affected by compaction often show thinning grass, poor response to fertilizer, and increased weed pressure.

Compaction develops gradually, which is why many homeowners don’t recognize it as a problem until symptoms become severe.

Building Healthier Soil

Improving soil health is a long-term process. Reducing excessive traffic, managing mowing practices, and improving organic matter content all contribute to better soil structure over time.

As soil conditions improve, lawns naturally become more resilient and responsive to maintenance efforts.

Rethinking Lawn Care Priorities

A shift toward soil-focused care often produces better results than simply increasing fertilizer applications. Healthy soil supports deeper roots, stronger grass, and improved resistance to weeds and environmental stress.

A Strong Foundation Makes the Difference

While fertilizer has its place, it can’t replace healthy soil. Lawns built on a strong soil foundation are easier to maintain, look better throughout the year, and recover more quickly from stress.

Understanding Fixed, Variable, and Indexed Electricity Plans in Texas

By

Lee Allen Miller

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February 24, 2026

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Electricity plans are often described with confusing terminology.

At their core, they represent different ways of managing risk.

How the Plans Differ

Fixed plans emphasize stability
Variable plans emphasize flexibility
Indexed plans reflect market movement

Each has benefits and drawbacks depending on timing and personal comfort with change.

Matching the Plan to the Person

Rather than asking which plan is cheapest, many Texans are learning to ask which plan fits their needs and tolerance for fluctuation.

That shift leads to better decisions.

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

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

By

Carey Kinsolving

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February 23, 2026

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What Did Jesus Mean When He Said the Holy Spirit Will Tell You Things to Come?

“The Holy Spirit tells you stuff before it happens,” says Sawyer, 8. “He told my mom that Grandma was coming over, and then she showed up with cookies.”

Now that’s a spiritual gift I’d like to have: the ability to sense cookie arrivals.

While the Holy Spirit may not always predict dessert, Jesus did say the Spirit would “tell you things to come” (John 16:13). But what was Jesus really talking about?

He spoke these words just before His crucifixion. His disciples were confused and concerned. Jesus was leaving, and they had no idea how God’s plan would unfold. But the Holy Spirit would soon take over as their guide.

“The Holy Spirit helps you know what Jesus meant,” says Caleb, 11. “That’s how we got the Bible.”

Right! Jesus promised the Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth. After Jesus ascended, the Spirit helped them remember his words, write them down, and understand how his death and resurrection changed everything.

“The Holy Spirit shows the future sometimes,” says Lila, 10. “Like when God judged Israel in the Bible.”

That’s a big part of what Jesus meant. When He spoke of “things to come,” He was pointing to events that would soon happen, especially the judgment on Jerusalem in AD 70. Jesus had already predicted it: “This generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place” (Matthew 24:34).

Jesus said he would come in the clouds within a generation to destroy the temple (Matthew 24:2 & 30). In the Old Testament, God came in the clouds, but no one ever saw God riding a cloud. It’s symbolic language for judgment. Just like God came riding “on a swift cloud” to judge Egypt (Isaiah 19:1), Jesus came in judgment against the temple system that had rejected him.

For an excellent book on this, read “Our Rich Root” by Stan Newton.

Yes, the Holy Spirit doesn’t just show us the future to impress us. He prepares us. The early Christians weren’t caught off guard by the fall of Jerusalem. Many escaped because they trusted Jesus’ words and followed the Spirit’s leading.

Romans 8:26 tells us the Spirit helps us pray. Whether at school or a temple about to fall, the Spirit knows exactly how to intercede.

“He helps you to not freak out,” says Ben, 10.

The Holy Spirit leads with confidence, not confusion. He helped the first Christians stay calm during a massive transition, when the Old Covenant system ended with the destruction of the temple, and the New Covenant fully took its place. The full glory of the New Covenant will be seen when Jesus returns to complete the establishment of his kingdom on Earth.

Jesus said the Spirit would glorify Him (John 16:14). That means everything the Spirit reveals points to Jesus, his finished work on the cross to pay for our sins, his victorious resurrection over death, and his ever-increasing kingdom.

Think about this: The Holy Spirit doesn’t just predict the future. He prepares your heart for what God is doing and reminds you of the Old Testament prophesies Jesus has already fulfilled.

Memorize this truth: “When he, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come” (John 16:13).

Ask this question: Am I letting the Holy Spirit help me live in what Jesus already finished?

Why We Do the Angelina County Fair

By

Cary Sims

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February 23, 2026

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In just a few short weeks, trailers will begin pulling into the George H Henderson Expo in Lufkin. Fans will hum in the barns. Parents will carry feed buckets. Young exhibitors will carry pens of rabbits or chickens, or perhaps walk animals that outweigh them by several hundred pounds.

And deliberately, almost on cue, our community will begin doing something it has done for generations. We call it the Angelina County Fair.

From a distance, it can look like ribbons, livestock shows, baked goods, arts and crafts, welding projects, and auction night. And yes, those things are part of it. But if that’s all we see, we’re missing something deeper.

The county fair is one of the last places where young people are asked to commit to something that depends on them every single day.

Animals must be fed whether it’s freezing, raining, or 100 degrees. Projects must be finished whether schoolwork is busy or schedules are tight. Entries must be prepared carefully and turned in on time. Somewhere along the way, responsibility stops being a word adults use — and becomes something lived out in a barn, a workshop, or a kitchen.

For some students, it’s livestock. They learn that consistency produces results. They learn how nutrition, management, and daily care translates into performance. They also learn humility — because sometimes you can do everything right and still not place at the top of the class.

For others, it’s welding, woodworking, photography, flower arranging, or arts and crafts. These projects teach patience, attention to detail, and pride in workmanship. They remind us that skill is developed over time, not overnight.

Saturday’s auction night often receives the spotlight. Buyers show up. Hands are shaken. Bids are called out. But even that moment represents something larger. It’s a community investing in its youth — saying, “We see your effort. We believe in your future.”

That kind of support shapes young people in ways that last long after the barns at the Expo are empty.

In a world that often feels rushed and digital, our Angelina County Fair remains hands-on and real. It encourages young people to stand before a judge, accept feedback, improve their work, and try again next year. It teaches them how to win graciously and how to handle disappointment with maturity.

Those are life lessons.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing stories and highlights from the young people preparing for this year’s fair.

You’ll meet students who have put in long hours before and after school. You’ll see families and volunteers who quietly support them. And you’ll be reminded that the fair isn’t just an event — it’s a process.

A process that builds character.

That’s why we do the Angelina County Fair.

Not simply for the ribbons or the recognition.

We do it because it brings our community together, strengthens our young people, and quietly prepares the next generation to carry responsibility, skill, and pride forward.

And that’s something worth showing up for.

The Lonely Road of Leadership (And Why It’s Worth It)

By

Lee Allen Miller

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February 23, 2026

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Leadership often looks crowded from the outside.

Meetings fill the calendar. Messages pile up. People depend on your decisions. Yet many leaders quietly discover a difficult truth along the way:

Leadership can be deeply lonely.

Not because you lack people around you – but because responsibility creates distance. Decisions you carry can’t always be shared. Doubts can’t always be voiced. And the higher the responsibility, the fewer places there are to set it down.

Why Leadership Feels Isolating

Leadership creates separation whether you want it to or not.

You can’t always process uncertainty with the people you lead. You can’t unload frustration on the team that depends on your steadiness. And you quickly learn that not everyone who listens truly understands the weight you carry.

Over time, this produces a quiet isolation. Not dramatic. Not obvious. Just present.

Scripture never pretends leadership is easy:

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
– Joshua 1:9

God didn’t promise Joshua comfort.
He promised presence.

Loneliness Is Not a Sign of Failure

Many leaders assume loneliness means they’re doing something wrong.

In reality, it often means they’re doing something right.

Leadership requires clarity. Clarity requires distance. And distance can feel lonely.

Jesus Himself experienced this. He led crowds – but carried His deepest burdens alone. Even among the disciples, there were moments only He could bear.

Loneliness isn’t weakness.
Avoiding it is.

The Danger of Filling the Silence

The real risk isn’t loneliness – it’s how leaders respond to it.

Some fill it with noise. Constant activity. Endless meetings. More urgency. Others fill it with unhealthy validation or rushed decisions just to avoid sitting with the weight.

But solitude, when embraced, becomes strength.

Quiet is where leaders listen – rather than react.

Faith Anchors Leaders When People Can’t

People can support you. Encourage you. Pray with you.

But ultimately, leadership requires anchoring somewhere deeper than human affirmation.

Scripture reminds us:

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted.”
– Psalm 34:18

Leadership doesn’t exempt you from weariness.
It invites you to depend on God rather than approval.

The leaders who endure are those who learn to draw strength from God’s presence, not public affirmation.

The Loneliest Decisions Shape the Strongest Leaders

Some decisions won’t be celebrated. Some won’t be understood. Some may even cost you relationships.

But leadership isn’t about comfort – it’s about faithfulness.

When leaders choose obedience over popularity, they often walk alone for a season. But those seasons refine conviction, clarify purpose, and deepen trust in God.

Lonely roads often lead to lasting impact.

Your Action Step This Week

If leadership feels heavy right now, don’t rush to escape it.

Instead, ask:

What is God teaching me in this quiet season?

Invite His presence into the weight you’re carrying.

You were never meant to carry it alone.

That’s a Wrap

Leadership isn’t lonely because something is wrong.
It’s lonely because something important is entrusted to you.

God doesn’t remove the weight – but He walks with you beneath it.

Next week, we’ll shift from endurance to execution and talk about why getting things done is not just practical – but deeply spiritual.

Keep leading.

Business Development Series (Nacogdoches County)

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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February 20, 2026

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February 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Business Development Series presented by McWilliams Heating, Cooling & Plumbing

Stay on top of business law with Dr. Justin Blount, Drew Thornly, and Charles Oberweiser from SFA’s Nelson Rusche College of Business, presenting the top talked-about law issues for business.

The panel will be open to questions and discussions, and will present business law addressing:

• Tax Issues – Stay ahead of 2026 tax considerations with practical insights on compliance, deductions and strategic planning for small businesses.

• AI & Intellectual Property – Learn how emerging AI tools impact intellectual property rights and what business owners need to know to protect their ideas, content, and data.

• Employment Law – Get up to speed on key employment law updates affecting hiring, workplace policies, and employer obligations in today’s regulatory environment.

Thank you, Sponsors!

Gold
Nacogdoches Economic Development Corp. (NEDCO)
SERVPRO of Lufkin/S. Nacogdoches County
Bronze
Piney Woods Apartment Association
Unlimited Designs

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

(936) 560-5533

View Organizer Website

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

Wildfire Preparedness Encouraged As Conditions Remain Warm and Dry Across Texas

By

Diana De Leon Bon

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February 20, 2026

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Wildfire preparedness encouraged as conditions remain warm and dry across Texas

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — We cannot control when disasters strike, but we can make sure we are prepared.

Freeze-cured grasses, unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions will support increased potential for wildfire activity into early spring 2026. Texas A&M Forest Service urges all Texans to prepare for wildfires and other disasters by assembling an emergency go kit.

“Being prepared ahead of time for a disaster such as wildfires, hurricanes, winter storms or tornadoes is crucial,” said Laura Stevens, Texas A&M Forest Service fire information and education program coordinator. “Successfully preparing for a disaster requires everyone to take personal responsibility for protecting themselves, their families and their properties. Preparation can save valuable time and help keep your family safe during an emergency.”

Stay Prepared

All Texans are encouraged to assemble an emergency go kit that can be easily carried and includes supplies for several days. Your kit should include the five Ps:

People and pet supplies.
Prescription medications and other necessary medical equipment.
Papers and important documents such as insurance and identification documents and a list of phone numbers.
Personal needs, including food, water, clothing, money, chargers for devices and a first aid kit.
Priceless items such as photos, family heirlooms and any other irreplaceable or valuable items.

Being prepared also means making sure your home is protected if you are required to leave it. Proactive steps to prepare your home to reduce the risk of wildfire include:

Creating defensible space around your home allows for low-intensity, slow-burning conditions in the event of wildfire.
Within the first 5 feet, water plants, trees and mulch regularly, and consider xeriscaping if you are affected by water restrictions. Within the first 30 feet of your home, use nonflammable landscaping materials.
A healthy, well-maintained landscape is important to the survival of homes during a wildfire. Make sure your plants are carefully spaced, low-growing and free of resins, oils and waxes that burn easily.
Remove dead vegetation from under the deck of your home and within 10 feet of the house.
Remove dead vegetation and debris from roofs and gutters.

“Even simple actions like moving flammable material away from wooden structures such as decks and steps, pruning shrubs in front of windows and under mature trees, and cleaning out gutters can be done to prepare your home to defend itself,” Stevens said.

Stay aware

Since Jan. 1, Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 249 wildfires that burned 5,528 acres statewide. In the coming months, wildfire danger is predicted to continue due to the warm, dry weather and drought conditions most of Texas is experiencing. This critically dry vegetation is highly susceptible to ignitions from any spark. Be mindful of any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.

Always check with local officials for outdoor burning restrictions in your area. Obey local burn bans or other restrictions. Do not conduct any outdoor burning in hot, dry, or windy conditions.
Vehicles may cause wildfires. Secure trailer safety chains to ensure they do not cause a spark and ignite a roadside fire.
Avoid parking or idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters underneath the vehicle can become hot enough to ignite grass under the vehicle.
Many outdoor activities may produce sparks and ignite nearby vegetation including welding, grinding, mowing or shredding. If possible, postpone these activities until fuel dryness conditions improve. If not possible, take extra precautions by having a water source or fire extinguisher nearby.

Many of the recent wildfire starts have been attributed to human activities such as equipment use and debris burning and are preventable.

Stay informed

Conditions can change quickly, and it is important to have your go kit ready and easily accessible.

Sign up for your local emergency alerts.
Monitor local weather conditions and fire activity.
Know where to go and have two escape routes.
Follow local emergency management official communication channels.

Follow directions and guidance from emergency response officials. Heed any warnings issued and evacuate when ordered.

Stay wildfire aware. If a wildfire is spotted, immediately contact local authorities. A quick response can help save lives and property.Texas A&M Forest Service also offers information on local burn bans, wildfire prevention and the current wildfire situation in Texas.

Flowerbed Refresh: Preparing East Texas Landscapes for Spring Without Doing Too Much Too Soon

By

Billy Forrest

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February 20, 2026

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As winter fades and days begin to warm, many East Texas homeowners turn their attention to flowerbeds. The temptation to cut everything back, add fertilizer, and start planting can be strong—but timing matters more than enthusiasm.

A thoughtful approach to flowerbed preparation protects plants and encourages healthier growth when spring truly arrives.

The Value of a Gentle Cleanup

Removing fallen leaves and dead material helps reduce pests and disease while improving airflow around plants. However, completely stripping beds can expose roots and soil to fluctuating temperatures that stress plants.

Leaving some organic material in place helps insulate soil and preserve moisture.

Why Mulch Matters Before Spring

Mulch acts as a protective blanket for flowerbeds. Refreshing mulch in late winter helps stabilize soil temperatures, prevent erosion, and reduce early weed growth. It also improves the appearance of beds without encouraging premature plant growth.

Planning Beats Planting

Winter is the ideal time to evaluate plant placement, bed layout, and design goals. Identifying plants that struggled allows homeowners to make smarter decisions before investing in replacements.

Planting too early, however, can lead to frost damage and wasted effort.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Heavy pruning, early fertilizing, and working wet soil are some of the most common pre-spring mistakes. These actions can weaken plants and disrupt soil structure, making it harder for beds to recover later.

A Balanced Approach Pays Off

Healthy flowerbeds are built through patience and proper timing. By focusing on preparation rather than rushing growth, homeowners can enjoy stronger plants, better blooms, and fewer problems throughout the growing season.

Texas Forest Country Living

My Five Cents: A Weekly Column by Senator Robert Nichols

Angelina Beautiful/Clean Announces 2026 Household Hazardous Waste Day

How East Texas Soil Shapes the Health of Your Lawn More Than Fertilizer Alone

Understanding Fixed, Variable, and Indexed Electricity Plans in Texas

Kids Talk About God by Carey Kinsolving and Friends

Why We Do the Angelina County Fair

The Lonely Road of Leadership (And Why It’s Worth It)

Business Development Series (Nacogdoches County)

Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce

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

Wildfire Preparedness Encouraged As Conditions Remain Warm and Dry Across Texas

Flowerbed Refresh: Preparing East Texas Landscapes for Spring Without Doing Too Much Too Soon

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